Condos, Condos, Condos on the Florida Horizon!

By Barbara Lawlor

When we hold Baker Real Estate seminars on purchasing properties in Florida, they continually sell out. In fact, sometimes we exceed standing-room-only status! Let’s face it; Canadians have always been fascinated with traveling to that sunny southern state, which a recent Harris poll ranks as one of the top three places to live in the United States. It may surprise you to find out that 23 per cent of all foreign real estate buyers in Florida hail from Canada, and more than half a million Canadians own homes there. At Baker Real Estate, we had so many requests from Canadians to find them properties in Florida and other hotspots across the country, that we have opened a new U.S. headquarters based in Boca Raton in order to offer our clients the very best deals.

Since the recession, the Florida market has been recovering gradually rather than taking a huge jump forward, so if you’re thinking of joining the Florida-owning crowd, now is the time to do it. Whatever your family configuration, age, interests or budget, there is so much choice that you are sure to find something perfect. We are even seeing new projects being developed, which was unheard of a couple years ago.

And each and every county in Florida has its own appeal. Well known North American builder Minto is developing eight communities in that state, and Baker Real Estate is proud to represent them. From now through March, Minto is conducting an “Own Some Florida Warmth” campaign, offering Canadian buyers $5,000 USD toward options in their new Minto home down south.

In the east, Minto offers move-in ready townhomes at Artesia in Sunrise, and Cascada at Monterra in Cooper City. Both of these communities are close to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach. For move-in-ready single-family homes, choose from Olympia in affluent Wellington, Porto Sol in Royal Palm Beach, and Town Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie. On the west coast, discover a variety of move-in-ready homes at Lakewood Ranch Country Club East, which is close to Tampa, as well as Harbour Isle Anna Marie Sound in Bradenton, and Sun City Center, which is in the area named to the Hall of Fame of Best Master Planned Communities by Where to Retire Magazine.

There are many other fine developers creating new residential opportunities in Florida. If an equestrian-oriented community on water sounds like paradise, consider Stonelake Ranch. Situated on the eastern shores of Lake Thonotosassa, between Tampa and Lakeland, this 800-acre private gated master-planned community welcomes horse-owners to build private stables on their spacious lots. An equestrian trail system meanders throughout. The property abuts a large freshwater lake and features a par-3 golf course.

Minutes from sunny St. Petersburg, Waterside at Coquina Key is an established resort-style island community. There are 92 condominium suites surrounded by the warm Gulf waters and wonderful amenities. Residents have three swimming pools in the neighbourhood, tennis, fitness centres and private boat slips. Known as The Sunshine City, St. Petersburg receives about 360 days of sunshine each year. 

Another of Florida’s hotspots right now is Pompano Beach. Barefoot Beach Villas is a collection of just 34 townhomes along the A1A, the Inter-coastal Highway. Prominent national developer Sobel Co has nearly a decade of South Florida experience, and recognizes the potential in developing this boutique gated community. You’ll find incredible villas for unbelievable prices. Construction is underway!

And in Dunedin on the west coast of Naples, San Ruffino Townhomes are coming soon. There will be only 19 luxury condominium townhomes in this waterfront location, where residents will enjoy a boat slip and a pool on the water. At 3,100 sq. ft., they are unbelievably priced from $299,900 (includes a garage and private elevator).