Did you know that Florida is one out of 7 states in the U.S. that don’t collect individual income tax? In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 9,000,000 current housing units in Florida (not including the number of individual households) as of 2020, with over 100,000 of them customized and built by the buyers.
If you’re looking to rent a home, the average annual rent in Florida from 2015-2019 was 1,175 dollars, which ranks as number 24 in the country for the most affordable living. Still, whether you’ve decided to buy or build a home in the Sunshine State, here are some additional things to know before moving to Florida.
1. Know the Weather
For many, Florida reigns supreme when it comes to great weather and climate. Florida is described as a sub-tropic, meaning that it has shorter winters and longer summers. In the south region of Florida, for example, the average temperature in January is estimated to be 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. There Are Many Beaches
It’s hard to dissociate Florida from its beaches, especially with Florida’s long summers. The Sunshine State has 360 miles of coastline, and altogether, Florida has 825 miles of sandy beaches to choose from.
3. Sports Franchises
Sports fans will get a thrill out of having powerhouse athletic dynasties at their fingertips. With teams that span multiple genres, there are plenty of franchises to root for. Two teams, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning, even won their respective championships in 2020. What more could you want?
4. Healthy Economy
If you need a bonus reason for moving to Florida, the state’s economy ranks number four in the country. Industries like tourism, health sciences, agriculture, and marketing play pivotal roles in the financial security of the state.
5. Become Familiar With Popular Attractions
It is no secret that Florida houses some of the biggest, if not most popular theme parks and zoos in the country. Choose from many family favorites such as Legoland, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World. Overall, 10 major parks call Florida home, as well as over 26 zoos and 15 aquariums.
6. Choose Your Housing Option
It’s best to decide whether you’ll rent or buy a home before moving to Florida. Florida housing markets change regularly, depending on the number of people moving in and out of a populated area. It’s recommended to wait for low fluctuation periods in the housing market, to avoid overpaying.
While the housing market has risen significantly within the past year due to the pandemic, fret not. In Florida, you can build your dream home at the fraction of the cost. You can custom construct your own Floridian home anywhere between $240,000 – 350,000 dollars.
7. Pick A Construction Home
Construction homes typically come finished and are built from foundation to roof. This means that they already have a full, finalized layout that has functional amenities like a kitchen, plumbing or bathrooms, and insulated floors and walls. You might recognize these homes as being the “move-in ready” models that realtors promote.
8. Choose From Unfinished Homes
Though most construction homes come completed already, some models cannot be finished before the buyers move in. This means that the homeowners will have the opportunity to choose certain interior design elements that will be installed at a later date.
Building a home means more flexibility on the homeowner’s part to incorporate personal style and taste within the design of their home. It can also mean freedom to play with landscaping and the surrounding acreage of your home.
10. Know the Benefits of Purchasing a New Construction Home in Florida
There is a lower risk factor when purchasing new construction homes because you’ll end up with a low rate for serious repairs after moving in. This contractual agreement is usually good for several years after purchasing your home.
There will be a lower cost for maintenance because of the opportunity to add new and updated appliances and features upon building your home. Most contractors are happy to install any feature you desire. Old or new, if you want it to build, built it shall be.
12. Know New Home Warranties
New Home warranties are valid for a year, starting from the date of the home purchase. They’re your best bet to receive full coverage and protection in the chance that something drastic happens to your home. The warranty is also useful if your new construction home encounters unforeseen circumstances or construction mishaps.
13. Research Efficient Uses of Energy
With technology in homes rapidly growing, it’s no surprise that new construction homes are being built with the highest technological standards in mind, especially in places like Florida, where beating the heat can be a challenge.
Energy bills are among the most common ways to save when building a new construction home. Make sure to talk to your builder to help find ways to upgrade your building materials.
It’s important to keep Eco-friendly materials in mind when building your home. Certain fixtures like light bulbs and thermostats may be a great place to start when opting for more sustainable technologies.
14. Know How You Save
It’s estimated that the average homeowner can save up to 77 thousand dollars by building a home before moving to Florida, versus buying one. It’s important to note that building a home will average around 100 dollars per square foot, and the price of customizing your home will depend on how much you want to change.
The Decision Is Yours
There are many financing and construction options available for you to choose from when moving to Florida. That’s because the Sunshine State is ultimately a popular destination, and continues to grow in both housing and population size.
Whether you’re buying, or customizing a home in Florida, familiarizing yourself with your environment and with different homing options will help with the big move. Coral Isle Builders is the perfect tool, and offers prices and individual floor plans to customize, making the process of choosing your plan easy and efficient!