Heather the Realtor - Orlando Area's Top Real Estate News

Florida is the country’s most popular winter vacation spot, well-known for its most famous host, Mickey Mouse, spring-break parties, and great beaches. But if you’re looking for more than a party and a tan, Florida is trendy and culturally diverse with attractions for every passion.

Walt Disney may have begun the theme park revolution at Disneyland in southern California but the Florida resort that bears his name has helped the Orlando area become the world's theme park headquarters. With nine major parks and a slew of hotels, waterparks, restaurants and other diversions, the Central Florida region has changed the very notion of what it means to take a vacation.

Why Invest in Orlando?

• The Orlando region is rapidly becoming one of the tech centers in the world
• The Orlando region added more than 44,000 jobs last year and ranks 15th in the nation among the 100 largest labor markets with at least 240,000 non-farm jobs
• A new market study by Boston based research firm Torto Wheaton predicts the Orlando region to have the 3rd fastest job creation in the US for the next 5 years
• The population in Orlando has increased 51% since 1990 with no sign of letting up

Here are some questions to ask when thinking about purchasing a Vacation Home in Orlando.

What type of property should I buy and where is the best location?

This depends on what you want from your investment and how you plan to use it. Are you after investment income or capital growth through appreciation? Are you looking for a holiday or a seasonal second home? Do you want an income by renting the property? Renting can produce enough income to cover all of the outgoings including the mortgage. For the ideal solution to your particular property needs we'll draw up your own personal property profile so that you can decide which suits you best.

Should I arrange finance for the purchase or should I buy cash?

In most cases it is better to have finance on the property. By finding a deposit of only 20% means you can keep the majority of your investments in place still earning you money. The interest on the loan is tax deductible against your income. In the case of a rented investment property the income generated can finance the purchase.

If I buy a property for rental income how many weeks must I rent to achieve a break even and what are "guaranteed rentals"?

The location, cost and type of property will have major effects on the income achievable for weekly 'short term' rentals. Very careful costing analysis must be calculated before you purchase a property for this purpose. In good rental areas the optimum property will need to be let for around 35 weeks to break even. Many people make the mistake of buying based on the promise of a "guaranteed rental income" this is a mistake for two reasons. It is an unlawful "inducement" in Florida to promise a guaranteed return on a Real Estate transaction. And, if you cannot afford to buy without achieving the minimum income guaranteed you could seriously restrict your current standard of living.

I have heard that some areas have restrictions on rentals and periods of rental occupancy, is this true?

Yes, rental restrictions and deed restrictions are rules that are specific to individual areas and developments. We can give you the correct information you need on specific areas, builders and developments to make sure that your required property usage is allowed within your chosen location. This information must be seen in writing before any contracts are signed.

If you are looking to purchase a vacation home here in Orlando, FL  Heather Joubran is professionally qualified so no matter what you are looking for she can help. It may well be that you do not see what exactly what you want on Central Florida Luxury Estates but Heather Joubran acting as your personal "Buyers Broker" will tailor her service to your requirements and help you find the perfect property. She offers continuity and consistency and can give testimonials from past and present clients who have been delighted with her services.