Feb 28, 2009

Property Appraiser Orlando

Search for homes

The Orange County/Orlando property appraiser in Bill Donegan. You can visit the Orlando property appraiser's website here.

The address of the property appraiser is:

Orange County Property Appraiser
200 S. Orange Ave. Suite 1700
Orlando, Florida 32801

Customer service phone number is 407-836-5044.

Related Florida real estate views:

City of Orlando homestead tax exemption online registration

File for Orlando Orange County homestead exemption

How can you avoid overpaying for a home in Florida?

Moving to Florida due to a job transfer?

Search for homes

Q: I am moving to Florida due to a job transfer. How can I find area housing, city and community information?

We specialize in assisting those who are moving to Central Florida for any reason including job transfers. Our team can help you locate a home or rental, provide you with community information and help take the stress out of your next move. Contact me today.


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida relocation

Why should you move to Florida? Canoeing in January.

Maybe I Should Move To Florida

Orlando builder sees a glass half full

Search for homes

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Mattamy Homes USA, a division of a home builder in Canada plans to start 3 new construction projects this year. These soon to be built communities are panning on adding just over 300 new homes and townhomes starting in the $170's.

These are very optimistic plans given the current market conditions in Central Florida. MLS statistics indicate that during 2008 a total of 224 new homes, or homes built in 2008 sold. Right now there are over 10,000 homes listed for sale in Orlando.

Read full article


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida homebuyers can receive up to $8000 tax credit

Enhance tax credit to help economy builders say

Builders are cutting prices to help the real estate market

Feb 23, 2009

Orlando community with boat dock or boat ramp

Search for homes

Where can you find Orlando homes for sale that are in a community that has a boat dock or boat ramp access? The following Orlando communities are a sample of those listed as having water access via a dock or ramp
  • Seminole Woods
  • Cypress Point
  • Lake Nona
  • Bay Point
  • Interlaken
  • Sand Lake Point

There are many others in all price ranges. Contact me to receive a list matching your criteria.


Related Florida real estate views:

Waterfront Florida property

Is sailing your passion? We may have a home for you.

Skiing allowed! Orlando homes for sale.

Is a pool with a screen room better than one without?

Search for homes

Buying a home with a screened pool compared to a pool without screening is a matter of personal preference.

A pool without a screen room blends naturally into your landscape. Not having a screened area saves you the cost of repair or replacement to screen panels damaged over the life of the screened area.

Having a screened area provides extra security plus helps to keep animals, debris, leaves, etc. out of your pool, helping to keep the cleaning of the pool easier. A screened pool also greatly reduces the amount of bugs you have to deal with while enjoying your pool during those hot summer days and nights.

Once you decide on a screened versus unscreened pool, give me a call and I will show you all of the pool homes available in your area.


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida pool homes under $100,000

Buy a home with lots of trees

Interior layout features of the home you are buying

Florida relocation

Search for homes

Have you just found out you will be relocating to Florida? Making a move to another State can be a daunting task without the help of a relocation specialist. We have several members of our team qualified to assist with your relocation needs.

Our services include initial tours of the Central Florida area, providing information on the communities, shopping, entertainment, taxes, transportation and making sure you feel right at home when you arrive at your new home. Plus we have access to thousands of homes for sale.

Contact me if you would like more information on our relocation service.


Related Florida real estate views:

Were you satisfied the last time you bought a house?

More people moving to Florida than moving away

If you moved you probably did not move to far

Feb 22, 2009

Horse disease forum to be held in Orlando

Search for a home

Citing "the need for increased education on preventable equine diseases", a press release from the HORSE.com announced a series of forums to be held in Florida. Hosted by The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Neogen Corporation, and Fort Dodge Animal Health, the Orlando forum will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Orlando Orange County Extension Office, 6021 South Conway Rd.

