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Lake Mary, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re thinking about buying a home, chances are you’ve got mortgage rates on your mind. You’ve heard about how they impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to make sure you’re factoring that in as you plan your move.The problem is, with all the headlines in the news about rates lately, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through. Here’s a quick rundown of what you really need to know.The Latest on Mortgage RatesRates have been volatile – that means they’re bouncing around a bit. And, you may be wondering, why? The answer is complicated because rates are affected by so many factors.Things like what’s happening in the broader economy and the job market, the current inflation rate, decisions made by the Federal Reserve, and a whole lot more have a...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
What does a Real Estate expert mean to you? Is it someone that knows all the developments in their area? Someone who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry and negotiations? Someone who knows whats going on in the community and what makes a community special?   In the Real Estate Industry there seems to be no gauge to rank what makes one agent better then another. There are designations, there are sales stats, but does all that mean that someone is an expert or even a good Realtor? How as a general end user of our services does one determine to use one agent over another?   What do you think makes a Real Estate agent an Expert or the person you would want to do business with and refer your friends and family to?  Wouldnt it be great if there was a way to rank Realtors.  
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for February 2009.  Lake Mary is made up of the zip code 32746.  For purposes of this analysis we will be splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of prop...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
As and REO agent I have first hand knowledge how the banks work, how they arrive a their price and what it takes to get an offer accepted by them, yet I still get buyers everyday who contact me stating they want to find a house 40-50% under market value. Guess what people most likely isnt going to happen and here's why. Banks have the properties appraised whether it's by another agent or an appraiser either way they get fair market value. Based on the condition of the property and the AS-IS terms they will price their property slightly below market, generally no more then 15%. Now if the home is properly priced it should sell in the first week to two weeks of being on the market. A bank is not going to price a home 40-50% under current fair market value because it can be sold at fair ma...
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By Patti Pierce
(Realty Cafe LLC)
Real Estate Transactions for Lake Mary - Orlando, Florida 32746 (March 5, 2009) Single Family Homes Twenty nine homes sold in Lake Mary during the past 30 days. The median list price was $325,000 with a median of 104 days on the market. The median sale price was $305,000 with a median sale price per sq/ft of $135.56. The median sale price to list price ratio was 94%. Currently there are 382 homes for sale in Lake Mary. The median list price is $369,450 with a median list price per sq/ft of $155.34 and a median of 148 days on the market and an average list price of $490,469. The most expensive listing on the market is a $3,400,000 7 bedroom, 7 bath home with 14,032 sq/ft. Click here to see all current homes for sale in Lake Mary. Also see Luxury homes in Lake Mary - Waterfront homes in L...
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By Sarah Maus, Your Florida Suncoast REALTOR®
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
   I read a very interesting article today concerning a USP (Unique Selling Proposition).  It's a very conversational concept, considering the fact MOST Real Estate professionals really don't know what makes them different or sets them apart from all the other agents out there. Your USP basically tells the world the WHO, WHAT and WHY ...WHO you are, WHAT you do and WHY you are the best agent for the job at hand.  WHAT makes you different?  WHY should someone do business with you?  WHO gave you the title of "#1"?  A few things to be considered when creating your USP: * Uniqueness * Specifics *Relevance *Believability *Conciseness I'm extremely curious about what all of our ActiveRain bloggers use to differentiate themselves from their competitors; WHAT is YOUR unique advantage that sets ...
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By LaShawn Norden, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL
(Keller Williams Heritage Realty)
The City of Lake Mary and Be a Trailblazer Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for area citizens, will be hosting a 5K in Lake Mary, Florida on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 8:00AM. The event will be held at the Timacuan Country Club and will end at Trailhead Park. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the latest Trailblazer project, which is a new off-leash dog park in Lake Mary that is scheduled for completion in late 2009. For more information on the Trailblazer organization or the off-leash dog park project, you can visit their website here. Additional information on the 5K including registration details can be found here. LaShawn Norden, PA, REALTOR, RE/MAX Central Realty, Lake Mary, (321) 377-0157, LaShawn@LaShawnNorden....
