Lakewood Ranch Florida - Pros and Cons | Sarasota Real Estate | Episode 50

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

Great video. My parents lived there for 16 years in Lakewood Ranch, so I got to watch it grow when I visit them. It really is mostly just housing developments. After awhile, those fees get to you and it feels like you are not getting your moneys worth. You are also bound to using your car for just about everything there. Make sure that you know the fees and match them to the amenities up front to make sure that you are getting your moneys worth. Don't think that its not a lot of money because it is over time. Ask yourself, 'are you really going to use that pool' or 'am I really going to spend time in the club house', because most of the time these places are empty and not being used, but yet the homeowners are paying for them.

[@wychefamily3454]

So helpful.

[@jillwillsell]

Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching! 😀

[@pazsugarspice]

CDD fees are the equivalent to local taxes like a town. The question I have is about crime. Lakewood ranch is surrounded by Sarasota, Bradenton and not far from Tampa so how much crime is there if you venture out or even in community itself?

[@jillwillsell]

Hi Patti! Yes, CDD fees are paid along with the annual property taxes. It is not considered a "tax" but the money does stay in the community for improvements, maintenance, etc. In terms of crime in the LWR area... I cannot say there isn't any crime but it doesn't have a reputation of being a high crime area. I think Tampa is far enough removed that it isn't an issue. Here is a link for you to check out crime stats for yourself: www.crimemapping.com/map/fl/sarasota Thanks for watching!!

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

Very informative! Motivated Monday ~:)

[@jillwillsell]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching. 😀

[@juniorcrandall8933]

How much are HOA fees, from the most economical to the most expensive.

[@jillwillsell]

Hi Junior Crandall! I actually have an entire chart on that... too much to put into the comments section. If you send me an email, I can forward that to you. [e-mail]

[@troy4u2]

I looked through the schools there. According to greatschools, the ratings are not good so that’s why I ruled it out. Thoughts?

[@jillwillsell]

Hi Troy - overall, the scores seem to be 8 out of 10 for most of the schools. Except for Braden River Middle School. And when I looked up the scores/grades from the Florida Department of Education is appears most of them have an A or B in most of the categories. Was there a school in particular you are looking at? I just had someone tell me that Braden River High School is awesome. Her son recently graduated from there. I have friends whose kids go to the Imagine school and love it. I also have someone looking to buy here just so their daughter can go to LWR High School because of a particular program they offer. I am sure it is hard to gauge not being here. I am not trying to convince you of the schools one way or the other - just trying to share what I know or have heard from others.

[@gigi1332]

Are there homes available there now?

[@jillwillsell]

Yes, there is a lot going on in Lakewood Ranch. This video is a little older so whatever prices I may have mentioned are totally different today. I should do an updated video. LWR isn't an inexpensive place to buy in - but the area is fabulous.

[@pauldelmonte8953]

way over price hoa,s and taxes

[@thesuccessfulmind7180]

are CDD fees a lifetime fee paid for by the owner?

[@jillwillsell]

+Adm1776 Practically!! Plan on 30 years. After that they are reduced and the money is used for ongoing maintenance. Thanks for watching!

[@victorvandyke9898]

Looking!

[@jillwillsell]

Thanks for watching!

[@GREEKGODDESSFLA]

No affordable housing

[@jillwillsell]

I agree, Mike. It is hard with those added expenses.