Maitland Florida neighborhoods

Here is a list of neighborhoods in Maitland.

Maitland is located near Orlando between Winter Park and Altamonte Springs.

Related Florida real estate views:

Watson Realty in Maitland Florida

You are welcome to stop in

Have you received a post card or mailing from a Realtor?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Apopka Florida

Apopka stalls vote on town center proposal after request for more land - Orlando Sentinel

City to buy 13 acres for town center - Orlando Sentinel

Apopka Real Estate - www.gregstaker.com

Altamonte Springs Mayor announces balanced budget

In the November/December City newsletter, Mayor Russel Hauck announced that Altamonte Springs has a balanced budget for the ensuing year.

Mayor Hauck stated in his letter:


"One of the most important tasks your City Commission undertakes is the passage of
the annual budget, which sets the stage for all of the City’s operations for the
ensuing year. This year’s budget has been set at $79.8 million. The budget is balanced; that is,
estimated revenues and other sources equal or exceed anticipated expenses and
determined by the Seminole County Property Appraiser and the City tax rate
being determined by your City government."

The newsletter contained a detailed explanation of revenue sources for the City.

Here is the newsletter in it's entirety.

If you need a Altamonte Springs real estate agent, give us a call.

Related Florida real estate views:

Seminole County real estate

Find a home to rent in Altamonte Springs

Altamonte Springs Florida real estate


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Available rentals in Orlando and Central Florida

We can assist anyone who is not ready to buy but would rather rent a home or condo in the Central Florida real estate market which includes the cities of,

Apopka, Maitland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, Deland, Deltona, Clermont, Groveland, Celebration, Kissimmee and Saint Cloud.

Visit our Central Florida rental page to see what is available.


Related Florida real estate views:

Are you qualified to buy a home but would rather wait?

Making a move to Florida? Who should you call?

Orlando’s Orange County leads the way with rentals in Central Florida


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Deland residents given a chance to be heard

Deland city leaders will be holding several meeting in January. As the press release states:

"Through a series of scheduled meetings, the City is seeking to engage residents in a process of establishing priorities for services and programs and providing direction for City officials as they plan for the coming year."


"Residents can attend any of a series of scheduled meetings where City staff will provide information, answer questions and ask participants to help us identify the program and service priorities for our City government."

The Deland meeting locations are:


1-17 @ 7 p.m., Stetson Baptist Church, 1025 W. Minnesota Ave.
1-24 @ 7 p.m., Museum of Florida Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd.
1-28 @ 7 p.m., Spring Hill - Back to Basics, 918 S. Adelle Ave.
1-30 @ 7 p.m., Club at Victoria Gardens, 1001 Garden Club Drive
1-31 @ 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 115 E. Howry Ave.

The complete press release can be located here.


Related Florida real estate news:

Deland houses for sale

Volusia County schools receive good grades

Upcoming Section 8 information meeting for landlords


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Windermere and Orange county battle over Isleworth

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Orange County and Windermere are at war over Isleworth, or more
specifically, the taxes its residents pay on nearly $800 million worth of
property in the mega-upscale neighborhood....(read complete article)

Windermere Florida homes for sale $5,000,000 plus

Windermere Florida is located in Orange County southwest of Orlando. Windermere is home to a collection of the very best luxury estates in Central Florida.

Here is a sample of Windermere luxury homes listed within the past 60 days.

If you would like to see what else is available in Windermere visit our Windermere Florida real estate page.

Home builders expect real estate recovery to begin in the second half of 2008

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during their year end teleconference has stated they expect 2008 to be the beginning of the housing recovery.

“I think the best bet is that 2008 is the year we will be looking at the bottom for various components of the housing market,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders.

The NAHB believe the work of Congress and the Administration will help with the recovery.

For the complete press release you can visit the Home Builders news release.

我與您一起圓您的夢想 Orlando Florida

This is my first attempt at video.

Orlando condo conversions turning back into rentals

Do you remember the condo conversion craze? According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel found here, these units are now turning back into rentals. From condo conversion to condo rentalreversion.

If you are looking for a rental in Central Florida, condo or not, view this rental page for more information.


Related Florida real estate views:

Are you qualified to buy a home but would rather wait?

Orlando’s Orange County leads the way with rentals in Central Florida


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Orlando homes for the holidays!

December has always been about family, friends and that special holiday time. For some Orlando home owners it is also about selling their home.

Here are the latest homes for sale in Orlando that were listed by Watson Realty in December.

Church property for sale in Volusia County

Here is a link of church property for sale in Volusia County Florida.

Visit my friend's new site if you are just looking for a location of a church to attend in Deland, Deltona or Orange city.

Vacation homes for sale in Central Florida

Here is a small list of available homes suitable for those who love to visit Central Florida.

Visit our vacation home page to find more properties.

Orlando Realtor needing food assistance

From the Associated Press:

In Florida, a real estate agent who said she was having a tough time making it this year sought assistance from a food bank for herself and her children. Read the full story.


Related Florida real estate views:

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from

Is your Realtor still in business?


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Will you be able to sell your home in 2008?

Many home owners who decided to sell their Florida home in 2007 were met with frustration, uncertainty and in the majority of cases, no success. Even those who are persistent and have kept their home on the market through the year are finding the For Sale sign is gathering cob webs faster than they are collecting potential buyers.

Can a home owner expect more of the same in the first part of 2008? It will depend on their personal situation.

An amazing fact overlooked when considering the Seminole and Orange County real estate market in 2007 is that 20% of the homes (2923 out of 14,294) that sold in 2007 received an offer within *30 days of being placed on the market.

