Orlando Florida - Just Sold... Model Home - 10/31/08 02:19 PM
If you've been waiting to purchase a new home... Now is the time!  Builders are trying to reduce their inventory and are willing to make SUPER DEALS!  My happy customer just closed on a New Townhome that was a model closeout...  The best part!  They are leaving the home fully furnished down to the toilet paper.  If you want it all... Call me!
New Toll Brothers Townhome $234,000
 
 
Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida)
Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com  
… (7 comments)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! - 10/31/08 10:31 AM
The Summers Team from "Move To Lake Mary" wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween...  We will be attending a "Spooktacular" wedding this evening!  It's an Irish/British wedding of two of my favorite clients... Can't wait! 
 
Don't be afraid! Halloween's a sudden BOO!! And just as quick a scream: Laughing in the scary dark, Loving friendly fright. On Halloween, witches come true; Wild ghosts escape from dreams. Each monster dances in the park, Eating candy like a shark-- Now kiss and say goodnight! Happy Halloween!
 
 
Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida)
Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or … (6 comments)

Lake Mary Florida - Just Sold! October 19 - 25, 2008 - 10/31/08 10:01 AM
This is the weekly update of homes sales (townhomes & condominiums too) for Lake Mary Florida.  The "Just Sold" Lake Mary & Heathrow Florida Update includes the 32746 zip code.
Single Family Homes Just Sold in Lake Mary Florida 

 
Current Market Snapshot
Homes/Townhomes/Condominiums for sale:  563
Contracts Pending: 81
Absorption Rate:  6.95 Months
*Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS participants and all data was derived from the Mid Florida Regional MLS. Please see below for more information about past home sales in Lake Mary Florida: 
October 5 - 11, 2008
September 29 - October 4, 2008
September 21 - 28, 2008 
September 14 -20, … (0 comments)

Lake Mary ~ Heathrow Festival of the Arts: November 1 & 2, 2008 - 10/31/08 08:48 AM
22nd Anuual Lake Mary - Heathrow Festival of the Arts begins tomorrow morning in Lake Mary.  This years festivities are being held at Oval Park in Heathrow adjacent to Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary just north of Heathrow on H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway. 
The Festival features Artists from around the country and draws tens of thousands of visitors to the area.  The festival is recognized as one of the finest juried art show that blends entertainment, crafts and extraordinary art. 
Come and spend the day in Lake Mary at the Arts Festival, walk the streets of Colonial Town Park and have lunch at one … (2 comments)

Sanford Florida - Just Sold Weekly Update: October 19 - 25, 2008 - 10/29/08 08:47 AM
This is the weekly update of homes sales (townhomes & condominiums too) for Sanford Florida.  The "Just Sold" Sanford Florida Update includes the zip codes of 32771 & 32773.
There were seven sales this week... Four home sales and three townhome sales.  The most interesting sale this week was in The Preserve at Astor Farms, the listing price was $100,000 more than the sales price - big difference.
Please check back next week for the Sanford Florida Just Sold Weekly Update! 
Sanford Florida Just Sold! - Single Family Homes



 
 
*Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS … (0 comments)

History Repeats Itself... We Were All Sold Out By Wall Street! - 10/28/08 09:27 AM
If you haven't had an opportunity to watch the latest 60 Minutes Segment on Credit Default Swaps... You must watch this report.  Until a bill was passed in 2000, this form of gambling (YES, I SAID GAMBLING) was ILLEGAL.
Congress and Wall Street SOLD OUT their fellow Americans... They knew exactly what they were doing and you and I are left to pick up the 700 Billion pieces.
 
Watch CBS Videos Online  

The First Report by 60 Minutes on Credit Default Swaps 
 
Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida)
Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com 
… (7 comments)

Why I Love My Real Estate Profession... - 10/27/08 08:39 PM
I'm always looking for new 'Drops' of Active Rain Brilliance, I found that last month when I stopped into Kristin Moran's Hot San Antonio Blog... I immediately liked what I saw and subscribed on the spot.  For that, I'm know next in line for the new AR tag two chain blog...
I love my real estate profession...

