I have just found out that Wal-mart Stores Inc. has decided they would not pursue a new supercenter at Plaza Collina. Ya think? We already had one just a few miles down the street. When I first heard that Plaza Collina had landed Walmart as their "anchor", I was kind of surprised. I had always thought that Plaza Collina was supposed to be a bunch of upscale stores...Walmart just didn't seem to fit that bill.Does losing Walmart change the landscape of the Plaza? Not sure, but developers of the Collina project have said they will continue moving forward despite losing Walmart.So, what store will replace Walmart as the new anchor? I don't know, but here is a store that I think would do great in South Lake County...Bass Pro Shop. With all of the great lakes and fishing in this area, how do ... 02/12/2008

Clermont Christian Academy to Host a BasketballathonWhat is a basketballathon? It is an opportunity for students, parents, and friends to help raise money for the school through pledges from the community. Donors can pledge a certain amount per basket made by the Chargers in their February 29th game with CHEF or simply make a flat donation. All the money raised will be used in the general operation needs of the academy to keep the tuition costs affordable to CCA's school families.  Meet the boys who will be shooting for your money! Front Row: From Left: Coach Tom Edinger, Michael Pereira, Khustin Guadamuz, Bryan Howard, Christian Weidler, Sam Karp, Michael Mosquera.Back Row: From Left: Mark Tait, Jesse, Pereira, Charles Green, BJ Williams, Jonathon Morgan, Brad Boswell. Good Luck Fellas... 02/12/2008

New to the Clermont, Florida area? Long time resident looking for a church? Look no further than Grand Highway Baptist Church. Grand Highway Baptist Church is located at 100 North Grand Highway Clermont, Florida 34711.  Founded by Dr. Lloyd Meyer and his wife, Grand Highway Baptist Church is an Independent Baptist Church. The church is pastored by Joel Shackleford. Grand Highway is small in stature, but large in heart. From the minute you walk in the door, you will feel the love of the people there. I have been to many churches and can honestly say that I have never felt as comfortable and at home as I do at Grand Highway. As an Independent Baptist Church, Grand Highway has the following beliefs: 1.) You must be born again to get to heaven. What does that mean? You must confess you are ... 01/22/2008

   An elderly Widow approached me with fear and skepticism. You see her Husband took care of all the bills before he recently passed away, she didn't know much of where anything was. While in morning of her tragic loss she fell behind on her bills. She eventually figured it out, but not till after falling two months behind on the mortgage. She was working part time at a grocery store and told her situation to a co-worker she trusted, and was introduced to a realtor.    The realtor tried to convince her into a short sale, but after living in the house for over twenty years it was almost paid off. She was very reluctant to take the advice given and sent the realtor away. A couple of days later my Wife and I stopped at the grocery store after work and I was wearing my I D Badge. As I was l... 10/17/2007

Harvey Rosenberg | Exit Realty Professionals Elite | harvey@exitrealtyproselite.com | 352-404-5942 15727 Bay Vista Drive, Clermont, FL FOR RENT 3/2 IN THE GREAT COMMUNITY OF WESTON HILLS! 3 Bdrm Single Family House $1,200/month Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 1,500 Parking 3+ dedicated Pet Policy Cats, Small dogs (< 25lbs), Dogs (any) Deposit $1,200 DESCRIPTION Move in Ready! 3/2 with volume ceilings, rounded corners, kitchen/familyroom combo, formal dining room, custom cabinets, decorative glass block windows in master bath, garden tub. Community pool, tennis, volleyball, basketball courts see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES Air conditioning Central heat High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Living room Dining room Breakfas... 10/03/2007

It amazes me how often I get offers/contract from other agents, and once the deal is accepted you never hear from them again unless you call and hound them to respond.  Do they not know what they are supposed to do next.  Do agents not realize how important the follow up all the way to the closing table really is.  The best way to describe it is that you have to be like a baby sitter, and watch every step that is made.  it makes me wonder if other agents really want to earn a living or just have it handed to them?  I would like to see what other agents are experiencing with this topic? 09/25/2007

it seems as the media continues to discuss the slow down in the housing market, that many agents have decided to curl up in fetal position and hope to sleep out the slowing market.  I have not been able to understand why these agents do not understand for themselves that if they continue to train, learn and push forward, that they can still make a good living and sell many homes.  I have been teaching my agents the short sale process so we can continue to make the most of the credit and mortgage situation which has fallen upon us.  I think NAR really needs to make an advertising push to help secure peoples faith in the market and maybe to help educate the agents to better understand the changing market place. 09/24/2007

In Lake county on Lake Minneola is The Condominiums at Clermont Yacht Club, which is less than 30 minutes from downtown Orlando Florida.   A gated community featuring a million dollar Clubhouse with sports pool.   There is access to twelve other lakes on the Clermont Chain of Lakes from Lake Minneola. Exterior Features of the Condominiums at Clermont Yacht Club include:Concrete and Steel ConstructionHardi Board Siding Over Concrete Block Elk Architectural Grade Shingles Steel Framing Trane Air Conditioners Sound Insulated Concrete Flooring System Classically Landscaped and Irrigated Total Ground Maintenance Low Monthly Fees Interior Features of the Condominiums at Clermont Yacht Club include:Carpet & Ceramic tile by Mohawk GE Stainless Steel Appliances Full Kitchen Plus Washer and Dryer... 08/11/2007

