Which do you do more of texting or talking?  Communications are the key in business. Some times it takes multiple attempts to reach someone.  There is something to be said for good old fashioned telephoning.  More and more we see it less and less. Between email, texting and high tech devices, we are losing the art of actually talking to someone.  The bulk of my business as a REALTOR® comes from people who pre-date the technolgy era.  They are from the telephone age. So sending them a text message means they:1) Will not be looking for it.2) Will not know how to retrieve it3) May call someone else thinking I never called them backLets look at #3.  "May call someone else because they think I never called them back".Phone contact is the principle means of how I do business.  I came to thi... 02/11/2008

When Buying a Home Why is using a Realtor a good idea? Well first of all, you will only be looking at homes in the area that you want to live. You will be looking at only homes that you have specified the square feet, number of bedrooms, if there is ceramic tile , wood, or carpeting, if there are granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and the most important, what you can afford.A good Realtor works smart. They will get you qualified for a mortgage even before you start looking. They will ask you the specifics of the home you desire and where do you want to live. You will see that the Good Realtor will not waste your time for they know it is valuable. They will even let you view homes from the comfort of their office before you venture out to see them.The good Realtor knows wh... 02/11/2008

Selling Real Estate in Kissimmee & Saint Cloud Florida. The choices are numerous. You want an agent with the experience and credentials that can get the job done.  Why choose Mark Horan to sell your home?Mark Horan is a Number 1 Expert. Why choose a Number 1 Expert to sell your home? To give your listing the exposure it deserves.  You have chosen to list with a Number 1 Expert. You home will be available on the web for all the home buyers coming into the market. 80% of all home buyers start on the web before contacting anyone about purchasing a home.Below is the network in which you have entered into by hiring Mark to sell your home.    Listings Express™: Where We Advertise Your Properties Across the Web Listings Express™ advertises the listings you add to your website via our back-end ... 02/07/2008

 Saint Cloud, Florida Bank Owned The Resident Foreclosure Of The Week 4831 Zion Drive. Saint Cloud, Florida 34772  2150 Square feet under air. Lake front Pool home   $259,900 BANK OWNED. SOLD AS IS. EXPRESSPATH FINANCING AVAILABLE ON THIS HOME. PRICED TO SELL. 4 BDR/2 BA LAKEFRONT POOL HOME. THIS HOME IS LIKE NEW. CONSERVATION AREA BEHIND LAKE VIEW IS WONDERFUL. GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD, TURNPIKE EXIT WILL MAKE THIS HOME CLOSE TO EVERYTHING. WASHER AND DRYER INCLUDED IN SEPARATE WASH ROOM.TOO MANY FEATURES TO LIST FORMAL DINING AND LIVINGROOM.KITCHEN HAS 42 CABNETS. BATHROOM HAS POOL DOOR.LARGE BEDROOMS.SPLIT PLAN FOR PRIVACY.LARGE WALK IN CLOSETS. THIS IS REALLY A BEAUTIFUL HOME! BRING ALL QUALIFIED BUYERS!                                                                 MLS# S4631574  Autho... 02/06/2008

They won't say it but it is so. The "R" word RECESSION. It is not what economists are saying, it is what they are not saying.  We "could be", "fighting off"  "facing a future" recession.  Millions of Americans already know it is  here.  We have been through it before.  In fact, it was much worse in the 1980's and 1990's.  The recession is here.  Rising costs of fuel,food and the decline in prices of housing,and minute economic growth are indicators that the Recession has taken root in the American economy.  But you do not need to be an economist to know that.  When costs rise and personal income does not...you have a recession. Local business have been reporting a decline in sales. The reports from December 2007, showed disappointing holiday sales.  Many experts are scrutinizing the hou... 02/05/2008

To Make Matters Worse In Florida, FEMA is Rezoning Flood Areas. They are sending the new flood maps to the lein holders who are notifying homeowners that they now need additional flood insurance. The coverages are from $400 to $4000. They interviewed residents on the news and they were talking to a homeowner that has been in his home 23 years and they have never had flooding or a danger of flooding.To me, this appears like government is trying to reimburse the Insurance companies by making this monitory. A way to recoup for past hurricane claims. What about the fact that homeowners were paying insurance premiums for over 20 years without claims. It was free money, but oh my god, they had to payout in claims from the hurricanes. So no more huge extravagant conventions and parties that th... 02/05/2008

