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Is emigration or retirement to Florida really the right move for your family? - If so how can you emigrate  and avoid the disasters that some Brits have fallen into.The pros and cons of various visas that you are not told about! The reality from Florida emigration expert Andrew Bartlett, independent advisor and writer  for The Red Guide to buying property in Florida, Florida Magazine, Going to America, Homes Worldwide, Escape Magazine, Place in the Sun, The Sunday Times, The Guardian etc. 'You may be just starting to consider if emigration to America is really viable for your family or you may  be very familiar with The States, either way there are a huge number of areas you need to be happy about before deciding if emigration to America would be the right option'   Many of us have a dream of emigration to somewhere hot and sunny year round, away from the increasing rat race, traffic jams and  constant negative headlines, health service problems, mindless violence, increasing taxes etc that seem to have all become part of life in Britain, however it often seems easier said than done. For those of you who have decided Florida ticks the key boxes, i.e. sunny, use of English, favourable cost of living etc there are often a 101 questions you need to ask to find out the reality of such plan from your own perspective - including is emigration really a good idea and if so how to achieve it.   However discussing the plan with someone who will cover all your points and more in a relaxed informative way  from your viewpoint is not easy, and finding someone who has many years experience of life in various parts of America but is still up to date regarding life in Britain is even more of a challenge.The usual alternatives are to search the web, a guidebook or tracking someone down at an exhibition.    Many thinking about or embarking on this process welcome face to face discussion with someone able to impartially cover all the options and alternatives i.e. what would life be like in Sarasota against Fort Lauderdale or Orlando , what are the implications for the family, what about the schools, what are the hidden agendas of some visas companies and business brokers, why do they persuade us on a particular visa? Many times you find you are  dealing with sales people with a specific agenda, i.e. to sell you a specific type of visa or a property in the area they cover, so much for impartial advice! Often you want practical details on all the points connected with making such a move i.e. property and health insurance, what are the practical issues for my family.etc.   There are loads of issues to consider, such as which visa is most appropriate for you? how to locate a suitable business (some fail – some grow beyond all expectations) where is one of the best schools for academically gifted children in America located? which is a good school district? what are the practicalities of making the move? where are the British communities? what you may not expect when you move over? What will your children expect when they start school? Why there are unexpected consequences when you register for a doctor or dentist? Why you need to be very wary of one stop visa shops and why your children turning 21 or your retirement are glossed over by many visa consultants.  Interestestingly a number of the attornies and agents we recommend do not advertise their services and yet they are keenly priced and have very good records in getting applications through. In contrast some of the most expensive do not always achieve the best results. The best have helped to relocate hundreds of families' and not only understand the challenges but can put new immigrants in touch with other families who have made the move, crossed the pain barrier and are enjoying life in their new homes. I also write for many of the leading magazines , guides and newspapers about life in Florida, particularly for Brits who have retired there permanently or seasonally and when over in the UK give briefing sessions to fellow Brits thinking about or indeed planning emigration to the sunshine state. The areas I cover are listed below and the various sessions usually take over three hours either at my home/office or indeed at clients homes. Going back ten years when I decided to make the move over to Florida with my family, we spent ages at exhibitions, seminars, on the web reading guidebooks and seeking advice from various companies, immigration specialists etc whose main focus was to sell me their product - a specific visa, property or some other service. Since then after ten years living in the States and returning back and forth to Britain I have advised hundreds of fellow Brits on the viability of the move over and which companies have good track records as opposed to a good line in sales patter.'  Andrew Bartlett  Emigrating or Retirement It is imperative as a first stage to go through all the implications in a realistic way for your family and give you the facts both good and bad prior to going further down the emigration route. Our long experience as Relocation Consultants, working with many families who have relocated to America, has confirmed our view that each and every move has different requirements, depending upon the families priorities and reasons for leaving the UK to move to America. It is essential to have an independent overview from the very beginning without the emphasis on selling you or pressurising you down a direction, which may not be suitable and indeed can become confusing. These are common mistakes that have been made by Brits emigrating to Florida that have in some cases cost them thousands of pounds and in a few cases their life savings.  Not examining all the family implications prior to the move. Not being accurately briefed about life in America as opposed to holidays in America, believe me there is a world of difference! Letting the dream overcome rational thought. Not understanding the logistics – putting these in the right order, which will depend on your circumstances – visa – the business – the location – the school – the house. Assuming all business brokers – relocation companies etc – have the family’s interest at heart. We know a number who frankly are more concerned about their fees. Not selecting the specific companies with the best track record and best price – i.e. Visa – Attorney – Business Broker – Currency – Real Estate – Removal. Many pay over the odds for a poor and even sometimes misleading service. Not realising all the implications of one-stop shops covering all services Assuming one-stop shops actually provide the services they say they do. Getting timing wrong. Not organising their finances in a timely way for the various stages. Papers being incorrectly prepared for the American Embassy, subsequently being rejected and then going to the back of the queue! Taking short cuts. Removal companies - this is a really major area that is so rarely covered. Not being accurately briefed for those first few weeks in America. Schooling. Paying too much for a house. Buying a house through the wrong type of agent. Buying a house in the wrong location. Not understanding the way home inspectors reports work or indeed do not work in Florida. Not understanding the full implications of the mortgage they have been persuaded to take out.   