A home doesn’t have to be a house. It can also be a condominium. Condos can be townhouses, apartments, or even separate structures as long as you only own the space between the walls. For some people, single family homes may be too large or cost too much money. They can still enjoy the benefits of home ownership through a condo. How do you know if an Orlando condo is right for you?
Pros of Owning an Orlando Condo
• Maintenance. With a condominium, you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. You don’t have to mow the yard or paint the exterior. If you have a busy lifestyle or don’t have the ability or desire to maintain the outside of your property, a condo may be a good choice for you.
• Location. Many condos are built in popular areas surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Homes in these areas may be out of your price range, but you can still live there in a condo and have the same neighborhood amenities.
Cons of Owning an Orlando Condo
• Condo Fees. Most condominiums have monthly fees that go toward the maintenance of the property. These fees are in addition to your mortgage payment and can raise your monthly payment considerably.
• Condo Associations. Condominium owners serve on boards that decide how condo fees are spent. They may even decide to use fees for something you will never use.
Need more help deciding if a condo is right for you? Call us today at 407-876-5771. We are happy to help!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
How to Set the Right Price for Orlando Properties
Setting the asking price for their Orlando homes for sale is one of the most important decisions homeowners have to make in the selling process. Why is it so important?
• You only get one chance to make a good first impression. With so many competing Orlando homes for sale, yours has to pop out immediately as a good value or buyers will move on, unlikely to return. You get one stab at your home's debut, and it's easy to blow it.
• Set the price too high and you could hurt your chances of selling your home. The amount of traffic a home gets in the first week on the market is about 5 times what it gets the following weeks. The traffic continues to decrease every week. You might say, “Well, I’ll just lower my price.” This hurts almost as much as it helps. It conveys to buyers (the few who are still considering your home) that your home was overpriced and may still be.
• Setting the price too low can be almost as harmful. Buyers who are looking in a specific price range may not consider your home because of the low price tag. They assume it will not fulfill their needs or worry that there’s something wrong with it.
How do you know what that magic number should be for your home? Here are 3 factors to take into consideration when setting your asking price:
1. Neighborhood sales prices: Recent closed sales in your immediate neighborhood offer the most pertinent data for predicting the sale price of your home. List prices of homes still on the market should be taken into consideration also, because they show the current pricing trend. A professional real estate agent will do all this research for you as part of their services.
2. Condition of your home: If your home has been better maintained, is more up to date and shows better than the other Orlando homes for sale, it will sell faster and for more money. Updates, even those as minor as having current paint colors, impact pricing. Updated kitchens and baths are especially important to buyers.
3. Appraisal value: As the seller, you can get an appraisal on your home before putting it on the market. You’ll have to pay for it, but it may be worth it to get access to this pricing tool.
Ready to sell your home? Let us do the research for you and help you set the best price to get your home sold. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
• You only get one chance to make a good first impression. With so many competing Orlando homes for sale, yours has to pop out immediately as a good value or buyers will move on, unlikely to return. You get one stab at your home's debut, and it's easy to blow it.
• Set the price too high and you could hurt your chances of selling your home. The amount of traffic a home gets in the first week on the market is about 5 times what it gets the following weeks. The traffic continues to decrease every week. You might say, “Well, I’ll just lower my price.” This hurts almost as much as it helps. It conveys to buyers (the few who are still considering your home) that your home was overpriced and may still be.
• Setting the price too low can be almost as harmful. Buyers who are looking in a specific price range may not consider your home because of the low price tag. They assume it will not fulfill their needs or worry that there’s something wrong with it.
How do you know what that magic number should be for your home? Here are 3 factors to take into consideration when setting your asking price:
1. Neighborhood sales prices: Recent closed sales in your immediate neighborhood offer the most pertinent data for predicting the sale price of your home. List prices of homes still on the market should be taken into consideration also, because they show the current pricing trend. A professional real estate agent will do all this research for you as part of their services.
2. Condition of your home: If your home has been better maintained, is more up to date and shows better than the other Orlando homes for sale, it will sell faster and for more money. Updates, even those as minor as having current paint colors, impact pricing. Updated kitchens and baths are especially important to buyers.
3. Appraisal value: As the seller, you can get an appraisal on your home before putting it on the market. You’ll have to pay for it, but it may be worth it to get access to this pricing tool.
Ready to sell your home? Let us do the research for you and help you set the best price to get your home sold. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Disney Golden Oak Resort - New Website
Disney's new Luxury Residential Resort Community
Golden Oak offers a truly unique opportunity to purchase a custom luxury home at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Golden Oak will consist of three types of single family homes - village homes, estate homes and grand estate homes priced between $1.5 and $8 million. At final build-out, Golden Oak is anticipated to include approximately 450 homes.
http://www.goldenoakresort.net/
Is Your Orlando Home for Sale a Victim of DIY Remodeling?
Has your Orlando home for sale been victimized by DIY remodeling projects? Did they not quite turn out like you thought they would? You aren’t alone; I’ve walked into houses with cabinets hanging at a slant and the owner proudly telling me they did it themselves.
Leave it to a pro.
Not everybody can be a remodeler. Not everybody is handy at everything. For instance, I can change the oil on my car, but I leave engine overhauls to the professionals. Why? Because that’s what they do, and they do it well.
