What will a second home in SW Florida cost?

As the prices of homes in SW Florida are, can we say, more than affordable, many people across the U.S. and abroad are entertaining the possibility of a second home. The biggest question on everyone's mind is "What will it cost me?" Obviously it is pretty easy to find the listing prices of homes online but to truly understand what the 'cost' will be can take doing some research. In this article I will go over the basic costs you can expect to pay when investing in a second home here in beautiful Cape Coral or Ft. Myers, Florida.

First to consider: Cost of Money

Are you planning to pay cash or do you plan to get a mortgage for some of the purchase price? If you plan to pay cash make sure that you are comfortable with the rate of return on your investment. You may wish to consider getting a loan for some of the purchase to keep more capital for other investments (more houses, or?). If you are going to obtain financing make sure you determine which loan is best for you and your needs. Most investment properties will require 20-25% down. If you are Foreign National you must be prepared to put down at least 30% in most cases. You can also attempt to receive a loan from your country as well. The rates will be lower but you may have to put up your current home as collateral (borrow against your equity). Some second homes may be purchased with less money down. But your payments will be much lower with the more money you put down on your purchase.

For comparison purposes here let's take one of current waterfront listings.

It is located at 1429 Vendome Ct. Cape Coral, Florida 33904. It is a gulf access home, built in 2007.

The current asking price is $375,000. Let's assume that you plan to put down 25%. This means that you will be putting a down payment of $93,750.

Here is an estimate of closing costs:

Taxes: $ 6,422.24*

Loan fees: $3,846

Prepaid taxes & insurance: $5,778

Total costs to close: $103,374.

* from current 2008 tax bill - properties are reassessed every year here so this could change. Currently this home is assessed at $374,230.

To find insurance companies who are still readily writing homeowners insurance in the state of Florida visit www.ShopandCompareRates.com

You can verify tax information online at www.LeePA.org

Ready to search for available homes now? Visit our Cape Coral real estate source!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Yours in Success,

Florida Future Realty, Inc.

(239) 542-8521

FloridaFuture@gmail.com

www.Florida-Future-Realty.com

Cape Coral Holiday Event

Cape Coral, FL This Saturday, December 6, 2008 the Cape Coral Chamber and area businesses will again be sponsoring a fun, family event on Cape Coral Pkwy in downtown Cape Coral.

Bring the whole family for food, kid's activities, entertainment and a chance to meet Santa Claus!

The festivities begin at 4:00PM and don't stop until about 10:00PM!

We've gone the past couple of years and the family had a blast.

Don't forget to mark your calendar for this fun Cape Coral event this Saturday, December 6, 2008!

Come out and support your area businesses, mingle with friends and enjoy your family.

Hope to see you there!

Yours in Success,

Susan Milner

Florida Future Realty, Inc.

(239) 542-8521

Search Cape Coral & other area listings: http://www.Florida-Future-Realty.com

Susan@SusanMilner.com