The Selby Group Real Estate Professionals

The Mortgage Market and You

Debra Wingo — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:09:00 GMT

Looks like a number of buyers are feeling more like Chicken Little these days! It’s practically impossible to avoid the doom and gloom “sky is falling” portrayed on the news about both the mortgage and housing industries. Granted, the Mortgage Industry is in an active state of transition; which, after speaking with several industry professionals over the past few weeks, seems to be a good thing for the industry! Buyers are worried about where this shake out will actually leave them. The consensus from these experts is that most buyers will be fine, however there should be a greater sense of urgency to lock in your loan as soon as possible. Today’s rates and terms may change as of tomorrow.

The real estate market is very localized so you cannot rely on media to provide you with all the facts. While prices may be taking a nose dive in some subdivisions or even zip codes, others are actually not fluctuating that much. You need to find a Realtor who is well educated on the market in which you wish to live. That Realtor can discuss the trends and negotiate the best deal now. If you are looking at home ownership as a long term investment, this market can be a positive one for you.

The entire real estate purchase transaction remains a very personal one — driven by you! The purchase price, terms negotiated, loan chosen…all of these are unique to you. Are there good loans out there? The experts say “Yes!” Are there good deals on homes out there? “Yes!” Is now a good time to buy? “Yes!”

So if you are serious about buying a home in the foreseeable future, consult with industry experts who can guide you through every step of the process. If you don’t know a reputable mortgage planner and have fears about choosing one, simply email me at debrahorowitz@selbyrealestate.net. We work with a number of reputable mortgage planners who can help you achieve your goals. Before you put your dream on hold, at least meet with us and get all your questions answered; you’ll get information and advice with no obligation on your part! See, there are some good deals out there…

"By Owner" May Not Be The Best Sales Tactic

Debra Wingo — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 19:46:00 GMT

Orlando Sentinel wrote an article recently that advised home owners to hire a real estate agent instead of going it alone in today’s market. In today’s market, for sale by owner (FSBO) homes are having to compete with the large inventory and Buyers today are doing a lot less driving around with the high gas prices. They are starting their search on line and most times aligning themselves with a real estate agent. “Do-it-yourself doesn’t always pay….you could save thousands of dollars in sales commissions…But the disadvantages of for-sale-by-owner efforts are potentially just as large as the savings.” The article asks, “Will a successful FSBO save you enough in real estate commissions to make up for the market knowledge, potentially higher selling price, marketing efforts, negotiations and paperwork preparation that a real estate agent offers?” When it comes to the commission savings, FSBO sellers may think they will save the 6% commission when selling their home, but some may be missing out on the buyers that are aligned with an agent and/or still having to pay a 3% commission to get their home sold. FSBO sellers may have upfront advertising cost, lawyer fees to draw up the contract, and paying hundreds of dollars up front to have on the multiple listing service. When it comes to the selling price, the average home sold by an agent brings in a reported 16% higher price, according to the National Association of Realtors. The Sentinel later states that for a sale to be successful “FSBO sellers must be as objective about the house and its shortcomings as an agent would be.” A real estate agent is objective and uses reported data when setting a price. A price set too high in today’s market will sit and the home will become stagnant and potential buyers will wonder what is wrong with that home.

If you are deciding to sell your home in today’s market, sell your home with an agent who has a new approach, edgy advertising and excellent marketing results. The Selby Group has a FULL TIME Advertising Director to get your home exposed. That leaves me plenty of time to do what I do best….SELL!! In today’s market you need an agent that works hard to sell your property, not an agent that takes the listing, installs a sign in the yard, puts it on the multiple listing service and hopes it will sell. Schedule an appointment today and I will provide you a no obligation comparative market analysis. Not impressed after meeting me….then don’t hire me!

Expect the Best!..... and get it with Angela Wingo (321-277-2847 or email me at AngelaWingo@SelbyRealEstate.net

New High School to be Built in East Orlando

Debra Wingo — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:38:00 GMT

In an interview with Daryl Flynn, East Orlando's School Board Representative, Insight East Orlando highlights news on Orange County's upcoming school year. Flynn discusses the overcrowding issue the school board is facing and ways to tackle the dilemma. Timber Creek High School will be relieved of its overcrowding problems in 2009 with the construction of a new high school to be built on the old Columbia Elementary site off Columbia School Road in East Orange County. During this process the new tech center across the street will act as an overflow to hold certain ninth grade classes. For more information visit the Orange County School Board site at www.ocps.net

Source: Insight East Orlando

Mortgage Rates Fall for Two Weeks Straight

Debra Wingo — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:40:00 GMT

Mortgage Rates Fall for Second Straight Week

Each week Bankrate publishes a survey of large lenders in the top 10 markets to get a snapshot of where mortgage rates stand. This week marks the second week in a row that rates have declined (-0.02% for 30-year fixed rate).

