What Size Lot do you Really Want in Florida?
If you’re looking to make a move to live in Florida, there are many things you will want to consider. One that may not initially seem like a big deal, but needs to be considered before the sale, is lot size. It’s easy to only focus on the wonderful aspects of the house, but the property it sits on is something that is important as well.
If you happen to be moving from the northeast or anywhere else where lots tend to run on the small side, including zero lot lines, the amount of land you can get with your house in Florida may initially seem unbelievable. Our human instinct is to get the most we can of just about anything. Making sure you think about and rank your priorities will help you make sure you find your absolute dream home. For example:
* A larger lot will allow you to build onto the home down the road should you decide you want to. Will you eventually want to build an addition or add a pool?
* A larger lot will help with privacy if that is important to you. When viewing a property, look around. How many neighbors can see into the backyard, kitchen or even bedroom.
* A larger lot means larger maintenance. In Florida, maintenance is done 12 months out of the year, which means time, labor and expenses.
* Watering the proper amount in Florida typically means applying 1/2”-3/4” of water during a single irrigation session. You’ll want to water less frequently for longer periods of time. During times of active growth (spring, summer and fall) lawns generally need watering once or twice a week. During the winter, you may only need to water every 2-3 weeks.
* Applying fertilizer correctly is important, including the type, quantity, and at the right time. In North and Central Florida, it is better to fertile during the growing season of spring, summer and fall. The last application should be around the end of September.
* Mowing is actually one of the most important home lawn management practices, according to the University of Florida. It’s important to keep up a regular mowing schedule to maintain overall health.
* The most common lawn mowing frequency in Florida is biweekly. An example of the average price of professional lawn mowing biweekly in Florida is 1/8 Acre: $26.08, 1/4 Acre: $31.46, 1/3 Acre: $40.99, 1/2 Acre: $57.13, 1 Acre: $88.18. These services can ad up quickly, especially once you factor in services in addition to mowing such as fertilizing, leaf removal, general cleanup, and watering.
* Interior lots are the most common since it fronts on only one street. It is your basic, standard lot. Interior lots don’t tend to have any major pros and cons.
* Corner lots lie on the corner of two intersecting streets. These can have pros and cons depending on priorities. Corner lots tend to allow easier access to the rear of the home and the possibility of two separate entrances to the home. However, if the corner lot is on a very busy street, it could hurt the value. A less traveled interior street can be a positive since it may be quieter and more private. Corner lots tend to be larger than standard lots, but this isn’t a guarantee.
* A cul-de-sac lot sits in a dead-end street with a curved turnaround. These lots may lose some of the front yard because of the front curve, but usually have larger backyards, less traffic and more privacy.
Any size lot can be beautiful and provide an oasis to compliment your home. It’s just important to decide how you will realistically wish to use it, your time commitment and monetary budget.