Full press release


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida school lunches could be locally grown

Ranch land for sale

Tip line available to help fight dogfighting

American Bankers Association wants speculation to stop

Search for a home

The American Bankers Association wants the speculation and talk of more government involvement or nationalization of banks to stop. The ABA news release concerns are that the speculation is not helping consumer confidence and does nothing to help the credit situation.

Full release

Related Florida real estate views:

Should banks receiving bailout pay it forward?

Bank owned Florida condos for sale

Pro and cons of buying a bank owned home

Wells Fargo to delay foreclosures

Wells Fargo announced in a press release this week that it will not be proceeding with foreclosures on loans they own until at least March 13, 2009. The delay is intended to give their customers a chance to find solutions through the President's Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

News release


Related Florida real estate views:

Government program to help responsible homeowners

Wells Fargo is offering mortgage foreclosure prevention solutions

Judge suggests mediation before foreclosure

Luxury foreclosures

Search for a home

Few are immune to the financial problems we are experiencing as a country. When thinking of foreclosures we rarely think about million dollar luxury foreclosures.

The facts are that there are REO luxury properties listed for sale right now in Central Florida. My search of bank owned property resulted in 15 homes prices at a minimum of $1 million. There were 62 being sold described as subject to third party approval which often indicates a short sale situation. My search of in-foreclosure resulted in 11 homes and 32 $1 million dollar plus homes listed as in pre-foreclosure.

If you would like a list of available luxury foreclosures contact me.


Related Florida real estate views:

Million dollar estates

Million dollar houses Florida

Multi million dollar Florida real estate

Feb 21, 2009

Real estate agents are a great source for useful information

Search for homes

An industry survey reports that 79% of buyers felt that real estate agents were a useful source of home searching information. Real estate agents do have tremendous access to homes for sale but they also can provide buyers with additional sources of information that would be useful.

The information a real estate agent can provide includes:
  • Detailed explanation of purchase agreements and other forms used to purchase a home
  • County and City information of the home you are interested in
  • Explanations of disclosures associated with purchasing a home
  • They can provide a breakdown of costs involved with buying a home
  • They know the local area and can provide information on shopping, entertainment and schools in the city or town

These are only a portion of the information a real estate agent an provide to you as a buyer that you might find useful. Contact me if you are searching for a home or if you have questions or need information about buying a home, I am happy to help.


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida 55+ community. Housing for older persons.

Florida homebuyers can receive up to $8000 tax credit

Real estate sales contract

REO Realty

Search for homes

Q: Are you an REO Realty?

Yes, our realty office handles REO property. We list and sell REO or bank owned property and can show you available property in your area. When you find a property you are interested in making an offer on, we will help you with the paperwork including the purchase agreement and bank addendum's.

There are hundreds of REO property for sale. Contact me to take advantage of our Realty services.


Related Florida real estate views:

Best buys in real estate

Foreclosures for sale: Million dollar houses

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

Does Florida require a written home disclosure form?

Search for homes

There are sellers who do not complete a written home disclosure form. Banks who own property often do not have written home disclosure forms to present to the buyer. There is no law in Florida that requires the disclosure to be in writing. The law does require the seller to disclose any material facts to the buyer and this applies to Banks acting as sellers as well.


Related Florida real estate views:

Property disclosure protects buyer and seller

Home warranties are available when buying a home

Have a home inspection before buying

City of Orlando homestead tax exemption online registration

Search for homes

The deadline for filing your homestead exemption for Orange County and the City of Orlando is fast approaching. In order to file for your exemption by March 2 you may want to file online. To do so you will need homestead packet from the Property Appraiser office with your individually assigned User-Login and Password.

Visit the Orange County Property Appraiser site for more information or call them at (407) 836-5045.


Related Florida real estate views:

Government program to help responsible homeowners

File for Orlando Orange County homestead exemption

Where do I file for a homestead exemption in Kissimmee?

