What a a view worth to you?  Lake-front property has long been a desirable commodity. Finding it has become increasingly difficult as new developments spring up almost everywhere, and Planned Unit Developments begin to exceed single family dwellings. So finding  a 3 acres lake-front house could cost a consumer a lot. However, some views are hidden. Does this diminish the value or is it a diamond in the rough?I recently spoke to a homeowner frustrated by slow sales in our adjusting market. He called me in as an area expert being I live work and play in St. Cloud to assess why his lake-front home had not been successful in selling.Like the good Realtor that I am (just ask for my letters of recommendation) I previewed the property before our appointment. Went around the neighborhood takin... 05/18/2007

The best way to learn about an area is to Ask A Local. They know where he best restaurants are,  the favorite hot spots, the best fishing is, the best golf courses. And where the best deals on houses are.  When considering relocation is it always helpful to ask a local resident what they like best about where they are living. ne can learn a lot while waiting in line. The insider secrets to any community have enormous value. As a contributing writer from St. Cloud In The News, I try to keep abreast of fun and unique things that St. Cloud has to offer. My area of expertise is Real Estate.One of the hot places in town where folks meet to talk is Fred's Auction. Fred's has been in business for over 41 years. It is a family run operation, and they have auctions every night at 7pm. Whatever y... 05/18/2007

Everyone yearns for their own private "piece of heaven" a perfect, peaceful santuary they can call home. In the madness of 2005 most of these were priced so high no one could really afford them. Well the good news is, the market has shifted and prices have come down.Seeking sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city is what has attracted so many people to Osceola County, in the heart of Central Florida. Not the western side, where tourist clog the roadways, or where one waits endlessly for a seat at the local restaurant. But the EAST SIDE of Osceola County. Eastern Osceola County is becoming the place homeowners are finding the best bargains. Recent reductions means that buyers have  an excellent opportunity to find a perfect paradise they can afford. Enjoy leisurely dining, ... 05/18/2007

The National Association of Realtor (NAR) recently visited Capitol Hill to urge members of Congress to add their support to bill designed to keep national banking conglomerates out of real estate brokerage and management.                                          The bill (H.R. 111) would preserve the separate of banking and commerce by keeping banks out of real estate. The bill now has more than 220 cosponsors and is gaining momentum since it was introduced at the start of this session of Congress according to The National Association of Realtors (NAR) In the wake of rising foreclosure rates, and sub-prime loan fiasco banks are taking back properties at near historically high rates. Up 72% over this time last year according to Realtytrac which monitors foreclosure filings.Short Sales ar... 05/17/2007

What is the Real Estate Market Like?  It seems there is a lot of  public curiosity regarding what is going on in the Real Estate Market lately. We see for sale signs popping up just about everywhere on every street in volume numbers. What has changed since the boom of 2005 is the number of available homes for sale. Prior to the boom the number of existing homes was simply less. Creating a demand and an escalation of prices. Back in 2005 Osceola County existing home numbered approximately 1200. There was fierce competition to get a well priced home. As prices escalated due to supply and demand what began to emerge was a higher number of homes available for purchase. The number swelled from approximately 1200 homes to over 7000 homes in Osceola County for sale by the end of 2006.  The num... 05/15/2007

Looking for a fast growing area that is still affordable and offers all the features of an upscale community?  Then you are looking into the right place. These are some of the features that the community will include:  6800 sq. ft. Clubhouse State-of-the-art fitness center Resort-style pool 2 Volleyball courts 2 lighted tennis court 2 Basketball courts 3 Open play fields Wi-FI- CommunityQuiet sidewalk that spans the entire Lake RunnymedeLevitts and Sons(builder of the community) offers 22 floor plans to choose from.  Turtle Creek will include single family homes and townhomes. Located off Narcoosee Rd near the future home of the UCF Healthcare Campus at Lake Nona and the proposed Nemours Children Hospital. Nearby you can also find 192, 417 and the Orlando International Airport and the t... 05/15/2007

Deer Creek is a brand new community, located on the outskirt of the City of Saint Cloud.  This community offers a playground, wooded conservation area, and beautifully maintained streets.  If you want to live in a quiet, country atmosphere and still be able to work in the Orlando / Kissimmee area this is a one of the best location to be.  Recently opened Northbound-only turnpike exit will make your morning commute a breeze.  Homes in this community are being built by Adam's Homes, Park Square, and Inland Homes.  they vary in size from about 1800 sq ft to 3000sq ft.Within a short driving distance you can also find several restaurants, shopping stores, hair and nail salon, gas stations and many other businesses.  Here is a list of some of them and the approximate distance from Deer Creek.... 05/15/2007

