Homes Inspection Information

Home inspection

Home inspections are essential since they enable a buyer to discover the physical attributes of your home. In just about all instances, homes are sold in just top condition. Therefore, a buyer has to be informed regarding the anticipated expenses associated with maintaining the house post-closing.

Home inspection is a very sensitive and in some cases thorny issue that could potentially make or unmake a true estate deal. The way you handle the home inspection will ultimately have an impact on the level of real estate property deal that you will get and the state of the property a few months afterwards.

Home inspection is really a process necessarily conducted in the initial phase of your home buying transaction or pursuits. This is when you hire a professional home inspector to perform the required evaluation and assessment from the subject property. The principal role of your inspector is to render his professional and expert opinion around the real condition of your home back then the inspection was conducted. As an illustration, this technique will assist you to reduce the chance of getting a property which happens to be defective or is not going to past your own personal preferences and criteria. If he still considers to pursue the transaction or otherwise, it can be likewise worth noting that the process is not designed to eliminate those risks as it is approximately the home buyer, however.

Home inspection report

Although the home inspection report may give you more information relating to your home, it could never replicate the knowledge of partaking inside the inspection or interacting with the inspector. The face area-to-face interaction is effective since it enables you to seek advice that arise as you walk the house.

Develop your own "hit list" of critical issues that you need to resolve, as soon as you have the home inspection report. Rank things that you want to do according to importance and urgency. Make certain you begin work without delay. Time is of essence and further delay could make the disorder irreversible. This will likely translate to higher cost of repairs and replacement.

Home inspection company

The standard value of an inspection varies according to the area, size of the property, and services supplied by the home inspection company. Similar to most services, you will find a strong component of getting whatever you buy. Deciding on the lowest priced inspector can frequently lead to problems later on.

When picking a residence inspector, you're actually selecting a professional who may be qualified to give your property a top-notch-to-bottom checkup. Therefore, it is vital to complement someone that is knowledgeable, detail-oriented, reliable and professional. First, time buyers often make the mistake of choosing the most cost effective home inspection company. Unfortunately, such "inexpensive" inspectors often lack the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate your future home.

It is essential to ask the house inspection company in regards to thelicensing and credentials, and experience of the house inspectors that will be inspecting your house. This may not be a conclusion being taken lightly!

Vero Beach Information updates

Hutchinson island Information update

Miami Information

Big Pine Key Homes for sale

Lower Keys Luxury Real Estate Information

The Basics of Home Equity Lines

You may be able to take advantage of borrowing against a percentage of your available equity when you have outright ownership or the remaining amount that you owe on the loan is lower than the current value. Two options available will be known either as home equity lines or a home equity type of loan.

Lines of Credit for Home Equity Information

HELOC (Home Equity Lines of Credit) is credit that has been secured in your home that allows you access to a revolving type of credit line. This can be compared to the same system as a credit card. The difference would be you are borrowing money from the equity available from your home. 

Typically you are allowed to draw cash from the HELOC up to 10 years accompanied be a repayment term of 15 years. Home equity lines are commonly used for consolidating high interest rate debt for other loans. Or you could use the credit to fund home improvements or renovations for the purpose of increasing the value potential on the property.

Basic Principles

There is some basic information relating to home equity lines:

Qualifying

For you to qualify for lines of credit, you will have to have an available amount in equity. The money that you still owe on your home will need to be lower than the current value of your house. Your lender will look at aspects such as your monthly debts, income and employment history.

The Index

This is a system known as financial indicators that are used by the banks in order to determine rates for loan products. Many banks use Prime Rate from “The Wall Street Journal”.

The Margin

This is an amount added onto the index in order to provide an interest rate on your lines of credit for home equity.

The Limit

This is an amount that the lender will determine by using a calculation on your available home equity.

Draw Period

This is the amount of time you will be given on which to repay the credit line you have used. This period may vary from lender to lender; typically the period will be no more than 10 years.

The Interest

Any amount of cash that you borrow from your credit lines will be charged with interest. Home equity lines will have a variation in interest rates and the interest rate can change from one month to another. It is important to know that your lender is allowed to change you credit lines by decreasing the amount on funds available at their discretion.

When using home equity lines in order to pay off or consolidate your other debts. It is advisable not to start up new debt on these accounts or open new accounts. This can relate to a difficulty in paying off all your accumulated debts which may include your credit from your home equity line. This may result in the risk of losing your home as well as negative effects to your existing credit ratings.

Relocating to the Keys from Canada.

The Florida Keys, a tropical island paradise where the only ice you’ll find is in the refrigerator. With its warm climate and relaxed, come as you are attitude that permeates the archipelago, it’s little wonder why so many Canadians choose to vacation here for a week to six months at a time.

