THE Port Orange Real Estate & Community Event Blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" Home buyers who are thinking about moving to Daytona Beach, make sure you don't overlook the beautiful city of Port Orange, just 7 miles south of Daytona. I'm a Daytona Beach native, I've sold real estate in every city in Volusia county, and I personally live in Port Orange. One of the best things about Port Orange is the City Center. I've written several posts about events happening at the Port Orange City Center. The event that most locals are familiar with doesn't happen until October, called Port Orange Family Days. So you'll have to wait a few more months to attend that event. But this weekend, May 18 and again on June 8, there will be Concerts in the Park, at the Kenneth Parker Amphitheater. ... 05/16/2008

Recently, some Port Orange neighbors had a feud over a 1,000 watt light bulb that was shining from one house, onto the other. As usual, not all neighbors can get along. And in this case a feud between nieghbors over a bright light, resulted in a change in the rules regarding how bright, outdoor louds are allowed to be. This new rule was added to the city's Nuisance Ordinance. It basically allows for safety lights, but not nuisance lights. So you're not allowed to decide you dislike your neighbor, and install excessively bright lights that shine directly on neighbor's house. Yeah, I know. It sounds ridiculous that a simple feud would result in such silliness, but it sometimes happens. I'm just happy that I live in a city that takes it seriously when citizens have complaints or concerns. ... 05/11/2008

Port Orange Real Estate & Community Event Blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" I just got home from the Spruce Creek High School Honors Banquet at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center, for the graduating class of 2008. Why was I at a high school banquet? Well, because my daughter is graduating this year, with honors! =D (She's the redhead on the left)   If you're a real estate buyer who's considering a move to FL, here's some great information you may not be aware of. Florida has a program that enables any graduating student with over a 3.5 GPA (Brittany has a 3.8) to receive a 100% full scholarship to any participating state college, as long as by the time they graduate, they have completed 80 hours of community service and gotten a high enough score on their SAT or ACT exam. It's cal... 04/21/2008

Very cool creatures indeed, are the majestic owls who live in the beautiful Countryside Community of Port Orange, FL.I was recently reading a post by Mike Jones, about the owl and her nest, that was found under an overpass bridge in Tucson, AZ. His story prompted me to write this post.Let me start by saying, in my back yard is the most beautiful Norfolk Pine tree. I know everyone thinks Florida is supposed to be filled with Palm trees, and we certainly have our fair share, but my favorite tree is the Norfolk Pine. Now regular pine trees I can do without, since most of them end up with a fungus that eventually kills them. But the Norfolk Pine is different. I love the soft feel of the pine needles. And the thickness of the branches, in addition to the enormous height to which it grows, is... 04/08/2008

Expect to be impressed as you enter the impeccably maintained 3 bedroom (plus den) screened pool home located on lake in much sought after Town Park.        This elegant home features many upgrades starting as you pull up to the beautiful paved driveway with lush landscaping.  You will enjoy cooking in your gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar, upgraded cabinets and appliances.               The master suite offers oversized masterbed room with safe room, jacuzzi tub and seperate shower.  This open & bright floor plan has high ceilings throughout, surround sound, intercom system, crown molding & upgraded fixtures & fans.           Serenty awaits you when you enter the lanai area as it overlooks the sparkling waterway. Call Susan Southerland to see this great home today!  Century 21 Sundan... 04/08/2008

Each year in October, the city of Port Orange, which lies just south of Daytona Beach, has a huge event called Port Orange Family Days. Well, this year the city of Port Orange is also having "Port Orange Family Days: Kidz Days" this Thursday through Sunday, March 20-23. There will be a carnival every day, and there is a free booth where kids can create their own Easter hat to wear in their very own Easter Parade! As usual, the event will be held at the Port Orange City Center, but it will compliment the events being held by First Baptist Church (an Easter egg hunt!) on March 22, and the sunrise service at 7:30 a.m. by Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church on March 23 (also at the City Center). On Friday night at 8:00 p.m., don't miss the Movie Under the Stars, at the Port Orange Amphitheater... 03/18/2008

