I’m a millennial from West Virginia, and I spent seven years living in Miami. Recently, I made a significant life decision: I bought a house in Florida. I was eager to put down roots in the area I had grown to love. Having grown up hearing about the general expenses and benefits of homeownership, since my parents owned a house when I was a teenager, I thought I was prepared. However, I quickly found out how much I didn’t know.
Here are five things I wish I had researched before purchasing my Florida home.
1. Limited Homeowners Insurance Options
I’ve lived in Florida for almost a decade, so I’ve seen the volatile weather patterns. However, I never expected this would limit the number of insurance providers that offered policies to Florida homeowners. Because of the unique situation, big names like Progressive and Costco Insurance Agency weren’t even options when I was looking to insure my property.
I ultimately secured an excellent insurance deal from a smaller company specializing in South Florida, but I still wish I’d known how few choices I’d have when securing coverage.
2. ZIP Code’s Impact on Car Insurance Rates
I didn’t research how my new ZIP code would affect my car insurance rates as thoroughly as I should have. This area alone has 34 incorporated municipalities and various unincorporated neighborhoods, each having its own ZIP code—and car insurance premiums can vary.
Since I’ll be living here for some time, I wish I’d spent more time researching how my new ZIP code would influence my car insurance rates. This isn’t just a Florida issue, either.
3. The High Cost of Tree Removal
After I moved in, some branches from a massive banyan tree in my yard began to fall. I started researching the cost of tree removal. The best quote I received was $12,000 due to the scope of the work.
Had I known how costly tree removal can be in South Florida, I might have paid extra for a tree inspection before closing. It may have even prompted me to consider a different property.
4. The extent of possible flooding
Minor flooding is difficult to avoid in South Florida. Many places flood during regular rain showers, regardless of whether you are located on Miami Beach or a few miles inland.
It would have been better to know firsthand how it would affect me before buying my home. Although the street I live on doesn’t flood too heavily, the major streets I use to get to my house do.
I wish I’d visited my new neighborhood after a storm to see where flooding impacts my area most.
5. Pest control
Florida’s climate is ideal for many creatures I don’t want in my home.
As a renter, my landlords handled pest control. Thankfully, any pest-related issues were quickly addressed. Because it had never been my responsibility before, I was unaware of how to keep my property free of termites, palmetto bugs, snakes, and iguanas.
I quickly learned from friends who have always lived in Florida. Pest control services were an unanticipated expense, but I am grateful to the professionals who taught me how to protect my home before any infestations could start.