The good news is mortgage rates fell for the second week in a row. The bad news is they're still almost half a percentage point higher than they were three months ago.

The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 2 basis points, to 6.74 percent, according to the Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders. A basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point. The mortgages in this week's survey had an average total of 0.26 discount and origination points. One year ago, the mortgage index was 6.93 percent; four weeks ago, it was 6.47 percent.

Source: AOL Real Estate News

For more information on real estate visit http://www.NeighborhoodsOfEastOrlando.com

Brianto’s in Avalon Park

Debra Wingo — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:00:00 GMT

I now have a new addiction to the authentic Philly style Hoagies and Philly Cheese Steaks at Brianto’s. Darren DeGennaro is a one of the 3 owners of this NEW establishment and one of my real estate clients. Brianto’s opened it’s doors on July 2^nd and is open daily until 10:00 pm.

According to Darren and one of the other owners, Brian, I need to wipe the word “sub” out of my vocabulary…….and start using “Hoagies”. I placed a large order for everyone at The Selby Group, First Choice Title and Meridian Financial for Philly cheese steaks and we were all VERY impressed! Very pleased with this first order, I placed an order for 3 18” Hoagies and sides for a group of ladies I was having over the next day and it just gets better. The food was the hit of the party and all wanted to know where they could get more. Well, now it is becoming a weekly ritual and I just can’t get enough of Brianto’s! The food is AWSOME and the staff is great! I just can’t say enough about Brianto’s….you just need to check it out for yourselves! Located at the front of Avalon Park in the Town Center ~ 12001 Avalon Lake Drive Suite B, Orlando, FL 32828. Visit them on line at www.briantos.com or call them to place an order at 407-579-2571. And don’t forget to tell them that Angela Wingo, with The Selby Group, sent you!

For more neighborhood information visit us at http://www.NeighborhoodsOfEastOrlando.com

East Orlando Employment

Debra Wingo — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:53:00 GMT

Mr. Beat Kahli, Publisher of the East Orlando Sun, had an interesting editorial this week. In his article, Mr. Kahli references a book entitled, Today’s Hot Job Targets, that ranks Orlando as No. 2 in the U.S. for job opportunities. This is good news but, it gets better! There are more opportunities on the horizon. Mr. Kahli goes on to point out the job prospects due to the Burnham Institute, the VA hospital, the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine and the UCF Technology Incubator. Each will help attract more employees to our area.

How does this affect real estate? Real estate is local. It can be as narrow as a subdivision, a zip code, or a defined area such as East Orlando. Real estate prices go hand-in-hand with job opportunities. When the local economy sustains a mix of job levels (hourly, blue collar, white collar), it helps to keep property values higher. I agree with Mr. Kahli that these businesses along with those who currently sustain us, will no-doubt bring a rise to property values in East Orlando!

Economic indications for us are good! The Orlando unemployment rate is at 3.4% (one of the lowest in the country), and we continue to have an influx of people relocating to this area to work and raise a family.

For those buyers looking at real estate as a long term investment, it makes sense to consider a home in East Orlando.

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback!

Visit me at http://www.HomesInAvalonPark.com

Property Tax Reform

Debra Wingo — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:34:00 GMT

Everywhere I go, whether it be driving with my clients, chatting with my friends over dinner or socializing with the parents of my daughter’s friends, the conversation seems to head in the direction of the property tax reform. Everyone wants to know what I have heard and what the general word is out there.

In our weekly sales meeting at The Selby Group a couple of weeks ago our Broker, Debra Wingo, took us through a little exercise to show us how one of our clients would be affected with their current home. The new exemption has two tiers; Tier 1 - the homestead property will receive an exemption of 75% of the first $200,000 in value of the home and Tier 2 - in addition to tier 1, homestead property will obtain another 15 % exemption of the next $300,000 in value. The home we used in our meeting had a current value of $209,628 and has a current taxable value of $92,518 under current Save Our Homes. Under the new exemption this owner would have $50,000 taxable value for the first Tier and $8,183 for the 2^nd Tier for a total Taxable Value of $58,183. That is $34,335 less than the current taxable value.