  "It's a buyers market" we hear it all the time.  Much has been written about this term, however, the public perception and the Reality of Realty are quite different indeed. The secrets to competing to win in todays market is about to be revealed...BUYERS:  You are NOT alone.  Clearly, the resetting interest rates and decrease in housing prices has stimulated your interest or at least peeked your curiousity in the Real Estate Market.  The misconception however, is that Buyers are dictating the terms and prices.  The secret revealed is  to realize that you do have quiet competition.SELLERS: Too often feel they can start high and lower the price.   This is known as Chasing The Market.         You have 90 days to make a powerful impression.  Putting your best price out first, attracts the... 02/04/2008

  The term "Buyers Market" does not mean the sellers are going roll over completely. In fact, in certain price ranges, you are likely to lose out on the house you want by making a low ball offer.  It may have played in 2007 but the tide is turning. Buyers are competing strongly for the supply of reduced price homes in Osceola County in the range under $160,000.             Public MisconceptionsConsumer confusion and misconceptions of industry terms such as "Buyer's Market" has lead some potential home buyers into a false sense of certainty, their way below market offer might get them a home. What is now coming to light is that houses they can afford are in high demand with buyers in the same price bracket.  The lower the bracket, the higher the demand.  A Buyers Market meant there was a... 02/04/2008

  Think buying Real Estate is a tough Nut to Crack?  Maybe not.  Because so many people bit off more than they could chew, the emerging market is very palitable. What is coming back to the market at least in Osceola County are beautifully done new homes, and recent renovations of starter or retirement homes. Priced under $200,000 are showing positive response. Thanks to recent Property Tax reassessments,  and reduction from the Fed.  Savvy buyers who have stored a few bucks for the winter are seeing some great deals.                 Baby Boomers seeking warmer climates and a reprive from the snow blanketing the western US, Florida is once again beginning to show signs of life in the Real Estate Market.  Charming older homes, recently restored are inexpensive alternatives for vacation se... 02/02/2008

 I get asked all the time "Are Homes Really Affordable" in Osceola County, Florida.  The resounding answer is YES!  I am delighted to report that after a quick market survey I found for one customer 484 possible choices for a Winter Retreat all under $250,000.  Upon a closer look of those; there were over 400 possible choices under $200,000.   There was an adequate supply of smaller bungalow style homes even under $100,000!     What this means is for the first time in YEARS, it is once again possible to purchase a Winter Retreat in Central Florida.  This is particularly true for Osceola County and the charming small town of St. Cloud.   St. Cloud, Florida has enormous appeal, for those coming from the colder climates. Why?  Simple, it is in the shadow of Disney, the Beaches, Cape Canave... 02/01/2008

            For nearly 14 months the public has heard dire predictions with regard the  sub prime mortgage mess, the skyrocketing foreclosure rates, and the bursting of the Real Estate bubble.  The overwhelming public outcry for property tax reductions, and tax relief. They have seen the market decline over thirty percent, and house values "adjust" following an unprecedented rise.              With prices returning to levels that reflect  normalized growth (amortized over a thirty plus year history averaged annually at 6.5%)  the decline may not be as bad as it appears to be.            In 2005, Osceola County had a limited supply of available housing.  This resulted in fierce competition among consumers to purchase housing driving the cost of available property higher and higher.  Pric... 01/31/2008

In Real Estate, how professionals convey information is predicated upon their ability to use words well. But what about that four letter word?   I am hearing a lot of this word lately.  Disturbing?  No, not really.  Offensive?  Definitely not.   Appropriate? Under certain circumstances absolutely.  Before you form your opinion, read on.            We deal with Real People in Real Estate. Wouldn't you agree?  We use descriptive words, such as  bright, spacious and upgraded.  We use power words, like maximize, benefits, and value.  There are strategic words for instance, desirable,  well located, convenient,   There are words that offer hope, like "won't last", or "priced right", which may offer a glimmer of encouragement or motivation.               The power of words and how we use them... 01/30/2008

 "To Leave It Be or Not to Leave It Be?"  That is the question.  Whether it is nobler in the minds of men to suffer the slings and arrows of tormented sellers as they ponder the dubious question "Fix and Repair or Sell It As is?"  In a declining price market, what becomes of that pivotal property?WHAT IS A PIVOTAL PROPERTY?         A Pivotal property is one which is slightly older, well lived in and in need of updating. It is also one which needs to command a reasonable price, carrying an appropriate mortgage but if priced too high will fail to achieve a sale against its competition.  Update or Sell It "As-Is"?        The Shocking New Concept in Listing Presentations is called "Brutal Honesty". Armed with a legal pad, pen and calculator estimating the replacement costs of updating versu... 01/29/2008

