IS AN HOA JUST A PAIN ? - 02/29/08 07:09 AM
Home Owners Associations. You either love them or hate them.  Some are more restrictive than others.  The main purpose for establishing a homeowners association was to insure conformity much like deed restrictions. Some require filing the color codes for exterior paint colors on homes for instance, others require fences if permitted at all need to conform to a certain height, use only certain fencing materials, may or may not be wood and if they are only certain stain colors may be permitted.  These are all examples of conformity.
In addition, there are other restrictions.  When the roof may need to be cleaned. How tall the … (18 comments)

Realtor/Archaeologists Don't Have to Look Back Millions Of Years to See What Killed The Dinosaurs - 02/28/08 02:44 PM
Global warming seems to be the least of our worries.  A good close look at the local economy is like an archeolical  expedition.  You don't have to wait millions of years however, new age archaeologists only have to look back less than two years to see what killed the dinosaurs.
The "dinosaurs" in this case, were the large five bedroom mega homes, built in the "pre-recession period" ending in 2006.  Taking a closer look, one can see  how these people may have once lived.  Examining the ruins, there are tracing indicating these ancient peoples had a booming civilization at one time.  While the cause … (21 comments)

VILLA SOL TOWNHOMES GOING GOING GONE! - 02/28/08 07:18 AM
  Seriously selling off inventory. In a bold and aggressive move, the bnuilders of Villa Sol Townhomes in Kissimmee, Florida reduced prices on their new units by a stunning 34,000 yesterday. These quality block two story units are now going for $169,900.  This created a flurry of phone calls to previous prospects.  When a reduction of this magnatude occurs it presents potential buyers with a unique opportunity to get a great deal.  The goal was to sell off six remaining units. All brand new, all quality built, all in a fabulous community with a great location.
  These lovely two story townhomes … (0 comments)

FIREWALKING YOUR WAY THROUGH REAL ESTATE - 02/27/08 07:17 AM
 It takes courage. It takes conviction. It takes an inner strength to overcome fear and apprehension. Most importantly, it takes a good layer of insulation. Insulating oneself financially as the market smokes with sizzling opportunities. Stoking the coals for Real Estate firewalking are favorable mortgage rates, cooperative lenders and the embers of investor homes reducing prices to ash.
Rising from the ashes like the phoenix are the new buyers. First time home buyers who have been waiting. Cultivating their cash and waiting for the fire to die down.
Achieving successful sales...one at a time.
As a Real Estate professional, assessing the risk against the gain … (1 comments)

STUCK INTHE MIDDLE OF SCHOOL-CARBON FOOTPRINTS IN GREEN THEME COMMUNITY? - 02/26/08 08:54 AM
Eco-Friendly Harmony School will be leaving "Car"-bon Footprints
It is no secret public schools in Osceola County are suffering from severe overcrowding in certain districts. Just last year Michigan Avenue Elementary added an entire playground full of portable classrooms to accommodate the influx of children in grades K-5. Parents received letters advising them their children had the option of attending the Hickory Tree Elementary Annex since Hickory Tree Elementary was already overcrowded at full capacity.
 The former Arthur J. Gallagher Neighborhood School was created to accommodate residents in the new community and attract families to that area. It operated as a Charter School K-8 and … (0 comments)

ARE YOU PANNING FOR GOLD IN A LITTER BOX? - 02/25/08 07:06 AM
 Your not very likely to find gold in a litter box are you? No, certainly not.  The actions may be the same dig, sift, sort but the results are very different.  Same with farming. One can spend countless hours farming with a result less than they may expected.  Perhaps it is where they are farming that matters.
  While exploring territories, and where to market take into consideration who you are marketing to.  Not all niches work.  One must give careful thought to making a niche a little narrow in scope to be fruitful.  Same applies to inventory.  When representing a wide variety … (18 comments)

