Looking to invest in SW Florida or Treasure Coast

[Emy Bernardo]

We are looking to invest in SW Florida (Port Charlotte, North Port, Englewood, surrounding areas) or possibly Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Jupiter) for a buy and hold.   Any agent and property management referrals are appreciated.  I've been looking at new construction turn-key providers but selection is slim right now;  only options on well/septic or in partial flood zones which seem like added headaches to me.  Thinking we might want to try to go it on our own to find the right property.  We are most likely going to end up moving to Florida in 5 years or so looking for something with appreciation potential and/or something that we may want to live in. Condo is not out of the question if in a desirable location. 

[Jed Haslam-Walker]

Hi @Emy Bernardo,

I'm a Realtor in Sarasota but work North Port, Port Charlotte, Venice, Englewood, Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa etc. The trouble with new construction normally is as others have mentioned both the HOAs and the lack of control over your investment - special assessments can get levied, your capacity to alter/change/update is restricted and you can - without any say in the matter be liable for special assessments. HOAs eat your profit up as do assessments etc. I would recommend always buying outside a community if you can - we have condos here that are not subject to HOAs but not many - in addition Emy be careful of Lease Restrictions here - there are a variety of different kinds of lease restrictions or occupancy restrictions that have negatively impacted investment properties - just make sure your Realtor doesn't miss those..