Sanford Halloween Spooky Hollow

Sanford invites all children ages 12 & younger to join them for a fun and safe Halloween evening in Downtown Sanford.

Friday, October 31, 2008 6PM-8:30PM


Contact Information: Sanford Recreation Department Alice Bowers 407.688.5120.

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Lake Mary Halloween Spooktacular

Longwood Halloween Festival 2008


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Longwood Halloween Festival 2008

The City of Longwood will be hosting a Halloween event from 6-9pm at the Longwood Police Department (235 West Church Avenue) on Friday, October 31st. There will be a costume contest, live music and line dancing, free candy for children, bounce houses, games, food from Beef O’ Brady’s and more. For more information, go to www.longwoodfl.org or call (407) 260 - 3484.

Children’s Costume Contest (ages 0-12) ; 6:00 pm

Pre Registration from 5:00 — 5:45pm on Friday, October 31st

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Lake Mary Halloween Spooktacular

Halloween at Cranes Roost Altamonte Springs


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Lake Mary Halloween Spooktacular

Lake Mary will be hosting it's Halloween spooktacular on Friday October 31 from 6pm - 9pm at Central Park. There will be fun and games, costume contest and more.


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Why should you move to Lake Mary Florida?

Halloween at Cranes Roost Altamonte Springs

Florida real estate Halloween specials


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Halloween at Cranes Roost Altamonte Springs

The 13th Annual Halloween event features local businesses sponsoring booths to hand out candy and trinkets to an estimated 15,000 kids. There are costume contests for all ages, inflatable games and live entertainment. The event kicks off at 5pm with trick-or-treating around Cranes Roost Lake.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

VA offers mortgage help to veterans in financial distress

The Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which was signed into law on October 10, 2008 offers new options for the veteran to refinance conventional loans to a VA guaranteed home . Veterans now are able to refinance their subprime and conventional loans up to 100% o the value.

More information can be found here.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida cracking down on bad credit repair companies

Florida consumers facing seemingly insurmountable debt may often fall victim to bad credit repair companies promising relief but in the end only taking their hard earned money without helping the consumer.

Attorney General McCollum stated in a recent release, "“Whether through credit repair, debt management, debt settlement, or interest rate reduction schemes, it is unacceptable to deceptively convince consumers facing financial distress to part with their money.”

For more information on credit repair scams you can also visit here.


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How credit scores are determined is about to change


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Watson Realty Home Showcase magazine to include new section

The upcoming Watson Realty Home Showcase magazine will include a new section in it's next issue. The new section is going to feature homes that are bank owned, foreclosures or short sales.

Watson Realty Home Showcase magazine is another tool exclusive to Watson Realty Corp. that helps connect buyers with sellers. If you would like to receive a copy of this special issue of the Showcase magazine contact me.

If you would like to view homes now, you can search for homes here.


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What is the best way to advertise my home for sale?

Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Our market plan includes advertising your home to international real estate buyers

Foreign or international real estate buyers purchasing a home in Florida purchase an existing home more often than a new home. A survey conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and prepared for the Florida Association of REALTORS® indicated that 78% of the homes purchased in Florida by international homebuyers were previously owned/resales.

This is important to a home owner thinking of selling their Florida home. Being able to advertise and reach the international homebuyer should be a working part of any real estate agent's marketing plan. Make sure any real estate agent you interview for the job of selling your home can show you successful results with reaching overseas buyers.

We have a system in place that helps us reach those customers so we can promote and advertise our seller's homes continuously. If you would like to discuss marketing plan designed for your home, call or contact me today.


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22 million people visit Florida

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

How do I apply for the additional homestead exemption?

How do I apply for the additional homestead exemption?

According to the State of Florida the exemption is automatically granted to anyone qualifying for a homestead exemption.

You can read more about the homestead exemption by visiting this State of Florida information page.

If you would like information about buying or selling a home, contact me.


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Supreme Court knocks amendment 5 off the ballot


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

What is the effective date of a short sale contract?

What is the effective date of a short sale contract?

