22 million people visit Florida

According to a report released by VISIT FLORIDA; 22 million people visited Florida during the 2nd quarter of 2008.

This was increase over the same time period last year. Other highlights of the report include:

• International visitors increased by 8%
• Canadian visitors increased by 5.1%

Aggressive marketing was cited as a reason for the increase in visitors.

Related Florida real estate views:

Who is viewing Florida real estate?

What do consumers want to know prior to relocating?

More people visiting Florida in 2008

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

Luxury kitchen real estate features

Kitchen features and trends that luxury home buyers are becoming interested in include pot fillers. Pot fillers are convenient for those chefs who would rather not carry large pots of water from the sink to the stove.

A recent search of homes for sale in Central Florida reveal that there are homes priced from just under $400K and up that offer this kitchen luxury feature.


Give me a call and let me find you a luxury home with all the features you expect.


Related Florida real estate views:

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


Homes for sale with cherry cabinets


Homes for sale with gourmet kitchens – Orlando Florida


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

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

Recreational sailors will be pleased to discover that I can narrow down my home search to locate property that will allow them enjoy their past time by simply stepping out of their home.

As of this post there are several homes in Central Florida that indicate they are on water suitable for sailing! Prices run to $1.1 million.

If you want to plot your home buying course in a direction that will lead you to a home where you can also enjoy sailing, call or email me to receive a list of available property matching your price and location criteria.


Related Florida real estate views:

Million dollar homes for sale in Orlando

Skiing allowed! Orlando homes for sale.

Buy a home that offers fishing and boating


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

Should you include your personal property with your home sale?

It is not uncommon for a seller to leave personal property when they sell their home. Sellers will often leave stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, curtains and drapes with the buyer as part of the sale. A buyer may be more motivated to buy your home over another if there are personal items.

If you are planning on leaving personal property:

• Itemize all items that you plan to leave and provide interested buyers with a written inventory.
• If you plan to exclude a specific item, make sure the exclusion is noted on the purchase agreement between you and the buyer.

Including personal property with your home sale may help you sell your home but it can definitely stop a sale if not handled properly. Part of our services when listing your home is to assist you with handling the details. Call or email me to help sell your home.

Related Florida real estate views:

What does a home warranty cover?

Seller disclosure: Termites & Wood rot

When buying a home with personal property, be specific.

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

Can I afford to buy a home?

Now that the government has passed a bill that allows for a $7500 tax credit for first time home buyers, many of these potential home buyers are curious if they can afford to buy a home.

I would like to invite everyone who is wondering if they can afford to buy a home, to call or email me for a private consultation. This consultation is free and will allow you the opportunity to speak with a mortgage lender without having to feel obligated.

Finding out if you can afford to buy a home involves calculating your gross income including any salaries, commissions or bonuses. The next step is to total up your monthly debt. Credit cards, car payments, child support, student loans and alimony are all monthly obligations that will affect the amount of house payment you will be able to pay.

The amount left for a house payment will help the lender determine how much of a home loan you qualify for. They will consider credit issues and other circumstances to determine the rate and terms they can offer you.

Give me a call to find out if you can afford to buy a home. My service is free.

Related Florida real estate views:

President Bush comments on the housing market

Owner will assist with closing cost

Do I pay my REALTOR or does the seller pay the REALTOR?


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

Million dollar homes for sale in Orlando

There are approximately 230 million dollar homes for sale in Orlando as of September 1. You can go here to search for million dollar property for sale.

Of the 230 million dollar property listed:

• 44 were built in 2008
• 6 have at least 5 acres
• 95 have water frontage
• 13 are condos
• 149 have at lease a 3 car garage
• 184 have a fireplace
• 4 have an Infinity Edge pool

If you would like I can mail you a complete list of available homes with pictures and virtual tours. Email or call me.

Related Florida real estate views:

When is the Orlando home show?

Florida amendment 5

Skiing allowed! Orlando homes for sale.

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

Seminole County grants and low interest loans available for Tropical Storm damage

Seminole County has received a declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Individual and Public Assistance for homeowners and public facilities affected by Tropical Storm Fay. Please call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for federal assistance.

Complete announcement


Related Florida real estate views:

Wind speed of hurricanes

Cleaning up after Tropical Storm Fay. Water damage and mold prevention

Homes for sale with hurricane shutters


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

Kissimmee real estate market overview

The following is a view of the Kissimmee real estate market as of September 1, 2008.

• Number of homes for sale in the MLS - 4,517
• Homes priced at or below $200K - 2,772
• Homes priced over 1 million - 20
• Condos for listed for sale - 636
• Homes sold this year - 1,213

Home sales are down from the same time last year. Inventory remains high. Short sale and REO listings are increasing and becoming an affordable choice in some cases to the home buyer looking to purchase a home in Kissimmee. The $7500 first time home buyer tax credit coupled with lowering home prices should equal more first time home buyer sales in the months ahead.

Related Florida real estate views:

How much for a home on 10 acres?

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

Holiday homes for sale in Florida

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

Kissimmee REO 40% of August home sales

Early reports for the Mid-Florida MLS indicate that 62 0f the 152 or approximately 40% of the reported sales in Kissimmee for August were bank owned or REO property.

REO sales should continue to make up a significant portion of the future sales in Kissimmee as 10% of the current listing inventory for sale are reported as being bank owned.

Related Florida real estate views:

Kissimmee foreclosure market is heating up

Kissimmee foreclosure

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


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

Help Wanted - College students

Volusia County Schools is looking for college students who are interested in tutoring high school students as part of a program to prepare high school students for eligibility and success in four-year colleges and universities.

Schools offering the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program:

• Atlantic High
• Mainland High
• DeLand High
• Taylor Middle/High
• Deltona High
• Pine Ridge High
• New Smyrna Beach High

Pay for this part time tutoring position is $8.00 an hour.

Individuals interested in applying should contact Sue Canning, AVID/VPK Project Manager at 386-255-6475, ext. 60151 or email scanning@volusia.k12.fl.us . Applicants can go directly to www.volusia.k12.fl.us/AVID/ and click on "AVID Tutor Application".

Related Florida real estate views:

Volusia County schools receive good grades

Volusia County 2008-09 School Year Calendar

Deland High School 2008 football schedule

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