The Lure of Florida as a Real Estate Haven

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Florida has seen steady growth since it attained statehood. It became a haven not only for retirees but also for couples just starting their families. The main lures, many speculated, are fine weather and a slower pace of life. Tax rates were also known to be among the lowest of any state. Owning real estate in Florida has, therefore, been a common dream of people who dig ease and comfort either as an everyday routine or as they walk toward the twilight of their lives.

The state has great regions and your interest in real estate can be realized with much less hassle when you commission the right people to assist you in your quest for a spot in this vast haven. One great opportunity you should not miss is the real estate show. Feast your eyes on the new communities waiting for you in Florida without having to set foot in the state. Organizers of these shows set up the ideal forum in many states where you can meet home builders, developers, and real estate agents all eager to impress you about bringing you closer to a new Florida real estate, or perhaps a new home.

Representation

Once you are totally sure that you want a home in Florida, you have to decide on what type of representation you prefer. If you do not have sufficient knowledge on the ins and outs of buying real estate, you need some form of representation. Here are some of the alternatives and the range of assistance you can expect, including how helpful they can be in your best interest:

• Single agent: Your relationship with a single agent under normal and ethical practice is to be entirely by your side. His responsibilities include honest and fair dealing, confidentiality, full disclosure, loyalty, obedience, accounting of funds, presenting offers and counter-offers, and disclosing all known information about the property that may affect future or present value among others.

• Transaction broker: This person is one who acts both as your agent and as a representative of the sellers. He is on neutral ground, so basically, confidentiality is limited.

• Buyer brokerage: This kind of representation requires you to enter into a contract with the broker where he/she will be your agent for a specific amount of time. Be careful about signing the contract because the fine print may have tricky provisions like payment of brokerage fee to be shouldered solely by the buyer.

• There are other representation alternatives which have special designations. Included in this group are agents classified based on their education and or experience:

 

• Accredited Buyer Representative
• Certified New Home Salesperson
• Council of Residential Specialists
• Graduate Realtor Institute
• Resort and Second Home Specialist
• Epro (online).

 

Lawyers are, however, the best representation that prospective real estate buyers can trust. The lawyer represents only you and nobody else, and is therefore bound to give you sound practical and legal advice. It is always a prudent move to allow your lawyer to scrutinize every document before signing it. While all lawyers have basic knowledge on real estate law, those specializing in real estate have more experience and know how the game is played. Getting the services of a practicing Florida-based lawyer would be best as real estate in Florida legislation may differ from that of other states.

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