The effective date of a short sale contract is the same as it would be if there were no short sale contingency. When the buyer and seller have signed and delivered back to each other the contract and addendum to the contract, this makes the contract effective. The buyers and sellers have now entered into a binding contract for the selling and purchasing of the home.

The short sale contingency is just that, a contingency that must be met in order for the transaction to close. Much like a financing contingency for a buyer would act in a contract.

If you need assistance or help in understanding your short sale transaction I would encourage you to seek legal advice. If you would like help selling or buying a home subject to a short sale, contact me today.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Luxury homes with separate in-law suite

Search for homes for sale

I can provide you with photos, virtual tours and details on over 200 luxury homes with separate in-law suite. These homes are across Central Florida with prices beginning at $1 million. Mr free service includes updated email reports to qualified buyers of the latest homes that become available.

You can search for luxury homes with separate in-law suite or you can contact me and I will start searching for you.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

7500 tax credit Florida available to homebuyers

Search for homes for sale

As home sales increase in Florida, first time home buyers should keep in mind that one of the motivating reasons to purchase a home now is because of the $7500 tax credit Florida residents and the country can take advantage of when buying their first home.

Contact me to find out if you qualify for this special incentive.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Short sales in Orlando

Short sales in Orlando make up over 20% of the active listing inventory if recent reporting data is accurate. The recent increase in closed sales can also be traced back to the short sale and REO market as distressed sellers and lenders competitively price the home to attract buyers.

Successfully completing a short sale transaction requires patience and a complete understanding of the process. It is not unusual to find real estate agents who are unwilling to get involved with a short sale for a variety of reasons.

If you are interested in selling your home and may need to be involved with a short sale, contact me here and I will have a knowledgeable and professional agent contact you to explain and start the process.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Homes for resale in Solivita area of Fl

Search for homes for resale in Solivita area of Fl by clicking on the link and typing in Solivita into the Subdivision/Community Name box.

There are over 200 homes for sale at the current time. If you would like to buy a Solivita resale or are interested in selling your home in Solivita, contact me today.


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You are only as old as you feel.

Solivita developer Avatar expects no immediate improvement for the market


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

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

What is the most important question you can ask your real estate agent? Which question would your agent say is the most important?

They all are.

Every question you might have, any concern, any doubt, anything your are not 100% sure about when it comes to buying or selling real estate, you should ask.

• Can I see the home this Saturday?
• Will they take less?
• Are these the only homes available?
• What are the taxes?
• What did the seller pay for the home?
• What are the schools rated?
• How far of a drive is it to my work, shopping, school?
• Are there any other offers?
• What is my home worth?
• Should I ask for a home warranty?
• Are they leaving the stove?
• Should I have a home inspection?
• Can I counter offer?
• Am I paying to much?
• Am I selling to low?

It does not matter the question, if it is important to you it should be important to your agent. Ask your agent to provide you an answer to your question or direct you to a source where you can find the answer before buying or selling.

If you have questions I am happy to help, contact me today.

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Did we miss your call?

- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Governor Crist supports industries and small businesses to help Florida's economy

This week a letter from Governor Crist was focused on steps being taken to help the Florida economy through the Accelerate Florida program. The Governor expects 39,000 people in Florida to find employment over the next few months from projects benefiting from the Accelerate Florida program.

Another way to spur the Florida economy is in developing and maintaining a healthy real estate market. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, land or business in Florida, contact me.


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Florida is a great place to operate a business

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


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Search for jobs with the Florida State Government

Before you can buy a home you will most likely need a job. You can search and apply for public service jobs with the State of Florida by clicking and visiting this link.

If you have a job already and would like to buy a home, you can go here to search for homes.


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Orlando ranks as top 20 city

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Florida is a great place to operate a business


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

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

Welcome to Florida. If you have just moved to Florida you will want to get your car registered. In the state of Florida, a motor vehicle is required by law to be registered within ten days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency.

You can find out what is need to register your car by clicking on this State link.

If you need help finding a rental or home to buy, search for a home here.

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

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


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library

The Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library announced in their newsletter that they set another record of loaning 1.77 million items to 39,363 customers.

Service such as this are just one more great reason to make Florida your home. Florida residents who have visual, physical, or reading disabilities can obtain reading materials from this service.

