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Orlando, FL Real Estate News

By Colleen Irwin, Creative Real Estate Solutions...
(Retired)
 It is always interesting to see what other's think of your area. Orlando Florida is definitely a different place, and not all people will fall in love with it. So while I was searching around the Internet I discovered this interesting site called Tacky Fabulous  - A guide to everything about Central Florida that is Tacky. What a great little site about everything Tacky in Orlando Florida!  Here are a few links for your reading enjoyment:All that, and HBO too! What do you got against Steak and Shake, buddy? Central Florida's Melting Pot - The Community of Celebration has Families from New York AND Ohio! Please, Please, PLEASE let it be a wax museum! Mind if I channel Ariel for our wedding, honey? I'm just numb...   
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By Mark Horan, "The Resident Chef" - Resident Team Realty LLC &
(Resident Team Realty, LLC & Toni's Property Management LLC)
Here is a home that I am selling. It is the cheapest in the zip code of homes this age or newer. It's a great deal and it's in pristine condition. Here is the Tag line:THIS HOME IS IMMACULATE!! THIS PROPERTY IS PRICED TO SELL!!! THIS IS A GREAT STARTER HOME NEAR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, VALENCIA CC,. GREAT FIRST HOME FOR A SMALL FAMILY OR A GREAT STARTER HOME. MOVE IN READY!! PRIDE IN OWNERSHIP. THIS IS THE BEST PRICED HOME IN THE ZIP CODE! NEW APPLIANCES, NEW CARPETING, NEW PAINT! THE HOUSE LOOKS GREAT. This is a 3 bedroom/ 2 bath with a 1 car garage.Virtual tour link http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?sk=13&t=1182695If you would like this 1,195 square foot house to be your cozy home in East Orlando, have it as a great rental with UCF so close, Call 407-301-0312 for a showi...
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By Karen Janeé Manley
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
I was reading an article in the Orlando Sentinel today, that reported some great news for the ever-changing real estate market.  Here are some real positives quoted directly from the article that appeared on the front page of the Orlando Sentinel today (p. A16): 1)  "Metro Orlando - Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake Counties - were still clinging to a slight, 0.14 percent appreciation rate."2)  In a quote from Ken Bennett, Florida Regional Manager for Watson Realty Corp. "...it's a good time to buy, a good time to invest.  You can buy for less."3)  "On an annual basis, home values nationwide were still up - 1.8 percent - from a year ago."With all the negative media reports out there...who knew?
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By Drew Peterson
(Keller Williams Advantage II Realty)
That is the question we hear time and time again from homeowners considering putting their home on the market. And, it makes perfect sense. After all, the market currently favors buyers, so why list your home if you don't absolutely have to? Actually, there can be several reasons:1.) The hidden costs of holding - Most homeowners do not take holding costs into account when making their decision. Property taxes, interest, normal wear and tear, the potential for flood or wind damage, and everyday maintenance costs can add up.2.) Holding is a long-term strategy - This is an extension of holding costs. It is likely that we will see at least 18 more months of price declines (although minor) or flat appreciation. If there is a certain price you would like to get for your home, and it is above ...
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By Drew Peterson
(Keller Williams Advantage II Realty)
We've lost count of the number of times we've heard it. Although the exact wording may change, the underlying message remains the same. "I want to sell my house, but I don't have to sell my house." It's the mantra of the homeowner in today's market. And, it makes perfect sense. Everyone wants to get the most money they can for their home. However, that type of thinking ignores one very important aspect of reality.Your home is worth more today than it will be tomorrow, next week, next month, and even 6 months from now.We are in a declining market. No if's, and's, or but's about it. Since the height of the market in the summer of ‘05, the average single family home has lost 16.5% of its value. The best economists predict that the market will continue to slide for at least the next 12 mont...
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By Drew Peterson
(Keller Williams Advantage II Realty)
Yes, we know it's not even December yet. No, we haven't lost our minds. The happy new year we are talking about is the one you will likely get from your Homeowners' Association or Condo Association on January 1st. Oh yeah, and it probably won't make you very happy.If your HOA is like most, dues can only be increased at the beginning of a new year regardless of whether you pay these dues monthly, quarterly, or yearly. That means your neighborhood association is likely meeting right now to discuss budgeting for next year. And, since the cost of everything from common area maintenance to electricity for street lights is almost guaranteed to increase, the HOA will have to look at adjusting the dues to compensate.Now, don't get us wrong, we are not implying that an increase in dues is necess...
