I have read several posts this morning about varying issues but they all seem to come down to one theme - There are no guarantees in life....or real estate!
I read Lisa Hill's post regarding a case of buyer remorse (several years later). I bet the number of folks that fall into that category is in the thousands, if not more!
Then I read a post by Valerie Osterhoudt where she mentions there are no guarantees in life. Amazing such a common theme!
As mere mortals we sure would like guarantees. It would make our decision making a lot less difficult. Imagine, no more "do overs!"
While walking my dog, Diesel, early this morning I was thinking of all the requests I seem to be getting from buyer clients lately. Yes, activity is picking up!
Not only do they have size, bedrooms, square footage, etc. in mind but they are pretty consistent about including "taxes can not exceed $XXXX and Homeowner or condo fees can be no higher than
$XXXX." Occasionally, I get another "insurance can be no more than $XXX monthly."
Having the insight to know that these are real costs of homeownership is something every buyer and real estate agent should be concerned with!
First of all, with insurance questions I refer the buyers to a couple of insurance brokers in the area. Age of construction, location, whether it is a second (vacation home) and other issues impact pricing.
As for taxes all I can tell them is what the current assessment is as well as refer them to the Brevard County Property Appraiser web site which shows millage rates and provides a calculator. Who knows what the taxes will be next year or the year after?
And, finally, condo and homeowner association fees are set by the association governing boards. The expenses, reserve account requirements, insurance costs, etc can go up. I would guess that even delinquent accounts due to the foreclosure issues may be impacting them as well. Again, the most current information is this year's assessments and fees.
As a real estate agent I can not predict your future taxes, association fees, or insurance costs. However, I can find you potential properties that meet your criteria based on current assessments.
Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida.
Gary L. Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Bucci Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region. Whether your interest lies in a 55+ community such as Heritage Isle, a golf course community such as Baytree National Golf Links or water front, give me a call!
Read my blog Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
