East Orlando Employment

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!

Buying versus Renting

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.  Feel free to learn more about our upcoming events. Or feel free to contact John or I directly to set up a free consultation.  We are here to help!

Tips to help you Sell Your Home

Today’s blog is courtesy of a guest blogger, a dynamic lady who has a depth of knowledge in the business of real estate sales, interior design and staging — Ms. Kim Hiltbrand, owner of Design Resolution in Longwood, Florida.  Kim’s expertise has been of extreme value to home sellers and I encourage you to contact her or I for additional information.  Please read on…

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.   —Kim Hiltbrand

Given what we have seen in the current market, there is huge value in what she says.  If a homebuyer is truly serious about selling, implementing the suggestions that a stager makes can literally make a huge difference regarding how long your home is on the market and how high of a price you can garner.  Just take a look at the before and after pictures to get a better idea! For more information or to speak to Kim or I, please call me at 407-482-8225 or email me at debrahorowitz@selbyrealestate.net.       

Before After                  

   Dining Elegance