You’ve finally decided that, yes, you can afford to buy a Orlando home. After years of frugal saving, hard work and patient waiting, the timing is great. You don’t want to wait anymore, so you rush out and start looking for homes. It is, after all, a buyer’s market, and you’re a buyer.
Now, if you read about real estate, you’ve probably considered your credit. Is my credit strong enough? Is my score high enough? Some go to lenders and request preapproval. A few request prequalification. Many, however, go to the “free” credit score searches.
Of those who use the credit score searches, some find an Orlando home they want to buy. They then confidently take their credit reports to the lenders and find out the lenders don’t care about the reports. Others find out that the “free” doesn’t really mean free.
Generally, these credit reporting services are helpful, but most aren’t free. You sign up to get your report and, in the fine print, you’re agreeing to enroll in services that require a monthly fee. The services you end up paying for can be somewhat helpful. But many people sign up not knowing what they’re getting into. If you want those types of monthly services, research the companies and don’t fall for scam sites, because they’re out there.
Why won’t leaders use the credit reports you take to them?
They can’t use the credit scores you bring to them. In fact, they’re required to request credit scores on their own. And, the credit reports lenders get may not reflect what you receive from the reporting services you hired.
Typically, lenders use the median FICO Scores from three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Those FICO Scores may not be the same from bureau to bureau. Some of the “free” credit places provide these scores, but usually from only one bureau rather than all three.
So what should you do?
Talk to the lender. Get preapproved, not prequalified. Not only will you find out how good your credit really is, but you’ll also be more attractive to sellers. And, preapproval tells you exactly how much you can reasonably afford to spend on your new Orlando home.
If you’re looking for a beautiful home to call your own, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Orlando Real Estate: Fight Mold Before Buyers Run
Spring is the rainy season for many parts of the nation and, for those areas where spring doesn’t bring rain, summer does. Rain brings mold, mold grows on your Orlando real estate and buyers run. Of course, if it doesn’t rain, there’s always humidity, which can also cause mold and mildew in the home.
How do I know if I have mold?
Well, for example, if you get up in the morning, walk into your living room and find a swimming pool where your couch used to be, you might have mold once the water dries up. Of course, if you have swimming pool in your living room every spring, you can always use it as a selling point… “Living room boasts natural, seasonal pool!”
On the serious side, mold is often indicated by a musty, often sharp smell in the home. You also might see dark smudges and/or blotches on surfaces. While excessive humidity can cause mold, those whose homes have had some form of water damage should be the most concerned. Types of water damage can include anything from a leaking roof to a toilet overflowing.
What’s the problem with mold and mildew?
The problem with mold and mildew is once it creeps into your Orlando real estate, it takes a brigade to kick it out. Also, mold and mildew problems fall under many states’ disclosure laws, so you may not be able to legally keep it from the buyer.
If you find out you have mold, you have two choices:
1. Tell the buyer and either lose them or take a hefty chunk out of your sales price.
2. Pay a hefty price to a mold removal company. The real kicker is even if you pay to have the mold removed, you may still be required to disclose that the home had a mold problem.
What should you do about mold?
The best way to deal with this smelly invader of the home front is to destroy it as soon as you first smell the musty, earthy odor. Track it down and kill it. Plenty of mold-killing products out there do the job nicely on small patches.
If you think you might have mold and can’t seem to track it down, check with your health department. They may have recommendations of where to go, who to talk to or other ways to find the mold that you haven’t used.
If you’re trying to sell your Orlando real estate, you can’t let something as annoying as mold ruin the deal. Even if the property is sitting vacant, keep your eyes, ears and – most importantly – nose sharp!
If you’re trying to sell your home and need an experienced guide, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
How do I know if I have mold?
Well, for example, if you get up in the morning, walk into your living room and find a swimming pool where your couch used to be, you might have mold once the water dries up. Of course, if you have swimming pool in your living room every spring, you can always use it as a selling point… “Living room boasts natural, seasonal pool!”
On the serious side, mold is often indicated by a musty, often sharp smell in the home. You also might see dark smudges and/or blotches on surfaces. While excessive humidity can cause mold, those whose homes have had some form of water damage should be the most concerned. Types of water damage can include anything from a leaking roof to a toilet overflowing.
What’s the problem with mold and mildew?
The problem with mold and mildew is once it creeps into your Orlando real estate, it takes a brigade to kick it out. Also, mold and mildew problems fall under many states’ disclosure laws, so you may not be able to legally keep it from the buyer.
If you find out you have mold, you have two choices:
1. Tell the buyer and either lose them or take a hefty chunk out of your sales price.
2. Pay a hefty price to a mold removal company. The real kicker is even if you pay to have the mold removed, you may still be required to disclose that the home had a mold problem.
