Moving to Florida-Kids & School-Buying a Home (Miramar, Weston: renting, mortgage)

[rainforestfarms]

Hello All,

I thought I would write out my scenario and ask for any positive advice you might be able to give me.

I am an American who has lived in South America for many years. Wife and two kids 9-10 years old. I want to return to the U.S. to raise my kids. Florida is the only place where I can continue with my job and I spend 3-4 months out of the year here anyway working. Office is in the Doral Area.

I wanted to purchase a home Where would be the best place for family - schools - adapting to new life for the kids, ect...

Can I get the best deal on a home with cash? My budget is a 200,000 to 250,000 outright purchase with no debt. Also contemplating minimum down payment and mortgage and spending more, up to 300,000, and going into debt. Any thoughts here?

Planning on renting for the first 7 months and take my time looking for the right home to buy. Any thoughts on that?

Any thoughts on schools, ect..?

thank you for you time!
D

[ruski]

Best schools + commuting to Doral = Weston.

I live in Weston and used to commute to Doral. There are actually two highways you can take, depending on how the mood strikes you. Or you may end up living a little closer to one than another - either I-75 to FL Turnpike OR US-27 to FL Turnpike. Either way - 40 minutes. Traffic is not too bad.

[garyhitchcock]

$300,000 is not going to get you into Weston, maybe townhome. Here's the deal here, I have clients at 250-300 that have been going at this now for 5 months, 5-7 offers, no home yet. This ranges from Miramar to Parkland. When a nice house comes on the market in that price range, there are 20 showings the first day and 6 offers by the second day. This is a true example that I just experienced. So waiting 7 months is going to do 2 things 1)mortgage rates just went 3.25% to 3.75% which cuts down what you can afford 2) prices will continue to escalate. Sorry but this is a VERY frustrating seller's market.

[rainforestfarms]

Thanks for the feedback. Let's say I have my heart set on Weston. What would the strategy be to buy a home in Weston?

[ruski]

Originally Posted by rainforestfarms

Thanks for the feedback. Let's say I have my heart set on Weston. What would the strategy be to buy a home in Weston?

Is a townhouse not acceptable? Weston has some very nice townhouse developments. I happen to live in one (had to sell my house a few years ago when the crisis struck). It is a lovely townhouse community across the street from Falcon Cove Middle and Cypress Bay High schools. My kids walk to the school. A nice library is next door too. The place is also 5 min away from I-75 or US-27 -- makes for easy commute to Doral.

[rainforestfarms]

Hi Rusky. Yes, a townhouse is a possibility. I saw your email and I will respond so you can send me options.
Thanks!