Home sales surged in the fourth quarter of 2009 with many areas seeing double digit gains according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales (single-family and condo) jumped 13.9 percent above the third quarter and 27.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property sales accounted for 32 percent of the fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent from 2008.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit, combined with record low interest rates, played a dominant role in fourth quarter sales. Yun went on to say, “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”

Let’s look at Orlando real estate sales statistics (residential) for January to see how the housing recovery is progressing locally.

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

There were 456 more homes sold in Orange County in Jan 2010 than Jan 2009. A 62 percent increase! The average sales price  declined 28 percent and the median sales price declined 37 percent from the previous year.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Osceola County home sales increased by 75 homes or +26 percent. Prices declined however with the average sales price down 18 percent and the median price down 24 percent.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Seminole County residential sales increased 81 percent with 146 more homes sold in Jan 2010. The averages sales and the median sales price decreased 23 percent and 24 percent respectively from Jan 2009 levels.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Residential sales in Lake County also increased with 88 more homes sold for a 40 percent increase. The average sales price dropped 12 percent and the median sales price dropped 11 percent during the same time period.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Polk County followed the trend of the surrounding counties with 111 more homes selling, a 29 percent improvement. Sales prices declined with the average sales price dropping 9 percent and the median sales price dropping 5 percent.

What do these numbers mean to you? An increase in sales is usually followed by an increase in prices. The number of homes sold increased across the board in our local markets in 2009. Even though prices continued to drop, it shouldn’t be long before prices turn the corner and start to tick upward. The market appears to be at its bottom. Now is the time to get your best price on an Orlando home, before the prices move upward.

Remember, the first-time home buyer tax credit has been extended through April 30, 2010 and a new tax credit has been implemented for current home owners. Give us a call to take advantage of your FREE government money!

Getting Organized to Sell Your Orlando Florida Home

We have all heard the stories about buyers who list their homes and receive a qualified offer within a week of placing their home on the market. While it has and can happen, more often than not in today’s economy, it takes some organization and some time for sell your Orlando Florida home. With a little planning and a time line of six months to a year, you stand a better chance of being prepared for both a fast or slow sale.

While no one has a crystal ball, if you are anticipating a major life change, from a marriage to a divorce, or job change or business downsize, the time to start is now.

First day to first month:

• Gather your paperwork on your home together. Make sure you know how much of your remaining mortgage you owe, as well as the dates when you made major capital improvements.
• Look at and adjust your living expenses if necessary to cover three to six months worth of mortgage costs beyond the time you have estimated to sell your home. Find and retain a lawyer specializing in real estate.

Read the rest of this entry »

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:4542 Philadelphia Circle Kissimmee Fl 34746
MLS#04961050

SHORT SALE – Liberty Village near all the attractions, restaurants, shopping, and only 12 minuets to Disney. Home is in a modern development within a conservation area. Family vacations will be a blast in this immaculate spacious 2 story home with heated pool, spa and screen enclosure. The bright and open floor plan with decorative coloring is makes for a welcoming retreat. There is room for everyone in this fully furnished 5 bedroom home. The formal living and dining area is perfect for family gatherings. The huge family room overlooks the conservation area. A cooks dream come true is in this designer kitchen. Beauty, warmth & value at an incredible price. Don’t just walk… run to this great deal of a home and make an offer today. Short sale subject to lender approval.

Learn more about 4542 Philadelphia Circle and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.

It is true; the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 has been extended until April 30, 2010. This grant is for people purchasing a home for the first time. An additional grant of up to $6,500 is available to current homeowners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

First time homeowners must purchase a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Current homeowners purchasing a home in this same period must have lived in the home they are selling for five consecutive years.

A first time home buyer is qualified if he/she or his/her spouse have not owned a home three years prior the purchase of a new home.

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit applies to residences including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops.  The credit is based on the price of the home being purchased ($800,000 or under) and the buyer’s income (up to $125,000 for singles, and $225,000 for married couples to receive the full tax credit).

Give me a call today for more information on the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit and learn how it can help your buy your Orlando home

You can check out the latest HUD home repair and rehabilitation programs available. You might qualify a mortgage to cover the cost of rehabbing a property as well as buying it. Talk to me or call your City Community Development Block Grant Program Coordinator.

There is no better Orlando Valentine than a new home. You will want to check out this lakefront home in Ocoee on an acre with its own dock and sandy beach. It is a great price and perfect for a rehabilitation loan.

Search other Orlando homes for sale for your Orlando Valentine.

Top Ways to Make Your Orlando Florida Home Buyer Friendly for Little or No Money

Valentine’s for Orlando Florida

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to ‘feel the love’ – for your home. Now is the time to start assessing ways you can make your house look more attractive to potential buyers as you get it ready to put on the market. Surprisingly there are many ways to make what you already have more attractive for little or no money.

1.  De-clutter
Go from room to room with your goal to reduce what is in the room by one-third to one-half. Buyers respond to a house that looks and feels spacious, airy, and appears to have room.  Remove everything from papers and magazines, to bulky, over-sized furniture. Whatever detracts from that particular room as an attractive living space should go – pack it, store it, or sell it, but make sure it is gone and out of sight.

