Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category

Featured Listing with Heated Salt Water Pool for $250,000!!!

2118 Palmer Street, Orlando, FL

Updated Downtown Orlando Home with Newer Heated Salt Water Pool

2BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $250,000
Year Built 1950
Sq Footage 1,155
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 1 Car garage
Lot Size .18 acres
HOA/Maint $0 per month

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If you are looking for a great deal that is move-in ready, look no further. This freshly painted Lake Como bungalow has a newer stunning heated salt water pool that is amazing. This home is practically brand new! New roof, new windows, new pool, new plumbing, new A/C system, upgraded electric, a new garage door, and new exterior and interior paint. Located less than two miles from Thornton Park and Downtown Orlando, and one block from Lake Como you are in one of Orlando’s best downtown neighborhoods. The updated glass front door welcomes you into the formal dining room which would also make a wonderful formal living room. The family room features a large picture window overlooking the lovely front yard. The two graciously sized bedrooms features corner windows – a treasured feature of homes from this era. The new hardwood floors look original and enhance the natural beauty of this home. The bathroom has been updated with a pedestal sink and the vintage tile is neutral to fit with almost any homeowner’s tastes. The kitchen features vintage white tile counters and solid wood cabinetry. The large heated salt water pool was installed in 2004 features an oversized brick pavered patio. The den on the back of the home features more windows overlooking the back patio and pool. One car garage with a large workshop/laundry room. Great school district – Lake Como Elementary and BOONE HIGH! The owners took meticulous care of this home and it shows.

ORLANDO HOME SHOW RETURNS SEPTEMBER 19-21

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today’s challenging housing market is motivating homeowners to improve, not move. Homeowners will find everything they’re looking for and more to cross off all of the items on their “to-do” list at the Orlando Home Show. The area’s leading and largest consumer home extravaganza returns September 19-21 to Hall North B in the Orange County Convention Center’s North/South complex off Universal Boulevard. Bursting with ideas for remodeling, renovating, design and outdoor living, the Orlando Home Show offers more than 500 exhibits and seminar experts representing 50-plus home improvement-related disciplines, all under one roof.

“Our event is the area’s premier showcase for homeowners,” said Marcia Clift, show manager for Marketplace Events. “It’s the place to come and gather ideas, get inspired and have fun during a great day out.”

Orlando Home Show guests will once again find a bounty of inspiring ways to spend their day at the show. The Celebrity Design Stage will showcase two personalities with top-notch advice for guests. Stephen Saint-Onge, popular Better Homes and Gardens columnist, named one of the top fifteen designers in America by House Beautiful and a frequent guest on such programs as “Oprah” and “The View,” brings his creative tips for making design accessible to everyone. Green designer Joshua Foss of HGTV’s “Get Green” and “Design Star” will meet with guests and share his expertise at the forefront of the eco-design movement. Familiar to fans as “Organic Josh,” he’s out to prove that green can be an attractive and affordable option.

The all-new Pet Pavilion will feature numerous pet-related exhibitors and their products and services, plus adoption opportunities. The highlight will be a “Doggie Fashion Show” at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, showcasing dressed-to-impress dogs strutting their stuff on the runway. Each dog will represent a popular local radio or TV station. A panel of judges will choose the winner based on such criteria as strut, costume and overall cute quotient. The dog’s owner will receive a $1,000 gift certificate, while the station he/she represents will retain bragging rights. The winner will also earn the station a $500 donation to the charity of his/her choice.

Guests can sign up for “Speed Design,” presented by Orlando Home & Leisure magazine, where they can bring photos of their design dilemmas and talk face-to-face with five different local interior designers for five minutes each. They’ll get a broad perspective on their challenges and walk away with a variety of solutions from local experts, all at no cost. To be held on Saturday, only, at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Guests should arrive early to register for this first-come, first-serve opportunity.

Appearing throughout the weekend is The Wall Wizard, Brian Santos, who educates, entertains, and empowers his audiences on the latest painting techniques, one of the most cost-efficient ways to add value to the home. Santos has appeared on numerous television shows including ABC’s “Good Morning America” and NBC’s “Today Show”, and is the national best-selling author of three books.

Additional show features include the Floral Design Stage, blooming with ideas for holiday decorating. “Ultimate Florists” Paula Hunter and Len Beckett of Rockledge Roses & Wines will conduct interactive floral seminars throughout the weekend. At each of Beckett’s interactive presentations, lucky volunteers from the audience will make and take home their creations. Guests can learn the latest in flower arranging from Cheryl Wilks of Flowers on Location, popular on the home show circuit.

Also featured will be:

New and Now products to keep consumers ahead of the curve
The “Kids Zone,” a play space featuring face painting by Bella the Flower Fairy, wildlife encounters by Critter Encounters, and scientific fun provided by Mad Science of Orlando. Plus giveaways, contests and much more.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Seniors (60 and over) are $5 on Friday only. Guests can gain admission for only $5 after 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $2 discount off full-price admission at www.FloridaHomeShows.com. Convenient on-site parking is available adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center off Universal Boulevard, and is $6 per car. For more information, visit www.FloridaHomeShows.com, or call 800-645-7798, ext. 16. The Orlando Home Show and its spring sister show, the Central Florida Home & Garden Show (March 13-15, 2009) are both produced by Marketplace Events.

