Are you looking to buy a home in the Orlando, Florida area?

There’s never been a better time to buy in the area, as it’s one of the fastest growing areas in Florida as well as the country. Orlando is a great place for young people and families alike, and it has so much more to offer than just Disney World.

Whether you’re relocating from another part of Florida or across the country, buying a home in Orlando is a little different than other areas.

Before you start your search, there are a few things to consider when buying a home here. Keep reading to find out what to look for in a home near Orlando.

Seven Things to Consider When Buying a Home in Orlando

Orlando isn’t only for tourists. People are flocking to central Florida for the weather, low cost of living, and all the year-round activities it has to offer.

Before you put in an offer, here are seven things to consider when buying a home in the Orlando area.

1. Is There a Homeowners Association?

Communities in and around the Orlando area are beautiful. Oftentimes they offer great amenities such as clubhouses, golf courses, tennis courts, pools, and more.

But before you purchase a home in a community like this, you need to make sure you’re aware of any Homeowners Association (or HOA) fees. These might not be a problem for some buyers, but they can easily be hundreds of dollars a month.

2. Visit the Area at Multiple Times of the Day

The different parts of the Orlando metro area are very different. Before you decide which area is for you, you should visit at different times during the day.

For example, if you have kids and want an area that is family-friendly, make sure you visit in the mornings or evenings. You’ll be able to see if there are actually kids and families out playing in the area.

On the contrary, if you want peace and quiet and only visit places in the late morning when people are at work or school, you’re not getting a true feel for what the area is like.

3. Know the Utility Rates in the Area

Utility costs are going to be a concern no matter where you move, but they can be especially high in Florida for a variety of reasons.

Central Florida is hot and humid for most of the year, so if you’re constantly blasting your AC, you could rack up a huge bill.

Ask around to find out what the average bill in the area is. The last thing you want is to be surprised when the first bill comes and it’s more than expected.

4. Get the Home Inspected

Home inspections are a normal part of the closing process, but you should conduct one before you have your heart set on any home.

Bugs such as cockroaches can also be a problem, so make sure the home doesn’t have an infestation.

Also, if you’re not familiar with Florida weather, hurricanes are a concern during a big part of the year. Make sure the home is up to the latest hurricane codes before you purchase. You could be left with a big mess after the first hurricane hits the area.

5. Pick Your Location

There are a lot of different areas in Orlando and the metro area, so it’s crucial that you do your research and decide which one is right for you. Every area will have certain benefits, so make sure you sit down and write out your wish list.

Do you want to be close to Disney so you can buy a yearly pass and go visit Mickey every day? Or would you rather be in a quieter neighborhood that rarely sees tourists?

If so, a neighborhood like College Park is where you want to focus your energy. See this page for details on median home prices in the area.

Additionally, you need to decide if you’re going to be living in your home all year or if you plan on renting it out at any point. If you plan on doing short-term rentals (less than seven months) you’ll need to live in a community that’s zoned for that.

Renting your place on Airbnb or other short-term rental sites might be more difficult than you anticipate.

6. Practice Your Commute and Other Drive Times

Just like many other growing metro areas, Orlando traffic causes headaches for commuters. The traffic in the area is notoriously bad, so you’ll want to test your drive times to the areas you’ll frequent the most.

This includes work, schools, stores, and other areas you anticipate you’ll be driving every day. Drive during peak rush hours, and make sure you’re fully comfortable with how long it takes you to get around.

Another thing to consider in Orlando is the time of year. Some residents of the area are seasonal, so traffic can get worse in some areas in the winter months. Make sure you’re prepared for this.

If you hate doing your commute in July, it could be even worse in January.

7. Talk With the Neighbors

If you’re looking for real advice as to whether or not you should buy a home in a certain neighborhood, talking with the neighbors is your best bet.

The neighbors are locals and they’ve presumably lived in the area long enough to know the ins and outs. They’re the perfect people to ask questions your realtor might not be able to answer. These questions include utility costs, weather, driving times in the area, how loud/quiet it is and more.

Want to Learn More Home Buying Tips?

Everyone’s home shopping experience will be different, but these are just a few things to consider when buying a home in Orlando.

Buying a home in any new area can feel overwhelming, which is why you should do your research and seek the help of a real estate agent if necessary. To help you get started, check out the rest of our blog for more helpful home buying and selling tips.