Now, many people choose to do remodeling themselves because they think it’s cheaper – and it often is when done right. However, knowledge is power. It’d be cheaper for me to do my own engine overhaul, too, but I’ve never done it before and don’t know how. I’m not going to start learning on my own car, either.
Consider the quality.
If you’re considering a major remodeling project to add value to your Orlando home for sale, I strongly recommend hiring a professional remodeler. I especially recommend this if you don’t know anything about plumbing, wiring or building standards. Keep in mind that your house will have to pass inspection. If your remodeling project doesn’t stand up to building codes, it won’t pass inspection.
As well, when you remodel to add value in order to sell, quality is of utmost importance. The first DIY project you do very seldom ends up looking right, and – although you may be understandably proud of sloping countertops or unevenly stained molding because you did it yourself – it won’t help sell your home.
Start small.
If you’re remodeling and you plan to stay in your home, I strongly suggest – if you must DIY – that you start small. Here’s a hint: expanding your bathroom or kitchen isn’t considered a small project. A small project is like fixing a squeaky stairway or replacing a door.
DIY sites like This Old House and Do It Yourself make big projects look easy, I know. However, if you want to, say, strip your wooden kitchen cabinets, try starting with a piece of furniture. Go buy a cheap wooden chair from a flea market and see how it turns out first.
Whether you’re remodeling to get more value from your Orlando home for sale or just to make it a more comfortable space to live, I implore you – your home implores you – at least think about a professional. If you don’t know what you’re doing, your home may end up as just another victim of random DIY.
Are you good at remodeling and looking for a home with potential? We can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Leave it to a pro.
Not everybody can be a remodeler. Not everybody is handy at everything. For instance, I can change the oil on my car, but I leave engine overhauls to the professionals. Why? Because that’s what they do, and they do it well.
Now, many people choose to do remodeling themselves because they think it’s cheaper – and it often is when done right. However, knowledge is power. It’d be cheaper for me to do my own engine overhaul, too, but I’ve never done it before and don’t know how. I’m not going to start learning on my own car, either.
Consider the quality.
If you’re considering a major remodeling project to add value to your Orlando home for sale, I strongly recommend hiring a professional remodeler. I especially recommend this if you don’t know anything about plumbing, wiring or building standards. Keep in mind that your house will have to pass inspection. If your remodeling project doesn’t stand up to building codes, it won’t pass inspection.
As well, when you remodel to add value in order to sell, quality is of utmost importance. The first DIY project you do very seldom ends up looking right, and – although you may be understandably proud of sloping countertops or unevenly stained molding because you did it yourself – it won’t help sell your home.
Start small.
If you’re remodeling and you plan to stay in your home, I strongly suggest – if you must DIY – that you start small. Here’s a hint: expanding your bathroom or kitchen isn’t considered a small project. A small project is like fixing a squeaky stairway or replacing a door.
DIY sites like This Old House and Do It Yourself make big projects look easy, I know. However, if you want to, say, strip your wooden kitchen cabinets, try starting with a piece of furniture. Go buy a cheap wooden chair from a flea market and see how it turns out first.
Whether you’re remodeling to get more value from your Orlando home for sale or just to make it a more comfortable space to live, I implore you – your home implores you – at least think about a professional. If you don’t know what you’re doing, your home may end up as just another victim of random DIY.
Are you good at remodeling and looking for a home with potential? We can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
What Future Buyers Are Looking For In Orlando Homes for Sale
Owners of Orlando homes for sale are wondering, “What are buyers looking for?” This is especially true if the home has been on the market for a while. Well, homeowners aren’t the only ones. Several companies, including Better Homes and Gardens and Avid Ratings, the exclusive research provider for the National Association of Home Builders, have researched this question.
So, what are buyers looking for in national and Orlando homes for sale? In a 2010 Avid Ratings homebuyer’s study, over 22,000 homeowners, who bought their homes in the past nine years, provide some clues. In short, the study says practicality beats out extras any day.
The days of formal dining rooms, oversized backyard patios and community clubhouses are gone. Swimming pools aren’t that big a deal, but neither are upstairs laundry rooms or home theaters. These extras have been replaced by practicalities such as:
• Children’s playground
• Walking paths
• Large kitchens (with island if possible)
• Home office or study
• Main-floor master bedroom
• Two-car garages
• Oversize showers with seating
As well, although buyers are willing to have less space, they’re big on “green” features such as high-efficiency windows, insulation and appliances.
The home survey by Better Homes and Gardens reveals much the same information. Homeowners and potential buyers pointed towards downsizing into smaller, greener homes. Again, high-efficiency appliances topped the interest levels, with a lean towards Energy Star appliances.
The home office is still a priority, although it doesn’t have to be dedicated space; many would be perfectly happy with a multi-purpose space, instead. The real key, however, is no wasted space, along with ample storage.
If you’re considering doing any amount of remodeling to excite potential buyers, the information contained in these surveys are priceless. If you’re one of the owners of Orlando homes for sale thinking your house is too small, it’s great news. If you thought you might upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances, you’re on the right track. Consider what you can do to make your home more “future buyer” friendly!
If you’d like to sell your home or are looking for a more energy-efficient home, we can help. Call us now at 407-876-5771 for more information.