So what gives? What secrets do these agents and home owners know that a home owner in 2008 should know?

The fact of the matter is, there are no secrets to be revealed. In order to have an opportunity to sell your home in 2008 as quickly as those sellers did in 2007 requires a personal decision on the part of the home owner, and real estate agent, to present the very best home available. How can you make sure your home is the very best home available in your area in 2008?

Correct pricing – Make sure your home is listed at a price that makes it impossible for a buyer to find a home similar to yours for less money. Monitor your price weekly, keep an eye on the latest sales in your area; the latest homes put up for sale; and those homes that failed to sell.

Staging and enhancement – Clean it, move it, get rid of it, fix it or replace it. Whatever “it” is, if it can keep your home from showing its very best, do something about it.

Hire a top marketing real estate professional - Follow their expert guidance. This is not your grandmother’s real estate business anymore. Today we also have the Internet as a marketing tool. Make sure the real estate professional you hire is equally comfortable with how to market your home to online buyers as well as marketing your home to those buyers who may be looking in the Sunday morning paper.

That pretty well sums it up. These have proven to be the core 3 decisions a seller makes that will determine if their home sells or not. Those sellers who make sure they have the very best marketing coupled with their home being priced according to condition, location and improvement should be able to confidently expect it to sell in 2008.



* As reported in the Mid Florida MLS ADOM statistics

Pet friendly condos for sale

Here is a sample of pet friendly condos for sale in and around the Orlando area.

Holiday gifts for home owners.

Is there a new home owner in your family or circle of friends? Here are a few practical and fun suggestions for the perfect new home owner gift.

Welcome mats. I liked the one that reads “come back when you have a warrant.”

Doorbells. From dragonflies to Tibetan bowl doorbell chime.

Pink flamingos. Is it really a home if there is not a pink flamingo in the yard?

Tire swings. Hand crafted. Take a look at these recycled tire swings.

Mailbox. A huge selection if mailboxes to choose from

Happy Holidays!

Affordable housing in the Orlando area

We have several 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes for sale in and around the Orlando area priced at or below the $235k median price as reported by the Orlando Realtor Association.

Here is a list of affordable homes for sale in the Orlando area.

Is the media to blame for the current real estate market?

National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, in presentations Wednesday to Kansas City area real estate agents, said the media’s biggest mistake was too much reporting on nationwide real estate trends.

Foreclosure market update for Orlando area

In Seminole and Orange there are as of December 20th, 269 homes listed for sale described as being in foreclosure. This is approximately 1.3% of the total listings for the 2 counties.

There have been 75 homes in these 2 counties that have sold this year out of 14,281 reported sales or 0.525% of the total sales have been homes described as being in foreclosure.

Sold numbers are expected to increase as the in foreclosure inventory increases. There has been a 72% increase of homes coming on the market listed as being in foreclosure from September to November as compared to 19% total increase of listings during the same period.

Now an easier way to apply for a home loan in Orlando

I have added a page that will allow you to view all the resources available through Watson Mortgage. You can use the financing calculators or go right to the loan application. My hope is that you will find it useful and convenient to shop for a home and financing from the comfort of your home.

Housing starts decline

Nationwide housing starts declined 3.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.19 million units in November as home builders wisely continued to put the brakes on new-home production, according to newly released data from the U.S. Commerce Department.


Related Florida real estate views:

Buyer's demand for new homes remain low during peak season

Home builders continue to slow housing production.

Home builders expect real estate recovery to begin in the second half of 2008

Orlando fixer upper homes for sale

Maybe you are a fan of the seemingly hundreds of TV shows about flipping homes for fun and profit or just a handy man or woman who would like to save a few dollars and buy a home that is in need of work that you are capable of doing. Whatever the reason, I have now added a page to my site that showcases fixer upper homes for sale in Orlando.

Even with the current market conditions, you should be able to find a good deal from the lists that will be updated regularly.

Realtors lost in denial

denial: a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts


Here are my favorite responses from agents who have homes on the market for several months that have not received a price adjustment.

"It is the lowest priced home in the neighborhood."

Yes, an it will be the lowest priced expired listing in the neighborhood too. Lowest price means nothing in today's market.

"The agents who showed the home say it is priced right."

Agent feedback means nothing. What did the buyer say? If buyers say it is priced right, it would be sold.

"They need to get this much out of it."

Guess what, they probably are not going to sell it then. A seller's need to sell at price not justified by the market has no impact on a buyer making an offer.

"It is priced right but the yard is to small or it has no garage or an airport is being built next door, or the carpet needs cleaned."

Always something that just keeps the house from selling. You can bag up all of those reasons and simply say, it is priced to high. If it had a garage or a yard or a pool or..or...or... then it would be worth what you are asking. But it doesn't so guess what? Priced to high.

Home builder confidence remain unchanged

A report released by the National Association of Home Builders indicates that the majority of builder's confidence levels have not changed over the past several months.

Home builders do believe that recent action taken by Congress and the Administration are a "step in the right direction".

Related Florida real estate views:

Builders say tax credit will boost sales.

Buyer's demand for new homes remain low during peak season

Home builders continue to slow housing production.

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Watson Realty enjoys sales success in Windermere

Sharon Alters of Watson Realty's Orlando office successfully sold her Windermere listing in less than 3 months. The Windermere home sold for $574,000 on December 6th and only spent 71 days on the market from start to finish.

With the Orlando areas average days on the market quickly approaching 4 months, to have such a quick sale is a reflection on Watson Realty and Sharon's marketing efforts and understanding of the current market conditions.

