Avalon Park Community Yard Sale

Take advantage of the traffic that will be coming through the area! 

Attention Home Sellers — Our Team of Buyer’s Agents Can Be OnSite To Conduct a Home Tour of YOUR Home while you sell your goods!  Call me today to schedule this First Come First Serve opportunity (407-482-8225).  No fee, of course!  And since we will represent the buyers there is no conflict of interest for you or your listing agent!!

When: Saturday, October 13^th, 2007

Where: In each family’s front yard/garage

Who: Any resident of East Orlando is welcome to participate

What is needed: Your address, $3 to cover permits and advertising, and an optional descriptive list of items.

Please contact Chris Carroll at chris@avalonyardsale.com or visit www.avalonyardsale.com.

Looking For A Unique Buyer

I have been fortunate enough to be asked to market this unique property in Christmas, Florida.  Not too many people know of Christmas…it is an unincorporated portion of Orange County; a natural setting where most homes have the luxury of one or more acres of land (something that will become much more valuable as available land dwindles).

This home is absolutely perfect for the executive who loves to entertain. The floor plan is open and flowing, providing many spaces for gathering.  Take a moment to check it out:  http://www.selbyrealestate.net/reindeer.htm

If you know of someone looking for room to stretch out (both inside and out), please pass this link along to them. I know there is a person out there who would love to live in this house!  I can’t wait for them to see it and make it their own.

The Mortgage Market and You

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…

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!

Practical Tips for Buyers

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.

College Room & Board Vs. Investment Property?

Have a student who will be attending the University of Central Florida?  Then, no doubt you have been studying the costs of housing and meal plans!  It can be mind blowing.  I took a quick look at the annual housing rates on a 4/2 unit and added the cost of a meal plan (Knight’s Plan) and it looks like many of you will pay $1138.35 per month — amazing!  And that is money that won’t be yielding any return on the investment — unless you hope your kid will support you some day!!

Now, consider this…purchasing a 3/2.5 townhome within 15 minutes commute of UCF in the sought-after Avalon Park area, with 10% down and with the monthly mortgage split 3 ways (your kid and 2 roommates), the monthly P&I could be covered for as little as $500/month per person plus food.  Does your kid eat more than $600/month in food?  If not, this might be a great alternative for you to explore!  Save money, build equity, create a unique environment for your child. Hmmm…