Orlando Florida Vacation Home What You Need to Know

Before you buy your Orlando Florida Vacation Home what do you need to know?

Will you be wanting a second home just for the family and fun or will you want to earn income from your Orlando Vacation home?

Important questions you need to answer before you get started.  Why?  If you want to own a second home or Orlando Vacation home where you purchase this home may depend on how you answer these questions.

The answer is zoning..so you are asking yourself what does zoning have to do with it?

If you want to rent your Orlando vacation home and make it an income producing property you need to be aware that there are specific areas in Orange, Lake and Polk County that allow this.

Why because residential neighborhoods may not want to have a different neighbor every other week and that is why certain areas are zoned to allow this.  If people know up front that this is possible there are no surprises.

Believe it or not there are a few people who choose to live in one of these short term communities as full time residents.  Why would they do this?

They may decide to want the option to rent it later down the road, or just enjoy the terrific amenities that some of these communities have.  they may also be onsite property managers.

There are plenty of short term communities to choose from so if you are not sure call our team today for help. 

Owning a Orlando Vacation home is a special opportunity so don’t miss out ask us how you too can own a piece of paradise and your own Orlando Vacation home.

Orlando Florida Real Estate New Players

Orlando Florida Real Estate has a new player.  A Canadian home builder from the Canadian based company of Mattamy Homes has hired Steve Parker.  Mr. Parker was formerly the President of Morrison Homes.

Mattamy Homes has home develpments in Minnesota, Arizona and North Carolina.  Well established and with posted revenue of 1.3 billion (US dollars) a real player in the Orlando Real Estate Market.

Since many of the other big players are selling off land Mattamy has found new opportunity in Orlando Real Estate aquisitions,  They plan to build more than 4000 homes by 2013 and feel the Florida Real Estate market will rebound stronger than ever.

Mattamy is a privately owned company founded in 1978 by Peter Gilgan from Canada and has built more than 35,000 homes in over 85 communities in Canada.  Looking to expand in Florida since the strength of the Canadian dollar now makes land aquisitions more attractive. 

Time will tell if the investment in Orlando Real Estate will pay off but considering the growth even in a sluggish market here opportunity still abounds in Orlando Florida.

Another new opportunity comes from the the Green Builder House Series sponsered by the Green Builder Magazine and showcasing another Orlando Florida home in Lake County during the International Builders Show here in Orlando.  This green home will be available to view from March 2, 2008 during the Lake County Parade of Homes.

The address is 16921 Apopka Springs Blvd. in Montverde.  So go take a look at the eco planned landscaping, mold resistant drywall, and many other earth friendly features here.  By the way the home theatre also doubles as fortified hurricane bunker.    5400 sq. feet of room with incredible view are ready to invite you in so enjoy a visit during the Parade of Homes.  Open noon to 5 Sundays and 10-5 on Sat. and weekdays starting March 2 the cost is free.

Remember you can search all homes for sale in the Orlando Florida area and surrounding counties and check back for more Orlando Real Estate Updates by subscribing to our blog.  I have also attached a podcast which has information about moving to the area.  The market information is from Dec. 2005 but the content about Orlando area market trends, mortgage rate issues, and what people need to know when moving in this area is still important. Yes I know I speak quite fast but this was one of my early ones and they will get better.  Enjoy

Orlando Florida Real Estate Luxury Auction

Here is more information about the upcoming Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction by Keller Williams Realty.

So just what are the seller options when it comes to an auction?  What are the fees and what can I expect?  First you need to know which of the two options you want to offer your property in an asolute or a reserve auction.

An Absolute sale is one where the property is sold to the highest qualified bidder with no limiting conditions of amount.  Also known as an auction without reserve.

Note statistics show that absolute sales command more atention from buyers, secure more opening bids, and consequently achieve higher prices.

A reserve auction is a minimum pirce for which a property will sell on auction day.  If the auction bidding does not reach this minimum, the seller is not obligated to sell.

Note:  We are very selective in regards to which properties are accepted on a reserve basis when it comes to the Keller Williams Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction being held in Orlando, Florida on March 15th at 1 pm.  Registration will be Saturday 11-1pm.

Properties in this auction held in Orlando, Florida at the Wyndham Orlando Resort will generally speaking be in the price range of $500,000 and up.

So what are the seller costs to be admitted in this auction?  There is an engagement fee paid up front and commissions.

The engagement fee for the our March 15th auction is refundable upon closing if entered as an Absolute sale, non refundable if entered as a reserve.  Commissions are 3% of contract price payable at closing to Listing Agent in either type absolute or reserve.

Buyer Costs include a Buyers Premium of 10% which will be added on to the final bid on each property.  ( High Bid + Buyers Premium = Contract Price).  A 10% deposit or a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the contract price, due immediately upon the close of bidding.  And finally closing costs, the buyer pays all closing costs for the residential sales in the county and state where the property is located including, but no limited to, all Doc Stamps, Transfer Taxes and Title Insurance.

The responsibility of the Buyer’s Premium shifts toward the seller if the property is contracted for sale during the Pre-Auction Protection Period (Feb. 15-March 15th)  or during the Post -Auction Period (March 16- May 16).