CBS  Okay folks here is your chance. This link was provided by NAR to us as professionals to use to inform 60 minutes that we either approve or disapprove of their broadcast. I urge you to use this form wisely. Think long and hard about what you want to tell them. Be factual. Be professional. Give them verifiable stats. Do not snipe, name call or sound off in an unprofessional manner...P L E A S E.    Note the lack of verifiable facts or sales records.  Address and provide stats on local foreclosures. The fees for loan processing assistance were also and deliberately not reported. We do not want to give RedFin credit we can however note that CBS allowed themselves to be used as a source for a free info-merical. Thereby, hurting their reputation to verify facts before broadcasting. It co... 05/15/2007

  Before you jump on the foreclosure bandwagon and into the Short Sale frying pan, there a few things you need to know. A short sale means the Seller walks away with nothing. In some cases repairs may be necessary. It is an "As-Is". The common opinion of late is that banks do not want to be in the Real Estate Business...or do they?  If a listed home falls far short of the monies owed-bank will begin the foreclosure process. It begins, with the bank attorney filing what is called a Lis Pendens (Pending law suit) followed by public notices in newspapers. A Realtor may be assigned to sell the house and if the offer is not substantial enough, it becomes what is known as a short sale.  This transition from Sale to Short Sale, could mean the Realtor will NOT get paid at all.  Banks will in th... 05/14/2007

Lake Lizzie Reserve-Osceola County St. Cloud, Florida.  The perfect place to hike, walk, or trail ride with your horse. Open dusk through dawn. Osceola County Parks and Recreation has done a wonderful job recently renovating the reserve. Weekends it is not uncommon to see horse back riders mounting up for the relaxing trail rides. Ther eis plenty of parking and the park is free. Located off Hwy 192 East of St. Cloud this is a wonderful place to play.   05/09/2007

Without uttering a single word, could there be something so powerful, that it would bring tears to your eyes. So meaningful that it would touch your heart and leave an indelable mark? So touching that it could cause the tears to flow from your eyes? My daughter graduated from Valencia College yesterday. It was a joyous day. She was already taking pre-law classes at UCF, but went back to "walk" for me. I had immeasurable pride, as I watched her enter the Silver Spurs Arena dressed in her cap and gown, her scarlet stohl indcating her academic achievement of a 4.0 gpa flowing gently as she glided across the arena floor. Parental pride in full bloom as total strangers shared a single purpose on a memorable day in May. The day their children received their degree. For some the journey to the... 05/05/2007

  Fixture is anything that is glued, screwed or permanently placed in a home making it an integral part of that home. Like bookcases for example.  Sellers who before or during the boom era thought they were shrewed to refinance, pull out equity established in a market on the rise, and use that money for other purposes. Some for recreation, some invested in second properties, travel, new cars, or a gambit of other non essential expenditures. Some just plain blew it. The not so funny thing about life is it can change at any time. Through any series of events culminating into a total eclipse of financial security. A health problem could arise suddenly, a serious traffic accident, a business gone sour, or just plain bad judgements. Once you fall behind you have only a limited time in which ... 05/01/2007

 Over 2 Million visitors a day come to Florida according to the Florida Visitors Bureau. 1100 families arrive to live in Florida on a daily basis. Toursim of course is the main contributing factor. But did you know...There are  64 Counties, and over 59,000 sq miles the State is huge. Migration to Florida is expected to peak in 2020. As the aging Baby Boomers down size and seek warmer climate in the harsh cold winter months. Osceola County is one of the fastest growing Counties in Florida.                                                                  Home to over 27,000 families, the median age is now 34. Established in 1865 St. Cloud, was originally a retirement community for Civil War Veterans.              Small winter homes were established along the streets named after the United... 04/30/2007

 Whichever you prefer, you favorite fruits can be found in St. Cloud, Florida Osceola County. This is just one of many fruity named streets attractive to seniors in Osceola County. This quiet, secluded 55+ community, is home to over a 100 families. Mostly comprised of retirees from every part of the United States seeking a warm winter refuge and affordable living.  They enjoy warm climate, great neighbors, biking, walking, and the convenience of all the town's amenities. This community, is located off Hwy 192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy/Vine Street is just 20 miles to Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World, The Kennedy Space Center, and the Beaches of Melbourne and the Space Coast. Retired Military Personel enjoy day trips to Patrick's Air Force Base, where they can shop at the commissary with thei... 04/23/2007