The 5 bedroom home 4 bath home built in 2003 has over 3000 square feet.

Volusia County has been approved for $1 million for hurricane home fortification

Homesteaded homes with an insured value of $300,000 or less may qualify for funds to fortify their homes from hurricane damage.

The program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2006 to provide free wind inspections and grants to homeowners.

To find out if your home qualifies you can visit the Volusia County government website for more information.


Related Florida real estate views:

Kissimmee - Hurricane Preparation Expo

If a hurricane results in flooding, is your home protected?

Roof replacement changes in Florida


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

How Does a Realtor Professional Benefit the Community?”

That is the topic of the essay high school seniors can write to have a chance to win scholarship money from the Florida Association of Realtors.

For more information you can find the press release here.


Related Florida real estate views:

Is customer service improving as the market weakens?

Watson Realty Corp. Earns Achievement Award

Landschoot Earns RELO Direct® Service Award


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Trying to stay in Google for real estate related terms

The above should be sung to the tune of " lions, tigers and bears, oh my!"

It has been a bad week for my main website. Last Sunday I felt like I needed to redirect a domain name to my main domain. Of course this is something I have never done, knew little about but hey, what could it hurt, right?

Well almost 1 week later, here is the damage. I have lost all real estate keyword positions previously held before last Sunday. I spent at least a day listed on Google for the only term I can find that links to my site, my name, with that ugly "run screaming for your life away from this site" warning just below my site's description. OK, it may not have read exactly like that but it sure felt like it when I read it.

I am not even sure the malware warning was due to my redirect. I have my site hosted with a hosting company and there are reports circulating indicating malware problems. A call to my hosting company and a 45 minute conversation with a nice enough fella who stated confidently that there was no malicious code on my site left me with few answers to my problem.

Then just like that, ok, I did submit for a Google review, but still, just like that the warning label was gone by the next morning. Not so lucky as of now about my keywords, however. They are still in disappeared land.

OK, venting now over.

Actually I feel like I handled this with remarkable calm. I still received a few good leads this week. Yahoo seems to love my site lately.

So what does this all have to do with Florida real estate and Watson Realty and Orlando real estate which is what this blog is suppose to be about?

Well, until I can figure out what went wrong, Google customers for the most part are missing the chance to visit one of the very best real estate sites to search for Orlando and surrounding area homes.

All is not lost, you can still get there from here.

Stay tuned.


Related Florida real estate views:

I went searching for a bank and found a Neopet

Orlando housing

What is Google trying to say?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Huge jump in bank owned real estate sales in Orlando for 2007

2007 is setting a torrid pace in foreclosed or bank owned property selling over 2006 numbers. You can view Recent statistics of bank owned sales in Orlando on my Orlando real estate site.


Related Florida real estate views:

Banks that are selling houses in Deltona

What Central Florida city has the most foreclosed homes for sale?

Bank owned homes for sale in St. Cloud


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

You are welcome to stop in

This is a photo of our lobby. Notice how light, bright and inviting it is? Feel free to stop in and discuss your Orlando real estate needs. 2035 Howell Branch Road in Maitland. Buyers and sellers welcome.

Related Florida real estate views:

I am now the Broker/Manager of Watson Realty's Kissimmee office

Watson Realty

Watson Realty Corp. opens new office in Central Florida

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando real estate market report

The end of the year continues down the well-worn path we have experienced now for some 24 months. Recent reports indicate 33 homes have closed from December 1st – 5th as compared to 115 homes during the same period last year. This calculates to a 71% drop in sales in Orlando alone. At the current rate of homes coming on and leaving the market, the Orlando area should have nearly 30 months of inventory.

30 months of homes on the market would seem daunting were it not for the fact that the majority of these homes are not really priced to sell. The vast majority of the sellers and Realtors are not being realistic on their pricing. The real work for buyers and their Realtors is to weed through the thousands of homes unrealistically over priced to find those few homes that are priced correctly and truly marketable.

2008 will most likely be more of the same. The correcting market will continue to make news and leave many perplexed to the final outcome. Now is the time for buyers and sellers to view the current conditions as it only relates to them personally. It will always be a perfect real estate market to an individual buyer and an individual seller who meet, negotiate fairly and agree to mutually beneficial terms. Those types of transactions are still happening throughout Florida and will continue regardless of how the overall market performs.

Related Florida real estate views:

Orlando home sellers: giving in, selling or losing their home?

I would not buy a house in Florida.

Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Stetson University's blog receives makover

Stetson University located in Deland Florida announced the makeover of the Stetson blog. The student controlled blog offers an inside look at campus life and informs prospective students about what life at Stetson is like.

Related Florida real estate views:

University of Florida predicts Florida residents will keep their money in their wallet

Close to UCF, Full Sail - Orlando home

Volusia County schools receive good grades


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando ranked as the 24th most walkable city

According to a MSNBC quoting a report by Brookings Institution, Orlando is the 24th best walkable city in the U.S. The top 30 cities by rank are:

1. Washington

2. Boston

3. San Francisco

4. Denver

5. Portland, Ore.

6. Seattle

7. Chicago

8. Miami

9. Pittsburgh

10. New York

11. San Diego

12. Los Angeles

13. Philadelphia

14. Atlanta

15. Baltimore

16. St. Louis

17. Minneapolis

18. Detroit

19. Columbus, Ohio

20. Las Vegas

21. Houston

22. San Antonio

23. Kansas City, Mo.

24. Orlando, Fla.

25. Dallas

26. Phoenix

27. Sacramento, Calif.

28. Cincinnati

29. Cleveland

30. Tampa, Fla.

Related Florida real estate views:

You may be able to walk across the US faster than you can sell your Orlando area home.