An ideal getaway, the Florida Keys are rich in tropical breezes, and boast some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the planet. It’s a popular location for visitors from Canada because the outdoors are pleasant nearly every day of the year.

Just a few trips to the Keys gets many Canadians thinking about relocating permanently, living in Florida year round is certainly preferable to those long, cold northern winters.

To make moving to the Keys a reality, there are a few things, which need be done first. Here’s a look into the relocation process and living in the Florida Keys.

Passports, Green Cards, and Naturalization

Your Canadian passport allows you to stay in the United States for up to six months at a time, however, it’s not a permanent eligibility vehicle. To stay in the U.S. full time, you’ll need to get a green card, which can be done if you’ve got a job with a firm in the States or an immediate family member living in the U.S.

Some choose to become citizens, and that means going through a process called naturalization. Live in the Keys for five consecutive years after obtaining your green card, and you’ll officially be a U.S. citizen.

Your RRSP

Collapsing your RRSP might be the smart thing to do after permanently relocating to the Florida Keys. This is where a lawyer will come in handy. Discuss the pros and cons of collapsing your RRSP. Generally, collapsing your RRSP after moving to the Sunshine State will have a significant tax advantage than doing so before you move.

Departure Tax

There is a possibility you’ll be subject to the Canadian departure tax, which an experienced lawyer can advise you about. Have a cross border financial plan worked up for you to determine if you’ll be subject to the departure tax and when it’s most advantageous to pay it.

Moving to the Keys

It’s going to require more than just a plane ticket, unless of course, you leave all your belongings behind in the Great White North. This is a good time to get in touch with a local real estate agent who's experienced in relocation moves.

In addition, you’ll need a professional moving company, so its best to get some recommendations, then check those companies out with the Better Business Bureau. Read the contract carefully, and don’t settle for vague estimates.

Solid Information About Home Security Which Is Easy To Understand

There are lots of customers for home security these days. Anyone could be a victim of burglary. For burglars, low security homes are easy targets. If you want to avoid being targeted by vandals, be sure and ready the article below for some important information with regards to home security. Be sure that your home always appears occupied. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries. You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Check their references fully. If you're hiring from a company, call the BBB for more information. Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. Your safe should be placed somewhere it is not readily noticeable. Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies. Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. Your friends have gone through both bad and good experiences and they will be able to share them with you. Ask around to get lots of advice for making a better choice. Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. These programs can make a big difference to the security of your home, and they may just be a phone call away. Store your car in the garage if you have it. Keeping the car in the garage can keep thieves from vandalizing or stealing it. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not. You need to have your security system checked once a year. Have a worker from the security company take a look at it. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. It's quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can't see it. Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. Small valuables fit nicely inside walls. Target any unused phone jacks or electrical outlets for an easy hiding spot. You can easily install fake unused plates. Home security is the only way to keep your family safe. You never know when a criminal might strike. Create the most effective home security plan by following the tips presented here. Don't wait for something to happen. Act now before tragedy strikes.

About Foreclosures

Foreclosed homes can be great bargains, because the prior owner purchased the home at a significantly higher price and was unable to take care of the payments, so you have the ability to own exactly the same home for the much lower price. But so how exactly does your mortgage credit rating element in? Foreclosed homes used to be auctioned off for generally below fifty percent of their fair market price. However, the popularity of the way of home buying has resulted in greater attendance at foreclosure auctions and, more bidders means more competition, which results in higher sales prices. Still, foreclosures are going for easily at least ten to twenty percent off of the market value of comparable properties leading them to be a substantial investment. Buying foreclosed homes When purchasing foreclosed homes, expect that many of them would require major changes and you may have to repair some parts or perhaps renovate the entire property. So, you need to ensure that the property are at least liveable and cozy before closing an agreement, being a buyer. This can be accomplished by conducting home inspections. Determine how much money is essential for your purchase. Buying foreclosed homes can be quite a potential bargain. You must determine the amount of money you are going to need in order to buy one of many potential homes. The opportunity bargain is the opening bid it is usually depending on the total amount of money owed for the lender. There is your bid amount this is actually the amount you should and will bid. In buying these homes, it's safer to eliminate those potential homes you can't afford. Make sure to inspect the homes for damages. After you have your vision on certain homes, it's preferable to inspect each one personally. You don't want to spend a lot of money on damaged windows and huge plumbing problems. If possible, make an estimate to the repairs and renovations needed. In buying foreclosed homes, it is better to allot up to 15% of your budget to such repairs and renovations. After inspection, all that you have left to complete is usually to participate in a foreclosed property auction. Bid smartly. On or prior to the day of the auction,verify that this auction will probably be going on, occasionally it might be canceled or postponed. Just be certain to become informed of your new auction date should it be postponed. In buying foreclosed homes, arrive early at the positioning of the auction. Be sure you keep calm since it could be intimidating, particularly if are still new at this. It is essential to keep in mind when bidding would be to never permit the other participants know what you can bid.