THE Port Orange Real Estate & Community Event Blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" If you’re considering a move to Port Orange Florida, here are some great reasons to buy real estate in this area. First of all, you have the opportunity to work with a first-class, award-winning, REALTOR®.   (That would be me)   But I’d also like to share with you, some of the many things this family-friendly city has to offer.If you arrive at Port Orange from I-95, you’ll be looking at a sign indicating that the street right in front of you is named Dunlawton Avenue if you go east, toward the ocean, and it’s named Taylor Road if you turn west, toward Spruce Creek Fly-In, a lot of new construction, and many homes with acreage on the outskirts of town.If you’re interested in new construction, I have... 02/03/2008

Every so often, Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS® has an "Open House Extravaganza!" Last weekend was one of those times. Now as you know, for this year, I've made the decision and coined the phrase "Real Estate is Great in 2008"! Right after Christmas my business started picking up, and it has continued to do so throughout the month of January. Now, back to our Open House Extravaganza. Our company took out a full-page, full-color ad in the Daytona Beach News Journal and every house in the ad was held open. The last time we did this a few months ago, it was a complete bust. But this one was completely different. One of our agents had 30 people come through!I personally had 8 couples view my listing at 822 Bayridge in Port Orange and one of those couples is very interested! AND I'm now worki... 02/01/2008

Are you looking to buy a new house in Port Orange Florida? You've come to the right place! Last month I posted a blog about Centerline Homes at Oakbrook. But this month we're going to focus on Holiday Builders, who are also building homes in Oakbrook at Port Orange. If you'd like to learn more about living in Port Orange, try these links... (I'm live here too, so feel free to ask, if you don't find what you need in these other posts.) Things to Do in Port Orange FloridaPicture Yourself in Port OrangePort Orange Florida; A Great Place to LivePlan A Fun Outing in Port OrangeAnd before I continue with my information about Holiday Builders at Oakbrook in Port Orange, you may be interested in these re-sale communities. Both of these featured communities have fantastic amenities! Countryside ... 01/23/2008

THE Port Orange Real Estate & Community Events blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" I'm going to start my annual Port Orange real estate blog with the motto I've decided to use for this year: Real Estate is Great in 2008! In my blog titled Daytona Beach Real Estate: 2007 Year in Review, I gave many details on the history of the Daytona Beach area real estate market over the last few years. Since Port Orange is part of the Daytona Beach area, I highly recommend you read that post. As I said in the Daytona Beach post, it was at the beginning of 2006 that some real estate agents in east Volusia County, where the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS is located, began to report slower sales, while I personally didn't experience the market drop until July of 2006.  Meanwhile, muc... 01/14/2008

Buy a new house in Port Orange Florida. New construction at it's best! In my quest to stay abreast of things that can help my real estate clients, I like to frequently visit new housing developments, since every builder offers different perks to their buyers. I compare the prices, floor plans and amenities with other developments and builders in the area. A couple of days ago I stopped by the Centerline Homes model office at Oakbrook in Port Orange. This is a beautiful community with a very pretty entrance, a children's playground, gazebo, scenic nature trail and a pier overlooking an large lake. These amenities are all included in the incredibly low HOA fees which are currently only $46 per month.Centerline Homes at Oakbrook features several floor plans with living area square footage ... 12/18/2007

THE Port Orange Real Estate & Community Event Blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" As a REALTOR who was born and raised in the Port Orange area, I know Volusia County like the back of my hand. So I've been writing posts to share my first-hand knowledge with the public. The great thing about living in Volusia County is its' close proximity to a couple of larger cities as well. We have the best of both worlds.A little background about Port Orange...It was established on the banks of the Halifax River in 1867.In 1970, Port Orange was home to only 3,871 people.After selling real estate each day in the familiarity of my home county where I'm surrounded by family and friends, I come home to my beautiful house in Port Orange which is located just a few miles south of Daytona Beach. If y... 12/12/2007

If you're planning to buy real estate in Port Orange, here are a few more great reasons to live here. Yes, I personally live here. I was also born and raised in the Daytona Beach area. I'm proud to have called Volusia County my home for my 40 years of life.I just posted the information about the 30th Annual Port Orange Christmas Parade this Sunday. But I just ran across another fun thing to do this weekend. You can squeeze this one in before heading down to New Smyrna Beach for the Luau at Chases on the Beach. This Saturday, December 1, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be an Arts and Crafts Fair at the Port Orange City Center. And for the record, the Port Orange City Center is beautiful! And if you decide the Luau at Chases is not your thing, there will be a Tree Lighting C... 11/29/2007

