This real estate market has become a unique opportunity for first time buyers, who aren't saddled with trying to sell a home, to take advantage of the long list of reasons to buy. As a first time buyer in Mount Dora, FL now you can: •·         Take advantage of some of the best interest rates in history! •·         Buy homes in our market at prices that haven't been seen since 2002 or longer! •·         Move in with less money than you can rent, often with zero cash! •·         Get $7,500 back on this year's taxes to do with as you please! •·         Continue to get some of the most liberal common sense underwriting from FHA, VA and USDA loans! Never before has this perfect storm existed for first time buyers, but the truth is we know it won't last forever. Interest rates may stay low b... 01/07/2009

With the media implanting nothing but negative I wanted to share just a little about the market in Lake County, Florida.  It is not all dread and doom and consumers are buying.  Lake County is located in Central Florida and has over 1400 named lakes.  There are also numerous beautiful Golf Courses to enjoy and we are the next county over from Orlando....so it's a hop, skip and jump to visit Mickey and Minnie.  The beaches are beautiful and there are many charming little towns such as Mt. Dora, where you can walk the streets, dine in fabulous cafe's and tea rooms and browse the many antique shops and boutiques.                                                                                                            So, here goes.... In the last 3 months (9/10/2008-12/10/2008), 116 resid... 12/10/2008

The most recent sales statistics for Lake County, Florida, including the Mount Dora area, confirm what we all know, that buying a home is getting much more affordable. With home prices declining better deals are being had by those willing to go after them. October sales increased 5.5% over September and of the single family homes sold a whopping 69.8% were under $200,000! When you include homes up to $250,000 number jumps to 83.5% of all sales! It goes to show there are great deals happening out there when for the first time in many years cash sales outnumbered any other type of financing! That tells you investors are picking up the steals and is usually a good sign to buy. But what if you don't have the cash to buy? Contrary to media misinformation mortgage money is still readily avai... 12/08/2008

FREE CHRISTMAS FUN FOR EVERYBODY IN MOUNT DORA FLORIDA December 12th and 13th 2008 Sing A  Long with Santa on December 12th at the W.T. Bland Public Library on Donnelly Street 352-735-7180 Free movie in the park  "The Polar Express" December 12th 7-10 p.m. 352-735-7183 Snow at Donnelly Park on December 13th from 4 to 9 p.m.  What a great chance for the kids to go sledding in sunny Florida.  Don't forget your camera.  352-735-7183 Click on the Donnelly house below to see more photos. If you are a first time visitor to Mount Dora Florida be sure to make the trip here you'll be glad you did.  New residents have told me living here is "easy" and I certainly agree. We look forward to seeing you here! Have a special holiday season, Karen and Ray Levy 352-978-8551 www.lakeocuntyhomepros.com   12/08/2008

THE 2008 MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS WALK WAS A GREAT FAMILY EXPERIENCE.  I WANTED TO CAPTURE THE SIGHTS OF THE EVENT FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND.   The Donnelly House is rich with history and a great place to visit.     Entertainers can be found everywhere The PIGLETS PANTRY IS A MOUNT DORA TRADITION.  It's a great place to purchase treats for your pet or pick up a gift for a friend.  If you are looking for a very unique gift for a pet owner this is the best place to find it! Be sure to tell the Karen and Ray said hello.  The people there are very friendly.   Entrance to the Mount Dora Community Center. Family enjoying the Christmas walk.   We hope you enjoyed the pictures.   If you are new to the area we would love to help you learn everything you can about the Mount Dora area... 12/06/2008

Santa's Christmas Tree Forest Monday 12/1- Sunday 12/7 Location: 35317 Huff Road, Eustis Cost: Free Open for season 11/28.  Along with finding and cutting down that perfect tree, activities for the family include:  Hayrides, farm zoo, horse and cart rides, a gift shop, concession stand and play haystack.  Also, new this year is the maze and cornbox. Contact:  Jack Ewing @ 352-357-9863 or email  lcsanta@aol.com 12/01/2008

Light Up Mount Dora November 29, 2008 (Saturday after Thanksgiving)Join us in lighting Donnelly Park and Downtown Mount Dora with close to 2 million sparkling lights! Wonderful Holiday Season Entertainment and festivities including Community Choir, Ballet, Soloist, Singalongs and Santa!! It's a great event for the entire family.  If you get there early be sure to bring a blanket and chair. Location: Donnelly ParkTimes: 4:30pm-9pmVISIT WWW.LAKECOUNTYHOMEPROS.COM for details undet the Mount Dora section and events. Happy Holidays! Ray Levy 11/25/2008

