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Old 08-12-2008, 04:25 PM
 
27 posts, read 74,370 times
Reputation: 12

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Need help for my cousin. She is in the process of moving, so she doesn't have Internet access at the moment.

My cousin has been transferred to Weston. She is interested in buying a 2 bedroom condo. She needs a 2 bedroom because her 65 year old mom is moving with her.

Their primary concern is safety. They don't need to be near a beach, don't need a pool and don't need a tennis court. My cousin is 47 years ago and has no kids, so school district does not matter either.

My cousin is used to driving 65 miles a day (about 1.25 hours each way) in her commute, so doesn't mind a long commute if it helps her live somewhere very safe.

Her issue is that she will need to stay under $135,000 for the purchase price. She has a $20,000 downpayment.

Is this possible in the Weston area? Can you suggest any condo complexes?

Other questions:

A. Can she put the condo in her mom's name to get into an over 55 community? Would those be safer?

B. How much are homeowner's dues in South Florida for condos?

C. How much is annual Homeowner's insurance for condos (not on the beach)?
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Old 08-12-2008, 04:40 PM
 
Location: Broward County
2,517 posts, read 11,048,150 times
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all I can tell you is the homeowners insurance is covered as part of the monthly HOA fee. The HOA fee's range anywhere from 100 to 700 a month for condo's depending on the level of ammenities offered. Good luck !
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Old 08-12-2008, 04:53 PM
 
10,599 posts, read 17,886,038 times
Reputation: 17352
Quote:
Originally Posted by confused about Triangle View Post
Need help for my cousin. She is in the process of moving, so she doesn't have Internet access at the moment.

My cousin has been transferred to Weston. She is interested in buying a 2 bedroom condo. She needs a 2 bedroom because her 65 year old mom is moving with her.

Their primary concern is safety. They don't need to be near a beach, don't need a pool and don't need a tennis court. My cousin is 47 years ago and has no kids, so school district does not matter either.

My cousin is used to driving 65 miles a day (about 1.25 hours each way) in her commute, so doesn't mind a long commute if it helps her live somewhere very safe.

Her issue is that she will need to stay under $135,000 for the purchase price. She has a $20,000 downpayment.

Is this possible in the Weston area? Can you suggest any condo complexes?

Other questions:

A. Can she put the condo in her mom's name to get into an over 55 community? Would those be safer?

B. How much are homeowner's dues in South Florida for condos?

C. How much is annual Homeowner's insurance for condos (not on the beach)?
I dont' know about Weston but Tamarac, yes. Zip 33321 only.

Well it all depends on her "wants". If she's thrifty but determined to BUY (I wouldn't, I'd rent).....She can buy an entire condo in Lime Bay in Tamarac for about 30 some thousand. $30,000 - $40,000. You can rent there very cheap about 500 and up per month.

Tamarac is safe, convenient and it's a 55+ and I'm quite sure only the mom would have to be the primary resident but you'd have to ask or tell them the daughter is her caretaker which is true.

It's tempting to be able to have the security of a paid off (almost for her) condo you can live in forever (as long as the HOA is viable and your assessments stay ok....)

You can rent an entire house in the Mainlands of Tamarac 55+ (there are 17 seperate ones but don't go to the ones that are Mainlands 1-7) for 850 and up and some of the homes have gone way down to her price range now to buy. Even lower. One I was looking at last year for 150,000 just sold for 75,000. They're small....850 sq ft and up to about 1300 in that price. All the Mainlands people told me last year that as long as one person was 55, another adult would be fine. They're cute homes some on canals, small 1960s style with screened porches and many have a garage. Lime Bay has no garages like other condos too. Also right near alot of shopping on University at Commercial. All the way North to about McNab or so I think.

Some of the Mainlands homes are 55+ and some arent. HOA dirt cheap from $60 to $100 something and they paint your house every 5 years and do all the grass. Multiple pools.

I would rent until she can drive around and see stuff, but it's doable imo.

I've been househunting down there since Dec off and on and I'm 55 just this week. Usually when it's 55+ one member in the home has to be. I've also heard about an 80/20 law where 20% under 55 can be forced onto the HOA but not sure.

Some neighborhoods have transitional residents, alot of renters, extra family members etc, until the housing mess straightens itself out.

OMG I just looked, they're down to 25,000 (1 br 1.5 bath)

Last edited by runswithscissors; 08-12-2008 at 05:05 PM..
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Old 08-12-2008, 05:00 PM
 
10,599 posts, read 17,886,038 times
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The HOA pays homeowners on the outside but it's very tricky how the bylaws are written. I read an article on it in the paper, some now are including like, the stairs outside have to be covered by the residents of the buildings!!!

