orlando: Buying new construction vs Bank Owned Foreclosure Property - 04/15/11 10:36 AM
There's been some debate lately as to whether you should buy New construction property versus a Bank owned foreclosure home in Orlando. I say either can be a great deal just depends what you are looking for and current housing needs.
 
Here are my top reasons you should purchase a New Construction Home in Central Florida:
 
It's brand new - never lived in, most the time you get to pick the fixtures and have outstanding warranties from 1-2 year interior to 10 year structural If the community is new there are no bad loans in the community meaning no … (2 comments)

orlando: Baldwin Park A Traditional Planned Neighborhood in Orlando, FL - 04/05/10 12:05 PM
Located in the heart of Orlando, Florida, Baldwin Park is a traditional neighborhood development that is conveniently located near the city’s workplaces, restaurants, attractions, and cultural, entertainment, and sports venues. With its pedestrian friendly wide sidewalks, homes are within easy walking distance of stores like Publix, offices and restaurants in the Village Center such as Subway, Five Guys, Seito Sushi, Lago. Parks, lakes, playgrounds and common areas are other places to meet and socialize, making Baldwin Park one of the friendliest communities in Orlando.
 
Available property types for sale within the Baldwin Park community include condos, town homes, and single … (5 comments)

orlando: Orlando First Time Home Buyers - Free $8000 for those who get off the fence - 12/13/09 01:02 PM


You have probably heard about the extension of the first time home buyer credit. 
If you are a first time home buyer and purchase prior to April 30, 2010 you can receive up to $8000 in free money.That's right free, no repayment.* Now you are probably thinking I dont want to have to wait until I file my taxes next year to get that $8000. Even better news, you dont have to.
That's right you can contact a CPA to have them amend your 2009 taxes and get you that $8000 as soon as you close on your new home. Already purchased a home this … (0 comments)

orlando: First Time Hone Buyers Put the Brakes on Expectations - 12/13/09 12:57 PM
There is no doubt it's a buyers market. Inventory levels have never been better, coupled with the best interest rates in years and you have the perfect synergy effect for home buyers. However, buyers beware just because you have the perfect conditions does not entitle you to unrealistic expectations. While this market gives you the opportunity to buy a house, it does not mean you get the Tasmajal on a Clampett budget (pre hitting oil).While you might be able to afford more home, do you really need it? Will you use all those extra rooms? Do you have time to handle the landscaping … (3 comments)

orlando: Orlando Bank Owned Home for Sale - Near the airport - 11/29/09 01:32 PM
Orlando Bank Owned Home For Sale Near the Airport! Bank is installing a brand new kitchen and bathroom in this charming house. Perfect starter home or would make a great investment property with positive ROI. For more information on this property please read below or contact me at Heather@HeatherTheRealtor.com
(0 comments)

orlando: Bank Owned Properties - Sold in Orlando - Investors and First Time Home Buyers - 11/19/09 11:01 PM
This month we have had the pleasure of helping many buyers purchase their first home to investment properties. As an reo listing agent I have the insider tips and tricks it takes to get my buyers deals accepted on bank owned homes in the Orlando area. Let's take a look at the amazing deals this past month that my buyers have had the opportunity in purchasing. Values represent homes in their current condition.
 
Address Purchase Price List Price Appraised Value
Beechdale Ct  $50,000 $67,500 $85,000
  Sugar Bend Dr    $18,000 $30,000
Belhaven Dr $200,000 $200,000 $222,000
S Old Mill … (4 comments)

orlando: National and Local Foreclosure Stats - 10/27/09 11:40 AM

I am going to try to keep everyone up to date every month on the national and local foreclosure stats.
I think it's an important gauge on where the market is going and where it has been.
 
