The Milk District is an Orlando, Florida enclave of fun shops, restaurans and bars on and around Robinson, just a drive from downtown. The name of the neighborhood comes from it’s being so close to the TG Lee Milk processing plant. The area is full of fun things to do.  Though it’s gone through a good deal of change over the years, the area around Bumby Avenue and Robinson Street east of downtown has retained much of its original character.

The area’s unique and quirky restaurants include the Beefy King with the best roast beef sandwiches for the past 40 years; the Bull n Bush, the oldest authentic pub in Orlando; PomPom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria with cool artwork and a warm atmosphere; the Sandwich Bar where where vegan, herbivore and carnivore can dine together  and not eat each other; Spooky’s Black Cat…quirky doesn’t even begin to describe it; Sportstown Billiards, Orlando’s best known poolhall for many years; The Milk Bar, a cigar shop and lounge; and the Drunken Monkey, a coffee junkie’s paradise. There is also a Food Truck Pod on Tuesday evenings which is awesome. There are so many bars within walking distance of each other, the Milk district is is foodie’s heaven!

If shopping is your thing, check out: the Etolie Boutique for taking vintage to a new level; Kyle’s Bike Shop with its small shop atmosphere; Little Joe’s Primrose Tattoo Parlor; Liberty Barber Shop; The Book Worm, an independent bookseller; Vinyl Richie’s Wiggly World Of Records;  the Class Acts Salon for pamping from head to toe and to bringing out your individual, natural beauty; Day Paws Doggie DayCare providing owners the KidsVision Web Cam Service, allowing you to watch your dog from any computer with an Internet connection! 

Residential and commercial opportunity knocks with one of the most unique properties the area has to offer, 2431 E Jefferson Street.

 Beauty Warmth & Value in this exquisite 2 story pool home touched by tradition & charm.  Space for any family or business activity from an open kitchen family room to the wet bar in the party sized great room. Featuring hardwood floors, & the finest finishes incl. granite counters, stainless appliances, 2 fireplaces, double insulated windows, landscaped lighting & a gas generator that will power the entire home.  The central location is perfect for a home business use. Family & friends will delight in the fenced backyard with in ground pool & room for croquette, badminton, business & office opportunitys. Designed for hours of fun or relaxation enjoy all the benefits of the outdoor & indoor space.  The home was completely remodeled in 2004 with new plumbing, electric, A/C & roof. There is an outdoor shower to use before you make a splash in the pool.

No need to worry about a power outage with the propane gas generator to keep you going in an emergency.  Swing on the hammock or relax under the gazebo there is also plenty of deck and porch area for outdoor gatherings.  .  The unique archways and art in around the home just add to the charm.  Check out the hurricane wall inside by the kitchen breakfast bar, or the butterfly tile mosaic and don’t miss the lighted stairs to the great room.   Two fireplaces and two ice makers, one up one down plus a breakfast bar or eat in kitchen nook to choose or just sip an ice tea on the porch or up high on the deck you decide.
  
The building features 4616 total square feet of which 3064 is under air.  This home is zoned 0-1 which means you have the opportunity for commercial use on this lot.  The three car garage provides tons of space for the cars or workshop.  In addition the lot provides boat, RV or motorcycle covered parking and beyond that is an 8×20 container for more storage.  Completely fenced with an electric gate the possibilities abound.  The unique archways and art in around the home just add to the charm. The cement siding is also an added benefit.
 
The addition in 2006 is currently a great room with wet bar, bath and balcony but would make a great office, with a downstairs foyer reception area.  Entrepreneurs you can work from home, bring your business there is plenty of space for another building and parking on the lot included with the sale.
 
Contact us today to experience this one of a kind property! 407-467-5155 or teri@teriisner.com. 

The city of Orlando is getting excited as he count down to the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics 2012 in London comes closer!   Today at 7:30 p.m. tune in to watch as the teams are presented in the Opening Ceremony.  The theme this year is ‘Inspire a generation’.  The host country creates the Opening Ceremony to celebrate their country and show the world why the love their land.  This years show will be called the ‘Isles of Wonder’ and kick off with the sounding of the largest harmonically tuned bell in Europe.  You will then be introduced to the green country side of the UK complete with farmyard animals.

There are certain things that occur in every opening ceremony which is outlined by the International Olympic Committee, which include receiving of the Head of State, Parade of Athletes, Speeches, Olympic Anthem and Flag, Oaths and the Torch lighting.  The Olympic flame will light the Cauldron which will symbolize the beginning of the Olympic Games.  The Flame will burn until the Closing Ceremony.  