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) is the largest trade group in the state to support the passage of this amendment to reform Save Our Homes. The amendment goes before the voters January 29, 2008 and will allow property owners to continue the 3% tax cap they currently enjoy, under the 1992 Save Our Homes amendment, or to choose the new “super-homestead” exemption.

“Passage of this amendment is critical to the future of Florida,” says FAR President Nancy Riley. “It will provide first-time homebuyers a large tax exemption. It will begin to equalize property taxes among neighbors. And it will allow the people who are the foundation of our neighborhoods — teachers, nurses, police officers and emergency first responders — to afford to live in the communities they serve.

“It’s time to reform Save Our Homes,” Riley continues. “We invite other groups to make an investment in Florida’s future by supporting this amendment.”

For more information on Orlando Real Estate visit http://www.NeighborhoodsOfEastOrlando.com

New Three Acre Park to Break Ground in Avalon Park

Debra Wingo — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:52:00 GMT

Avalon Park
Construction is set to begin this month on a new three acre park that will feature an outdoor stage for performance venues. This will be a great addition to the East Orlando community, which in the past has had to resort to portable stages to host events at the Town Center. Avalon Park has served as host to a variety of events including Art Walk, Avalon Aglow and other seasonal celebrations for the entire family.

Upcoming development within the community also includes at 45,000 sq.ft. medical office building and 40,000 sq ft. professional office building.

Debra Wingo

For more information about Avalon Park, visit http://www.NeighborhoodsOfEastOrlando.com

Buying Vs. Renting

Debra Wingo — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:17:00 GMT

This is a buyer’s market yet many people do not believe they can achieve the American dream. Granted, not everyone is able to go out a buy a home tomorrow. However, with planning and determination your dreams can become a reality.

I’m so excited to be partnering with John Balauat, Mortgage Planner, on a series of free seminars devoted to educating people on why it makes sense to buy versus rent.

We held our first of the series this week at the Orange County Library Alafaya Branch. The group was small which allowed for great interaction. John’s presentation included discussion on

ü The True Cost of Renting

ü The Tax Advantages of Home Ownership

ü The True Facts About the Housing Market

ü The Difference Homeownership Can Make on Your Overall Net Worth!

ü How to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points in 45 Days!

John told the audience a story of a single mom he had helped obtain a home mortgage — the “right” mortgage for her so she can build many happy memories with her children in this home. She was not aware that she could even qualify for a mortgage. His point was that many people believe the myths without ever taking a moment to speak to a professional. If you take the time to seek out the right professional, they can put you on a path to achieving the goal.

Our goal is public education on the home buying process. We will be conducting two free seminars each month for the remainder of the year. For more information visit www.BuyVsRentSeminar.com Or feel free to contact John or I directly to set up a free consultation. We are here to help!

Bee Wise Immunize Event Saturday July 14th

Debra Wingo — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:04:00 GMT

As a mother of a 7 year old I am always looking out for events that families can benefit from. I try to keep my clients and their families informed. That is why when I came across this event I thought it may be of some interest, especially being only a short drive for all of us in East Orlando.

The Amway Arena is the location for the Bee Wise Immunize event Saturday, July 14^th 9:00AM-2:00PM. This is the 3^rd Annual Bee Wise Immunize, Back-to-School event. Orange County Health Department and Amerigroup are the hosts of this year’s event in which FREE childhood immunizations are being provided. All children MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their immunizations and MUST have a copy of their immunization record. Also available at this event FREE school supplies, educational information, and community resources on a first come first serve basis. Lucille O’Neal, the mother of, NBA basketball star Shaquille O’Neal is the official spokesperson for an audio Public Service Announcement. www.orchd.com Amway Arena – Parking is FREE. Location 600 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801. You can contact the Orange County Department at 407-836-2697.

Call Angela Wingo at The Selby Group 407-482-8225

Preparing Your Home to Sell

Debra Wingo — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:03:00 GMT

The following is a helpful checklist to cover when deciding to sell your home:

Use "home wash" (a hose attachment that is available at any home improvement store) to clean the outside of the house.

Clean rain gutters as well as outside windows and screens.

Make sure the front door is inviting. Paint it if needed. Also, replace any outdated outdoor lighting fixtures.

