North Port or Port Charlotte? New Construction! Good or bad idea?

North Port or Port Charlotte? New Construction! Good or bad idea?

Member since 2019 · 14 posts · 4 votes

I'm currently in the process of looking at model homes and have my house built. The problem is where ?

North Port seems to be up and coming very quickly. A lot of new constructions going up. The new Braves stadium seems to have brought in a lot of attention to the area. It's also part of Sarasota County which is a positive. Close to all the beaches. The land is super cheap.

Port Charlotte seems to be already populated and established with tons to do. All of the above is also true for Port Charlotte minus the county and the land (it's not outrageously priced, but decently priced)

The home in North Port are on the older side and I can buy land in a good area and build a home for the price people are selling their homes for (currently everyone is asking for above market)

Port Charlotte you can find newer homes, but for the same price as a new construction.

Our goal is to buy and hold for 5-10 years North Port seems like the ideal place for this, but what's your thoughts? I can't be the only one thinking about this.

If North Port is the ideal city what zip code should I look at? What should I avoid? Same for Port Charlotte.

Thanks BP

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Mike TerryPro Member
Investor · Fort Myers, FL · Member since 2015 · 293 posts · 278 votes
6y

I flip in Port Charlotte.  Things to be aware of.  This is mostly a rural to literally sub urban area.  Most homes are on septic and well.  Some have city water and remain on septic.  We have flipped 2 homes there and both needed new septic tanks and drain field.  Area is appreciting fast because there is a severe housing shortage here and people are coming to all of Florida from high tax states (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusets, Illinois).  I don't see that abating.  The country's population continues to age and many are financially underprepared for retirmentment.  Covid 19 has accelerated this trend.  If you are a 58 year old and you have been laid off due to the virus driven recession.  Your job is probably not coming back.  Many of these people have most of their wealth in their home in high priced markets.  So they are choosing to sell and take advantage of buying a home in affordable Florida markets.  So I think the demand for housing in Florida will be steady.  I don't think building is a bad idea in that market.  Growth will come and both areas are among the cheapest in coastal Florida. The reason I don't build...exposure to an extending time frame, building permits are causing delays in both counties right now as local governments deal with a backlog after being shutdwon in April through June. Spec building is inhently riskier than redevelopment.  Land is cheap, but preping a lot, clearing, and septic are expensive.  We can turn flips in 45 to 60 days.  We are buying at a or below 70 percent rule in a rapidly appreciating market, hard to beat with new builds.  Just some things to think about for you.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Brooke Park Drive · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Noroda purchase?

  • Member since 2019 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    @Michael P.

    Hey, sorry I don't understand what that means

  • Investor · Marin County California · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Consider Englewood?  

  • Member since 2019 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    @Darius Ogloza

    Any particular reason? I heard it's beautiful out there

  • Investor · Marin County California · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    No particular reason other than it is in the same general area and it quite a lovely place.  

  • Mike TerryPro Member
    Investor · Fort Myers, FL · Member since 2015 · 293 posts · 278 votes
    6y

    I flip in Port Charlotte.  Things to be aware of.  This is mostly a rural to literally sub urban area.  Most homes are on septic and well.  Some have city water and remain on septic.  We have flipped 2 homes there and both needed new septic tanks and drain field.  Area is appreciting fast because there is a severe housing shortage here and people are coming to all of Florida from high tax states (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusets, Illinois).  I don't see that abating.  The country's population continues to age and many are financially underprepared for retirmentment.  Covid 19 has accelerated this trend.  If you are a 58 year old and you have been laid off due to the virus driven recession.  Your job is probably not coming back.  Many of these people have most of their wealth in their home in high priced markets.  So they are choosing to sell and take advantage of buying a home in affordable Florida markets.  So I think the demand for housing in Florida will be steady.  I don't think building is a bad idea in that market.  Growth will come and both areas are among the cheapest in coastal Florida. The reason I don't build...exposure to an extending time frame, building permits are causing delays in both counties right now as local governments deal with a backlog after being shutdwon in April through June. Spec building is inhently riskier than redevelopment.  Land is cheap, but preping a lot, clearing, and septic are expensive.  We can turn flips in 45 to 60 days.  We are buying at a or below 70 percent rule in a rapidly appreciating market, hard to beat with new builds.  Just some things to think about for you.

    • Rental Property Investor · Port Charlotte, FL · Member since 2018 · 13 posts · 1 vote
      5y
      Originally posted by @Mike Terry:

      I flip in Port Charlotte.  Things to be aware of.  This is mostly a rural to literally sub urban area.  Most homes are on septic and well.  Some have city water and remain on septic.  We have flipped 2 homes there and both needed new septic tanks and drain field.  Area is appreciting fast because there is a severe housing shortage here and people are coming to all of Florida from high tax states (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusets, Illinois).  I don't see that abating.  The country's population continues to age and many are financially underprepared for retirmentment.  Covid 19 has accelerated this trend.  If you are a 58 year old and you have been laid off due to the virus driven recession.  Your job is probably not coming back.  Many of these people have most of their wealth in their home in high priced markets.  So they are choosing to sell and take advantage of buying a home in affordable Florida markets.  So I think the demand for housing in Florida will be steady.  I don't think building is a bad idea in that market.  Growth will come and both areas are among the cheapest in coastal Florida. The reason I don't build...exposure to an extending time frame, building permits are causing delays in both counties right now as local governments deal with a backlog after being shutdwon in April through June. Spec building is inhently riskier than redevelopment.  Land is cheap, but preping a lot, clearing, and septic are expensive.  We can turn flips in 45 to 60 days.  We are buying at a or below 70 percent rule in a rapidly appreciating market, hard to beat with new builds.  Just some things to think about for you.