I'm a house junkie and my career fuels my addiction... I've driven hundreds of miles just to look at a house.  The dirt, the details and finishes are my life.  One of the most rewarding moments I've had is when we sold our "flip" … (11 comments)

Children's Miracle Network Classic - Walt Disney World Florida: November 6 - 9, 2008 - 10/26/08 09:30 AM
 Attention Golf lovers...
The PGA Tour comes to Orlando and Disney World next week with the 2008 Children's Miracle Network Classic. 
 The Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America.  The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando is a participating hospital and was voted by U.S. News and World Reports as One of the Best Children's Hospitals in the Country.
I support the Children's Miracle Network throughout the year and I attended the tournament with customers last year and will be sharing the … (4 comments)

Short Sale Roller Coaster Ride - Don't Say I didn't Warn You... - 10/25/08 04:01 PM
Excitement...Frustration...Hope...Desperation...Anger...Disappointment and Disgust!  These are the feelings that a buyer is likely to have during the 3rd party approval process of a home that is a short sale...and that's during a sale THAT ACTUALLY ENDS UP CLOSING.
Once you write a contract on a short sale you could be waiting weeks and often months for an answer from the seller's lender.  Should you consider writing an offer on a short sale?  Please think about this first...
Short sales are not for everyone:
If you have a specific timetable to meet... Don't write a contract on a short sale.
If you can't accept the property in the condition that it is today... … (15 comments)

In Loving Memory - The Leu Gardens Memorial Program - 10/25/08 11:51 AM






Harry P.  Leu Gardens is located in Downtown Orlando and was once the private residence of one of Orlando's most prominent citizens, the house and gardens were gifted to the City of Orlando in 1961.  The garden encompasses fifty acres and has three miles of paved walking trails.








I've been visiting Leu Gardens for over twenty years.  They are a frequent venue for weddings in the stunning rose garden with hundreds of flowers surrounding you.
The azaleas and camellias that bloom each winter bring visitors from all over the country.
I've spent a … (6 comments)

Lake Mary Florida Foreclosures - Value Buy of the Week! - 10/22/08 08:53 PM
How can I buy a foreclosure? It's the top question of many Seminole County home buyers.  The best way to purchase a Foreclosure in Lake Mary is to contact your Seminole County REALTOR and have them provide you with a list of the Lake Mary foreclosures that are now available on the open market.
Please check back each week as we will focus on the Foreclosure Value Buy of the Week in Lake Mary, Florida.








Featured Lake Mary Foreclosure Of The Week:
681 Starstone Dr., Lake Mary, FL  32746
Neighborhood:  The Crossings
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath
Pool Home
$191,900
Please click … (7 comments)

Help For Seminole County Buyers... You Can Purchase That Less Than Perfect Home! - 10/22/08 07:44 PM
These days the majority of first time home buyers are using FHA Financing to purchase their Seminole County homes.  In the past, using FHA financing has meant that some homes that a buyer might have wanted to purchase did not qualify do to the condition of the property.
Conditions such as:
The age of the roof Missing or broken HVAC systems Missing Flooring Missing Appliances Plumbing and Electrical Problems These conditions have eliminated many short sales and foreclosures from consideration because often these homes are in less than ideal condition.  Now, with a Wells Fargo "Remodel Express" home loan a buyer can purchase … (9 comments)

Lake Mary Florida - Just Sold Weekly Update! October 12 -18, 2008 - 10/21/08 04:30 PM
This is the weekly update of homes sales (townhomes & condominiums too) for Lake Mary Florida.  The "Just Sold" Lake Mary & Heathrow Florida Update includes the 32746 zip code.
I only have one word to sum up the sales last week in Lake Mary Florida!  WEAK!  Last week's sales of one house and one townhome don't even merit my usual graphic...  The only thing that's keeping me from going over the edge is the fact that there are 75 homes that are listed as being under contract... The September Lake Mary Market Update only had 60.  Please check back next week for the latest information and to … (2 comments)