Please click on the link above to find out more about the service and click on this link to find homes in Florida.


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Make room for mom and dad

Florida receives grant to assist with computer and Internet access

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Bear speaks about amendment 4 and Florida development

This video is a fun opinion supporting Florida amendment 4. Amendment 4 would provide a property tax exemption for land set aside for conservation or preservation.

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Are you looking to buy a home with a big backyard?

Florida biologist saves bear from drowning

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Watson Realty listings for sale

Click on the Watson Realty logo to view our Watson Realty listings.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Where can you find a 1 bedroom home?

Where can you find a 1 bedroom home for sale in Central Florida?

Your perfect home may only need 1 bedroom, if this is the case you will find the most 1 bedroom homes in Orange County which is home to Orlando. There are over 800 homes listed for sale in Orange County right now that are listed as 1 bedroom.

1 bedrooms in Central Florida include

1. Orange County Florida - 855
2. Seminole County Florida - 224
3. Osceola County Florida - 187
4. West Volusia Florida - 67
5. Lake County Florida - 36

If you would like to search for a home you can click here for a free, no registration search feature or you can contact me and I will do the searching for you.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

2 reasons your home may not sell

Of course there are more than 2 reasons why a home does not sell. The following reasons are just 2 comments or thoughts that you and/or your agent may have that would strongly indicate your home is going to languish on the market for some time.

1. "I am not going to give my home away." Sellers often make this statement when approached for a much needed price reduction or price enhancement. "Not going to give my home away can also" be translated as "not going to sell anytime soon."
2. "I have to sell real estate part time now because there are not enough sales to pay my bills." If your real estate agent is not fully involved in selling your home in this market you should be ashamed of yourself for hiring them. Part time real estate agents equal part time marketing, part time prospecting, part time dedication to the task at at hand and less chances that your home will sell.

My job is to assist you in removing obstacles and reasons that prevent your home from selling. As a full time professional I understand what it takes to sell a home in any real estate market. Give me a call to discuss your specific situation.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Real estate deals are still going forward

Real estate deals are still going forward in Central Florida which includes the Orlando, Kissimmee and Tampa real estate markets.

Preliminary reports indicate over 4300 homes have went under contract so far in October. Keeping at this pace November 2008 closed sales may exceed November of 2007 sales. While there is still a long way to go before the market once again gains a healthy status, these reports are encouraging.

If you are interested in searching for a home in Florida you can do so by clicking on this link or you can call or email me and I will help you find real estate deals in your market area.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

How to find the perfect home.

Finding the perfect home is surprisingly easy, well sort of. If the public comments section of the MLS are to be taken at face value, there are at this very moment 229 perfect homes for sale. Listing agents have described the home they are trying to sell as the "perfect home".

Of course another way of finding the home perfect for you is to provide me a detailed description of the style, size and features your perfect home should have. Add the location and price you would like for me to include and before the end of the day, I will email you a complete list of perfect homes.

Call or email me to find your perfect home.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Pro and cons of buying a bank owned home

In several Florida real estate markets, bank owned homes are often 30, 40 0r 50% or more of the sold homes reported for the area. The reason is fairly obvious, the banks are pricing their homes at or below market value.

Naturally then a pro to buying a bank owned home is the price you can buy the home for. That is a BIG PRO. Anyone looking to buy a home right now is wanting to make sure they do not pay more that the home is worth.

What are the cons with trying to buying a bank owned home? A few include:

• Banks are often slow to respond to offers.
• Banks are usually not very negotiable.
• Banks will rarely make repairs.

Still the pro for most people, the price, is enough for them to exercise patience and jump through whatever hoops the bank may require.

If you are interested in buying a bank owned home, call or email me for assistance.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Orlando investment property

I can help you locate and purchase investment property in Orlando. Currently there are over 150 active listings considered Orlando investment property.

Property available includes:

• Home with Rental Unit
• Duplex
• Triplex
• Four Units
• Five or More Units

Real estate in Orlando will continue to be a good long term investment. If you would like to have one source that keeps you informed of investment property matching your price and location, call or email me.