The Fun Starts at 4PM at The Cellar at Tavares for a Wine Tasting At 5pm you will board your Dora Canal cruise. Cruise through the beautiful Dora Canal. Later you will meet up at at the Cellar for a dinner sponsored by The World's Worst Deli.  Choice of Soup: Sundried Tomato Basil or Chicken Noodle Plus Choice of One of the following: Side Salad or ½ Chicken Salad Sandwich or ½ Roast Beef Sandwich Only $35 Seating is Limited so Please reserve your Seat and chose your Supper Menu Reserve by Credit Card at 352 434-8040     Be sure to give them a call.  You don't want to miss out!   Ray and karen Levy   www.lakecountyhomepros.com 11/20/2008

What a great way to observe beautiful downtown Mt. Dora....on a Segway.  Just zoom around on a 1 hour guided tour of the charming town and surrounding nature parks.  Training is provided prior to tour.  Learn about Mt. Dora's history and have a joyful ride.  Reservations are recommended.  Wednesday  11/19 and Sunday  11/23 at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm Cost:  $48 Address:   140 W. 5th Ave  Mt. Dora, Fl 32757  Contact:  Dave Holzapfel  352-383-9900 or e-mail segwayofcentralflorida@yahoo.com         If you would like to just sit and relax while enjoying the views of our charming town take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage.  Go back in time while enjoying the scenery.      Wednesday-Sunday  12-4 Friday-Saturday  7-10 Cost:  $5-$14 Address:  4th & Alexander Formal weddings, romantic private rides ... 11/18/2008

FREE HOLIDAY FUN IN MOUNT DORA FLORIDA DECEMBER 19 AND 20 1.)  DECMBER 19 AND 20 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IS PRESENTING "A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS" AT 6:30 AND 8:00PM.  BE SURE TO CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 352-383-4089 I'VE BEEN THERE FOR OTHER EVENTS AND THE FOLKS ARE REAL FRIENDLY. 2.) DEMBER 20 10:30 PM BE SURE TO VISIT SAINT NICK AND HIS GREY DEER.  IT'S STORY TIME SO BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY AND THE CAMERA SO YOU CAN CAPTURE YOUR SPECIAL MEMORY.  They are using rescued greyhounds. CALL W.T. BLAND LIBRARY AT 352-735-7180 FOR DETAILS. Have a special holiday season, Ray and karen Levy   www.lakecountyhomepros.com   11/18/2008

FREE CHRISTMAS FUN FOR EVERYBODY IN MOUNT DORA FLORIDA December 12th and 13th 2008 Sing A  Long with Santa on December 12th at the W.T. Bland Public Library on Donnelly Street 352-735-7180 Free movie in the park  "The Polar Express" December 12th 7-10 p.m. 352-735-7183 Snow at Donnelly Park on December 13th from 4 to 9 p.m.  What a great chance for the kids to go sledding in sunny Florida.  Don't forget your camera.  352-735-7183 If you are a first time visitor to Mount Dora Florida be sure to make the trip here you'll be glad you did.  New residents have told me living here is "easy" and I certainly agree. We look forward to seeing you here! Have a special holiday season, Karen and Ray Levy 352-978-8551 www.lakeocuntyhomepros.com   11/16/2008

FREE HOLIDAY STREET PARTY IN THE VILLAGE AT MOUNT DORA DECEMBER 6TH 6-9 PM Enjoy Music, Shopping and dinning Here is a sample of what will be taking place in beautiful downtown Mount Dora: N.Y. Style Jazz Trio Davids Not For Sale Band 1st United Methodist Choir Barbershop Quartet United InPraise Chorus Plantation Rhythm Cloggers Kid Zone John Nations The Juggler and of course Santa Clause   You can call 352-735-1191 for details :) It's an event that gets better every year.  Come to Mount Dora and make a memory with your loved ones. Ray and Karen Levy www.lakecountyhomepros.com 352-978-8551 Have a wonderful holiday season! 11/16/2008

Don't miss it! Renningers Extravaganza this weekend. One of the many reasons that Mount Dora is a great place to live!! Renningers can be found on 441, Just North of St. Road 46 and South of the entrance to Country Club of Mount Dora. More than 1000 dealers of antiques and just all around cool stuff. Bring your walking shoes and plenty of water....don't miss the funnel cake, turkey legs and kettle corn....see you there and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 11/14/2008

