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Saint Cloud, FL Real Estate News

By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
RELOCATING TO KISSIMMEE-ST.CLOUD, FLORIDA, ST.CLOUD HOMES & LAND, LLC  Relocating to Florida? Kissimmee-StCloudflHomes.com is a great resource for useful information in making your transition an easy one.  Newcomers to Central Florida, need special assistance getting their bearings. St.Cloud Homes & Land, LLC offers a FREE resource guide containing all the important phone numbers you will need to get settled in beautiful Kissimmee-St.Cloud Florida.  Contact our office and ask for your FREE Guide to Osceola County, Florida or visit our website at www.kissimmee-stcloudflhomes.com and we will be happy to assist you. Florida attracts over two million national and international vistors a year. With beautiful pristine beaches, the Florida Space Coast, Disney, Universal, Seaworld, Epcot, Anima...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
LEARNING THE ROPES OF HOME BUYING- Most first time home buyers are not sure where to begin; but 87% of them will start on the Internet. Another 30% drive through various communities, and make call sign calls to various agents on homes they see are for sale.   Few agents use "Sale Pending" signs at least in my area of St.Cloud Kissimmee Florida. First time home buyers often find out too late the home they liked on the drive by is already off the market or "pending" which mean it has a contract on it. Knowing how the Real Estate business works can save you lots of headaches down the road and help you avoid conflicts between agents and agencies.  Real Estate is a commission based profession. LEARNING THE ROPES OF HOME BUYING  1) "KNOW BEFORE YOU GO" Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan.   ...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
IS BANKRUTCY REALLY THE BEST OPTION IN A SHORT SALE?  A Short Sale occurs when a property owner suffers a hardship, preventing them from keeping current on making their mortgage payments. There are several reasons a financial hardship can and does occur. Loss of employment, divorce, reduction is wages, or medical expenses are just a few.  More times than not, the property is no longer worth what is owed against it.   A Short Sale can be applied for; based on the hardship. If the home is your primary residence some lenders may qualify you for depending on your particular set of circumstances. There has been major attention focused on lenders and new legislation put in place which may benefit you. But in cases where the property is an Investment Property most often the Lender's Investor w...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
TO FEE OR NOT TO FEE- SHOULD REAL ESTATE BROKERAGES PAD THEIR COMMISSIONS?  THAT IS THE QUESTION.  Real Estate business models vary widely.  Some large nationwide franchises do in fact add additional fees which are passed along onto customers.    They go by different names such as "Legal Compliance fee" or "Administrative Fee" or "Transaction Fee" but in almost all cases provide no real benefit to consumers.   They do however add additional cost.  Depending on the individual franchise, the fee can range from $225.00-$295.00 per transaction. OUCH! It is not illegal- but, do consumers really understand what they are contracting for?    In most cases the answer is "No". A disclosure is generally provided to the party hiring a brokerage which charges additional fees; outlining the cost of t...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
ST.CLOUD REALTOR ALLISON STEWART HOME SEARCH TIPS AND TACTICS FOR MAKING A SUCCESSFUL OFFER ON YOUR NEXT KISSIMMEE ST CLOUD FLORIDA HOME. Kissimmee St CLoud Florida homes are a hot. But before you jump in the car and begin your search; there are a few tips and tactics which will make finding your next St. Cloud Kissimmee home much easier. 1) Be Prepared.  You will need a letter of Pre-Approval from ANY lender if you are financing. Pre-Approval Letters show you have been pre-qualified for a homeloan based on your credit history and repayment history. They are FREE and take only a few minutes for the loan officier to prepare. A Pre-Approval letter is NOT a Loan Approval- but it is an important 1st Step in Kno9wing how much home you can easily afford. 2) If you are paying Cash- You will ne...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
ST.CLOUD REALTOR ALLISON STEWART REVEAL EMERGING MARKET TREND WHICH AFFECTS BAY LAKE RANCH, LAKE LIZZIE, HARMONY, KISSIMMEE BAY, LAKE POINTE. LUXURY HOMES LOW PRICES. Luxury Homes, lots of acreage, stables, or a private pond-perhaps a home on golf course all these images come to mind when one thinks of the luxury market.  Communities like Bay Lake Ranch, In St. Cloud boast of custom built homes, lots with acreage, Zoned for horses. on the East Side of St. Cloud, Florida offer a more countrified atmosphere, while convenient to destination locations like Orlando, Disney, and Melbourne Beach. For Golf Fans the Community of Harmonyis also located on the East Side of Saint Cloud Florida- large luxurious homes, and smaller developmental style homes create a picturesque small town ambiance; a ...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
Housing in Kissimmee St Cloud Florida that qualify for Federally Funded Programs  are hard to come by. The day the short sale approval was received on what the seller thought was "safe"buyer: a 501 (c) 3 Charitable Organziation who was an "Approved Vendor" on the list of the Osceola County Neighborhood Stabilization Program he saw more than just his deal die on the vine.   His lender had approved his short sale application; and was prepared to put a check in hand at closing.  This would have beenthe fresh start he and his family had hoped for. But hope is not lost... This property, qualifies under more than one Federal Funded Program. That is great news for First Time Home Buyers looking for a good solid sturdy 3 bedroom 2 bath block home.  It also qualified for the Rural Housing Loan P...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
