Buying a vacation home in the Sunshine State is not an unpopular choice. If you haven’t bought one yourself, you probably know someone that did. That’s not unlikely to happen as Florida comes at the top when we are talking about the best real estate markets to invest in a vacation home in the United States. However, that’s not random, as there are many factors that contribute to that. First is the 1350 miles stretch of pristine coastline, the year-round sunshine and warm climate, and of course, the low property tax rates that invite everyone to move to Florida.

Even though the state welcomes newcomers every year, most homes are purchased in the southern section, such as Miami, the Keys, and Palm Beach. However, the real estate market in the central area is pretty impressive. For example, Orlando comprises many homes within proximity to theme parks.

In fact, real estate investments are always a good idea. You build equity, avoid the hustle of finding rent each year, and paying the fees for that. Most importantly, it’s an excellent opportunity for additional income as you’ll be renting out your vacation home for travelers.

Deciding on where to buy property in South Florida could be difficult. Generally speaking, if you are looking for a classic and elegant environment, Palm Beach is the right place for you. For upscale communities with multi-million mansions, look no further than the Florida Keys. If you are looking for waterfront condos, Miami Beach is your best option. For a laidback tropical feel, Go for Coconut Grove.

Below are the top destinations in Florida for your first or next vacation home:

Miami beach

According to real estate specials and realtors, Miami Beach is and will remain a great place to invest in the housing market. It is projected that it will maintain its stability in the upcoming years. It is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife scene, a luxurious culinary scene, and space for a number of nautical activities.

Buying a vacation home in Miami Beach saves you the trouble of booking at hotels and allows you to be flexible and spontaneous with your vacation plans. And if you decide to rent out your home during seasonal times, don’t worry about finding renters as the city is visited by a large number of travelers every year.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is a great choice if you are a fan of the Miami lifestyle but wants to avoid the big cities’ hustle and bustle and invest in a less popular place. The area is If you crave the excitement of Miami but known for its lush landscaping and magical nature scene, in addition to the pristine beaches. It is situated a short drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway, nearby an archeological trail underwater.

It is the ideal choice for water sports enthusiasts, ocean explorers, and anyone seeking laid-back waterfront luxury.

Orlando and Kissimmee

Orlando is a great choice for families. It is home to the Walt Disney World Resort with its different parks. Purchasing a vacation home in Orlando, or a nearby city such as Kissimmee is simply an excellent investment. It will save you the trouble and expenses of booking a luxurious hotel near Disney World, and you’ll benefit from renting out your time throughout the year when you are not staying in it. However, Orlando is so much more than just Disney theme parks. It is centrally located in Florida and has a diverse selection of neighborhoods and communities. The dining and entertainment scene is nothing less than exciting. If you purchase a vacation home in City Beautiful or Kissimmee, you will be a short drive away from the Gulf Coast and the gorgeous beaches of St. Augustine.

Key West

Key West is the southernmost tip of Florida and definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the state. If you are seeking THAT island vibe with the unmatched sunset views, you’ve found the place for your next vacation home. The city boasts a wide assortment of classic Victorian houses, Contemporary oceanfront villas, and modern chic condos. Key West is a hidden gem when it comes to exquisite vacation homes. Invest in real estate in Key West and save yourself the trouble of planning your vacations every year.

Boca Grande

Situated on a small barrier island off the Gulf Coast, Boca Grande is a town in Gasparilla with a unique island vibe, a relaxed lifestyle, and a rich Florida culture. Golf is so popular in Boca Grande that you are more likely to find golf carts than cars. If you are looking for a quiet beachfront getaway for your next vacation home, this is a great choice. Even though it is much quieter than most towns in Florida, you won’t get bored with the gorgeous beaches, the parks, and the laid back atmosphere. Boca Grande is simply a great place to invest in real estate, whether it is for individuals or families.

Naples

If you are a fan of high-end golf courses, premium shops, fine restaurants, you’ll find all of that in Naples combined with unmatched waterfront views. The city is perfect for investing in a vacation home for its location on the shores of the Gulf, near Sanibel, and Marco Island. Purchase a beachfront house at Naples and have access to high-end shopping and dining, and several watersports.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is famous for being the oldest city in the country. However, it is so much more than that. Besides the rich history and the centuries-old buildings, the city offers exquisite water views, a variety of shops and stores and restaurants, and, more importantly, real estate is more affordable than most big cities in Florida. The city is visited by almost six million travelers every year, which is why you should buy property in St. Augustine and rent it out when you are not using it. It will also save you the trouble of booking hotels and planning your vacation beforehand.

