A home is a huge investment and when looking to buy one, there are factors you must consider to avoid unnecessary headaches down the line. Before we look at the things to look for when buying a home in Kissimmee, here are some important questions you must ask the seller:
You need to discuss with the seller what the new house comes with at the selling price. While this information is often in the seller disclosure statement, it is always a good idea to discuss this with the seller just so everything is clear.
Some new houses come with furniture, appliances, etc. while others do not. Asking what is included will allow you to manage your budget and also give you some bargaining power.
You want to see whether or not the seller is willing to share some pros and cons of the house. Some sellers will be quick to only point out the high points and avoid the drawbacks. This is something you should be wary of.
Every house, whether old or new has some cons and the sellers must point them out so you can determine whether or not you want to move on with the purchase.
Other key questions you can ask include how many days the house has been on the market, whether or not the home has had other previous listing prices, and when the home was built, among others.
Kissimmee, Florida has about 24 neighbourhoods each with a diverse mix of lifestyles. Depending on your preference, the size of your family, and the job you do, among other things, you want to look for a neighbourhood that best suits you.
For instance, if you have kids, you’d want to buy a home near a school district. Factors such as transportation options, employment opportunities, entertainment amenities, etc also come to play.
Kissimmee and Florida, in general, have some unique challenges when it comes to home insurance. Before settling on a particular new home, you need to first be sure about the cost and availability of home insurance coverage in that region as this is a factor that may significantly impact your budget.
Home insurance rates will vary depending on the neighbourhood and the size of the house among other things. You want to be very thorough in investigating this. You might want to get the services of a reputable agent.
According to recent statistics released by Redfin in February 2024, properties in Kissimmee are selling at a median price of $351K.
This gives you a rough idea of whether or not you are going to afford a home in Kissimmee, FL. However, there is a wide range of housing options in Kissimmee – from modest, affordable homes to luxurious waterfront properties. Determine your financial limits and look for a home that fits your budget.
Stats also show that the average property tax in Kissimmee, Florida is 0.98%, which is slightly lower compared to the country’s average. You, however, need to familiarise yourself with the rates and laws of the community you are going to live within. Get a home in an area the property taxes that best suit you to avoid unnecessary stresses down the line.
Beyond the overall costs of buying a new home in Kissimmee, FL, you want to consider how expensive or cheap it’s going to be living in this part of the country. Generally, the cost of living in Kissimmee is lower than other areas in the state.
A dollar will tend to stretch a bit farther here than other places, but it is still important to compare places. This includes considering stuff like the availability of public transport, proximity to schools, grocery stores, etc.
Kissimmee is popular for vacation and rentals which means purchasing property here can open doors to investment opportunities. Still, you want a neighbourhood with other investment opportunities.
If you have children or are planning to have them, you understand they will need education. While Florida’s schools are at the centre of the curve when it comes to performance compared to other states, the quality of education differs from community to community.
Kissimmee has a mix of charter, private, and public schools with varying performance standards. You also want to consider proximity to college and higher education institutions.
It is also imperative to consider proximity to good healthcare facilities such as clinics, specialized care centres, and hospitals. You understand that access to quality healthcare correlates to quality of life directly. So when choosing between new homes in Kissimmee, Florida, this is a factor you do not want to ignore.
You also want to consider the lifestyle and amenities offerings around your new Kissimmee home. Kissimmee has some quality recreational opportunities such as a golf course, entertainment venues, and beaches, among others. If you or your family likes to go out for a good time, you should carefully research the amenities available to you before settling on a particular home.
Last but not definitely not least is the safety of the neighbourhood in which you intend to settle. Kissimmee is a generally safe region, but still, it is important to do some due diligence before purchasing a home.
Other things to look for when buying a new Kissimmee home include available transportation options, homeowners’ association regulations, the realtors available, and the home’s resale value, among others.
According to recent statistics, the average median property selling price in Kissimmee in 2024 is $351, 000. The median listing home price in the region is $425, 000 and the median listing home price per square foot is $227. So with about $400, 000, you can own a new home in Kissimmee, FL.
Kissimmee is a charming city that offers a wide range of neighborhoods each with a unique appeal and charm. There are up to 24 neighborhoods and I have had the privilege of exploring most of them.
You may be wondering which one of these neighbourhoods is best to live in. I would say most of Kissimmee is a great place to live in for anyone. Whether you are single or married with kids, Kissimmee neighbourhoods have something to offer you.
However, if I had to choose the ‘best’ neighbourhoods in Kissimmee then I would select the following (in no particular order):
Celebration: This community was developed by Walt Disney, It offers a small-town, picturesque atmosphere with tree-lined streets and beautiful parks. It also has some of the top-rated schools in the region. It is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Kissimmee.
Harmony: This eco-friendly neighbourhood is one of the best when it comes to promoting healthy lifestyles and preserving the environment. It has numerous parks, two private lakes, and miles of walking trails, making it perfect for those in love with the outdoors. It also has a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family houses.
Reunion: If you love golf, Reunion is the best neighbourhood for you. It is a golf community with a mix of townhomes, single-family houses, and condos, It has up to 3 signature golf courses, tennis courts, a lot of dining options, and water parks, among other amenities.
Eagle Lake: This neighbourhood also offers a range of housing options. It is a family-friendly community with 2 community pools, various sports fields, and playgrounds. There are various shopping, entertainment, and dining options conveniently located near homes.
Windsor Hills: Located just a few minutes from the Walt Disney World, Windsor Hills is a beautiful vacation rental community. It has resort-style amenities that include water slides, sports courts, and lagoon-style pools. Like the other communities, Windsor Hills offers a mix of housing options.
You need to earn anything between $90, 000 to $150, 000 a year to own a house in Kissimmee, Florida. Note, however, that this may change depending on factors such as the size of the home you intend to buy, property taxes, etc.
One of the main reasons you should consider buying a house in Kissimmee as opposed to Orlando is that, on average, new homes in Kissimmee, FL are cheaper than in Orlando. While the median property cost in Kissimmee is $351K you will need to pay at least $30K more to live in Orlando.
Also, the average cost of living in Kissimmee is way lower than in other places in Florida. Thanks to the area’s mild climate, maintenance and utility costs are lower in Kissimmee as well.
I should also mention that Kissimmee has some of the best neighbourhoods in the region.