 KISSIMMEE ST CLOUD HOMES & LAND 5 QUICK TIPS TO STAND OUT FROM YOUR COMPEITION.  Are you seriously considering selling your Kissimmee St Cloud Homes & Land?  This is a big difference between "Listing" your home and SELLING your home.  QUICK TIP #1- DON'T SELL YOURSELF THE PROPERTY.  Seller's often are emotionally attached to the property- afterall, you have put so much of yourself into it.  A common mistake sellers make is to price their home emotionally rather than through an analysis of what the current climate really is. Ask what the recent sales have been, the median price, the average price and the number of days on the market. This will give you an overview of what price your home is most likely to achieve based on facts not emotion. QUICK TIP #2- DON'T BE A DOG CHASING A CAR.  Y...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
ST.CLOUD FLORIDA REAL ESTATE- BUY YOUR COLLEGE KID A HOUSE.  Sounds extravagant doesn't it? Starter homes in St.Cloud Kissimmee Florida could be a better financial move than overpaying for a tiny dorm room.  When caluclating the overall cost of a dorm room over a four year period, it is much more economical to consider buying a House in St. Cloud Florida- according to St. Cloud Fl Realtor® Allison Stewart of St. Cloud Homes & Land, LLC. " Buying  Smaller St.Cloud homes make a viable alternative to expensive overcrowded dorms."  It also gives young adults a truly independent living experience. The benefits to owning a smaller home include tax deductions which you tax professionals can advise you of. Which dorm living does not.  We have a great assortment of starter homes in the historic ...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
Osceola County Florida St.Cloud Homes Bay Lake Ranch Real Estate Realtor Update: Bay Lake Ranch is not your usual subdivision. Nestled on the east side of St. Cloud Florida seven miles from Harmony, 30 minutes south of the Orlando International Airport; 40 minutes east of Disney and 40 minutes west of Melbourne Beach Florida; Bay Lake Ranch is a perhaps one of the most unqiue communities still remaining in St. cloud Florida. It is not your typical subdivision. What makes it so different? Well, for one thing it is one of the very few communities  without a Home Owners Association. Homes are well kept and the owners show pride in ownership.  It is also an Equestrian Estate  Home Community.  Hold Your Horses!  Osceola County Florida Equestrian Estate Homes in St. Cloud Florida? Homes are a...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
 A LITTLE SNOW ON THE ROOF IN THE SUNBELT? ABSOLUTELY. WORKING WITH MATURE BUYERS WHO ARE REDISCOVERING CENTRAL FLORIDA HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES- In my market of St.Cloud/Kissimmee Florda homes,prices have dropped so significantly that they are close to what homes sold for between 1989-1992.  Imagine a winter home selling for under $50,000. They are and we have them. As a result, we haveexperienced an  increase of retirement minded individuals coming back to the housing market for a variety of reasons.  Some are investing in low end housing and are fixing up foreclosed properties for rental purposes. Many are looking at St.Cloud Florida short sale properties and recognize the value of having a little patience in order to save a great deal of money.  Many are cash buyers. Most are snow bird...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
WHOEVER SAID TALK IS CHEAP?  HOW WHAT YOU SAY CAN DECREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME. It has a great location, is clean, and you feel confident that it is priced right.  Besides no one knows more about your home than you do.  You hired an agent who listed the home, has placed a sign on your front yard and left instructions for other agents to contact you directly. (This is the first big mistake a home seller makes) WHAT YOU SAY IS NOT WHAT THEY HEAR The buyers seemed nice, liked the home and had a few questions. They ask how old is the roof. Instead of differing to the seller's disclosure your agent had you fill out at the time of lisitng, you are sure you can fill in the blanks for the buyer.   THIS IS WHERE THE BUYERS MENTAL CALCULATOR KICKS IN "The roof, electrical and plumbing are ALL ...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
IS IT WHO YOU KNOW OR WHAT YOU KNOW THAT MATTERS?   "My Cousin's sister's friend's neighbor is a Real-A-tor and she said....we should wait until the prices come down before we buy a home." Really?  When was the last time she sold one?   "Well, um er, she has been working her other job over at the convenience store until things get better".   Really? and when exactly will that be?  "Dunno-but we are gonna wait until the prices come down".  The house you called about is $24,900, it qualifies for 100% financing, no monthly mortgage Insurance, and has no homeowners association fees.   There are multiple offers on it and it is the lowest priced home on the block. Similar homes have sold in the last 90 days for more than this one which was discounted because it is only two bedrooms.  Did you ...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