Florida State Parks offer free admission on July 13th

Baby Boomers love to grill


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Have you received a post card or mailing from a Realtor?

If it is a Watson Realty Maitland/Orlando agent who sent the card, chances are good it's journey started here.

Direct mail is an important feature of an agents marketing plan. A professionally created card that announces a new listing, or a new sale or provides information about the neighborhood or market conditions is often times the tool that connects our agents to consumers who are thinking of buying or selling their home.

We believe in the benefits of a direct mail campaign and strive to provide our agents with the tools that they need to accomplish their marketing goals. From our office alone, we average over 14,000 pieces of bulk mail monthly. Our agents love this free business tool we provide them and our sellers love the exposure.

Related Florida real estate views:

Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?

Free report on why your home did not sell.

Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Do you own rental property in Deltona?

Here is important information from Deltona's official newsletter that may apply to you.

YOU MIGHT REMEMBER THAT IN MARCH
the City Commission passed a rental
property ordinance designed to make sure
that renters are adhering to the same
beautification standards as other residents,
and to assure that their living
conditions are healthy and safe. The ordinance requires
annual registration of all residential rental properties
located within the City, except rental
properties with on-site owners or management.
A $30 annual fee per property
is due at the time of registration. The key to
monitoring rental propertiesis for City staff to have a local agent
or point of contact for each. The ordinance
requires each owner or agent to register
with the Department of Finance andInternal Services, naming a
local point of contact.
Residents with questions about the residential
rental program regulations should call the Business Tax
Office, (386) 878-8564
or (386) 878-8563.

Related Florida real estate views:

The condition of the rental property is important.

Are you qualified to buy a home but would rather wait?

Orlando’s Orange County leads the way with rentals in Central Florida


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando Christmas Parade

The Orlando Christmas Parade will take place on December 15th. If you can’t make it in person, Local TV on WRDQ TV 27 will air the parade on Saturday, December 22nd,
from 8:00 – 9:00 pm. It will air on National TV on Superstation WGN on Sunday, December 23rd, from 9:00 – 10:00 pm.

Related Florida real estate views:

Downtown Orlando will be getting festive this year.

Florida real estate and the Santa connection

Ground Hog day tornado Deland Florida

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Need to get a car tag or title in Volusia County?

Then you will love this. Volusia County has a web cam installed so you can monitor the long lines from home before leaving. They even can tell you approximately how long you will be waiting in line:

The average line at the tag office moves at a rate of one person every one
and a half to two minutes.

The cam shows title and tag offices throughout Volusia County including Deland and Orange City.


Related Florida real estate views:

Deland houses for sale

Volusia County schools receive good grades

New homes planned for Deland


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Who is moving to Florida?

According to a report published by Fishkind & Associates, Inc., the following are the top 10 States and Countries where Florida migrants originate from. This list is from 2000-2006.

Domestic Migration

1. New York
2. New Jersey
3. Illinois
4. Ohio
5. Pennsylvania
6. Georgia
7. Michigan
8. California
9. Massachusetts
10. Virginia

Overseas

1. Venezuela
2. Puerto Rico
3. Haiti
4. Argentina
5. Brazil
6. Mexico
7. United Kingdom
8. Chile
9. Canada
10. Germany


Related Florida real estate views:

Orlando international visitors

Watson Realty Corp. meets with International Broker

International relocation


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Win a car and help the SPCA in Orlando/Central Florida

Here is a chance to help homeless pets and maybe win a car. The details can be found on the Orlando/Central Florida Humane Society page.

Visit my my site for information on finding a pet friendly home.

Related Florida real estate views:

I went searching for a bank and found a Neopet

Buy a home near a dog park

What to look for when buying a pet friendly home in Orlando

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

FHA expected to help thousands avoid foreclosure

The government expects to assist thousands of homeowners avoid foreclosure by proving them the ability to refinance their sub prime loans HUD’s new mortgage product.

The latest news release from HUD explains how the FHASecure program will help homeowners who have made their payments on time prior to the increase of their interest rate, to refinance into an FHA program.

Give us a call to find out if this program will benefit you.


Related Florida real estate views:

HUD is coming to a theater near you

Florida attorneys offering free help to homeowners facing foreclosure

Mr. Postman look and see if there is a letter from FHA for me.


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Poor underwriting help fuel subprime mortgage mess

In a news release from the Mortgage Bankers Association, poor underwriting practices contributed to the increase in defaults and foreclosures of loans originated in 2006 and 2007.

A report by Fitch Ratings made several observations regarding the current mortgage situation the country is facing.

In addition to the inherent risk of these products, evidence is mounting that in
many instances these risks were not controlled through sound underwriting practices.

Moreover, in the absence of effective underwriting, products such as “no
money down” and “stated income” mortgages appear to have
become vehicles for misrepresentation or fraud by participants
throughout the origination process.

Fitch believes that much of the poor underwriting and fraud associated
with the increases in affordability products was masked by the ability
of the borrower to refinance or quickly re-sell the property prior to the
loan defaulting, due to rapidly rising home prices.

Homeowners who have very little or nothing invested in their homes would seem more likely to walk away when times are tough.

The effort should be in finding those honest hard working homeowners who wish to keep their homes and helping them find solutions to avoid default and foreclosure.


Related Florida real estate views:

Mortgage fraud in Florida

Impact of foreclosure on families

Florida vs Countrywide. Lawsuit filed.


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Foreclosures affect property management

The increase of foreclosures impacts tenants and rental property.

