Moving back to FL soon, thinking of Brevard County (Palm Bay: short sale, foreclosure)

[NullMind]

After 8 years away from the US, we finally getting close to move back to FL

Our plan is to be mortgage free so we can enjoy life a little, so our budge is 310k for a 3-4 bed house, having 2 young children means good schools are a priority (kids are 7 and 8 years old)

From what I read brevard county is good in scholls,

for my budget I am hoping to get a pool house with waterview at least (waterfront prefered of course), any suggestions of good areas for my family ? we saw our budget can get us a (river) waterfront in Merritt Island, but I am not familiar with the area .. is it good ? or should I look elsewhere ?

Carlos

[FloridaMD]

Originally Posted by NullMind

After 8 years away from the US, we finally getting close to move back to FL

Our plan is to be mortgage free so we can enjoy life a little, so our budge is 310k for a 3-4 bed house, having 2 young children means good schools are a priority (kids are 7 and 8 years old)

From what I read brevard county is good in scholls,

for my budget I am hoping to get a pool house with waterview at least (waterfront prefered of course), any suggestions of good areas for my family ? we saw our budget can get us a (river) waterfront in Merritt Island, but I am not familiar with the area .. is it good ? or should I look elsewhere ?

Carlos

I live in Brevard county. Prices have crashed so much, you can easily get a 3 to 4 bedroom house for WELL under 300K, and probably one with a pool for as little as 180 to 190K, and maybe even way less if you look for a short sale or foreclosure, but be prepared to wait a while. If you want waterview, you will pay more, but I still think you can find what you want in Brevard for what you are looking to spend. I live in Palm Bay, and it is foreclosure city down here, so many deals to be had.

[Retiredcoach]

You would be better served by renting your home first. There are so many variables that will come into play beyond the waterfront location and the forum opinions about the schools. With the burst of the housing bubble. buying a home in Florida now is a long term commitment..... make a mistake by not thoroughly knowing all of the possible pitfalls , and you may find yourself stuck with an ill-advised purchase for many years.

[CAGringo]

I would suggest renting first. The housing market is still in freefall, if you buy now - you are catching a knife. With that sort of budget, you should be able to find a great house down the road for even less. Don't believe the hype: the pain is not over just yet. My $.02