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

Don't forget to mark your calenders.   This is an event you don't want to miss.  Best of all...it is free! November 29, 2008 28th Annual Light Up Mount Dora Time: 4:30-9PM Location: Donnelly Park in Downtown Mount Dora The lighting of Donnelly Park and Downtown Mount Dora with approximately 2 million sparkling lights.  I hope you have been good- I have heard Santa will be there too!!    Call 352-383-2165 for more information. 11/05/2008

Tina Allen from Mount Dora reminded me of the coming festival in Active Rain Withdrawals? I have visited the Show twice before, and she reminded me just in time for us to make plans for the coming weekend. I also wanted to try to make a live contact with a fellow Rainer, and I was curious to meet Tina's daughter Tiffany, who at 12 is an aspiring entrepreneur, making cookie mixes and selling them on the Internet. I liked Tiffany's site, it has a warm feel, I am sure people like it. Tina told me where to find them at Daisy a Day flower shop at 7th Street and Donnelly. It is my fault that I did not tell her that we were coming on Sunday. So, we found the shop but Tina was not there, we were told that she and Tiffany were somewhere in another kiosk.Well, considering the size of the show, it... 10/31/2008

G4641768 2352 WOLF BRANCH RD, MOUNT DORAList Price: $150,000 NEW LISTINGUnique property zoned multi but is in residential area on large corner lot.  - It has 2 kitchens - Single family home with mother in law suite/rental. Flat concrete roof may accommodate a second floor. Lots of potential! GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY!!!!!!!!!!!Legal Description: HIGHLAND PARK ESTATES W 1/2 OF LOT 63, LOT 64 PB 11 PG 62 ORB 1301 PG 307, ORB 1778 PG 1706  Lot Dimensions: 66x120  Beds: 5 Baths: 2 SqFt Heated: 1,720 -In-law quarters, Owner Occupied, Pets Allowed, Survey Available, OK to Lease, Tenant Occupied, Sold As-Is,Seller Property Disclosure-Driving Directions: FROM MT. DORA, TAKE US HWY 441 TO LEFT ON WOLFBRANCH RD. HOME ON RIGHT. If you are looking for similar properties, please do not hesitate to c... 10/30/2008

The Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate 1%,  The Price of a gallon of gas in our area is about $2.30 a gallon.  The combination of lower home prices and low interest rates have increased real estate activity in our area. As I mentioned earlier, the high percentage of cash buyers is an early signal that home pricing is becoming attractive.  These are the same investors that sold at the peak of the market just a few years ago.  Cash buyers can snap up quality homes at competitive prices. Actually, buyers who require a lender can also buy at wholesale prices if they are prepared to strike when the best deals hit the market.  It's not unusual to see quality properties sell for 20% below Fair Market Value in our area. If you read the next paragraph you will see that buyers requiring f... 10/29/2008

Halloween Egg Haunt @ the Library   Time: 6:30PMPrice: FREE Location: W.T. Bland Public Library - 1995 N. Donnelly Street  Mt. Dora Description: Hunt for black and orange eggs with your flashlights. Then turn in your eggs for a goody bag full of tricks and treats. For ages 10 and under on the front lawn of the Library. For more information please contact 352-735-7180. 10/29/2008

Mount Dora Ghost Walk     10/28-11/1 Grab your family and friends for an exciting evening of ghost and ghoul hunting.  Stay close and keep your eyes open- they may be watching from the dark, hidden alleyways.    Time: 6:30pm, 7:30pm & 8:30pm Price: 12 years old and older $7.00 Under 12 is $4.00  Location: Tours originate at the Mount Dora History Museum 450 Royellou Lane     Description: Lantern led tour of the shadowy alleys and streets of Old Mount Dora. History combined with legends and hopefully ghost sightings. The Lakeside Inn, Princess Theatre, Drawdy Lane, Historic Mount Dora Inn and the Haunted Jail Cell are just a few stops on your 1 hour, mile journey.  Complimentary refreshments at conclusion. Extra Info: Tickets at the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce (352) 383-2165 or visit... 10/29/2008

 "THE MOUNT DORA AREA WAS ONE OF THE LAST FLORIDA MARKETS TO DECLINE AND WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO IMPROVE"  According to a local Real Estate Investor. SMART Money says do the opposite of what the majority is doing at any given time.  Right now FEAR and UNCERTAINTY are dominating the majority so its time for the rest of us to develop a plan and make some smart choices. Did you know we are experiencing a sharp increase in the number of CASH buyers? SMART money is at work in our area. If you would like to learn more about our unique area visit www.lakecountyhomepros.com we have a foreclosure link on the home page.   HERE ARE A FEW THINGS WE ARE DOING TO HELP OUR CLIENTS.  1.) Work with lenders to negotiate aggressive pricing on properties.  2.) Identify your goals and develop a strategy... 10/28/2008

  Now more than ever government backed loan programs helping first time home buyers achieve their dream of homeownership. While talk of a credit crunch keeps some buyers sidelined many others are getting the best deals in years, with low rates and low or no down payments! Leading the charge is the old standby FHA loan. With as little as 3% down (increasing to 3.5% as of 01/01/09) you can get rates similar to those giving huge down payments. Qualifying is very flexible and most people with credit scores over 580 can qualify. The rules regarding the downpayment are very flexible too. For most buyers their tax refund may be enough, and gifts are allowed! We also have VA and USDA backed loans that allow someone to buy with no down payment. When you negotiate to have the seller pay your clos... 10/27/2008