Related Florida real estate views:

More people sharing living arrangements suggest University of Florida

Bill introduced to help with foreclosure and low-income housing

The condition of the rental property is important.


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Housing slump affecting furniture sales

Florida home owners may be turning cushion seats over instead of buying new sofas. According to a Standard & Poor's report, furniture sales are down 0.9% over the same time last year.

The report suggests that purchasers of new homes often buy new furniture for the home. Since fewer people are buying, furniture sales are dropping as well.


Related Florida real estate views:

Housing slowdown slows paint sales

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

Florida continues to lose construction jobs


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando and the country may get Federal help with home mortgages

Forbes magazine is reporting that the Bush Administration is trying to resolve some of the mortgage issues brought on by adjustable rate increases that are making it impossible for some home owners to make their payments. The information can be found in the link below:

WASHINGTON -
The Bush administration is working with industry on a plan to extend lower, introductory interest rates on home loans before they reset at higher levels.


Related Florida real estate views:

President Bush not completely happy with housing bill

Florida Senators vote in favor of foreclosure bill HR 3221

How does President Bush pick a real estate agent?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Home prices increased in certain areas of the country.

According to a press release from OFHEO, the following states saw their homes increase in price from the 3rd quarter of 2006 to the 3rd quarter of 2007.

Utah (12.9%)

Wyoming (11.8%)

Montana (7.7%)

New Mexico (7.4%)

Washington (7.0%)

Related Florida real estate views:

Florida home prices increase by 26%

Americans believe home prices will increase

Florida home median sales price increase


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

More good reasons to live and work in Orlando

Here is a press release from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's office:

Orlando, FL – November 20, 2007 – Standing inside the City’s newest Fire Station, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Fire Chief Jim Reynolds announced that the Orlando Fire Department had received the coveted Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of 1. ISO is the nationwide standard for rating and ranking fire departments.

Orlando’s rating is the highest possible and only 55 communities in the country have similarly ranked fire departments. "This top ISO rating allows Orlando residents to live, work and go to sleep every night knowing that their fire protection is the best in the country," said Mayor Dyer.

In general, better ISO ratings lead to lower fire insurance premiums. This also benefits businesses, which also can see reduced insurance rates. This is one reason companies looking to relocate compare ISO ratings, giving us another tool to attract quality, high-wage employers to Orlando.

"Attaining this rating demonstrates the City’s continuing commitment to providing the highest quality services to our growing community," said Fire Chief Reynolds.

In July 2006, Mayor Dyer launched a three-year, multi-million dollar Public Safety Initiative. This effort placed more fire and rescue units on our road, additional fire stations throughout the City and included the training, equipment and personnel that laid the foundation for the City of Orlando to attain the first ISO rating of 1.

This milestone could not have been achieved without the Orlando Utilities Commission. The municipal water supply makes up forty percent of the total score and must be reliable at all times.


Related Florida real estate views:

Orange County Community Conference - Orlando Florida

Need another reason to move to Orlando? How about badminton tournaments?

Orlando will lead Florida in population, employment and personal income gain


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Downtown Orlando will be getting festive this year.

Orlando is hosting for the first time a holiday decorating contest for the downtown area to participate in. Here is information regarding this event posted on Orlando's city web site:

1. Contest includes businesses on Orange Avenue from Colonial/50 to South Street.
2. Displays must be up by December 1, 2007 to be considered.
3. Email your participation to the Downtown Development Board at michael.lawrence@cityoforlando.net.
4. Doors can be decorated in any holiday-type (for this time ofyear) theme. The more creative, the better! But, nothing offensive or inappropriate, please. Use good taste!
5. A celebrity panel of judges will determine the best display.
6. Doors will be judged on the following criteria:Uniqueness Amount of holiday spirit displayed Incorporating Downtown Orlando living into display
7. The Best Display will be announced at Mayor Dyer's Holiday Lights Orlando event on December 5th beginning at 5 p.m.


Related Florida real estate views:

Orlando Christmas Parade

Florida real estate and the Santa connection

The American Dream 4th of July Independence day


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando gas prices

Orlando residents looking to travel home this Thanksgiving holiday will face higher gas prices than they did last year. According to http://www.florida-agriculture.com/, Orlando gas prices today are averaging $3.05 as compared to $2.16 during last year at the same time.


Related Florida real estate views:

Central Florida gas station now offers E85 ethanol

Worried about gas prices? Buy a house close to everything.

Watson Realty announces contest


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

VA is helping reduce the homeless population among veterans

VA is taking steps to help reduce the amount of homeless veterans in this country including Orlando. In a VA news release dated November 8th VA acknowledged their efforts. I have included a couple of highlights from the release below.

• There has been a 22 percent reduction in the number of homeless veterans in comparison to estimates as recent as five years ago.
• More than $300 million in grants have been provided to local partners for homeless programs.

Related Florida real estate views:

Seminole County receives homeless report

Homeless population decreases according to HUD

Real estate agents show support for VA housing program

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando population projected to increase.

Good news potentially for those involved in the Orlando real estate market. Fishkind & Associates an economic and financial consulting firm, expect the Orange County population to increase nearly 7% by 2010.

Orange County is projected to grow from 1,101,040 to 1,176,520.


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida is a great place to operate a business

Baby Boomers love to grill

Orlando will lead Florida in population, employment and personal income gain


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

FDIC offers suggestions to obtain the best mortgage terms

A recent press release regarding the fall 2007 FDIC Consumer News came out on November 16th.

The press release can be read in its entirety here.