Here is a list of the athletes in the games that have ties to Central Florida and you will not want to miss seeing them race for Olympic Gold.  Watch for Elizabeth Beisel in swimming, Phil Dalhausser in beach volleyball, Tyson Gay in track & field, Jenny Barring Simpson in track, Jake Kaminski in archery, Hunter Kemper in the triathlon, Heather Mitts on the US soccer team, and  Abby Wambach on the US soccer team Brittany Viola in Diving, and Ryan Lochte in swimming.  They will all be going for the gold.

Orlando will be cheering for the Olympians who have ties to Central Florida.  On Saturday tune in to watch as UF’s Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps race in the 400m individual medley.  For a complete list of this weekend events click here.

Free mobile app to search all homes right from your phone!

This information is brought to you buy Teri Isner and the Orlando Avenue Top Team. Teri Isner has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando real estate market.

Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando homes for sale, having become the Best Listing Agent in Orlando. You can reach Teri by filling out the online contact form or give her a call.  

Take a look at the cute little town of Celebration just outside of Orlando and enjoy celebrating their Founders day.  On November 12^th bring the kids for the Children’s Fishing Tournament starting at 7:30am at Rianhard Lake.  If that’s a little too early for your Saturday morning then make sure you make the Veterans Parade at 9:45am to celebrate the men and woman who have served our country.  After the parade the celebration of the Veterans continues in downtown Celebration.  At noon the town will be hosting a group photo at Market Street, come on by and be included in the fun! 

Grab some lunch at one of the great restaurants in Celebration then head over to the Gymnasium K8 elementary school for the game of Clelebrationopoly from 2-4pm.  At 5pm the Taste of Celebration begins with food, bounce houses for the kids and live music for everyone to enjoy.  To end the night there will be fireworks starting at 9pm.

Spend a great Saturday out and about in Celebration FL just a short drive from downtown Orlando.

Free mobile app to search all homes right from your phone!

This information is brought to you buy Teri Isner and the Orlando Avenue Top Team. Teri Isner has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando real estate market.

Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando homes for sale, having become the Best Listing Agent in Orlando. You can reach Teri by filling out the online contact form or give her a call.  

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream according to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, VA, and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.

The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership. An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.

One of the more striking aspects of the survey results is the intensity of sentiment among potential voters, according to Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. “People believe overwhelmingly that owning a home is an anchor to the American Dream,” she says. “It’s an anchor to your retirement, and it’s an anchor to your personal economic well-being.”

Among the other survey results:

• 73 percent said owning a home is one of their goals
• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a down payment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

Owning a home is not just a commodity to people. It is a core value.

Now take a look at how the Orlando real estate market performed in May.  

Read the rest of this entry »

Ten of the highest performing major market metros are expected to improve their performance over the first half of the year, with five of the top 10 even expected to see modest gains, reports Clear Capital in its latest monthly Home Data Index.

While housing prices in the first half of the year were mostly negative among the metro areas, Clear Capital says the market is showing signs of stabilizing.

Top Performers
The following are the highest performing major markets based on first half 2011 data (January through June) and second half forecast, according to Clear Capital.

1. Washington, D.C.-Arlington, Va.
2. New York-Long Island, N.Y.-No. New Jersey, N.J.
3. Orlando
4. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
5. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.
6. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass.
7. Honolulu
8. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, Calif.
9. Rochester, N.Y.
10. Memphis, Tenn.

Yet, only five of these markets are expected to boast home price gains in the second half of 2011: Washington, D.C., New York, Orlando, Dallas, and San Francisco, according to Clear Capital.

While most individual markets are also projected to post losses for the year, it is clear prices have begun to level off and are not exhibiting as much volatility as we’ve seen since the downturn began,” says Alex Villacorta, director of research and analytics at Clear Capital.

Orlando is ranked as one of the 10 Best Cities To Buy Rental Property according to Local Market Monitor. Here’s what they have to say about our fair city…

Average home price (2011): $165,200

The real estate market in Orlando — home to Disney and a slew of other theme parks — has been anything but magical lately. Prices have plummeted 43% since 2006, according to Local Market Monitor.

Winzer projects little in the way home price gains Orlando over the next three years. Rents, on the other hand, are expected to climb by a healthy 17% clip, he said.

The area’s ties to tourism should help as the economic recovery gains traction, he said. Visitors keep coming to the theme parks here, despite the lukewarm national job picture. If employment ever heats up, the area will attract even more visitors and that means more jobs for local residents.

He expects that real estate investors will net about 3% above the national average.

Apartments.com has just named a local Orlando-arearesident as a finalist in the third annual nationwide Roommate of the Year Contest. After reviewing entries from around the country and selecting 12 finalists, Apartments.com is now inviting America to weigh in on the video entry submitted by Casselberry resident William Sherrod, entitled The Roommate You Wish Your Roommate Could Be. Sherrod’s video was entered in the All-Star Roomie category. The voting stage is open now through July 31, 2011 when the votes will be tabulated, narrowing down the competition to five fabulous roomies, one of whom will be named the Apartments.com Roommate of the Year and win the grand prize of free rent for one year plus $10,000 and a one year membership to freecreditscore.com. The four runner-up winners
will each receive $500.