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Florida is still a good investment for investors

- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

A home with a price reduction is like a new listing!

I would like to invite you to take another look at our listings. 66% of our homes listed have received at least 1 price reduction.

Perhaps you viewed one of our homes and really liked it but thought the price to high. There is a very good chance that the home you liked has received a price reduction since you viewed it. Don't miss out on the chance to purchase a home at the now, very good price!

Call or email me to receive a list of homes where the seller has reduced the price.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida asks that you recycle your political signs

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is asking everyone top please remember to recycle those campaign and political signs after the election on November 4th.

According to the DEP website, "Recycling paper materials like campaign signs keeps waste out of landfills and allows for the reuse of materials."

No word on which signs are more environmentally friendly, Obama or McCain.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

MFRMLS unveils new web site: myfloridahomesmls. com

Search for homes in Florida

MFRMLS announced the launching of a new website, myfloridahomesmls.com, as an effective way to compete against 3rd party listing sites. Key points of the announcement were:

• no additional expense to its members
• gives the consumer updated information every fifteen minutes
• not created to compete with agent or company sites
• there will be no advertising, up selling, lead redirection, premium placement or any other way for agents or listings to have an advantage over any other

When I first wrote about this the site was being described as "similar to realtor.com". No word on who will be in charge of search engine optimization in order to compete with those evil 3rd party sites. I would suggest they take a look at their title tags right off the bat.

It may not have been created to compete with agent sites but at the end of the day it will do just that.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Builders say more need to be done to stimulate housing

Citing the future of residential construction as uncertain the National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist stated in a recent press release, "Congress should consider providing further “sorely needed” economic stimulus to encourage homeownership and limit foreclosures in order to pull the U.S. economy out of recession."

Read the full press release.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida short sales listings

By now most people in Florida have an understand about Florida short sale listings. Buyers are interested in them because they offer an opportunity to purchase a home that does not have an inflated list price. Sellers need them when faced with a financial or personal hardship and short sales allow them to sell without fully paying off their mortgage.

Regardless of the reason you are interested in Florida short sale listings, we can help. My office lists and closes short sales weekly and our agents have received ongoing training that helps us help you and makes sure the transaction is as stress free as possible.

Reports indicate that there are over 10,000 homes listed right now that are subject to a short sale. Call or email me to receive more information.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Central Florida city home search

One of the perks offered on this Florida real estate blog is the ability that you have to search for a Central Florida city home. Cities include:

Orlando Altamonte Springs Apopka Celebration Casselberry Clermont Davenport Debary Deland Deltona Kissimmee Lake Mary Longwood Maitland Ocoee Oviedo Saint Cloud Sanford Windermere Winter Garden Winter Park

Click here to search for a home in Central Florida.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Survey says: Florida is a place to be and to invest

A University of Florida survey results indicate that respondents still have a favorable outlook towards the future.

Wayne Archer, executive director of UF’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies stated

“People who have responded to our surveys have not lost their faith in Florida as a place to be and a place to invest,” he said. “We have 40 pages of comments from our respondents, and although the dominant theme is the disruption of financing, perhaps the second theme, as one person put it, is people being on the sidelines with full pads and helmets just waiting to jump back in.”

Here is the full news release.


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85,000 home listings for you to view!


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Orlando real estate search

Your search for Orlando real estate starts and ends here. I have complete access to over 11,000 homes and condos for sale in Orlando. I can help with your real estate search.

Simply tell me what you are looking for and I will email you continuous results from my Orlando real estate search designed specifically for you.

But it gets better, not only can I send you real estate listed by me but I can also search for real estate in Orlando regardless of which real estate company has it for sale!

Call or email me today to get started!


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Watson Mortgage has money to loan

Even with the financial and banking events of recent weeks, we understand that people are looking to buy homes and we can help. Watson Mortgage has millions of dollars to loan to qualified buyers looking to buy a home in Florida.

Give me a call or email me and one of our loan consultants will be happy to speak with you regarding the available mortgage products we offer.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida home sales increase

Sales of homes in the Mid Florida MLS increased in September as compared to September of 2007.