Highlights of the release include:

‘While it may be tougher to get mortgages because of recent problems in the
housing market, the latest issue of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's
quarterly newsletter for consumers says that "many good loan programs are still
available" and offers tips to help people shop for and negotiate the right
deal.’

‘The main article, entitled "The New Climate for Mortgage Borrowers," features a
variety of suggestions for obtaining a new mortgage or refinancing an existing
one. Among them: Try to raise your credit score in the months before you apply
for a mortgage, such as by paying off much or all of what you owe on credit
cards. Contact several lenders, let them know you are comparison shopping, and
then try to negotiate the best deal. Compare fixed-rate and adjustable-rate
mortgages (ARMs), even if the latter carries a lower initial interest rate,
because a fixed-rate loan may be cheaper in the long run. Be wary of a loan with
payments that can increase substantially, such as mortgages with low monthly
payments in the early years in exchange for the deferred repayment of principal
and/or interest. And, watch out for unfair and deceptive sales practices that
lure people into costly or inappropriate loans.’

Comparing rates and terms is especially important in today's market. Watson Mortgage offers a free loan comparison to anyone who is thinking of buying a home and would like to compare mortgage rates.


Related Florida real estate views:

Buyers are choosing fixed rate mortgages

FDIC – Home ownership declines with income levels

FDIC Chairman, Sheila C. Bair sees no end to housing woes


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Watson Title of Orlando provides great service.

Having a great title company as part of our family of services is a benefit to the customer as well as to the agent.

However just because we are affiliated with Watson Title Services, does not mean we receive any extra compensation for transactions closed by Watson Title Services.

Other Title Companies are finding out the hard way why they should not attempt to compensate Realtors for business as reported in the Orlando Sentinel.


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QUIT Claim deed not QUICK Claim

Survival guide to use when purchasing a home.

WATSON REALTY RANKED #12


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

ORRA President Steve Moriera to focus on education

According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association web site, Steve Moriera intends to focus partly on education for the 12,000 +/- member Realtors in 2008.

Hopefully this education will include detailed courses on what constitutes mortgage fraud.

We have an obligation as individual companies, local, state and national associations to make sure our membership understands what mortgage fraud looks like, how it adversely impacts our economy and what we can do to protect consumers and ourselves from getting involved in this illegal activity.


Related Florida real estate views:

Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.

Is customer service improving as the market weakens?

Feds suing real estate companies


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

MLS marketing remarks can assist you with selling your home

The public comments section in the MLS, which includes Orlando homes for sale, is a listing agent's opportunity to speak directly to a potential buyer. This space is normally used to describe the great features the home offers. It might also be used to make your case for why a qualified buyer should consider this listing as compared to the thousands of other listings available to them.

With the market as challenging as it is, you might be able to make a case for using the word "please" in the public comments. For instance, how about "please look a this home if you plan to look at any home in a million mile radius" or "please do not let the cat out unless you are planning on making an offer, we can always get a new cat. " : )

Most mothers will tell you that you have a better chance of getting something you ask for, if you simply say please.

So with the market in its current condition, you would think please would be running amok in the public comments section. Please make an offer. Please view my home. Please ask questions. Please ask me about concessions. Please show. Please tell me why you did not make an offer. Please tell me how we can increase our chances of selling the home.

Think again.

Of the 69,210 listings being reported as active in the Mid-Florida MLS, please was only used 502 times, or 0.725% of the time.

I am going to suggest to my agents at the next sales meeting that if they run out of great things to say about the home they have listed, why not try finding a way to insert a please. Could it hurt?

Oh by the way, I also checked thank you. It was used only 29 times.


Related Florida real estate views:

This home “won’t last” is now at 612 days and counting

Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?

MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

New lockbox to improve Realtor safety.

GE Security is coming out with a lockbox that will be capable of alerting emergency contacts with a push of a panic button.

You can read about this fantastic new development here.

Related Florida real estate views:

In Florida the law is move over if you see flashing lights.

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

Watson Realty - Customer Testimonials


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

No word yet if Zillow will deliver the papers too.

From Zillow's media page:

Zillow.com® and 11 Newspaper Companies Form Online Real Estate
Partnership
Alliance will extend local listings of 282 newspapers to powerful
and growing national real estate site

Related Florida real estate views:

No word yet if Zillow will deliver the papers too.

Does the home seller agree?

ze zillow iz ze buzz word


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Foreclosures becoming profitable?

No one likes the current real estate situation. Homes are not selling and lenders are not making loans. Foreclosures are rising at a record rate. It would appear no one is winning. Appearances may be misleading.

Gretchen Morgenson of the New York Times recently wrote a fascinating article on November 6th which can be read in it's entirety here.

A few of the interesting observations and opinions as I read the article are:

"Because there is little oversight of foreclosure practices and the fees
that are charged, bankruptcy specialists fear that some consumers may be losing
their homes unnecessarily or that mortgage servicers, who collect loan payments,
are profiting from foreclosures."

"Now that big lenders are originating fewer mortgages, servicing
revenues make up a greater percentage of earnings. Because servicers typically
keep late fees and certain other charges assessed on delinquent or defaulted
loans, ''a borrower's default can present a servicer with an opportunity for
additional profit,'' Ms. Porter said. "

"She also found that some creditors ask for fees, like fax charges and
payoff statement fees, that would probably be considered ''unreasonable'' by the
courts."

The New York Times article credits Katherine M. Porter, associate professor of law at the University of Iowa with providing much of the information used in the article.


