Should we buy land or a home in Winter Park?

Old Apr 10th, 2008, 06:58 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Should we buy land or a home in Winter Park?

Thinking of buying a second home in Winter Park, FLA, with the idea that perhaps in 5 years or so, we'll move there permanently. Not sure if we should look at land alone or homes... We'd like one on a pretty lake.. kind of cottage-y feel... shady, established neighborhood.. good deals. Prices seem high though.. especially now with all the press of going into a recession. Anyone with any ideas on how to pursue, let me know. I'm new at looking for propery or homes.. Not sure of the best lakes there... or what. Our kids are grown, so we don't have to worry about schools... I feel if we move from the North East where it's cold, the kids would most likely want to return "home" to FLA for a visit with their old folks than to return to a cold place like we're in now!
teadrinker is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2008, 07:09 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I live right next to Winter Park. While property values have declined some, they generally do well over time and should rebound in five years. As you probably know, this is a very desirable area. I have a friend who is a real estate broker. Let me know if you want her contact info.
Orlando_Vic is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2008, 07:13 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My first concern would be that most things in Winter Park are overpriced. I know it's a buyer's market right now, but during my 18 years in Orlando I saw many homes in nice Orlando neighborhoods that were many thousands below the same type of house in the same type of neighborhood in Winter Park. That's why prices seem high now.

There are so many houses for sale in Orlando right now (with plenty of them on lakes) that you'd get a much better deal there. Or in one of the outlying communities.

We went through a period in Central Florida about 10 years ago when most of the lakes dried up due to the drought, so be aware your waterfront property may not always be waterfront!

Since you don't know the area well, your best bet is a good local realtor. Take your time looking and remember a lot of people are desperate to sell right now.
Postal is offline  
Old Apr 11th, 2008, 03:21 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I live right next to Winter Park too, in it's sister city Maitland. Even though home sales have fallen in certain areas, this is a very desirable location and things never seem to go down! We've been here 17 years, originally from the North East and call this area New England With Palm Trees...love it! We are early 50's...FYI.
bnbtraveler is offline  
Old Apr 11th, 2008, 04:24 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Winter Park is a highly desirable area - always has been, always will be. As my Realtor grandfather always told me, location, location, location.

teadrinker, can you come down here and spend a few days checking out Winter Park?
321go is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
geordias7
United States
4
Jul 24th, 2014 09:28 PM
ildiko
United States
5
Oct 8th, 2008 07:51 AM
labrynthlily
United States
19
Jun 25th, 2008 06:26 PM
tamryn
United States
14
Feb 1st, 2007 08:36 AM
lynn100
United States
19
Oct 6th, 2004 08:47 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -