Special offer

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...
Comments 4
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Lake Mary, Florida home sales finished the year off STRONG.  14 sales last week makes this one of the best weeks of the year!  Lake Mary home buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates and some of the most affordable prices in the past 5 years.  If you've been thinking about buying a home in Lake Mary contact today. For details about the Lake Mary Homes that sold this week, please click here.     Find Your Lake Mary Florida Dream Home Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, ALHS, e-PRO  407-758-1020 or  Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com
Comments 0
By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
You have heard it on the media, Home prices slashed! Purchase a $500,000 for $250,000. It's all over the media, spinning this hype that banks are just letting these homes go for pennies. The media is doing their job well, to spin hype and create commotion however their job is not selling real estate. I am out there on the streets with clients viewing these homes and making offers, talking with other agents, banks and listing short sales myself. People listen to the Real Estate Professionals when they tell you asking the bank to take $30,000 of a price plus asking for $10,000 in closing costs assistance isnt going to fly. See the home original was purchased for $350,000 it went through the short sale process with no success. The bank took the home over, but first with some added costs to...
Comments 12
A visit to Sunny Central Florida could cause you to put your home on the market "Up North" and buy a home in Central Florida.  If by chance you choose to ignore this warning, please contact me for an free no obligation intervention consultation. As I receive texts from family and friends across the Country, I realize that it is just too much for some of them to hear that we had blue skies and temperatures in the 70's today.  It's just not right. If you dare to visit us here in Central Florida the next few months, be careful... You too might become a Florida Resident, just like me.   The Summers Team your Central Florida Real Estate Resource Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, Blogger, ALHS, ePRO 407-758-1020 or  Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com Search Homes for Sale in Central Florida 
Comments 3
By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
There is no doubt it's a buyers market. Inventory levels have never been better, coupled with the best interest rates in years and you have the perfect synergy effect for home buyers. However, buyers beware just because you have the perfect conditions does not entitle you to unrealistic expectations. While this market gives you the opportunity to buy a house, it does not mean you get the Tasmajal on a Clampett budget (pre hitting oil). While you might be able to afford more home, do you really need it? Will you use all those extra rooms? Do you have time to handle the landscaping and mowing or do you need to hire a lawn company and add more expense to your monthly budget? Majority of my business is helping guide first time home buyers through the process of purchasing a home and more im...
Comments 9
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
I Promise, I Won't Call You... I hadn't said, well actually typed that to anyone before.  His email to me was clear, "I've signed up on your website to search for Lake Mary homes and I'm giving you my phone number, but you must promise not to call me."  Okay, I wrote back, I Promise. I've kept my promise for over three months, we exchange emails on almost a  weekly basis... He often has questions about a home or wants to know the taxes, but he doesn't want me to "sell" him.  I never push or sell, I provide information, advice, opinions and guidance but I've never used a sales "technique" on someone to pursuade them to purchase a home.  Instead of taking on the role of "sales person", I prefer to think of myself as a guide... Informing buyers and sellers about the process and facilitatin...
Comments 19
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
I hear it...  If you are a first time home buyer it's not a whisper but a roar that you hear.  The $7500 Federal Tax Credit for first time buyers is up in less than 6 months.  For the purpose of the Federal Tax Credit the law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.  So, even if you owned a home over 3 years ago you are considered a first-time home buyer for tax purposes. The $7500 Federal Tax Credit is a Dollar for Dollar refund or will decrease your tax bill and is paid back over 15 years.  This is just one of the oppourtnities that awaits you.  The most affordable prices in years and historically low interest rates makes NOW the time to buy a home. To talk with me about your desire to purcha...
Comments 4
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Move To Lake Mary dot Com, our Local Lake Mary Real Estate Blog is featuring a new series of articles entitled "Lake Mary Real Estate 101".  This week's installment is entitled "Real Estate is Local".  If there is one thing that I've learned here on Active Rain it is that what's happening in Lake Mary, Florida has nothing to do with what's happening in Maple Valley, Washington.  If you are looking for expert real estate advice in Lake Mary I'm your girl, but if you want to know what's happening in another area you should talk to an expert there.  How do you find your local expert?  Great Question... My advice is to talk to your REALTOR, chances are that your REALTOR has relationships with other real estate professionals in other areas of the Country. If you don't have a relationship wit...
Comments 4
Congratulations!  You've worked hard to get here... You've saved for your down payment, you've provided mountains of bank statements for your mortgage approval and you've signed so many pages of documents that your hands went numb.  Now the fun begins, moving in, painting, getting settled... You're a homeowner, it's the American Dream. My advice for all home buyers is to take advantage of the Automatic Withdrawal that your mortgage holder will offer you in order to pay your mortgage on time.  Paying your mortgage on time is one of the most important financial responsibilities you will ever have, take a moment, fill out the draft authorization and relax because your mortgage payment will be made on time, automatically.   Move To Lake Mary.com Sanford & Orlando Florida Real Estate Debbie ...
Comments 2
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
7 more homes sold in Lake Mary, Florida this week.  Even with the Christmas break there was a steady stream of closings this week in Lake Mary.  Please click here for details about the homes that sold this week in Lake Mary. What do I find educational about the weekly update? The difference between the list price and sold price of the homes The number of days homes are on the market The sqaure footage prices (Divide the Sold Price by the Living Area) Thinking about selling your Lake Mary home?  Please call us for your home marketing consultation, no pressure, no sales pitch... Just answers to all of your home selling questions.  Contact The Summers Team today! By email or calling - 407.758.1020. Move To Lake Mary.com Lake Mary Florida Real Estate Debbie Summers Licensed Real Estate Prof...
Comments 0
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
I've already decided that I'm going to have an unbelievable year.  Yes, it's all in my mind.  I'm excited! I have new Goals, which include riding 3,230 miles on the stationary bike this year.  Why 3,230 miles? This ride would take me from my home in Lake Mary, Florida to my parents doorstep on Whidbey Island, Washington.  Even though I'm not with them every day, I'll be spending time with them in my mind as I chisel away at my goal by 15 or 20 miles per ride.  Who knows where I will go next year.  Maybe I will ride to see you... Cas and I have a new website "Move To Lake Mary dot com" - I'm focused on adding more community and real estate information to build a destination Website for buyers, sellers and residents of Lake Mary, FL.  I'm looking forward to learning more about my Hometown...
Comments 10
By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
Magnolia Plantation is a 24/7 guarded golf course community located in Lake Mary, Seminole County Florida 32746. Magnolia Plantation is very convenient to shopping and the highways and located off of Markham Woods Road. Magnolia Plantation consists of over 500 single-family homes built in the 2000’s with over 2000sf on 1/3 + acre lots. Magnolia Plantation is home to the Magnolia Plantation Golf Club. Magnolia Plantation is a great place to live! For information on Lake Mary and Seminole County real estate and Lake Mary and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Lake Mary and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Lake Mary and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, We...
Comments 0
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
  What gets a house junkie excited?  Beautifully decorated, finely crafted homes in beautiful surroundings...  Especially the ones you can win for FREE! I'm counting down to January 1st to enter to win this years HGTV Dream Home Contest... Yes, you could win a free home.  I know it's crazy, but for the 3 people that haven't heard about this contest before, get excited NOW! The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is something that I look forward to every year...  I love HGTV, I'd watch 24/7 if I could.  One of my favorite Dream Homes was the house in St. Mary's Georgia - pictured above.  I'm such an home enthusiast that I had my husband drive me up to look at the house.  It was gorgeous - I didn't want to leave!  You can't register until January 1st, but you can take the tour of this years Victoria...
Comments 20
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Outstanding week of Lake Mary Home Sales - 9 homes sold this week in Lake Mary, Florida.  Typically we see a slowing of the market during the last month of the year, but this solid week of sales and a steady number of homes going under contract are positive real estate market signs.  Please click here for details about the homes sold this week in Lake Mary. There were 19 homes new to the market this week, if you are considering selling your Lake Mary home and would like more information about the current value of your home, please contact me for a free, no obligation home evaluation. Move To Lake Mary.com Lake Mary Florida Real Estate Sales Debbie Summers Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, ePRO 407-758-1020 or  Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com  Find your dream home in  Lake Mary, Florida...
Comments 0
By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Another solid week of home sales in Lake Mary, Florida.  The most expensive home sale of the week was in Heathrow Woods, a guard gated luxury home community just off Markham Woods Road.  The five bedroom, four and a half bath home was originally listed for $1,695,000 and sold just after four months on the market for $1,330,000.  Please click here for details on all of the homes sold in Lake Mary, Florida this week. Three of the seven sales this week were foreclosures...  If are looking for a home in Lake Mary or Seminole County, Florida, now is the time to take advantage of the affordable prices.  There are outstanding opportunities to buy a home or an investment property in Lake Mary and Seminole County... take advantage of interest rates at their historic lows.  Call me today for more...