Festival season in Lake County officially kicks off this weekend with the 24th Mount Dora Crafts Festival held along the downtown streets of Mount Dora. The Crafts Festival is a nationally ranked juried event with over 330 artisans and vendors.  The rainy weather should be clearing by late morning and a crowd topping last year's 200,000 is expected. The festival offers a wide variety of crafted items including categories in jewelry, clay, fiber, leather, metal, wood, and glass. The festival also offers photography and floral. One of the most popular items every year is the pussy willow and dried florals. The Craft Festival is organized by the Mount Dora Village Merchants Association which earmarks the money raised for advertising the city. I will be attending the festival with my family... 10/24/2008

The Country Club of Mount Dora katina@stakeyourland.com   "Making Dreams Come True,  One Family at a time"               10/23/2008

One of the best government backed 100% financing programs is available throughout the 32757 zip code of Mount Dora. The guaranteed rural development loan also allows you to finance up to 2% of your closing costs and frequently results in zero cash at closing to buy a home. Call for more information, and get in on some of the best priced real homes we have seen in years! Gerry Suarez, Jr. Your FHA Loan Pro! 10/16/2008

Friends, I will be attending the conference in Orlando and hope to meet some of the AR folks there.  If you are planning on attending send me a quick note so I can look for you there. Here are some of the main points of the conference: Discover how to identify what it is you really want, and permanently break through any barriers that might be holding you back. Dramatically increase your physical energy and mental clarity. Revitalize your relationships and inspire others. Infuse passion into every moment of your daily life. Master the principles of a vital, healthy life. Live life on your terms. These are great opportunities to network while learning or re learning important skills. BTW, as you know this is the selling season for many markets.  We have noticed a sharp increase in the pe... 10/16/2008

  The time has come again for the Mt. Dora Annual Craft Fair.  Admission is free- so bring the entire family.   All of the quaint shops and boutiques are awaiting your arrival.  This is a great place to find unique Christmas gifts for friends and family.  There are amazing restaurants to try as well as dozens of food vendors serving up your favorite all-time festival dishes. October 25th and 26th.  City ordinance of no pets please. Have a great time- hope to see you there! 10/13/2008

I had listed this home in Loch Leven about nine months ago at $699,000, two months later after about five open houses, the sellers dropped the price to $675,000 and then to $650,000. We had submitted several offer to the bank. Of course it took about two months for the bank to reply, requesting additional information. At that point the buyer gave up and withdrew his contract. Soon after two weeks we submitted another offer from another buyer that decided to go away after two weeks. Then first buyer came back again with a different agent and submitted another offer. Back to square one. The bank did not like the offer and ask for additional money. It was resubmitted. Of course at this point the bank bought the home at the court house steps. I still submitted the offer to the bank. I did n... 09/20/2008

The cutest little house in Lake Helen is available. It has totally been renovated inside. It has new carpet, new refrigerator, stove and cabinets with title flooring. The front porch is completely new.Home on 91x120 lot features new CHA, appliances. Not far from I-4. Easy commute to Orlando. MOVE IN READY, BRING ALL OFFERS. OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE--NO HOA'S--5 MINUTES TO I-4From 44 E to right on 1792 to left on Orange Camp Rd, past I-4, to left on N. Lakeview Dr. to right on Lake Pearl to left on Prevatt.It has two bedrooms and one bath. It would make it a wonderful starter home for a couple that likes to be on the move. I-4 is only couple of minutes away. You can drive to Daytona Beach in no time or venture to Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs or Orlando. You may also want to buy the acre... 09/20/2008

The Ice House Theatre located in Mount Dora, FL opened its 2008-2009 season September 12 with Crimes of The Heart by Beth Henley, winner of a 1981 Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. The play centers around the three Magrath sisters; Lenny, Meg and Babe. Lenny is almost thirty with diminishing marital prospects, Meg is back in town after a failed singing career and Babe, the youngest is out on bond after shooting her husband because she doesn't "like his face." Crimes of the Heart runs from September 12 thru October 5, 2008. See The Orlando Sentinel Article. The Ice House Theatre rounds out its 2008-2009 season with A wonderful Life (a musical adaptation of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life.) The Underpants by Steve Martin, The Honky Tonk Angels, and On Golden ... 09/13/2008

Well, Ms. Fay lingered around a little long for me.  I believe today was the 5th day that we have had constant rain in Florida.  How dreary!  I live in Florida for the warmth, wonderful sunshine and beautiful beaches.  It definately ruins my daily activities to keep looking out the window and seeing rain, rain and more rain. Where I live did not get flooded like some of the surrounding counties but we have our fair share of puddles.  It is kind of ironic that for almost the past year everyone, including a buyer I was showing many homes on lakes to, has been complaining how dry it has been and we need some rain.  Well, here it is and now everyone is complaining we have too much!  It never ceases to amaze me that people just have to complain- constantly.  I actually live in Mt. Dora which... 08/22/2008

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 sell it! Fast! Relocating to the Orlando Flor... 07/05/2008

Today I want to share someone who doesn't always get the recognition he deserves. Here is to Dr. Beau (Delaporte) our family veterinarian. When I moved to Eustis about ten years ago I had three cats; Abigail                                Paisley                                                  and Lost Kitty. I had never found a vet I was completely comfortable with in Orlando so I was definitely in the market for a vet I could trust. (Abigail was 19, Paisley was 9 and Lost Kitty was of unknown age but she had been with me for 4 years.) My first encounter with a Lake County vet was not good. I came home from work one day and Abigail was obviously ill. I took her to the only vet I could find open that night. That vet was not forthcoming and honest with a prognosis. I left his office tha... 06/13/2008