Seminole County Community Spotlight: Washington Estates - 06/30/08 03:06 PM
Yesterday, I visited a custom home community I am marketing in Lake Mary, Florida...Washington Estates.
This community, which is very exclusive with only FIVE estates, has only one street...simply named Rolex Point.
On my visit yesterday, I witnessed the construction process of Estate 3, which is well underway! The drywall is in. The kitchen cabinets are in. The tile in the Master Bath and additional baths are in. This nearly 5,000 square foot home boasts five bedrooms, three and two-half bathrooms, a Study in lieu of a Formal Living Room (who uses Formal Living Rooms these days anyways??), a Formal Dining Room, a Breakfast Room, a … (1 comments)

Ethics Violations: Have You Ever Filed One? - 06/28/08 10:41 AM
Yesterday, I spent the better part of my morning attending the National Association of Realtors "Quadrennial Member Education Program" on the Code of Ethics.
Although this class was available online, I chose to pay the $35 to attend in person. I find that I enjoy the personal interactions, networking and "live" stories I get to hear when I physically attend mandatory or voluntary continuing education classes such as yesterday's presentation.
Yesterday was no different. The instructor, Richard T. Fryer (who is also the owner of IFREC Real Estate School), is probably one of the best presenters of information I have ever heard. … (3 comments)

It's the Little Things: DAKNO Marketing Made Me Smile! :) - 06/26/08 06:58 PM
Imagine my surprise when I opened my mailbox yesterday and found a GET WELL CARD that was forwarded from the hospital to my personal residence from DAKNO Marketing!
As most of you know, I was in the hospital last week for five days and ended up having gall bladder surgery last Thursday. Not only did I blog about it, but Debbie Summers, my friend and colleague, blogged about it too... (it's GREAT to have friends!)
As a result, I received many "Get Well Wishes" from several AR members...THANK YOU to all who wished me a speedy recovery!! (Again, it's GREAT to have friends!). I am … (6 comments)

Flushing Money Right Down The Toilet - 06/26/08 01:39 AM
Have you ever been asked by a SELLER to pay for repairs or improvements to THIER property prior to it being listed for sale? If so, have you paid for them? If so, have you always gotten paid back, even if the property did not sell?
I ask this question because tomorrow I am meeting with an Asset Restoration company at a potential new listing. The property owner lives in North Dakota and hasn't been to Florida for seven years! During that time, the property has been occupied by the same tenant, who paid his rent up until a year ago...but, he hasn't paid it … (67 comments)

Inspections: Are They Worth Your Time? - 06/24/08 11:00 AM
Before you shoot me with electronic daggers, please continue reading.  I am not questioning whether or not Inspections should be done on a property, but whether the 3-5 hour committment from the agent is thought of as a good investment of your time.
Over the years, I have heard of many theories about who should attend the Home Inspection...the Buyer, the Seller, the Buyer's Agent, the Seller's Agent, friends, family members, neighbors, etc.
Some Listing (Seller's) Agents I have dealt with have commented that they don't attend inspections on their own listings because they then become liable for the information should the … (7 comments)

My Experience at Florida Hospital in Seminole County, Florida - 06/23/08 09:04 PM
When researching places to live, most Buyers desire homes that are zoned for certain schools, have access to particular roadways or are convenient to shopping and dining districts. In my years of selling real estate and helping Buyers find their next "dream home," I've not once had a client ask me about nearby hospitals and what services they provide...which I guess is understandable, as hospitals are one service provider that most don't think about until they need it.
Trust me, I know.
I've lived in Seminole County for 35+ years. Up until last week, I've only been in the hospital twice … (8 comments)

The Clock Is Ticking - 06/18/08 10:39 PM
In less than 11 hours, I'll be wheeled into surgery at Florida Hospital in Altamonte Springs, Florida to have my gall bladder removed.
I've been here since Monday morning. I've had nothing to eat or drink since Sunday night, and I've been in a small 10x12 room with WAY too much idle time on my hands. So yes, I am a little grouchy.
Fortunately, I've had my laptop and have been commenting on lots of posts here on AR and have been communicating with all of my clients via phone and email...isn't technology great?
Hopefully, my next post will be one written … (12 comments)