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By Steve Glose, TRC, CIPS, 407-616-7286, Orlando Real Estate, Orla
(Keller Williams Legacy)
Here in Central Florida we have always thought that snowbirds only travel from the northern U.S. States and Canada. For the most part this is true, but lately we are seeing more of these "birds" flying in from the U.K. As more International buyers from England, Scotland, and Ireland buy vacation homes here in Florida, they are finding the weather too irresistible to leave. A strong currency and lower housing prices are making the Orlando area a perfect location for those looking to get out of the cold.Most of these International buyers have extended vacation time which makes Central Florida a perfect home away from home. Retired clients will often spend the winter months in Florida and return home when the weather warms a bit in the U.K.Realtors in the Central Florida area expect this t...
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By Simon Conway
(Orlando Area Real Estate Services)
A few weeks ago I posted about why price testing doesn't work. Price testing is where you know the value of a property but you list it higher just to test the market. Sellers request it and Realtors who comply are not doing their clients any favors.You see there has been research done which not only proves that price tested houses spend more time on the market, but that they actually sell for LESS money in the end than similar homes that were priced correctly to start with.I have a prime example of this as this morning I placed one of my listings under contract. The home was on the market for less than half the average days on market time in Orlando right now and it is under contract for around 97% of the listing price. I have very happy sellers, very happy buyers and a 30 day close.SEL...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
No worries. Though buying a house can be stressful, your biggest fears can be calmed with a little homework and information.Fear: Help! Everyone has advice for me. I'm going to be overwhelmed by all the things I need to know — I'll never get a house!Fearbuster: Take a deep breath. Remember that other people have been through this, and they survived. And purchased a house. There are lots of people out there to help, from family members who have done this before, to professional resources.  Information is your friend — the more homework you do ahead of time, the easier the whole process will be.Fear: The neighborhood’s cool, the homes are well-maintained, and I’ve found several I like. But the housing market means prices are just beyond my budget! Will I ever find a place to call my own?F...
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By Jeannene Edwards
(Home Staging by Interiors Defined, Inc.)
As a certified home stager, people often ask me how they can best prepare their home to sell in today's sluggish Real Estate market. My answer is simple. Get back to the basic principles of good design to create multiple, memorable, 'first impressions'! Today's prospective home buyer is more savvy than ever before. Statistics show that 85% of people first browse the MLS listings on the internet to determine which homes they want to personally see. Therefore, compelling photographs representing a staged home in showcase condition is critically important. This often can make the difference between a house that sells quickly and a house that will languish on the market for months, unseen. The art of successfully staging homes to get properties sold quickly and at the best possible price i...
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By Jeannene Edwards
(Home Staging by Interiors Defined, Inc.)
 What are the "must-haves" for today's luxury home owners . . . the most popular design trends and amenities that will provide them with a lifestyle, not just a place to live?  What are they seeking which will help them to create beautiful, livable spaces that meet their aesthetic, functional and economic goals . . .As an interior designer in Orlando, Florida I work with clients to design, or redesign their luxury homes.   I initially meet with these homeowners to discuss ways on how to best blend their lifestyle with their design style to meet the multiple needs of those who will be living in the home.The overall theme I am hearing from this clientele puts great emphasis on convenience and simple sophistication. They want their home to be transformed, with an atmosphere only found in  ...
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 Demographics matter!  Statistics have shown us that in North America alone there are approximately 85 million, (yes, MILLION), Baby Boomers!  By sheer number alone, they have become a force to be reckoned with.  They are telling you what they are looking for in a home, but are you listening?As a licensed interior designer in Orlando, Florida, I often work with clients who are wanting to build a new home, remodel the home they're presently living in, or look for an existing home to buy.  One of the very first things we do is sit down together to determine their design goals, and identify any special needs they may have which would need to be addressed in the initial planning stages of the project.  Their job is to communicate their needs . . . my job is to listen.  And what I'm hearing ...
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 Some of our major national homebuilders just reported that their home sales were down as much as 30 to  40% in the last quarter.  There is no question that we are in the middle of a changing and challenging "Down Market" . . . but, what are the answers?  How do we survive this market and get houses sold during these difficult times, and still maintain the bottom line?As a professional Home Stager in Orlando, and Cental Florida areas, I am often asked these questions by real estate professionals and individual sellers alike. My answer is not always what they want to hear, but it is what is needed in my opinion, to get homes sold in today's competitive market. Give More!Usually when you decide to list your home for sale your focus is on 'where you will be going', not 'where you are leavi...