Related Florida real estate views:

President Bush not completely happy with housing bill

HUD is coming to a theater near you

Banks that are selling houses in Deltona


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Real estate school starts in January

2008 JANUARY CLASS SCHEDULE

Real estate career

Seminole, Osceola, Volusia and Lake Counties

LONGWOOD – 1445 West SR 434 in Longwood
January 14th – February 14th Mon. Tues. & Thurs. 6PM to 10PM
Class Exam: January 19th Tuesday 6PM

KISSIMMEE – 1950 Irlo Bronson Mem. Hwy. in Kissimmee
January 14th – February 14th Mon. Tues. & Thurs. 6PM to 10PM
Class Exam: January 18th Monday 6PM

PORT ORANGE – 808 Dunlawton Ave. in Port Orange
January 21st – February 21st Mon. Tues. & Thurs. 6PM to 10PM
Class Exam: February 25th Monday 6PM

OVIEDO\UNIVERSITY – 2100 Alafaya Trail in Oviedo
January 21st – February 21st Mon. Tues. & Thurs. 6PM to 10PM
Class Exam: February 25th Monday 6PM

CHAMPIONS GATE – 8235 Champions Gate Blvd. in Davenport
January 28th – February 28th Mon. Tues. & Thurs. 6PM to 10PM
Class Exam: March 3rd Monday 6PM

DELAND – 1961 S. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand
January 28th – February 28th Mon. Tues. & Thurs. 6PM to 10PMClass Exam: March 3rd Monday 6PM

These January 2008 classes are available at a
“New Year” SPECIAL PRICE of $99.00 + $40.00 for the new text book


Related Florida real estate views:

Kissimmee real estate school starting in August

Success school revisted by experienced agents

45 hour post license class - real estate


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp.- 407-304-0255

Homeless population decreases according to HUD

According to a HUD news release found here, the chronically homeless in the America dropped by nearly 12%.

The article further states that the drop can be attributed to an increase in supportive housing.


Related Florida real estate views:

Seminole County receives homeless report

VA is helping reduce the homeless population among veterans

Is it safe to buy or sell in today's real estate market?

To those who are thinking of making a home purchase or selling their current home are certainly cautious as they read about the current market conditions.

What you need to know about buying and selling in a down market is the subject of my latest article page.


Related Florida real estate views:

University of Florida predicts Florida residents will keep their money in their wallet

Smart home sellers listen to what the market is telling them.

Do you provide a CCMA for your home selling customers?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Is your Realtor still in business?

If you have your home listed and have not heard from your Realtor in awhile, you may want to give them a call and find out if they are still working.

Reports are circulating that as high as 30% of the current Orlando area real estate agent membership could be dropping out of the business by years end.


Related Florida real estate views:

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from

You do not need a real estate agent


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando area luxury home market

Where are the million dollar homes? If you are looking to purchase a luxury home of 1 million dollars or more you find more of a selection in Windermere with 246 homes reported as being listed at a million or more, 252 homes over a million in Orlando and 125 homes over a million dollars in Winter Park.

Breaking down the selection by county:

151 million dollar plus homes in Lake County
106 in Volusia County
155 in Osceola County
188 in Seminole County
675 in Orange County


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida luxury real estate

Foreclosures for sale: Million dollar houses

What can you expect to find in a home priced 5 million or higher?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando homes sell faster...

....when they are priced and marketed correctly.

Still that does not stop real estate listing agents from suggesting or offering encouraging words about the home in the public comments section of their MLS listings in hopes of motivating potential buyers.

So how well do these well used phrases work? I took a look at sold homes this year in Orlando that used the most common phrases agents think will attract a buyer's interest. The results are as follows:

priced right - 54 days on the market

seller motivated - 102 days on the market

won't last - 107 days days on the market

below appraisal - 109 days on the market

It would appear that when an agent says a home is price right, they are correct. On the other hand, buyers do not seem to impressed with homes priced below appraisal.


Related Florida real estate views:

Smart home sellers listen to what the market is telling them.

What do banks know that home sellers do not?

2.5 million dollars in price reductions


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando fire department offers free smoke alarm

The Orlando fire Department is offering a free smoke alarm to any resident of Orlando who does not have one for their home. Call 407-246-3128 for more information.


Related Florida real estate views:

Your landscaping may protect your home from fire

More good reasons to live and work in Orlando

In Florida the law is move over if you see flashing lights.


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Gallery Homes to build in Deland

Gallery Homes has announced plans to build a new home community in Deland. The first community named Highlands will offer 55 lots west of Deland. The home prices are expected to start from the $150,000.

Related Florida real estate views:

Homes for sale in Deland

Deland houses for sale

New homes planned for Deland


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

New housing development possible in Deltona

City commission voted to rezone land on Doyle Road in Deltona Florida which will allow for the possible construction of 246 homes and 128 townhomes. The project, named Vineland Reserve, is scheduled for final action on the zoning November 5th.


Related Florida real estate views:

5 bedroom house for sale in Deltona

Banks that are selling houses in Deltona

Deltona real estate - real estate market update


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Home inspections in Florida

Information from Myflorida.com

On June 28, 2007, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 2234 creating
a new law (Chapter 2007-235, Laws of Florida) which requires licensure of home
inspectors and mold remediators. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2010

Related Florida real estate views:

What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?

Home inspectors recommend caution when buying foreclosed homes

Don’t buy a home without a home inspection


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Orlando foreclosure report

Mid-Florida MLS statistics for Orlando as of November 1st indicate:

522 homes listed are in a pre-foreclosure status
121 homes listed are in foreclosure
262 homes listed are bank owned

The number of households that have had a foreclosure filed has increased over the previous quarter by 50%.


Related Florida real estate views:

Orlando home sellers: giving in, selling or losing their home?