Paying too much for a car.   Taking out inappropriate medical cover. Failing to understand the American psyche.     Many of the people who reported the problems above had found obtaining that all important independent advice nigh on impossible - there seemed to be problems in amassing the necessary impartial information via traditional routes    The American embassy provides limited advice but that does not include the in depth individual advice on many of the areas that need to be covered. One stop shop Relocation Companies should provide a full service including legal, visa application, currency transfer, business brokerage, property brokerage. However, some can be very sales orientated as a number of the services they provide pay substantial commissions, which can lead to selling pressure and sadly, sometimes poor advice. There is an interesting article from a Florida Attorney highlighting concerns with some of these companies. Real estate agents generally provide a localised service and are usually only paid in the event of you buying a property. Thus, they tend to champion their own area, which may not provide you with a balanced perspective of other areas. There are a number of books to be read some of which we contribute to, however several months can elapse before they are printed and circumstances change, as indeed they have in a big way over the past six months. Again, books cannot be personal to your circumstances and sometimes journalistic freedom is swayed by advertisers. Searching the internet can be a lottery and again all may not be as it seems. It is sometimes assumed that everything you need to know can be found for free on the internet. The problem is it can be impossible to determine how correct that information is and what lies behind it. One of our major areas of consultation relates to troubleshooting after problems have cropped up, which can be very expensive to put right - often it is because the client has tried to do everything themselves.  A UK based agent may not have  up-to-date day to day  experience of  living in America, again the differences are important A US based agent may not appreciate the practical differences between living in Britain and America. Trying to fly over and do it yourself raises the questions, where do you start looking. Particularly if fitting the trip in over a short period and the costs per person are likely to mount up. The points that need to be covered include   The reality of living in America – from a practical perspective – the good the bad and the ugly. America is not for everyone and we feel it is important to be given realistic and impartial advice about the reality. This area includes options that are so often glossed over from the cost of living, how the move may affect your children, gremlins that can crop up, what are the implications of different areas, etc. What are your worries, crime, hurricanes, pets, etc – What is it actually like to live in the USA and above all the reality, not just the shine. This area is key to ensure a trouble free transition. The advantages/disadvantages of different locations in America. This information is very hard to get from a British perspective. Many of the people you seek information from champion their own areas, however there is often a reason for this which at first sight is not apparent. The implications of different locations which are often not apparent until you live there for a lengthy period. The options regarding different types of visas – which are best for you - The number of visa options and the advice sometimes given can be very confusing, we explain the consequences of the E2, L1, EB5, as well as family visa options. Why sometimes you may be guided towards a particular visa that may not be in your best interest, but might be more to do with multiple commission payments.Which visas have the highest success/failure rates. Using an attorney or a visa specialist – Which company may be an appropriate option in your circumstances. Why you need to be very wary of some companies and their financial circumstances. There are significant differences in the charges and services provided by the various companies - however all is not as it appears! The options regarding business brokers – what to be aware of when dealing with business brokers – different types of business brokers. We go through what to be wary of, and some of the difficulties Brits have found themselves in, plus the 'scams' aimed at unwary Brits. Working in America. Why it is so different from your UK experiences. The education system in America v the UK and what to be aware of. Comparisons between the two systems – types of schools, the implications – what you may not be told and need to know about the system. This is an important area we focus on during the briefing, as the systems are so different. We will look at your children's specific requirements. How the move may affect the children depending upon their age and personality. An important area many parents have concerns about. Lifestyle implications. How will the American way of life tie in with your likes/dislikes. The practicalities of preparation, time framework. The reality of the time scale which it is important to be aware of. The housing system, should you rent or buy at first, commission payments and listing agents, what to be very wary of, and how the wrong decision can have major cost and peace of mind implications. This area is critical as so many Brits make costly mistakes which have expensive consequences. Options for  buying, the cost implications including the hidden ones. How to find the value of  the house. Very important at the present time and how to check you are being given the facts. How agents will seek to get you to buy. What you are very unlikely to be