Gainesville

This town is famous among college communities. Gainesville has a relaxed vibe, a vibrant nightlife, and a breathtaking nature scene. If you are looking for warm weather and nearby beaches, you should invest in real estate in Gainesville. You’ll benefit from the opulent opportunities to rent out your home for college students and those seeking warm weather.

Florida is such an interesting state that “Florida style home” is a thing. It evolves and includes different types that you’ll find in and outside Florida.

The Sunshine State is known for its stretch of gorgeous coastline, palm trees, lush landscaping, and the gorgeous Florida style houses.

What is the Florida Style?

The Florida style is not constant and has evolved to include three different substyles. First is Colonial, and it’s great for hot weather and lighting. Second is the classic beach-style house that is casual and designed to resist natural disasters like floods and storms. Last, it’s the modern style. It is referred to as the “fortress,” and it’s a mixture of Mediterranean style and tropical style features such as the spacious balconies and the open layouts. In this article, you’ll learn more about this style and decide if it’s the right choice for you if you are trying to buy a house.

Florida style homes are supposed to provide comfort, relaxation, and effectiveness through the verandas, roofs, and the big windows that air out the house. It is based upon making the entire house cooler during the hot months thanks to its curtains, furniture, and bricks. Also called “Vernacular,” Florida style homes were built in the 19th century with materials that are available in a certain region without the involvement of architects. To this day, Florida style homes perfectly combine essential elements and design aspects that create welcoming and breezing homes.

There are a few elements that you’ll find in almost every Florida style home. The inside is all about open floor plans, neutral colors, and wood floor, and the back is connected to the front through a hall for airflow. In the exterior, you’ll find porches, low roofs, and wood frames.

Interior Features

Light colors: As the main theme is cool and breezy, light-colored paint is a must in order to keep the house airy and spacious looking.

Hardwood floors: Wood floors are more popular than rugs in Florida style houses to avoid the heat and keep the rooms calm.

High ceilings: Low ceilings transfer more heat than high ceilings.

Low lounge rooms: Entering a room and getting a good view directly through the windows is a great plus ( especially if the house is waterfront).

Mirrors: To give the illusion of extra space and enhance the beauty of the windows’ views, Florida style homes use mirrors and light colors.

Tropical elements: Due to the proximity to the coast, these homes naturally have a dominant tropical theme demonstrated in colors and decor.

Front-to-back hallways: Hallways mean more airflow and a more relaxed house. The front is connected to the back through an open floor plan or corridors that often lead to the beach at the back. Many Floridians still rely on the airflow instead of air conditioners.

Exterior Features

Most Florida homes have 1-story with no basement. They usually have sprawling flames and incorporate Spanish or Mediterranean architectures.

Tiled roofs with slopes: They help distribute the heat evenly through different rooms and provide the most shade possible for the house to keep it cool.

Spacious outdoor space for entertainment: Most Florida homes use the outside for sports, barbecuing, and many other activities. Which is why you’ll usually find pools, decks, and verandas.

Wooden shutters: They keep the windows to stay open all the time, as another measure to beat Florida’s heat.

Many windows: Florida style homes rely on the use of windows of all different sizes and shapes for beachfront views, lighting, and wind flow.

Gardens: Low maintenance plants and trees are an additional source of shade and beauty.

Neutral Color Paint: They keep the outside from absorbing the heat and help reflect the sunlight.

Furniture :

Florida homes rely on Boho decor in most aspects. On the outside, you’ll mostly find relaxed verandas and shack roofs, and furniture is made of sturdy wood, which complements the high-quality wood.

Furniture is carefully placed inside the house to allow the much possible airflow and to keep the house as spacious looking as possible. It is unlikely that you’ll find many chairs and tables in Florida style homes as Floridians enjoy the outdoors more. Rugs are also rare, and they are usually in a neutral color in the bedrooms.

Materials

Whether we’re talking about the interior or the exterior, hard, strong wood is the star of the show. Cedar and Cherry are two popular choices as they bring the perfect color to the house’s pastel palette and resilient enough to resist humidity. Silver metallic accents are common in Florida style homes as they add more elegance and simplicity to any room. Shiplap cladding, stucco, and cedar shingles are all common. For pathways, Floridians tend to use red bricks for a pop of color that contrasts the neutral cold colors inside and outside Florida style homes.