So, what are buyers looking for in national and Orlando homes for sale? In a 2010 Avid Ratings homebuyer’s study, over 22,000 homeowners, who bought their homes in the past nine years, provide some clues. In short, the study says practicality beats out extras any day.
The days of formal dining rooms, oversized backyard patios and community clubhouses are gone. Swimming pools aren’t that big a deal, but neither are upstairs laundry rooms or home theaters. These extras have been replaced by practicalities such as:
• Children’s playground
• Walking paths
• Large kitchens (with island if possible)
• Home office or study
• Main-floor master bedroom
• Two-car garages
• Oversize showers with seating
As well, although buyers are willing to have less space, they’re big on “green” features such as high-efficiency windows, insulation and appliances.
The home survey by Better Homes and Gardens reveals much the same information. Homeowners and potential buyers pointed towards downsizing into smaller, greener homes. Again, high-efficiency appliances topped the interest levels, with a lean towards Energy Star appliances.
The home office is still a priority, although it doesn’t have to be dedicated space; many would be perfectly happy with a multi-purpose space, instead. The real key, however, is no wasted space, along with ample storage.
If you’re considering doing any amount of remodeling to excite potential buyers, the information contained in these surveys are priceless. If you’re one of the owners of Orlando homes for sale thinking your house is too small, it’s great news. If you thought you might upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances, you’re on the right track. Consider what you can do to make your home more “future buyer” friendly!
If you’d like to sell your home or are looking for a more energy-efficient home, we can help. Call us now at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Worried About Your Home for Sale in Orlando? Survey Reveals Possibilities
Many real estate aficionados worried that the ending of the homebuyer tax credits would mean an end to sales. However, a new real estate survey, conducted April, 2010, says homeowners with a home for sale in Orlando and throughout the nation have more chances to sell their homes.
Survey Group
• 1,000 American consumers
• Ages 25 – 64
• $35,000 + household income
Survey Results
• Over 90% of American consumers think the homebuyer tax credit program helped the real estate industry and first-time buyers.
• 65% actually looking for a home don’t consider the end of the tax credit program to be a factor in their own decisions.
• 46% expect area real estate prices to increase over the next year.
• 12% expect area real estate prices to decline over the next year.
• 79% expect to see an increase in prices over the next five years.
• 20% expect prices to rise significantly over the next five years.
• 75% of renters think renting isn’t as good a long-term choice as owning a home.
How you can Benefit
As the survey shows, there are still plenty of interested buyers out there. You just have to know where to find them.
Talk with your agent about which markets are hot in your area. For instance, have older individuals been buying in the area more than young families or vice versa? Maybe energy efficient homes have been selling better. Find out what your home for sale in Orlando has going for it that matches those hot markets.
Most importantly, don’t give up. Buyers are out there and consumer confidence is rising, which means nothing but good things for the real estate market and your home for sale in Orlando.
Want to work with an agent who can identify and target hot markets for your home? Call me today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Survey Group
• 1,000 American consumers
• Ages 25 – 64
• $35,000 + household income
Survey Results
• Over 90% of American consumers think the homebuyer tax credit program helped the real estate industry and first-time buyers.
• 65% actually looking for a home don’t consider the end of the tax credit program to be a factor in their own decisions.
• 46% expect area real estate prices to increase over the next year.
• 12% expect area real estate prices to decline over the next year.
• 79% expect to see an increase in prices over the next five years.
• 20% expect prices to rise significantly over the next five years.
• 75% of renters think renting isn’t as good a long-term choice as owning a home.
How you can Benefit
As the survey shows, there are still plenty of interested buyers out there. You just have to know where to find them.
Talk with your agent about which markets are hot in your area. For instance, have older individuals been buying in the area more than young families or vice versa? Maybe energy efficient homes have been selling better. Find out what your home for sale in Orlando has going for it that matches those hot markets.
Most importantly, don’t give up. Buyers are out there and consumer confidence is rising, which means nothing but good things for the real estate market and your home for sale in Orlando.
Want to work with an agent who can identify and target hot markets for your home? Call me today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Friday, May 07, 2010
New Orlando Home Construction Scheduling Delays
Creating a home for your family, from the ground up, can be an exciting experience. But with the numerous steps involved in building an Orlando home, and the sometimes unexpected setbacks that can plague new construction, it can also be a stressful experience.
Knowing what potential setbacks lurk ahead can help you come up with a realistic schedule for the building of your Orlando home. Having a good idea of what can go wrong and preparing for the possibility of a setback will help lower your stress and make the process go much smoother.
Following are some of the setbacks commonly experienced in new construction:
• Weather: Depending on the stage of the home building process you’re in, rain can cause a work stoppage. If you’re building your home during a time of year when there’s typically a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably have setbacks, especially if you’re just starting the building process during this time.
• Building permits: If numerous permits are required before building can begin, there may be a delay. Permits can involve a lot of paperwork and time. Also, agencies which issue permits may not move as quickly as builders and homeowners would prefer.
• Reworks: Most people building a home visit the building site frequently to keep an eye on work in progress and make sure that what they’ve asked for is being done. Even when you take this precaution, there are times when things will be done incorrectly. This will slow down work because the incorrect item will need to be removed, reordered (in most cases) and then reinstalled.
These are just a few of the things which can get an Orlando home building schedule out of whack.
