Dec 31, 2007
Maitland Florida neighborhoods
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
City to buy 13 acres for town center - Orlando Sentinel
Apopka Real Estate - www.gregstaker.com
Altamonte Springs Mayor announces balanced budget
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
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
Dec 30, 2007
Deland residents given a chance to be heard
"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
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
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.
Dec 27, 2007
Home builders expect real estate recovery to begin in the second half of 2008
“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.
Dec 26, 2007
Orlando condo conversions turning back into rentals
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
Dec 22, 2007
Orlando homes for the holidays!
Here are the latest homes for sale in Orlando that were listed by Watson Realty in December.
Church property for sale in Volusia County
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.
Dec 21, 2007
Vacation homes for sale in Central Florida
Visit our vacation home page to find more properties.
Orlando Realtor needing food assistance
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
Dec 20, 2007
Will you be able to sell your home in 2008?
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
Holiday gifts for home owners.
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
Here is a list of affordable homes for sale in the Orlando area.
Is the media to blame for the current real estate market?
Foreclosure market update for Orlando area
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.
Dec 19, 2007
Now an easier way to apply for a home loan in Orlando
Housing starts decline
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
Even with the current market conditions, you should be able to find a good deal from the lists that will be updated regularly.
Dec 17, 2007
Realtors lost in denial
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
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
Volusia County has been approved for $1 million for hurricane home fortification
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?”
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
Dec 15, 2007
Trying to stay in Google for real estate related terms
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
Dec 6, 2007
Huge jump in bank owned real estate sales in Orlando for 2007
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
Dec 5, 2007
You are welcome to stop in
Orlando real estate market report
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
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
Dec 4, 2007
Orlando ranked as the 24th most walkable city
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?
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?
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
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.
Need to get a car tag or title in Volusia County?
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
Dec 3, 2007
Who is moving to Florida?
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
FHA expected to help thousands avoid foreclosure
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
Dec 2, 2007
Poor underwriting help fuel subprime mortgage mess
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
Dec 1, 2007
Foreclosures affect property management
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
Nov 30, 2007
Housing slump affecting furniture sales
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
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
Nov 29, 2007
Home prices increased in certain areas of the country.
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
Nov 21, 2007
More good reasons to live and work in Orlando
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.
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
Nov 20, 2007
Orlando gas prices
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
- 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
Nov 19, 2007
Orlando population projected to increase.
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
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.
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.
Related Florida real estate views:
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
Nov 16, 2007
ORRA President Steve Moriera to focus on education
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
Nov 14, 2007
MLS marketing remarks can assist you with selling your home
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.
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.
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
Nov 13, 2007
Foreclosures becoming profitable?
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
Nov 12, 2007
Real estate school starts in January
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
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
Nov 11, 2007
Is it safe to buy or sell in today's real estate market?
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
Nov 9, 2007
Is your Realtor still in business?
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
Nov 6, 2007
Orlando area luxury home market
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
Nov 5, 2007
Orlando homes sell faster...
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
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
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
Nov 1, 2007
New housing development possible in Deltona
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
Related Florida real estate views: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
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
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
Oct 31, 2007
Casselberry Florida condo market
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
Oct 30, 2007
Altamonte Springs Florida real estate
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
Oct 24, 2007
Florida real estate Halloween specials
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.
Oct 21, 2007
Orlando jobs increase 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
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.
Oct 20, 2007
How will homes sales in Orlando do during the holiday months?
Oct 19, 2007
Roof replacement changes in Florida
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
Oct 14, 2007
Finding the right home is like finding a needle in a needle stack
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