Summer is gearing up, and the great summer holidays are right around the corner. From 4th of July picnics and fireworks to Memorial Day barbeques, and every sunny day in between, a little preparation can make your Orlando home a spot for summer fun.
Clean Up the Grill
One of the most popular pieces of outdoor party equipment is the barbeque grill. Over winter, it can accumulate a lot of dust. Propane tanks may need recharging and even the tires might need filling. If the grill wasn't cleaned and stored properly, last summer's leftovers may be hanging on for dear life, and be really hard to get rid of. A good oven spray can help a lot. Spray on a generous amount and let your grill sit in the sun for a few hours before attempting to scrub the food surface clean.
Clean Up the Yard
Clutter is not only unsightly it can also be hazardous. Along with making sure toys are picked up and put away, check for branches that could have been knocked down by storms. Also check for holes or uneven areas in the grass where a guest could twist an ankle.
Decorate Appropriately
Different holidays have themes that can be used to make your Orlando home's yard and patio look its best. For everyday fun in the yard, situate tiki lamps in strategic spots to keep away flies and mosquitoes. Use brightly colored serving dishes, plates and napkins. You'll find an amazing array of them at your local discount store.
Invite Friends and Family to Share the Fun
Parties are only as good as the people around you. Invite friends and family to make a fun Orlando home party even better. One final tip: Have plenty of games on hand for all age groups.
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Saturday, June 6, 2009
Getting Help for Moving Day After Buying Your Orlando Home
Whew—you're finished! You've signed all the forms and the race is won, you think. Okay, go ahead and sigh that huge gasp of relief that your Orlando home is finally yours. That's enough. Now, get yourself up and realize the heavy work is about to start. Oh yeah, you have to move all that stuff you've managed to accumulate over the past however many years you've been alive. Stuff doesn't ever die; it just continues to follow you around. So, how do you get it to your new home?
Send out invitations: You would do it for any other big event in your life. Send out invitations to your family and friends and invite them to help you on your big day. Make it sound like fun by promising a picnic in your new backyard either the day of the move or soon after. It doesn't have to be a big complicated affair. Order some take out fried chicken or pizza and have plenty of beverages for sweaty tired helpers. Make it a real event that everyone can enjoy while laughing about the day's adventures.
Store it: If you're like most people, you have plenty of things you rarely use but can't bear to get rid of. Take advantage of the fact that you'll be packing all your things and put those items you never use into boxes and tote them to a storage unit. You get to keep them, at least for now, but they won't be cluttering up your brand new Orlando home. In six months, if you haven't missed the items, take the boxes (without opening them) to your favorite donation location.
Safeguard your pets: Moving day is hectic and can be frightening for your pets. Board your cats or dogs at your veterinarian for the day. It will be worth the expense to make sure they don't escape through doors propped open for moving.
For more tips like this, subscribe to our blog. It's fast, easy and free. Just fill in your name and email address in the subscription form. A couple of times a week, you'll get tips like this automatically sent to your email inbox.
Send out invitations: You would do it for any other big event in your life. Send out invitations to your family and friends and invite them to help you on your big day. Make it sound like fun by promising a picnic in your new backyard either the day of the move or soon after. It doesn't have to be a big complicated affair. Order some take out fried chicken or pizza and have plenty of beverages for sweaty tired helpers. Make it a real event that everyone can enjoy while laughing about the day's adventures.
Store it: If you're like most people, you have plenty of things you rarely use but can't bear to get rid of. Take advantage of the fact that you'll be packing all your things and put those items you never use into boxes and tote them to a storage unit. You get to keep them, at least for now, but they won't be cluttering up your brand new Orlando home. In six months, if you haven't missed the items, take the boxes (without opening them) to your favorite donation location.
Safeguard your pets: Moving day is hectic and can be frightening for your pets. Board your cats or dogs at your veterinarian for the day. It will be worth the expense to make sure they don't escape through doors propped open for moving.
For more tips like this, subscribe to our blog. It's fast, easy and free. Just fill in your name and email address in the subscription form. A couple of times a week, you'll get tips like this automatically sent to your email inbox.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Why Rent When You Could Buy Your Very Own Orlando Condo?
If you're tired of renting but don't want a huge home to manage, consider purchasing a Orlando condo. You can enjoy the benefits of home ownership and leave your renting days behind you.
By owning a condo, you can:
Build equity
When you make payments on a condo you own, you are constantly building equity in the property. With renting, you pay for years and own nothing.
Avoid payment increases
Unlike renting, when you own your Orlando condo and have a fixed mortgage rate, you can feel confident that your monthly payments will remain the same. No more surprise rent hikes. You can just sit back, relax and plan your finances around that peace of mind.