Buy new house numbers if the old ones are dated or faded. Be sure buyers can see the new ones from the curb.

Buy a new Welcome mat.

Eliminate half of your belongings — clutter can cost in a sale. Rent a storage unit or portable pod for extraneous pieces of furniture or knickknacks. Another idea is to as a friend if you can borrow some space in his or her garage.

Organize all closets and drawers. Buyers might look there.

Make any necessary repairs so that buyers don't have to add that to their list of expenses.

Rearrange furniture to make room appear as large as possible.

Make every surface shine, from ceiling fans to baseboards. Don't forget interior windows, mirrors, and floors.

Scrub every inch of the kitchen and bathrooms.

Depersonalize each room, removing photo frames and posters or artwork.

Buy new linens and pillows if necessary. Be certain they are a neutral color.

Buy air neutralizer and spray it often.

Let go emotionally of your home, and get ready for an offer!

Source: HGTV

Call Sarah Szatmary at The Selby Group 407-482-8225

Why Face to Face Negotiation Wins Real Estate Clients

Debra Wingo — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:56:00 GMT

In a recent article in Agent Direct News, Bernice Ross writes about face to face negotiation.

High touch still matters. Realtors have fallen into the pattern of either faxing or e-mailing offers. By doing so you loose one of the most important tools you have in negotiating a listing agreement or purchase contract. Face to face negotiations gives you a real advantage over digital communication. According to Ross, our body language communicates approximately 60 percent of the information that we use to determine what the other person means.

Is there more then one seller? Is one seller for the offer and the other against? How will you know what points are negotiable? Where can you obtain additional concessions for your client? What is motivating the seller? The agent who relies on fax or e-mail will almost never know why their offer was turned down or what he or she might have done to put the property under contract says Ross. You loose a wealth of valuable information about what is happing in the negotiation.

You might be relying on an untrained agent whose communication and negotiating skills are inferior to your own. Putting yourself face to face with the buyer and seller clearly gives you the opportunity to control the negotiations and bring the best possible price and terms for your client.

While other agents continue to fax and e-mail their clients offers, differentiate your services by negotiating your transactions face to face. Your clients will appreciate the superior service you are providing them.

Call Kim Hodges at The Selby Group 407-482-8225

Professionally Stage Your Home

Debra Wingo — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:56:00 GMT

Hello! I have a guest blogger for this week! Her name is Kim Hiltbrand and she is owner of Design Resolution in Longwood, FL.

As the market becomes more challenging, it is more important than ever to make your home listing stand out from the others. Home staging is a great tool that presents properties in their best light. Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and have fewer price negotiations than homes that aren’t staged. Professional stagers view the property through buyers’ eyes to determine which features should be highlighted and which areas need to be minimized.

All staging professionals should consult with the listing agent prior to visiting the homeowner to determine the realtors’ concerns and to incorporate them into the staging process. After viewing the home, a detailed report should be prepared outlining tasks and improvements for each specific area. This gives the homeowner the opportunity to perform some or all of the work themselves.

Because each home is unique, costs for staging vary. If furnishings are necessary, the terms are usually in one month increments with pick up and delivery included in the price. Many times, staging can be done using items the homeowner already owns, which can also reduce the cost. Whatever the cost, it is a given, home staging is cheaper than your first price reduction if the house doesn’t sell.

Buyers have come to expect more than ever before when looking for a home. Make your listings stand out from all the others by using a professional home stager.

Good News for Buyers -- Rates dropped a bit this week!

Debra Wingo — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:50:00 GMT

According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the previous week, the market has rolled back a small portion of the large increases in mortgage rates that were recorded over the prior five weeks.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage which had increased from 6.15 percent to 6.74 percent between May 10 and June 14 retreated to 6.69 percent in the most recent week. Fees and points increased from 0.4 to 0.5 for the week.

The 15-year FRM decreased six basis points from its 2007 high of 6.43 percent the previous week to 6.37 percent. Fees and points increased from 0.4 to 0.5 for this product as well.

We have many new wholesale loan programs that include loans for borrowers with credit scores down to 620, sub-prime programs for borrowers with credit scores down to 580 and hard money programs with credit scores below 580.

The outlook is good for Buyers right now!!

Info provided by Cindy Bedsole, Mortgage Broker.