What should you do about mold?
The best way to deal with this smelly invader of the home front is to destroy it as soon as you first smell the musty, earthy odor. Track it down and kill it. Plenty of mold-killing products out there do the job nicely on small patches.
If you think you might have mold and can’t seem to track it down, check with your health department. They may have recommendations of where to go, who to talk to or other ways to find the mold that you haven’t used.
If you’re trying to sell your Orlando real estate, you can’t let something as annoying as mold ruin the deal. Even if the property is sitting vacant, keep your eyes, ears and – most importantly – nose sharp!
If you’re trying to sell your home and need an experienced guide, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Renting versus Buying Homes in Orlando
Before you start looking for homes in Orlando, you need to decide whether to rent or buy. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to look at your situation and decide which is best for you.
To help you with that decision, here’s an examination of the pros and cons of renting and buying homes in Orlando:
• Pros of Renting. Maintaining a home properly takes a certain level of time and commitment. When you rent, you are not responsible for the lawn, major repairs or maintenance. If you have to leave the area on short notice, you won’t be tied down to a home that needs to sell in order for you to move.
• Pros of Buying. Because of low interest rates and house prices, many renters find that their current rent payments are similar to what their mortgage payments would be. Unlike rent payments, mortgage payments add up and create equity in your home. Additionally, owning your own home provides tax deductions.
• Cons of Renting. The most significant con of renting is the fact that you get no tax deduction. If you have to move suddenly, you may have to pay extra money to break the lease. You may even have decorating restrictions, like not putting nails in the walls.
• Cons of Buying. To buy a home, you will need a down payment, which can be difficult for some people to acquire. There’s also the possibility that you may lose money on the home if you have to sell it before you’ve built equity in it or if your local market declines in value. Also, it can take considerable time and money to maintain homes in Orlando.
After you’ve considered all the pros and cons, there’s one more tool I recommend to help you make an informed decision: Use a free online rent versus buy calculator.
If you’d like help deciding whether buying or renting is right for you, give us a call today at 407-876-5771. We will put together some current home prices to help you determine what your house payments would be, and we will also help you figure out what you can afford.
To help you with that decision, here’s an examination of the pros and cons of renting and buying homes in Orlando:
• Pros of Renting. Maintaining a home properly takes a certain level of time and commitment. When you rent, you are not responsible for the lawn, major repairs or maintenance. If you have to leave the area on short notice, you won’t be tied down to a home that needs to sell in order for you to move.
• Pros of Buying. Because of low interest rates and house prices, many renters find that their current rent payments are similar to what their mortgage payments would be. Unlike rent payments, mortgage payments add up and create equity in your home. Additionally, owning your own home provides tax deductions.
• Cons of Renting. The most significant con of renting is the fact that you get no tax deduction. If you have to move suddenly, you may have to pay extra money to break the lease. You may even have decorating restrictions, like not putting nails in the walls.
• Cons of Buying. To buy a home, you will need a down payment, which can be difficult for some people to acquire. There’s also the possibility that you may lose money on the home if you have to sell it before you’ve built equity in it or if your local market declines in value. Also, it can take considerable time and money to maintain homes in Orlando.
After you’ve considered all the pros and cons, there’s one more tool I recommend to help you make an informed decision: Use a free online rent versus buy calculator.
If you’d like help deciding whether buying or renting is right for you, give us a call today at 407-876-5771. We will put together some current home prices to help you determine what your house payments would be, and we will also help you figure out what you can afford.
How to Deal with Problem Neighbors Near Your Orlando Home
We’ve all had to deal with problem neighbors near our Orlando homes. The trouble might be a loud late night party or a dog that is always barking at odd hours. It can be hard to fix the problem without causing a lasting rift in the neighborhood. Here are a few tips for getting a peaceful resolution:
Bring it Up Gently
It may be that your neighbor doesn’t realize there is a problem. Try to wait a day or two after the problem occurs and tactfully bring up the trouble you are having. Be sure to speak in a calm and reasonable manner.
If your partying neighbor is not receptive to making a complete change, suggest that they let you know ahead of time when a party is scheduled. Sometimes being able to plan for a disruption can make it easier to bear.
A dog that barks at all the wrong times is harder to fix. If you have a specific reason for needing the dog to be quiet, for instance, you work nights and need to be able to sleep in your Orlando home during the day; a gentle reminder that the dog is barking excessively may do the trick.
Ask For Help
If you’ve talked with the problem neighbor nicely and are still getting nowhere, try recruiting others in the neighborhood to help solve the dilemma. Sometimes it’s easier to get results when a group is asking for change. The disapproval of the entire neighborhood isn’t something that most people are willing to risk.
