[melissa3296]

I am looking to move to Florida somewhere on the Gulf Coast between Bradenton and Englewood. I don't really know anyone there though and am need of some assistance in finding a good rent-to-own home. Anyone with any help?

[mrcoolmrcool28]

SoFLGal, no doubt.

[melissa3296]

can you clarify for me - SoFLGal?

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Sorry...she's on this forum. Find one of her posts on here, click on her name up in the corner, and you can direct message her.

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

I want to suggest to you that you rent first then if you like the area ask for the option to buy after a few months of living there.

That way you are in no obligation if the town you choose happens to be not to your liking.

We are planning on moving also and by a wide margin from many people that suggest that you rent first to leave your options open.

Hope that helps with your decision.

[lipps]

Home values went down 21.8% over the past 1.5 yrs since we have been down here. Thats a big change. We bought into a neighborhood that at least is stable and is maintaining our investment, (Thank you for all your help picking a good neighborhood Beach Front Mann realty) but if we want to sell right now, it would be very tough due to the glut of undervalued homes on the market.
Our home was purchased for 309K and has million dollar homes less than 1 mile away, but 2 miles away are homes that now list for 200k, with some in the mid 100's. They used to be in the 200 to 400 range.
The banks look at all the homes in the area and estimate our home value.
So many people lost their jobs in this area and so many banks gave out loans to people that could not pay in the early 2000's.
Hopefully most of the adjustable rate notes are past, and those in them have either bailed, or refinanced. This would ease the rapid decline in values, but with the constant job loss I dont think we are at the end of it.
If I was looking to buy in Florida now I would base the decision on how the job market is.
If you have to move here, get a month to month rental on a home, you could find one I am sure, and watch the economy. Buy when you start to see an upturn.
Be prepared to have lower wages and pay more for the everyday items.