If you live in or near Port Orange, Florida, you won't want to miss the 30th annual Port Orange Christmas Parade this coming Sunday afternoon. The parade will be on Dunlawton Ave., starting at 2:00 at Jackson Street and ending at Lafayette Street. This year's theme is Sea, Sand and Snow.If you've never attended a Port Orange Christmas Parade, I can assure you, it's sure to entertain. Don't forget the city's motto is "Unique by Choice, Not by Chance". This, along the with city officials dedication to keep Port Orange a family friendly area, means you'll never be left wanting when you attend a community event.I'm proud to be  a Port Orange resident myself, as well as a native of the Daytona Beach area. I hope to see you at the parade on Sunday! Also be aware that Dunlawton Avenue will be... 11/29/2007

Port Orange real estate sales have been slow, as have all areas of Volusia county. So I decided a market update was in order. I've had so few real estate calls lately that I'd be checking to make sure my phone is working if it weren't for the calls I was getting from parties who were interested in renting my condo conversion project listing. For this update, I gleaned the information from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS® and decided to share it with you.As of November 15, 2007 there are 972 active MLS listings for Port Orange Florida. Here's the breakdown of the active listings. Houses 685Single Family Attached (IE Duplexes) 134Condos 87Manufactured Homes with land 60Condotels 4Homes selling for land value only 2For the month of Octo... 11/15/2007

Just wanted to give you a snapshot of the market in Town Park in Port Orange at the end of October. There are 23 active lisitng in the community ranging from $264,000 for 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath with 1930 SF Living to $514,900 for 4 Bedroom /3 Bath with 3117 SF Living.There is one Home in the process of going throgh inspectons and financing.There were 9 sales in the development wince last year with sale prices ranging from $270,000 on 03/30/2007 to $410,000 on 07/02/2007. Contact me for detailed info on these or any other properties in the area. 10/31/2007

                                                             I've been bragging about Active Rain to some of my peers and colleagues.  They are showing interest and signing on.  This will help me to ensure that when I'm looking for someone online to refer to or get advice from, they are an ethical good source of information.  We are in the process of showing our "Title Insurance Expert" Natalie all it has to offer, and when she signs on I'm sure she'll bring some good people on board as well.  It will be a network within a network.  I invited a loan officer from California who was unaware of Active Rain as are many of his peers.  His area is not saturated and he's the featured lender in his area just by signing up.  This is a great tool.  Let's work it the way it was intended.   You are... 10/18/2007

We have the best representative from our Century 21 Mortgage Office servicing our area.  This week alone whe assisted in 5 leads and was successful in getting two to the table within a week.  I cannot describe how important a service this is when dealing with buyers in a hurry, who have so many options available.  Excellent service and immediate response is what they want.  And with Patti Morris, that's what they get. I have just invited her to join us Active Rainers.  Look for her profile soon.  You'll like what you see and your customers will benefit as ours do. 10/12/2007

I received a Citizen Alert e-mail from the Port Orange police department that there is a couple targeting homes in Port Orange, with "For Sale" signs in their yards. Follow the link above, for the description of the couple.The system they're using is to show up unannounced, claiming that they are interested in buying a home. The male is doing most of the talking. Once inside the house, the female will wander off, as if looking at the house. After they leave, sellers are discovering that they are missing their credit cards.They are claiming to be from Fayetteville, NC, parts of Georgia, and/or opening a business in the area. They have been seen driving a large Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury style vehicle in some type of beige color. Credit cards have been the only items taken, and have b... 10/09/2007

Rob Matthews from Port Orange FL, will be running the NYC Marathon on November 4, 2007 for the charity The Nicholas Rossomando Memorial Scholarship Fund. Rob Matthews has promised to raise at least $2,500 for the cause while he trains for (and runs!) the New York City Marathon.  Nick was a fireman with the elite rescue company located on Staten Island, Rescue 5. Nick, along with his fellow firefighters from that company, answered the call to the World Trade Center on 9/11/01.  He had just finished a tour and was getting ready to go home when the call came in. Nevertheless, he jumped on the truck with the rest of the men and rushed to the towers.   Nick and the rest of those valiant young men never returned home that evening.Nick gave his life while saving others. He was just 35 years ol... 10/09/2007