Orlando Real Estate investments

Orlando and Orange County Investment opportunities
Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are:
• Vacation homes/2nd homes, both single family or Condos that can be rented out.
• Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally.
• A home to eventually retire to and rent in the meantime to help pay mortgage costs.

Due to the incredible growth in tourism and people relocating to Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford and Winter Park, investments ( both commercial and 2nd family home rental) in these communities should be a strong consideration.

As to Orange County-where would the best rentals probably be located? The following is a partial list.
• · Orlando, near theme parks.
• · Orlando-historic downtown area.
• · Homes and Condos on the lakes, golf courses (all locations)
• · Sanford, historic downtown area.
• · Kissimmee

*To get an idea on rates charged and potential income of vacation (short term) rentals, see nightly rates: http://www.awardpoolhomes.com/Rates.htm

Long term
*The downtown areas in cities are also seeing strong growth. In short some people are going away from life in the suburbs and opting
for closeness to theatre, restaurants and the vitality of a city environment. So, don’t overlook the downtown areas.
To know:
• The best areas to rent are generally near the water and the best rental income will start at open water locations, followed
by homes/condos with a partial view to homes on canals. The neighborhood and the furnishings will also dictate the rent amounts you can get.
• In the Keys-the best situation was a home at least three bedrooms and up on the Ocean or Gulf with a pool and a boat dock. In some cases these
bring as much as $5000.00 per week, depending on the home/area.
• It is very important that you find out early on which residential areas and which condo associations allow weekly rentals-as this will be generally be your best return.
• In some cases you may want to just rent out long term and skip the dealings with handy men and cleaning services.
• In all of this—the most important thing is that you find a qualified agent. He/she can guide you through the process completely—including setting up property management.

Sarasota employment

Sarasota and Sarasota County Employment
Sarasota County has employment opportunities in manufacturing, retail and the service industries. As new businesses continue to move into the area and existing businesses grow, employment will continue to be on the rise. Sarasota County has an educated and motivated workforce traditionally functioning in a non-union work environment.

Some statistics:
Labor force (2004) 74,000
Average wages
• All Industries $31,383
• Construction $34,475
• Education & Health Services $35,305
• Financial Activities $52,838
• Information $42,455
• Leisure & Hospitality $16,899
• Manufacturing $35,572
• Natural Resources & Mining $27,450
• Other Services $21,398
• Professional & Business Services $28,873
• Public administration $38,136
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities $28,532

Employment by industry as of 2004
• Construction 8.6%
• Education & Health Services20.2%
• Financial Activities 6.4%
• Information 2.0%
• Leisure & Hospitality12.2%
• Manufacturing 5.0%
• Natural Resources & Mining0.3%
• Other Services 4.0%
• Professional & Business Services 17.5%
• Public administration 4.6%
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities 19.3%

Jacksonville Employment

Jacksonville and Duval County Employment
One of the best things about Jacksonville and Duval county is the abundance of career opportunities.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or a corporate executive, Jacksonville has a position for you. Since there is no state or local income tax, you take home more. That combined with a low cost of living means a better lifestyle.

Some statistics:
• As of may 2004 per the US Department of labor in Jacksonville:
• Number of workers-544,350
• Median hourly wage $13.07 to $16.70
• Entry $7.87 per hour
• Experienced $21.11 average per hour
• Annual wage $34,190

For specific figures by occupation go to http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_3600.htm#b00-0000

http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/oes.htm

The areas top 20 employers as of late 2003 per the Jacksonville Chamber of commerce http://www.myjaxchamber.com/business_information/jobs.asp#top20
• Naval Air Station Jacksonville U.S. Navy 19,537
• Naval Station Mayport U.S. Navy 15,293
• Duval County Public Schools Public Education 14,962
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. Supermarket (Corporate Headquarters) 12,253
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. Health Insurance 9,200
• City of Jacksonville Municipal Government 7,100
• State of Florida State Government 7,056
• Publix Supermarkets, Inc. Regional Supermarket Distribution Center 7,000
• Baptist Health System Healthcare 5,824
• Wal-Mart Stores Retail 5,800
• Bank of America Regional Banking Systems Headquarters 5,500
• CSX Transportation Railroad Corporate Headquarters 5,200
• United Parcel Service Worldwide Parcel Delivery 4,970
• U.S. Postal Service 4,184
• St. Lukes Hospital Hospital 4,106
• Naval Air Depot Maintenance/Repair Overhaul 4,000
• St. Vincent's Health System Healthcare 4,000
• Citibank Credit Care Company 3,800
• Shands Jacksonville Hospital Healthcare 3,700
• Florida Community College of Jacksonville Community College 3,684

Additional resources for job and demographic information
Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida (BEBR)

http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/
U.S Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov

Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation – Labor Market Information
http://www.labormarketinfo.com
State jobs http://dms.myflorida.com/

*If you have to work for a living, you might as well be in a great environment.