NOT ALL HOMES ARE LOSING THEIR EQUITY-WHY? - 02/25/08 05:15 AM
Lately, the fear and concerns over the sagging Real Estate Market, Adjustable rates mortgages, and lathargic economy have many homeowners worried their equity is evaporating. While this is true is most areas, there are  still a few areas unimpacted by over development, and as a result the equity has held steadfast. Take for instance Bay Lake Ranch,located on the eastern side of St. Cloud, Florida  in Osceola County. 
Nestled between Melbourne and Disney, in the shadow of Harmony, off the main east west artery (192)          Bay Lake Lake Ranch covers several miles. It is an equestrian estate community of custom built homes.  The … (0 comments)

13,000 MORE HOMES? FOR WHOM? - 02/24/08 08:50 AM
Developers may have passed the first hurdle in getting the approval for the largest  "Mega Development" Building Project proposed to bring in an additional 36,000 people to Osceola County by 2025. The proposal includes  building an additional 13,000 homes near the new interchange by the Florida Turnpike along the east side of Lake Tohopekaliga known as (Lake Toho) For whom? IS the nagging question one should ponder.
Developer Charles Pratt from New Jersey and Jupiter recently purchased ranchland from the Partin Family members for a reported sum of  $220 Million dollars for the project called Green Island.  This is the third Toho project to clear review … (6 comments)

MEET MY AGENT..PINOCCHIO - 02/23/08 11:20 AM
   "Sure we can get you a Gazillion dollars for your house!"  "List it with me it will sell in two weeks"..."of course I will call you back".  If only noses grew like in Fairy Tales it would be so much easier to tell when someone is stretching the truth maybe just a little. But alas, we live in the real world, where real people are not infalible, they are only human. 
We can teach, mentor, educate, and inform; but we can not change human nature.   Sellers who have had previous bad experiences have memories like elephants, usually with just cause.  It … (13 comments)

WHY BUYERS ARE CONFUSED BY THE WAY SHOWING PROPERTY HAS CHANGED - 02/22/08 07:53 AM
 Some Buyers seem befuddled,bewildered while others perhaps even boarder on belligerent; certainly most are confused.  The way Real Estate professionals show property has changed. Times have changed. The economy has changed.  As a result few REALTORS® fly out the door anymore.  Perhaps REALTORS® have just become more pragmatic. 
 REALTORS® are not used car salesman known for the eager aggressiveness in pouncing on a would be customer at a car lot.  The process for buying a used car and a pre-owned home are vastly different. So is the cost. In the past few years the supply of inventory was by far more limited than it is … (34 comments)

Where Do You See The Market Going? The Number One Question On People's Minds - 02/22/08 06:57 AM
 The question everyone seems to be asking in Real Estate is how low will prices go? There is no precise way to measure when the bottom will it or has hit until after it happens. What we are seeing is a return to value and in some areas the housing recession has hit harder than others.
In Central Florida in Osceola County Florida, There are at present an estimated 4100 properties according Realty Trac in some form of foreclosure. This is not a local problem by any means.  It is however a welcome relief to buyers who had to wait out the Market Boom. … (0 comments)

Talking Houses, Chatting up buyers or Just a Bunch of White Noise? - 02/19/08 10:14 AM
Do Talking Houses work?  The early models often had numerous technical difficulties. The reception on AM was riddled with white noise or improperly tuned in. There are several varieties available and some FM units as well, but do they really work? All houses have a story to tell, do consumers want to a house to talk to them literally?
Have you tried a talking house?  Or do you have an opinion as to why they are a bad idea? Unit can be purchased for a little over $200 dollars.  The prerecorded message can be customized and as long as the house has … (62 comments)

ARE YOU A TEASE? DO YOU BARE ALL OR JUST LIFT YOUR SKIRT SLIGHTLY? - 02/15/08 09:56 AM
Are you a tease? Well are you?  Or are you more likely to just lift your skirt a little and try to entice the voyeur to want to see more?  I let it all hang out!  That's right I show as much as I possibly can because I want you to look. There I said it.  I am not shy.  I am of course talking about what you post on the MLS. Photos.
  I want to let you see as much as I can, because the people I am marketing to, are most times not local.
 I want you to imagine yourself … (22 comments)

