Homeless population decreases according to HUD

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

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


Related Florida real estate views:

Seminole County receives homeless report

VA is helping reduce the homeless population among veterans

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

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

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


Related Florida real estate views:

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

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

Do you provide a CCMA for your home selling customers?


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

Is your Realtor still in business?

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

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


Related Florida real estate views:

Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property

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

You do not need a real estate agent


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

Orlando area luxury home market

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

Breaking down the selection by county:

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


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida luxury real estate

Foreclosures for sale: Million dollar houses

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


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

Orlando homes sell faster...

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

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

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

priced right - 54 days on the market

seller motivated - 102 days on the market

won't last - 107 days days on the market

below appraisal - 109 days on the market

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


Related Florida real estate views:

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

What do banks know that home sellers do not?

2.5 million dollars in price reductions


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

Orlando fire department offers free smoke alarm

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


Related Florida real estate views:

Your landscaping may protect your home from fire

More good reasons to live and work in Orlando

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


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

Gallery Homes to build in Deland

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

Related Florida real estate views:

Homes for sale in Deland

Deland houses for sale

New homes planned for Deland


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

New housing development possible in Deltona

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


Related Florida real estate views:

5 bedroom house for sale in Deltona

Banks that are selling houses in Deltona

Deltona real estate - real estate market update


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

Home inspections in Florida

Information from Myflorida.com

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

Related Florida real estate views:

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

Home inspectors recommend caution when buying foreclosed homes

Don’t buy a home without a home inspection


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

Orlando foreclosure report

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

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

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


Related Florida real estate views:

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

Where can you find a foreclosed home in Florida?

HUD offering free foreclosure seminar in Orlando


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