Thought I would wake up this thread to see how everything worked out- logistically. Smooth? I have been considering moving from the dirty t.o. on, to Florida. With our dollar and the cost of a home in Fl., I am getting more serious. Help! 
My biggest hurdles have been with the banks and we didn't borrow. I strongly suggest that you open an account with an american bank before you go out and actually buy a property in the US. Opening a US$ account from your canadian bank would also be a wise move if you don't have one. Escrow agents and tax collectors won't accept payment if not from an american bank in US$.
It took me 3 visits to National Bank branches in Qb to have mine open and I have been with this bank for over 20 years...
I opened with Wachovia in Florida mostly because it's convenient with branches everywhere. Their call center in Charlotte NC is basically uselees despite their good intentions. I had to ask our real estate agent for a connection within a local branch to get everything started. And then, there's all the paperwork asociated and what not that you have to fill and send out months after. And because I don't have a US social security number I can't use Wachovia to pay my bills on the Internet or obtain a credit card. But then, Wachovia Branches are bound to become Wells Fargo sometimes in 2011 so that may be rectified.
I also obtained a debit card from Wachovia and a credit card in US$ from another canadian Bank (CIBC).
I was cought resolving all of this as I was in the process of buying the property. Everything is mostly OK for now.
Be weary of short sales and foreclosures as these homes may have been severely neglected over the years. The process of negociating with banks is also longer and real estate agents are not very inclined to go this route.
Our house is generally in good condition despite some TLC needed with it being 33 years old but the location and the lot are great. I replaced a bathroom faucet last fall and one toilet is leaking at the bottom and will have to be replaced, that kind of things. A home inspection failed to see that the decorative posts and roof at the right corner of the garage were severely rotted from water infiltration and termites. Cost me $800. to get that fixed. Our area also has deed restrictions that have to be respected such as parking rules and lawn maintenance.
Overall I don't regret making the move because I could afford it and because of the severely depressed real estate prices in Florida but would have never done it at the current prices I see in Canada. And get ready for a few surprises along the way. Home insurance is very expensive with sink holes in our area or if you need flood insurance. You also pay separate bills for water/sewer, garbage collection and stuff like that.
Mrs Minou and I put 2 hibiscus and dwarf palms in the front yard last october and a Phoenix Sylvestor palm is next... Better than a snow shovel after all. Can't wait to retire and winterize overthere.
Good luck with your transaction.