To take some of the pressure off you, hire a professional real estate agent who has experience working with new construction. An agent can keep tabs on the building progress and make sure the work schedule stays as close to the original timeline as possible and follows the new home construction checklist.
If you’re interested in having a new home built, we can guide you through the process and make sure you get exactly what you want. Give us a call before you go builder or home hunting at 407-876-5771.
Knowing what potential setbacks lurk ahead can help you come up with a realistic schedule for the building of your Orlando home. Having a good idea of what can go wrong and preparing for the possibility of a setback will help lower your stress and make the process go much smoother.
Following are some of the setbacks commonly experienced in new construction:
• Weather: Depending on the stage of the home building process you’re in, rain can cause a work stoppage. If you’re building your home during a time of year when there’s typically a lot of rainfall, you’ll probably have setbacks, especially if you’re just starting the building process during this time.
• Building permits: If numerous permits are required before building can begin, there may be a delay. Permits can involve a lot of paperwork and time. Also, agencies which issue permits may not move as quickly as builders and homeowners would prefer.
• Reworks: Most people building a home visit the building site frequently to keep an eye on work in progress and make sure that what they’ve asked for is being done. Even when you take this precaution, there are times when things will be done incorrectly. This will slow down work because the incorrect item will need to be removed, reordered (in most cases) and then reinstalled.
These are just a few of the things which can get an Orlando home building schedule out of whack.
To take some of the pressure off you, hire a professional real estate agent who has experience working with new construction. An agent can keep tabs on the building progress and make sure the work schedule stays as close to the original timeline as possible and follows the new home construction checklist.
If you’re interested in having a new home built, we can guide you through the process and make sure you get exactly what you want. Give us a call before you go builder or home hunting at 407-876-5771.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
New Orlando Website of Interest - Orlando Search .net
Orlando Search
OrlandoSearch.net
Orlando Search gives you instant access to all homes listed in the Orlando real estate market. Search MLS Orlando by City, Price, County & Zip Code
OrlandoSearch.net
Orlando Search gives you instant access to all homes listed in the Orlando real estate market. Search MLS Orlando by City, Price, County & Zip Code
Orlando Homes for Sale - New Orlando Real Estate Search Website
Orlando Homes for Sale
Orlando Homes for Sale - Search all Orlando and area homes for sale. Thousands of Orlando real estate listings to view and enjoy via a simple FREE Orlando MLS search tool.
New website of interest - Windsor Hills
Windsor Hills Resort is an unparalleled gated Orlando vacation resort community consisting of private pool homes, townhouses and condos. Boasting a 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, double lagoon style pools, movie theater, game rooms, sundries shop and much much more.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Website of Interest - Buena Vista Development Services
Buena Vista Development Services
The BVD Services Team excels in the following areas - business development, real estate marketing, business inovation, (SEO) search engine optimization, (SEM) search engine marketing, (SNM) social network marketing, business lead generation, lead conversion and internet marketing.
Buena Vista Development services can hand deliver new prospects with our affordable internet marketing lead generation programs, designed to optimize the sales, marketing efficiency and ROI for any size business. The internet is easily scaled to provide the maximum leverage required for todays competitive business climate. Discover how to get your fair share of qualified leads, extensive internet exposure and ongoing new business growth for your chosen target market.
First Impression May Be Your Last When Selling Orlando Real Estate
When people meet you for the first time, their first impression is usually a lasting one. You also never get a second chance to make that first impression when you’re selling your Orlando real estate. You need to present your home at its very best all the time.
Here are 3 things you can do to make a great first impression:
1. Clean up the yard: A messy yard is a distraction. It can be time consuming to keep up with general yard work, but it’s worth the effort. Overgrown shrubs, limp lawns, and general disarray can turn off a potential buyer. If you have to hire someone to come in and give your yard a quick pick me up, it’s worth the money.
2. Get Rid of Items You Don't Need: Be very strict about this and get rid of all but the bare necessities. You don't have to throw or give everything away. Find a storage unit and put the things in there you will be taking with you to your new home but do not need immediate access to for now.
3. Fix Up the Little Things: Little things count. If you have a leaky faucet, a broken tile in the floor or a crack on the wall, now is the time to fix it. Little flaws like this make potential buyers worry that there are bigger problems waiting to be found.
Selling Orlando real estate is a lot of work. You can get it sold faster, easier and for the most money when you take the time to make a great first impression.
If you have any questions about what you can do to make your home sell faster, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Here are 3 things you can do to make a great first impression:
1. Clean up the yard: A messy yard is a distraction. It can be time consuming to keep up with general yard work, but it’s worth the effort. Overgrown shrubs, limp lawns, and general disarray can turn off a potential buyer. If you have to hire someone to come in and give your yard a quick pick me up, it’s worth the money.
2. Get Rid of Items You Don't Need: Be very strict about this and get rid of all but the bare necessities. You don't have to throw or give everything away. Find a storage unit and put the things in there you will be taking with you to your new home but do not need immediate access to for now.
3. Fix Up the Little Things: Little things count. If you have a leaky faucet, a broken tile in the floor or a crack on the wall, now is the time to fix it. Little flaws like this make potential buyers worry that there are bigger problems waiting to be found.
Selling Orlando real estate is a lot of work. You can get it sold faster, easier and for the most money when you take the time to make a great first impression.