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Orlando Employment

Orlando and Orange County Employment
Orange County has employment opportunities in a wide range of industries.
As new businesses continue to move into the area and existing businesses grow, employment will continue to be on the rise. Orange County has an educated and motivated workforce traditionally functioning in a non-union work environment.

The greatest area for potential employment lies in the services industry, which represents approximately 40 percent of all employment. Within the services area, the tourism sector is particularly promising. Two of the three biggest employers comprise theme parks and hotels: the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando.

Health care and retail (stores) also are major employers within the services sector.
In addition, several corporate headquarters are located throughout the region. They include Siemens Westinghouse, American Automobile Association, Dixon Ticonderoga, Darden Restaurants, Hilton and Tupperware International.
Above from site at http://www.ahoraorlando.com/english/business.htm
Some statistics:
Labor force (2004) 528,933

Average wages
• All Industries $34,623
• Construction $38,525
• Education & Health Services $35,666
• Financial Activities $48,414
• Information $48,205
• Leisure & Hospitality $21,921
• Manufacturing $47,730
• Natural Resources & Mining $20,952
• Other Services $24,722
• Professional & Business Services $40,246
• Public administration $41,642
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities $33,130

Employment by industry as of 2004
• Construction 5.1%
• Education & Health Services 15.0%
• Financial Activities 6.5%
• Information 2.7%
• Leisure & Hospitality 22.2%
• Manufacturing 4.6%
• Natural Resources & Mining 0.8%
• Other Services 2.9% 3.2%
• Professional & Business Services 17.3%
• Public administration 4.4%
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities 18.6%

Florida Real Estate investments

Florida Real Estate Investments
Because of the fast growing base of people relocating to Florida along with the tourism industry, Florida offers three unique opportunities for investments.
• 1031 tax exchanges
• Buying a second home/condo and using it as a rental.
• Buying a commercial piece of property, from duplexes to apartments, to triple net shopping malls.
The above combined with an above average appreciation rate for Real Estate make Florida a place you definitely need to consider, regardless of your financial capabilities.

Rentals
Due to our tourist industry both from the USA and abroad, rentals can be the answer.
If you’re selling a multifamily unit (Duplexes etc) a condo or single family home and looking to possibly buy one here, Florida can be just the ticket.

RENTALS/Vacation homes and Condo’s
Once you’ve zeroed in on an area, depending on you payback requirements , you’ll need to determine if zoning allows rentals on a weekly, monthly or long-term basis.
*This is an evolving situation depending on the community, so you really need to do your homework on this one.
Generally, short-term rentals are allowed only in commercial/residential zoned areas and are restricted in strictly residential neighborhoods.
I suggest that once you find the area you’re interested in, search the investment section of the site for a REALTOR that specializes in 1031 exchanges. (See the Real Estate links for the area you are interested in)

Second family homes
Looking to buy something and rent it out to help make the payments and then possibly retire to it later? Florida has something to fit your tastes and financial capability.
Because of tourism and the influx of people moving into the state (job transfers-military transfers or just plain people relocating) oftentimes they want to rent before buying.

In addition, don’t forget appreciation. Florida is one of the leading states in property appreciation. People want to be here.

Commercial properties and Existing businesses
There are Hotels. Marinas, mfg facilities, retail operations, mom and pop motels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, shopping malls (big and small) available. Regardless of the lifestyle and skills you bring, there is a business here for you.

New businesses
Because we are growing rapidly, there is always a need for a new business, be it a retail operation a shopping center, apartments or homes.
Florida is home to thousands of small businesses. In fact they are one of the largest employers in the country.
In conclusion if you’re interested in changing your lifestyle or just continuing what you know in a better location and climate, you need to really check Florida out.