Dec
18
Filed Under (villa) by
vacation villa
Philip Cornish asked:


Listed below are some very helpful and extremely important tips if you are considering purchasing a Florida vacation villa.

First steps

Before my wife and I became Florida vacation villa owners, we spent many months investigating if and where we should buy an investment property. Should the villa have a pool and / or spa, should it be close to Disney, how many bedrooms and bathrooms should it have.  How will I obtain a mortgage and what type of mortgage is best.  These are just a small sample of the many questions that you will need answered before taking that final step of buying your dream vacation home.

Florida is extremely well known for its large and beautifully designed properties, year round sunshine, many attractions, exquisite beaches and inexpensive lifestyle. We wanted a holiday home that we could enjoy with our family and also rent out to help cover the cost of the mortgage.

Finally, after many months of trawling the internet speaking to various property companies and existing villa owners we were ready to purchase our very own Disney villa.  We needed to select a good development area, choose our own plot and decide on the style of the property to be built.  We eventually decided on a single storey home in Kissimmee.  Once it was completed, it was everything we dreamed it would be. One thing I can say with absolute conviction is that my wife and I are glad we took the plunge and have absolutely no regrets about buying in Florida.

You have already taken the first step toward purchasing your home by reading this article.  Though buying a property in Florida is relatively uncomplicated we still hear many stories of people who have had problems in one way or another.

Please don’t forget that the experience of buying your Florida dream home should be pleasurable and exciting.  From visiting the various developments, choosing the plot and house that is right for you to finally making the purchase.

Location, location, location

The next step to buying your home requires some ground work to be done by yourself prior to arriving in Florida.  Firstly decide where you want to buy. Do you want the villa to be close to Orlando’s many theme and water park attractions or do you prefer to be near the beaches? If you prefer the beaches, do you prefer the Gulf Coast (more expensive) or the Atlantic Coast.  Whichever you decide as with all investment properties location is very important. Once you have decided on your location, you must decide the type of property, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, pool, etc. Do you want to be on a small development or larger resort development, do you want a gated or non gated community.

And last but not least what is your budget.

Once you have narrowed your options, we can provide you with the latest information on the developments which are of most interest and likely to suit your needs.

Do You Need To Rent Your Property ?

This is a very important question as it will determine where you can buy. Only certain communities in Orlando are zoned for STR (Short Term Rental).  Please do not accept any verbal guarantees from any salesperson regarding STR without checking in the covenants and restrictions of the developer.

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the development which suits your needs best. Remember not all developments allow short term rental and if you intend to rent your property this is the single most important item you must consider.

Remember the developers’ agent is acting on behalf of the builder, and is bound by law to obtain the best possible deal for the builder, not for you. Some builders and management companies offer guaranteed rental programs. These include a minimum income for an agreed period (usually 12 months) or alternatively, a minimum number of weeks booked for the year. What you are not told however is what the income will be for those weeks or what the agent will rent your property out for (for example, you may receive £400 per week but the agent is renting it out for £500 per week).

We strongly advise that if you decide not to secure rentals for the property yourself, then you thoroughly investigate any proposals presented to you from Management Companies / Letting Agents.

Our advice is that if you have the time, you market the villa yourself. This allows you to maximise your income and makes it easier to reach that magical break even point of income versus expenditure. If we are being honest this can be quite time consuming but well worth the effort when the bookings start to come in. If you go down this route you will have to consider the costs involved in marketing your villa. Costs could include newspaper / magazine advertising, creating your own website, listing your villa on other websites and other incidentals like business cards, flyers etc.

 

Inspection Trips

We would highly recommend you look at the possibility of an inspection trip.  This can be purely for the purpose of choosing your dream home or can be combined with a holiday / vacation.