What Was Once Old, is New Again…. FHA

While luxury clients often don’t worry about loans…cash rules in the luxury world. There is a savior for most borrowers in the market today and it’s called the FHA loan. These loans are perfect for the borrower who may have “iffy” credit and little down. It is also a favorite of first time home buyers because there are programs that allow down payment assistance and some of buyer’s costs to be paid by the seller. That’s right, even now you can buy a home with NO MONEY DOWN.

BUT HEED THIS WARNING…with foreclosures mounting, HUD is already working to STOP seller assisted FHA loans and this could severely hinder your ability to get a loan. So for those of you who are thinking, have thought or are in the process of getting an FHA loan…get a house NOW. There is no way of knowing how long HUD will allow this great loan to stay afloat and you don’t want to wait.

Has Florida Reached the Bottom of the Condo Market?

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In a recent article by M. Anthony Carr, he discussed the present status of the condo market in Florida. He believes this is the year to buy in Florida. “As condo inventory has soared over the last 20 months and about 35,000 units were recently completed or about to be completed this year, according to Florida Trend Magazine. The median price of a condo in Florida stands at about $187,000 according the Florida Association of Realtors, down 9 percent from last year at the same reporting period. Meanwhile, the number of units sold compared to the same time last year is down 29 percent. Nevertheless, investors are moving in to grab good deals while they can in this buyers market. The demand for condos should continue upward as the state brings in more than 300,000 new residents per year, second only to the state of Texas. Keeping in mind that all the bad news for sellers means a land of opportunity for savvy buyers, real estate speculators are counting on softening prices and plenty of seller and builder contributions to sweeten the deals to be had in Florida’s condo market. The economy continues to plug along, albeit at a slower pace, according to the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness. All in all, the economy is taking a breather and that means opportunity for buyers.”

I currently have great deals on two Orlando area condos. Neither are in a short sale situation, and they also also not conversions. They are well established condos just minutes from downtown Orlando. You will find information on the one bedroom unit here, or the two bedroom unit here. Please contact Taylor at 407-898-9090 if you have any other questions.

This Weeks Featured Listings – Barcelona Way, Winter Park

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MLS ID: o4812385
Price: $1,050,000
Address: 1623 Barcelona Way
City: Winter Park
State: FL
Subdivision: Sevilla
County: Orange
Size: 5,551
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 5/1
Pool: Inground Pool
Lot Size: 70×177
Garage: 2 car garage
Year Built: 1974
Construction: Brick two story

 In the world of real estate, location is everything and this home is perfect in so many ways.This beautiful five bedroom, five and one half bathroom Winter Park home is located within walking distance of Park Avenue and is one of the best buys in Winter Park at this price per square foot.Located on a cul-de-sac and overlooking Howell Creek and Mead Gardens, this manor-style home offers so much for such an affordable price. With oversized rooms and dramatic spaces, this home is one of a kind. As you enter the estate through the antique Belgian doors into the grand foyer, you are greeted by the custom wrought iron staircase, which is a work of art in and of itself. Visually unique, this home would be perfect for any homeowner who wants to make a striking statement. The house has great open spaces as well as intimate rooms allowing the buyer with vision and an apprecation for sophistication to manipulate the interior space. The walls of this home are perfect for the art collector as evidenced by the current owners’ judicious use of outstanding artwork. The beamed ceilings in the family room transport you to another country. This home is full of drama and style and the gourmet kitchen which features commerical grade appliances has been updated to reflect just that. The oversized laundry room has room to roam and plenty of storage including a large work station. Privacy abounds with the water and garden views from the back of this home. For those who have been looking for a great home, at a great price… now is the time and this is the home!

For more information, please call Linda at 407-925-7721 or Taylor at 407-232-0688 or visit www.1623Barcelona.com.

Information on Orlando

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The city of Orlando is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 185,951 (metropolitan area 1,644,561). A 2005 U.S. Census Estimates population count gave the city population was 213,223 (metropolitan area 1,933,255), making it the sixth largest city in Florida. It is also at the head of the Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Orlando-Kissimmee MSA is Florida’s third-largest metropolitan area, behind Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. Additionally, Orlando is home to the second largest university in Florida, the University of Central Florida.

The city is best known for the many tourist attractions in the area, particularly the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, which is in the Reedy Creek Improvement District (outside Orlando city limits). Other area attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort. Despite being far from the main tourist attractions, downtown Orlando has recently seen much redevelopment, with many more projects currently under construction or planned. Orlando sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year. Orlando is the 2nd largest city in the country for number of hotel rooms. Orlando is also known for its wide array of golf courses, with numerous courses available for any level of golfer.

The city’s nickname is “The City Beautiful”, though plans are underway to change this title through a local contest . Its symbol is the fountain of Lake Eola. The current mayor is Buddy Dyer.

Orlando Metro Area Stats

Population – 1,066,394

Average Home Price – $240,000

Average Rental Price – $1,195

Average Cost of Living – +7%

Male / Female – 50%50%

Married / Single – 30%70%

Age Bands : 20-24 – 10%

Age Bands : 25-34 -21%

Age Bands : 35-49 – 32%

Age Bands : 50-64 – 24%

Age Bands : 65+ – 13%

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