Feb 20, 2009

Best buys in real estate

Search for homes

Everyone is looking for the best buys in real estate throughout the country and especially Florida. REO properties are being sold at some of the best prices seen in years.

Where are the best buys in Central Florida? The following lists the number of homes sold for 100,000 or less during January, 2009.

Lake – 51 homes
Orange – 225 homes
Osceola – 97 homes
Seminole – 37 homes
West Volusia – 63 homes

If you are afraid the best real estate buys are all gone, think again. The current active inventory for those 5 counties listed above shows 6,244 homes listed at $100,000 or less.

Contact me to find the best buys being offered today in your area.





Related Florida real estate views:



Do you have a desire to own a home?



10 best cities in Central Florida to find a real estate deal



Realtors need to be sure the good real estate deals, really are.

Feb 19, 2009

Florida REO

Search for homes

Florida REO homes are bank owned home. These homes are the result of the lending institution having to foreclose on the property. Once the bank has ownership they will often place them back on the market for sale.

Thousands of Florida REO homes have sold throughout Central Florida thus far in 2009. Savvy investors and first time home buyers are discovering that these REO homes are being offered for sale at reasonable prices. In some cases REO properties are receiving multiple offers and are closing for purchase prices that exceed the list price.

I have complete access to all Florida REO property for sale and can help anyone looking to purchase one of these homes. Contact me to view these homes and to assist you with purchasing an REO property.


Related Florida real estate views:

Find a real estate agent

Stop in for a free list of foreclosures

Banks that are selling houses in Deltona

Government program to help responsible homeowners

Responsible: worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable; "a responsible adult"; "responsible journalism"; "a responsible position ...
creditworthy: having an acceptable credit rating; "a responsible borrower" wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

I am reading the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan Executive Summary and cannot help but notice that the plan calls for help to "responsible homeowners". These responsible homeowners according to this summary are identified as those who:
  • Who make their monthly payments and fulfill their obligations
  • Who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut back, are now struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments

The plan which includes interest and mortgage reduction is clear that this "initiative will go solely to helping homeowners who commit to make payments to stay in their home".

I hope the millions of responsible homeowners facing hard economic times are able to take advantage of this new plan.

Read the full summary


Related Florida real estate views:

File for Orlando Orange County homestead exemption

How long will it take to start seeing upward trends in home prices?

Florida cracking down on deceptive foreclosure rescue companies

Property management companies

Search for a rental

Property management companies provides services that benefit both owners of real estate and tenants.

Services for owners include procuring tenants, handle maintenance and long term management. For tenants property management companies have a huge selection of homes to choose from, treat everyone fairly and provide a property that has been kept in good condition for the tenant.

To take advantage of the property management services we offer, contact me today.


Related Florida real estate views:

Top 10 Florida consumer complaints in 2008

Commercial office space for lease

Property management is looking for Kissimmee home to rent.

Feb 18, 2009

Florida 55+ community. Housing for older persons.

Search for homes

Florida has always been viewed as the perfect place to retire so it is no wonder that in the course of our business we will receive calls from interested persons looking to find information about or to purchase a home in a 55+ community.

The MLS has now made this search easier for real estate agents by providing "Qualified 55+ Community" as a search term we can use when searching for these types of homes and property for our buyers.

According to the Florida Commission on Human Relations requirements to be a housing for older persons include:

A: The housing is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons and is intended for, and solely occupied by, persons 62 years of age or older

B: The housing is intended and operated for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older and meet the following requirements:

At least 80% of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person 55 years of age or older.

The facility or community publishes and adheres to policies and procedures that demonstrate its intent to in fact be a provider of housing for older persons.

The facility or community complies with rules established by HUD for verification of occupancy.

If you are interested in finding our about available communities in Florida, contact me today and I will be happy to assist.


Related Florida real estate views:

Housing legislation will assist the aging

You are only as old as you feel.