Florida Set to Tackle Property Tax Problems

Debra Wingo — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:47:00 GMT

When the nation's home prices were booming, Florida led the way. Now, with the housing market in a slump, the state is taking the lead in tackling one of the boom's more onerous legacies: sky-high property taxes.

In mid-June, the Florida legislature plans to convene a special session that could pave the way for more than $30 billion in property-tax relief over the next five years. That's by far the largest among the similar tax breaks some states are adopting amid a backlash by disgruntled property owners.

"This is the biggest tax break being considered anywhere since Proposition 13 in California," says Prof. Brunori, referring to the 1978 initiative that radically slashed property taxes in that state.

Florida's legislature is considering various plans that aim not only to cut taxes, but also to change a system that many regard as unfair. Much like California, Florida protects existing homeowners, effectively capping the amount that their property taxes can rise from year to year.

As house prices have more than doubled in Florida over the past five years, the system has shifted the tax burden onto people who don't enjoy the same protection: new homeowners, business owners, real-estate investors, people with second homes and "snowbirds," nonresidents who have vacation homes in the state.

As of 2006, such property owners accounted for about 68% of Florida's property-tax revenues. If all Florida property owners were taxed the same way, those who lack protection under the current system would account for less than 55%, according to data from the state legislature's Joint Select Committee on Property-Tax Reform.

The Wall Street Journal Online

Before Viewing a Rental Property

Debra Wingo — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:36:00 GMT

Before viewing a potential rental property, ask the most important questions over the phone to make sure the apartment is even a potential candidate. Here are some big questions for you to consider:

• How many bedrooms in the apartment/house?
• Where is the place located?
• What is the rent? How much are utilities per month?
• Does the landlord allow pets?
• Does the place offer X or Y that we absolutely must have?
• Is the apartment located close enough to work, or school?
• Is the apartment located near public transportation

If time permits, you should drive/walk by the place to get a feel for the neighborhood and see if you like the building before the actual viewing. Make sure you have a checklist of things to look for and a list of questions to ask about the apartment and management company. Feel free to ask as many questions necessary for you to feel comfortable about the decision.

Source: AOL Real Estate

Orlando Median Existing Home Price Edges Up

Debra Wingo — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:48:00 GMT

The Orlando area's median sales price for existing homes and condominiums sold through Realtors edged up to $249,900 in May, nearly equal to the $250,000 median price a year earlier.

In April, the median had dipped year-over year by 2.77 percent, a relatively rare decline for home-sale prices in the area.

The monthly report released this morning by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association showed the sales price holding fairly steady despite an ongoing increase in the inventory of single-family homes and condos listed through Realtors -- up 1,028 to 25,463 properties, another record. That's 40 percent more than a year ago and a 16.43 month supply at the recent, sluggish sales pace.

Sales by Realtors of homes and condos in the group's core market -- mainly Orange and Seminole counties -- were down 45.46 percent to 1,550 compared with a revised 2,842 sales in May 2006, the report stated. Year to date, sales are off 36.4 percent from the same period last year.

But the month of May at least saw 20 more homes sold than in April, the trade association noted.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Practical Tips for Buyers

Debra Wingo — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:43:00 GMT

A positive real estate transaction starts with the selection of the right agent for you. Whether you are a first time home buyer or purchasing your tenth home, you need an agent who can deliver what you specifically need! Here are some tips to help you select the right resource:

First Time Home Buyers

Interview the real estate agent to determine how available they are to work with you – how much time can they schedule to take you house hunting, how accessible are they when you call, what is their guaranteed response time, will they be present with you for the home inspection, what resources do they have to offer to you for loan financing, home inspection, home repairs or remodeling; how well do they understand the area where you wish to move, etc.

Experienced Buyers

The interview is going to look quite different since you have been down this road before. You know what contracts look like and the basic process, you understand a home inspection report, etc. so why use a Realtor? In today’s buyers market there are literally tens of thousands of homes available so you need to work with an expert who can help you weed through all the various offerings and determine the top three from which to choose.

Find out how well the Realtor knows the area you are targeting,what research are they willing to provide for you on this area,what resources can they bring to the process and how do those resources work with you. Then evaluate the deliverables they provide. In all cases, make sure that you evaluate how they are listening to you and whether they establish a communication plan with you — before you sign on to work with them. Seek out the one who operates his/her business in a professional manner — remember this is a huge investment and while it is great that your cousin knows a Realtor, that doesn’t mean that referral is the one you need to work with on this assignment.

