There it is. Located just off Kissimmee Park Road which intersects both Hwy192 and Neptune Road. Adjacent to the newest Florida Turnpike Entrance. Anthem Park.  A DR Horton Community.  Nestled right in the heart of St. Cloud, Florida in Osceola County.  If you have not been to this area, it has the one of the best locations in town. Close to stores, shops, restaurants, banks, convenience stores, and inthe heart of town.  The newest addition to a growing community, this planned Unit Development incorporates townhomes, and along the outer edges Executive Homes.  There is real value tucked away in this Community.  Still under construction, the ground breaking larger homes can be had for as little as $289,900 which is well under market value. Enticing...yes!The community offers a lot of lux... 08/28/2007

 The Real Estate Market is as solid as Jello these days. The foundation of housing prices is far from Rock solid, nor has the market hit rock bottom.  Lenders are wobbling and loan commitments are a bit shaky as well. Offers in this market, are equally unsturdy.  Many come in as verbals testing the water so to speak. Others, lack proper documentation, and letters from lenders.Sellers in need of liquidity or relief from their tax bills, mortgage payments, and escalating interest rates seeking solid ground on which to price their homes..find little comfort in the "Reality of Realty."While pricing plays an important factor, even bare bone pricing are attracting unrealistic expectations from buyers. Many feel they have room to "wiggle" in the price even when there is none there.  A Seller w... 08/26/2007

 In Osceola County, the newest tax bill proposals were just released.  This has caused some homeowners to reconsider selling at the recommended price their Realtor recently gave them.  The new tax proposals are scaring quite a few Osceola County homeowners. But, what they do not realize is like anything a tax assessment can be challenged.  The tax office collects their data much like Realtors do. Based on comparable sales, Market Value, and Appraisals.  The County bases their tax assessment on what was sold the prior year, and at what price as a means of determining the value for tax purposes of your property. However, In January 2006, it was almost like someone (buyers and investors)  flicked off the light switch in Real Estate resales, and the market slid downward drastically from the... 08/25/2007

In Osceola County, the newest tax bill proposals were just released.  This has caused some homeowners to reconsider selling at the recommended price their Realtor recently gave them.  The new tax proposals are scaring quite a few Osceola County homeowners. But, what they do not realize is like anything a tax assessment can be challenged.  The tax office collects their data much like Realtors do. Based on comparable sales, Market Value, and Appraisals.  The County bases their tax assessment on what was sold the prior year, and at what price as a means of determining the value for tax purposes of your property. However, In January 2006, it was almost like someone (buyers and investors)  flicked off the light switch in Real Estate resales, and the market slid downward drastically from the ... 08/24/2007

Real Estate has been a "Rocky" road and it is expected to remain that way for some time to come. For many the exhaustion of doing battle has become overwhelming. "It is not about how hard you can hit, it is about taking the hit and keep moving forward." Nothing in the world comes easy. Everyday is a challenge. Sometimes we win and sometimes we don't. "It isn't about what life throws at you it is about taking the hit and keep moving forward...that's how you win." Stepping into the ring knowing you are going to take a beating and have the courage to "keep moving forward". You have to have the heart of a champion. The courage and determination that no matter what life throws at you...you keep moving forward. No, "life ain't easy". The challenges we face can either break us, or challenge u... 08/13/2007

   Sometimes we all need a little push. While pushing someone's buttons is generally not considered a "good thing"  A push in the Right Direction is. I have been encouraging new members whenever I can.  Offering helpful hints, motivation, and inspiration in difficult times. Recently I was asked to speak at our office meeting about Active Rain and blogging. It has been a great source of referals, connections, and a wonderful creative outlet.  As a result of a quick demonstration a few new people have recently joined this community.  Please welcome new members, offer help where you can for many of us it was not that long ago we were new too.  Dennis "Coach"'s Blog - this is a very positive piece.Over the weekend, I began thinking about what pushes me.  My brakes went out on my Durango...S... 08/13/2007

 A field of flowers are indeed beautiful; and we have all heard the expression Busy Little Bee.  Which are you? Being the flower means you may be stationary. Immobile. Bending in the flow of the wind, but not moving. Beautiful to look at but seasonal.  The Bee conversely, is a networker. Constantly on the move, collecting pollen and working to get the nectar. I prefer to be the Bee.  Passing The Test- Seeds And Shameless Self PromotionI have a wonderful desk at the office, with a great view. It overlooks the busiest street in town.  I am never there.  It is almost a running joke. "I would leave it for you on your desk, but you are never here"...  True.     But for someone who is "never there", my sales this year have been great. ( Even in this market.)  There are a few things which work... 08/09/2007