Assisted Living Facility for sale

Florida homebuyers can receive up to $8000 tax credit

Search for homes

A new first time home buyer tax credit is available to Florida home buyers who purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. Unlike the previous $7500 dollar tax credit offered last year, this tax credit does not have to be repaid.

For additional information about the $8,000 tax credit available to Florida home buyers, contact me or visit this website.


Related Florida real estate views:

Do you have a desire to own a home?

Real estate agents offer free consultation to home buyers

Enhance tax credit to help economy builders say

Feb 17, 2009

Recovery package will help weatherize over 1 million homes

Search for homes

According to a White House Press Release dated February 17th the recovery package will help weatherize over 1 million homes.

Increasing Low-Income Weatherization Funding . Across the nation, millions of
working families spend a significant portion of their income to run their
furnaces, air conditioners and keep the lights on. By upgrading a home’s
furnace, sealing leaky ducts, fixing windows, and adding insulation we can cut
energy bills by up to $350 per year. And by adding energy efficient appliances
and lighting the savings are even greater. The critical funding in the recovery
package will help weatherize over 1 million homes.


You can read the full release here.

Related Florida real estate views:

Why is my electric bill high?

Central Florida gas station now offers E85 ethanol

The environmental dangers of moving firewood

Find a real estate agent

Search for homes

It is not that difficult to find a real estate agent. It seems everyone knows someone who has a real estate license. Finding a professional full time agent who can help you accomplish your goals may require more research.

As you look to find a real estate agent to help you make sure the agents is:

  • Full time
  • Professional
  • Experienced with short sales and REO business
  • Able to take advantage of the Internet for your benefit

If you would like to interview a full time, professional real estate agent before choosing, contact me.


Related Florida real estate views:

How do you file a complaint against a real estate associate or broker?

Real estate agents offer free consultation to home buyers

If you do not understand ask an expert or specialist prior to buying or selling a home

Home Square Foot

Search for a home

The square foot of a home is key to a buyer when making a home purchase. While the number of bedrooms and baths are equally as important, the total square foot of the home gives a buyer the confidence that the home will not feel to cramped.

Homes in the 1700 - 2000 square foot range offer a comfortable median for home buyers. We have several of these size homes for sale throughout Central Florida. We can help you choose from thousands of homes in all different price ranges with square footage that matches your needs.

Contact me to discuss your housing needs.


Related Florida real estate views:

Is your real estate agent showing you all the wrong homes?

Where can you find a really big home in Central Florida?

Home not selling? What does your agent say?

Feb 15, 2009

Close to shopping

Search for a home

You will often find advertisement for homes for sale highlighting the fact that the home for sale is "close to shopping". The idea of course is that people buy homes for a variety of reasons and convenience is a big one.

Close to shopping includes homes that are close to grocery stores, malls, specialty stores and strip centers.

We are all keeping a close eye on our personal budgets. Reducing the commute time and cost associated with getting to shopping areas help with this cause.

If you would like to find a home for sale close to shopping centers you visit, contact me.


Related Florida real estate views:

Are you getting frustrated searching for a home?

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

Cheap Houses

Do you have a desire to own a home?

Search for homes

Do you have a desire to own a home? You are not alone. According to a report prepared by the National Association of Realtors for the Florida Association, 60% of first time buyers who recently bought a home indicated that it was because they had a desire to do so.

If you have the same desire there are good reasons why now may be a good time.

The country is about to passing a bill that provides for a $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers. Interest rates continue to remain low. Homes are being sold at prices not seen in years and REO homes being sold are offering incredible deals.

Purchasing a home is a decision made for unique personal reasons. If your reasons and desire to buy are strong, contact me for more information.


Related Florida real estate views:

Where are the cheapest houses for sale?

Why do we move from house to house?

Real estate search that is simple and easy to use

Cheap Houses

Find a cheap house

Right now being able to find cheap house does not necessarily mean the houses are of poor quality. The increase of REO properties being listed for incredibly prices is affecting home values across Florida, lowering house prices.