If you are interested or want to learn more, the next Seller orientation will be held in Orlando Florida at Wyndham Orlando Resort on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 6pm for Sellers and Thurs. February 28th, 2008 at 6 pm for buyers and again on March 5, 2008 at 6pm for buyers.

Just interested in the process and want to see how it works call Teri Isner today for complete details at 407-467-5155.  She can help get you registered and put you in touch with right people to answer all your questions.  No obligation even if you are just looking into this concept please feel free to call.

Orlando Florida Theatre, Orlando Florida Chamber Music, Orlando Florida Leu Gardens, Orlando Florida Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando Florida Portofino Bay at Universal. Orlando Florida Homes, Orlando Florida Vacation Homes

Are you planing a romantic date for Valentines Day in Orlando Florida?

Just what is out there for you to do in Orlando Florida this year other than sending a few flowers.

If you have heard of the Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando note that on Feb. 15th from 6:30 to 9pm there will be a wine tasting and jazz event.  It will include gourmet food samples, as well as live jazz music for $35/60 per person.   The luxurious Mediterranean surroundings only add to the romance of Harbor Nights Romantico.

The Gaylord Palms Resort is the location for their annual Valentine Rendevous this years theme is inspired by Latin culture and again supports the Red Cross of Central Florida.  The festivities include a silent auction, dinner, live entertainment, and wonderful music plus other surprises that all support the Red Cross.  Couples, singles and friends all welcome to this black tie event on Feb. 9th 6:30 – midnight.  $160 per person.

Music under the stars at Leu Gardens on Valentines Day by Michael Andrew and Swingerhead will be available for $25 per person tickets can be ordered by calling 407-246-2620.

If theatre is your cup of tea why not go to a show?  Le’t’s see what is playing.

• Tony n Tina’s Wedding celebrates its one year anniversary so why not say “I do” at the dinner theatre.

• I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change   is playing at the Winter Park  Playhouse through Feb. 16, 2008.

• Camelot is playing in Winter Haven Feb. 14th – March 9, 2008

• She Loves Me at the Bay Street Theatre February 1st, through the 24th.

• Kiss Me Kate playing in Sanford from Feb. 8-17

There will be a free concert by the Orlando Chamber Singers on Feb. 17th which is an annual event and part of the ArtsFestival.  This concert will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando.

Now for something very artistic Orlando will also be celebration the Nude at Nude Nite Fine Art.  This function it is supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation and Research.  Noted as one of the most popular art happenings in Orlando.  Tickets are $15 come view over 200 works of art from over 100 local and national artists.

Finally from Nudes to Lingerie you might find a few inspirations here.  So whether you are planning  a Valentines vacation in Orlando Florida or live here there is plenty to do. 

Another reason to make Orlando Florida Home or have a vacation home in Orlando Florida when you are ready call Teri today at 407-467-5155.

Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction

The Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction timeline for the March 15th auction includes the following.

February:

• National advertising campaign begins, with exposure in key publications:  Chicago Tribune, Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, International Hearl Tribune, London, Miami Hearald, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, Toronto Star and Wall Street Journal.

• Email Broadcasts to all registered Real Estate Agents in the Orlando Area

• February 14th Pre -auction Protection Period begins ( Feb. 14th- March 14th).

•  February 15th Buyer Registration begins.

• February 19th Seller orientation #2 is held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort.

• February 28th Buyer Orientation #1 is held atthe Wyndham Orlando Resort

• March 1st and  2nd Open House for all properties 12p.m. – 5 p.m.

• March 5th Buyer Orientation #2 is held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort.

• March 11th  Auction Portfolio Tour.

• March 14th Final day to submit Opening Bids.

• March 15th   AUCTION DAY!

If you would like to participate there is still time whether a buyer or a seller call Teri Isner today at 407-467-5155.

Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction

Orlando Florida Luxury International Auction March 15th at 1pm will have a buyer incentive program.  If you are going to register call Teri Isner today for details of what needs to be done in order to qualify or sign up for an orientation meeting. 

The buyer incentive program is given to promote opening bids.  We believe these amounts offer initial security for sellers and build intensity as bidding begins.  Buyers and brokers must submit opening bids on or before March 14th by  5:00 p.m. inorder ot be eligible for the incentives.

So what are the incentives?   One and one half percent (1.5%) of the buyers opening bid amount wil be deducted from the buyer’s 10% premium, should the buyer be the successful purchaser of the property for which he/she has provided an opening bid.  Here are a couple of examples of this.

Example #1: 

A property was previously listed on the market for $1,000,000. 

A buyer submits his/her paperwork on time, with an opening bid of $500,000. 

During the auction the same buyer secures the highest bid on that property at $800,000.

Buyer incentive =$500,000 @ 1.5% = $7,500

$7,500 shall be deducted from the buyer’s 10% premium.

Example #2:

A property was previously listed on the market for $500,000.

A buyer submits his/her paperwork on time, with an opening bid of $250,000.

During th eauction the same buyer secures the highest bid on that property at $400,000.