I just recently had lunch with a a friend whom I've referred numerous times to my potential buyers for mortgage services. I keep referring him because of his great care for my Buyers. We had just completed a discussion on customer service when an employee for the restaurant walked up and asked if we enjoyed our meal. We both confirmed our pleasure and then he said" Is there anything I can get for you" I thought how great and decided to get him to bring us out a Peach Cobbler. "Oh, I can't do that!" thinking I wanted it free. I began to pull out my wallet, but he still refused to help and walked away. That employee missed a huge opportunity to make a customer for life for his boss.How often do we make statements in our profession about customer service, but shrink away when performing be... 08/08/2007

 How many of you would opt for a two day work week? Sounds too good                       to be true doesn't it? Given our current market, working harder is not working smarter. It could be WHEN you are working which makes a difference. How about weekends?  Are you working on them or not? Surprisingly, most people say not.  Real Estate is about sales. If a retail store were to close on Saturdays they could lose up to 40% of their business.  Take a grooming shop for example. Most people cannot have their pets groomed until the weekend. Saturday is the busiest day of the week for that industry. Awhile back I decided to alter my work week. While most people are Working for the weekend, I am working ON the weekends.  When the market began its slump in 2006- we all tried various things to se... 08/06/2007

Is it still a good time to buy? In my opinion the answer is yes. I understand that the media has been overwhelming buyers with the negativity of the subprime market and the fact that the rates are going up. Yes rates are going up slightly and lenders guidelines have been getting tighter for those clients with less than perfect credit. But if you can truly afford the payments I say go for it. The costs of homes are going down, at a much faster pace than the rates going up. Does it matter that rates are going up? No it doesn't. Rates are still considerable low compared to its historical trends. I think buyers need to capitalize on the fact that it's a buyers market and you can save thousands of dollars on your home. Now if buyers decide to wait until the market gets better then home price... 08/04/2007

Is Turtle Creek an Empty Shell?  This  planned unit development community located on the Southeastern side of Oscela County just south of Orlando was orignally slated to provide new housing with the construction of over 1500 new homes. On a recent drive by, there are several beautifully appointed model homes on display impeccably landscaped.  Perfectly green manicured lawns, white fencing, all the trimmings for a happily ever after in place. But, there was one thing missing... Residents.There are several newly completed homes dotting the streets, typical of what one would expect while a new development was under construction. Work crews and trucks are busily working away completing the housing starts. The clatter of hammers, compressors, and fleets of sub contractor vehicles dotted the ... 08/02/2007

Well if your like me new to the Blogging scene, then I will definitely recommend you reading this book. Realty Blogging by Richard Nacht and Paul Chaney has really allowed me to get an understanding of the purpose of blogging and how to use it effectively. The book covers things from search engine marketing and explaining how google and other search engines rank your website, to exploiting the niches in Real Estate. The book even goes over the details of spiders (what search engines use to review content of website).  Realty Blogging also gives you some great example on how a blog website should look like, as well as how to keep your blog pertinent to services/speciality. If you haven't read this book and are interested in getting into the blogging scene, then I definitely recommend you... 07/25/2007

Has selecting a Real Estate Professional become like choosing a puppy at the pound? Ever walked through the local pound?  As perspective owners walk down the rows on cages each dog pitches "the prospect" differently. There are the Uber-Friendly, charismatic ones "pick me, pick me", there are the shy ones, the sad ones, and the ones that never come out of the enclosure. Much like  Real Estate Professionals auditioning to be selected by sellers. They have but one objective; to win the sale. Depending on what the prospective owners needs are, will often determine what pound pup they will ultimately choose. All candidates are hopefully. I recently saw a natural born sales pup. He was a youngster. Everytime a prospect came his way, he got his game on. "Hi, Glad to see ya,  pick me, I'm cute,... 07/18/2007