Make upgrades
As a renter, you probably never had the pleasure of painting the walls any color that suited your style. Your only choices were white and builder beige. As a condo owner, you have the freedom to do what you want to the interior of your home without worrying about penalties from the landlord.
Break away from landlords
Now's your chance to escape the watchful eye of your landlord and start living life the way you please. As a property owner, you call the shots. And best of all, you don't have to be concerned with your landlord selling the property and leaving you without a place to live. Now you can secure your future as condo owner.
There is an array of benefits to owning a Orlando condo. All you have to do is get out of the renter's mindset and step out on your own. You'd be surprise how great you'll feel once you do.
Search for Orlando condos (and homes) for sale at MLSOrlandoSearch.com Or, let us do the work for you. We would be happy to send you a list of available properties that meet your criteria. Just give us a call now at 407-876-5771.
By owning a condo, you can:
Build equity
When you make payments on a condo you own, you are constantly building equity in the property. With renting, you pay for years and own nothing.
Avoid payment increases
Unlike renting, when you own your Orlando condo and have a fixed mortgage rate, you can feel confident that your monthly payments will remain the same. No more surprise rent hikes. You can just sit back, relax and plan your finances around that peace of mind.
Make upgrades
As a renter, you probably never had the pleasure of painting the walls any color that suited your style. Your only choices were white and builder beige. As a condo owner, you have the freedom to do what you want to the interior of your home without worrying about penalties from the landlord.
Break away from landlords
Now's your chance to escape the watchful eye of your landlord and start living life the way you please. As a property owner, you call the shots. And best of all, you don't have to be concerned with your landlord selling the property and leaving you without a place to live. Now you can secure your future as condo owner.
There is an array of benefits to owning a Orlando condo. All you have to do is get out of the renter's mindset and step out on your own. You'd be surprise how great you'll feel once you do.
Search for Orlando condos (and homes) for sale at MLSOrlandoSearch.com Or, let us do the work for you. We would be happy to send you a list of available properties that meet your criteria. Just give us a call now at 407-876-5771.
6 Great Reasons First-Time Orlando Home Buyers Should Purchase Now
Although the housing market has had its fair share of ups and down, many home buyers, particularly first-time home buyers, are reaping the benefits. If you're thinking about purchasing a Orlando home, there are many good reasons to make your move today. Here are six of them:
1. Low interest rates – Right now, interest rates are lower than ever before. This means you can get an extremely affordable loan and save big on interest payments.
2. Cheaper home prices – Not only are interest rates low, but homes all around are cheaper. Since the market is packed with homes for sale, selling has become harder. As a result, prices have fallen significantly, allowing you to get a more expensive home for less money.
3. Potential tax credits – As a first-time buyer, you could be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax credits. Best of all, you do not have to pay it back, as opposed to previous years.
4. Less competition – Many people no longer have the money to purchase homes, so fewer people are visiting model homes and open houses. This is great news for you. If you're ready to buy a Orlando home, you don't have to worry about floods of people bidding up the price on the property.
5. Huge inventory – With new homes constantly being built, not to mention an array of existing homes, you can take your pick from a wide variety of available properties.
6. Big bargaining power – Because so many people are trying to sell their homes, they're more willing to be flexible. As a buyer, you could greatly benefit and may be able to save on closing costs, upgrades, repairs and more. Work with a skilled real estate agent who can negotiate a great contract for you.
If you have the funds to step out and purchase one of the many Orlando homes for sale, now is the best time to take advantage of all the possibilities. we are ready, willing and able to negotiate the best price and terms for you. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
1. Low interest rates – Right now, interest rates are lower than ever before. This means you can get an extremely affordable loan and save big on interest payments.
2. Cheaper home prices – Not only are interest rates low, but homes all around are cheaper. Since the market is packed with homes for sale, selling has become harder. As a result, prices have fallen significantly, allowing you to get a more expensive home for less money.
3. Potential tax credits – As a first-time buyer, you could be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax credits. Best of all, you do not have to pay it back, as opposed to previous years.
4. Less competition – Many people no longer have the money to purchase homes, so fewer people are visiting model homes and open houses. This is great news for you. If you're ready to buy a Orlando home, you don't have to worry about floods of people bidding up the price on the property.
5. Huge inventory – With new homes constantly being built, not to mention an array of existing homes, you can take your pick from a wide variety of available properties.
6. Big bargaining power – Because so many people are trying to sell their homes, they're more willing to be flexible. As a buyer, you could greatly benefit and may be able to save on closing costs, upgrades, repairs and more. Work with a skilled real estate agent who can negotiate a great contract for you.