If you have any questions about what you can do to make your home sell faster, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Photos Can Help or Hurt Orlando Vacation Homes for Sale
“Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” – Arthur Brisbane
One photograph can have a bigger impression on an individual than an entire essay. With the number of potential buyers searching for Orlando vacation homes for sale online, vivid photographs have sprouted everywhere. In fact, good photography can make that slight difference between having your home passed over and selling it.
If you’re considering adding your home to the online list of Orlando vacation homes for sale, you need to think about photos – and those photos need to be good. Just like the home itself, the photos need to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips:
Talk to your agent about what’s “hot” right now. Obviously, your strongest selling points are what buyers are looking for now. Two years ago, buyers were looking for fewer square feet, stepping away from the McMansions. Last year, it was decks and patios. This year, it could be your beautiful, 2-acre backyard with the play set. If you have a selling point, capitalize on it with fantastic photography.
Use the most favorable lighting. High noon sunlight is harsh and often highlights exterior problems that even you may not have noticed. When taking exterior pictures, choose lighting that draws attention to the positives. For instance, one of the most beautiful real estate images I’ve ever seen was a home with all the lights on. The sun was almost completely down and served to accentuate the beauty of the home.
Take as many pictures as you need to get the perfect shot. A shot that’s slightly twisted to the side may not seem like something to throw away, but it can distort the appealing lines of a home. Because photos are two dimensional and flat, even the slightest left or right slant can make the home look like it’s looming, falling in or disproportionate.
The ability to use photos to show off your home on the Internet has been a huge boon for those with Orlando vacation homes for sale. However, a poor photo can do more damage that having no photos at all. If you can’t seem to take a picture without the image blurring, slanting or looking distorted, hire a real estate agent who can get the job done for you.
Looking for an Orlando real estate agent who knows how to showcase your home in pictures? Give us a call today at 407-876-5771.
One photograph can have a bigger impression on an individual than an entire essay. With the number of potential buyers searching for Orlando vacation homes for sale online, vivid photographs have sprouted everywhere. In fact, good photography can make that slight difference between having your home passed over and selling it.
If you’re considering adding your home to the online list of Orlando vacation homes for sale, you need to think about photos – and those photos need to be good. Just like the home itself, the photos need to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips:
Talk to your agent about what’s “hot” right now. Obviously, your strongest selling points are what buyers are looking for now. Two years ago, buyers were looking for fewer square feet, stepping away from the McMansions. Last year, it was decks and patios. This year, it could be your beautiful, 2-acre backyard with the play set. If you have a selling point, capitalize on it with fantastic photography.
Use the most favorable lighting. High noon sunlight is harsh and often highlights exterior problems that even you may not have noticed. When taking exterior pictures, choose lighting that draws attention to the positives. For instance, one of the most beautiful real estate images I’ve ever seen was a home with all the lights on. The sun was almost completely down and served to accentuate the beauty of the home.
Take as many pictures as you need to get the perfect shot. A shot that’s slightly twisted to the side may not seem like something to throw away, but it can distort the appealing lines of a home. Because photos are two dimensional and flat, even the slightest left or right slant can make the home look like it’s looming, falling in or disproportionate.
The ability to use photos to show off your home on the Internet has been a huge boon for those with Orlando vacation homes for sale. However, a poor photo can do more damage that having no photos at all. If you can’t seem to take a picture without the image blurring, slanting or looking distorted, hire a real estate agent who can get the job done for you.
Looking for an Orlando real estate agent who knows how to showcase your home in pictures? Give us a call today at 407-876-5771.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Orlando Home for Sale Wins Academy Award!
Okay, it never happened; when the Academy Awards were handed out, obviously, none went to an Orlando home for sale – but the Academy Awards are still relevant. Bear with me a moment.
When someone wins an Academy Award, don’t we expect more from him or her in the future? Why? Because the Award defines their abilities in some way, and here is where they’re relevant to your Orlando home for sale. Just like the Awards, our homes seem to define us in some strange way.
Think about it. When you see a large home with manicured lawns, lighted pathways and a pool, don’t you automatically assume the owners have money? They’ve won the “dream home” award.
Likewise, if you see a home with a scraggly lawn and a bad paint job, you may assume the opposite. In other words, it doesn’t automatically occur to us that the people with the manicured home may just be good at money management or that the owners of the scraggly lawn home may make plenty of money but not manage it well.
We, as human beings, are good at judging a book by its cover. We assume certain things based on what we see, not reality. So what does the home you’re selling say about you? What will it say about the buyer? Would it win the dream home award?
Looking At Your Home with New Eyes
When preparing your home to sell, it's important to look at the home you’ve lived in for years with new eyes. Because you’re used to the cracks in the sidewalk, peeling paint or missing shingles, you probably don't even notice it any more.
Potential buyers, however, are looking for Academy Award winners. Little things, such as unwashed windows, really can make all the difference. Trees with dead branches, lawns that haven’t been mowed, numbers falling off of mailboxes – all of these things may seem small, but they can quickly lose a sale.
Buyers see the outside of an Orlando home for sale and have certain expectations of what the inside will look like. If the inside and outside don’t match, you have work to do. Don’t let the home you’re selling wallow on the market. If it’s been sitting on the selling block for months without a peep, it’s time to see what you can do about turning it into a dream home award winner!