Sanford Florida - Just Sold Real Estate Update! October 12 - 18, 2008 - 10/20/08 06:39 PM
This is the weekly update of homes sales (townhomes & condominiums too) for Sanford Florida.  The "Just Sold" Sanford Florida Update includes the zip codes of 32771 & 32773.
Yes... Great news!  There was 1 more sale this week than last week for a total of 5!  I'll take any movement in a positive direction... The market will continue, 1 sale at a time.
Please check back next week for the Sanford Florida Just Sold Weekly Update! 
Sanford Florida Just Sold! - Single Family Homes
 
*Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS participants, data collected from the Mid florida Regional MLS.
What's Selling in … (2 comments)

Central Florida Duplex For Sale - Apopka (Just Mintes To Orlando) - 10/18/08 09:15 PM
4029 Bonnie Drive, Apopka, FL 4029 Bonnie Drive, Apopka, FL 32703 View Map Well kept 1/2 Duplex located in the highly desirable Bear Lake area of Seminole County. Zoned for the "A" rated Seminole County Schools: Bear Lake Elementary, Teague Middle and Lake Brantley High. Convenient location with easy access to SR 436 & SR 414, minutes to Altamonte Springs, Maitland and Orlando. Close to shopping, restaurants and recreation. The original owner has lovingly maintained this property since completion in 1989 and you can move right in with no work at all. Large living spaces and an additional 300+ square foot … (1 comments)

Deltona Florida - Spooktacular Value @ $159,900 - 10/18/08 09:09 PM
PRICE REDUCED $159,900 3228 Noah Street, Deltona, FL 32738 View Map New Price: $159,900... SUPER VALUE & Move-In Condition... You rarely find that these days... Mr. Clean Lived Here, NOW YOU CAN TOO! Central Location! Easy Access to Interstate, minutes from Shopping and Restaurant and short walk to the middle school. Great floor plan will fit any lifestyle... From formal to relaxed living you will feel right at home here! Split bedrooms, large eat-in kitchen and family room... perfect to have friends over for the big game.
Details Asking Price: $159,900 MLS: O487312 Sq. Feet: 2098 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 HOA/Maintenance … (3 comments)

Seminole County Schools: Friday Night Lights - 10/17/08 01:11 PM

As we make our way into Fall, the High School Football season is in full swing - Seminole County is home to some of the best public schools in all of Central Florida and they need our support. 
Our Seminole County public schools have some really outstanding student athletes who are showcasing their talents on Friday nights under the lights. Now is the time to enjoy a fabulous Florida fall evening outdoors and there is no better way than to attend a high school game and maybe see the next Tim Tebow.
If you are interested in attending the next Lake Mary … (4 comments)

Old School RE is catching on to Social Networking - Get on the Active Rain Bandwagon! - 10/15/08 05:33 PM
As I sat patiently in the Ophthalmologists office with Cas this afternoon I took the time to read the current issue of Lore Magazine that has been sitting on my 2' pile of "Reading Material". I found the article about Channing Dawson the "visionary" behind Home & Garden Television to be very interesting and a rude awakening for many "Old School" real estate brokerages and agents who haven't gotten on the Social Networking bandwagon.
Mr. Dawson also includes Active Rain as one of the places that agents should explore to understand the trend and "tap" the movement.  A laughed when he said that … (18 comments)

Getting Your Tiger Fix... New Interview with Tiger Woods - 10/15/08 11:09 AM
Hey Golf Junkies... I've shared in the past my love of Golf - I love to play (badly) and watch (I'm good at that)!  I'm happy to share a new interview with Tiger Woods that aired on NBC.  I can't wait until he returns to golf course in January, but until then enjoy a few minutes with Tiger Woods.