For the month of October 2009  Information updated on 10/27/09 at 4:27 pm
Nationally 440,858REOs Florida   55,239 REOs
Seminole County  789 REOs
Orange County  4,451 REOs

(2 comments)

orlando: How to make my offer on a Bank Owned Home Stand Out - 08/10/09 05:19 AM
Many people ask "How do I make my offer stand out" when purchasing a bank owned home. They realize after making a few offers that low ball offers wont cut it in this market on homes in good condition in location under $200,000. 
As an REO listing agent myself here in Orlando, FL I have a few tips to helps those out there struggling to get their offers accepted. 
Each bank is different but I find the below information holds pretty true with most the banks that I work with,
Tips for making an offer:
Banks prefer offers with high down … (10 comments)

orlando: Are You Thinking About Purchasing an Orlando REO Property? - 08/10/09 04:15 AM
Are you thinking about purchasing an Orlando REO property? If so, you need to make sure to pack a lot of patience going into this process. While the process of purchasing an Orlando REO property or better know as bank owned real estate is quicker then purchasing a short sale you need patience for another reason, multiple offers. Not just multiple offers on a property you may want, but also the fact that you will probably need to make multiple offers on multiple bank owned properties before one sticks.
As an REO listing agent here in Orlando I can give you … (3 comments)

orlando: Harry Potter Fans - Start of new ride at Universal's Island of Adventure - 07/14/09 10:00 AM
A month ago I spent the day at Univerisal in Orlando as us Floridians call it doing the tourist thing. In light of tonights opening of Harry Potter which your's truly will be at I wanted to post a picture of the upcoming ride set to open in 2010 at IOA. They are redoing the Dueling Dragons ride and turning it into Harry Potter land (I dont know the name) Take a look below at the beginnings of what looks like Hogwarths. 

(6 comments)

orlando: You dont need a Realtor - 06/16/09 11:19 AM
You heard me right, you dont need a Realtor, if your a buyer. Why would a Realtor be saying such a thing. I mean isnt that what the commercials are always telling us how much you need a Realtor. Well it's true you dont need a realtor to pull you listings of houses and to see what's on the market. You dont need a realtor see how much the previous owner paid for the house or how much they owe. You dont need a Realtor to see the interior of the home with today's photos and virtual tours or to drive … (4 comments)

orlando: What's the difference between a Short Sale and a Bank Owned Home - 05/28/09 04:53 AM
The topic of hot debate, what's the difference between a short sale and bank owned property (REO)? This is a great question. There are two big differences. A property being sold as a Short Sale is still owned by the current home owner. They are in default on their mortgage and instead of being foreclosed on and ruining their credit more, they ask the bank to accept a sale and take less then what is owed to bank, it's the banks choice to take this or not and some banks are not offering this option anymore. A Bank owned property or … (11 comments)

orlando: Looking for missing money in Orlando or Lake Mary? - 02/04/09 08:19 AM
Ok so maybe the money isnt missing, but might be left making more money for the IRS if you missed any tax deductions. Don't leave it up to chance and do your own 1040. With all the new tax laws and incentives out there for people who have recently purchased or home or sold a home, it makes sense to consult a CPA.
If you live in the Orlando or Lake Mary area call Gail Joubran, CPA. She has over 25+ Years of tax experience, estate planning and trust and worked for many years as an internal auditor. If you or … (2 comments)

orlando: Top Pick of Bank Owned Properties around Orlando, FL - 11/19/08 11:04 AM
Heather's Top Picks
Bank Owned Real Estate Around Orlando, FL


This is a new edition in a series of blogs about Real Estate in Central Florida. I currently blog about What's Hot & What's Not in Orlando, a weekly look at the top listings for sale and recently sold properties.

This series will go over my top picks of bank owned real estate in both Seminole & Orange County, FL. I will break down my top picks by area and price points. Each week will feature a new list of real estate for sale.

