Orlando Home for Sale? 6 Tips for Selling Now

If your Orlando home for sale isn’t selling, you’re probably wondering if you’re missing something. Well, here’s a list of things you might not know that could make all the difference:

1. If the location of your Orlando home for sale isn’t great, the price and terms are the only thing that will sell it. Make them outstanding!

2. Attractive, competitive terms may help you get a higher price. For instance, if you’re allowing the option of owner financing, and also allow a smaller down payment (say, $20,000 - $30,000), you may be able to sell your house for a higher overall amount.

3. Because of the current high competition, your home has to be in the best condition at a competitive price. Check out the competition, accept that yours might need work, and get to it.

4. You can’t set a limit for home improvement. If your home needs something done to beat the competition and you can do it, do it! You aren’t just spending money; you’re investing in the sale of your home. Although you may not get all your money back, you just might get a quick sale at full value.

5. Staging – you’ve heard of it; tons of agents are talking about it. If you want to get your house sold, either invest in staging services or do your homework and stage the home yourself. It’s all about presentation.

6. Remember that you are no longer the host/hostess of the house. You are a business person, and your business is getting that house sold. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of a solid business deal.

Putting up your Orlando home for sale is a daunting prospect. If it’s been up for a while, it can be an exercise in frustration. However, keep the above points in mind, listen to the experts and put what you learn to work for you.

If you’d like to get your home sold, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.

Owning Orlando Homes – Has the American Dream Died?

Some people who are supposedly “in the know” believe the American dream of owning a home has died. They spout “facts” that say home ownership – not just for Orlando homes, but also across the nation – is no longer on the minds of the majority of Americans.

Additionally, according to some of these individuals, suburban sprawl is the reason for:
• the housing bubble burst,
• the break down of social mores,
• global warming (due to commutes, of course)
• and more.

It’s amazing that the nation’s suburbs can cause so many problems, isn’t it?

Is the American dream of home ownership really dead? The number of people buying Orlando homes versus renting them points to a definitive… maybe. However, in newspapers and on the Internet, we’re seeing tons of “if you can’t sell your home, rent it out” information. We’re seeing potential homebuyers being told that renting may be the best option. Why?

The economy, of course. While there are plenty of want-to-be homeowners, those same people choose to rent rather than own for a wide variety of reasons. The main reason, however, is that they think it will be cheaper.

When you first think of buying a home, it sounds like an overwhelming prospect with lots of money involved. However, while the down payment is much more than it would be for a rental property, it’s time to really look at the cost. Instead of example numbers, let me point you to Money-Zine.com's Rent vs. Buy a Home calculator.

Now, before you start plugging in numbers, remember that the national average for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is around 4.5% – 5%. The national averages for mortgage rates in general range from 3% to 5.5%. Of course, every situation is different, but think about it and really do your research before you decide whether to rent or buy one of our Orlando homes. Don’t just assume it’s better to rent; renting may not be the cheap option you think it is.

If you’d like to find your piece of the American dream, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.

Waiting for Prices to Plummet on Homes for Sale Orlando May Be a Mistake

If you’re looking at homes for sale in Orlando, want to buy a home and are waiting around for better prices, you might want to rethink your strategy.

If you’re a market watcher, soaking up the information overload across news media and Internet websites, you’re probably overwhelmed with confusion by now. Is the housing market getting better? Is it getting worse? Was there really, when it gets down to it, a housing bubble collapse? And, if so, who popped it?

First, the quick answers. Yes, the housing bubble collapsed, and everybody had a hand in popping it: the government, the lenders, the investors and the general public. Now the hard answers: it’s getting better – and worse.

The truth is that market predictors are all on the fence. With the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) giving first time homeowners some incentive to buy homes for sale in Orlando and elsewhere, there has been a steady increase of sales. However, once the tax credit deadline hits at the end of this month, the numbers are once again expected to drop.

Again, though, it’s better and worse. While the housing market is still dropping in some areas, such as the southeast in Mississippi, Alabama and so forth, there are definitely some strong markets in the country.