2. Clean
Buyers also respond to that shine that can only be gotten by a little elbow grease. This means cleaning the baseboards, buffing the floors, wiping down the lighting fixtures, and dusting the furniture. Sparkling windows and clean counter-tops say that you love this home and you know someone else will too.

3. Easy access
If you live in the part of the country where it is snowy, shoveled paths and driveways must be ready to receive visitors. Remove anything that makes the entrance and access to your home unattractive and impossible. Take down the holiday lights and invest in good lighting around the entrances to your home.

4. Landscape
While this might not be the time for gardening for most of the country, check your landscape and remove any fallen tree limbs, leaves, and lawn clutter. As soon as Mother Nature cooperates, plan on pruning shrubs, and painting and repairing any fencing around the yard.

Read the rest of this entry »

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:
4710 Hemingway House Street Kissimmee, FL 34746
MLS#04947708

SHORT SALE – Fiesta Key Community offers many amenities including tennis, fitness center, playground, and much more. Don’t just walk . . . run to this great deal of a home and make an offer today. Near to attractions, eateries, and shopping. Sold AS IS SHORT SALE – AWESOME DEAL on this property in FIESTA KEY! This 3 bedroom 2 bath executive townhouse is spacious and practical offering an open floor plan with a large private screened enclosed patio and is conveniently located near the community swimming pool and fitness center. A great investment opportunity! Close to the major attractions and entertainment! Fully furnished, Gated community with 177 town homes. Resort living with clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and more. No Lawns to mow! 9′4″ ceilings, walk-in closets in the master bedroom and another walk-in closet in the second bedroom, plant shelves, breakfast bar and bay windows. Kitchen has a breakfast nook and service bar opens to the great room. All bedrooms are upstairs. Fiesta Key is a short term rental approved community, featuring tile roofs. Call now for more information and an appointment. Short sale subject to lender approval.

Learn more about 4710 Hemingway House and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:
4706 Hemingway House Street Kissimmee, FL 34746
MLS#04947694

SHORT SALE – Fiesta Key Community offers many amenities including tennis, fitness center, playground, and much more. Don’t just walk . . . run to this great deal of a home and make an offer today. Near to attractions, eateries, and shopping. Sold AS IS SHORT SALE – AWESOME DEAL on this property in FIESTA KEY! This 3 bedroom 2 bath executive townhouse is spacious and practical offering an open floor plan with a large private screened enclosed patio and is conveniently located near the community swimming pool and fitness center. A great investment opportunity! Close to the major attractions and entertainment! Fully furnished, Gated community with 177 town homes. Resort living with clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and more. No Lawns to mow! 9′4″ ceilings, walk-in closets in the master bedroom and another walk-in closet in the second bedroom, plant shelves, breakfast bar and bay windows. Kitchen has a breakfast nook and service bar opens to the great room. All bedrooms are upstairs. Fiesta Key is a short term rental approved community, featuring tile roofs. Call now for more information and an appointment. Short sale subject to lender approval.

Learn more about 4706 Hemingway House and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.

Orlando Homes For Sale:

9567 Westover Club Circle, Windermere FL 34786
MLS# O4934547

SHORT SALE – Fabulous open floor plan in Westover Club neighborhood of Windermere with the master bedroom on the first floor, 2 large walk-in closets. With over 4,000 sq.ft., there is plenty of room for a large family. 2 zone heat and a/c. Sprinkler system. Kitchen includes upgraded appliances, granite counter tops and island cook top. Sliding glass door opens to the screened enclosed pool area. Upstairs bonus room is ideal for game/theater room. Sold “as is”.  Give us a call and take a look inside today!

For more info about short sales, Orlando homes and Windermere real estate, visit OrlandoAvenue.com.

Search all Orlando homes for sale.

Orlando Homes For Sale:

511 E Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee FL 34761
MLS# O4926183

SHORT SALE. Bring your boat and enjoy many hours of fun on Lake Prima Vista that connects to Lake Starke, both are ski and fishing lakes. Seawall, dock and sandy beach. Approximately 1 acre, huge oak trees. Master upstairs. Home needs some TLC. Lakeside Living at an incredible price. The home needs some work but at this price for a home on the Lake with a dock it is a great opportunity. Inside add your personal touches alot of the updates inside are complete. The previous owner added a huge family room all permited correctly. The exterior needs work but at this price you could create your own elevation and dress it up. Lakeshore is a beautiful treed street with access to Starke Lake from Lake Prima Vista too for you watersport enjoyment. Seawall is grandfathered in and the dock is waiting for your boat! Great deck out back to enjoy evening sunsets and there is a room off the master with windows that could also be changed to doors if you ever wanted to add an upstairs deck. So what are you waiting? Give us a call for your private showing!

Call toll free for more information… 877-962-4242. Ask for Teri Isner or Tricia Schneider.

Learn more about Orlando homes for sale by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com.

Search all Orlando homes for sale.

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:

8103 Fan Palm Way, Kissimmee FL 34747
MLS# S4602095

This home has everything you could need for the ultimate vacation with a 51 inch high def. t.v., internet access plus surround sound and 2 master suites! There is an excellent rental history with current management company. Popular Brighton unit with pool and spa, comes with website. Resort offers loads of amenities that include a heated community pool, fitness center, playground and much more. Quiet, gated, guarded community close to Disney, shopping and dining.