Once you have chosen your Realtor, listen to their advice. You have hired them for a reason so treat them as you would any other professional such as a lawyer, doctor, mechanic, etc. The experience they bring to you should have value that can contribute to your purchasing process. Listen and ask questions; you and your Realtor should be working as a team.

Finally, get pre-approved for a loan at the onset of your home search; most sellers are requiring that proof of pre-qualification or pre-approval be given at time of offer submission. Don’t delay your placing an offer due to improper planning; get ahead of the game and be ready when that right home comes along!

For additional information, please feel free to give me a call at 407-421-5645 or email me at debrahorowitz@selbyrealestate.net.

East Orlando Transportation Challenges

Debra Wingo — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:43:00 GMT

As any Avalon Park or East Orlando resident knows, the morning and evening commutes can be very trying! Well, I’m happy to say that Orange County understands our pain. Attendees were provided a good update today at the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce breakfast. I’d like to share this recap with you.

EOCC put together a great group of panelists: Mike Snyder with the Expressway Authority, Edward Johnson with Lynx, Renzo Nastasi with Orange County Government and Kelley Teague with Orlando Metroplan. Each came with their own insight into what is happening with transportation specific to East Orlando.

Mike Snyder/Expressway Authority talked about the congestion on 408 specifically. As most of us know the EA has been focusing on reducing traffic on the West side by providing the 192 alternative to those in Apopka; they are also addressing ways to increase traffic flow heading from east to west with the current construction at the I-4 ramps off of 408 (scheduled for completion next year), and with the Lake Underhill bridge which is scheduled for completion in two years. Also of importance to East Orlando is the 528/Beechline and Alafaya Trail extension; Mike said that the Expressway Authority is ready to move forward with this project as soon as the design plans are finalized — no timeframe but certainly great news nonetheless!

Edward Johnson at Lynx talked about the various programs they have available. Have you heard of their “Rack and Roll” program? For bike enthusiasts who need a helping hand getting from point A to point B, Lynx buses offer bike racks so you can take your bike with you rather than lock it up at the bus stop! What a nice value add! Lynx has its Road Ranger program designed to assist stranded motorists get back on the road as quickly as possible; should you get a flat tire, look for some assistance from the Road Rangers that patrol the major arteries. A third program that was mentioned is “Access Lynx” which is designed to address the needs of those with disabilites. Unfortunately, Edward didn’t provide a lot of information on this program but I’m sure you can learn more on their website at www.golynx.com. And the last program discussed was the Transportation Benefits program under which falls their Ride Share programs. Did you know that Lynx provides vans to employers who need to move up to 12 employees from a common residential area to a common work area? This helps provide employers with a tax benefit and employees with a welcome relief from today’s gas prices! Also, they have a Car Pool database that can match you with people in the area who also desire to reduce the monthly expenses associated with single commuting — consider checking this out!

Renzo Nastasi with Orange County Government spoke about some of the projects currently being worked on for East Orlando such as the widening of Alafaya Trail from Avalon Park south to Mark Twain — it is under design and expected to start late 2008; widening of Woodbury Road to a four lane road is under study and plans are to widen it from Challenger Parkway to Lake Underhill. This should take 4-5 years to complete. As most of us know, Innovation Corridor is under construction from Avalon Park Boulevard at Alafaya although he didn’t mention a completion time frame and the Interchange is in design phase.

Kelley Teague of Orlando Metroplan discussed how her group is actively working with all of the above agencies to provide a 30,000 foot perspective and a 30 year multi-modal transportation plan that is financially feasible to implement. This look encompasses mass transit via bus and high speed rail, as well as automobile. Our area is projected to double in number of residents in the next 20 years so the planning they do now is to address the needs for a community of those proportions.

The question was asked as to how the current property tax debates in Tallahassee will impact the funding of these services. The answer is that should there be any decrease in the tax base, it will impact the implementation of some plans for expansion of current roadways as well as the services provided by Lynx. The extent of the impact remains to be seen.

I walked away from the meeting feeling that this team of experts understand our needs and are doing what they can to set forth plans to address our traffic flow issues. Now it is up to our state legislature to decide how all of this will play out.

Wedgefield Events and Happenings

Debra Wingo — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:59:00 GMT

- Wedgefield will be hosting the Central Florida Blood Bank for a Blood Drive Saturday, July 19^th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Golf Club.

