September 15, 2007...that will be the day that the University of Central Florida(UCF) football stadium (Brighthouse Stadium) is set for the inaugural home opener against nationally ranked University of Texas.  Many students are nicknaming the stadium "The Castle" to match up with the newly revised UCF Knights logo and team mascot.  The stadium has been in the works for almost two years with the campus construction crews currently putting the finishing touches for the nationally televised game and ESPN's game day camera's.   I find this a very exciting time from a personal perspective as I am proudly a UCF graduate and alumni.  I moved to Oviedo partly due to the proximity to the college and partly due the familiarity I felt with the City of Oviedo through UCF.  The City's mayor, T... 08/22/2007

As a real estate appraiser, I am of the opinion that I need to keep up with local happenings as they impact the community I live and work in.  Since Oviedo (Central Florida) is my family's place of choice, I am very excited with the City of Oviedo's plan for a new downtown development known as Oviedo on the Park.  About four years ago, Oviedo residents approved a $9 million bond to build a future development, renovate an old pond/citrus grove property, and build a future park on the site in the geographic center of the city's boundaries. Oviedo on the Park has been proclaimed as the new downtown, while the original downtown was slated to be re-vitalized. Mayor Walters (who is serving his last term as Mayor) is on record as stating that "We are committed to making both projects (downtown... 08/07/2007

This question is posed to me time and time again...it is not an easy question to answer.  If a home that you will be listing has less than perfect carpet, do you recommend replacing it prior to listing the home for sale or offer a carpet allowance to the buyer.   I usually suggest that they have the carpet professionally cleaned before rushing out to buy new carpet.  Sometimes that is enough to make a difference.  If they replace the carpet, will the buyers like the new color and will the sellers be able to keep it new (do they have pets or kids that may make it difficult)?  Do they have it in their budget to replace the carpet?If you offer an allowance it may turn buyers off from even wanting to see the home.  But there may be buyers who would love the chance to pick out their own floo... 07/28/2007

 America's Night Out Against Crime! The National Night Out is a crime prevention tool that communities have participated in over the past  twenty three years.  In our area, the local Oviedo Police department recruits communities within the area to participate with various activities.  This year local communities are planning informal block party meetings, mid week BBQ, and a "leave the light on" campaign in which the homeowners leave the porch light on and the police comes to visit and explain what types of issues each community faces and how to help.  This is felt to be a great night to spend time outside (weather permitting) and meet some of their neighbors who they have only waved at while driving by.  I believe that this is a great opportunity to strengthen each neighborhood and enc... 07/24/2007

 Coming Soon...Tornado Sirens in Oviedo, FL  After last years "close call" for its' residents, the City of Oviedo will become the first Florida municipality to be equipped with a tornado siren warning system at a total cost of $175,000. The system may be "old hat" to some midwestern transplants, but the system is to provide an an additional early warning for the community (alerts are currently issued on weather radio, television, and standard radio broadcast). The City has plans to install a total of eight sirens throughout the City by late summer or early fall of 2007. The current proposed locations include: Alafaya Utilities Waste Water Plant Evans Elementary Sweetwater Park Long Lake Park Partin Elementary Lockwood Road (close to Simmons Road)   Aulin Avenue & S.R. 426 The main fire ... 07/20/2007

 Live Oak Reserve is a large planned unit development of executive level homes built by Engle/Tousa Homes in Oviedo/Eastern Seminole County. Live Oak Reserve has an active HOA and the community features a clubhouse, pool, exercise room, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a planned tots lot and youth softball field. Site sizes range from 70', 80', and 90' front lots with the new phase of homes along Horseshoe Lake will be 100' front lots. The community is a mixture of small retention pond sites, greenbelt sites, lake front sites, and standard residential view sites. The development in Live Oak Reserve is in the final phase IV of construction with a tentative build out date in the second quarter of 2008 of a total of 934 lots. The neighborhood is located within the City of... 07/13/2007

    Buying or Selling?  One Call Does it ALL!!        Rick Belben       Direct (407) 341-1706                        Are you looking for an experienced real estate professional who knows the Orlando Real Estate market and can get the results you desire? Let me put my knowledge, experience, and dedication to work for you. Give me a call today, and I will immediately get to work for you - satisfying your real estate needs.  Buying a Home? I'll take the time to listen to your needs and desires, and find your dream home. Your total satisfaction is my number one priority. Selling a Home? I will get your home sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. My online and offline marketing programs will give you the edge you need to sell your home. I don't want to just list your home, I want to sel... 03/18/2007

Waldon Chase is a neighborhood in Oviedo by Centex builders.  Waldon Chase amenties include a gated community with front entry garages.  Two or three bedroom plans available with 2.5 baths and square footage ranges from 1300 sq. ft to 1915 sq. ft depending on the model.  There is also a community pool and cabana.The base prices start at 224K up to 269K for this townhome community.  One of the benefits is the maintenance free lifestyle.  There are three models available. 01/29/2007