When casting their vote, the public is asked to judge the finalists’ videos with equal weight on originality and creativity, overall wow factor, persuasive argument and style and production. “The judging panel narrowed down the entries to 12 finalists and now it’s America’s turn to tell us who they think should be named Roommate of the Year. With free rent for a year plus $10,000 up for grabs, we’re certain our finalists are going to be out there drumming up support for their video,” states Tammy Kotula, public relations and promotions manager for Apartments.com.

“Due to socio-economic factors, finding and being a good roommate is a concept that’s really important to renters today. This year the videos we received across the board featured more creativity and higher production values. Choosing 12 finalists was not an easy task, and selecting just one winner will be even more difficult.” The public can view videos and vote for their favorite roommate now through July 31, 2011 at http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. Visitors to the website can vote for their favorite video once a day every day until the voting stage ends.

Meet Your Local Finalist: All-Star Roomie This category celebrates all-around roommate greatness for those roomies
whose special qualities don’t fit into just one category. Title of Entry Description,
http://www.roommateoftheyear.com/videos/26/the-roommate-you-wish-your-roommate-could-be, The Roommate You Wish Your Roommate Could Be Look at your roommate, now back to William, now back to your roommate. Sadly, he isn’t William. Step into William Sherrod’s spotless apartment, courtesy of the roommate you wish your roommate could be, filled with fresh linens, a state-of-the-art home theater, a five- star meal with the dessert
you love AND a present for your mom when you forget her birthday! Log on and vote today! Submitted by William Sherrod of Casselberry, FL.

Sherrod is vying for the grand prize and the coveted title that is currently held by Andrew Prestler of Kokomo, Indiana and a student at Ball State. Last year, Prestler beat out stiff competition to be named the 2010 Roommate of
the Year by composing an original rap and creating an eye-catching video, singling him out as “Da Best.” “As our 2010 Roommate of the Year can attest, this contest can be life changing,” Kotula continues. “Andrew Prestler made appearances on national TV as well as on more than 40 different TV stations across the country during his tenure. Our 2009 winner Keaton Davis leveraged his award-winning video and production skills to attain a summer internship at a national television network. Being Roommate of the Year has so many benefits beyond the valuable free rent for a year and $10,000 cash prize.”

To view the finalists’ videos and cast a vote for the Apartments.com Roommate of the Year Contest, visit http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. 

Orlando Short Sale:

815 Cheetah Trail, Apopka FL 31712
MLS# O5010852

Short Sale! Don’t miss this 3bedroom, 2 bath home with a spacious back and side yard. You’ll delight in the stone wood burning fireplace in Living Room. The entire home is tiled. The Trane A/C (inside/outside units) was replaced in January 2002. All new duct work done in 2007.  No HOA fee. French doors open to your gigantic backyard, featuring a 10x10x4 Koi pond with goldfish.  If gardening is your favorite past-time then you are in luck as there is plenty of room, shade and sun in the backyard for your vegetable and flower gardens. Also, plenty of room to park your RV next to the house behind a passion/jasmine-vined trellis.

Learn more about 815 Cheetah Trail and other Orlando real estate.

Lakeside Living At It’s Best – Orlando Short Sale

Incredible Price!!

1222 Lake Blue Circle, Apopka FL 32703

Short Sale! 3 bedroom, 2.5baths with gorgeous views of the lake. The Master Bedroom is located on first floor with 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. Beautiful hardwood floors and Eat-in Kitchen. Enjoy lake views from either your screened in porch or open balcony off the 2nd Bedroom. Come take a look today inside – this is truly a diamond in the rough. With a little TLC and updating this would be a wonderful place to call home. Conveniently located off of 436 in Apopka this would make for an easy commute downtown. There are plumbing issues but at this price it is worth viewing this water front home – Call today for a look inside! At this price don’t procrastinate be an investigator and call for details. Community features include a fenced lake front playground next to tennis courts and spacious community pool with picnic area and very low quarterly HOA fees. Lakeside living meant to be enjoyed!

Learn more about 1222 Lake Blue Circle and other Orlando homes for sale.

Bring the kid in you to the Lego Store in Downtown Disney Orlando to see a 12 foot T-Rex and explore the pick a brick wall with every conceivable color. Experience a Lego shopping trip like on other at the Orlando store. They are also home to the larger than life Titan XP Robot, which will enthrall everyone. You are also able to do hands –on events, like mural construction and beat-the-clock building contest.

Take a trip to Downtown Disney in Orlando to relive your childhood.