While there are benefits to both scenarios if you have limited time available and are there, purely with the inspection of properties in mind, then you are more focussed on the job in hand. However, we would recommend an absolute minimum of 4 days for an inspection visit. You will need to meet up with the Realtor to view several villas and communities, spend a few sleepless nights deciding on which property to purchase, sign contracts with the builders, pay the deposit, choose the colour of the house etc.  Decide on the shape and size of the pool and type of pool tiles, open a bank account and look at some of the furniture packages that are available. A very hectic but rewarding few days.

Alternatively If you can spare more time, it will give you extra opportunities to view a few more developments over a longer period, then take a few days to contemplate and narrow your choice down to a couple of villas before finally viewing your favourites again.

You will also have more time to investigate the local area and amenities such as shops, restaurants, banks and supermarkets to satisfy yourself the area has what you and your guests will be happy with.

Its now time to make your final decision. Should you buy a new home or a resale.

Should you decide to have your dream home newly built, you will then sign a contract with your chosen builder, leave your deposit and if you haven’t already done so open a bank account and arrange a mortgage quotation.

If you decide to purchase a resale home, then under Florida law, all that is required for a legally binding sales contract is a signed written agreement plus good faith deposit. It is therefore possible to ‘Exchange Contracts ‘straight away with a Seller and virtually eliminate any possibility of your chosen property being sold elsewhere. Most written Sales contracts are conditional and you will have ample time to arrange financing, survey the property and approve legal work. If your loan is denied or the house does not pass inspection, you may withdraw without penalty. There can be any number of conditions in the contract but essentially all elements of the sale should be in writing to avoid dispute.

We would highly recommend that you use the services of a state registered realtor whether you are buying new or resale. In the U.K. we use estate agents who are normally employed by the house owner to find a buyer for their property. They then work with both the buyer and seller to agree a deal that is suitable to both. The downfall of this system is that the estate agent may withhold information about the buyer or seller which may be beneficial to the other despite the seller paying their fee. In Florida the realtor you choose can only work on your behalf and is legally bound to act in your best interest disclosing information such as – is the property worth the asking price – are there similar properties available at a better price – are there any known future developments that may affect the value of the property.

The Realtor we work with very closely has many years experience in Real Estate Sales.  She has specialised in the short term letting market for the last few years and is completely independent and is not tied to any builder, which is often not the case.

MORTGAGES

Many British citizens who buy a holiday home in Florida, are unsure whether to arrange a US or UK mortgage.

Most US mortgages enable you to lock into a fixed rate mortgage for up to 30 years.  In our opinion, this is the best way forward as you will always know what your monthly mortgage outgoings will be – there will not be any interest rate increases.  The only drawback is that exchange rate fluctuations will affect how many dollars you get to the £ when you transfer money over to your US bank account.  However, if you keep an eye on the rates and transfer money at the correct time, these fluctuations will not have a significant effect on your expenditure.

A UK mortgage can be arranged through one or two companies dealing with homes in Florida and usually offer variable rate mortgages closely linked to our own bank base rate – usually around 1.5% above base rate.  They do offer a fixed rate but usually for a maximum of 3 years.  The issue with this type of mortgage is that your repayments are always subject to interest rate increases – remember that if your mortgage payments increase, you cannot increase your weekly rental prices.  The upside is that your repayments are not subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

MANAGEMENT

Once you have purchased your villa, whether you intend to use it for your own personal use, or for short term rental purposes, you will most definitely need to employ the services of a reputable management company to look after your prize investment. In this section our aim is to advise you on the do’s and don’ts of management in Florida.

Which Type Of Management Company Should I Choose ?

The simple answer to the question above is really down to individual circumstances. In Orlando there are literally hundreds of management companies offering their services to villa owners. They vary from the very large companies with hundreds of homes on their books to the small husband and wife teams with just a few homes. Our advice, is that you look into which type of Management Company suits your personal needs and aspirations for your villa, speak to at least 3 companies and make you final decision from there.  If possible obtain recommendations from current villa owners who deal with the proposed Management Company.

What Should I Expect From My Management Company ?