Numbers indicate that home sales totaled 4751 compared to the 2007 September total of 3823 which is a 24% increase.

The increase may be a result of the number of short sale, foreclosure and bank owned property that sold in September. 34% of the homes that sold fell into one of those categories.


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85,000 home listings for you to view!


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Open houses don't work.

Or do they?

Open houses will have a greater chance of working if the agents who are holding the open houses work prior to the event. Steps an agent might take to attract qualified buyers for your home would include:

• Advertising the open house to feeder neighborhoods, that is neighborhoods where homes are priced less than your home. Attracting "move up" buyers by inviting them to your open house could help sell your home.
• Promoting your open house to bankers and mortgage lenders in the area. Assuming that buyers are being qualified daily, it would be reasonable to expect lenders to know of buyers qualified for your home.
• FSBO. Let the for sale by owners know you are having an open house. Statistics show that the majority of people move within their county. Letting a FSBO know your home is available and will be open for viewing might produce a buyer.

Open houses are just one part of our marketing plan geared towards selling your home. Call or email me to discuss a marketing plan centered towards selling your home.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida cracking down on deceptive foreclosure rescue companies

The Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Act of 2008 will help distressed home owners from falling victim to deceptive foreclosure prevention practices. The law is part will require that

" a person who tries to arrange a new payment plan with lender or other alternative to foreclosure - provide a written agreement to the consumer and obtain the consumer's signature before beginning any services. The legislation further requires the rescue consultant to include in the written agreement a specific notice of the homeowners’ right to cancel, including the procedure for cancelling, and a disclosure that the consumer should contact his or her lender first before signing because the lender may be willing to negotiate a payment plan free of charge. " news release

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Blossom Park Condos Kissimmee

Blossom Park condos are located on the northwest side of Kissimmee. There are currently 18 condos for sale. Sold prices in 2008 range from $74K to $128K.

If you are interested in purchasing or selling a condo in Blossom Park Kissimmee, call or email me.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Bass Lake Estates Kissimmee

Bass Lake Estates is located on the west side of Kissimmee. Streets in Bass Lake Estates include Great Harbor Ln, Abaco and Keppel.

Sold prices in Bass Lake Estate so far in 2008 range from $189K to $260K.

If you would like to buy or sell a home in Bass Lake Estates Kissimmee, call or email me.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Are you getting frustrated searching for a home?

With thousands of homes on the market you would think it would be easy to find the right home. However, buyers become frustrated when;

• Short sales seem to take forever to close.
• Bank owned houses have multiple offers.
• Sellers continue to remain unrealistic with pricing.

There are great deals to be found but patience is going to be the key. Using the right real estate professional can also help to ease or eliminate the frustrations you are enduring. A qualified professional agent can find out if;

• If there is open and ongoing communication with the short sale lender.
• If an escalatory clause would be beneficial when dealing with bank owned houses.
• If there are sellers who have reduced the price of their homes significantly since placing the home on the market.

If you would like to spend less time being frustrated searching for a home and more time planning your life in your new home, call or email me to get started.

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85,000 home listings for you to view!

Shopping for a home

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Kissimmee vacation villas

Kissimmee vacation villas offer an affordable opportunity for those who love to vacation near Disney and Central Florida.

With over 800 listings to choose from, buyers have a generous selection of Kissimmee vacation villas to consider.

Call or email me to receive a free list of Kissimmee vacation villas.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Todd Bates FREE Marketing & Advertising Seminar

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting Todd Bates in our Watson Realty Kissimmee office on March 21 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

Todd is a national trainer who helps Realtors sell more homes. We believe that the current mandates that our Realtors have access to the best training in the market place so that they can use the skills and knowledge obtained to help those buying or selling real estate.

The event is open to all real estate professionals in our market area and is sponsored by Transaction Management Consultants, LLC, visit www.OnlineClosingTeam.com for more information and to register or call Michelle at (407) 622-4862.


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Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Make room for mom and dad

As mom and dad reach their golden years we may want to get prepared for them to move back in with us. This may require turning our favorite TV room back into a bedroom for mom and dad or adding on to the house to make more room.