     Back in the day, there was this thing called "The Book" only REALTORS® had one. REALTORS® drove big fancy Cadillacs, and were the icons of Property Information and knowledge.  When you wanted to buy or sell a house you went to the corner REALTOR'S® office sat down at his desk, and together would turn the pages to review the listings of available properties.    Phone numbers had snappy little phrases like Gramercy 1- 2345 back then too.  Gave them added character.  The ratcheting sound of the rotary phone clicking the digits was most recognizable. "SHHHH- Ra-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta", one digit dialed. "Shhhhh... ra-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta"  two digits dialed. Yes, it took a few moments to dial a number. But this was progress. (Antiquated Idea)   "Operator give me John Doe in St. Cloud Florida" ... 01/25/2008

  The Fed has dropped the rate at which banks borrow money. What that means to you the consumer, is that mortgage rates will follow.  The nagging question of when is the right time is more a matter of personal choice.  Real Estates Markets are local.  What we saw happen in Florida for example took awhile to migrate westward.  So what is happening?  A quick look at the Market suggests that foreclosure may not be the best way to go.  Often, the outstanding loan amount has pushed the asking prices( or defaulted loan amounts) too high. Many are in need of repairs.  In addition, other liens may need to be satisfied against the property before a clear title can be issued. Third party approval, can take longer than an owner/seller decision. Be aware of market value in your area.  Some homes re... 01/25/2008

Interest Rates Fall to Near Record Lows. Reports Inman News this morning. 30 year fixed mortgages, 5.31% and the 15 year fixed to 4.82. With these near record lows will it be enough to kick start the housing industry? If consumers were on the fence, now is the time to kick it into action. Low rates, huge inventories, many inexpensive Bank Owned Properties here in Kissimmee and Saint Cloud Florida my phone should br ring off the hook today. Homeowners that are in danger of losing their homes because of adjustable rate mortgages have been helped by The Hope Now Initiative Homeowners that had to short sale their homes have been helped by HR 3648, The IRS not taxing their loss on their mortgage as an income gift.Government secured loans are being made available to homeowners that have adjus... 01/23/2008

With Kissimmee and Saint Cloud, Florida are Expanding, road crews are working hard everyday to expand Neptune Road from a lazy 2 lane tree covered route between Kissimmee and Saint Cloud Florida. The road is being expanded to 4 lanes to accommodate the traffic of the 4,000 homes scheduled to be built between the Kissimmee and Saint Cloud boarders.Commuters along this route are making different detours on a daily basis as the infrastructure changes. New telephone poles are being installed. Higher and made of steel. Replacing the old wooden ones that have stood for years.The roadways are being equipped with new storm drains to aid in water removal during the rainy season.When the road was being torn up I felt sad as to the outcome of the bike path that ran along side Neptune Road. It was ... 01/22/2008

                                          Kissimmee and Saint Cloud, Florida have homes at a Great Deal!         There are many Bank Owned Properties on the market at a reduced rate.The time to buy is now, don't let these great deals in Kissimmee and Saint Cloud Florida get away from you. For a primary residence, or a second home The prices are where you have been waiting for them to hit. Rock Bottom is here! CallMark Horan today to get the deal you have been waiting for. Buy now before prices take the turn upward. Bank Owned Properties are everywhere. You have always heard about buying Foreclosures, This is what the buzz is about. Bank Owened  Properties that have been aquired through Foreclosures.Call today and I will help you aquire an inexpensive Bank Owner Property. Kissimmee and S... 01/22/2008

Speculation of a recession triggered the Fed to lower the prime overnight rate charged to lenders to 3.75%.  While the volitility in the stock market continues to worry investors, many will seek something more substantial. Historically this meant a return to the Real Estate Market.   As prices near the bottom of a leveling out and most have adjusted to reflect fair market value, buyers are returning to Real Estate in search of secure investments. Trimmed Down Prices have jump started the market in St. Cloud, Florida.  Osceola County has curbed building as Major Builder seek to liquidate inventory homes and build elsewhere.  This translated to a surge in interest in homes offered under $250,000.During the peak of the boom affordable housing was nearly impossible to find.  Now in other St... 01/22/2008

What is my house worth?  How much can I get for a lot?  When will the market bottom out? People have many questions regarding Real Estate. Will Property Tax Reform really help me? What about my Investment Properties?  Are more people moving in than are moving out?  What is the market doing?              In Florida tax payers will face an interesting decision on January 29th in the Presidential Primary. In addition to choosing a candidate, they will be asked if they want an increase in their Homestead Exemption.      A homestead Exemption is a Property Tax deduction used for their Primary Residence.  At present the standard exemption is $25,000 off of the Assessed Value. (also known as the Save Our Homes Act)              In recent years, Assessed value has risen dramatically in Osceola ... 01/21/2008