If you’re ready to sell your home, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
When someone wins an Academy Award, don’t we expect more from him or her in the future? Why? Because the Award defines their abilities in some way, and here is where they’re relevant to your Orlando home for sale. Just like the Awards, our homes seem to define us in some strange way.
Think about it. When you see a large home with manicured lawns, lighted pathways and a pool, don’t you automatically assume the owners have money? They’ve won the “dream home” award.
Likewise, if you see a home with a scraggly lawn and a bad paint job, you may assume the opposite. In other words, it doesn’t automatically occur to us that the people with the manicured home may just be good at money management or that the owners of the scraggly lawn home may make plenty of money but not manage it well.
We, as human beings, are good at judging a book by its cover. We assume certain things based on what we see, not reality. So what does the home you’re selling say about you? What will it say about the buyer? Would it win the dream home award?
Looking At Your Home with New Eyes
When preparing your home to sell, it's important to look at the home you’ve lived in for years with new eyes. Because you’re used to the cracks in the sidewalk, peeling paint or missing shingles, you probably don't even notice it any more.
Potential buyers, however, are looking for Academy Award winners. Little things, such as unwashed windows, really can make all the difference. Trees with dead branches, lawns that haven’t been mowed, numbers falling off of mailboxes – all of these things may seem small, but they can quickly lose a sale.
Buyers see the outside of an Orlando home for sale and have certain expectations of what the inside will look like. If the inside and outside don’t match, you have work to do. Don’t let the home you’re selling wallow on the market. If it’s been sitting on the selling block for months without a peep, it’s time to see what you can do about turning it into a dream home award winner!
If you’re ready to sell your home, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Does Your Orlando Real Estate Team Know What They’re Doing?
If you’re thinking of buying Orlando real estate, now is the time to take advantage of this buyer's market.
Back in the “good old days,” (a few years ago) it was easier to qualify for a loan, with one-page loan applications, stated incomes and “no doc” (no documentation, meaning nothing had to be proven) loans. There were amazing loan programs, like 125% loan on the purchase price with no down payment.
Now, buying Orlando real estate is more burdensome. No more “no doc” loans; lenders want every piece of documentation you can come up with. So then, why is it the best time to buy? And what does this have to do with your real estate team?
Although the current loan situation isn't ideal, it’s worth the effort to find a home you can afford. Here are two reasons:
• First time homebuyers tax credit – this is a big one. If you can get into escrow by April 30 and close by the end of June, you can qualify for the $8,000 ($6,500 for existing homeowners) federal incentive.
• Mortgage rates – It might be hard to get a loan, but it isn’t hard to get a loan with low interest rates. Unbelievably, many are still waiting, hoping the mortgage rates will go down further. Stop waiting for that to happen. It's not going to be long before they’ll be going back up – not down.
This doesn’t include the incredibly low prices for many homes, as well as the huge housing supply. "Slim pickings" doesn’t apply to our current housing market.
With all these incredible opportunities, it makes sense that your team – the people who represent you – knows what they’re doing. In this day and age, your dream team doesn’t just need knowledge; they need experience.
At a minimum, your dream team should consist of:
• Your real estate agent who needs to be able to guide you to the best housing opportunity available for your area.
• Your lender (who is actually supposed to be helping you) who should be able to build a loan package that fits your specific needs and budget. As well, that loan package must stay within the lender’s guidelines to make sure your loan application is successful.
The more you know – and the more your team knows - the better the chance you have of buying the home of your dreams, at a price you can afford, with a low interest rate, before the April 30 deadline. By July, you could be sitting pretty with your own piece of Orlando real estate and a cool $8,000 in your bank account!
Putting together your dream team? I'd be honored to have the chance to interview for the position of your knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent. Call me at 407-876-5771 today.
Back in the “good old days,” (a few years ago) it was easier to qualify for a loan, with one-page loan applications, stated incomes and “no doc” (no documentation, meaning nothing had to be proven) loans. There were amazing loan programs, like 125% loan on the purchase price with no down payment.
Now, buying Orlando real estate is more burdensome. No more “no doc” loans; lenders want every piece of documentation you can come up with. So then, why is it the best time to buy? And what does this have to do with your real estate team?
Although the current loan situation isn't ideal, it’s worth the effort to find a home you can afford. Here are two reasons:
• First time homebuyers tax credit – this is a big one. If you can get into escrow by April 30 and close by the end of June, you can qualify for the $8,000 ($6,500 for existing homeowners) federal incentive.
• Mortgage rates – It might be hard to get a loan, but it isn’t hard to get a loan with low interest rates. Unbelievably, many are still waiting, hoping the mortgage rates will go down further. Stop waiting for that to happen. It's not going to be long before they’ll be going back up – not down.
This doesn’t include the incredibly low prices for many homes, as well as the huge housing supply. "Slim pickings" doesn’t apply to our current housing market.
With all these incredible opportunities, it makes sense that your team – the people who represent you – knows what they’re doing. In this day and age, your dream team doesn’t just need knowledge; they need experience.
At a minimum, your dream team should consist of:
• Your real estate agent who needs to be able to guide you to the best housing opportunity available for your area.
• Your lender (who is actually supposed to be helping you) who should be able to build a loan package that fits your specific needs and budget. As well, that loan package must stay within the lender’s guidelines to make sure your loan application is successful.
