First Time Home Buyers: Avoid Tax Fraud When Collecting $8,000 Stimulus Credit - 02/27/09 05:56 PM
Earlier this year, the Economic Stimulus Plan, that included a $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, was approved.
Below is what Central Florida first-time home buyers who are considering purchasing a home need to know about the 2009 Tax Credit:
The approved amount is $8,000, or 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of the $8,000 It is available for home purchases made between January 1, 2009 thru November 30, 2009 There is NO repayment requirement There is a 3-year recapture if the home is sold within that time period, unless exempt according to the rules The money is available for principal residences only (owner … (8 comments)

Short Sale Addendum & Mid-Florida Regional MLS Rules: Which One Wins? - 02/27/09 02:23 PM
In the Fall of 2008, the Florida Association of REALTORS® published the Short Sale Addendum to Purchase and Sale Contract (aka SSA-2), which further clarifies the contingency for the approval by the seller's lender(s), the time period allowed for that approval and options for when all other time periods related to deposits, financing, inspections, etc. are to begin.
In addition to addressing the above, the SSA-2 also communicates the right of the Seller to continue to market their property and to secure multiple offers. Verbatim, that statement reads:
"Unless otherwise agreed upon by Buyer and Seller in writing, Seller may continue … (25 comments)

Crucial Meeting for Central Florida/Wekiva River Homeowners~TOMORROW, Friday, February 27th @1:30PM - 02/26/09 10:28 PM
Earlier this week, I posted a Blog about this very same issue. You can read it here.
If passed, this proposed change could SIGNIFICANTLY impact the value and desireablity of homes within the Wekiva River Basin Study Area.
The Department of Government Affairs for the Orlando Regional Realtor Association sent out the below Call To Action today:
WEKIVA RIVER BASIN SEPTIC TANK ISSUEA meeting of the Wekiva River Basin Commission is scheduled for Friday, February 27, at 1:30 p.m. at the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council's office, located at 631 N Wymore Road, phone is 407.326.1075.Last Thursday, the advisory committee … (1 comments)

City of Sanford Residential & Commercial Property Owners: Let Your Voice Be Heard @ Public Hearing on February 26th at 7:00PM - 02/25/09 11:31 PM
The City of Sanford will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, February 26th, from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at the Sanford City Hall building to hear from citizens and organizations about proposed changes to the City's code.
Should the proposed ordinace changes be approved, it could cost homeowners and commerical property owners thousands of dollars.
A detailed summary of the proposed changes can be found here.
As you can see, these proposed changes could significantly impact thousands of properties and further impact property values.
As a REALTOR who services Seminole County and City of Sanford residents, I plan to attend this hearing … (1 comments)

Arts, Crafts & Kisses from a Camel...All at the City of Lake Mary Festival of Arts & Crafts on March 7th - 02/24/09 10:22 AM
The City of Lake Mary is hosting a Festival of Arts & Crafts on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00am until 3:00pm and you are invited!
The event is sponsored by the Lake Mary Historical Society and will be held at Lake Mary Central Park at City Hall, which is at the corner of Lake Mary Blvd. and Country Club Road.
In addition to a featuring a variety of artists and select purveyors of goods & services, there will also be games for children of all ages, plenty of food, lots of entertainment and of course...Gus Jr, the Kissing Camel!
Admission is … (2 comments)

Settlement between NAR & DOJ = New Listing Agreements & More Options for Central Florida Sellers - 02/24/09 09:05 AM
After five years of negotiation between the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), a settlement has been reached that has resulted in the requirement of new listing agreements that provide more options for Sellers, who can now elect what marketing efforts their brokers provide when listing their home for sale.
Specifically, the settlement requires that Central Florida Sellers now be given more choices when it comes to the display of their property on the Internet. The new listing agreements now give Sellers the option to decide if they want their listing to be advertised on the Internet or not. If they do … (1 comments)

If You Have a Home in Central Florida with a Septic Tank...READ THIS! - 02/20/09 10:18 PM
In an effort to limit potentially hazardous nitrogen seepage from septic systems, the Florida Department of Health could require homeowners who have properties within the Wekiva Study Area (WSA) to install a new septic system when they sell their home...at a cost estimated to be as high as $10,000 per property.
On February 19, 2009, the Department of Health presented "rule language" to the Review Committee, who also heard from consumers, REALTORS®, and Florida Association of REALTORS® lobbyists who all suggested that a ruling of this type could impact more than 50,000 residents and negatively impact the already sensitive real estate … (8 comments)

Lake Mary, Florida Custom Home @ a 40% Discount~170 Rolex Point in Washington Estates~Excellent Investment Opportunity - 02/20/09 12:02 AM
WOW!! Now you can own a CUSTOM HOMEin Lake Mary, Florida at a 40% DISCOUNT!
The BUILDER'S LOSS is YOUR GAIN! APPROVED BY LOCAL LENDER at this price as a short sale. Response to all offers within days rather than months.