Of course another option is to purchase a property that provides the extra room needed and also providing the privacy and independence our parents may want. If this is an option you are considering then you will be happy to know that I can search the MLS specifically for homes for sale that have detached in-law apartments.

Call or email me to receive a list of homes with detached in-law apartments in your area.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Fire prevention and your home

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink offered the following suggestions to help prevent fires in your home.

• Make sure you have smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• Create a fire escape plan for your family and practice carrying out the plan.
• Use flashlights instead of candles if electrical power is knocked out.
• Plug electric space heaters directly into wall outlets. Do not use extension cords.
• Keep space heaters and other heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture, walls and drapes and never use a space heater in a bedroom.
• Before using a fireplace, make sure the chimney flue is open so carbon monoxide gas can escape.
• If your natural gas is shut off or the pilot light needs to be re-lit, contact your local gas company. Do not attempt to turn the gas on or light the pilot on your own.
• Turn out lights and snuff candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets and use sturdy candleholders.
• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

You can read the full press release here.

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Florida Fire Marshall Association want new homes to have sprinkler systems

Your landscaping may protect your home from fire

More good reasons to live and work in Orlando


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Bank sales in Florida

An increasing number of buyers and Realtors are turning to bank sales in Florida when searching for homes to view or purchase.

This can be attributed to the competitive list price that banks are offering their inventory for. The ability to search for bank sales in Florida provide a buyer an opportunity to buy a nice home at a decent price.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Ask the seller to pay closing cost

A positive side of today's real estate market is the motivation of some of our sellers. Buyers requiring financing to purchase a home will find that along with the down payment, lenders will also charge closing costs. Asking a seller to pay closing cost can save a buyer thousands of dollars.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Davenport Florida real estate

Here is the latest report for the Davenport Florida real estate market.

• Number of homes on the market: 980
• Number of condos on the market: 65
• Number of bank owned homes: 113
• Number of homes zoned for short term rental: 556
• Number of homes sold this year in Davenport: 839

Davenport Florida real estate offers exciting possibilities to those buyers looking to purchase a Florida holiday home or vacation home. Call or email me to find out more about the Davenport real estate market.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Luxury condos for sale in Florida

Luxury condos and condominiums with numerous amenities in desirable locations are now available. Luxury condos starting at $3 million and up are located in Orlando, Tampa, Longboat Key, Sarasota and Clearwater.

To receive detailed information, photos and community information call or email me today.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Find Homes For Sale in Orlando

Find homes for sale in Orlando just like a real estate professional by taking advantage of this Orlando home search feature.

Right now you have over 11,000 homes to choose from in Orlando.

• 1700+ were listed in the past 30 days
• Nearly 900 are owned by banks
• Over 400 are 3 bedrooms and 2 baths

With so many homes to choose from everyone looking should be able to find a home in Orlando for them. If you would rather have someone else search for you, email me what your are looking for and I will start the search.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida short sale course

You could spend the money and attend a Florida short sale course or you could just list your home or join our real estate firm. We are closing short sale transactions on a regular basis and have a good understanding of what it takes to continue successfully close short sales in Florida.

Give me a call or email me to learn more about closing Florida short sales.


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Short sale needs bank approval


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Lakefront homes in Florida

Start searching for your lakefront home from the nearly 4000 lakefront homes in Florida for sale. You can search from your home or office by visiting this free search feature or you can call or email me and I will do the searching for you.

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Florida lake real estate

Skiing allowed! Orlando homes for sale

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


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Search for homes for sale in Florida with at least 5 acres

You can search for homes with at least 5 acres of land or I can provide you with the information if you would like to call or email me.

There are currently over 1700 homes listed for sale with at least 5 acres up to 500 acres!

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Block construction homes in Florida

Over 72% of the single family homes listed for sale are listed as being block construction homes. I can provide you with detailed information about any block construction homes for sale in the Central Florida market area. Simply give me a call or email me.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Find 6 bedroom homes in Orlando

Where can you find 6 bedroom homes in Orlando for sale? You can conduct your personal home search here or you can call or email me and let me search for the perfect 6 bedroom Orlando home for you.