Occasionally, there might be that stubborn person who simply refuses to be courteous to anyone nearby. It may seem that you have no options left. Before you give up hope, check with your homeowner’s association, they may have the ability to enforce a change that you cannot.
If at any time you feel that your neighbor is trying to force a confrontation, and may become dangerous, call the local police and ask for help.
Trying a few of these suggestions can be an easy and effective way to bring the peace back to your neighborhood.
Want to find an Orlando home in a peaceful neighborhood? We can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Bring it Up Gently
It may be that your neighbor doesn’t realize there is a problem. Try to wait a day or two after the problem occurs and tactfully bring up the trouble you are having. Be sure to speak in a calm and reasonable manner.
If your partying neighbor is not receptive to making a complete change, suggest that they let you know ahead of time when a party is scheduled. Sometimes being able to plan for a disruption can make it easier to bear.
A dog that barks at all the wrong times is harder to fix. If you have a specific reason for needing the dog to be quiet, for instance, you work nights and need to be able to sleep in your Orlando home during the day; a gentle reminder that the dog is barking excessively may do the trick.
Ask For Help
If you’ve talked with the problem neighbor nicely and are still getting nowhere, try recruiting others in the neighborhood to help solve the dilemma. Sometimes it’s easier to get results when a group is asking for change. The disapproval of the entire neighborhood isn’t something that most people are willing to risk.
Occasionally, there might be that stubborn person who simply refuses to be courteous to anyone nearby. It may seem that you have no options left. Before you give up hope, check with your homeowner’s association, they may have the ability to enforce a change that you cannot.
If at any time you feel that your neighbor is trying to force a confrontation, and may become dangerous, call the local police and ask for help.
Trying a few of these suggestions can be an easy and effective way to bring the peace back to your neighborhood.
Want to find an Orlando home in a peaceful neighborhood? We can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Where Can I Find XYZ On the Orlando Real Estate Market?
If you’re like me and other real estate agents, home sellers, homebuyers and homeowners, you’re always looking for a great resource for information on the Orlando real estate market. You have questions and you want answers.
• What are the mortgages like in this area?
• What are the current selling prices for homes?
• What’s a specific neighborhood like?
• Is there anything besides the economy affecting the Orlando real estate market?
For instance, you want to know current market trends. Are they stabilizing? Are things still sliding down hill? Is there a buying trend sellers can take advantage of to market their homes? While a professional real estate agent will help you sell or find a home, it doesn’t hurt for you to do some research on your own to become more knowledgeable. Who knows, you may come up with some ideas we haven’t thought of!
So where can you find reliable information on the real estate market? On the Internet, there are thousands, perhaps millions, of informational sites. Below are just a few of my personal favorites:
CNNMoney.com (real estate) – The information on CNNMoney.com has no bias in terms of convincing you to sell or buy. Where are home prices falling? Where are they strongest? What information do you need to know as a buyer or seller? From mortgages to pricing and market stability, you can find it here.
RISMedia.com – If you can’t find it on CNNMoney, you can most likely find it on RISMedia. Home improvement, financing and foreclosure information are just a few of the topics. As well, because RISMedia is actually involved in real estate, you can find the latest market information.
DQNews.com – DataQuick provides real estate data on a state-by-state basis or on a specific area. While the information can be a little technical for the non-real-estate-professional, if you want to know how the Las Vegas region is doing for home sales, or the average mortgage rates in Missouri, DQ can help. Depending on your area, you may have to pay for the data, but it’s fairly inexpensive and can give you great information.
If you’re interested in the Orlando real estate market in any way, bookmark this blog and the listed sites for easy reference. The more you know, the better you can prepare for upcoming trends, good or bad!
If you’re trying to sell your home, or are looking for your dream home to buy, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
• What are the mortgages like in this area?
• What are the current selling prices for homes?
• What’s a specific neighborhood like?
• Is there anything besides the economy affecting the Orlando real estate market?
For instance, you want to know current market trends. Are they stabilizing? Are things still sliding down hill? Is there a buying trend sellers can take advantage of to market their homes? While a professional real estate agent will help you sell or find a home, it doesn’t hurt for you to do some research on your own to become more knowledgeable. Who knows, you may come up with some ideas we haven’t thought of!
So where can you find reliable information on the real estate market? On the Internet, there are thousands, perhaps millions, of informational sites. Below are just a few of my personal favorites:
CNNMoney.com (real estate) – The information on CNNMoney.com has no bias in terms of convincing you to sell or buy. Where are home prices falling? Where are they strongest? What information do you need to know as a buyer or seller? From mortgages to pricing and market stability, you can find it here.
RISMedia.com – If you can’t find it on CNNMoney, you can most likely find it on RISMedia. Home improvement, financing and foreclosure information are just a few of the topics. As well, because RISMedia is actually involved in real estate, you can find the latest market information.
