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Moss Sidell on What to Know When Buying Real Estate in Boca Raton
Moss Sidell, a Real Estate Attorney, shares his tips on buying real estate.

Boca Raton is the southernmost city in Palm Beach, Florida. It is a prime destination for both travelers and retirees alike for several reasons. In addition to its location, it is also one of the wealthiest communities in South Florida and houses many activities, such as golf and cultural centers. There are also plenty of beautiful destinations to visit, such as natural parks, beaches, and oceanfront reefs. Because of its mass appeal, many people have chosen to relocate to Boca Raton. Like any major move, however, it is always a wise idea to research an area before you buy real estate. Fortunately, there are several resources available that provide potential residents with guidelines to examine before making such a major life change.
Price
As one of America’s wealthiest cities, the cost of living in Boca will also be high. While it may not be one of the ten most expensive places to live in the US, it still ranks a score of 133 on average, with the US average being 100. This means it costs approximately 33% more to live there than an average city in the US. Make sure your lifestyle will still be sustainable if you move.
Find out what's happening in Boca Ratonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Size
The average price of a home in Boca Raton is approximately $326,000. Whether you’re interested in a rental property or looking to own, it’s important to accurately estimate the number of rooms/amenities you’ll need, taking into account what your long-term goals are, such as whether you’ll be starting a family. Figure out a budget, then shop within your means.
Find out what's happening in Boca Ratonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Location
The number one adage in real estate is location, location, location. There are many options for living within Boca and they all depend on your priorities. If you feel strongly about being near the ocean, that’s a huge factor to consider because it will also likely affect your budget. If you have school age children, it’s important to research school districts until you find one that you like, then you can look for homes or apartments nearby. If public transportation is going to be a factor, you'll want to live within a reasonable distance in order to have access to stations. Ask yourself whether you want to feel a strong connection to your community or if you prefer a more secluded lifestyle. The more honest you are with yourself during this exploratory phase, the happier you’ll be with your choice. When considering your neighbors, it’s also important to take into account personal habits such as smoking. If you are an avid non-smoker, it’s crucial to ask potential landlords about their smoking policies before making any kind of commitment.
Moss Sidell has been an attorney at Sidell Law Offices for the last 30 years. He specializes in real estate and business litigation and is licensed to practice in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida. Currently his practice is located in Boca Raton, Florida where he also resides. Sidell Law offices has a client list that ranges from the larges retailer in the word to small businesses and families.