Buer incentive = $250,000 @ 1.5% = $3,750

$3,750 shall be deducted from the buyer’s 10% premium.

If you have been trying to sell your luxury property for months with no takers call Teri Isner today or have your broker call Teri Isner today we can help and work together to offer a wonderful solution      for all parties.  Brokers will be paid and details are available to all just call 407-467-5155 for all the options.

How To Make Your Realtor Get You the Best Deal Orlando Florida Edition

Just finished my first squidoo lens called How To Make Your Realtor Get You the Best Deal Orlando Florida Edition.  This was my first attempt at doing a lens and it was pretty straightforward and easy to follow.  I first heard about them from Mary McKnight and a coaching class I am taking part in over the next few weeks.

When you consider that one fourth of your income goes to where we live for the average American and that nothing is taught about this in the schools it really seems to be an important subject to cover.

We have donated our books to local libraries and schools in the Orlando area.  This is an important issue especially when you can save many dollars of your own money with just a few of these tools.

So if you are buying real estate in Orlando or somewhere else around the world it is still a great read.

This was a great resource Mary McKnight shared with us about Squidoo and I want to thank her as it gave me another platform to present this book and share with others you can be an educated buyer when it comes to buying real estate and not only in Orlando Florida.

Here are a few of the easy to read ideas from the book, and there are also many stories of real life experiences shared by past customers.  So avoid the pitfalls and take a few minutes to see how you too could save some of your hard earned cash next time you go to buy a house.

• The Home Buying Process
• Agency
• Getting Started
• Getting Your Home
• Vacation Homes and Villas
• Terms and Clauses

Finally here is the new page I created for this book promotion on How to Make Your Realtor Get You the Best Deal.  Please give it a rating and leave a comment.  Don’t be too harsh as this is the first one I have done.

Orlando Florida Real Estate Auctions 6 benefits for the sellers,

This week we have had two calls about submitting property to a real estate Auction taking place in Orlando Florida.  Of course I told both that Keller Williams is hosting their own real estate auction in the greater Orlando International Luxury Real Estate Auction March 15th.

The first seller orientation on the auction will be in Orlando Florida at the Wyndham Orlando Resort Weds. Jan. 30th 2008 at 6 pm.  Sellers interested in this option are encouraged to go as there are different kinds of auctions with different results.

This Orlando Florida Real Estate auction will include two types of offerings for the sellers and you might be surprised which has worked better contrary to popular belief.

The two types are absolute and reserve.  To learn more about these types we encourage buyers and sellers to attend one of the  four orientation meetings the first is Wednesday January 30, 2008.  For details call Teri today at 407-467-5155.

The main goal is to offer our clients a professional accelerated marketing program tha will obtain fair market value for their properties.  This auction process will produce a definite date of sale and a non-contingent contract, with settlement occuring within 30 days of Auction/signed contract.

So why choose the Auction Process?

As stated in the July/August Florida Realtor magazine “Think of Real Estate Auctions as one more tool in your belt.  With motivated sellers and some intense marketing, you can create an urgency that gets your listing sold faster and at a higher price than you might have gotten had it sat on the market”  Surely someting for sellers to think about in the current conditions.

So just what are the seller benefits?

1. Increased property exposure
2. The seller’s property is highlighted in the market, versus traditional method of competing against all the other litisngs in the Orlando area.
3. Buyers are competing within a set timeframe.
4. The schedule of Open House dates is limited to two weekends. Less interruption in your life.
5. This is a non -Contingent cash sale
6. closing within 30 days of Contract Date 

So just what is the history of auctions, and what do all those auction terms mean?  How do I buy something at an auction and what should I know before I go to an auction?

There are auctions of all kinds online and in person, cash only or  paypal.    This auction on the 15th of March is for luxury homes in Orlando’s five county area including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake.

If you would like to find out if your home qualifies for this next auction and how to apply call Teri today at 407-467-5155. 

Moving to Orlando Florida? We are Moving on up the Education Ladder

Most real estate buyers always ask about schools and the same is true for people moving to Orlando Florida and the surrounding counties.  Yes we are known for our retirement populations but we also have improved our rankings for education this year dramatically so where are we now

We ranked 14th this year up from 31st according to the Education Week Magazine.

Spending dollars on education we were ranked 38th, so despite the funding our ranking for improvement is dramatic.

Part of this funding ranking is probably due to the fact the foreigners come to Orlando and Florida for second homes and vacation homes, not to raise a family.  These people are coming from Belgium, Britain, Canada, France and Germany investing here due to the strength of their currency.

All this being said our hats are off to the parents, educators and school volunteers that have helped improve our ratings.  Here is the information from the Florida Association of Realtors News and Events Page.  

Other resources available about education in the State of Florida are availabe here  from the Florida Department of Education, Orange County Public Schools , local 2 yr. colleges, local 4 year colleges, graduate schools and financial aid or scholarship programs.

You can also click on the link here to search for schools by zip code or city desired for Orlando Florida or any of the surrounding counties including Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Lake.

Give us a call today and we can help you start your home search with the criteria that meets your needs.  We are just a phone call away so talk to Teri and Start Packing!  407-467-5155.