For a long time we had been considering purchasing a property abroad, specifically in Florida. Originally we were going to do it through a property management company but after researching American home buying law we decided to use a realtor instead. We found a consultant who in turn put us in touch with an American equivalent of a UK estate agent.
You have to be careful when choosing your realtor. The all important commission can be their driving factor, not your best interests. Our chosen realtors where Dolby Properties, their knowledge of the local market and experience with dealing with English customers made them the obvious choice. Our representative from Dolby properties was Michelle, she was excellent. Michelle spent so much time finding out what our needs were. After many emails and calls we booked a flight for January 2007 and spent the next month or so before Christmas scouring the MLS (one site that has every home in America) for our dream holiday home. Our criteria was 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Games room 1700+sq ft 20 minutes to the all important parks We found over 400 that matched our search!! As December approached we knew we had to shorten our list so we spent the next couple of weeks dropping villas until we had it down to 40. Then we stopped our search and concentrated on celebrating Christmas, our favourite time of year.
New year appropriately celebrated we got down to the difficult job of reducing the amount of villas, we knew that to be realistic in viewing the properties we needed to have the list down to 16 before we went to inspect them. By the first week in January our new list was finished and sitting on the desk of our realtor. So as Friday the 20th came Karen and I finished our shifts at work and made ready for our new adventure.
The journey. Where do I start, Got to the airport early, tried and failed to upgrade. Shortly after we got through the lounge and onto the plane, Couldn’t believe it our seats had been double booked, fortunately we were able to be moved to a row of 4 seats, all unoccupied, result. After an uneventful flight, (why is it when that statement is said it sounds like a disappointment, what was I hoping for?) we collected our dreams and our car and headed over to International Drive where we were staying at the Best Western Inn. The room was nice but the bathroom was scary. After a pleasant Ponderosa meal we settled down for the night with nervous excitement.
Sunday The following morning we had an early start. After breakfast (much crispy bacon and pancakes covered in maple syrup) we went off to meet up with Michelle. We met and got on straight away, she informed us that 6 of our chosen villas had gone pending, which meant they were off the list, but Michelle had selected half a dozen that were similar to our originals. We set off in her car towards Davenport. All of our first 6 selected villas that we would be seeing were on Highway 27 which is the long road that lies between the 192 and i4. Of the 6 that we saw, there were 3 we really liked, we finished viewing at 1 o’clock and went back to our motel to talk things over. Later on that afternoon we set off to SeaWorld. I love this park, many years ago my wife helped me celebrate my 30th by getting me tickets to swim with the dolphins in the show tank, to this day I can remember that experience. Our favourite things to do are feeding the stingrays, although smelly, well worth doing, and sitting in the underwater viewing area watching the bottlenoses swim and play.
Monday The following day was all set up, a further 6 villas to see. Some more beauties, one had a pool in its courtyard and one had an annex perfect for an in-law. But, we had already seen the one we knew was for us, Oristavilla. So we viewed it a second time and it only further concreted what we already knew. Our minds made up, Karen and I decided to have the rest of the day to think about it and spent that afternoon at the Florida Mall. Many dollars later we ate at our favourite restaurant T.G.I. Friday's, love me some Jack Daniels sauce.
Tuesday Spoke to Michelle and told her our minds were made up. We gave her our offer and spent a nervous day at Epcot (my favourite Disney Park) I love the world showcase, I like to think it’s the culture but I think its more to do with the shops.
Wednesday Waited all day, but finally got the good news, our offer had been excepted. Oristavilla was ours. To celebrate we dove to the Premium outlets and we let off some steam in Timberland and Reebok, among others.
Thursday Now forever known as the day of the paperwork mountain. After many signatures, we set off to the Magic Kingdom. Went in through the monorail, my choice (Karen loves the boat) and spent a magical day in the park. Later that evening we went to Downtown Disney. We love downtown at night, Virgin Megastore is always a favourite but so is the marketplace.
Friday As there was nothing left to do concerning the villa purchase we went off to MGM Studios, now known as Hollywood Studios. This is Karen’s favourite, she loves the atmosphere and ambience. It was great knowing that she was having a good time, she is the kind of person that holds the bags during the rides, Always making sure that everyone else is having a great time, unlike me, as soon as I’m through the turnstiles I’m looking for my first thrill! Got some gifts in the shop’s and then set off to Epcot to watch reflections of earth. This is a spectacular firework show that always brings a tear to our eyes.
Saturday Home time. What can I say, what a trip. We crammed so much in and had a great time. It was an experience we will never forget. Buying a house can be quite a daunting experience but throw in a swimming pool with a generous helping of Mickey and it can be the time of your life.