A Room With a View - 06/15/08 09:21 PM
When marketing a property for sale, many agents (rightfully so) "advertise" as many of the selling features about the property as they can...Often times, one of these "features" may be that the property has "water views", is on a "conservation lot" , overlooks "a golf course", or is "private" (no neighbors on either side or to the rear of the property.) Many Buyers find these types of properties desireable and decide to move forward with an offer relying on what the listing agent advertises to be true about the property.
My advise to you: BEWARE when reading terms such as these! Just because the listing agent markets that the home is on … (2 comments)

Cooperation Means Just That! - 06/14/08 09:16 PM
I have a beautiful home for sale in Winter Springs, Florida at 103 St. Johns Landing Drive.
The same agent, Patty Willis, who works with another local Real Estate company in the area, has shown it to two different sets of clients in the last few weeks. In arranging for showings and gathering feedback, Patty has been a delight to talk with each time. She is professional, courteous and sincere in her comments and suggestions.

Tonight, she called to ask me a favor...she said that one of the clients she showed the property to last week is interested in seeing it again … (8 comments)

Golf Clubs and a Bathing Suit are all You Need! College Park Pool Home Reduced 15%! - 06/13/08 10:28 AM
… (2 comments)

I LOVE my Residential Contractor! - 06/12/08 10:17 PM
Yep, it's time for a shameless plug for Rick Norden, Residential Contractor and owner of Priority One Homes (who also just happens to be my husband too!)
When I first met Rick in July 1998 (wow, it's been 10 years this Fourth of July!), he was painting a commercial building in Altamonte Springs and doing some carpentry work on the side. From the day we first started dating, I knew he would be a success as he has always been honest, believes in communicating even when it's to share bad news, and most importantly...delivers what he promises....on time and on budget. Nothing less is … (3 comments)

No Horsin' Around! Private 3.9 acres with Home and 10-Stall Horse barn in Seminole County for Sale! - 06/11/08 10:54 AM
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Should I Consider a Customized Website? - 06/11/08 08:48 AM
I have been working with a Pay-Per-Click representative at Reach Local and we've run a few different "campaigns" over the last three months.  Luckily, this rep is a friend of a friend and they wanted to use me as a "test case," which meant I haven't paid a dime yet for any of these campaigns...which is good, because as we all know, internet marketing via google ad words or PPC campaigns can be quite costly. 
Thankfully, in the last three months, my "impressions" have tripled...but, unfortunately, my click through rate is not where I (or they) think they should be to call the campagin … (4 comments)

Seminole County YMCA, a Lake Mary Resident's Dream for the Summer! - 06/10/08 08:45 PM
Now that Seminole County Public Schools have been dismissed for the Summer and the first few days of "freedom" have worn off, it might be a good time to consider some activities for your children so that they are not sitting in front of the TV or constantly asking "what are we going to do today?"
If you are considering programs such as Swim Team, Summer Camp, Tae Kwon Do classes or Youth Sports, the J. Douglas Williams YMCA in Lake Mary is the place to be!
As a past YMCA employee, I've always been a raving fan for their children's programs.  … (1 comments)

It’s a Family Affair: Shaw Construction is Lake Mary’s Downtown Builder - 06/10/08 07:53 PM
The Shaw Family is well-known in the area for their commitment to the development of Downtown Lake Mary and for their quality workmanship in both commercial and residential construction. Terry Shaw, the owner and visionary behind Shaw Construction, has been a residential and commercial builder in the area for years and has proven to be dedicated to and focused on revitalizing the historic area of downtown Lake Mary for the past ten years.
As a matter of fact, Terry's company, Shaw Construction, was instrumental in the building of the very first high-end retail space in historic Lake Mary known as "Central … (0 comments)

Ten Reasons to Choose a Seminole County City for Your Next Address! - 06/10/08 07:33 PM
I've lived in Seminole County, Florida for more than 30 years! Many people ask me why I've not ever considered moving my husband and two boys to another County in Florida (or out of Florida for that matter), and the answer is simple...Seminole County has so much to offer that there is no reason to leave. Here's why I've stayed in Seminole County and why you should consider moving here too:
1. The School System is Award-Winning
Seminole County Public Schools scored higher than other school districts in the areas of reading, writing, science and math. As a matter of fact, … (1 comments)

Conserve Gas: Visit the St. Johns Landing Community Open House this SUNDAY, JUNE 8th, 1-4pm - 06/05/08 10:23 PM
With gas prices being at an all time high, I have collaborated with four other REALTORS to host a Community Open House this weekend in one of my all time favorite Seminole County communities: St. Johns Landing.
Just this morning, I wrote a post on this community in my weekly "Community Spotlight". To read more about this incredible Winter Springs lakefront neighborhood in Seminole County, read here.
On Sunday, June 8th, from 1-4pm, there will be four exquisite custom homes open for tours. All of these fine properties feature designer appointments and custom designed floorplans.