      Do you know any reliable contractors in the Port Charlotte area? Looking to start BRRRRng soon!

  • Darren RogersPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 19 posts · 2 votes
    6y

    Looking at new builds in Ocala and Port Charlotte areas also wasn’t that impressed with the numbers but it would be a safe start for me. 3/2 for $165000🤷‍♂️
    Any idea on insurance cost

  • Mike TerryPro Member
    Investor · Fort Myers, FL · Member since 2015 · 293 posts · 278 votes
    6y

    Build in a x flood zone or elevate your home significantly about established elevation.  REgular HO policy should be 1600 to 1800 for a asphalt shingled, new build 2500 to 2000 squarefoot home.

  • Member since 2019 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    @Mike Terry

    Thank you for this information !

    Another question, I'm not from the area nor familiar with building a home, any home builders you recommend over another?

    Maronda home builders, I like their models, but the reviews online mention they don't use the best material.

  • Mike TerryPro Member
    Investor · Fort Myers, FL · Member since 2015 · 293 posts · 278 votes
    6y

    Yeah sorry can't help you there, my partner is a contractor and he is contemplating some new builds at the moment, but I have not considered it.  Multifamily is hard to come by I may be interested in building some tri's and quads.  The current cost to build and exisiting inventory is pretty divergent ( existing ins very expensive and is all less than 1% rule in my market.  I would never use a builder that wouldn't let you pick your materials or at least designate, budget, mid grade or high end.   Builder grade is what it is.  I would think with some research you could find a builder with plans.  I like working with small companies, more control and communication.

  • Member since 2019 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    @Mike Terry

    Thanks for this information! I'm still doing my research. If you happen to hear any good recommendations please shoot them my way.

  • Member since 2020 · 52 posts · 9 votes
    6y

    I am REI (still trying to learn) - How is 33981 zip code for buy and hold. How are rents and overall appreciation. Thanks

  • Investor · Garrison, NY · Member since 2017 · 26 posts · 6 votes
    5y

    @Steven E.

    We are talking to Estero Properties about a turnkey new construction. They seem great, we are just still figuring out which market we want to invest in.

  • Real Estate Broker · FL · Member since 2018 · 149 posts · 96 votes
    5y

    @Steven E.

    Great question. The areas of Port Charlotte, North Port, Rotunda West & Cape Coral have become very popular for investors. A new construction (if done correctly) can often be a much better value than a resale home especially if you consider the cost of ownership. One of the key questions you have to ask yourself is whether you want to figure everything out on your own; buy a lot, select a builder get a construction loan, and get an end loan, etc. Alternatively, you could partner with investors with properties currently under construction and simply get an end loan on your selected property. Often times this dramatically reduces the issue with build time, as they are already under construction.

    @Mike Terry brought up some good points with regards to flood zones and builder quality. Tenants aren't going to pay more just because their landlord needs to pay higher insurance premiums. 

    @Alissa Kronovet; As far as which market, you want to go a bit more granular and actually look at the street address, understand future zoning, development plans on a busy rd, near schools, etc. Market wise, you can go wrong. Address wise, there will be some that are more favorable than others. You'll definitely want to comb through this to identify the best option.

    Let me know if I can provide further assistance.

  • Rental Property Investor · Colorado Florida Arizona Texas, Nevada and Ohio. · Member since 2020 · 116 posts · 58 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Mike Terry:

    I flip in Port Charlotte.  Things to be aware of.  This is mostly a rural to literally sub urban area.  Most homes are on septic and well.  Some have city water and remain on septic.  We have flipped 2 homes there and both needed new septic tanks and drain field.  Area is appreciting fast because there is a severe housing shortage here and people are coming to all of Florida from high tax states (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusets, Illinois).  I don't see that abating.  The country's population continues to age and many are financially underprepared for retirmentment.  Covid 19 has accelerated this trend.  If you are a 58 year old and you have been laid off due to the virus driven recession.  Your job is probably not coming back.  Many of these people have most of their wealth in their home in high priced markets.  So they are choosing to sell and take advantage of buying a home in affordable Florida markets.  So I think the demand for housing in Florida will be steady.  I don't think building is a bad idea in that market.  Growth will come and both areas are among the cheapest in coastal Florida. The reason I don't build...exposure to an extending time frame, building permits are causing delays in both counties right now as local governments deal with a backlog after being shutdwon in April through June. Spec building is inhently riskier than redevelopment.  Land is cheap, but preping a lot, clearing, and septic are expensive.  We can turn flips in 45 to 60 days.  We are buying at a or below 70 percent rule in a rapidly appreciating market, hard to beat with new builds.  Just some things to think about for you.

    Mike, 

    I'm a veteran thats currently deployed. Would you be against me picking your brain to see what else I can learn from your experience in flipping and new home builds in the PC/NP area? Ive been in that market for a few months and trying to learn and do as much as I can with the limitations that I have being overseas and with doing most of the stuff on my own.

  • Mike TerryPro Member
    Investor · Fort Myers, FL · Member since 2015 · 293 posts · 278 votes
    5y

    @Randall Re II happy to connect.  I'll sen you a PM.

  • Member since 2021 · 28 posts · 6 votes
    5y

    Anyone know of a good property management team in the Port Charlotte / Rotonda West area?

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