CHA CHING WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH NEW ECONOMIC STIMULUS INCENTIVE CHECK? - 02/14/08 07:42 AM
 It's Official- The check will be in the mail.  The average consumer is about to get a rebate sometime in May. The burning question is will they save it or will they spend it?  According to an AOL poll, 50% plan to use the rebate to pay off bills. Another 29% will save it.  With a little extra cha-ching in your pocket, what will you do IF you are eligible for a rebate? Would you consider using it as down payment money for buying a house?
 Will the extra cash burn a hole in your pocket?  Or do have a plan for … (8 comments)

A DOZEN RED ROSES - 02/13/08 07:36 AM
 Information is the hinge pin of what we do. While many of the people we depend on in the process are not the people we actually meet. We may speak with them by phone, or email, or are separated by great distances. Yet without them, the deal simply cannot happen.
Forming strong bonds with the other professionals who are instrumental in the process of closing a home is an important aspect of our ability to do business.  Too often however, we fail to acknowledge them.  We do not have to be in the same town, same county, or even the same state to do … (24 comments)

Do Sellers Incentives Work? - 02/12/08 03:03 PM
About six months ago, Builders as well as independent sellers were trying everything and everything to make a sale. There were office bonuses, perks, premiums and even trips. Nothing much happened. So do they work?  The prices had not come down to the point they are now, which has resulted in more interest and showings, and yes, more sales. 
Everyone likes to feel they have gotten something for nothing..  It is sort of like getting that "Employee of the Month Award, only to find out the employer has taken out taxes from it.  Sort of a half a prize.  Its an earnings thing- I get … (8 comments)

Yee Ha RODEO DAY IS ALMOST HERE! - 02/12/08 07:01 AM
 The Rodeo a tradition since 1944 in Osecola County Florida.  To area newcomers many are unfamilar with the tradition called "Rodeo Day" when they arrive. It does not take long to realize that even though Osceola County has grown and flourished, the traditions established over half a century are still alive and thriving. Every February the Rodeo comes to town along with the Fair.  Located at the Silver Spurs Arena on Hwy 192 in Kissimmee, Florida.
School children in Osceola County have the opportunity to show their farm animals and 4-H clubs throughout the area set up displays. There are several catagories … (0 comments)

TEXTING VS TALKING ARE YOU GETTING THE MESSAGE? - 02/12/08 06:24 AM
  Which do you do more of texting or talking?  Communications are the key in business. Some times it takes multiple attempts to reach someone.  There is something to be said for good old fashioned telephoning.  More and more we see it less and less. Between email, texting and high tech devices, we are losing the art of actually talking to someone. 
The bulk of my business as a REALTOR® comes from people who pre-date the technolgy era.  They are from the telephone age. So sending them a text message means they:
1) Will not be looking for it.
2) Will not know how … (12 comments)

YOU'RE FIRED! - 02/11/08 08:23 AM
 
    If you are like most people, you have credit card debt. How much depends on circumstances, and your job.  Most Real Estate professionals are self employed. As a result our income is not always predictable because it depends n so many diffrent factors. However, at one point or another, you have probably pulled out that "plastic life line" and swore to yourself that when the bill arrived you would pay it off. But like most people, you didn't.  If you used your "plastic life line" to fund your business start up, you may be serious trouble especially if you got … (14 comments)

BRILLIANT OR BS? - 02/08/08 02:35 PM
  When all eyes are upon you, or at least the perception that all eyes are upon are you brilliant or BS?  Are you thinking through an answer, or are you quick to jump to a scripted answer?  How often have you encountered someone who cannot deviate from what they have been told to tell you? Or worse who is thinking of a another question instead of reflecting on the answer you are giving them?
Often we get solicitation calls.  They are all basically the same. Regardless of what you say, the scripted caller just keeps going.  It is down right annoying … (4 comments)

THE "R" WORD - 02/06/08 07:05 AM
They won't say it but it is so. The "R" word RECESSION. It is not what economists are saying, it is what they are not saying.  We "could be", "fighting off"  "facing a future" recession.  Millions of Americans already know it is  here.  We have been through it before.  In fact, it was much worse in the 1980's and 1990's.
  The recession is here.  Rising costs of fuel,food and the decline in prices of housing,and minute economic growth are indicators that the Recession has taken root in the American economy.  But you do not need to be an economist to know that.  When costs … (7 comments)