My listing, which is located at 103 St. Johns Landing … (5 comments)

Seminole County Community Spotlight: St. Johns Landing - 06/05/08 08:32 AM
Welcome to LaShawn Norden's "Seminole County Community Spotlight"
This week, I would like to share one of my favorite communities with you, St. Johns Landing.

Saint Johns Landing is a small community of only 31 custom-built homes on the banks of Lake Jessup. Most of the homes were built in the late 1990's and early 2000's by some of the most reputable custom homes builders in the area. Homes range in size from 3,000 square feet to over 4,200 square feet. Approximately one third of the homes have frontage on the lake and several of those homes have their own … (0 comments)

Calling all boaters, 121 Shell Point, Maitland, Florida home at NEW price! - 06/04/08 04:06 PM
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Please define an "optional home owners association" for me - 06/03/08 04:12 PM
Some say that it's best to see life as "grey" rather than black and white...but, I am a Real Estate agent and am responsible for knowing the black and white details in a contract and to "educate" Sellers and Buyers alike on issues that may be "red flags" in their real estate transaction.
With that being said, I was doing some research on a potential new listing and came across the words "Optional Home Owners Association" in the remarks of one agent's listing. As I kept researching the community, I found that some agents listed the community has having NO Home Owners Association … (12 comments)

What they don't know might kill them! - 06/02/08 04:34 PM
I've been wrestling with a particular issue and am not sure how to best handle it...
The scenario goes like this:
I wrote an offer on a house in a very popular neighborhood about two weeks ago. The house was gorgeous and I was happy for the Buyers when the offer we wrote "won" over two others that had been submitted. The offer was very strong (although not at full price), and contingent upon inspections to the sole satisfaction of the Buyer and the property appraising for at or above the contract price.
Honestly, I thought this was a done deal. … (12 comments)

UPDATING THE DISCLOSURES ON YOUR LISTINGS! If you haven't, you should! - 06/02/08 03:39 PM
In a time when listings are taking longer to sell than a few weeks or even a few months, I urge all listing agents to review their files and send a copy of the Seller's Disclosure (as well as any other disclosures required in your area that could need updating) to the owners and ask them to verify the content and/or modify it to reflect any issues that may now need to be disclosed that were not known when the house was listed (ex: recent plumbing leak, termite swarm, roof problem, change in Home Owners Association Fees, etc.)
I would highly recommend that you get IN … (2 comments)

Be a Part of History: Seminole North Little League Needs Donations - 06/02/08 01:33 PM
Even though I sometimes feel like a circus clown trying to master the juggling act of wife, mother, Real Estate agent extraordinaire, daughter, sister, Treasurer of my Home Owners Association and Board Member for the Seminole North Little League, all of these roles have a special place in my heart.
 The role of Board Member for the Seminole North Little League is one that I recently accepted. Because I live in Seminole County (and have for more than 30 years), am active in my profession and have two boys in the age demographic that this project services,  I was asked to … (1 comments)

 
LaShawn Norden, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157 Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL (Keller Williams Heritage Realty) Rainmaker_large

LaShawn Norden, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157 Your Real Estate Advocate in Central FL

Longwood, FL

More about me…

Keller Williams Heritage Realty

Address: 1150 Douglas Avenue, Suite 2020, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714

Office Phone: (407) 862-9700

Cell Phone: (321) 377-0157

Email Me

Selling or purchasing a home can be exciting and scary at the same time! The goal of my blog is to educate Central Florida Buyers & Sellers about the Good, the Bad & the Ugly things that can happen in a real estate transaction! As an advocate for consumers in Orange, Seminole and Volusia County, I especially enjoy working with first-time home buyers, relocation buyers, sellers of distressed property and luxury home sellers. Native to Central Florida, I'd welcome the opportunity to be your advocate too!

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