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Gordon Crawford We bought a property in Sarasota What were you doing in the UK – job – lifestyle –etc? We are early / mid 50’s couple, who had both been involved with food manufacturing companies in Scotland. Having recently sold our major company in 2005, we were both semi retired.   We have always enjoyed spending time in the sun, and have travelled extensively over the last 10 years – to various parts of USA, Australia, Far East, Africa and all the ‘normal’ European countries.   We are both outgoing people, who love playing golf and tennis, and enjoying ourselves with a wide circle of friends.   Why did you decide to choose Florida? We wanted somewhere that would be suitable for winter living. We both love Scotland, and enjoy the Scottish summers. However autumn and winter are often cold and miserable. Therefore we were looking for somewhere where we could in retirement spend the majority of the autumn / winter months.   We had considered Europe, but felt that the winter climate in the likes of Spain Greece or Cyprus was not as consistent or warm as we wished; also the local language would always be a barrier to feeling at home and fitting in.   In Florida we felt the winter climate was perfect – warm, sunny and mainly dry. Also after spending some time in Florida, it also became quickly obvious that most people were incomers to Florida all wanting the same thing - to make new friends, relax and have fun. There was not a large ‘native’ population that was resentful of the influx of foreigners and the change in their home town or city.      What were your considerations in choosing the area of Florida you bought in? We naturally wanted an area of Florida that we liked. Our main experience of Florida was Orlando, but we felt it was a bit of a manufactured city, with few attractions apart from Disney and golf. It was also heavily into short term breaks and holidays with children. As we were not looking for a property to let extensively, we started looking at other areas of Florida. We wanted a coastal city, not too far north to ensure good winter weather. We visited Sarasota in early 2005, and we both loved the area, and it ticked all the boxes for us – lovely winter temperatures, lots of sunshine, beaches, golf courses, city attractions such as shops, restaurants and bars, niche area’s like St Armand’s, Longboat Key etc.     What do you like about Sarasota? Sarasota has a nice blend of everything - beach, city shops & restaurants, theatres and museums all within easy reach. There are excellent golf courses around the city, the area is not overcrowded, and has a good road system Other key cities are near bye - Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Fort Myers are all within a few hours drive. There are several choices for air flights - Sarasota itself, Tampa or Orlando direct from the UK.     What were the main practical issues you had to contend with buying in Florida?   Thankfully we found the process reasonably straightforward after we had researched the internet and found a lot of background information from your site, our consultation with you was absolutely critical in getting us on the right path.    Having selected the area we wanted to buy a house in, we used your MLS to draw up a ‘short list ‘of about 30 homes to look at. The key box entry system is excellent – we were able to look at nearly all of these houses in 1 long and exhausting day.   Having on-hand face-to-face help from your recommended British specialist was also invaluable – somebody you instinctively trusted who would answer any questions we had. Your specialist also understood and pre – empted many of our questions because of her knowledge of the UK purchase system and the differences with Florida. Having selected the house we wanted, it then resorted to the usual negotiation process to try and buy it at a price we liked. Thankfully the market was quiet, and we had a free run at the selected property, allowing us to buy well below the asking price. Not knowing any professional advisors, we were also impressed with the advisors who you introduced us to, who all gave us wonderful service to complete the house purchasing process without a hitch – all at long distance as we had returned home by then.   What would you have done differently in hindsight? Very little. What we found most difficult to do was setting up currency trading arrangements while away from home in the USA. It is ‘relatively’ easy to set up these arrangements when you have access to documents at home, and we should have set up an account with 2 or 3 of the major players in the field well in advance of visiting USA in order that we made sure we got the very best currency exchange rate when we had to transfer money. The difference even a fraction of a cent can have on large amounts is significant.    Which areas of expertise did you use to make the move and how did you find the services. As mentioned above, the consultation service was very important at the outset and we were introduced to solicitors, mortgage advisors, and insurance agents. All were professional and gave an excellent service allowing the transaction to proceed even although we were back in Britain when completion took place.   What advise would you give to people contemplating the move across the pond? Take your time and research as much info as possible even prior to visiting. Much can be learned through your website and your briefing process. Spend some time in and around the area you are considering buying a house in to make sure you are comfortable with it; spend a fair bit of time in the country if you plan to move permanently – life will be different from a ‘long’ holiday; meet as many of the locals as possible and get their take on life in the area.   Gordon Crawford     Thinking about buying a property in Florida - click here   Thinking about selling a property in Florida - click here   Thinking about emigrating to Florida - click here Just want to be sent details of suitable agents with excellent testimonials and a proven track record of working with British buyers – click here Andrew Bartlett an acknowledged expert on property trends and 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.