Real estate property investing

Real-estate investing is not really for anyone. There are a few drawbacks like coping with tenants needs, repairs, & possible vacancies. Choosing the right team to help you is of the very most importance. A Realtor with investment experience might help in picking properties or help manage rentals. A home financing lender can suggest the best method of financing and qualify you for that appropriate purchase price. A cpa can plan your taxes to be able to take advantages of the very most deductions and pay less in tax each and every year. Real estate attorneys behave as an insurance plan & protecting your interests from losses. Selecting the correct advisers will set you up for success. Property investing is not really nearly as legally complicated, financially burdensome, or time consuming as you might think. In reality, it is easy to add raw land, shopping malls, apartment complexes, and private homes to your portfolio without Attorneys, Bankers and Brokers along with a Rolodex full of maintenance professionals' contact numbers. Better still, it is possible to blend your Real-estate investments into the security portfolio for ease of management, income monitoring, diversification analysis, etc. With out mega millions to use, or perhaps a credit line that goes around the block, you might have positions in a variety of kinds of Real-estate Commercial and Industrial, Residential) as well, and focus either on Growth Opportunities, Income Production, or a mixture of the 2. Rental property When you are thinking multi-family real estate property investing, you might be usually likely to have to make a bigger investment than you might to get a single-family home. Additionally, you will have to be entitled to a home loan to get a rental property, which might involve a different approval process than qualifying to purchase your own house. For example, obtaining a home loan on an investment property which is a multi-family unit may involve showing the way the property itself will generate income by doing projections of your own expected expenses and income. In relation to deciding on the best vehicle for real estate investing there are several paths it is possible to take including becoming a rehabinvestor and wholesaler, or rental property investor, from that point you might have a lot of sub-categories that will get a good deal deeper into investment strategies. Private money Using private money loans will be the single best way to fund the development associated with a real-estate investing business. The main advantages of using private money can not be matched by any other type of creative financing. The best reason that using private cash is this kind of advantage to property investors is because it streamlines your property shopping process, allowing more transactions to be completed faster, contributing to increased profits. Having the capacity to give a fast closing with cash offered by private lenders will motivate sellers to adopt your offer within the competition. This will also entice these to go on a much lower price compared to what they would from the conventional buyer. Also, since real estate property investors find and purchase properties to date below market price, these private loans usually cover 100% of your purchase price in addition to some or all of the renovation costs. Furthermore, without advance payment, and several times no monthly payment about the loan, it's easy to see why this strategy is the main method for financing property investment deals. Since using private funds are this sort of help to real estate investors, they are able to offer lenders high interest rates.

Making the Choice Between a Condo or a House

 Single family or condo or townhome? In a condo or townhome community, you won't have to take care of the landscaping and your neighbors will have to abide by the association's rules.

Pros and Cons
Many people think that paying a monthly homeowner's association fee is just too much. If you purchase a single family home, big ticket items will eventually have to be replaced.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of housing, lifestyle and cost can help determine whether a single-family house or a condo is a more suitable dwelling for your needs.

Conversely, as mentioned, you won't be able to really personalize a condo or a townhouse. Sure, you can do what you like with the interior (for the most part), but you won't be able to change the exterior.

Key Considerations
Now we get down to the key factors. Here are some things you ought to give thought to before making your final decision between a single family home or a condo:.

Close proximity. Okay, so in some developments, single family homes are built close together, but they're not attached. Noise might be a factor, so be sure to find out in advance.
Privacy concerns. This goes with proximity. In a townhome or a condo, your neighbors won't be far away.

Single family homes actually have more privacy issues because you can't see through a condo's walls.= but you can peer into windows on every side of a house.
Maintenance and upkeep. Here again, paying an HOA fee is akin to paying for landscaping, pool maintenance, pest control, and all the other stuff that goes with owning a single family home. If you're the DIY type, a condo probably isn't a good fit.

Price and location. Sure, you might want to live downtown or near the beach, but single family homes in or near these areas are usually pricey. A condo or townhome might be a better fit for your budget.

In addition, think about resale. No matter which you choose, you might move again and you'll want some return on your investment.

Where You Live is How You Live!

Where you live is just how you live. Put merely, people are an item of their setting, which is why most individuals living in bigger cities, nearly constantly have higher tension degrees.

The results of higher stress:.
Study has documented that higher degrees of anxiety most definitely boost the danger of heart disease and movements to name a few health problems. Furthermore, boosted stress is likewise disadvantageous when it concerns getting points done, as higher anxiety levels eliminate valuable power. Conversely, living a life where stress degrees are much less, has actually been associateded with reduce blood stress and a much more basic feeling of health.