Florida Style is great for so many reasons. It is both classy and elegant and helps you relax and be comfortable. It still maintains the rustic style of the old homes in Florida during the 19th and 20th centuries. Even though most modern homes are more sound and spacious, the style’s chic and simplistic aspect is still preserved. The old houses were designed with efficient elements such as deep porches and front-to-back hallways that are still relevant today. Neutral colors provide a simplistic and elegant element to the place and are contrasted by dark-colored tiling or red bricks.

Florida style holds a special place in history and popular culture. Ernest Hemingway’s home, for instance, is one of the most visited homes in the Keys area. It perfectly portrays the Florida home style from its beautiful views to its tasteful design.

If you are considering buying a house, you should definitely opt for Florida style. The wide porches provide space for gathering and outdoor activities, and the minimalist decor allows for more airflow and comfort.

Homes don’t have to adopt an individual style. Besides Vernacular, Both Spanish and Mediterranean can be added to the mix remarkably. These two styles emerged in regions with a similar climate to Florida, making them seem just as cool and breezy as Florida home design.

Have you ever considered investing in property in Florida by purchasing a real estate and then renting it out, but you just don’t seem to know where to start, what are the risks, and what to look for? If that’s the case, this is the right article for you. Purchasing property in Florida to use it as a holiday rental can be a great investment and a very smart idea. It can also be a horrible one if not done properly. The main difference between these situations is the several factors that should be taken into consideration to ensure the best protection of your investment and making sure that there won’t be any bad surprises in the way.

Don’t worry; it’s not as scary as it sounds! Let us walk you through the process of renting out your property in Florida through a specific number of important steps.

1- Pick the right location :

Renting out your place means that you first buy one! But owning a property in Florida is not enough to guarantee the success of your investment. It should, however, be a property that is capable of attracting renters and visitors, which means simply that it should be in an interesting location.

To ensure that, you should start by looking for properties that are located in an area close to, or surrounded by, major beaches, restaurants, parks, museums, important shopping boutiques, or any important touristic destinations. In other words, you should own real estate in an area where people coming from around the globe are looking for rent, instead of taking the terrible decision of putting your money into place in the middle of nowhere even if you like it. To make the right decision, keep an experienced real estate agent by your side to help you pick the best location for your investment and to help with complicated paperwork of the process. The agent will also have great use in estimating the property’s real value, so you don’t end up overpaying. They will also let you know how much you should charge once you start renting it out.

2- Go for what renters are looking for:

Now that we have discussed the importance of the real estate location, you need to look for a property that offers a fantastic guest experience. This means an experience of comfort and relaxation, and in many cases, an experience of prestige and luxury.  Make sure that your place has attractive features such as spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, a pool or/and a garden, a nice view, a well-designed interior. You should always remember that you should take into consideration upgrading the property if needed.

3- Pay attention to laws in place!

The compliance with the law doesn’t include the state’s laws exclusively and the restrictions and policies enforced by homeowner associations. To avoid being submitted to sanctions and fines and make sure you are complying with the laws of Florida, make sure you keep the right people by your side, meaning that you should be surrounded by an excellent real estate agent and a good lawyer, this will help you ease your mind since you will be delegating this mission to someone who knows what he is doing.

4- Apply for a hotel/motel lodging license:

You can’t start the activity of renting out your property without applying at first for this license. However, keep in mind that the cost of the permit varies according to many factors such as the location of the real estate, the size of the house, or the condo, and the date of the application.

The time in which you decide to apply can affect if you are going to end up paying a full-year fee or just a half-year fee. Getting your license will mean that the property you desire to rent out is going to be submitted to a sanitation and safety inspection. This inspection takes place after the

submission of the application and the fees for licensure, and it serves to confirm that your place is complying with the current safety laws such as swimming pool safety equipment.

5- Don’t forget to ensure your property:

Protecting your investment can’t be complete without insuring your property against any potential damage such as fire, smoke, wind, hail, vandalism, and theft. However, you can still cover minor damages by requesting a security deposit from your guests. However, bear in mind that most insurance policies usually don’t cover damages resulting from events such as tsunamis and floods, standing water, and several other sources of water. Most policies also exclude extreme circumstances like nuclear events or acts of war.

6- Get a manager for your property!

This option is specifically important in case your permanent house is not based in the same area or the same state, which will mean a huge difficulty in your ability to manage your investment.

