HOA fees. (Kissimmee, Poinciana: mortgage, homeowners insurance, work)

[Oaklands44]

I guess this has been answered before, but I can't see anything that recent. My wife and I are UK residents and intend to buy for around $225,000 when we go to Kissimmee in November - a cash purchase rather than a mortgage. We are undecided between a townhouse where the HOA fees generally speaking includes some insurance cover, and a single family home where we would foot the bill. What is the experience of homeowners insurance costs this year? Are they generally rising? Bear in mind that you get far less for your money in the south of England where we live - an average house, similar to a townhouse could easily be $600,000, and the cost of insuring the building and contents together $2000+. Any comments to help us please?

[gimme5]

I'm in Kissimmee (Poinciana). My homeowner's Insurance has been rising since 2004. I'm paying around $1000 for the year (My latest bill was in August) for a house with a similar value. I have a $500 deductible and a $500 hurricane deductible, so you might be able to get insured for less with a standard 2% deductible.

[cmj_fla]

Originally Posted by gimme5

I have a $500 deductible and a $500 hurricane deductible, so you might be able to get insured for less with a standard 2% deductible.

Good points. The industry standard is a $1000 standard deductible with 2% hurricane deductible.

It is really hard to give you a good idea without knowing square footage, the age of the homes, how many bathrooms, any attached structures like screened porches, garage, pools etc. The coverage needed for a home really has nothing to do with the actual market value of the home but how much it would cost to rebuild it and it excludes the value of your land. New home insurance rates are pretty good right now believe it or not. I work for an insurance company - let me know if you have any specific questions.