Where can you find a foreclosed home in Florida?

HUD offering free foreclosure seminar in Orlando


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Casselberry Florida condo market

Condos in Casselberry are priced to offer an affordable choice to home buyers. There are currently 78 condos being offered for sale in Casselberry according to recent MLS statistics. These units range in price from the high $80's to the high $200's.

MLS statistics also show that 40 condos have sold in Casselberry thus far in 2007.


Related Florida real estate views:

Casselberry condo in a ski lake community for sale

Casselberry real estate stays below Google's radar

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Altamonte Springs Florida real estate

Altamonte Springs is near Orlando and offers an affordable housing opportunity to those wishing to live in Seminole County.

Here you can find condos ranging in price from a $70,000 1 bedroom up to a $699,900 4 bedroom luxury condo.

Altamonte also offers residential homes ranging in price from the low $100’s to over $3,000,000.

536 properties have sold in Altamonte Springs this year.


Related Florida real estate views:

Seminole County real estate

Find a home to rent in Altamonte Springs

Altamonte Springs Mayor announces balanced budget


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Florida real estate Halloween specials

Treats have taken a back seat to the tricky market that we are “enjoying” in Florida. In hopes that some of the invisible buyers lurking around are interested in spookier sounding streets, I compiled the following list as an offering to them:

4 homes are on the market on a street named Spirit
2 homes are on a street with Dead in the name.
1 home is on a street with Monster in the name.
1 home is on a street with Crying in the name.
2 homes are on streets with Casper in the name. (Casper the friendly ghost)
14 homes are on streets with Cemetery in the name. (5 with Cemetary)

A not so scary street but still appropriate for the month:

4 homes on a street with Pumpkin in the name.

Of course if you are really interested in homes with a “Halloween flavor” you may wish to visit my Cassadaga real estate page. Cassadaga is in Volusia County and is a well known spiritualist center.

Orlando jobs increase in September

The number of jobs in the Orlando area increase by 2.1% in September.

For a detailed view of employment in Florida, view this press release from Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.

Sellers are going the extra mile to help sell their home

Realtors appreciate a seller who keeps a tidy house during the listing period. A home that is staged, clean and appealing will have a better chance of attracting a buyer. With the real estate market the way it is in several areas of the country, every bit helps.

However......

This caused me to tilt my head curiously. Here is the quote:

"Putting what I deemed as “smelly” trash in a bag in the freezer until trash
pick-up day. (We don’t own a garage, and it seemed like a “logical” place to
contain the smell that’s out of sight of any potential buyers. Yes, further
evidence of my craziness.)"

To read more about this seller's experiences, check out Tootie's Place.

How will homes sales in Orlando do during the holiday months?

217 homes sales in Orlando from October 1-20 as compared to 565 during the same time last year.

Related Florida real estate views:

Florida real estate Halloween specials

Florida real estate and the Santa connection

Orlando homes for the holidays!

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Contact me to buy a home

Roof replacement changes in Florida

Here is new information found on The City Of Orlando's web page that home owners and real estate agents should be aware of:

Existing Homes must meet new Roof Replacement
RequirementsNotice: Effective October 1, 2007 the Florida Comprehensive
Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program as modified by Florida Statute 553.844
requires all permit applications for roof replacement on existing one and two
family dwellings built prior to March 1, 2002 to have roof deck attachments
strengthened or corrected and a secondary water barrier installed as part of the
scope of work.

More information can be found here


Related Florida real estate views:

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

Orange County Community Conference - Orlando Florida

When do you need to pull a permit?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Finding the right home is like finding a needle in a needle stack

With estimates of nearly 2 years of home inventory for sale in Central Florida, finding the right home could be a daunting task for most home buyers.

A Watson Realty professional can help you determine how long a home has been on the market. They can provide you with comparable sales in the neighborhood to assist you in determining value. Additionally they will inform you of incentives and concessions available from the seller.

With virtual tours, email alerts and a full time agent tracking the market for you, finding your dream home doesn't have to be an impossible task.

Related Florida real estate views:

How does President Bush pick a real estate agent?

When buying a home with personal property, be specific.

More homes to choose from in Orlando

- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

A record number of home buyers reported in Central Florida

Ok, maybe that should read potential home buyers.

We certainly have not seen a headline, like the title of this blog, describing the Orlando and Central Florida real estate market in some time. Just thinking about a record number of home buyers would make any real estate professional, lender and home seller giggle nervously. And the potential home buyers are here, sorta.

Today's MLS numbers show over 38,000 homes listed for sale in the counties of Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola and portions of Volusia county. 38,000 sellers who.... when their home sells......could add to our pool of potential buyers?

Maybe I am being optimistic so let's say, for arguments sake, only half of those sellers who have their home on the market will buy a home when their home sells. That would mean that we have nearly 19,000 potential home buyers right in front of us!

I think that would rejuvenate this very exciting but challenging home market, don't you?

Now that we know where buyers are, how are we going to get them to purchase a new home?

Simple. Offer them a deal they cannot refuse. Imagine if our seller went home shopping, found a home priced correctly, fell in love with the home and made an offer that is accepted. Motivation is now high, correct? So our seller, who just became our buyer, will now want to do whatever it takes within reason to sell their home so they can move to their new dream home!

Reduce their price perhaps?

Once their home has been priced correctly along comes a buyer who falls in love with our seller's home and presto, like a snowball rolling down a hill, we would have ourselves a great real estate market started.

I'm not sure about you but I'm ready to start!


Related Florida real estate views:

Buyers are choosing fixed rate mortgages

Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?

How can I make sure I am not paying too much for a home?


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255