The verdict is, that if you stay in a location that has lower levels of stress, it could consequently lead to a much better top quality of life. So, for those who are seeking a change of rate, transferring to a location where tension degrees will lower is always a great choice.
As an example, those that live in areas such as Florida coastline towns, will certainly practically always take pleasure in reduced tension levels. The sound of the ocean, the feeling of the sand in between your toes and warm days are life's natural mood enhancements and will as a matter of fact transform the way you see the world and your life.

As a choice, relocating to the coastlines of Florida might be the most effective point you've ever before provided for on your own. Take into consideration that you perhaps owe it to on your own and your family members to seriously consider this as a life changing choice. The beaches of Florida are a few of the most beautiful on the planet, and making your new house along the shore can be a wonderful means to lower your tension degrees.
Picture yourself resting on a hammock, sipping a drink and looking out to the ocean. The years of challenging work, do not you owe yorself something?

Financial investment Advantages of Buying Waterfront Property in the Keys

When buying any sort of home, it's always a sound idea to consider the future. Whether it will be your main house or an investment home you'll rent, you'll probably market it eventually. You wish to put your cash into a true financial investment, not simply a location to live or rent for a while.

The point about realty is that it's concrete and, genuine. It's not only land, but a renovation on that land, which is one of the standard human needs. To get the most from a property purchase, it should be in a preferable area and there's no better area compared to the Florida Keys

Why the Florida Keys

There are numerous spots in the country that have high end neighborhoods, yet just a portion are in a geographic place that has a climate so inviting as the Keys. Throughout the winter months, temperature levels reach into the sixties and seventies via the day, with overnight lows falling simply a couple of levels.

That alone is among the ideal needs to buy waterside property in the Keys, yet there are lots of others. One such factor is land accessibility-- actual property is a prime asset in the Keys since there's so little come down on which to build.

Financial investment Advantages of Buying Waterfront Property in the Keys.

Costs real estate is a large advantage, yet there are several others next to the incredible place and the fact the Keys are in high demand. Right here are some additional advantages of acquiring beachfront properties in the Florida Keys:.

Constantly sought after, regardless of the season. When it pertains to purchasing an investment home, experts suggest the owner be gotten ready for no rental income for 3 to 6 months every year. That's not an issue when the financial investment residential property is in such a location as the Keys.
Being able to supplement your earnings. Expounding on the previous point, having a financial investment property in the Keys implies it's visiting be occupied all year. That implies a great extra earnings for the owner.
Large time gratitude. Because waterfront residential property is better compared to landlocked genuine estate, it cherishes in value more over the years. Being in the Keys means intensifying that gratitude considerably.
Tax perks. There are certain write-offs which are available to financial investment homeowner. On top of that, there are other perks, if you determine to market and utilize the earnings to purchase one more home.
Leverage. When you possess beachfront residential property in the Keys, you possess something extremely attractive to loan providers when you visit purchase one more financial investment property. It's a great bit of take advantage of to have on your side to acquire much better funding for future acquisitions.

About Key West

Key West is both a place and a state of mind.  It lies about as far away as you can go in this USA, almost part of the tropics, some four hours and 150 miles south and west of Miami.  You cross a lot of bridges and spectacular blue and green water to get there, and when you get there you’re only 90 miles from Cuba. Cruise ships consider a stop at Key West part of their Caribbean itineraries!

It’s not a big place, and it is a place where real people live.  It has a year-round population of just over 26,000 and a median resident age of 39 years. Key West also includes the neighboring communities of Stock Island, where a lot of the remaining commercial fishing is based, and which used to be where Key West’s supplies were “stocked” in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, and Key Haven, with wide canals and lots of pleasure boats.

Key West has been described in about a zillion travel guides and Web sites and the name used in countless movies as the place people want to finally get away to.  Having lived in Cudjoe Key (23 miles away) and selling real Estate in Key West, I have a good feel for the place.

The best way to describe Key West, is a vacation place. Meaning whenever you’re there, the ambience and atmosphere catches you up in it and you could well be somewhere in the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

Key West is also a state of mind.  You can watch sunsets from Mallory Square on the harbor, or from the bars and restaurants on the boat basins. You can shop or whatever on famous Duval Street.  Since nobody knows how to throw a party like Key West does, you can join in at Fantasy Fest (think Mardi Gras) at the end of October, and see for yourself.  This is, after all, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.  Whatever you imagine about Key West is probably true.

Or you can enjoy the reality of Key West’s other state of mind too – its wonderful diversity, history, and creativity.  Lots of writers, artists, artisans, and musicians have always called this state of mind/special place home, from Hemingway to the present day.   

There are also plenty of areas in Key West where the locals go besides Duval Street and the sunset bars.  In fact when you get off of Duval, you will find restaurants, art galleries, grocery stores and antique shops in the neighborhoods, and tree-lined little streets with lots of tropical foliage where people live.

