Pad Is Worth 3-Year Wait

May 4 2008 Laura Davidson

Place In The Sun Email Pictures Kept Couple Posted On Progress Of Florida Home

Billy and Debbie McLean had to wait three years before they could pick up the keys to their holiday pad - but reckoned it was worth it.

Their place in Florida was reserved with a deposit back in July, 2004 - but the couple only had their first holiday there in February.

Billy explained: "Building work was delayed by about 12 months but we were prepared to wait a little longer for our dream holiday home.

"We were kept up to date and sent regular email picture updates, so we could see how it was shaping up.

"When we did finally see the place, we were glad we'd been patient - it was everything we'd hoped for and more."

Billy, a maintenance contract supervisor, and HR worker Debbie had been going to Florida on holiday for 12 years before they finally looked into buying.

They wanted an investment but also a place for family holidays with sons Ben, nine, and four-year-old Ciaran.

The family, of Cumbernauld, started the ball rolling by visiting a property exhibition in May 2004, hooking up with selling agents The Florida Store.They already had a holiday planned for July that year and decided to combine the trip with a bit of househunting.

Billy said: "We went to see three developments on that trip and the one which really stood out was Marbella Resort in Davenport, Orlando, where we ended up buying. There was nothing more to see than a field when we first visited but the plans were very impressive and we had a walk around the showhome to get an idea of the space.

"We put down a 25 per cent deposit from our savings on that trip and never looked back."

The Marbella Resort is a luxury housing community just off Highway 27 and Interstate 4, the two main tourist routes in Orlando.

It is well placed for the main theme parks and there are plenty of on-site facilities for residents including a clubhouse with health spa, steam room and sauna, a gym, internet cafe, cinema and tennis courts.

Billy and Debbie, both 41, chose a four-bedroom three-bathroom villa with extra living space.

There's a main open-plan living room with diner/kitchen and a separate family/TV room where the kids can chill out. Billy said: "We got the keys in September 2007.

"Our first holiday there as a family was in February and it was amazing. I opened the door and told the boys to run in and explore, they were so excited.

"It's made Debbie and I feel like kids again because when we go to the theme parks now, we see it through the kids' eyes."

Billy and Debbie paid Û315,000 (£158,000) for their villa and took out a home loan with British Mortgages Abroad for the 75 per cent balance.

Billy said: "The purchase was remarkably easy and we weren't swamped with paperwork. I think it is the right time in our lives to do this because the kids are young and it's a great place for families."

To rent the villa, see www.florida-holiday-villa-mclean.com or email billydebbie@fsmail.net

FACTFILE

If you're buying an older property, be sure that the seller is using a standard Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate. This is produced by the Florida Association of Real Estate and Florida Bar Association, and can be tailored to individual needs.

Confirm everything important in writing. Verbal agreements are not enforceable under US law.

Hire a US real estate attorney to review the closing papers and, if you're buying a house still under construction, to draft or review the purchase contract.

Since completion on your property purchase will require all outstanding balances to be paid, factor in enough time to allow for mortgage approval. This generally takes two to three weeks in the UK, although US approval can be much quicker.