Real estate blog entries tagged with astewartrealtor by Allison Stewart, St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904 (St.Cloud Homes )

Home : Blogs : Allison Stewart : St.Cloud Homes Florida Real Estate Insights : Tag "astewartrealtor"

astewartrealtor: FRED'S FURNITURE & AUCTION IN ST. CLOUD FLORIDA - 07/31/09 11:51 PM

FRED'S FURNITURE & AUCTION IN ST. CLOUD FLORIDA- has been one of the treasures of St. Cloud for over 45 years. Founded by Fred Irving Sr and now owned and operated by Fred Irving Jr, FRED'S AUCTION held every Friday Night, at 5225 E. Irlo Bronson Hwy in St. Cloud, Florida 34771.  It's what Country Auctions are really all about- meeting your friends, bringing your family and enjoying the ambience country auctions are known for.

WHAT AM I BID?
   FRED'S  AUCTION has been a meeting place for over four decades in St. Cloud Florida.
   Just about anything you … (1 comments)

astewartrealtor: SELLERS: IF YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE REAL ESTATE MARKET TO RETURN TO 2006 LEVELS...DON'T ... THEY WON'T - 03/27/09 11:52 PM

I get calls everyday from home owners contemplating selling their homes. Many are torn between trying to sell now or waiting until the market improves. The question of when to List a Home, depends on a few key factors.
WHEN DID YOU BUY YOUR HOME?
If you purchased or refinanced your home in 2006, it was at the peak of the Real Estate Market Boom. As a result, you likely are experiencing negative equity because you paid more than it is currently worth.
The majority of homes coming to Market through Foreclosure or Short Sales are a result of declining home values … (3 comments)

astewartrealtor: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS ONCE - 11/29/07 09:44 AM

Everyone hits hurdles in life, the holidays are especially stressful for many people, perhaps a little more so this year with the Mortgage Mess, and Foreclosure rates at all time highs. Taking a different approach may improve your end of the year numbers. Traditionally December is slow. However, most people planning to move wait until the end of the year to make that decision. Many may use a Holiday bonus to finance their move or at least subsidize it.
I have been monitoring the St. Cloud pound lately. Checking various pet websites and the number one reason people are giving up or trying to … (3 comments)

astewartrealtor: St. Cloud- No Crystal Ball Required It is a GREAT Place To Live - 10/15/07 08:11 AM

Real Estate runs in cycles. In Osceola County, as well as everywhere else, there is a shroud of uncertainty pertaining to the Real Estate Market. As we approach the end of the year, speculation on what the Market will do still remains cloudy. In the horizon however, something appears to be crystal clear. There is money to be made. The expansive road projectsunderway, are a good indicator St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and the surrounding areas are expected to achieve higher than normal growth in the near future.
The 2006 Census reported 244,000 people live in Osceola County, Florida making it the 17th fastest growing … (2 comments)

astewartrealtor: The Tax Man Cometh - 08/25/07 12:35 AM

In Osceola County, the newest tax bill proposals were just released. This has caused some homeowners to reconsider selling at the recommended price their Realtor recently gave them. The new tax proposals are scaring quite a few Osceola County homeowners. But, what they do not realize is like anything a tax assessment can be challenged.
The tax office collects their data much like Realtors do. Based on comparable sales, Market Value, and Appraisals. The County bases their tax assessment on what was sold the prior year, and at what price as a means of determining the value for tax purposes of your … (3 comments)

astewartrealtor: Taxes, Tactfulness and Timing - 08/24/07 06:29 AM

astewartrealtor: BUYERS, SELLERS AND DREAM MAKERS - 08/16/07 11:51 PM

The housing bubble may have burst, but with every ending comes a new beginning. Just this morning, I got the most wonderful email from a buyer I have been working with. "I love this house, it is my dream house, my kids love it. I want it!" No sweeter words to a Realtors ears. We knew we would find it. It was just a matter of when.
The buyer had done everything right. She was pre-approved, had a lender in place, had her docs in review, had a good job and a stellar credit rating...yes, the stuff dreams are made of.
We wrote an … (15 comments)

