Possible relo to Plantation area - seeking advice (Davie, Country Club: HOA fees, homeowners insurance)

[DBF]

Thanks all for advice. We don't need 6000 SF but do want alot of storage. We currently have a finished basement that has several rooms for storage of Christmas decor, hunting stuff, etc. Do most houses have good attic storage? Does it get dreadfully hot in the attics?
Key things we like would be a nice kitchen, large MBR with great closet space and somewhat large DR and family room. Would be great to have a place for our pool table.

Also, are there many lakes to boat on near there? Our boat is too small for the ocean.

[Momma_bear]

Storage is sadly lacking in many FL homes, even large ones. Many folks rent air conditioned storage units to store things that they need infrequently.

There are lots of lakes but they tend to be small and not great for boating. Other boaters can probably advise you more about boating.

[fauve]

The intracoastal and canals leading to it are fun for boating without going out on the ocean. There are also a couple of tucked away spots for tubing and water-skiing. How big is your boat? How big is the engine? There is also a canal system in jacaranda country club in Plantation if it's just a small jonboat with trolling motor for freshwater fishing.

[DBF]

Thanks again for info to all. Our boat is a 20 foot fish and ski with a wakeboard tower....200 HP Merc outboard.

I am guessing storage is going to be a HUGE issue. We have TONS of Christmas decorations plus lots of other "stuff"....using 3 large rooms in our basement. Plus we have a pool table and poker table we would like to accomodate. 3 closets in our MBR - 2 regular walk-ins; plus another that is 17x17 with lots of builtins and 2 dressers. ***sigh***will hate to lose that if we move.

Any reason there are not many houses with wood floors? Is it just the style or do wood floors have issues in FL? Everything seems so white. What is an annual average for electric bills? Is homeowners insurance expensive?

Again...any help is appreciated

[fauve]

Since you dont have to worry about schools, Id suggest you concentrate on getting a place that has a dock in your backyard. Boating season is year-round here and marina fees are pricey. HOAs dont allow boats to be parked in driveways so that excludes a lot of places. I also believe they may be against some city ordinances so check that out before you buy. In your price range, you can find a townhouse on the wtaer with dock downtown. You might even be lucky enough to find a SFH which is a foreclosure and/or fixer-upper. Insurance around around $3-4K in your price range. Wood floors are becoming more common. You'll find them in old houses and newer renovations. electric bills run depending on sq footage and whether you have a pool, heater, etc. - anywhere from $150 - $500 per month.

Also, we have a 22' boat, a 150hp OB, and have no problem on the ocean here, but never go out when the seas are more than 2-3' which is actually pretty rare for them to be here - they're mostly very calm. The OB comes in really handy with the saltwater.

[DBF]

A dock would be nice to have...i guess Ididn't realize we could go out on the ocean. That would be fun! I did see some houses online a with dock.

[doolish1]

There is a community south of Broward and north of 595. while west of Nob Hill that has the highest end homes for Plantation.

[Momma_bear]

Originally Posted by doolish1

There is a community south of Broward and north of 595. while west of Nob Hill that has the highest end homes for Plantation.

That's Hawk's Landing and the OP will not find anything there that is in her price range (somewhere around $500K).

[fauve]

Originally Posted by DBF

A dock would be nice to have...i guess Ididn't realize we could go out on the ocean. That would be fun! I did see some houses online a with dock.

It really is. It's worth sacrificing some space. Now that it's summer and stays light out till 7:30, we often take the boat to dinner - there are many restaurants with dock facilities.

[overhere]

DBF - we live in Plantation and love it. I would recommend you look the following neighborhoods in Plantation - Westport, Jacaranda Cay, and perhaps Hawk's Landing (gated, beautiful, high HOA fees).

Hard wood floors were used extensively by the builder who built Westport and Hawk's but they are not that typical with south fl homes.

No basements as other posters have noted due to high water table.

Taxes are about 1.8% of purchase price, then capped to no more than 3% increase per year if you file for your homestead exemption. Homeowners insurance is expensive due to wind/storm coverage for hurricanes (that's additional on top of normal homeowner's policy). You're probably looking at $3,000-8,000 per year. Utilities are fairly reasonable considering how much you run your a/c.