- WHOA (Wedgefield Homeowners Association) members will receive buy one get one free for lunch special the month of July. (limited to one per member for the month)

- The Wedgefield bowling league will be starting back up in September and held Monday nights at 7:00pm at Boardwalk Bowl.

- WHOA (Wedgefield Homeowners Association), Bay Pointe Homes, Legacy Homes, Maxim Homes, Rob Goderis & Sons, Scotty’s Oil, Myron Roseland and Woodside Builders recently made a financial donation and supported Wedgefield Firewise.

- The Wedgefield Garden Club will meet September 18^th @ 7:00pm

- Code & Covenants meetings were moved to 6:00pm on the second Wednesday of every month.

For more information on Wedgefield and East Orlando in general visit http://www.NeighborhoodsOfEastOrlando.com

Does Curb Appeal Really Sell Homes? What Can You Do To Maximize Your Home's Curb Appeal?

Debra Wingo — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:19:00 GMT

When you make the decision to sell your home one of the first things you’ll want to look closely at is the curb appeal. Does this really matter if your home is competitively priced for your market? During a buyer’s market pricing is just one thing to consider. A buyer will generally start refining their search with price fist, but while touring those selected homes the next thing they’ll look at is curb appeal. How will your home compete with the others for sale in your area?

When taking a good look at the exterior of your home use this check list to help you find those things that you might consider working on before you list your home on the market.

Exterior Paint

Is the paint in good condition? Is the color dated? Exterior color and condition play a big part in the buyer’s first impression.

Landscaping

Is the turf green and edged? If you have flower beds are they manicured and healthy? Does the landscaping compliment your home and not appear to be overgrown, hiding the home? Manicured landscaping compliments a home and shows the buyer the home is well maintained even before they enter.

Pool/ Patio Areas

Is the deck in good condition? Is the screen clean and free of tears? Is the pool maintained and the water clear and inviting? Is the pool area clean and free of clutter? In Florida, pool and patio areas are extensions of the home where people spend a great amount of time. The buyer will be looking closely at this area.

Cost Effectiveness

When you are finished with your inspection look at the items you can tend to and will be the most cost effective such as:

Instead of repainting try pressure washing the exterior of the home, the pool deck, and screen enclosure. This can make a dramatic difference and will cost very little.

Do a complete landscaping detail. Replace wilted and dying annuals with fresh ones choosing the color carefully to compliment the color of the home and trim back any overgrown plants and shrubs.

Fertilize lawn so it will be lush and green.

Place potted flowers by the front entryway and around the pool and patio areas to bring in color with very low cost.

Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door and replace the lock and door knob to give a new appearance.

Finally, make sure your house number is attractive and can be seen easily from the road.

Considering listing your home? Call Kim Hodges at The Selby Group and Expect the Best!
407-482-8225

htttp://www.NeighborhoodsOfEastOrlando.com

Home Inspections Checklist

Debra Wingo — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:36:00 GMT

A proper home inspection is an important process when purchasing a home. Here are some items that are essential to inspect before purchasing a home:

1. Appliances: Check that the microwave, dishwasher, clothes washer and drier are all in working order. Have your home inspector document the brand names and year of all appliances to prevent a dishonest seller from swapping them out with broken equipment or older models.

2. Electrical: You home inspector should look inside the electrical panel at the gauge of the wiring and the condition of the box. Look for evidence of fire, melted wiring and wrong-size circuit breakers. Also test every outlet in house.

3. Fireplace: Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected each year by a licensed chimney sweep. Your home inspector should refer the inspection to a professional if he feels it's beyond the scope of his expertise.

4. Heating and Air Conditioning: He checks for any problems with the heating and the air conditioning. The tests are done more easily on a seasonal basis, since it's difficult to check the air conditioning when it's cold outside and tough to sense the heat is working in August.

5. Exterior: Your home inspector looks for proper water drainage, grating and landscaping. Examine the condition of the home's outside, including paint, siding and trim, and he looks for any wood rot.

6. Roofing: The best way for your home inspector to examine your roof is to walk it. Looks for broken, missing or cracked shingles and for moss and rot. If a roof is aging, he will see mineral deposits collecting in the down spouts.

7. Interior: Your home inspector doesn't write up anything cosmetic, but he should check anything to do with safety, such as railings and smoke detectors. Look at the windows, doors, tiling and flooring. Also perform radon testing, since radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer

8. Plumbing: Your home inspector should look under the sinks and the main water valve into the house. Run every tap, and checks every pipe and tap for leaks. Also make sure the sump pump is in working order.