astewartrealtor: Mars & Venus Buyers And Sellers - 08/16/07 01:39 AM

Are Buyers From Mars and Sellers From Venus? No not really. But they are thinking differently when it comes to value and pricing of property. For the first time in eons, prices are adjusting at records rates and buyers are taking notice.
In part pre-foreclosures are responsible. In 2005 prices soared "out of this world". Mortgages were written on properties that in todays market are upside down. Homeowners who purchased property during the boom are experiencing rapid devaluation of those properties. Compounded with escalating interest rates on adjustable loans, and interest only loans maturing, an increase in property taxes, and increases in home … (10 comments)

astewartrealtor: It's About Keep Moving Forward - 08/13/07 10:44 PM

Real Estate has been a "Rocky" road and it is expected to remain that way for some time to come. For many the exhaustion of doing battle has become overwhelming. "It is not about how hard you can hit, it is about taking the hit and keep moving forward." Nothing in the world comes easy. Everyday is a challenge. Sometimes we win and sometimes we don't. "It isn't about what life throws at you it is about taking the hit and keep moving forward...that's how you win." Stepping into the ring knowing you are going to take a beating and have … (43 comments)

astewartrealtor: What Pushes You To Be Your Best? - 08/13/07 03:13 AM

Sometimes we all need a little push. While pushing someone's buttons is generally not considered a "good thing" A push in the Right Direction is. I have been encouraging new members whenever I can. Offering helpful hints, motivation, and inspiration in difficult times. Recently I was asked to speak at our office meeting about Active Rain and blogging. It has been a great source of referals, connections, and a wonderful creative outlet. As a result of a quick demonstration a few new people have recently joined this community. Please welcome new members, offer help where you can for many of us … (20 comments)

astewartrealtor: Are You The Flower or the Bee? - 08/09/07 11:18 PM

A field of flowers are indeed beautiful; and we have all heard the expression Busy Little Bee. Which are you? Being the flower means you may be stationary. Immobile. Bending in the flow of the wind, but not moving. Beautiful to look at but seasonal. The Bee conversely, is a networker. Constantly on the move, collecting pollen and working to get the nectar. I prefer to be the Bee. Passing The Test- Seeds And Shameless Self Promotion
I have a wonderful desk at the office, with a great view. It overlooks the busiest street in town. I am never there. It is almost a … (51 comments)

astewartrealtor: Workin Weekends Baby! - 08/06/07 12:31 AM

How many of you would opt for a two day work week? Sounds too good to be true doesn't it? Given our current market, working harder is not working smarter. It could be WHEN you are working which makes a difference. How about weekends? Are you working on them or not? Surprisingly, most people say not. Real Estate is about sales. If a retail store were to close on Saturdays they could lose up to 40% of their business. Take a grooming shop for example. Most people cannot have their pets groomed until the weekend. Saturday is the busiest day of the … (61 comments)

astewartrealtor: Foreplay & Real Estate-It's OK To Crush - 08/04/07 01:27 AM

In todays Market getting a call from a Prospect is like flirting. With so many prospective properties available and the pool of buyers smaller than before, the call coming in on a property can cause one to experience the euphoric sense of first love. The adrenaline rush of the first meeting. As you get introduced, the possibility of what might be. You feel there is a connection there. Is this unrequited? Are they "Into you?" Or "Not so into you?" The foreplay of sales is much like dating. The attraction, the first encounter, the connection. Or not.
Fielding sign calls can be … (23 comments)

astewartrealtor: Are Your Sales Stacking Up To Your Expectations? - 08/01/07 12:03 AM