Comments 0
By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
Heathrow is an upscale community located in Lake Mary, Seminole County Florida 32746. Heathrow has two 24/7 manned security entrances and is made up of over 2000 homes on approximately 3000 acres in 31 different and unique communities. Heathrow is a master planned community started in 1985 by Jeno Palucci, the founder of Chun King. Heathrow is home to the private Heathrow County Club with its 18-hole Ron Garl designed golf course, as well as the Heathrow Racquet Club with its 13 lighted tennis courts, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi & pro shop. Other area amenities include Sawyer Lake Park with its lighted volleyball and basketball courts, playground, soccer and softball fields, running/walking paths, fishing dock & canoe launch. A stones throw from Heathrow’s north entrance, there is Colonial To...
Comments 0
I received a referral this week from a first time home buyer I'm currently working with and some very good questions... Who should her friend contact first - Me or the loan officer that I referred her to?  This first time home buyer already knew from working with me that her friend shouldn't actually look at homes until she finds out what her buying power is and what type of loan she qualifies for first. You see I ask all Lake Mary home buyers to get Pre-Qualified for a mortgage before we actually go out to look for a home.  Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage is the first step down the road to home ownership and it shouldn't be past by just to see what's out there first. Many people think that using mortgage payment calculators are a sufficient way to establish a price range of homes ...
Comments 3
By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
Tree-Cutting Traditions When I was a kid, I lived in Michigan on 10 acres of land. Actually all of us that lived on the street had at least 10 acres. Needless to say it was a hike just going to play with the neighbor kids. Every Christmas my dad and I had a tradition. We would trek into our woods and cut down our own Christmas trees. I remember putting on my snowsuit and boots gloves and saw in hand, that was the fun part. The part that sucked was dragging that thing home. Not only was it cheap, but we found the most amazing full tree's that you just dont find at the places on the side of the road. One year we had a tree 8 or 9 ft tall. In the Spring, for every tree we cut we planted 2 or 3 more to replace that one. I can only imagine the trees that are back there now some 20 years lat...
Comments 1
By LaShawn Norden, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL
(Keller Williams Heritage Realty)
Not all communities in Seminole County have Home Owner Associations, but, there are a good portion that do. When I work with a client who is ready to buy a home, it's important to know if they want to live in a "deed" restricted community or not. If they want a community with a Home Owners Association, I then suggest that they be prepared to read a copy of the deed restrictions and covenants for the community in which they hope to buy in. Often times, it's more efficient if the Buyer reviews the restrictions BEFORE writing an offer on a property...especially if they have specific questions...such as the number of allowable pets, whether they can put up a fence, if a trampoline is permitted, etc. as those are all detailed in the Association deed restrictions & covenant documents for a co...
Comments 3
By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
Heather's Top Picks Bank Owned Real Estate Around Orlando, FL This weeks picks: 12/13/2008 This is a new edition in a series of blogs about Real Estate in Central Florida. I currently blog about What's Hot & What's Not in Orlando, a weekly look at the top listings for sale and recently sold properties. This series will go over my top picks of bank owned real estate in both Seminole & Orange County, FL. I will break down my top picks by area and price points. Each week will feature a new list of real estate for sale. Definitions: REO stands for Real Estate Owned or Bank Owned and it refers to a property that has gone back to the bank, or the mortgage company, after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction. A short sale is a property that is for sale where the value of the property is less th...
Comments 0
By Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
(LemonTree Realty)
I specialize in working with First Time Home Buyers and have heard this line time and time again. I love the house, everything is perfect, but "I just purchased a new_____ (bed, table, couch) and it wont fit in the _________ (bedroom, dining room, living room)" You fill in the blanks, but either way you fill it in, it's still the same sad excuse. Part of my job as a buyers agent for First time home buyers is to help educate you and help you see past the little hurdles that often times hinders buyers from purchasing the right home. Your furniture is not part of the buying process. Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions you will make, do you want to base it around a couple hundred dollar couch? Stick to your needs and wants list. I understand you recently purchased a...
Comments 7
Explore Lake Mary, FL
Lake Mary, FL Real Estate Professionals