Lawn Maintenance – can be arranged through your management company, though some developments include lawn maintenance in their association fees. Lawn maintenance should include grass mowing, fertilization, watering and general maintenance to prevent costly damage at a later date.

Villa Cleaning and Inspection – includes the cleaning of towels, bed linen, dishes etc once your guest has vacated the villa. A thorough check of the villa for damage, where damage is found the rentors security deposit can be charged accordingly. The villa check is designed to keep your villa maintained in tip top condition for your future guests and you the villa owner.

Pool Maintenance – should include services such as cleaning of the pool, ph balancing, water chlorination and replacing pump filter.

Villa Maintenance – essential maintenance such as small stains on the carpet, marks on the walls etc. If dealt with early these wear and tear problems ensure major maintenance will be required as infrequently as possible.

Pest Control – monthly chemical treatments to both the inside and outside of your property are a must in Florida. The treatments are essential to ensure the elimination of insects from your home.

Bill Payment Facility – some Management Companies offer to pay your utilities bills from rentals monies received.  They transfer monies received from rentals into your US bank account and pay the utility bills from the same bank account.  We personally pay all our own bills directly out of our bank account and so keep complete control of all our finances.   The decision on which route you take is entirely yours.

Dealing With Licencing Issues

All villa owners who intend to rent their villa for short term rental purposes must be properly licensed with Department of Regulation, divisions of hotels and restaurants and a Florida state agency. Before the licence is issued the property will be inspected by a Florida state agency, this will cost in the region of $150 for a single family home.  Your Management Company will be able to assist in all of the items below.

The state of Florida inspection requires each home to have the following.

 A copy of your charges for the villa must be kept at you management companies office.

 A 2A40BC fire extinguisher to be installed.

 A smoke alarm system in all living areas including bedrooms and living rooms all alarms must be interlinked.

 An additional smoke alarm for the hard of hearing.

 All exterior doors must have a double locking system fitted.

Taxes

In addition to the property taxes that every homeowner has to pay, an additional tax based on the gross rents received must be collected for any rentals of 180 days or less. This tax is made up of:

5-6% Tourist Development or Resort Tax

6-7% State of Florida Sales Tax.

Therefore, a total of around 11% to 13% of gross rentals received is to be paid in State and County Taxes.  Normally these taxes are charged on top of the rents and paid by the tenants – much the same as would take place with a hotel or motel.   However, for our homes, we include the taxes within the price we quote so that the potential guest does not receive any nasty surprises when the final rental cost is calculated.

Taxes that are collected from rental income must be submitted to the appropriate agencies on a monthly basis by the 20th of the following month, in compliance with the law. In other words, rental income received in August must be paid by the 20th of September.  By paying these taxes, you are assured that you are properly registered for State and County Tax.  It is the responsibility of the owner to declare the rental income achieved on Owner Bookings and to pay the relevant tourist tax. If your Management Company has made bookings on your behalf and taken the rental income, then it is their responsibility to ensure all taxes are paid to the relevant authorities.  However, you need to check this happens as any default on payment is YOUR responsibility.  For this reason, my wife and I pay all taxes for our properties – once again enabling us to keep strict control of our finances.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at phil@floridasuntime.com.

Please visit our web-site at http://www.floridasuntime.com for further detail

 



Taro

Dec
17
Filed Under (villa) by
vacation villa
IFA LLC asked:


Every year, hundreds of Timeshare weeks, “8 day 7 night” vacation stays go unused. Timeshare resorts all around the world routinely experience vacancy rates of up 30-40% due to condo owner’s inability to travel. There is a great deal of enjoyment available to those who rent these weeks “Owner Direct” and get to stay in a 5 star resort for the cost of a regular hotel room.

Many times a rate of $100 – $150 per night is very attainable if one shops around while in a higher demand or more exotic areas can cost more, but $400 – $500 weeks are available regularly.

Timeshare may or may not be an idea that has worked for you in the past but just knowing the basic” in’s and out’s” of the system may afford a family vacation to a beautiful resort in an exotic location which would have never been a reality if the resort wasn’t a Timeshare Resort.