9. Structure: Examine the foundation for cracks. Some are meaningless, but some are signs of movement. A horizontal crack or a bowed wall can mean foundation movement, sometimes caused by clay soil. In that case, refer the case to a structural engineer.

10. Ventilation and Insulation: Your home inspector should inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces. Check the ventilation of attics and foundation areas and test mechanical ventilation systems. Also check for absence of insulation in unfinished spaces.

Source: AOL Real Estate News

Is it Really A Buyer's Market? Maybe I Should Wait...

Debra Wingo — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:04:00 GMT

I have spoken to many realtors who agree that we are beginning to see the more “serious” buyers contact us for information, show up at Open Houses, view our listings online, etc. These buyers truly “get” the current market conditions and want to take full advantage — good for you!

And yet, there remains this “wait and see” attitude among another group of potential buyers that have many people wondering just what are they waiting to see?

A market correction? Great news: it is happening! Housing prices are down 3.11% compared to April 2006. Price is always a factor however, we must remember a number of market influences. When you consider that Orlando is a national and international relocation destination for 1200 people each week, our property values are in the eyes of the beholder and therefore probably will not track much lower. Now is definitely the time to identify your “must-haves” and let a licensed real estate professional help you narrow your selection and monitor new listings coming onto the market.

More deals on foreclosures and pre-foreclosures? While there are a number of foreclosures and pre-foreclosures on the market, we are also seeing mortgage companies and banks working with borrowers to help circumvent foreclosure. Opportunities are around but they may not become as plentiful as some buyers expect! Become well versed in your local market conditions so you can fully capitalize on an opportunity.

Are buyers waiting for interest rates to come down? Unfortunately, interest rates are rising in slow but steady increments! If you feel your credit is less than stellar and are unaware of your financial options, please seek the professional advice of a mortgage broker! Get pre-approved for a mortgage and put a financial gameplan in place for this important investment.

Buyers currently have great leverage to negotiate many facets of a contract. We encourage you to seek out a professional Realtor who has market expertise, strong negotiation skills and a wide range of resources (financial, home inspectors and repair, interior and exterior remodeling, etc.) to help you see full potential and provide long range planning! This may be your largest investment ever — get the right team on board and then take full advantage of the opportunities available! And yes, BUY!

Visit Debra Horowitz Online at http://www.homesinavalonpark.com

Inventory and Price Stabilize

Debra Wingo — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:32:00 GMT

According to the Orlando Regional Realtor^®Association the Orlando housing market appears to be seeking a middle ground between buyers and sellers as the pace of newly added inventory dropped in April and the median price increased just a fraction. The median price is down 3.11 percent when compared to April 2006, which indicates a correction from the red hot market of 2005. ORRA President Randy Martin, goes on the say market conditions are clearly favoring buyers. “It’s a good time to buy, in part because homebuyers are not pressured to make quick decisions. We are in a window of low interest rates with a plentiful supply of homes on the market. Buyers also now have more power to negotiate with sellers for help on downpayment or closing costs.” Says Martin.

The area’s average interest rate of 5.93 percent, a tick above last month’s rate of 5.83 percent, remains historically low. While the inventory of homes available for purchase through the MLS increased by 888 homes in April. According to ORRA.

We saw an increase in buyer interest last quarter, but buyers are still hesitant to make a purchase. With desirable interest rates and large inventory now is defiantly the time to buy.

Orlando growth is soaring due to Great weather, beautiful golf courses, great attractions, easy access to the ocean, new high tech jobs, and super home values. The neighborhoods of East Orlando have everything a newcomer would want when relocating. A rated schools, community events, great shopping and restaurants. We can find you the perfect home in a community that has everything.

UCF Orientation Officially Underway!!

Debra Wingo — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:37:00 GMT

Orientation at the University of Central Florida is in full swing. Hundred of students will be gathering at the university's main campus each week for the next three months to begin their academic career at the 5th largest public university in the nation.

Many students are overwhelmed with information at orientation time, particularly information regarding where they will be living over the next year. Choosing where to reside for their first year at a large university is an enormous undertaking.

If you or someone you know is interested in UCF housing options contact Sarah Szatmary at The Selby Group at (407) 482-8225.