So although you’re in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the neighborhoods here are quiet, lined with historical architecture and have a very comfy feel.  And the historic district is very compact. You can walk everywhere. 

Dining Out

These areas outside of Duval, in my opinion with the exception of the Atlantic side of Duval are where the good restaurants are. Places like Louie’s Backyard,  Blue Heaven, and Michaels to name a few are popular with the locals and the tourists who have visited here many times and have found them.  My neighbor on Cudjoe Key, a longtime Florida and Keys resident, says to add Café Sole, Mangia Mangia, and Antonia’s to that list.  (Café Sole is right across a quiet little street from what just might be the best Haitian art gallery in America.)  Well, truth is, everybody’s got their favorites when it comes to restaurants and the hidden gems you can find here.  Part of the fun is walking around and discovering them.

Outdoors Recreation

Key West has all kinds of options when it comes to playing outside: diving and fishing, sailing, lying on the beach, biking and visiting historical sites.  And you can go for boatrides on the harbor, ranging from sunset sailing schooners to fast speedboats that spin in circles.

Boats and rides tend leave from the harbor area or the boat basin(s), but there’s a number of other options too.

Transportation

Key West international airport offers flights to Florida cities like Miami, Ft Lauderdale and Orlando.  From there you can fly anywhere in the world.

There is a “flying boat” ferry connecting to Ft Myers (takes a few hours), and of course Cruise ships stop here as a layover point or destination.  There is no train from or to points north.

The balance of travel back to mainland Florida is by automobile or bus on US1, known as the Overseas Highway.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced rush hour in Key West – some people swear there is no such thing.  Not much, anyway.

Finally, within Key West there is little need for anything more than your own two feet.  But you can drive, and there’s decent parking on the periphery of downtown.  There are also some buses, and taxis, of both the four-wheeled and two-legged variety!  Every once in a while somebody comes up with the idea of using boat taxis to get from Point A to Point B, but this isn’t reliable.

Housing

Homes in Key west are expensive – less expensive in Stock Island and very expensive in Key Haven. As of Sept 2005, homes in Key West started at $385,000 but much higher prices are commonplace.  Some of the tiny historic-type homes carry price tags that surprise people, but then you have to remember that it’s a small island in high demand, and there’s not a lot of inventory. 

There’s much more inventory when it comes to condominiums, but even condos are getting very pricy.  Timeshares, allowing week-at-a-time purchases, have become more common too.

                           *       *       *       *       *

In conclusion, several visits to the Keys and in particular Key West made me sell my business in Oregon and move to the Keys. It is an adventure and personally, I made a decision that I wanted to be one of the people who went on vacation and didn’t leave. For more info about Key West Contact Sean Farrer at http://key-west-real-estate.net

Miami and Dade County Education

Miami and Dade County Florida have some of the best schools in the country.As of fall 2004, there are more than 365,000 students.

Miami school specifics:

• 208 Elementary Schools
• 51 Middle Schools
• 46 High Schools
• 26 Adult schools
• 43 other schools
• 50 plus trade schools

Schools by classification , names and addresses:

http://www.floridasmart.com/local/counties/miami-dade/education_public.htm

Statistics  FCAT?http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/fl/district_profile/13/

Higher Education-Colleges and trade Schools.
There are 50 in all, teaching everything from Law, Health care to Business.A few Listings:

• Florida International University
  3000 NE 151st Street
  North Miami, FL 33181
  305-919-5700
  One of the top 25 comprehensive universities in the United States, FIU is the largest public university in South Florida and part of the state university system.
• Nova Southeastern University
  Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
  1750 NE 167th Street
  North Miami Beach, FL 33162
  800-986-3223
  Located in the heart of North Miami Beach, Nova Southeastern University Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services offers graduate education and professional development programs for educators and human services professionals in flexible formats via distance education.
• Union Institute & University
  College of Undergraduate Studies
  Florida Academic Center
  16853 NE 2nd Avenue
  North Miami Beach, FL 33162
  305-653-7141
  A private university offering individualized degree programs, flexible scheduling, accelerated degree completion, and rigorous academic standards
• University of Miami
  P.O. Box 248025, Coral Gables, 33124
  305-284-2211
  With more than 14,180 students, this four-year private university is the largest private university in the southeastern United States.
• St. Thomas University
  16400 NW 32nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33054
  305-625-6000
  This four-year private Catholic university offers students a liberal arts education.
• Nova Southeastern University
  3301 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314
  954-262-7300
  The largest independent university in Florida, Nova Southeastern offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• Barry University
  11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161
  305-899-3000
  Offering more than 50 undergraduate degrees, 35 graduate degrees, and several doctoral programs, Barry University is a four year independent university which currently serves 7,000.
• Miami-Dade Community College
  11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33167
  305-237-1000
  This is the largest campus of one of the nation's largest and most extensive community colleges, serving over 40,000 students.
• Johnson & Wales University
  1701 NE 127 Street, North Miami, FL 33181
  305-892-7000
  The Florida campus offers two and four year degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts, as well as Business & Hospitality degree programs.
• Broward Community College
  7200 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
  954-201-8835
  Provides higher education, technical, and occupational training to South Florida residents. It has campus locations in Pembroke Pines and Davie.