"Michael, why are you helping people stay in their homes?  Isn't it your job to help people relocate by assisting with buying or selling their home?"  In the last year I have gone on many listing appointments.  At these appointments it is usually the same thing.  People want to sell but owe too much on their home.  What if you can't afford your payments?  Now I said before and I'll say it again, My #1 Goal is to help people stay in their home.  That doesn't mean that I don't sell real estate anymore.If people can't afford their homes what do they do?  Well, before a few years ago you had 2 choices, both usually ending up with you leaving your home.  When people faced hard times and went through foreclosure or bankruptcy, how did the sale of their home reflect on the surrounding area?  E... 07/23/2007

 Howard Stockton Memorial Golf TournamentOn Friday (yes, the 13th), I had the privilege to play in the Howard Stockton Memorial Golf Tournament which was put on through the South Lake County Chamber of Commerce.  This event had been sold out for almost 2-3 months in advance, as it is one of the area's largest and most successful tournaments.I received a phone call earlier last week from Mike Smalt.  Mike Smalt is a Lake County Sheriff's deputy that heads up the local DARE division.  Mike is also going to make a run for the Sheriff's seat in the next election.  He asked if I wanted to play in the tournament as a team had backed out at the last minute.  We were able to steal the position thanks to our seat in the Chamber under the Young Rebulicans (I am the VP of the group and Mike's daug... 07/16/2007

Recently I have been getting more and more questions about REO (real estate owned) properties and HUDs.  REO are Properties owned by the bank on a conventional loan, where as a HUD is an FHA or VA loan that went belly up.Working with individuals from all over the nation who find me on the web, a huge allure of Central Florida has been Foreclosures and instant equity.  To many investors of the past, this was a huge way to make some money.  Obviously a bank does not want to hold on to a property.  When a Bank holds a property they are responsible for maintaining it, taxes, and any utilities that might arise to get it sold.  Not to mention the bank is responsible for the mortgage that comes from not having it sold or not having someone else paying the financed mortgage.  I see why people s... 07/10/2007

If you are looking for a family event in the city of Clermont, then you should check the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest on June 30, 2007.  Registration will begin at 8 am, also it is encouraged that you pre-register as they have limited space availables.  Chalk will be provided but you can also bring your own. The working spaces for the chalk artwork are approximately 38"x50".  This are the age categories:6 to 1011 to 1516 and olderEven though there is not a fee to enter, there will be a cash price of $100 to the winner of each category.  There is no charge for expectators to enjoy of the event, everyone is welcome.  For more information or a registration packet please call Cheryl Fishel 352-394-8618, or you can also visit the City of Clermont Official Site for more details.For more informa... 06/21/2007

Highgrove community has been planned to have mediterrenean style luxury homes.  All homes in the community  feature a private screened heated pool, deluxe furniture and may also include an in-ground spa. Homes in the back of the community will enjoy their lakeview or the view of the conservation area.  If you want your vacation home to reflect a pampered and luxurious lifestyle then Highgrove is where you should look.Here is a list of others features that a home in Highgrove can offer you:Zoned for short term rentals and one of the most sought communities to stay in for your Orlando Holiday 24 hours gated communityRight next to major roads 192 and 27Your very own private pooleasy access to Walt Disney World theme parksHOA includes the maintenance of the lawn, security, recreational buil... 06/11/2007

    Buying or Selling?  One Call Does it ALL!!        Rick Belben       Direct (407) 341-1706                           Are you looking for an experienced real estate professional who knows the Orlando Real Estate market and can get the results you desire? Let me put my knowledge, experience, and dedication to work for you. Give me a call today, and I will immediately get to work for you - satisfying your real estate needs.  Buying a Home? I'll take the time to listen to your needs and desires, and find your dream home. Your total satisfaction is my number one priority. Selling a Home? I will get your home sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. My online and offline marketing programs will give you the edge you need to sell your home. I don't want to just list your home, I want to ... 03/17/2007

That's the message that many Florida Residents want to get across to local officials.  With this in mind, South Lake County is about to construct a 15-building medical complex in the Clermont area.  This office park building which will be built on 16 acres at Citrus Tower and Oakley Seaver Boulevards will consist of 15 buildings ranging from 2,500 square feet to 30,000 square feet.  The majority of the complexes are expected to be physicians' own according to it's sales representative who is handling the marketing of this complex.This complex is said to be the first of its kind in the area.  Not to mention the added income that it will generate for the county.  The 30,000 square feet office building will have sufficient parking garages that will accompany 200 vehicles.Several of the bui... 01/25/2007

Well, I promised that I would make Clermont my next featured city of Lake County, Florida.  So, here it is...Geography: Clermont, aka "Gem of the Hills", is located at the states true crossroads.  State Road 50 (divides the state into north and south) and U.S. Highway 27 (divided the state into east and west) literally intersect in Clermont.  The city is approximately 25 due west of Orlando and 25 miles northwest of Disneyworld. Clermont has a high elevation of 300 feet and a low elevation of 100 feet. It is bordered by Lake Minnehaha on the South, and Lake Minneola on the North. Clermont is on a chain of 16 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River in the Ocklawha Basin of tributaries of the St. Johns River, the only river system in the U.S.A that flows north.History: In 1868, a man by ... 11/19/2006