Buyers and Sellers and Sales a delicate balancing act. Have your expectations been met or are they teetering precariously as the year draws to a close? Finding the right balance is an art. Have your goals remained on target or have they failed to amount to a hill of beans? Has your business plan stayed on target or are you using it for a dart board? It is possible to excel in the current market?
Setting reasonable goals and putting forth the effort to achieve those goals will almost always pay off. Too often we fall into the failure trap by setting unrealisitic expectations and then succumb … (7 comments)

astewartrealtor: Real Estate ...The Secret To Reeling Em In Hook Line and Sinker - 07/30/07 02:54 AM

It is a Buyers Market. How does one effectly reel in a Buyer Hook Line and Sinker. Selling Real Estate like Fishing requires, preparation, planning, a choice location, and patience. Another golden rule, is less noise is better. So when talking with prospective buyers, listen! They have a good idea of what they want. Still waters run deep. If you are listening, taking notes, and are seriously formulating what their needs are and what their budget will allow-you have done a good job at casting the line.
Marketing these days takes many forms. We have so many great options available. The net, print, Utube, … (4 comments)

astewartrealtor: A Vacation..or is it? - 07/26/07 03:32 AM

Ah Vacation... or is it? While playing tourist in Canada, in between taking photos and enjoying the change of scenery I closed one deal and worked with a potential buyer I realized the best part of doing what I do, is that I can literally do it from anywhere. The closing in Florida went flawlessly, the gift was delivered as planned, the buyers in Philly are making their travel plans and I get to be a tourist and escape the Florida heat a bit. Staying connected is a vital part of being on the top of your game. Of course the … (6 comments)

astewartrealtor: Pound Puppies and Professionals Prospecting ...Revealed! - 07/18/07 04:25 AM

Has selecting a Real Estate Professional become like choosing a puppy at the pound? Ever walked through the local pound? As perspective owners walk down the rows on cages each dog pitches "the prospect" differently. There are the Uber-Friendly, charismatic ones "pick me, pick me", there are the shy ones, the sad ones, and the ones that never come out of the enclosure. Much like Real Estate Professionals auditioning to be selected by sellers. They have but one objective; to win the sale.
Depending on what the prospective owners needs are, will often determine what pound pup they will ultimately choose. All candidates … (49 comments)

astewartrealtor: July 4th Community Special Events - 07/03/07 12:08 AM

July 4th-Independence Day...Traditionally a day of family and friends gathering for BBQ relaxation, and fireworks. Each community usually has a designated place for festivities.
In St. Cloud, it is the newly renovated Lakefront. The reading of the Declaration of Independence by a costumed performer, hot air balloon rides, a classic car show,
Wife carrying race, Pretty Baby contest, gospel singers,a magician, craft vendors, live entertainment, a beer garden and assorted food and beverage vendors.

An estimated 5000 people will attend. From 8am to 10pm the Lakefront will be abuzz with families enjoying the beautiful beach area, pavillions, and freshwater lake. The fireworks … (4 comments)

astewartrealtor: VoiceMail or Real Deal? - 07/02/07 01:42 AM

How many times have you tried reaching a Realtor, and gotten bumped into voicemail? I hate when that happens. Usually I do leave a message,and eventually the person will call me back. When I signed on to becoming a Realtor, the family discussed how it would impact our lives.
There was school, post licensing education, specialization classes, and of course customers. I have always believed that customers need to come first. I take phone calls on major holidays, weekends and yes even after hours. This past weekend, on a 1 night mini vacation, I had the pleasure of arranging shows … (4 comments)

astewartrealtor: From 0 to 2 in an afternoon - 06/21/07 11:59 AM

Inspired by Broker Bryant I'm going to sell me a house!!!! Things tapered off for a couple of weeks. Suddenly in one afternoon I had two buyers. Yippee...I am singing the happy song. Both pre-Approved ready to buy. So I am a happy camper today..pulling info, preparing maps, back in the groove. Thanks Broker Bryant I hope I have a better result to report on Monday! While I generally have sellers, they have been in short supply in St. Cloud, Florida...so I get to play on the other team for a change... The buyers! … (12 comments)

Related Links: