The most important advice we can share with our customers is simple, “buying your dream home in Florida can be exciting and enjoyable,” but get lots of information first. You’ll find it right here on our website—it is filled with information pertaining to purchasing a home in Northeast Florida.

Usually, the builder/developer expects you to pay the documentary stamp taxes, the owner's policy of title insurance, a pre-set amount into the "cap" fund, and perhaps a 1.50% fee for "his" costs. On a $300,000 purchase, these fees easily amount to $10,100 in closing costs that are mostly negotiable. Knowing how to negotiate the best and fairest deal possible is the expertise the Realtors® of Deltona Realty will assist you with when you decide to purchase. And, remember - builders and developers "cooperate" with agents...they expect you to come with one and are grateful when you don't.

Also, new home buyers should be aware that your builder cannot include as part of your new home purchase contract that you are required to use their preferred mortgage lender or their title company. It is a violation of both RESPA and FTC guidelines to require such conditions. The bottom line is that builders can entice you with incentives, but they can't threaten you with them. If you do feel threatened, file a complaint. For complaints on high-pressure tactics call RESPA Enforcement at (202) 708-0502 or email them at hsg-respa@hud.gov.
    

Purchasing a home in a deed restricted community may seem very confusing at first. Many homes and condos in Northeast Florida are in planned developments, both gated and un-gated. These types of communities are governed by homeowner's associations where the residents are required to comply with the recorded documents for how the property may be used. This is especially important when considering whether you may rent a second home, keep a beloved pet, or the number of guests you may have stay with you at one time, to name just a few. The term for this type of community is "deed restricted". The homeowner documents require that you comply with the rules and regulations of the community and pay some amount of fee for the upkeep and maintenance of the project.

In Florida if you buy a new construction condominium you have fifteen (15) days to review the documents and decide if you wish to proceed. If it's an existing condominium then you only have three (3) days. Both of these time periods are from when you receive a copy of the documents to review. Do not waive this time period – even if you need an attorney to review them – these documents control how you may use your property in the future and what you will be required to maintain.

These are just "some" of the issues you should be aware of before you decide to buy a home in Florida. With Deltona Realty helping you along, you'll have someone on your side to guide you through the process.