Building a Home in the Miami Dade Area

Building a home in Florida can be anything from a good to a stressful experience. Due to the fact that we have so many investors as well as residents coming in, the construction business is booming throughout Florida. If you get the right information however, building a home can be very profitable and in fact be the best way to go. Considering nothing really good comes easy is true in Florida. So above all, make sure you check with all the governing agencies as to building and zoning requirements.Basically lots in Florida as far as price goes will run as follows.
Most expensive

• Open-water—Atlantic or Gulf
• Open-water Inter-Coastal  or other Rivers-Lakes
• Canal Homes with Open water views (Bay or Atlantic-Gulf)
• Canal homes-Boat able and quick access to open-water
• Dry Lots—price widely varies based on the community and area.

As of September 2005
Vacant lots-Location-Number available and starting price.

• Miami, 575 starting at $2000.00
• Miami beach, 38, 488, starting at $285,000
• Key Biscayne, 1 at !,699,000
• Coral Gables 25, starting at $245,000
• Coconut Grove, 10, starting at $180,000
• Homestead, 86, starting at $64,000
• Kendall, 7, starting at $48,500

Permit prices and restrictions will vary in each community. Generally the more environmentally sensitive the area is, the more restrictions there are in getting a permit. (Since the water is one of the main reason people want to be here, the state and the communities want to keep it that way.

Important:

• Regarding pricing. The closer to the water and the deeper the boating,(boat draft-a 50 foot requires deeper water and wider canals than a flats boat) the higher the prices.
•  
• Another thing to do is find out what flood zone the property is in per FEMA maps and then talk to a local insurer on how that will affect your rates. Do this ahead of time.
•  
• #In all cases if you find a lot that you like, my suggestion is that you ask for a letter of build ability from the local zoning commission as a clause in your sales contract. Always-always, talk with the county yourself to get the update on the laws.
•  
• So, yes, you can build here and it’s done all the time, but make sure you ask all the necessary questions and if you can, get it in writing.
•  
• See the Biz directory for builders if that’s the way you want to go. If you want a new home contact a residential agent.

REGARDING BUILDINGAsk the REALTOR that you pick to help find you a good builder that can respond. Another consideration is to buy a lot and build later (be careful here as building codes and laws can change due to density controls) I would first see how long it takes to get a building permit and then if you get one how long you can wait. In the Keys when you get a permit there is a limit of a couple years during which time you have to at least start the process (bring electric to the site-do a septic check etc)Since all this varies widely make sure you get all the answers, Probably best to go the the permit department and have a discussionDade County Permit requirements

• Miami-Dade County uses a uniform building code called the Florida Building Code. This code can be purchased from the Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office located at 140 West Flagler Street, 16th floor.
• Section 104.1.1 of the Florida Building Code states: "Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building's designated occupancy (single or mixed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.
•  
• Permits are required for replacement of windows and sliding glass doors, as well as screen enclosures, storage sheds and carports of canvas or metal.

Other Important links below.
http://www.miamidade.gov/bldg/permit_info.asp#building_permit_requiredFlorida Building Codes

Zoning ordinances For Zoning Information, Contact the Broward County Community Code Compliance Division at 954-468-3434The purpose of the Building Code is to protect the safety, health, and general welfare of the citizens through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life from hazards attributed to the built environment. This is accomplished through the implementation of building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes along with various state and local codes and standards

Information on Complaints Against Contractors:Don't get nailed! Many citizens in Florida have fallen victim to dishonest, unlicensed or improperly licensed contractors. Florida Statute 489 requires all construction contractors to hold a valid contractor's license prior to engaging in contracting. Always require that a contractor show you a valid contracting license before you sign a contract. Some indications that a contractor may be unlicensed are: the contractor requests a large deposit or all of the money up front before any work has commenced, the contractor asks you to pull a "homeowner permit", the contractor pressures you to sign a contract "today or I can't give you this special price." To verify licensure of a contractor, you may call the State of Florida Dep't of Professional Regulation at 941 338-2373 or search their contractor licensing database. The City requires proof of licensure from contractors who pull permits for properties located in the City, so be sure to require that the contractor pull the permit in his name, not your name
So always play it safe and do it right. This will certainly help you in the Insurance area also---The extra structural costs for doing it better really pay off if a Storm hits and or you decide to sell
#The information above is based on my experience in the Florida keys, which is highly regulated due to environmental concerns. With regard to making any decisions, be sure to check with local and state permit and zoning authorities and a REALTOR and/or a Real Estate attorney
To find contractors, builders and other business vendors see the business directory for the area (Under real Estate section) or contact a local REALTOR for help.