Make your offer today on the estate at 170 Rolex Point, listed at $650,000 or for $260,000 more ($65,000 per lot), you can have your own compound with this fine estate and four additional homesites, which can be sold and developed in the future! This is an excellent investment opportunity!

170 Rolex Point is spacious and well appointed, featuring:
5 bedrooms 3 full bathrooms 2 … (2 comments)

When It Comes To Florida Real Estate, I've Come To Realize: Opinions Are Like Belly Buttons... - 02/19/09 11:10 PM
...Everybody has one.
Yes, even the teenage cashier at the local grocery store has an opinion about the real estate market, how you could market your home for sale or how you should handle the negotiations of your short sale or loan modification. If you think about it, there's probably at least one person you know who is quick to offer their opinion on how you should handle any given situation, although they may have no real experience or knowledge on the topic at hand.
Interestingly enough, the more I think about why consumers seek the opinions of others, the more I realize that … (1 comments)

10 Simple Suggestions (That Cost Nothing) to Help Sellers Prepare for a Showing - 02/15/09 02:38 PM
Buyers have a lot of choices these days. If your home is one of the ones they want to see, be thankful...and be prepared for the showing.
To make the most of your "first impression," follow these 10 Simple Suggestions:
Mow the lawn & the pull the weeds. Put all lawn equipment, toys, balls, bikes and toys in the garage and close the garage door. Open the window blinds/curtains to allow natural light in & turn on the lights inside. Make the beds, pick up the shoes & clothes (and whatever else) is on the floor of the bedrooms and secure … (5 comments)

Part III: How Loss Mitigation Companies Can Impact a Buyer's Offer on a Short Sale - 02/10/09 09:58 AM
This series is related to Loss Mitigation companies and how they impact Sellers and Buyers in a short sale transaction. You can read Part I here and Part II here.
Now that you've had a moment to get caught up with the first two segments, it's worthwhile to think about the impact Loss Mitigation companies have on a Buyer and their offer on a short sale property.
While some Sellers and their real estate agents believe that having a Loss Mitigation company involved in the transaction is a benefit, if you are a Buyer or a Buyer's Agent, I would caution … (0 comments)

Part II: 11 Questions Sellers Should Ask If Considering Hiring a Loss Mitigation Company - 02/08/09 06:01 PM
If you are reading this post, I'd recommend that you read Part I of this series here.
OK, now that you are caught up on the purpose of this series, you are probably wondering if I have it "out" for Loss Mitigation companies.
To answer, no, I don't have it "out" for Loss Mitigation companies...or any other company for that matter. On the contrary, there are times when I think engaging the services of a Loss Mitigation company will benefit all parties involved.
However, I do strongly believe that when one is considering hiring a company or individual for a particular service (such as negotiating the loss … (4 comments)

Part I: Are Loss Mitigation Companies Friends or Foes? - 02/07/09 10:11 AM
This series is being written as a result of not only my experiences, but those of other Real Estate agents, Sellers and Buyers who have recently been party to a real estate transaction involving a new breed of company that promised one thing, and yet delivered something much different.
Your comments and personal experiences are welcomed, as education is the intended outcome.
Part I:
In every type of real estate market, there will always be individuals and companies that will capitalize on the current state of affairs. Some might say that they are just entrepreneurs who are making a living providing a service that is … (7 comments)

Seminole County, FL Residents Encouraged To Rally for Education - 02/05/09 08:20 AM
As a mother of two boys who attend Seminole County Public Schools in Central Florida, I too am concerned about how budget cuts in the County will effect the level of service and education that my children will receive.
In talking with another parent, I was told about this very important rally, which will be held next week to address this very topic. The below Press Release has been published by the Seminole County Coucil of PTA's to encourage parents and residents to make a stand on how important education is and what should be done to preserve it through these challenging … (2 comments)

New Listing in Windermere, FL~3414 Cocard Court~Chaine du Lac Community - 02/04/09 09:54 PM

 
Welcome to 3414 Cocard Court....a recently remodeled custom home in Windermere's famous Chaine du Lac community, which is located in Central Florida.



Chaine du Lac is an enclave of exceptional homes on the shores of Lake Butler, which is part of the Butler Chain of Lakes. 
 
 
 
 
Crafted with only the finest materials, this 6100+ square foot estate boasts 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a Bonus/Media Room, a Game Room, a Office and pool, all nestled on 1.3 acres.
 
The Master Suite features a stunning shower/dressing area crafted with imported travertine and glass, as well as a … (4 comments)

 
Lashawn 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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