DQNews.com – DataQuick provides real estate data on a state-by-state basis or on a specific area. While the information can be a little technical for the non-real-estate-professional, if you want to know how the Las Vegas region is doing for home sales, or the average mortgage rates in Missouri, DQ can help. Depending on your area, you may have to pay for the data, but it’s fairly inexpensive and can give you great information.
If you’re interested in the Orlando real estate market in any way, bookmark this blog and the listed sites for easy reference. The more you know, the better you can prepare for upcoming trends, good or bad!
If you’re trying to sell your home, or are looking for your dream home to buy, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Buena Vista Development Services - Business Lead Generation
Buena Vista Development Services
Buena Vista Development (BVD) Services is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It's owned and operated by a small group of seasoned entrepreneurs with decades of business and marketing experience.
BVD Services uses cutting edge business and marketing systems, that are generating incredible success for themselves and those fortunate clients who have partnered with them.
The success of any business venture boils down to the following timeless principles of marketing.
1. To increase the number of customers
2. To increase the average number of orders
3. To increase the frequency of orders
The Buena Vista Development team are the smart ones who have taken advantage of the power of the Internet to accomplish the above business goals. They are a new breed of business entrepreneurs, enjoying the maximum leverage the internet produces. They have solved the secrets and have unlocked the internet gene's mysterious powers.
Orlando Real Estate, Buyers and Technology
Technology has improved our lives over the last ten years, but it’s also caused some problems along the way for Orlando real estate buyers.
As a buyer, you naturally want to take advantage of every tool and service available to make it easier to find the home of your dreams. However, the Internet, which is one of the most common places for people to shop for Orlando real estate nowadays, has also become a place where the unscrupulous hang out. You can’t believe everything you read online, even when it comes to shopping for homes online.
If you’re trying to find a home, here are two things you need to be aware of:
Home Valuation Sites
Many potential buyers find an interesting home and then research the home value. This is commendable and just plain good sense. You want to make sure you’re not overpaying. Thanks to the Internet, we have sites like Zillow and Realtor.com that provide home valuations.
The problem is that these sites hardly ever agree on the home value. They can differ as much as 20% or more. While home valuation sites are an excellent place to get a ballpark estimate, you shouldn’t base your buying price on their information alone. Hire a reputable Orlando real estate agent who knows the surrounding area and recent sale prices.
Dream Home or Nightmare
One of the best things to happen for real estate agents and sellers alike is the ability to post digital photos and walk-through videos of the homes they’re selling. This is also great for you, as the buyer, because you can view the homes without going anywhere.
Unfortunately, many buyers take those images and videos at face value. Thanks to some high-tech graphics programs, however, you can’t guarantee that what you see is what you get. Videos and images can both be manipulated to show you the best face of any piece of property.
Any time you see a home online that you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to check Google Maps and use the Street View option. At the very least, you can usually see the front and sides of the home. If you’re still interested, visit the home in person, or, if that’s not possible for some reason, ask your Orlando real estate agent to visit the home and take pictures for you.
If you’re trying to find your dream home, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
As a buyer, you naturally want to take advantage of every tool and service available to make it easier to find the home of your dreams. However, the Internet, which is one of the most common places for people to shop for Orlando real estate nowadays, has also become a place where the unscrupulous hang out. You can’t believe everything you read online, even when it comes to shopping for homes online.
If you’re trying to find a home, here are two things you need to be aware of:
Home Valuation Sites
Many potential buyers find an interesting home and then research the home value. This is commendable and just plain good sense. You want to make sure you’re not overpaying. Thanks to the Internet, we have sites like Zillow and Realtor.com that provide home valuations.
The problem is that these sites hardly ever agree on the home value. They can differ as much as 20% or more. While home valuation sites are an excellent place to get a ballpark estimate, you shouldn’t base your buying price on their information alone. Hire a reputable Orlando real estate agent who knows the surrounding area and recent sale prices.
Dream Home or Nightmare
One of the best things to happen for real estate agents and sellers alike is the ability to post digital photos and walk-through videos of the homes they’re selling. This is also great for you, as the buyer, because you can view the homes without going anywhere.
Unfortunately, many buyers take those images and videos at face value. Thanks to some high-tech graphics programs, however, you can’t guarantee that what you see is what you get. Videos and images can both be manipulated to show you the best face of any piece of property.
Any time you see a home online that you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to check Google Maps and use the Street View option. At the very least, you can usually see the front and sides of the home. If you’re still interested, visit the home in person, or, if that’s not possible for some reason, ask your Orlando real estate agent to visit the home and take pictures for you.
If you’re trying to find your dream home, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
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