The more you know – and the more your team knows - the better the chance you have of buying the home of your dreams, at a price you can afford, with a low interest rate, before the April 30 deadline. By July, you could be sitting pretty with your own piece of Orlando real estate and a cool $8,000 in your bank account!
Putting together your dream team? I'd be honored to have the chance to interview for the position of your knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent. Call me at 407-876-5771 today.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
FHA Changes the Rules for Buying a Orlando Home for Sale
The FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, has helped many a homeowner buy a Orlando home for sale by providing mortgage insurance through FHA-approved lenders. However, a change in policy, announced in January, may make it harder for those with poor credit.
Before we talk about FHA's change in policy, let's cover a few of the basics about the FHA and how it might help you buy a Orlando home for sale.
What is the FHA?
The FHA is a government agency that provides mortgage insurance to approved lending institutions. It assists homebuyers by providing mortgage insurance to lenders to cover most losses that may occur when a borrower defaults. This encourages lenders to make loans to borrowers who might otherwise not be able to get a loan.
What is an FHA Loan?
An FHA loan is a loan provided by an FHA-approved lender and insured by the FHA. In other words, the FHA guarantees that a lender won’t have to write off a loan if the borrower defaults – the FHA will pay. Because of this guarantee, lenders are willing to make mortgage loans.
An FHA loan might help you get a mortgage by providing:
• Lower down payments
• Lower closing costs
• Easier credit qualifications
Now let's talk about the changes FHA is making…
The Future of FHA Loans
Until recently, the FHA has managed to weather the real estate turmoil rather well. In fact, the turbulence surrounding other lenders had potential homebuyers flocking to take advantage of FHA loans. However, even FHA's bank account is starting to suffer. In order to shore up capital reserves and keep 34 million families in their homes, the FHA is changing the rules.
Before the changes, borrowers were required to pay a down payment of 3.5% of the cost of the home. Now, borrowers with a credit rating below 580 will be required to pay at least a 10% down payment. As well, the good upfront mortgage insurance premiums of 1.75% are increasing to 2.25%. The FHA is now trying to get Congress' approval to raise the annual premiums from 0.55%, although the amount it will seek is still unknown.
What This Means for You
If you’re interested in buying a Orlando home for sale, but haven’t because you’re waiting for the market to bottom out, you may end up losing out on a great deal. With almost record low mortgage rates, home values lower than they’ve been for eight years, the first-time and upgrade homebuyer tax credits and a wide selection of homes, there may never be a better time to buy.
Whether you want to use an FHA loan or a traditional loan, I can help you cash in on this great buyer's market. Call us today at 407-876-5771
Before we talk about FHA's change in policy, let's cover a few of the basics about the FHA and how it might help you buy a Orlando home for sale.
What is the FHA?
The FHA is a government agency that provides mortgage insurance to approved lending institutions. It assists homebuyers by providing mortgage insurance to lenders to cover most losses that may occur when a borrower defaults. This encourages lenders to make loans to borrowers who might otherwise not be able to get a loan.
What is an FHA Loan?
An FHA loan is a loan provided by an FHA-approved lender and insured by the FHA. In other words, the FHA guarantees that a lender won’t have to write off a loan if the borrower defaults – the FHA will pay. Because of this guarantee, lenders are willing to make mortgage loans.
An FHA loan might help you get a mortgage by providing:
• Lower down payments
• Lower closing costs
• Easier credit qualifications
Now let's talk about the changes FHA is making…
The Future of FHA Loans
Until recently, the FHA has managed to weather the real estate turmoil rather well. In fact, the turbulence surrounding other lenders had potential homebuyers flocking to take advantage of FHA loans. However, even FHA's bank account is starting to suffer. In order to shore up capital reserves and keep 34 million families in their homes, the FHA is changing the rules.
Before the changes, borrowers were required to pay a down payment of 3.5% of the cost of the home. Now, borrowers with a credit rating below 580 will be required to pay at least a 10% down payment. As well, the good upfront mortgage insurance premiums of 1.75% are increasing to 2.25%. The FHA is now trying to get Congress' approval to raise the annual premiums from 0.55%, although the amount it will seek is still unknown.
What This Means for You
If you’re interested in buying a Orlando home for sale, but haven’t because you’re waiting for the market to bottom out, you may end up losing out on a great deal. With almost record low mortgage rates, home values lower than they’ve been for eight years, the first-time and upgrade homebuyer tax credits and a wide selection of homes, there may never be a better time to buy.
Whether you want to use an FHA loan or a traditional loan, I can help you cash in on this great buyer's market. Call us today at 407-876-5771
Monday, February 08, 2010
Is 2010 the Year for You to Buy Orlando Real Estate?
Is it possible? Is this the year to buy Orlando real estate? Why would 2010 be special? Well, let’s look at the current house hunting conditions, which might give some insight:
• Home prices are lower than they’ve been since 2003. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the median price of homes in the U.S. was around $170,000 by November of last year.
• Fixed mortgage rates have almost reached record lows. Although they are subject to change from week to week, at the time of this writing, 15 year fixed and 30 year fixed mortgages were 4.45% and 5.06%, respectively.
• The high number of foreclosures has been painful for many homeowners. However, it has also created great deals for those who want to buy Orlando real estate, but don’t want to spend their entire life savings at once.
