Advice Needed on buying a house in Dr Phillips Area (Holiday: mortgage broker, broker)

[dannymaclaren]

Hi,
I am a new member and i am looking to buy a property in the Dr.Phillips area in the new year. I have been told to find a realtor as they work for the buyer and not the seller. Could anyone give me some advice on the best way of going about the best procedure of doing this. I live in London, England and would possibly like to spend 2 or 3 months a year with my family in Florida. I would appreciate any help,
Many Thanks,
Danny

[GregTraub]

yup, the best way to go about buying a property in a far away place is to find yourself a professional realtor that can show you the area, make sure you find the best home and best deal, make sure you don't get taken advantage of since things are most certainly different here in the states, and take you through the closing process smoothly.

All this and buyer's agents don't cost you a thing! We usually get our compensation out of the commission the seller pays their broker.

What exactly were you looking for, a townhome, single family, condo, condo-tel? Looking to rent it out the other parts of the year or keep it exclusively for yourself? Depending on how you'd like to use it will effect the area's that will be best substantially. Dr. Phillips is a great area, but not many homes zoned as short-term rental (which is what you will need if you plan on renting it out during the other 9-10 months of the year) and there are many different types of properties to choose from. Everything from the location, the amenities, and most importantly the management company that is on site will be things that must be considered. I know this area pretty well and can always help.

Also, will you be getting a British based mortgage or U.S. based, Or paying all cash? Depending on what happens with the exchange rate during the life of your ownership it can substantially effect your monthly payments should you be obtaining a mortgage. Check out my website (see my profile on the forum), my link to Holiday/Vacation homes is still under construction but there is a link there to a mortgage broker that specializes in mortgages for your situation. I also have a contact with Wachovia bank that still does foreign national mortgages.