  
 Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com 

 Subscribe in a reader</a … (4 comments)

Lake Mary Florida - Just Sold Weekly Real Estate Update: October 5 - 11, 2008 - 10/13/08 07:28 PM
Looking for current sales information for Lake Mary, Florida?  You have come to the right place...  This is the Lake Mary, Florida "Just Sold!" Weekly Real Estate Update for October 5 - 11, 2008.  This report contains all of the single family homes, townhomes and condominium sales for Lake Mary and Heathrow, Florida with the zip code of 32746.
Sales in Lake Mary were less this week thank last weekwith 5 single family home sales.  Last week we saw 6 sale (4 homes, 1 townhome and 1 condominium).  We were hoping to continue the positive trend that we saw in The … (1 comments)

Sanford Florida - Just Sold Weekly Real Estate Update: October 5 - 11, 2008 - 10/13/08 05:54 PM
If you are looking for the most current information about single family homes, townhomes and condominiums that have sold in Sanford Florida - you have come to the right place.  The Sanford Florida Weekly Market Summary contains home sales information for the zip codes of 32771 & 32773. 
There were 4 sales in Sanford, Florida last week.  Last week's financial markets were very volatile and quite possibly had an affect on the number of sales that closed.  These results are very disappointing and we were hoping to see more sales last week to continue the positive growth in the market that we saw last month.
… (4 comments)

LOOKING FOR SOME SCHWAG LOVE! - 10/12/08 12:07 PM
A few of you maybe asking yourself... what is Schwag and is it contagious?  Schwag is all the logoed goodies given away by companies so that you remember them, like them, think good things about them and tell your friends about them or at least that is the plan.
I'm my own target market... I love Schwag!  I'm still wearing the Pink visor from Cadillac that I received last year at a golf tournament for filling out a survey after looking at the new Escalade Hybrid, I wish that they had given that it away... then I would have really loved … (36 comments)

What I Learned On My Way To 100K - It's official... I'm a Blogger! - 10/09/08 08:05 PM
This post hurls me over the threshold of 100,000 points.  First of all I'd like to say that it's not about the points... Ok, maybe a little.  Everyone loves a little friendly competition and if you don't want to be #1 then there is just something wrong with you - I'm kidding... really, it's not about the points.
I started reading The Rain City Guide in the spring of last year, I knew I was on to something but thought that I could never write like "those people" and was certain that I wasn't a "blogger".  I found my way to Active … (35 comments)

BEST BUY IN DELTONA, FL: 3228 Noah Street - Reduced $159,900 - 10/09/08 05:23 PM
PRICE REDUCED: 3228 Noah Street, Deltona, FL 3228 Noah Street, Deltona, FL 32738 View Map New Price: $159,900... SUPER VALUE & Move-In Condition... You rarely find that these days... Mr. Clean Lived Here, NOW YOU CAN TOO! Central Location! Easy Access to Interstate, minutes from Shopping and Restaurant and short walk to the middle school. Great floor plan will fit any lifestyle... From formal to relaxed living you will feel right at home here! Split bedrooms, large eat-in kitchen and family room... perfect to have friends over for the big game.
Details Asking Price: $159,900 MLS: O487312 Sq. Feet: 2098 Bedrooms: … (2 comments)

Just Sold! Lake Mary Florida Weekly Market Summary: September 28 - October 4, 2008 - 10/08/08 09:42 PM
If you are looking for the most current information about homes, townhomes and condominiums that have sold in Lake Mary Florida... you have come to the right place.  Sales in Lake Mary were less than expected this week with 4 single family homes, 1 townhome and 1 condominium.  The Lake Mary Update for September  showed an increase in sales in September over August and we are all hoping that this trend continues.  Check back next week for more Lake Mary Florida Sales News.
The Lake Mary Florida Weekly Market Summary contains homes sales information for Lake Mary and Heathrow, Florida that includes the zip … (2 comments)