Definitions:
REO stands … (3 comments)

orlando: The truth about Central Florida.... The Good, the not-so-bad & the not-too-ugly - 11/14/08 06:19 AM
The Truth About Central Florida
Is Orlando really the Vacation Capital of the World?
You Betcha. The region offers more lodging options then nearly any destination in the world. accommodations rrange from Luxury resorts, to motels, vacation home rentals and timeshares.
Are Alligators everywhere?
No. While they are pretty prevalent in this area you will not find them in every rention pond, drain or swimming pool. There have been occasions but like any animal they prefer their natural environment. The are generally more afraid of you, honestly. Attacks on humans are quite infrequent. However for safety you should still keep small … (6 comments)

orlando: What's Hot & What's Not in Real Estate Orlando, FL - 11/10/08 12:31 AM
What's Hot and What's Not
Week in Review - 11/10/2008
Past Weeks: 10/06/2008 10/13/2008 10/20/2008 11/04/2008

Each week will feature the hottest sales and listings in Orange County and Seminole County, FL. As to not offend anyone we will not be listing the Nots. This week we are showing the most lavish homes in the Orlando Real Estate Market from the east side to the west.

Hottest Home of the Week JUST SOLD:

This weeks hot home sale is located at 9801 BLANDFORD RD ORLANDO, FL in LAKE NONA.
Immediately feel swept away as you enter … (4 comments)

orlando: Weekend in REview live from Orlando, FL 2008 National Association of Realtors Conference - 11/09/08 01:56 PM
The fun started this Friday when Claudia arrived at my home downtown Orlando and we headed to the NAR convention at the Orange County Convention Center. We arrived around 10 am with our free expo pass in hand. However the exhibits didnt open til 4 pm. So what would we do. Since we valet parked we decided to walk around a little and scoop things out. Then headed out to Chili's on Apopka Vineland for some lunch.

We made it back in time to attend DAvid Meerman Scott seminar on The New Rules of Marketing and PR. It was pretty … (4 comments)

orlando: First Time Home Buyers ... How to figure out how much Home you can Afford - 11/08/08 02:08 PM
This Pre-Qual worksheet is part of a series of blogs to assist First Time Home Buyers. While this worksheet is by no means meant to replace speaking with a loan officer and obtaining a pre-approval, it might help you understand how the process works and give you a starting point to figure out how much you can afford. Again there are more details that go into a pre-approval and if you would like to get pre-approved for a home loan contact Heather Joubran 407-810-6304.
Total gross monthly income:             $_3600_

$___3600_____________    x _____0.31_________% = $____1,116.00_________
(total gross … (2 comments)

orlando: First Time Home Buyers ... How to figure out how much Home you can Afford - 11/08/08 02:06 PM
This Pre-Qual worksheet is part of a series of blogs to assist First Time Home Buyers. While this worksheet is by no means meant to replace speaking with a loan officer and obtaining a pre-approval, it might help you understand how the process works and give you a starting point to figure out how much you can afford. Again there are more details that go into a pre-approval and if you would like to get pre-approved for a home loan contact Heather Joubran 407-810-6304.
Total gross monthly income:             $_3600_

$___3600_____________    x _____0.31_________% = $____1,116.00_________
(total gross … (2 comments)

orlando: VA Loan 100% Financing.... Yes You Can - 10/31/08 01:22 AM
Who says 100% financing isnt possible for first time home buyers? If they did, then they dont know about one of the great loan programs available to Veterans. I had to go back in an edit this blog I forgot to mention that with a VA Loan there is no PMI payment! With veterans day right around the corner I felt it was an appropriate time to discuss VA Loan Benefits. Here are some frequently asked questions about the VA Loan program.

So what is a VA Loan & Who can use it?
The VA Loan also know as the … (9 comments)

 
Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary, First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes (LemonTree Realty)

Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary

First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

Orlando, FL

More about me…

LemonTree Realty

Address: 10 n summerlin ave 28, Orlando, FL, 32801

Office: (407) 810-6304

Mobile: (407) 810-6304

Heather Unger's blog is for those looking to gather information on Central Florida's Real Estate Market including areas such as Orlando, Lake Mary, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, Longwood, Seminole County, Winderemere, Winter Park, Thornton Park & College Park.
In her blogs you will find information on how the current and local market is for all types of buyers and sellers from first time home buyers to the luxury real estate market, where to find the next deal in new construction and bank owned properties (REO) or how to get your home sold quickly. Better yet check out her website www.HeatherTheRealtor.com.
Here you can also find her video blog showing her recent appearances on HGTV's House Hunters and other great real estate videos, plus information on local communities and areas.


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