Houses price at or below $100,000 are becoming increasingly common. Here is a brief look of inventory levels per select counties of homes priced at a maximum of $100,000.
  • Lake - 330 houses
  • Orange - 896 houses
  • Osceola - 497 houses
  • Seminole - 165 houses
  • Volusia - 522 houses

These numbers change daily. If you are interested in finding a cheap house but a good house in Central Florida, contact me for assistance.


Related Florida real estate views:

Will a tax credit and low prices motivate you to buy a home?

How long will it take to start seeing upward trends in home prices?

How can you avoid overpaying for a home in Florida?

Feb 12, 2009

Now Playing: Why I am not drinking alcohol during spring break.

Search for homes

Florida's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has launched a campaign directed for under the drinking age spring breakers. The contest is asking those who choose not to drink during spring break in Florida, "Why not?"

Those who wish to participate in the contest are asked to produce an original, creative 30 second video explaining why they choose not to drink.

All submissions are due by Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009. Winners will receive Best Buy gift cards.

You can read more and find out about contest rules here.


Related Florida real estate views:

Top selling vanity or specialty Florida license plate

I just moved to Florida, how do I register my car?

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

Will a tax credit and low prices motivate you to buy a home?

Search for homes

Will a tax credit and low prices motivate you to buy a home?

Recent reports suggest that the new tax credit will be $8,000 with no repayment requirement. If this passes, will the tax credit coupled with low home prices be the motivation you need to buy a home within the next 6 months?

Related Florida real estate views:

Buyers buying homes in the $200,000 - $250,000 range

I want to buy a house

How can you avoid overpaying for a home in Florida?

Cape Cod style homes for sale

Search for homes

Cape Cod style homes were popular during the 1930-1950's according to About.com.

Variations of Cape Cod homes can be found for sale in our market area today. Prices cap out at the $500k level and these homes can be found in several Central communities including; Volusia, Lake, Seminole, Orange and Osceola.

Contact me to receive information on Cape Cod homes available in your area.


Related Florida real estate views:

How to find the perfect home.

Buy a home that offers fishing and boating

Besides bedrooms, baths and kitchens, what other rooms would you like in your home?

Feb 11, 2009

Real estate sales contract

Search for homes

The real estate sales contract covers key points that you will need to be aware of when purchasing a home. As a professional real estate agent I am able to provide you with detailed explanation of clauses and wording in both the FAR and FARBAR contract before you sign on the dotted line.

The key points that a real estate sales contract cover include:

  • The parties involved in the sale
  • The agreed upon purchase price
  • The type of financing the contract is contingent upon
  • The time periods or dates buyer and seller have accepted involving inspections, title issues and closing
  • Default and dispute remedies/solutions

Never sign any contract without fully understanding the terms and conditions.


Related Florida real estate views:

Can a buyer using FHA financing make an offer on a short sale or foreclosure?

Florida mls rules for short sale listings

Should you include your personal property with your home sale?

Buyers buying homes in the $200,000 - $250,000 range

Search for homes

Home buyers in January purchased 111 homes priced between $200,000 - $250,000 in the Orlando and surround county area according to information released by the local real estate association.

As of this report there are over 3800 homes listed for sale in that price range. Contact me to view any home for sale in Central Florida.


Related Florida real estate views:

I want to buy a house

Homes under 100,000

How long will it take to start seeing upward trends in home prices?

Feb 8, 2009

State Farm Florida Questions

Search for homes

The Florida Department of Financial Services has a page up with frequently asked questions regarding the withdrawal plans of State Farm insurance.

State Farm Florida Questions


Related Florida real estate views:

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

VA offers mortgage help to veterans in financial distress

Is customer service improving as the market weakens?