I have noticed, within the past month, a significant increase in the amount of inquiries and showings of our listings compared to what we have seen over the past year.  We are getting a greater number of calls daily on a wide range of properties in Mount Dora and the surrounding Lake County.  Our website PierceRealty.net is seeing increased traffic.  And we are presenting more and more offers to our sellers.  This sounds like a good thing right?!  In actuality, it is becoming more of a frustration for our sellers, than a Godsend. People are looking to buy instead of rent.  Good thing...Yes! People are actually making offers on properties for sale.  Good thing...Yes! People are looking at Real Estate as a viable investment again.  Good thing...Yes! This uptick in Buyers indicates that th... 11/13/2008

Dancing Under The Stars in MOUNT DORA FLORIDA This Saturday at Grantham Point at the Lighthouse on Charles Avenue in Mount Dora, FL. The Event will take place between 7PM and 10PM Come on out and dance under the stars at beautiful Grantham Point. Maggie Noles the Mount Dora dance instructor will be on hand to show you some moves. For more information please contact 352-735-7183 or 352-383-2165. Karen and I look forward to meeting you there!         Ray Levy WWW.Lakecountyhomepros.com 11/13/2008

  One of my favorite places to eat.  5th Ave Cafe...yep you guessed it on 5th Ave- 116 East to be exact.   Leigh Love is the proud owner of 5th Ave and has much to smile about.  She strives everyday to bring you the freshest and organic food.  There is great atmosphere, great food and great service!  Leigh, a Mount Dora resident, is active in the community as a member of the Mount Dora Merchants Association, and a Board Member of the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Mt. Dora has such unique charm you will fall in love and many do in just one visit.  There are quaint antique shops, wonderful little coffee and ice cream shops and the views walking around this distinct little town will take you back in time. 5th Ave serves food without chemicals, dyes, pesticides or unwanted ... 11/13/2008

Renningers is have their Antique Extravaganza November 14th, 15 and 16th in Mount Dora Florida. This event will attract thousands of dealers and buyers from around the country.  With over 1000 outside dealers and 200 inside shops it's a full day event. They open at 10:00 A.M. Friday and 8:00 A.M. Saturday and Sunday Tickets Friday are $10.00, $6.00 on Saturday and only $4.00 on Sunday. If you are a collector or just want a great deal be sure to get there early. If you have more questions you can call them at 1-800-522-3555 Have a great time and be sure to comment here to let us know what you purchased.  We would love to see pictures too!     This buildable lot with a southern view of Lake Eustis was just reduced to $259,000. Ray Levy www.lakecountyhomepros.com     11/13/2008

FHA loan limits that had been boosted by Congress to encourage refinancing of many subprime loans are set to decrease on January 1, 2009. Currently the area has a limit of $353,750 and that will be reduced to $274,850 for the standard FHA loan. If you are considering a purchase of up to $360,000 and they need minimum down, now is your last chance! Once the new loan limit is in effect the highest price you can pay for a home without having to put additional money down will be 284,800. Remember also that FHA minimum downpayment increases to 3.5% effective 01/01/09 as well! Thankfully there is still plenty of money to lend and FHA's credit and income guidelines continue to be very forgiving. For more information you know who to call. Gerry Suarez, Jr. Your FHA Loan Pro! 11/10/2008

Light Up Mount Dora November 29, 2008 (Saturday after Thanksgiving)Join us in lighting Donnelly Park and Downtown Mount Dora with close to 2 million sparkling lights! Wonderful Holiday Season Entertainment and festivities including Community Choir, Ballet, Soloist, Singalongs and Santa!! It's a great event for the entire family.  If you get there early be sure to bring a blanket and chair. Location: Donnelly ParkTimes: 4:30pm-9pmVISIT WWW.LAKECOUNTYHOMEPROS.COM for details undet the Mount Dora section and events. Happy Holidays! Ray Levy 11/09/2008

  Upcoming changes in the Rural Development loan program should allow more families to qualify with ZERO down and ZERO closing costs! The income restrictions are expected to ease, allowing households from 1to 4 family members to make over $70,000/yr and still qualify. Households having 5 to 8 family members would actually be able to qualify even if they make over $92,000/yr! These are substantial increases so if you were told you made too much to qualify for an RD loan, please look again! This coupled with the fact that every home in Mount Dora is in the eligible area will allow many young families and first time buyers the opportunity to take advantage of some of the best prices we have seen in four years. In September, 2009 over 57% of the single family homes sold in Lake County were ... 11/07/2008