Real Estate Investment Areas (Plantation, Davie: for sale, real estate market, apartment)

[mcham]

Hey guys,

My wife and I relocated to Ft. Lauderdale from Houston about 6 months ago, and have been renting an apartment in the East Las Olas area. She is now pregnant with our first child, so we are looking to purchase something in the $350-$450k range.

The catch here is that we'll probably only be in South Florida for 3-4 years, so I want to ensure that we buy in an area where the market is stable and/or growing so that we don't end up losing money on our investment. School districts aren't a factor for us. We'd also like to be in an area that's walking distance to restaurants, parks and other entertainment. As an example, we've considered Victoria Park because we love the Las Olas area.

I've looked at all of the good/bad area threads and maps, but none are indicative of market stability, growth or "walkability." Does anyone have any recommendations?

Appreciate the feedback!

[StreetSmarts]

i'd just rent.

[mcham]

We've got a 60 pound dog. Most places won't rent to us

[croatbob]

pembroke pines west, weston, cooper city, edges of davie.

[JohnD_fla]

Originally Posted by ComSense

i'd just rent.

I agree. If you plan to be in the property for only 3 to 4 years then buying is really not such a good idea---unless you're buying cash and not paying mortgage interest. Get liability insurance on the dog then you'll be in a position to negotiate rentals with landlords.

[Mr. Lee]

No real estate market is a sure thing, IMO the markets in SF are booming now but still many foreclosures and short sales keep showing up for sale and even in high end areas and then on top of that if you already live in the Las Olas area then you can see all the new rentals going up, I feel too many of them for the area.

As for areas, Las Olas and the surrounding areas such as off 17 street or on the other side or US 1 and past Andrews seems to be getting better all the time, maybe try 33301, 33316, 33315 and then there is the area of Saw Grass Mills 33323 including the Davie and Plantation area 33324 south of there.

[talkin56]

Surprisingly, I saw a Craigslist housing rental ad with "big dogs welcome" this week... I guess that is someone who likes dogs but tires of yaping smaller ones. Keep looking landlords are more tolerant than you would think if you are responsible with your pet. Good Luck !

[drnnix]

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[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by mcham

Hey guys,

My wife and I relocated to Ft. Lauderdale from Houston about 6 months ago, and have been renting an apartment in the East Las Olas area. She is now pregnant with our first child, so we are looking to purchase something in the $350-$450k range.

The catch here is that we'll probably only be in South Florida for 3-4 years, so I want to ensure that we buy in an area where the market is stable and/or growing so that we don't end up losing money on our investment. School districts aren't a factor for us. We'd also like to be in an area that's walking distance to restaurants, parks and other entertainment. As an example, we've considered Victoria Park because we love the Las Olas area.

I've looked at all of the good/bad area threads and maps, but none are indicative of market stability, growth or "walkability." Does anyone have any recommendations?

Appreciate the feedback!

Lol, typical South FL. LOL. In and out, in and out.

I wouldnt buy in Ft Lauderdale as an investment, I'd do whatever I can to not be "strapped down" so you can leave.

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by mcham

We've got a 60 pound dog. Most places won't rent to us

We rented our SFH on Weston to someone who has 2 60lbs+ dogs. Weston has no breed restrictions and although it's ground zero for HOA central, the HOA's usually have a two-pet limit. Of course, it's up to the individual landlord to set the terms on what they will allow but there are plenty of pet lovers among us. Keep trying and yes, I agree with everyone who said you should rent.