• The extension and expansion of the Obama administration’s homebuyer tax credit has been a driving force for many home sales. The government has handed out a large amount of tax credits to many first-time buyers, and will be paying out more as the purchase date draws closer.
So, is it the year to buy a house? Only you know for sure. The economy is up and running once again, but the unemployment rate is still at 10%, and may go higher. The answer to “can I buy a home” depends on whether you have a stable job or not; look at your industry, company and job before answering. The good news is that, while unemployment may still rise, it’s expected to level off and start decreasing mid-year.
For those who can afford a home, want to buy one, but are waiting for the bottom of the market, don’t wait too long. The Orlando real estate around the corner with the “SOLD” sign might have been your dream home!
If this is a good year for YOU to buy a home, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
• Home prices are lower than they’ve been since 2003. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the median price of homes in the U.S. was around $170,000 by November of last year.
• Fixed mortgage rates have almost reached record lows. Although they are subject to change from week to week, at the time of this writing, 15 year fixed and 30 year fixed mortgages were 4.45% and 5.06%, respectively.
• The high number of foreclosures has been painful for many homeowners. However, it has also created great deals for those who want to buy Orlando real estate, but don’t want to spend their entire life savings at once.
• The extension and expansion of the Obama administration’s homebuyer tax credit has been a driving force for many home sales. The government has handed out a large amount of tax credits to many first-time buyers, and will be paying out more as the purchase date draws closer.
So, is it the year to buy a house? Only you know for sure. The economy is up and running once again, but the unemployment rate is still at 10%, and may go higher. The answer to “can I buy a home” depends on whether you have a stable job or not; look at your industry, company and job before answering. The good news is that, while unemployment may still rise, it’s expected to level off and start decreasing mid-year.
For those who can afford a home, want to buy one, but are waiting for the bottom of the market, don’t wait too long. The Orlando real estate around the corner with the “SOLD” sign might have been your dream home!
If this is a good year for YOU to buy a home, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Yes – You CAN Invest in Orlando Real Estate
With the ‘pop’ of the housing bubble, many investors in Orlando real estate put a hold on expanding their portfolios. Risk, that four-letter word, was the topic of every conversation. However, smart investors know they can still buy real estate and make a profit.
Short-term vs. Long-term Investments
Even now, Orlando real estate can be a short-term or long-term investment. Let’s take a moment to examine the market:
• There is still at least a seven-month supply of homes.
• More foreclosures are hitting the market, potentially driving down the prices of homes.
• Lenders have become stricter with their lending guidelines.
• Many first-time, second-home and upgrade homebuyers are unable to meet the stricter lending guidelines, even with good credit.
If only there was a way to lower the supply of homes, match credible buyers with the home of their dreams and make a profit…
Owner Financing as a Long-term Investment
Real estate is still a viable long-term investment, but, as with short-term, it comes down to owner financing. (This is not the same as “For Sale by Owner,” although some get the two terms confused). With owner financing, the investor steps into the roll of the lender. As with a traditional lender, the homebuyer signs a real estate note agreeing to pay a certain amount each month for the cost of the home, as well as interest.
Why is this a good long-term investment? Because owner financing provides residual income. The investor receives that amount every month for the life of the loan or until the home and interest is paid off. This is good for the buyer who can’t get a loan through traditional means, and it also benefits the investor who has the upper hand in sale negotiations.
Owner Financing as a Short-term Investment
Most investors want to make a profit right away; they don’t want to wait to make their money back. However, once signed, the real estate note is a negotiable instrument; in other words, it can be sold to the highest bidder.
No matter what the Orlando real estate market is like, there’s always opportunity. Look around at the great deals available and see what you can make happen in 2010!
If you’re looking for a great short or long-term investment property, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Short-term vs. Long-term Investments
Even now, Orlando real estate can be a short-term or long-term investment. Let’s take a moment to examine the market:
• There is still at least a seven-month supply of homes.
• More foreclosures are hitting the market, potentially driving down the prices of homes.
• Lenders have become stricter with their lending guidelines.
• Many first-time, second-home and upgrade homebuyers are unable to meet the stricter lending guidelines, even with good credit.
If only there was a way to lower the supply of homes, match credible buyers with the home of their dreams and make a profit…
Owner Financing as a Long-term Investment
Real estate is still a viable long-term investment, but, as with short-term, it comes down to owner financing. (This is not the same as “For Sale by Owner,” although some get the two terms confused). With owner financing, the investor steps into the roll of the lender. As with a traditional lender, the homebuyer signs a real estate note agreeing to pay a certain amount each month for the cost of the home, as well as interest.
Why is this a good long-term investment? Because owner financing provides residual income. The investor receives that amount every month for the life of the loan or until the home and interest is paid off. This is good for the buyer who can’t get a loan through traditional means, and it also benefits the investor who has the upper hand in sale negotiations.
Owner Financing as a Short-term Investment
Most investors want to make a profit right away; they don’t want to wait to make their money back. However, once signed, the real estate note is a negotiable instrument; in other words, it can be sold to the highest bidder.
No matter what the Orlando real estate market is like, there’s always opportunity. Look around at the great deals available and see what you can make happen in 2010!
If you’re looking for a great short or long-term investment property, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
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