 Has the cold weather left a bitter taste in you rmouth? Tired of shoveling snow, wearing overcoats, and sloshing through frigid winters? Nothing beats a nice cool glass of Lemonade on a hot summers day. It is time to move to Florida! Where the average winter temperature is 80 degrees.  Many residents in this 55+ community (one of many) in Osceola County,centrally located between Disney and the Beaches  is  St. Cloud, Florida just off Hwy 192. enjoy citrus living all year long.  The Active Rain Fruit Challenge asked us to find fruit named spreets, as the area expert I knew exactly where to go to find seven in all.  For Lemonade just add  8 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar.... sit back and relax... 04/23/2007

 When the  Active Rain Fruit Challenge Rain sent us out with cameras in hand to photograph street names, I immediately got a citrus rush. Off Hwy 192 in east St. Cloud, In Osceola County is a little community known exclusively for its citrus named streets. You kind of have to be local to know about it. Nestled away just off the beaten path you'll find deliciously named streets, like, Orange, Grape, Lime, Tangerine, and Mango...if you look hard you'll even see a grapefruit or two. 04/23/2007

 Whether it is the seedless red or the juicy white variety- Grape Avenue in St. Cloud, in Osceola County Florida is a cute name for a street. Taking the fruity delight Active Rain Fruit Challenge  to find streets with fruit names. Grape Avenue is will quench your thirst. Grapes are actually native grown in FLorida. There is one variety which has been here for eons. Muscal. n arecent trip toLakeridge Winery, I learned a lot about local flavor. The Native American Indian Tribes made wine way back in the days of Ponce De Leon. They used it for celebrations and as medicine. The winery has been able to harvest these grapes and make a lovely fruity tasting wine from them. The process of white or red is determined by several factors. Red wine, uses red grapes with the skins which are fermented... 04/23/2007

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING READY TO LIST A FABULOUS HORSE ESTATE ON NOVA ROAD SAINT CL0UD. SO MANY DETAILS FOR THIS PROPERTY THAT I WILL NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS TO GET IT READY...BUT WANTED YOU ALL TO GET A HEADS UP....APPROX 22 + ACRES, ALL FENCED AND CROSSED FENCED. STABLES. 3 MAIN HOUSES THROUGHOUT ENTIRE ACREAGE. FISHING PONDS. ONE OF THE HOMES HAS A 6 CAR GARAGE. MAIN HOME WITH IN-GROUND POOL & SPA. HUGE GORGEOUS ROOMS THROUGHOUT. LOTS OF DETAILS. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED WHEN I GET IT SUBMITTED INTO MLS. 04/23/2007

Do You have a passion for fruit?  Osceola County has some great street names. In St. Cloud, Florida where I am a local expert I found a fresh crop of delightful juicy street names.Orangen't you glad I posted this?        Florida is the citrus capital of the Southeast USA. It was not hard to find many streets named after our largest cash crop. Oranges. There is even a major corridor Orange Blossom Trail or OBT as the locals call it. OBT used to be the main drag. It runs east to west. Before I-4 was built. Back in the days of Old Florida, it was lined with Orange Trees. In January, the orange trees blossom and the sweet scent of the blossoms perfumes the air. On occasion you can still smell it from clusters of citrus trees which are still there. Now mostly the big groves have made way for... 04/20/2007

 Sellers expect Realtors to be professionals. Sellers expect results. Sellers expect a Realtor to be able to predict the future. Buyers expect Realtors to  be able to magically make their credit scores perfect. Buyers expect the Realtor to read their mind and know the perfect house. Are Realtors magicians? No, hardly.  But Realtors can and do pull rabbits out f their hats occasionally. As experts in Real Estate, A Realtor is a facilitator. A Realtor is a licensed professional who has knowledge of current market trends, home values, contract execution, marketing skills. But Realtors are not magicians. Sellers who have come on hard times financially, turn in desperation to Realtors looking for the Realtor to Magically Pull A Rabbit out of their hats ( a buyer ) in some cases.  1 in 274 ho... 04/18/2007