Florida school lunches could be locally grown

Search for homes

The lunches served to Florida students could contain fresh produce from Florida farmers. The Florida "Farm to School" program's purpose is to keep dollars spent for food in Florida by having schools and Florida farmers working together. Schools in 20 counties are listed as participating in the program.

More information


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida youth showing early learning skills

Florida online learning programs are the best in the nation

Where can you find information about Florida schools?

Employ Florida Marketplace - Job Search

Search for a home

While searching for information on Florida I came across a Florida website designed to connect employers with employees. According to a message from Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the website Employ Florida Marketplace purpose is: "Florida's official online portal to virtual job-matching services."

You have an option of registering or viewing the content the site provides as a guest. As a guest I was able to access pages that dealt with career tips, pages to help me determine the career I am best suited for and the ability to analyze the current labor market trends.

The site also offers a job search feature. I tested this out by searching available job postings in Orange County. I searched for jobs that paid at least $25,000 a year and the search returned 341 available jobs posted within the last 7 days. The types of available jobs included; computer support specialists, licensed plumber, dance instructor, dental receptionist, accountant, lawn technician, restaurant work, electrician, sales help and housekeeping.

You can post your resume on the site and have the virtual recruiter notify you when jobs matching your criteria are posted. Take a look at the Employ Florida Marketplace site if you are an employer seeking workers or if you are in need of a job or career change.


Related Florida real estate views:

Are you looking for a job in Florida? Take a look at Twitter

How do I apply for Florida unemployment check?

Florida is a great place to operate a business

Feb 6, 2009

Take part in the spring cleaning of your neighborhood

Search for homes

Orange County Neighborhood Services is inviting Orange County residents to join together in maintaining and cleaning their neighborhood.

By joining the 2009 Neighborhood Spring Clean Up your neighborhood group will receive items to assist you with organizing your community effort including; an easy to follow guide, help with organizing the clean up, trash bags and gloves.

Register on line for the February 26 2009 Spring Clean Up Kick Off Meeting, or call Ada I. Tirado at (407) 836-0918 to register by phone.


Related Florida real estate views:

If you want to sell your home fast

Sellers work to make their home more attractive to buyers

The condition of the rental property is important.

File for Orlando Orange County homestead exemption

Search for homes

Q: I live in Orlando, where do I file for my homestead exemption?

Home owners have until March 2, 2009 to file their homestead exemption. In Orlando and Orange County you have 3 ways to file:

ONLINE:
www.ocpafl .org
A User name and Password is required to complete the online application.
This will be provided via mail 4-6 weeks after sale/closing
TO REQUEST YOUR ONLINE USER NAME/ PASSWORD, CALL (407) 836-5045

BY MAIL:
EXEMPTION DEPT.
Orange County Property Appraiser
200 S. Orange Ave., Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32801-3438
TO REQUEST A MAIL IN APPLICATION, CALL (407) 836-5045 or download the form at our website www.ocpafl .org

IN PERSON:
SUNTRUST TOWER (Orange Avenue at Church Street)
200 S. Orange Ave.17th floor
Orlando, FL 32801
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Related Florida real estate views:

Where do I file for a homestead exemption in Kissimmee?

How do I apply for the additional homestead exemption?

Top selling vanity or specialty Florida license plate

Oceanfront real estate

Search for real estate

There are over 200 properties listed for sale right now described as oceanfront. Counties that have gulf or oceanfront real estate for sale include; Brevard, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Volusia.

If you would like a detailed report of available gulf or oceanfront real estate, contact me with your desired area and price range.


Related Florida real estate views:

Million dollar neighborhoods in Central Florida

Buy a home that offers fishing and boating

Condo for sale Florida ocean view

I want to buy a house

Search for homes

Q: I want to buy a house, what should I do first?

If you are planning on financing your home, the first thing you should do is determine how much you can afford to finance. You will need to speak with a lender to have them qualify you, or in other words help you determine what price range of homes you should be looking for, how much your monthly payment should be and the amount of down payment and closing cost money you will need to purchase and finance a home.