Each beautiful 1, 2 and 3 bedroom vacation villa unit’s will normally have all of the amenities of home and more including a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath a fully equipped Kitchen and usually a screened in patio or porch for outdoor dining day or night.

Resorts offer the convenience of a Hotel check in and full Housekeeping services if one desires but most often it’s pretty much like renting a condo where you have the place all to yourself and the privacy and responsibility of taking care of the vacation villa on your own with some light housekeeping services provided like daily trash removal daily, but full cleaning services are normally a option for a modest fee.

When you go on vacation, one of the largest expenses you incur is the cost of eating out. The typical meal for a family of four will run $40 to $100 depending on your choice of digs. With a full kitchen, one can go to the local grocery or resort mini-mart and stock up on just about anything one desires.

If you get the basics for breakfast and a occasional light supper and munchies, you can reduce the food expense associated with your vacation substantially and use those savings on other more important items.

In addition to the full kitchen most villas come standard with a front room with a sleeper sofa, a master suite which includes the Jacuzzi and multiple TV’s and entertainment resources. Outside the villa the resorts will have numerous activities for all members of the family to enjoy.

Depending upon the destination you choose, leisure activities abound such as skiing or snow boarding, surfing or water sports and golf and tennis and just about anything that other folks like to do on vacation.

Plan your next vacation at one of the 4,000 or so resorts worldwide and come home from your next vacation with a broader smile and a deeper tan. Let the kids experience new cultures and flavors of life with quality vacations in a secure resort setting abroad. Recharge your batteries in a new found Paradise in class.

Help motivated owners cover some of their ownership expenses by renting or help them get an unwanted asset off their hands by buying owner direct and give yourself a chance to stay in top notch accommodations for hotel prices for life and own a deed which you can pass on.

Whatever your desires are, we can help you find the right choice for your vacation dreams to come true. Contact us at Help Me Sell My Timeshare dot com, “helpmesellmytimeshare.com” to learn about our special offer to first time renters of a free 2 night weekend or midweek special Get Up and Go Wyndham travel certificate to one of 25 exciting top travel destinations when you rent one of our clients units.

Rent one vacation and get one week end or midweek special Get Up and Go Wyndham 3 night 2 day get away for free.

Rent to own opportunities can allow full credit of rental fees toward highly discounted purchase prices on quality resorts earning you a free week rental credit. Learn how dealing in the secondary market can save you 50-75% off retail developer pricing as a savvy consumer. Don’t pay 17.99% APR and retail prices, buy from a “FSBO”, For Sale By Owner, buy owner direct and save money with low interest loans lender direct.

Please drop us a line at helpmesellmytimeshare@gmail.com or call 407-380-7300,

10:00-9:00 EST Daily.

Let us show you the benefits of resort style vacations on a savvy consumers budget.



Edy

vacation villa
Cogswellia asked:


A group of friends (let’s say 13 adults, 9 kids aged 3 – 9) living in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, have over the years gone on 3 wonderful week long vacations together. We have visited
1. A villa in Tuscany
2. A resort in Costa Rica
3. A huge beach house in Hawaii
We would like recommendations for other places we could go as a group. A perfect place for us would be a huge house on a beach with a swimming pool, a huge kitchen, and dining room table that would seat 13 adults. We really like a great shared community space. However, we are flexible. If you know a place on the beach in Belize that comes with its own cook we would certainly be interested. Specific recommendations and descriptions of what you like about the place would be appreciated. We are currently thinking about Thailand or Vietnam, but are open to ideas. For example, a recommendation for a villa on the island of Lamu might also be interesting to dream about even if we could not afford it.

Raul

Dec
15
vacation villa
Ryoma asked:


I am looking to organize a vacation with a group of about 8 friends.
Renting a beach side villa is my plan and I am wondering if anybody can help me decide between Thailand, Indonesia, or someplace similar in Cost and climate.

