Thinking About Buying a House in Florida From Out of State?

Considering buying a house in Florida? But as non-resident of the Sunshine State unsure of how to proceed?  Best advice: Don’t go it alone!  Collaborating with the appropriate Florida-based professionals such as a real-estate agent, real-estate lawyer and critically a licensed home inspector, is a sure-fire formula for a successful acquisition. 

In fact, partnering with licensed home-inspector on a thorough home inspection is arguably the single best guarantee of a quality purchase when buying a house in Florida from out of state!

Ranked among the world’s most-recognizable tourist destinations, Florida has emerged as an extremely desirable area to invest in real- estate. This heightened interest is easy to understand! The state offers an exceptional combination of climate, development and value for property and housing.

Whether for personal or investing purposes, buying a house in Florida from out-of-state can definitely be rewarding and eventually even profitable.

But the paradisiacal vibe notwithstanding, before buying property in Florida to rent-out or to serve as a second home, purchasers should exercise the same due diligence in this highly competitive marketplace that they understand is necessary elsewhere. And when buying a house in Florida, that definitely includes scheduling a professional home-inspection.

Tips for how to buy a house in Florida from out of state:

Know what you’re buying.

• Simply stated, get a home inspection before buying a house!!! To avoid unpleasant or costly surprises post-purchase, make sure to visit the property in person and, repeat, schedule a professional house inspection before buying.

Know how the property can be legally used.

• This is especially critical if buying property in Florida to rent out. Zoning or restrictions in Florida’s popular deed restricted communities can be an issue.                       

• Investigate area-zoning to see if it allows short-term rentals or, conversely, limits your plans for the property under consideration.      

• Deed restricted communities are governed by Homeowner’s Associations (HOA’s)that decide upon/enforce any rules or requirements. Review and understand any HOA parameters which govern the property being seriously considered for purchase.

Know your legal rights/obligations before contracting for purchase.

• Assembling a team of Floridian professionals-real-estate agent/real estate lawyer/licensed home-inspector/financial representative-will ensure all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed.
•  A comprehensive understanding of all the factors related to a Florida purchase is the key to a successful acquisition for an out-of-state buyer. Here’s a basic checklist of key elements out-of-state buyers need to consider:

1. Taxes – Taxes vary by county however Florida is a Homestead State which allows homeowners a substantial tax exemption on their primary residence
2. Allowable use of the property
3. Immigration laws if buying from outside the US
4. Specific laws applicable to oceanfront property
5. How weather factors into insurance projections i.e. Wind mitigation insurance form/Four Points insurance form

Whether buying a primary residence or an investment property, South Florida Premier Home Inspections offers out-of-state buyers the most comprehensive home inspection service available throughout the South East Florida area. Non-resident purchasers will benefit from the deep expertise of their certified professionals-with 5 plus years of experience-who can be counted on to provide superior quality and affordable home inspection services. 

Committed to exceeding client expectations, SFPHI takes great pride in ensuring out-of-state buyers can feel completely confident they know exactly what they’re purchasing. Partnering with South Florida Premier Home Inspections before buying a house in the Sunshine State will contribute greatly to a positive outcome.

South Florida Premier Home Inspections

QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS IN SOUTH EAST FLORIDA

Call Rick at (561) 705-7006 or book your inspection online today.