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By Sarah Maus, Your Florida Suncoast REALTOR®
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Just yesterday, I commented on a blog posted by a member here on ActiveRain, congratulating him on his success with leads provided by MarketLeader. This morning, I totally understand why. According to Inman News, MarketLeader reported a 13.1 million loss for 2008. MarketLeader had more than 15,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2007, and has seen a steady decline in sign-ups, resulting in a subscriber base of 7,245 at the end of the year. To help cut costs, they have reduced staff AND closed a satellite sales and service center.  They have also been willing to cut deals with existing clients.  Hoping to increase sales, they are expecting new products designed to help real estate professionals generate their own leads. I wonder, does this gives those of us who AREN'T subscribers lev...
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By LaShawn Norden, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL
(Keller Williams Heritage Realty)
The City of Lake Mary is hosting a Festival of Arts & Crafts on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00am until 3:00pm and you are invited! The event is sponsored by the Lake Mary Historical Society and will be held at Lake Mary Central Park at City Hall, which is at the corner of Lake Mary Blvd. and Country Club Road. In addition to a featuring a variety of artists and select purveyors of goods & services, there will also be games for children of all ages, plenty of food, lots of entertainment and of course...Gus Jr, the Kissing Camel! Admission is FREE and the weather is expected to be sunny and warm, which is just another reason why many choose to call Lake Mary "home!" If you are considering a move to Lake Mary, Florida, which is located just north of Orlando, I would welcome the opportunity...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
Remember that feeling of scoring the winning goal, or Acing that mid-term. Today I had that feeling when I triumphed over the builder in negotiations for my buyers today. My buyers were out this weekend viewing townhomes in Sanford and Lake Mary and told me which development was their favorite and which unit they wanted. They spoke the builders rep and received information on pricing and units available. The builder tried to tell them they would receive a better deal not using their Realtor (me), but they didnt listen. They contacted me and told me what it would take to make them happy and get them into that home. And being the ball buster that I am I got them just that deal and they couldnt be more excited. The builder offered to take $6000 off the price and pay $9000 in their closing ...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
Ok so maybe I am partial since my boyfriend is one of the masterminds behind this site, but it's one of the most amazing sites and I think you will really like it. Even though you may have seen it before you have never seen the site like this.   Go visit the all new Smokey Bones Website.  
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By Chris Brown- Florida Home Loan Specialist | Certified Mortgage Planner, Chris Brown 407.367.2974
(Chris Brown | Certified Mortgage Planners)
There is always a need for this kind of work, so I thought I would pass along a resource that you may consider if you or those you care about need some that knows how to FIX STUFF! His name is Rick Norden and is the husband of beloved local agent, LaShawn Norden. Portfolio of Services   Rick Norden, Owner and Operator of Priority One Homes, is a licensed and insured Certified Residential Contractor within the State of Florida (CRC# 1328990). From 1998 until 2006, Rick was a Builder/Construction Manager for U.S. Home, Cambridge Homes and Signature Custom Homes. In 2006, he opened Priority One Homes LLC., which is primarily a renovation, restoration and home repair construction company. Since opening, Priority One Homes LLC has provided the following remodeling/repair/restoration services...
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By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Many Lake Mary and Seminole County residents have taken sides on the proposed Olympic-sized pool at Lake Mary High School.  I saw the pool as an improvement to the School and the community.  I spend a lot of time with people who are considering Lake Mary as their home and the addition of a pool to the area is perceived as a positive one. I know that school budget cuts and funding are of concern to everyone and that the pool can also be seen as a luxury item that isn't necessary...  The City of Lake Mary is in a very difficult place and I hope that residents attend the Council Meeting to have their voices heard. Please click here to read the rest of the story.   Move To Lake Mary.com Orlando & Lake Mary, Florida Real Estate Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, Blogger, ALHS, ePRO 407-758-1...
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for January 2009.  Lake Mary is made up of the zip code 32746.  For purposes of this analysis we will be splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of prope...