If you would like assistance with finding local lenders contact me and I will be happy to introduce you to a Watson Mortgage representative.

After you have you financing or payment method in order, the next step is to start viewing homes in your area. That is where I come in. Give me a call to start looking! 407-304-0255


Related Florida real estate views:

Were you satisfied the last time you bought a house?

Is your real estate agent showing you all the wrong homes?

What is the most important question to ask a real estate agent?

Homes for sale by owner

Search for homes

Current market conditions would seem to make it increasingly tougher for homes being sold by their owner. Agents are commenting that they see fewer homes for sale by owner over the past year.

This would make sense given the uphill battle a private home owner would face trying to compete for the limited number of buyers and given the issues faced with pricing their home to be competitive with bank owned or short sale transaction.

If you have tried to sell your home on your home with no success and would like the help of a real estate professional, contact me.


Related Florida real estate views:

How important is curb appeal?

Once under contract can a seller decide not to sell their home?

Magical thinking and Florida real estate

Feb 5, 2009

Homes under 100,000

The word is out, there are bargains to be found in Central Florida. Thousands of homes are being listed for sale at prices under $100,000. Current inventory reports include the following cities and the number of homes listed in those cities under $100,000.

  • Orlando 716
  • Kissimmee 384
  • Deltona 357
  • Poinciana 229
  • Sanford 87

Nearly every city in Central Florida has homes for sale under 100,000. To receive a list of available homes in a city near you, contact me.

Related Florida real estate views:

Over 200 homes listed at $50 square foot or less!

10 best cities in Central Florida to find a real estate deal

Realtors need to be sure the good real estate deals, really are.

Feb 3, 2009

How long will it take to start seeing upward trends in home prices?

Search for homes

How long will it take to start seeing upward trends in home prices? We asked Ken Bennett Vice President / Regional Manager Watson Realty Corp. for his real estate view.

It's difficult to address a question about housing price increases, or decreases for that matter, because real estate activity and corresponding home values are driven more from a regional than national perspective.

Although real estate investors and practitioners in Florida, Arizona, California, and Nevada have become somewhat jaded due to the downturn in real estate values over the last two years, states such as West Virginia (+4.2%), Texas (+3.6%), South Dakota (+3.6%), Montana (+2.6%), Mississippi (+1.7%), Utah (+1.5%), and New Mexico (+1.3%) have all shown housing price increases during 2008. So what sets those states apart from the areas that are currently in decline?

These states didn't experience the tremendous boom or surge in housing market value that the now 'troubled' states did. The valuation explosion that was experienced in Florida, Arizona, California, and Nevada simply was far too aggressive to be supported by the local demographics of those states. There were too many investors taking advantage of ridiculously liberal lending guidelines... and far too many unqualified and under capitalized home buyers... and a Federal Government who was, rightly or wrongly, pushing to increase the overall percentage of home ownership across the nation.

The combination of increased demand due to the easing and lessening of credit restrictions, lead us to the place that we now find ourselves. A place where the supply of housing is far too great to be absorbed by normal market conditions, and the prices being asked by a majority of homeowners are still at inflated levels. This predicament combined with an overall erosion in consumer confidence, suggests that it is going to take some time for us to get back to a normal balance between supply and demand.

The good news is that we are now starting to see in Central Florida, some sustained signs that investors and home buyers are starting to 'nibble around the edges' of our local market, and they are buying those properties that represent the best on the market in terms of location, condition, and value. Further, our number of unit sales in January, 2009, is up considerably from January, 2008, and we feel that this trend is going to continue throughout the year and that our number of unit transactions will be up by about 25% - 30% by the end of 2009.

So, if you're sitting on a fence waiting for prices to go down, don't sit too long. You may wind up missing out on the home of your dreams!


Related Florida real estate views:

Why overpricing your home will not work

I am not going to give my home away!

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