*Regarding, building and building permits, be sure to check with the County and city building departments as the laws change.

Miami Outdoors and Recreational Opportunities

Over 60 miles of beaches await you along the Atlantic Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are one of the most important assets of Miami and its surrounding areas. And don't forget that the Everglades are only an hour away. The options here are incredible.
Recreational Opportunities:

•  6 Marinas
•  37 Parks,
•  43 Golf Courses
•  16 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
•  6 Beach parks
• 590 public Tennis Courts
• 24 Boat Ramps http://www.inshore.com/br-dade.html#Dade%20County
•  60 plus miles plus of beaches

To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see the sites below
http://www.floridastateparks.org/FindaParkRegion.cfm?Dist=Southeast

Things to do outdoors:

• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades

Other places to visit.

• • Art Deco District
• • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area
• • Biltmore Hotel
• • Biscayne National Park
• • Coral Castle
• • Domino Park
• • Everglades National Park
• • Fairchild Tropical Garden
• • Flamingo Gardens
• • Jackie Gleason Theater of Performing Arts
• • Jai Alai
• • Lion Country Safari
• • Lowe Art Museum
• • Miami Art Museum
• • Miami Metrozoo
• • Miami Seaquarium
• • Monkey Jungle
• • Museum of Contemporary Art
• • Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
• • Parrot Jungle Island
• • Jewish Museum of Florida
• • Venetian Pool
• • Villa Vizcaya
• • Wolfsonian - A Museum of Modern Art and Design

Pro Sports

• MLB Florida Marlins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-626-7400
• Miami Dolphins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-620-2578
• Miami Heat
• 601 Biscayne Blvd, American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL 33132-1801 · 786-777-432

For more recreational opportunities check out-http://miami.travelape.com/recreation/all.html

In conclusion, Miami and Dade county have everything you could want in recreational participant and spectator sports.

Starting a Business in Miami and Dade County

Miami and Dade County is an area rich with natural resources and welcomes all business, from small entrepreneurs to International companies. Due to its strategic location, it is acknowledged as the gateway to the Caribbean, Central and South America. In addition to that, because of its World class seaport and airport facilities, Miami is the major international trading hub of the Americas.

With over two million residents, the region is seeing tremendous growth both in housing and the financial and service sectors. Miami and its incorporated areas offer incredible opportunities and a great lifestyle.So whether you’re considering relocating a company or starting a business from scratch, Miami wants your business.To consider:
Employees:
Over 960,000 in the greater Miami area.
The market, Per 2003 census bureau

• Total Population Dade county  2.341,157
• Miami population 400,000 plus
• Median Age 37    
• Median Household Income $40,597 

Business Assistance:
OCED's Office Location: 140 W Flagler St., Ste. 1000 Miami, FL 33130
P: 305 375-3422
fax: 305 375-3428

Florida Tax AdvantagesFlorida has a variety of advantages that make it a profitable site for nearly every type of business.  Progressive legislation continues to ensure that Florida will remain a magnet for new and expanding business.Some of the more significant advantages to living and establishing businesses in Florida, with respect to taxes are:

• • No state income tax
  • No corporate income tax on sub-chapter S corporations
  • First $5000 of taxable income apportioned to Florida is exempt
  • No state property tax on inventory or equipment
  • No business inventory tax
  • No corporate franchise tax on capital stock
  • No corporate tax on limited partnerships, individuals, Estates and private trusts
  • No collected or assessed state property tax
  • No sales tax on "boiler fuels" used at a fixed Florida location in an industrial manufacturing, processing or compounding process
  • No sales and use tax on goods manufactured or produced in Florida for resale or export outside Florida
  • Corporation accounts receivable (one third) exempt from intangible property tax
  • Exemption of employee stock options from employer
  • No property tax on goods-in-transit for up to 180 days
  • While these are in themselves incentives, the following are additional incentives offered by the State and local government working together to provide you with an environment conducive to your success.
    

    • Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (real and personal property) is offered by the local government and is based on the financial impact projected on the County (number of employees, capital expenditure, etc.).