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
Ok so maybe the money isnt missing, but might be left making more money for the IRS if you missed any tax deductions. Don't leave it up to chance and do your own 1040. With all the new tax laws and incentives out there for people who have recently purchased or home or sold a home, it makes sense to consult a CPA. If you live in the Orlando or Lake Mary area call Gail Joubran, CPA. She has over 25+ Years of tax experience, estate planning and trust and worked for many years as an internal auditor. If you or your company is looking for a CPA (certified public accountant) or auditor make 407-324-6181 the last number you call for all your tax needs. Realtors we are notorious for thinking we can deduct more then we can and I know a few agents who have found themselves audited. She has proudl...
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This isn't an easy post to write, I've been putting it off for a while.  Foreclosure isn't just a legal action there is a much bigger issue at work here.  The emotional impact that a foreclosure has on a family can be devastating, I've witnessed it first hand. If you want to avoid foreclosure, please ask for help.  The entire foreclosure process can take 6 months from the first missed payment and there is no time to waste. Please click here to read the read the rest of the article, How Long Can a Lake Mary Foreclosure take.    Move To Lake Mary.com Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, Blogger, ALHS, ePRO 407-758-1020 or  Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com Search for Homes in Lake Mary, Florida 
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By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Welcome back to the Lake Mary, Florida Real Estate Update... Lake Mary Real Estate Snapshot Homes For Sale in Lake Mary:  563 Lake Mary Homes under contract:  70 Homes Listed this week in Lake Mary: 21   This past week there were 4 home sales in Lake Mary, FL.  Two of the homes were listed under 45 days.  Why do some homes sell and others linger on the market?  Please click here to read the rest of the Lake Mary, Florida Weekly Real Estate Update.   Move To Lake Mary.com Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, Blogger, ALHS, ePRO 407-758-1020 or  Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com Search for Homes in Lake Mary, Florida 
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By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
After all these years Lake Mary High school is getting a pool. Why didn't they have a pool when I went there hmmm? The school board had delayed building the pool on fears of funding being cut, but now has the green light. The super intendent Bill Vogel is still against the pool but the board voted it in. It's a $2 million pool that is to be used by the school and the public. It's suppose to help spur the economy.Not sure how that is going to spur things. Look at a majority of the homes in the immediate area of the school, they have their own pool. The only true benefit will be to the school, who in my opinion does not need it. See since the schools inception they have used the Lake Mary YMCA pool who is literally a few feet from the school. The YMCA in the past 5 years recently renovate...
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for December 2008.  Lake Mary is made up of the zip code 32746.  For purposes of this analysis we will be splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of prop...
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By LaShawn Norden, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL
(Keller Williams Heritage Realty)
Now, now...stop thinking naughty. This is a Real Estate blog post that is rated G. I promise. As a full-time Real Estate agent who has represented many Buyers in the past several years, I've come to realize that you must KISS them sometime during the buying process. What, you say?? KISS? Yes. KISS. Keep It So Simple. In almost every transaction I have ever had with a Buyer, I've been asked to further define a term or description used by another Real Estate agent. For example, just this year, I've been asked what a "zero lot line" is, what "split bedrooms" are, what the term "does not convey" means and, if a "short sale" means that the Buyer will have to close fast. These questions are being asked by Buyers currently in the market who may or may not have purchased homes in the past and w...
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By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
I received an email a few minutes ago from a friend of mine with the title "Yellow Pages Goes Green", I clicked to find the website "Yellow Pages Goes Green" that you can register your address on to OPT OUT of receiving printed phone books.  I was excited to say the least, I use Google or other online sources to find business and people.  I haven't used a phone books in years. In November I was actually home when the books were being delivered and ask the delivery man to keep ours, he seemed stunned and hesitantly took it back.  He even told me that if anyone asks, he tried to deliver it.  Did I save a tree?  I hope so! If you are interested in OPTING OUT from receipt of Telephone Books please click the Yellow Pages Goes Green link here.      Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, ALHS, e-P...
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