For instance, Boulder, Colorado holds 60% of the share of increasing home values. The average value is about $350,000, but there’s a limit in place on the amount of homes allowed in the area. In Binghamton, New York, the average value of a home is around $112,000. They also have a housing limit, which means a small supply, so prices probably aren’t going to plummet.

Just because this is a buyer’s market, doesn’t mean you’ll get the exact price you’re looking for. If you want to buy a home and you’re waiting around for the prices of homes to plummet into a “sweet deal,” make sure you don’t wait yourself into an expensive mistake.

Instead of checking market forecasts, potential homebuyers need to look at things the way we always should have. Do I want to buy a house? Can I afford one of the homes for sale in Orlando the way things are now? By researching, crunching numbers and answering the important questions, you’ll find the sweetest deal you could ever have: a wonderful house you can afford.

If you’re looking for a place to call your own, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.

Orlando Real Estate Associates - A New Website of Interest

Orlando Real Estate Associates

http://www.orlandorealestateassociates.com/

OrlandoRealEstateAssociates.com is a group of exceptional Orlando real estate agents who have developed an unique Home Selling System specializing in foreclosure homes and short sales. Contact us for all Orlando real estate services.

The Orlando Real Estate Associates and Home Selling Team covers the Orlando - Kissimmee metro areas. Orlando Central Florida Counties include: Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Polk County and Lake County.

FREE Foreclosure Secrets - Real Estate Video Reports

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Orlando Real Estate Market - Lower Prices and Lower Inventory

Orlando First-time buyers continue to take advantage of attractive affordability.

Buyer traffic continued its momentum, as our traffic index came in at 61 in September, up from 58 in August (any reading above 50 indicates traffic levels above expectations). Agents highlighted increased demand from first-time homebuyers, encouraged by the upcoming expiration of the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit. The uptick in traffic was focused on the low end, specifically foreclosures and short sales. According to one agent, “The market is heavily weighted to foreclosures, short sales and distressed sales. The activity is up, but values are lower.” Another added that, “First-time homebuyers are rushing to beat the tax credit deadline.” Agents also noted investor interest in the area, motivated by falling prices and increased foreclosure activity.

Still pricing pressure, but strong demand leads to lower inventory. Home prices fell further in September, as our price index fell to 23 in September from 36 in August (any reading below 50 indicates sequentially lower home prices). Increased foreclosure activity has put pressure on prices, though strong demand for the REOs has led to lower inventory levels more recently. Our home listings index improved to 75 in September from 72 in August (any reading above 50 indicates lower inventory levels). However, this drop in inventory may not last, as banks are facing a growing backlog of foreclosures and many modification efforts likely won’t be successful.

Comments from real estate agents:

■ “We have seen more and more interest in lower priced homes, especially from
those seeking investment opportunities.”
■ “The $8,000 tax credit pushed demand further than we anticipated.”

Source: October Credit Suisse Research

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Explore the Benefits of Hiring a Full-Time Orlando Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a home has a major impact on many people's lives. So it's important not to leave the task to just anyone.

Take advantage of all the benefits that come with working with a full-time Orlando real estate agent. Since selling or buying a home can be a full-time job, it just makes sense to work with an agent that has a full-time commitment.

A full-time real estate agent can offer:

• Lots of experience – If your agent lives and breathes real estate around the clock, then he or she is better equipped to handle the many surprises that come with buying or selling a home.
• Peace of mind – You could be a first-time home buyer or seller. A full-time Orlando real estate agent has the knowledge to lead you through every step, saving you time, money and stress.
• Availability – Since your agent works full time, she is available to you when you have questions, concerns or need her for any reason.
• In-depth market knowledge – The real estate market is changing faster than ever. In order to be a successful buyer or seller, you need to be kept up to date. A full-time real estate agent stays current with what's happening each and every day.

Whatever your home-buying or home-selling goals, it’s smart to have an experienced, full-time Orlando real estate agent working for you. You'll save yourself headaches, heartache and from making home buying mistakes.

Ready to work with a full-time real estate agent? Give us a call today at 407-876-5771.