SECRETS TO WINNING IN REAL ESTATE REVEALED - 02/05/08 05:24 AM
  "It's a buyers market" we hear it all the time.  Much has been written about this term, however, the public perception and the Reality of Realty are quite different indeed. The secrets to competing to win in todays market is about to be revealed...
BUYERS:  You are NOT alone.  Clearly, the resetting interest rates and decrease in housing prices has stimulated your interest or at least peeked your curiousity in the Real Estate Market.  The misconception however, is that Buyers are dictating the terms and prices.  The secret revealed is  to realize that you do have quiet competition.
SELLERS: Too often feel they can … (4 comments)

A BUYERS MARKET MEANS YOU HAVE COMPETITION PEOPLE- SURE FIRE TIPS TO FAIL AT GETTING THE ONE YOU REALLY WANT. - 02/04/08 02:21 PM
  The term "Buyers Market" does not mean the sellers are going roll over completely. In fact, in certain price ranges, you are likely to lose out on the house you want by making a low ball offer.  It may have played in 2007 but the tide is turning. Buyers are competing strongly for the supply of reduced price homes in Osceola County in the range under $160,000.
             Public Misconceptions
Consumer confusion and misconceptions of industry terms such as "Buyer's Market" has lead some potential home buyers into a false sense of certainty, their way below market offer might get them a home. What … (14 comments)

DOES SEX SELL? - 02/03/08 05:44 AM
   Does sex sell?  Of course it does.  The premise of sales is to attract the buyer. To entice the buyer, to peek the buyers interest and for the product to be alluring. The packaging and promotion of any product has to have a certain amount of sex appeal.  You want the customer to "fall in love" with it.  Selling Real Estate is no different.
                 KISSING A LOT OF FROGS TO FIND THE PRINCE
With so many homes on the market, buyers have many choices.  How do you make one stand out from the others? Creating excitement and visual imagery is one … (11 comments)

Cracking The Tough Nut in Real Estate - 02/02/08 12:40 PM
  Think buying Real Estate is a tough Nut to Crack?  Maybe not.  Because so many people bit off more than they could chew, the emerging market is very palitable. What is coming back to the market at least in Osceola County are beautifully done new homes, and recent renovations of starter or retirement homes. Priced under $200,000 are showing positive response. Thanks to recent Property Tax reassessments,  and reduction from the Fed.  Savvy buyers who have stored a few bucks for the winter are seeing some great deals.
                 Baby Boomers seeking warmer climates and a reprive from the snow blanketing … (3 comments)

484 Reasons You CAN afford a Winter Home in Florida - 02/01/08 10:15 AM
 I get asked all the time "Are Homes Really Affordable" in Osceola County, Florida.  The resounding answer is YES!  I am delighted to report that after a quick market survey I found for one customer 484 possible choices for a Winter Retreat all under $250,000.  Upon a closer look of those; there were over 400 possible choices under $200,000.   There was an adequate supply of smaller bungalow style homes even under $100,000!
     What this means is for the first time in YEARS, it is once again possible to purchase a Winter Retreat in Central Florida.  This is particularly true for Osceola … (3 comments)

WHY WON'T YOU RUN WHEN I CALL? - 02/01/08 06:05 AM
 There is  public misconception of what a Buyer's Market" truly is.  This is evident on a daily basis.  There is a false expectation that when the phone rings, the REALTOR® will be so over eager, overanxious, and unprofessional as to jump like a trained circus dog through a hoop of fire to show an unqualified lead a home. Hmmm. Let's examine why REALTORS® ask questions.
WHY DO REALTORS® QUALIFY LEADS AND INQUIRES?
The process of buying a home, is very different from simply looking at homes. One is a spectator sport, the other is business.  While it is necessary to first look before you leap, … (5 comments)

 
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Allison Stewart St Cloud Fl Realtor Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904

Saint Cloud, FL

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St.Cloud Homes

Address: Osceola CountyRealtor Real Estate Agent, Kissimmee/St.Cloud Real Estate Osceola County Real Estate , St.Cloud Homes , St. Cloud, Fl, 34771

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