FLORIDA: PJ AND SANDRA
Our final destination this week is Florida, in the USA, to the city of Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico, to be precise. As well as Disney World and the Everglades, Florida is known the world over as the retirement Mecca of America.

With so many old age pensioners looking for homes in this retirement paradise, there are literally thousands of licenced realtors. Our house hunters, PJ and Sandra from Galway, have already been soaking up the sun for a week. PJ is in the building trade, so knows a bit about houses.

Although they have €150,000 to spend, it still puts them at the lower end of the market, so their first house visit takes them north of Fort Myers where property is traditionally less sought after and, hopefully, better value. Now golf is a big deal in Florida, so it's hardly surprising that our first property is on Sam Snead.

Our realtor is Don Devaney, a Mayo man, who specialises in assisting European buyers. This house has already been reduced twice from its original asking price of $142,000. PJ and Sandra said they wouldn't mind something that needed a bit of work, but this does not capture their imagination and they really don't like the kitchen.

Next up, it's that great American tradition - the condominium. Condos, as their better known, are everywhere in Florida. They're a form of communal living which offer the buyer any number of extras, like a pool, tennis courts, golf course, and dock facilities.

These, along with all your services are covered by the monthly community fees. These fees can be very high, and must be paid even when you're not using the property, they must be factored into your budget. PJ and Sandra are taken with the property but are concerned about the high fees. They decide to keep on looking.