The vacation would be for 10 days and renting a villa is a must. I would be able to go whenever the best weather would be.

Any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated.
I forgot to add that I have been to Thailand a few times while in the Navy. Phuket, Bangkok, and Pattaya. I’m just looking to relax and enjoy the country so Pattaya and the city of Bangkok are out.

I’ve never been to Indonesia but have heard good things about Bali.

I’m really not sure what to expect of Indonesia and I don’t want to disappoint the group.

Hynek

vacation villa
Elie asked:


I am looking for either a resort with a private pool for each room, or a villa with a private pool, or any such vacation spot in Arizona with a private pool. I would prefer in Scottsdale or Phoenix.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

Regina

vacation villa
daisydukes asked:


We went to Myrtle Beach several years back and rented a beach house. It was a 4 bedroom beach house that we rented from a local hotel place. It was walking distance from Broadway on the Beach. I cant remember the name of the place to save my life, but we absolutely loved it and would like to book another vacation there.

The beach house was right next too a place called San Marcos Villa. It had a playground inside the pool, lazy rivers. Dont know if that helps, but if anyone has any clue could you please help me out.. Thanks

Nessy

vacation villa
khuke99 asked:


I would like to send my parents on a trip for their wedding anniversity. I’m looking into renting a villa in Tuscany, or sending them on a trip to England or Ireland. Does any one have any experience or suggestions on how I would go about doing that. Should I work through a travel agent? Is there someone out there that you have worked with in planning a trip like this? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

Avinash

Dec
13
Filed Under (villa) by
vacation villa
Dwight Lavoie asked:


Spain is considered one of the leading vacation destinations in Europe. Mixing historical monuments together with a warm climate and sandy shores, this is not surprising that people from various parts of the planet decide on vacation villas in Spain.

These villas may be a true home from home when delighting all the matchless attractions situated in this remarkable country. Apartment and villa rental choices may vary from the uncomplicated and simple to the most luxurious and salubrious properties, counting on your budget, taste, and selection. Imagine yourself in one of the beach villas or apartments in a village environment.

With numerous vacation Spain villa and apartment facilities as there are spots to choose from, we know there is one, which is right for you. Pick various regions for every vacation trip. Vacation villas in Spain may come at a lower price than staying at high priced package inns, when at the same time having you feel like a local.

However, the largest investments will be by reserving your vacation villa straight with the possessor, so you do not need to disburse a fee or commission to a tour operator. Each week there is a raise for sites, which let you negotiate and book your vacation villa or apartment directly with the possessors themselves, so you do not need to pay commissions on the apartment vacation villas in Spain.

Holiday rentals in Spain and vacation rentals in Spain, rent directly from the owners. Spanish holiday homes – a holiday villa or perhaps a holiday apartment in Spain. Spain vacation rentals for holidays in Spain are easily located by searching holiday homes in Spain on our website. Holiday rentals in Spain – we offer you a variety of Spanish holiday homes for your summer holiday rentals in Spain.



Mauricio

Dec
12
holiday villa
little_coow asked:


I live in a hot country but in the summer i wanna have a break, i wanna go sum where with great beaches, things to see, lots of green will be nice.. n also not a place that a bottle of water cost $1000 :P
I thinking maybe a place that i can get like a flat or villa or sumthing on the beach or very close (2 minute WALK)
I went to thailand 2 yrs ago n got a lovely place on the beach, outdoor pool, n all facilities.. it was amazing.. but i want sumthing different this time!
any idea?
europe or asia?
which country? (dont just gimme the country tell me which city to go to!!)

tell me from ur own experiences plz! :)

Valeda

Dec
12
holiday villa
Will S asked:


I am planning a holiday to Spain and have been browsing the internet for villas and have found a few that i like. However, most of these are run by Solmar Villas who i found that (after a little research) have a pretty bad reputation and i was just wondering if anyone could offer any further insight into this firm?

Any insight, be it positive or negative is welcome :)

Thanks.

Annette