    Sales and Use Tax Exemption

  
  
  Silicon technology-based industry transactions involving manufacturing or research equipment  
  Purchases of machinery and equipment used by a new or expanding Florida business to manufacture, produce or process tangible personal property for sale  
  Labor, parts and materials used in repair of and incorporated into machinery and equipment that qualify for sales tax exemption upon purchase (phased in over four years, 25% exempt on July 1, 1999)  
  Electricity used in the manufacturing process (phased in over five years, 80% exempt on July 1, 1999)  
  Aircraft parts, modification, maintenance and repair, sale or lease of qualified aircraft 
  Commercial space activity - launch vehicles, payloads and fuel, machinery and equipment for production of items used exclusively at Spaceport Florida  
  Labor component of research and development expenditures---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Summary of Florida's Tax Incentive

  Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund ProgramsThis program provides an inducement for target industry to locate new facilities in Florida or to expand existing facilities in Florida.  The program provides tax refunds of $3,000 per new job created.  The incentive is increased to $6,000 per job if the company locates in a rural county or an Enterprise Zone.  Higher awards are available to companies paying very high wages.  To qualify for the “QTI” program, a company must create at least 10 new jobs (or a 10% increase for expanding Florida companies), pay an average of at least 115% of area wages, have a significant positive impact on the community and have local support. 
  Quick Response Training ProgramThe Quick Response Training Program provides grant funding for customized training to new or expanding businesses.  The program is flexible and structured to respond quickly to meet business training objectives.  A local training provider – community college, area technical center or university – is selected and available to assist in the application process and program development or delivery.  If the business has a training program in place, a state training provider will supervise and manage the training program and serve as the fiscal agent for the grant funds.  Reimbursable textbooks/manuals, materials/supplies and training equipment. 
  Economic Development Transportation FundThis grant program provides up to $2 million to local governments for the construction or improvement of transportation infrastructure needed to accommodate new or expanding industry. 
  Expedited Permitting AssistanceState and local permit streamlining procedures are available to assist businesses in obtaining necessary permits and approvals in a quick, efficient and predictable manner. 
  Specialized IncentivesYour project may qualify for opportunities such as urban or rural tax credits, and incentives for brownsfields and enterprise zones.
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Local Property Tax IncentiveNew and expanding businesses can be granted an exemption from property taxes on improvements to real property and for tangible personal property.  In order for a company to be eligible for this incentive, it must first meet the definitions of a new or expanding business as defined below: 
  
  
  New Business: A manufacturer which establishes ten or more full-time jobs.
  A business with more than 50% of its sales outside the State of Florida which establishes 25 or more jobs.
  Office space of a new Florida corporation housing 50 or more full-time employees of the corporation.The above are applicable if the business is on a site clearly separate from any other facility owned by the same business.   
  Any business located in a slum or blighted area as defined by Section 163.355, Florida Statutes.
  Expanding Business:
  
  • A manufacturer that adds a minimum of ten new employees and increases employment by 10% or increases productive output by a minimum of 10%. 
  • A business with more than 50% of its sales outside the State that adds a minimum of 25 new employees and increases employment by 10% or increases productive output by a minimum of 10%. 
  • The expansion must be on the same or a co-located site of the business’ current operations.  
  • If a business meets one of the above definitions as a new or expanding business, it may then file an application for the Economic Development Property Tax Exemption with the local County Commissioners or the appropriate municipality or both.  After the city or county commission receives this application, it must submit the application to the county property appraiser for review.  After the property appraiser makes the report as to the fiscal impact of granting the exemption, the county or city commission shall then adopt an ordinance in the usual manner-granting the exemption.  
  • A business cannot receive exemption from school taxes or water management district taxes.  Also, a business must pay taxes that were approved by the voters of a city or county to pay for bond issues and other special tax levies authorized by the voters of a city or county.  
  • The exemption can only be for the improvements to the real property and for tangible personal property.  The land on which the new or expanding business is to be located will still be taxed. 
  • The State offers programs such as the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program (tax refund), a Sales Tax Exemption on Electricity and Steam (exemption), a High Impact Performance Incentive (grant) and more.
  Tax Information: State
  
  • Corporate Income Tax 5.5%
  • Personal Income Tax 0.0%
  • Retail Sales Tax 6.0%
  • Intangible Tax (per $1,000) $1 - $1.50
  • Groceries and medicine exempt from retail sales tax
  Small Business AssistanceBelow are nine resources proven helpful to start up and maintain a succesful small business!
  
  • Small Business Administration - http://www.sba.gov 
  • Small Business Development Center -http://www.fausbdc.com 
  • US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center -http://www.uschamber.com/sb 
  • (The US Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Center is a one-stop shop for small businesses, containing everything from practical business advice to the latest small business news from Washington, D.C.) 
  • Florida Small Business -  http://www.floridasmallbusiness.com 
  • Enterprise Florida - http://www.eflorida.com 
  • The Florida Venture Forum - http://www.flvencap.org 
  • Odeon Group (Small Business Administration Intermediary) - 305 681-9600 
  • Micro Business USA - 305 438-1407 
  • First Florida Capital - (888) 320-5504

  For more specifics re Commercial agents go to the Real Estate section links to the left.

If you have a dream follow it, Remember making a decision to do nothing and stay where you are is still a decision.