Orlando neighborhoods with 6 bedroom homes for sale right now include;

• Sand Lake
• Emerson Pointe
• Cypress Shores
• Lake sheen Estates
• Baldwin Park

With over 100 - 6 bedroom homes for sale in Orlando we should be able to help you find the perfect home.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Property disclosure protects buyer and seller

The contract to purchase a home includes a clause that deals with property disclosure. The buyer should be able to purchase the home confident that the seller has disclosed "any facts that materially affect the value of the home".

When we list property, we ask that the seller to complete a written property disclosure that we will then provide to interested buyers of the home or property. The property disclosure should not be used in place of the buyer obtaining all the inspections they feel necessary and asking for a home warranty.

If you would like assistance buying your home, call or email me.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Home warranties are available when buying a home

Your purchase contract to buy a house should include the right for you to ask for and select from the many home warranties that are available to you.

Home warranties offer protection for qualifying mechanical and appliance breakdown during the warranty period.

Make sure you ask for one of the many home warranties available. Call or email me if you are buying a home and would like my assistance.


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Seller disclosure: Termites & Wood rot


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Choosing the best real estate financing

Unless you plan on paying cash for your next home you will need to decide on the type of real estate financing you will use.

The FAR purchase contract offers the following real estate financing choices:

• Conventional
• FHA
• VA

If you are not sure which real estate financing program is best for you, call or email me to discuss your options.

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Buyers are choosing fixed rate mortgages

- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

85,000 home listings for you to view!

Don't worry about missing any of the home listings being sold in my Florida market area. I have over 85,000 home listings that I can show you or provide you with information about. These listings cover a wide range of prices, locations, sizes and more.

You have choices, you can search for home listings here or you can ask me to search for homes right for you by emailing me. With all the home listing choices you should be able to find the right home for you.


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Buy a home with lots of trees


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Does your home have a dishwasher?

A recent U.S. Census Bureau report indicates that 70.8 million homes in the U.S. have dishwashers. Reviewing listings in the MLS reveal that 72% of the homes listed for sale are listed as having a dishwasher.

Email me if you are interested in purchasing a home with a dishwasher.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Why do I need a Permit?

Because it is a Florida law.

Building Code 2004 105.1,

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct,enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

Source

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Orlando home sales up over last year

Home sales for Orange County which includes Orlando were up 54% in September 2008 when compared to September of 2007. The information is as reported on the ORRA website.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Handyman real estate

Bring your hammer, your paint brush and other home repair tools and skills. I can find you real estate for sale perfect for the handyman.

Right now there are over 2000 fixer uppers (handyman specials) listed for sale in the MLS. Email me to receive a list of these homes that are in your area and price range.


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Buy a handyman special


- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Register for free foreclosure seminar in Kissimmee

There is still time to register for our how to buy foreclosures workshop to be held in Kissimmee's Watson Realty office. The seminar will be held on October 24th from 6pm-8pm.

Please email me your name and phone number to reserve a seat.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Too many homes were built - President Bush

President Bush responding to questions in Virginia about the economy was quoted as saying;

"Well, what happened was, they overbuilt -- or we overbuilt -- built too many homes relative to the number of buyers."

President Bush predicted the housing market will remain soft until the excess inventory is gone.

News Release


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Florida gaining buying confidence

University of Florida reports that consumer confidence in Florida rose for the third straight month in September. The increase is credited in part to the belief that housing sales are stabilizing.

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Newer homes have separate dining room

Details released for the Census Bureau 2007 American Housing Survey, 58% of the homes built since 2003 have a separate dining room.

Local MLS results show that out of 25007 homes listed for sale with a separate dining room, 9646 or 38.5% of those with separate dining rooms were built 2003 or later.

If you are interested in purchasing a home with a separate dining room, call or email me.


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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255

Countrywide and Florida reach agreement

At least in principle. The State of Florida announced today that it has reached an agreement with Countrywide. The agreement could reach $1 billion dollars to correct situations caused by Countrywide's loan practices.

News Release

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- Greg Staker 407-304-0255