St.Cloud Florida Real Estate is Small Town Anywhere USA- We have the State streets to prove it!  Founded in 1909, Saint Cloud Florida Real Estatewas scooped up by sugar plantation owners in the early part of the 20th Century. The rich fishing found in East Lake Toho quickly converted the town of St. Cloud Florida, into a City Celebrating Small Town Living. Our Downtown historic district features many century old homes lovingly cared for and updated over time, but built to last even back then. There are antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and even a hotel or two to make your stay more pleasant. And of course the centerpiece of the downtown district is City Hall. The heart of the City of St.Cloud Florida is the beautiful Lakefront, complete with Crabby Bill's Seafood Restaurant, an...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
HOME PRICES IN ORLANDO HOT LOWEST PRICES IN 13 YEARS-LET'S LOOK AT WHY The Orlando Sentinel-reports that Orlando existing home sales have fallen to the lowest level in 13 years (1997)   What the report does not examine is the adjustment for inflation and decline in value of the dollar. When those two factors are added to the equation the numbers are even lower than the graph suggests.  The reason for this is two-fold.  Tighter lender practices and higher foreclosure rates both of which are controlled by lenders. In NeighboringOsceola County sales of existing homes are weighted heavily by distressed properties.  In fact, 75% of all existing home sales are short sales or sales of foreclosed properties according the Osceola County Board of Realtors.  At the top tier of home pricing are tra...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
BUYERS 4 REASONS WHY TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE IN ST. CLOUD FLORIDA SHORT SALES Short sales can take a little time to navigate through the channels. As a home buyer this time is an advantage to you for the following reasons: 1) It affords you the oppportunity to saVe additional money. Over the period of a couple of months, that could be really helpful in decorating your new home. 2) It gives you time to plan your move. Efficiently and effectively. 3) It provides an opportunity to plan in advance the changes you want to make to your home, placement of where your furniture will go, room colors and accent pieces and time to locate the "perfect" piece to compliment your new dream home. 4) Time to plan your landscaping, or save for a shed, gazebo, or new outdoor patio furniture.   Time is on your...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
3 REASONS WHY LONG SHORT SALE ANSWERS ARE AN ADVANTAGE TO BUYERS IN ST.CLOUD FLORIDA. One does not have to look too hard on Zillow to follow the chart indicating prices have dropped yet again. 34771 Zillow Home Value Index 34771 Home Values - Interactive chart The sales do not reflect the backlog of pending sales, which include short sales awaiting answers from Lenders. Short sale negotiators like Rhonda Owen, of Stewart Approved Title Company had many sales in the pipeline awaiting lender approval. Some still taking months to resolve. "With short sales, as you know, the closing date is determined by the seller's lender... unfortunately they decide when we will close and we just have to hope the buyers hang around long enough.  The number one reason short sales don't close is because th...
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
FEDERAL MONEY AVAILABLE FOR ST.CLOUD FLORIDA HOMES BUYERS 100% FIANANCING- Yes, it is true. There are still Federally funded loan programs available in the St.Cloud/Kissimmee Florida area.  Thinking maybe you are ready to buy your first home?  100% Finanacing is available through Federally Funded Low risk programs like the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and Rural Housing Loan Prpgram. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program requires app-licants to take an 8 hour class, which they must successfully complete, along with their application. The Rural Housng Program does not.  The program is designed to help home buyers with 100% financing on approved properties.  This home is an example of a home which qualifies under the Rural Housing Program for buyers earning less than $76.300 per yea...
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By Aryn Nichols
(Time Savers Virtual Assistants)
I just found this out today and it's almost over but this week was no name-calling week. It's part of the anti-bullying campaign. I don't think that it is getting enough exposure so I wanted to make it the topic of my blog today. You can visit - http://www.nonamecallingweek.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home.html to learn more about it and see what you can do. Are your kid's schools participating in this? Did anyone know about this already? Maybe I was the only one in the dark! Anyway I just wanted to share that to help spread the word. Thanks!     About the Author: Aryn Nichols does Virtual Assistance for Time Savers Virtual Assistance and is also a consultant with Just Jewelry.  
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By Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904
(St.Cloud Homes )
ARE BANKS FINALLY GETTING IT?  It seems the pendulum must swing both ways in order to find the middle. In 2004-2006 they were giving loans to anyone who has a pulse and stated income. The market was in super sonic price escalation and the experts all saw the writing on the wall of what was yet to come.  Then in 2007, it was like someone flipped the switch and Real Estate in St.Cloud Florida and Kissimmee as well as everywhere else would be forever changed.  Banks were relentless in their stubborn determination not to work with distressed home homeowners. As mortgage rates re-adjusted more and more fell into the depths of despair unable to pay their mortgages;  watching their home values decline and equity evaporate. Homeowners made the decision the banks never anticipated; they decided ...
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