I don't know the homeowners for the inside but I'm sure it's affordable and you're out west. My renters ins is 300.00 for 50,000 coverage and a 2000.00 deductable. Covers hurricane not flood inside.
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Old 08-12-2008, 05:07 PM
 
10,599 posts, read 17,886,038 times
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Here, 39,900 asking price. You'd probably get it for much less but I cant check for comps right now. (I am not a realtor)

1100 sq ft. 2 br 2ba

They aren't fancy but the outside is NOT dumpy, I was shocked. The neighborhood is fine and there is landscaping and stuff and a pool. There's a courtesy bus to drive people around, too. I saw some residents they were all my age bracket actually, LOL, well dressed and pep in the step going between different buildings there.

Condo/Townhouse/Co-Op - 9200 Lime Bay Bl Unit: 310, Tamarac, FL, 33321 - Realtor.com (http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?ctid=8412&ml=3&mxp=11&bd=3&typ= 7&sid=b0540ef4c9874061bc8142648b81f209&lid=1101777 927&lsn=6&srcnt=30#Detail - broken link)


You have to learn to ignore the outside photos of the entrances, the catwalks with florida condos, they all have that and some beautiful waterfront condos look really ugly from that view because the windows face the better direction. There are two sections half are pinkish the other half are tan.

64 listings came up in weston under 150000 but I don't know the area. (and they aren't all really weston, now that i'm looking)

Here's an example of the cute Mainlands single houses. They're all similar but different styles, some with garages.

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?zp=33321&mxp=17&typ=1&sid=2eb22 af9fb3d4272a6e273ae44120196&lid=1097755032&lsn=7&s rcnt=37#Detail (broken link)

Last edited by runswithscissors; 08-12-2008 at 05:26 PM..
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Old 08-12-2008, 05:26 PM
 
27 posts, read 74,370 times
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Wow. These are great suggestions and very helpful. Does anyone know anything about the Racquet Club condos in Weston? She has seen these on some realtor web sites and they are in her price range. The street is Lakeview Dr
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Old 08-12-2008, 05:32 PM
 
10,599 posts, read 17,886,038 times
Reputation: 17352
Compelled To Reply will answer you. He's from there and a neighborhood wizard LOL But she REALLY should rent first. To avoid a depreciating asset that might end up in a changing neighborhood that she's stuck in. Can't just up and sell in Fl anymore.

She can rent some places for 3-6 months.
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Old 08-12-2008, 05:53 PM
 
8,377 posts, read 30,892,322 times
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Weston is great, but where is the job? Although you wouldn't believe it reading the forums, there are tons of other safe areas in South Florida that cost less than Weston. HOWEVER, if it MUST be Weston, check out Racquet Club phase II (any phase really but the newer the better, the older the less expensive), or the general zip code 33326 area. I have seen some nice, small but clean 2 bedroom units there for 150k and below, and it's as safe as anywhere else in Weston. That's as low as you are going to go for all ages. If she can do 55 plus, then it's 100% possible to do 130k. Racquet Club has a 55+ section. Also, it's not in Weston, but check out the 84 South area of Sunrise. It's literally across the street from Weston and it's very similar to the Bonaventure area (where Racquet Club is located), also shares Weston zip code and address. I used to live around there, and honestly, I don't think a safer neighborhood exists in South Florida. I mean, there was some vandalism and teenager stuff but no real property crimes or any violent crimes. I would rather not share exactly where I am now for anonymity reasons but I am in the Bonaventure area now.

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?zp=33326&mxp=18&typ=7&sid=77ac0 0fc427e48709d6db932dee563eb&pg=2&lid=1099789094&ls n=13&srcnt=61#Detail (broken link)
http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?zp=33326&mxp=18&typ=7&sid=77ac0 0fc427e48709d6db932dee563eb&pg=3&lid=1090141416&ls n=28&srcnt=61#Detail (broken link)
That's in Racquet Club. Good example of what to expect. Also, if you can, I suggest finding a bank owned unit that is in good condition, as you will end up paying rock bottom price and probably not losing out with the market conditions.

Last edited by compelled to reply; 08-12-2008 at 06:03 PM..
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Old 08-12-2008, 07:02 PM
 
Location: S.E. Florida
392 posts, read 1,260,834 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by heydade View Post
all I can tell you is the homeowners insurance is covered as part of the monthly HOA fee. The HOA fee's range anywhere from 100 to 700 a month for condo's depending on the level of ammenities offered. Good luck !
Not 100 percent true..........

The insurance the condo association has will cover the outside walls, roof etc.

It WILL NOT cover the walls, cabinets, carpet, tile, blinds, ceiling fans, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, etc. or any of your personal belongings.

So if you had a fire or hurricane that destroyed your entire unit. The condo insurance would cover NOTHING inside. It would also not pay you to live somewhere else until repairs are made.
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