If that’s the case, hiring a management company can be a very smart idea, for many reasons.

First of all, the management company plays a huge role in advertising your place and making sure it is known among the tourists, which automatically means that you will get more guests and more profit than what you could have gotten on your own. On the other hand, the management company takes care of many other issues, such as the protection and the maintenance of the property, and of course, manages the arrival and departure of the guests and ensures that they are comfortable and don’t need anything. If instructed, the management company can also take care of the security deposits that we mentioned above.

In conclusion, going through the process of renting out your property in Florida might be complicated and tiring. Still, you can make it smoother by following this guide and making sure that you have chosen the right location for the property; you have surrounded yourself by a good real estate agent, a good lawyer, and a good management company. In the end, don’t forget to secure your investment!

If you have ever tried to sell a house while buying another one, you know how messy and stressful it can get, because, sadly, sometimes things just don’t go exactly as planned.

Things can become even more complicated if you are depending on receiving the price of the place that you are selling to buy your next home, but it’s taking longer… so much longer to get sold than what you were expecting.

Don’t lose hope; going through this whole process may be difficult, but it’s not, by any way, impossible, especially with the help of a skilled real estate agent, and by following these simple steps that we assembled for you, so you can relax:

1-  It’s all about the timing!

Succeeding the process of selling and buying a house in the same period of time depends very much on the transactions’ timing. However, this factor is determined by the situation of the housing market.

In fact, if you are in a seller’s market, your house has to be market-ready, so it can sell faster, mostly if you have chosen the right price, so you need to be careful about your finances and selective about the offers that you are receiving, since you need to make an offer in the right time or the place that you desire to buy, and since you are less likely to have much flexibility when it comes to postponing the closing date.

On the other hand, if you’re in what’s called a buyer’s market, selling your current house may take more time; in this case, you should be more patient when it comes to making an offer on the place you want to buy, at least until a suitable buyer comes along.

2 – Choose the right people for the job:

Picking the right timing is good, but it’s not enough. You need an experienced real estate agent by your side, not only to help you through the complicated process of selling and buying at the same time but also to help you estimate realistically the price that your current place is worth.

In other words, getting a good real estate agent means that you will know exactly how much you should expect as a price for your current house, and how much you should accept as an offer for your next place. Therefore, you won’t end up overpaying unknowingly. You will also be aware of all the expenses related to closing the deals, so you will not be facing any (bad) surprises, and of course, all that while getting someone to take the pressure off you when it comes to all the related complications to the paperwork required in selling and buying houses.

3 –  Don’t focus entirely on the price:

Getting the cost of your dreams on your house and getting a fantastic deal on the house you wish to buy is the best-case scenario for anyone who desires to go through the process of buying and selling in the same period.

However, going smoothly through this operation requires more than just focusing on the price.

It would help if you also considered negotiating the date of the closing of both deals in a way that they align perfectly, or at least good enough, with each other.

Having both deals closed simultaneously or in only a few days of difference can wash away all the potential hidden expenses that can appear if you didn’t give much importance to the closing dates.

4 –  Have an escape route:

To avoid living the nightmare of being unable to get your new place because your mortgage has been declined, or even being in a position where you lack the resources to close on your next place, you should consider having an “escape route.”

What’s that? You may ask.

Well, it’s no more than a contingency, which is a clause included in offers that give parties the right to back out of the contract under certain circumstances, like, let’s just say, the case where you couldn’t sell your current place.

This clause has a huge role in protecting you as a buyer since we don’t live in a perfect world where everything goes as we wish, so having a way to get out of a deal when things go (very) bad, can be very relieving. 

5 –  In case you have no escape route:

Just in case you weren’t aware of the existence nor of the importance of contingency clauses, don’t panic! There are other ways you can still save the day if everything about your plan goes completely south.

If you find yourself stuck with two houses (if you bought your next house but couldn’t sell yours yet), you can rent your current house to cover the expenses.

And in case you did sell your place, but the deal about your next home hasn’t closed yet, you can always find a place to rent until you can finally move; however, you may also need to rent another place if you own a big amount of possessions.

However, and in case the previous option is overwhelming for you, here is another idea: you can request the new owners to wait until you move out to your next place, in exchange for a rent that you pay them.

In conclusion, even if the whole process of selling your current house and buying the next one at the same time is exhausting, some ways can make it smoother than what it usually is.

