[andystocks]

Hi, this is my first post and I have become hooked on these forums. I'll lay my cards out on the table from the start. I am British and we are looking to buy someplace in the States as part of our retirement fund. I know that you guys may be thinking that it is a bad idea at the moment due to the real estate market but we have been looking for a few years and the currency issue is in our favour at the moment.

I have tried to speak with various Realtors but I don't seem to be getting anywhere. Lakeland seems like a good area to own a property as we are not interested in the tourist areas because I think the place loses it's character.

Anyway, cut to the chase. We need to know these things if anybody can help.

Can we rent out a single family home on short term rental?

What is the rental market like in Lakeland?

Which area would you buy in to rent the property out?

What is the average rental for a 3/2 house?

Do you get more rental if the property has a pool?

Sorry if I sound naive, the property market is some what different over here. If anybody can help, I will appreciate it.

Just as an after note, again I may be naive, but I can't see prices dropping in the majority of Florida by 70% there is too much to offer. If you stand back from the situation there is plenty to bring the market back to a decent level.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by andystocks

Hi, this is my first post and I have become hooked on these forums. I'll lay my cards out on the table from the start. I am British and we are looking to buy someplace in the States as part of our retirement fund. I know that you guys may be thinking that it is a bad idea at the moment due to the real estate market but we have been looking for a few years and the currency issue is in our favour at the moment.

I have tried to speak with various Realtors but I don't seem to be getting anywhere. Lakeland seems like a good area to own a property as we are not interested in the tourist areas because I think the place loses it's character.

Anyway, cut to the chase. We need to know these things if anybody can help.

Can we rent out a single family home on short term rental?

What is the rental market like in Lakeland?

Which area would you buy in to rent the property out?

What is the average rental for a 3/2 house?

Do you get more rental if the property has a pool?

Sorry if I sound naive, the property market is some what different over here. If anybody can help, I will appreciate it.

Just as an after note, again I may be naive, but I can't see prices dropping in the majority of Florida by 70% there is too much to offer. If you stand back from the situation there is plenty to bring the market back to a decent level.

Hi there! We just moved to beautiful Lakeland and we LOVE IT here! I am a Florida native, and this is by far the best place I have ever lived, I think you will love it here - this town has preserved it's character and charm, and yet has planned infrasture to handle growth. And since it is not a resort or vacation area, it is community focused. I understand there are a lot of British expats here.

I'm sorry I can't help you with the rental issue, but we had a wonderful realtor which I would be happy to recommend if you want to send me a private message here - she is friendly and professional and will NOT pressure you in any way. By the way, this area is very reasonable already in price, and you will not see huge price drops here. It has come down a little, but since it was never really inflated, property here is actually expected to appreciate a good bit according to Money Magazine - one of the top places in the country. And cost of living is very low, especially considering the wonderful amenities we have.

Good luck!

[andystocks]

Hey, thanks for that it was a very helpful post to me. How are the Brits received over there?

[luluka]

We are Europeans too Try Hudson?

[Mark B.]

Hello andystock,
Lakeland is the perfect spot for being close to everything, yet far enough away from the crowds. (45minutes from both Tampa and Orlando) If you golf, there's a place well noted for their professional golf coarse. That being Schalamar Creek. We bought here 2 years ago and had no problem getting home insurance. Most people on the coast are now renting their homes due to the fact, insurance is almost impossible to buy. We had no problem. We'll be going back down sometime the first of June/08 to sell our home. If not sold within the six months, we'll be renting out for the next six. If your still looking, call @902-393-8133 (Canada) Good Luck...and up front here; you will not go wrong living in Lakeland.

[TampaKaren]

I'm not a Lakeland expert (gypsychic is), but I've been there several times (my techie person lives there). I've always been impressed with the beauty of downtown Lakeland. I was ready to buy a Harper built home and move there. I stopped in at the Chamber of Commerce one day and they were really nice and helpful. They gave me maps and brochures for several of their member services. If you're interested, here's a link to their website --> Lakeland Chamber of Commerce > Home.

[Sunshine Chick]

I have been looking into Lakeland and just read this boards info on Lakeland. 420 sex offenders for 75,000 people is way over the average for that size of town. This is terrible information that makes me want to look elsewhere. Does anyone here feel the same about a town they are looking at?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Sunshine Chick

I have been looking into Lakeland and just read this boards info on Lakeland. 420 sex offenders for 75,000 people is way over the average for that size of town. This is terrible information that makes me want to look elsewhere. Does anyone here feel the same about a town they are looking at?

Lakeland has a much larger population than 75,000, probably 100,000 in city limits and if you add the suburbs 150,000. We still have far fewer sex offenders than even Sarasota where I used to live. This is a wonderful place to live. You really need to base a decision on where to live on more than outdated dry statistics.

[Minniemom]

OK - I just have to ask. I don't know much about Lakeland except for what I see on the news. Actually how big is Lakeland? I read everyone on here saying nice things about it, but honestly - every single day, somethinghappens in Lakeland that makes the news. Not the good stuff either.

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by Sunshine Chick

I have been looking into Lakeland and just read this boards info on Lakeland. 420 sex offenders for 75,000 people is way over the average for that size of town. This is terrible information that makes me want to look elsewhere. Does anyone here feel the same about a town they are looking at?

As was said before, Gypsy is the expert on Lakeland since she lives there, but I just wanted to add something. I've also been doing a bit of checking on Lakeland since that is the city that DH has chosen for relocation. Check out the crime in the different zip codes. Some areas seem to have very low crime while other zips have very high crime. I realize that it can spill over, but it looks like most of the areas are relatively safe.

We have relatives (Neice and her family) that have lived in Lakeland for several years and they feel safe and comfy there. Hope that eases your mind a bit.

MinnieMom, I'm glad you asked that question. I'm also curious as the the actual population with the surrounding area.