told about advertising boards, developers, the commission implications. Why huge discounts do not always mean a great bargain. Advantages/Disadvantage of different agents. Selecting an agent, why you need a particular type and the implications if you unknowingly select the wrong one, this can be a critical area that Brits often get wrong when they move to America. Developments. Legal The real bargains in a buyers market which are very often not identified. What you are not told about new build properties, pros and cons. The scandal of the off plan new build properties than leave owners high and dry without their deposit. What you are not told about resale properties. In certain situations they can be a superb buy, how to track those properties down. However there are properties you should run a mile from. The problem is this information is not normally readily made available, we go through how to track it down.considerations that need immediate advice on arrival. The implications of the home inspection you are frequently not warned about. Very few other companies point out this vital area which can cost you thousands The mortgage system, how to obtain a mortgage when you have no American credit history. The mortgage scams to be wary of, the huge differences in mortgage costs that are often not identifiable or explained. So many British buyers are lulled into expensive mistakes in this area. Insurances including health insurance, property insurance etc what to be aware of. Currency options. Bank accounts, credit cards what you need to be aware of.  Removal companies – why the lowest can end up being the highest - some practical tips based on experience, and how appearances can be deceptive in this area. Many families have found themselves paying twice for their removal service or their most cherished items trashed - we explain why this is rarely discovered until you are in America. The driving system. When to buy a car. Settling in – reactions to expect. Working in the States - holidays. Doctors’ different ways of working - be prepared. Dentists’ what to be aware of – clients reported this section alone more than covered our fee! Implications of American services – water, TV, electricity, phone, how to make significant savings when you first arrive, not several months later through trial and error.         We offer these services   Emigration - retirement briefing - is America really for us? and if so what to expect and how to achieve it. (for those starting out) A consultation  to gain an impartial insight into whether America is really the route for you and the available options, what are all the lifestyle implications listed above?  what are all the visa alternatives?, which companies can provide a good track record? why some visa companies are not all they appear to be? ie high charges, but a service that does not deliver or sometimes sadly is a 'scam' -  what are the pitfalls etc? Above all those all important  family implications. Sometimes families decide they may not be better of emigrating to the States, it is far better to realise all the pros/cons at the earliest stage.  an indepth briefing that will help you decide if America is for you and if so the most effective way to emigrate there - and how to achieve it. This briefing is designed to help you decide if you really would be better of living in America and if so the various options to achieve it. Which companies have 100% success rates for visa applications being granted and which have a catalogue of complaints.   Emigration - retirement briefing - We have already decided we want to emigrate to America? - have visited before and are nearly ready to activate our plans. what are the options? what do we need to know? What do we need to be wary of? A consultation and follow up  for those of you that  are familiar with many of the basic facts. You  have probably been back and fourth to America over the years and now want  a more permanent base. There  are still many questions to answer including the latest position re visas, attornies, schools, healthcare, locations, property,healthcare, etc etc.  briefing tailored to your specific questions and requirements.   Specific briefing on the EB5 - The points you need to be aware of and the implications not evident from the brochures The consultations can be carried out in the following formats   Preliminary discussion  -  On the phone covering the broader points and issues you would like to clarify. No Charge   In Depth Briefings. These can be carried out at various locations face to face  when Andrew Bartlett is in the UK - 575 Pounds for detailed emigration consultations and follow ups no charge for EB5 briefing,   Bespoke service to guide you through the full emigration process -  Andrew Bartlett travels to your home or office to provide a full  face to face briefing on all the issues and unlimited follow ups via phone / email as required to guide you through the process. 1275 Pounds.  Clients who have used this service have told us that it is absolutely unique in providing a range of impartial and practical information that is just not available from any other source and has saved them so much time and effort. (Comments below) Every family has different needs and experiences and we focus the information according to your familie's specific requirements.Clients who have used this service after talking to various emigration companies have commented that it was great to obtain impartial advice from us, covering the many implications of such a major move, rather than a focus on selling them a service. 'Well we have finally made it and settled in, the sunshine is now the norm and the kids have adjusted brilliantly to their new schools. Thanks so much for all your guidance and advice. As you know when we first approached you, we had been chasing from pillar to post to find clear, straightforward and honest advice on how to emigrate. After being misled by a number of companies and then having an application rejected by the Embassy we were finally reassured after that initial briefing with you on a cold winter’s day- (at least cold days are now a distant memory!) We would thoroughly recommend your briefing service to anyone planning the big move, it was great to be dealing with someone who was such a mine of information and told it as it is, not the sales agenda we seemed to get before.’ John and Lisa Duggan( Ipswich now Venice) ' Your briefing session was a breath of fresh air, the half day you spent at our house was the best value service we have ever come across and that is to say nothing of all the follow ups afterwards when we bombarded you with all those questions. Anyway thanks so much Andrew, we would never have managed it without you and your fantastic list of contacts. We have joined the local British Club and hearing some of the stories relating to other families moves realise just how luck we were. You must come and see us when you are next over and please bring some English bacon! By the way you were right regarding the location, it was completely right for us all , even Dodger is now happy in his new home’   - Richard and Helen Morris – (Sidcup now Sarasota) 'Thank you Andrew, you are a mine of information and we really appreciate the honesty of your perspective. We realised after our briefing with you that Florida was not for us and are so grateful for all the information you pointed out too us. We feel your fee was the best money we have ever spent and a very small sum compared to what we could have spent if we had made such a big move without realising all the implications. Please feel free to include our thoughts on your web site – it’s nice to know that you provide a service that tells it as it is so to speak- (The Scott-Clarkes) Glasgow 'Andrew thanks so much, the picture you painted for us at the briefing has turned out too be exactly as has turned out, even the driving test matched your description, its certainly different here. We love it and thanks for all your recommendations, Jenny was a great help as our Realtor, Steve was a mine of information on the mortgage front, the removal service brilliant – no breakages and out two dogs looked none the worse for wear from the flight. The visa has turned out to be the right choice with the twins in the final year of High School (which has worked out very well) so really pleased you pointed all the implications out.' Hilary and Ken Colman – (Northampton now Orlando) 'Although from England I have lived here in Myrtle Beach, SC for the past 16 years. Someone passed me on your recent Florida Newsletter I must say I found your Emigration Summary, Selling your property and Buying a property to be very accurate . Living here in SC we do not have the as many Brits as in Florida so do not have the problems you mention. On saying that I do own two properties in the Orlando area and have a business interest there. When I am there I get the chance to speak to many Brits and it always amazes me how many of them have been taken in, whether in obtaining a so called 'E-2 business venture' or buying a house. Very, very few have done any research and are just completely taken in by - in my opinion - the weather and the low cost of property and both of these factors seem to affect the normal workings of their brain! I do think much of the problem is not only the lack of knowledge of the buyer but the unscrupulous behaviour of agents who seem to be concerned with lining their own pockets!! Keep up the good work and I wish you all the best with your honest approach to helping 'our' fellow countrymen who really deserve better.' Best wishes Colin   'Andrew - Have just watched a programme on BBC last night highlighting the visa and property scandals you pointed out to us - very glad we had that meeting with you, it seems all to easy to be scammed when emigrating to Florida. Now we have our visa sorted can we arrange that final briefing you mentioned - can't wait to get over.' Cheryl and Ralph Warren.   We have had many discussions over our future plans, much of it stimulated by the information that you gave us during your consultation.It was useful to hear the downside as well as the good points of living and working in Florida.All too often the internet and magazines only push the virtues of living abroad. it was just what we required having the options fully explained to us at your consultation. we felt you provided just the right amount of information, although there is so much to consider, we were not saturated with facts. Furthermore, we have appreciated your follow up with the additional information and now feel we have a very good source of unbiased support to help us make a decision on our future. Gillian and Adrian Sly   We are in receipt of your quarterly newsletters but would like to get them via email monthly as we have now moved.  We do so enjoy your information and I have to congratulate you on the visa information as we have friends who went out on an E2 visa 3 years ago and were refused an extension saying the business was not making enough profit. They have basically returned to the UK having still 2 houses they cannot sell due to the property slump and are back here in rented accommodation having sold the business at a loss. So keep up the good work. We have had a lot of very positive  feedback from our briefings but perhaps some of the most telling is from a family  who booked our troubleshooting briefing after living in The States for a few years;-  Dear Andrew Thank you so much for the really fast response it has restored my faith in human nature. After how much we have lost financially we will have to live with that, the real cost is it has almost destroyed us as a family. What you are charging is nothing if we had contacted you when we thinking of proceeding down this path, we certainly would have saved ourselves 3 years of heartache and an awful lot of money, and maybe not the prospect of  returning to Britain destitute. Thank you for all your help and contact details we wish you well. Andrew Bartlett an acknowledged expert on  relocation in Florida, writes articles and answers readers’ questions for several British publications including Florida Magazine, Escape Magazine, Place in the Sun, Sunday Times, America, and The Red guide to buying Property in America and is regularly consulted by journalists and broadcasters. His consumer web guides have received numerous accolades.   Andrew was a Senior Government Official for 20 years before relocating to Florida several years ago where he was headhunted to set up specialist British property and relocation teams for Coldwell Banker and Remax - America’s largest estate agents. He then established a uniquely impartial and independent relocation and property briefing company working between Britain and Florida. He has written a number of watchdog style articles warning Brits planning to buy property in Florida or considering emigration about misleading and dangerous selling practices and advises Companies relocating staff to America. If you would like a consultation please either fill in the form below or telephone UK 0207 0961227  or USA 941 966 3426