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Are you sitting on the fence with vacant property to sell - trying to determine whether or not to take the plunge and invest in home staging? You are not alone. As a professional Home Stager serving the Orlando and Central Florida areas, I can tell you that I meet with people daily who are struggling with this same question. Let me give you five of the top reasons why I tell them it's one of the best investments they could possibly make in what is now widely considered to be a highly competitive "buyers market." 1. Today's buyer is shopping the internet FIRST - Statictics have shown that 85% of buyers are starting the home buying process by surfing the net before even contacting a realtor. And because many of the photographs are so poor on the MLS listings, there are great homes that a...
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By Lisa Spalding, REALTOR, CDPE
(Casa Latino Four Corners, REALTOR, CDPE)
I've seen it and you probably have, too--A very nice condo community with a LOT of listings for sale.  Overpriced listings.  They may not technically have been overpriced a year ago but they are now because one person got behind on their payments and either lost the property or sold as a pre-foreclosure within that community.  Now, ALL the other (smart) Sellers follow suit and basically give their property away.  Some owners hold out, don't drop the price, and don't even get a single showing.  The other/smarter Sellers DON'T want to drop their condo unit's price but they do.  The owners that are in trouble with their mortgages HAVE to sell b/c it's either that to keep their credit score basically intact or lose the propety altogether and have it go into foreclosure, which will of course...
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By Jeffrey Johnson, Home Staging Pros Orlando FL.
(Home Staging Pros. Orlando Fl. 32801)
 As I'm sure everyone is well aware vacant homes take twice as long to sell and are currently at a 40-year inventory high.  The home in this article received multiple offers in 3 days for over the asking price in Jan07 because it was staged: http://www.homestagingresource.com/vacant_home_staging.asp   I partner with successful Realtors in order to stage and market the home to its fullest potential, especially in the case of vacant homes where buyers cannot imagine themselves living there.  I understand your priority is the client’s quick listing and sale, so I specialize in providing a vacant home staging service that is fast, within budget while able to make dramatic improvements to the home so that it will sell quickly and for top dollar.  I would love to meet with you at your listin...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
Celebrate Santa's arrival to the Mall at the Main Entrance on Friday, November 16. A DJ kicks off the holiday fun at 6pm with an energetic dance party and stage show filled with lights, pyrotechnics and snowflakes cascading from the sky. Non-stop entertainment includes stilt walkers, magicians, Mrs. Claus, the elves and a host of whimsical Hollyville characters.I was at the mall the other night and this is a must see for all kids. Come early though on Friday night there was a line of parents and kids still an hour long at 9 pm. I just wish I would have had my camera to take pictures. If you are in Orlando you must go check it out!  Your Orlando & Lake Mary Real Estate Expert Heather Joubran 
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By Dawn Pratt, East Orlando Real Estate
                The UCP is an organization that helps families with special needs children. They have gone above and beyond in assisting a friend of mine. Please take a moment to look at their website and a pamphlet about our charity event November 30th.
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Joey Fatone graduated from Dr. Phillips High School in 1994 and since then has been a member of the Mickey Mouse Club, boy band NSYNC (unfortunately, I know all the songs from my sisters going crazy over this band back in the day), and most recently Dancing With the Stars. He’s currently the host of The Singing Bee on NBC and this video shows a much younger Fatone while he attended Dr. Phillips High School. Bye, Bye, Bye.
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By Carey Light, Light Team of Wemert Group Realty
(Wemert Group Realty)
Lake Nona is making headlines...this is the place to be in Central Florida.  Recently successful in wooing some major players in the medical research field, Lake Nona is on its way to national prominence.  Beautiful lakes and wildlife, along with smart development have set the stage for a very special community in which to work and play.  MEDICAL CITY- Setting their sites on rivalling Houston's medical development, Lake Nona has obtained 4 major players...The Burnham Institute for biomedical research is already up and running in a nearby facility while construction is underway for its lab.  Additionally, UCF has broken ground on its medical school.  A VA hospital and Nemours Pediatric Hospital are in the plans as well.  Connected to the medical cluster is a city park currently under con...
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