[kittyranger]

Hello, I am looking for a place To retire to. i have asked same questions in different forums about different cities. I would be grateful is someone explained to me the ins and out of utilities costs and taxes. I see that there are plenty of homes in the city (outside also) for under 80,000. The photos seem to be ok. Does anyone think i would need much work done on em. Also what is the combined tax rate for homes in this price range. For example what would my yearly taxes be and homeowners insurance on home $75,000(i under 65 yrs of age).Also I heard utility prices high ,is that true? I coming from new york city where we get more snow and utilities higher i think than you.What can i expect my monthly electricity bill to be low and high and gas bill(heating) on the type of homes common in this area.I would appreciate any help you can give. Coffee will be on me(or beer).

[doggiebus]

You didn't mention what city you are talking about? Let us know so we can better help you.

Taxes are usually 2% of the sale price, subtracting the homestead exception if you qualify. But because of the foreclosures and short sales counties aren't using the 2% of the sale price all the time. If the prices of the homes in the area is higher than the foreclosure/short sale price, you will pay the area price. For instance, if you buy it for 75k but the homes in the area are averaging around 125k you will pay 2% of 125k instead of the 75k.

[glenkool2009]

Originally Posted by kittyranger

Hello, I am looking for a place To retire to. i have asked same questions in different forums about different cities. I would be grateful is someone explained to me the ins and out of utilities costs and taxes. I see that there are plenty of homes in the city (outside also) for under 80,000. The photos seem to be ok. Does anyone think i would need much work done on em. Also what is the combined tax rate for homes in this price range. For example what would my yearly taxes be and homeowners insurance on home $75,000(i under 65 yrs of age).Also I heard utility prices high ,is that true? I coming from new york city where we get more snow and utilities higher i think than you.What can i expect my monthly electricity bill to be low and high and gas bill(heating) on the type of homes common in this area.I would appreciate any help you can give. Coffee will be on me(or beer).

Here in Brevard county Fl is a nice area, East coast less than a hr from Orlando

[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevard_County,_Florida"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevard_County,_Florida[/URL]

[mod]link removed, linking to competitors sites is not allowed[/mod]

[URL]http://discoverbrevard.com/Cities.php[/URL]

Your taxes will be fairly cheap. Mine are $1418 a year with the homestead exemptions (my home is assessed at 110,000 due to the recession) my homeowners ins. is $957 a year. My house is 1700 sq ft & utilities for home change because of a/c use but mine is about $ 155.00 in summer give or take $10.00, & about $100.00 winter, water bill is $30.00 a month. Most homes are all electric some areas have gas. And any area in Fl you buy a home make sure it has city water!!!
Best Wishes Glen

[TriMT7]

Check out Port St. Lucie as well. SUPER bargains right now. You can buy a SFH or villa for 80k easily.

As mentioned above, taxes will be about 2% of assessed value per year. Home owner's insurance will vary based on location, etc. Budget at least $1000 per year for a home a few miles inland. However, when you get to homes that are in the 80k range, after homestead exemption you could be looking at tax bills on 50k or less value.

A search in just one zip code (34953) shows over 200 homes below 80k.


Apparently, over on the west coast, the city of Northport also has some good housing deals.

[Shoegal1075]

Do you know if you live in Florida but live in say Miami, can you buy in Tampa without the 30% downpayment you would need if you lived out of state? It would not be a primary residence - do the same rule apply?