If you have the funds to step out and purchase one of the many Orlando homes for sale, now is the best time to take advantage of all the possibilities. we are ready, willing and able to negotiate the best price and terms for you. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Orlando Real Estate Sales Up - Home Prices Down
The continuing price declines for existing-home sales in Metro Orlando are similar to declines elsewhere in the state, according to a monthly report released Wednesday by the Florida Association of Realtors. Prices in the four-county metro area fell by 34 percent in April from a year earlier, compared with a statewide decrease of 31 percent. Not only did local resale prices continue their year-long decline, dropping to $141,800 in April from $215,700 a year earlier, they also slid further from March, when the median price was $151,500. Those historically low prices helped drive the area's continuing uptick in sales, with a 38 percent increase last month compared with April 2008.
The Orlando-area condominium market continued to be one of the hardest hit in the state this spring, with resale prices down 56 percent from April 2008, compared with a statewide price decline of 40 percent. The median condo price in Metro Orlando was $52,700 last month -- less than half the statewide median of $106,900. In comparison, a year ago, condo prices in the Orlando area were $120,800, or about two-thirds the statewide average at the time. complete story
Source: OrlandoSentinel.com - Mary Shanklin
The Orlando-area condominium market continued to be one of the hardest hit in the state this spring, with resale prices down 56 percent from April 2008, compared with a statewide price decline of 40 percent. The median condo price in Metro Orlando was $52,700 last month -- less than half the statewide median of $106,900. In comparison, a year ago, condo prices in the Orlando area were $120,800, or about two-thirds the statewide average at the time. complete story
Source: OrlandoSentinel.com - Mary Shanklin
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Is Orlando Real Estate finding a Bottom?
Housing Hitting Bottom Means Fewest Starts Since 1945
May 26 (Bloomberg) -- The slump in the U.S. housing market that caused the median value of homes to decline 24 percent since 2006 may bottom next month without any prospect of a rebound for another year, according to estimates from chief economists at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Mortgage Bankers Association and national realtors and homebuilder groups.
Existing home sales probably won’t reach pre-boom levels until the third quarter of 2010 and housing starts won’t surpass 1 million until 2011, a barrier last broken six decades ago, the economists said. “There are very few V-shaped recoveries in the history of real estate, and this one is likely to be even slower because of the size of the bubble,” said Robert Shiller, the Yale University professor who, with economist Karl Case, created home price indexes in the 1980s now used by Standard & Poor’s.
The rebound will be so anemic that 2009 building starts will total about 496,000 homes, the lowest since the end of World War II in 1945, according to the economists’ forecasts. Foreclosures on pay option adjustable-rate mortgages and a backlog of bank-owned properties will slow any revival and keep housing from playing its traditional role of boosting economic recovery.
Residential construction and home sales led the way out of the previous seven recessions, with housing starts improving an average seven months and resales gaining strength about four months before the economy picked up.
‘Green Shoots’
The world’s largest economy probably will grow 1.9 percent next year, according to the average estimate of 56 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. After each of the last seven contractions, it expanded more than 3 percent on average in the first year of recovery.
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Richard Fisher said earlier this month that the U.S. is on the verge of rebounding with “healthy signs -- the stirrings of what I call green shoots.” So did former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, who cited “seeds of a bottoming” in housing during a May 12 speech at a National Association of Realtors conference in Washington.
“If you are looking at prices relative to income and rents, you could argue that we are at the bottom, and I’m cautiously optimistic that we may be,” said Thomas Lawler, a former Fannie Mae economist in Leesburg, Virginia. “It’s possible, however, that we could have a second wave of foreclosures and the very small amount of support the economy might have gotten will turn into the reverse.”
Prices Fall
Data released today showed foreclosures are still weighing on the housing market. Home prices in 20 major metropolitan areas fell 18.7 percent in March from a year earlier as foreclosures rose, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index. Economists forecast the index would drop 18.3 percent.
The recession started after U.S. banks and Wall Street firms securitized mortgage loans made to the riskiest borrowers to earn fees only to see homeowners default, prices fall and the value of the bonds dwindle.
Three of the biggest investment banks were brought down by home loan-related investments. The U.S. government committed $29 billion to engineer the takeover of Bear Stearns Cos. in March 2008 by New York-based JPMorgan Chase & Co. Six months later, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filed the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history after becoming the biggest underwriter of mortgage- backed securities as real estate prices peaked. complete story
Source: Bloomberg.com - Kathleen M. Howley
Sunday, May 17, 2009
New Website of Interest - Florida Short Sale Agents .com
Florida Short Sale Short Sales in Miami, Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach
Florida Short Sale Agents: A Florida short sale offers homeowners a way to avoid foreclosure and help save their credit. They have a team of licensed Florida Realtors and loss mitigation experts who specialize in pre-foreclosures and the short sales of all kinds of property. They have you covered in all the South Florida tri county (Broward, Miami-Dade, & Palm Beach) metro areas like Miami short sale - Fort Lauderdale short sale & Palm Beach Short Sale.
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