Boca Raton’s access to beaches, championship golf courses, and great shopping have made it a destination for fortune-seekers and retirees for decades. Every year, thousands of people flock to the area in search of great property with some of the best weather in the world. Actually moving in to a new home in this area, however, can be a challenge. These tips from area locals will help you and your family to make moving to Boca Raton go as smoothly as possible.
The state of Florida has historically had a volatile real estate market, and Boca Raton is certainly no exception. Property has gone through dramatic increases and decreases since the days of Henry Flagler and his railroad to the southern part of the state. In the early part of the 2000s, Boca Raton was caught up in a massive run-up of real estate prices . The market popped in the later part of the decade, and is now starting to come back. For home buyers today, this means that there is a lot of availability in the housing market and related industries. While contractors were typically booked solid for months during the boom years, today it’s possible to book one within days to get needed repairs and upgrades to a property done before you move in. Once your new home or condo is ready to move in, you’ll want to make sure that everything else is in order.
One of the first things that new Boca Raton homeowners think about is how to get their property from their old place to their new one. While there are plenty of do-it-yourself moving services available in the area, you may want to consider other options before renting a van. Many condos and HOA boards have strict rules about how long large trucks can be parked in front of buildings. Some high rise buildings have rules about how and when the elevators can be used. Make sure to check out the rules in your neighborhood or building, and make plans to accommodate them. You may want to hire some extra help to make sure that everything is moved on time. When you schedule your move, don't forget to consider South Florida weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurrence here. To make sure that your favorite sofa doesn’t get soaked, plan to unload your moving truck in the early afternoon. Many professional movers will prefer to get the job done as early as possible, especially in the summer. Mid-summer heat in the region can make moving large furniture very unpleasant and slow. If possible you may want to try to avoid this season altogether.
State law in Florida gives new homeowners 30 days to switch over their license and car registration. Fortunately, it is possible to make an appointment with the DMV in order get everything done without waiting. Be sure to ask about discounts for veterans, disability, and senior citizens. While you’re transferring over your license and car registration, you may also want to go ahead and talk to the property appraiser. There are laws in Florida that give discounts on real estate taxes to owner-occupants and people with a long list of special conditions. The Homestead Exemption alone can save you thousands of dollars a year on your taxes, but you have to apply for it.
For many years, Boca Raton has been known for its luxury property in close proximity to great golf courses, schools, shopping, and beaches. While there are plenty of luxury single-family properties on the market, there is also a growing market for luxury condos. These units are designed for retirees who want to have the same amenities as the residents of the larger homes in Boca Raton, but without the upkeep. In fact, the demand for more amenities has led to a rise in condo associations and planned communities that include a number of services to their member-owners. Landscaping of community areas has always been a standard feature in most neighborhoods, but that has now expanded to include lawn service for all houses in a neighborhood. Community pools are almost expected, but many HOAs are now paying for pool services for residents’ private homes. Pools in newer neighborhoods are resort-style, featuring waterfalls and hot tubs. There are also a number of developments that have agreements with local golf courses and other local attractions.
