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Believe it or not, it's a great time to buy real estate in Orlando. Prices are down, inventory is up, and we're on the cusp of one of the greatest real estate buying opportunities in recent history. When the real estate bubble burst, Florida was one of the hardest hit states in the country. Because of this, there are many home sellers - I'd say about 1 in 10 - who are still clinging to the home prices of a few years ago and refuse to compete with the market. That's why you see many homes on t... Read Full Post

According to Zillow.com's recent Real Estate Market report, more than a third of homeowners in Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties who bought homes in the last five years are now owing more than their homes are worth. For those who bought homes at the peak of the market in 2006, that number jumps up to a whopping 72%, and 66% for those who bought last year. So far in 2008, nearly a third of buyers who bought homes during the first half of the year are also facing negative equity. What... Read Full Post

You don't normally see this side of me on my blog, but I'm going to get it out of my system and get on with selling real estate. Sometimes the actions of some other agents in this market baffle me. Recently I've been working with a great out-of-town buyer looking for a home with a starting price of $1,000,000. Every time I browse the MLS for this price bracket, I'm floored by the lack of professionalism that many agents are showing when they try to sell these beautiful houses. I can't believe... Read Full Post

The Timacuan community in Lake Mary is a beautiful golf community. I've always known that it was a great place for people who aspired to be homeowners, but I never realized it was such a great place for people who aspired to be golf champions! The Mike Bender Golf Academy at Timacuan Golf Club was named one of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America by GOLF Magazine! This is the only official ranking of golf schools in existence and it's exciting to have one of the best right in our backyard! The ... Read Full Post

If you see an offer for a rental property at a very low rate, think twice! In our office just last week, we found an ad on the internet for a rental at a very low rate. The advertisement asked prospective tenants to drive by and take a look inside the vacant property. If they liked what they saw, they were to send an $800 deposit and another $800 for the first month's rent and then they would receive the keys in the mail. Funny thing was, this "rental" property was one that we had listed for ... Read Full Post

Looking for a wonderful townhome that has access to a semi-private ski/fishing lake for under $200,000? It's a hard commodity to get these days for an affordable price, but that's just what you'll find at Lago Vista in Casselberry. This great community offers two and three bedroom townhomes up to 2,000 square feet, some with complete garage and others with a carport. The community features a pool, tennis courts, a dock and lake access to beautiful Lake Howell. Plus, the HOA fee is nice and lo... Read Full Post

An agent friend of mine told me this scary story. She recently had a buyer who found a home that she wanted to purchase. In order to save money - and against my friend's objections - the buyer decided not to get a home inspection. My friend tried again and again to change her buyer's mind but they wouldn't budge. Finally, she had them sign a note that would keep her harmless should the worst happen. Good thing too because, of course, the worst happened. The woman bought and moved into the hou... Read Full Post

Looking for one of the most unique places to live in all of Orlando? The penthouse condominium of one of Orlando's most luxurious high-rise condos - The Waverly - is up for sale again. This is an amazing place. The unit takes up the entire top floor of The Waverly's 22 story building. Access is limited by a security code that you enter in the elevator. Once you enter the condo's beautiful entranceway, you immediately notice the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer the most spectacular view of ... Read Full Post

For many people, their dream home includes a big, beautiful green yard that they can view outside their window every day. Imagine how great it would be to look out on a backyard that was 300 yards long - and knowing you never have to mow it! Whenever I am showing new homes for prospective buyers, I always show any golffront home that fits their criteria. Luckily, Central Florida has many golf courses and many golf front homes. There is just something so appealing about having all that space b... Read Full Post

I was reading the newspaper the other day and came across a small advertisement that caught my eye. It reminded me of that old saying that buyers and sellers have said to me, and I have told them - "If it sounds too good to be true, then..." well, you know the rest. The ad said, "Valuable Income Producing Properties!" Then, in small type it said "lender foreclosure". What's wrong with this picture? If this is such a great "income producing property", then why is it in foreclosure? And why are... Read Full Post