They say location is the most important thing when it comes to real estate. Seeing how you’ve chosen Florida as your destination to open up a new or expand on an existing portfolio, you’ve already won half the battle. The Sunshine State’s sizzling market is always a financially sound investment. With all of its natural advantages and developed tourism, there are plenty of reasons people come to Florida, and it is hard to imagine the demand for properties ever waning significantly. Now that the where has been taken care of, only the what remains. Investing in apartments vs. houses in Florida is no straightforward affair. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s dissect the subject matter carefully and find what’s lurking behind this deceptively complex conundrum.
Apartments
Even though the old American dream is the white picket fence and a house in the suburbs, things have changed. Do not be too quick in your decision to dismiss apartments as the inferior of the two. Here are the pros and cons of this option.
Advantages of investing in an apartment in Florida
What is the starting point for every buyer? They are interested in the price. Apartments have a one-up on their counterparts in this field. They are cheaper, and depending on the area, the difference can be pretty substantial, meaning budget stresses are much lighter when buying an apartment. If you are a first-time buyer with limited available capital, cheap apartments are the natural selection for you. In some cases, you may be able to approach the sale as a cash buyer. The advantages of skipping on taking out a mortgage are evident.
While on the subject of costs, apartments are generally smaller and much easier to maintain. This is reflected not only in the plumpness of your wallet but also in the time you will save. Mention a leaky roof to an apartment owner, and they will view it as a minor inconvenience at best, while those on lower floors might not even be aware of the problem. Mention it to a house owner and watch their ticks flare up in front of you.
Apartments – it’s not all Sunny Side Up, even if you are in Florida
The lower capital investments and ease of rent come with a drawback; apartments usually offer less potential for capital growth, even more so if your property is in a dense apartment area. Still, the main disadvantage is a matter of privacy and not being able to enjoy the same level of freedom afforded by owning a home. In a house, you are the king of the castle. In an apartment, you are part of the kingdom. If bylaws prohibit pets, well, then Buddy may need to be looking for a new place to stay. With neighbors right next to you, no front yard or such separating you, noise issues can be a problem, too.
Time to Set our Sights on Houses
Investing in houses in Florida is also a mixed bag. Let’s take a look at the good first before diverting our attention to the bad. As was already touched upon in the previous paragraph, a house offers higher capital gains and more freedom. Rules do not restrict you; you are free to renovate and redesign, etc. Want the outside of your house to be neon pink? Go for it! Try that with the outside portion of your ‘wall’ in an apartment building, and the superintendent may have a few choice words to exchange with you.
It may be a bit of a trope by this point, but houses are for families. Not always the case, granted, but generally, it is so. Watching your children play in the backyard can fill your heart with content. Calling them every five minutes to check if they got to the park ok and if they are safe is more of a recipe for a heart attack. A bit of an exaggeration, of course, but you get the point. Add to that the peace and privacy afforded by owning a home, and we are building up an excellent case to invest in one.
The Cons of Investing in a House
Houses are more expensive. Maintenance costs are usually higher and more demanding. Articles that talk about home maintenance tips and similar are only ever applicable to house owners and for apparent reasons. Furthermore, they usually come with a higher mortgage attached to them. They tend to offer a lower degree of flexibility – moving homes usually entails selling the old house and buying a new one. A stressful process, to say the least. Houses have many benefits but come with a higher degree of responsibilities.
After Settling the Debate of Investing in Apartments vs. Houses in Florida, what Comes Next?
Whether you opt for an apartment or a house, they both have one thing in common – the move. Relocating is a project in and of itself, one that closely follows the financial one you just completed mere moments ago, it seems. Jumping from one task to another can be exhausting, but hang in there. With the right preparations for this project, your move to Florida can be as simple as a gentle breeze blowing over Miami’s golden beaches.
On the Subject of Preparing…
When preparing to move, there is a specific aspect of the process you should pay particular attention to. Although you could pack a towel using nothing more than old newspaper and some duct tape, that’s not exactly the case with some of your pricier possessions. Moving luxury furniture needs to be planned carefully, from protection and cleaning to the best time to unpack. Hiring professional movers can help significantly in this regard, as the safety of the expensive pieces should be one of your top priorities.
So…What is the Right Answer?
All these tips and info, but you don’t see a definitive answer? The problem is, no matter which way you slice it, what is lurking in the enigma is a subjective reply. It all depends on your expectations, lifestyle, and how you weigh the above pros and cons. The dilemma of whether you should be investing in apartments vs. houses in Florida is open to debate. It’s up to you to make the final call!
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