3 Tips for Buying a Home in Florida

There’s no place on Earth quite like Florida. From Orlando to the Keys, every inch of America’s sunny peninsula is worth exploring. With no shortage of fun, sand and entertainment, it’s no wonder that people all across the country – and the world – want to own property in the Sunshine State. If you’re planning to purchase a Florida home, keep these three tips in mind while you search for your dream house.

1. Locate Homes Throughout Florida

Florida is chock-full of gorgeous cities and towns, and each neighborhood has its own vibe. Before committing to real estate, make sure you’ve surveyed all of your many options. Florida Realtors noted that the state is home to 58,000 square miles, which is roughly the size of England and Wales put together. With 30,000 lakes, 1,300 miles of coastline and 800 miles of beaches, there are plenty of areas to visit before deciding what part of Florida you want to call home.

Time magazine recommended renting in various locations during your house hunt so you can get an idea of where you’d like to end up. If you’re looking to live in greater Orlando, for example, consider spending time in areas like Davenport or Kissimmee, explained the source.

Blue skies and palm trees are just some of the perks that come with residing in Florida.

“You’ll want a house with energy efficient windows.”

2. Keep the weather in mind

While Floridians are blessed with their fair share of beautiful days, they don’t completely escape inclement weather. The Sunshine State is known for its hot and humid climate, which can create many expenses in homes that aren’t properly equipped.

As a Florida homeowner, you’ll want a house that has energy efficient windows. To keep your residence comfortable, you’ll be running your HVAC system throughout the year. Windows that aren’t energy efficient can cause air to enter and exit your home, increasing monthly bills. Make an effort to only visit energy efficient homes, or factor home window replacement into your overall budget.

3. Do your homework surrounding waterfront property

More often than not, people interested in buying Florida homes are looking to live near the water. After all, there are so many different coastal areas to choose from. But whether you’re interested in living in Clearwater or Key West, there are a few things you should keep in mind when looking at waterfront homes.

First, realize that the land you buy might actually be worth more than the home itself. Florida real estate expert Tina Droessler explained in an article for Palm Beach Coastal Realty that property in certain in-demand coastal neighborhoods is so hot right now that homes may be very expensive, regardless of their size. Because waterfront real estate in most Florida locales isn’t going to come cheap, be conscious of how the property is being used. If a house isn’t taking full advantage of its shoreline location, you may want to continue your search.