Buyers and first time investors are re-entering the housing market, at least in Osceola County, Florida. Working with first time home buyers many did not know, Realtor® services are paid by the seller. In reality, any Realtor® can assist you in obtaining information on a any particular home you have seen with a sign on it.Buyers buying styles are as individual as buyers are. Some prefer to drive by a property on their own.  While this is one way, it is not the best way to really see a property.  But before heading out the door, there are some things Buyers need to do, to be competitive in a Buyers Market.Consult with a Mortgage professional.Determine what you pre-approval loan amount will be.Lock in a loan commitment. Typically these are good for 30 days.Ask for a Pre-Approval Letter.  ... 07/10/2007

 Summer, sun, fun, family outings and the family pet. Newcomers to Florida,need to take               a few extra precautions.  Unlike other regions, the climate in Florida is unyielding most of the year. The combination of extreme heat and humidity can be fatal to your pet.Older dogs are particularly susceptible to suffering a heat stroke, which in some cases can be fatal.                     A few quick tips could save your pets life.In sweltering summer weather it is vital to keep your pet well hydrated.                                                          Provide plenty of fresh water, ice, even wet towels. Avoid strenuous exercise with your pet on extremely hot and humid days. Limit time spend outdoors an NEVER, EVER leave your pet unattended in a car. Temperatures can raise to... 07/08/2007

July 4th-Independence Day...Traditionally a day of family and friends gathering for BBQ relaxation, and fireworks. Each community usually has a designated place for festivities. In St. Cloud, it is the newly renovated Lakefront. The reading of the Declaration of Independence by a costumed performer, hot air balloon rides, a classic car show, Wife carrying race, Pretty Baby contest, gospel singers,a magician, craft vendors, live entertainment, a beer garden and assorted food and beverage vendors.  An estimated 5000 people will attend. From 8am to 10pm the Lakefront will be abuzz with families enjoying the beautiful beach area, pavillions, and freshwater lake. The fireworks show is spectacular. from Lake Toho it is possible to see fireworks from other Communities as well, including Disney... 07/03/2007

Time off.  That rare commody many Real Estate Professionals forget is an essential key to productivity. Guilty as charged. Most days the computer goes on at 5am. Check MLS, read updates from the local board, and trying to stay current with what is going on locally, as well as professionally. My customers know they can reach me 7 days a week most of the time. I have worked weekend, holidays, late into the evening, early in the morning. Sometimes it pays off. And sometimes, you just have to get away from it. There needs to be a time when we are the the tourists. I am a different kind of tourist. When we travel, I usually try to take a sightseeing guided tour. I enjoy the regional architecture, will always grab a  copy of the homes guide to compare prices and values. I try to see all the K... 06/29/2007

 It is official. Effective July 1st, 2010 Home Inspectors in Florida will need more than just a business license to perform Home Inspections. On July 28th, 2007 Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill requiring Home Inspectors to not only have a business license, but will be required to successfully complete a 120 hour certification program to ensure a minimum standard of competence. In addition, Home Inspectors will also be required to complete 14 Hours of  Continuing Education after the initial certification.  At present, Home Inspectors in Florida were only required to have a business license. The National Association of Realtors backed the new bill and it will be under the auspicious of the Department of Business Professional Regulation. (DBPR)    06/28/2007

  It is a Buyers Market. In Osceola County, in particular St. Cloud market activity has appears to picking up. When doing a search on single family homes for sale, the news was encouraging. Twenty homes were available under $150,000 that number swells to 131 under the $200,000 price range. While most of these are smaller, homes, they are great starter homes. The historic district named like a Monopoly Board.  In a one week period and 105 went under contract or were sold. Compared to the 925 single family homes available.The return of the first time home buyer seems to be in direct response to the lower asking prices. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of showing several lovely homes to a couple, seeking their first home. Most were in very nice shape, only a few were in need of work. A... 06/26/2007

The recent Media reports of sluggish sales in the Housing Market have had a positive impact locally. While sellers lament at the prospect of having to lower prices to achieve sales, buyers are returning to the market in search of opportunities.  A recent surge in first time homebuyers who are postioning themselves by properly preparing their finances before hitting the home market, have slowly resulted in lower end sales being made.In Osceola County, as prices continue to drop, buyers are making more offers in recent weeks than they have in months. Mortgage Lenders like Victor Henry (The Right Mortgage) in St. Cloud, Florida are screening would be home buyers and preparing them for loan approval which assists Realtors in successfully writing purchase agreements. Including full price off... 06/26/2007