Most importantly, finding the right real estate agent is vital in succeeding in the process. A realtor that understands your needs and demands can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Still, other factors are also important, such as planning the right timing to start the process and negotiating the date of both closings, all while having an escape plan in case things don’t go as planned, but in case they do, some short term solutions can still save the day.

In the real estate world, exclusive listings are not a common topic. On the other hand, the focus is on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). In this article, you’ll have a general idea about exclusive listings, what does it mean? What are its advantages and disadvantages, and why do many buyers prefer exclusive listings?

Even though listing a house on the MLS is the most common way to sell a home, one has to be aware of all the available options. Exclusive listings have many drawbacks that you need to understand before you list your house.

However, a good realtor is what makes the difference in the deal.

What’s an exclusive listing?

In real estate, exclusive listings refer to listings held privately with a realtor and are not posted on the Multiple Listing Service. Therefore, the real estate agent has to market and advertise the listing in his network of home buyers, builders, and investors to sell the house. That is to say; the exclusive listing won’t appear online on any public or private site. It results in an exclusive deal.

MLS: the opposite of an exclusive listing

Listing a house on The MLS is the most common way to sell a home. Most sellers do it. The MLS is a service available to all the realtors that are part of a board, and it shows on public sites such as Zolo.ca and Realtor.ca. Today, most people start looking for homes online, which is why the MLS is the most popular way to make sure that the largest possible number of buyers and real estate agents view your house. MLS listings usually mean that they are two realtors. One is representing the seller and the other representing the buyer.

Pros of exclusive listings

Many people prefer listing a home exclusively, and there are several reasons behind that. In the right market and circumstances, the positives of executive listings can outweigh the negatives.

1. Privacy: Many people don’t want their relatives and friends to know that they are selling their house and why they are doing it. In situations like divorce, relocating, or death, sellers, prefer keeping it under the radar. Also, when it comes to celebrities selling their mansions, they usually like to do it exclusively. They don’t want people to know where they live and how much they are selling their house. Privacy, therefore, is the number one advantage to exclusive listings that MLS lacks. Not the whole world can see your house.

2. Pre-marketing: Listing a house privately before you list it on the MLS is excellent pre-marketing. It works the same way “coming soon” works. It is possible that your agent finds a buyer before your listing becomes public. However, if he doesn’t, it’s still beneficial for you to hype it and let potential buyers know that the house will be available soon.

3. Testing the market: Exclusive listings can be great to test out the market and list your house at a higher price than you anticipate. When property prices get reduced, realtors can see that information. They also can know the price it was bought for in the past, and the previous price it was listed for. If exclusive listings don’t get you a good deal, you can start marketing your house on the MLS, where the public can see it without knowing that it’s been listed exclusively for a long period.

4. Restricted access to the house in the middle of renovations: If your house is not ready yet to be on the MLS, exclusive listings can work as a great pre-marketing. Whether you’re in the process of painting or installing new appliances in the kitchen, restricted access can buy you some time. When a house is on the MLS, it’s open to the public, and it needs to be ready to be accessed by potential buyers according to a schedule. Your house can still be open for sale with an exclusive listing even if it’s not visited daily.

Cons of Exclusive Listings

1. Your house won’t be seen by a large number of buyers. It is not possible for a listing agent to have connections with every realtor in town. If the listing is not posted for the public, buyers who are not working with an agent won’t be able to see your house. Selling a house for the highest possible price happens through public exposure and access to the highest number of buyers.

2. You can’t know the true market value of your house. Listing your house on the MLS is the only way to get the buyer who is willing to pay the most for your home. By listing a property exclusively, it’s difficult to create a bidding war. Also, Knowing the actual market value of property happens by exposing it to the largest number of buyers. On the MLS, home buyers will be able to compare your house to others listed at the same time.

3. Who comes out on top? In exclusive listings, there will probably be a double ending where the same agent represents both the seller and the buyer and takes a full commission. In such cases, the agent will probably bring his own buyers and has a high chance of double ending and being the biggest winner. However, if the agent is double ending, will he be working more for the buyer or the seller? Does the seller actually get the highest price possible? Does the buyer get the fairest deal? Does the agent disclose everything about the neighborhood or try to close the deal as soon as possible? Is it even possible to consider both parties’ best interests? Working for both the seller and the buyer can’t be chaotic.

Before deciding to list your house exclusively or on the MLS, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

• Will you be okay with a small number of buyers?
• Is selling at the highest price your number one priority?
• Who is your realtor? Does he have access to a large network of realtors?