Sanford Florida Weekly Market Summary: September 28 - October 4, 2008 - 10/08/08 09:00 PM
If you are looking for the most current information about homes, townhomes and condominiums that have sold in Sanford Florida you have come to the right place.  We had another solid week of home sales in Sanford with 14 single family homes and 2 townhome sales.
The Sanford Florida Weekly Market Summary contains home sales information for Sanford Florida for the zip codes of 32771 & 32773. 
 Sanford Florida Just Sold! - Single Family Homes 

*Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS participants, information from the Mid florida Regional MLS.
What's Selling in Sanford, Florida?  Please select the a link … (1 comments)

Lake Mary Florida - Real Estate Market Update for September 2008 - 10/07/08 01:27 PM
Welcome back to the Lake Mary Real Estate Market Update for September 2008.  The home sales information for Lake Mary is for the zip code 32746 and includes Heathrow, Florida.  Lake Mary Florida was voted the #1 Place to Live in the South by Money/CNN.com in 2007.
Lake Mary Florida is a my favorite place for Orlando area residents to call home, just a short 20 minute drive to downtown Orlando and 45 minutes to the theme parks & the beaches. Lake Mary is a great place to choose your Seminole County home.
 September Home Sales for Lake Mary Florida

 
September sales for Lake Mary … (0 comments)

Did You Watch 60 Mintues? The Housing Bailout - They are Too Late - 10/06/08 08:44 AM
If you didn't watch 60 minutes last night (October 5, 2008) take a few minutes to watch their piece on the housing crisis. I'm the first one to say that I've been trying to understand the complicated world of Credit Default Swaps and the "shadow market" that 60 minutes alludes to in their opening and I just didn't get it, but I do now. Take a few minutes to watch this video, they explain it for the rest of us, it's worth waiting for the 15 second commercial to run. Shouldn't these company officials be in jail for selling insurance and … (19 comments)

Sanford Florida Real Estate Market Update for September 2008 - 10/03/08 11:56 AM
Welcome back to the Sanford Florida Real Estate Market Update for September 2008.  The home sales information for Sanford Florida includes the zip codes of 32771 & 32773.  Sanford Florida is located less than 30 minutes North of Downtown Orlando and within a 45 minute drive of the beaches and theme parks. 
Sanford Florida offers a diverse selection of housing opportunities from New Luxury Condos on Lake Monroe to homes in the Historic District with tree lined brick streets. 
While reporting the weekly sales for Sanford this month, I new that they were strong...  I'm happy to report that Sales soared in Sanford Florida during the … (6 comments)

Seminole County Florida: Market Report for September 2008 - 10/03/08 11:17 AM
Welcome back to this month's Seminole County Florida Market Update... 
The inventory of homes for sale in Seminole County rose last month by less than 1%.  The absorption rate for homes listed in Seminole County is currently 9 months. (the number of months that it will take to sell all of the homes on the market if no new homes are listed).  There are currently 512 homes that are under contract awaiting closing, plus there are numerous homes that are short-sales that have contracts submitted to lenders for approval and are not currently recorded as "pending".  September's home sales in Seminole County are consistent … (0 comments)

Lake Mary, Florida: Just Sold! Weekly Sales Update: September 21 - 27, 2008 - 10/03/08 09:18 AM
What's selling in Lake Mary Florida? 
Magnolia Plantation is home to the most expensive home sale this week in Lake Mary.  311 Pecan Ridge Point in Magnolia Plantation was listed on December 6, 2007.  This home was on the market 217 days.  The original list price was $1,450,000, the home sold for 81% of it's original price.  This home was built in 2007 and had never been occupied. 
Single Family Homes Sold in Lake Mary Florida

*Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS participants and all data was derived from the Mid Florida Regional MLS.
Please see below for … (0 comments)