On this, the most romantic day of the year, we find our very own back yard to be named the most romantic city in the United States. Lake Buena Vista holds the #1 spot on the list as published by Foursquare. Naturally, this has me wondering, what is so romantic about Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World Resort???

Here are some of my picks for the most romantic things to do:

1. Victoria & Alberts - Fine dining at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

2. Cinderella's Castle - The most magical place on earth - Magic Kingdom.

3. Sailing on the Grand 1 - The indulgent, 52 foot Sea Ray cruiser can be chartered for cruises around the Seven Seas Lagoon. This is an ideal way to view the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks.

4. Disney's Boardwalk Resort - Walking around the beautiful Crescent Lake, and enjoying the many shops, and restaurants is a very nice way to spend an evening with a loved one.

5. The California Grill - Fine dining with a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Located at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

6. Epcot Food and Wine Festival - For 6 weeks during the fall, this diverse celebration of food and culture is an amazing way to enjoy an evening out with someone extra special.

7. Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - Offered at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, you can relax on an old-fashioned horse drawn carriage tour.

8. Spa Treatments - Savor the ultimate indulgence with your special someone, at Disney's Grand Floridian Spa or Disney's Saratoga Spa.

9. Watch the Fireworks from Disney's Polynesian Resort Beach - Bring your blanket, and enjoy a sip of your favorite beverage while taking in the splendor of the amazing Magic Kingdom fireworks.

10. Cinderella's Royal Table - Magical dining at Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom. It doesn't get more magical and romantic than this!

These are just to name a few! Walt Disney World is a great playground for adults too! The possibilities are endless, and it's all located within just a few miles from our Orlando neighborhoods. Located in perfect proximity to Lake Buena Vista, learn more about Dr. Phillips Real Estate and Windermere Real Estate.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

This is an amazing Windermere Real Estate opportunity, in the impressive Chaine du Lac community. Located at 3414 Cocard Court, just off of Park Avenue, in the town of Windermere, FL. With over an acre of land, this spacious 2 story home provides over 6,000 square feet of luxury living, and is the perfect family home. Showcasing many upgrades including two large bonus rooms, a spectacular master bedroom suite, beautifully finished closets, a wine cellar, a gas range, as well as travertine and hardwood floors throughout. This Windermere home is priced to sell, with an asking price of only $617,900. 

Famed businessman and philanthropist Dr. Phillip Phillips, better known by his close friends as "Doc", was born on January 27, 1874 in Memphis Tennessee. He received his medical degree while attending Columbia University, in New York. Dr. Phillips first came to the State of Florida in 1894. Considered the largest citrus producer of his time, he purchased his first orange grove in Satsuma, FL shortly after arriving in Florida. When a terrible freeze lasting two days hit the area, he lost his initial crop and headed back home to Tennessee. Upon his return, in 1897, he decided to move further south to the Central Florida area. Over time, he accumulated over 5,000 acres of citrus groves, spanning over nine counties, as well as several real estate ventures and two citrus packing-houses.

In the 1940's, Phillips made plans to move forward with the creation of the luxurious community we now know as, Dr. Phillips.  "Dr. Phillips" is an unincorporated area in the suburbs of Southwest Orlando, FL. Perfectly located between two, pristine inland lake systems: the Sand Lake Chain of Lakes, and the Butler Chain of Lakes; both provide the area with gorgeous lakefront real estate and seemingly endless recreational activities.  Offering prestigious schools, hospitals, world-class restaurants, and highly sought after Dr. Phillips real estate, the area also benefits from its close proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and more!

The legacy of Doc Phillips also continues on throughout the generous philanthropic work achieved by the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, and Dr. Phillips Inc.

Search for your Orlando dream home, in Dr. Phillips today!

Central Florida residents are amongst a spectacular example of Mother Nature at her finest...The Butler Chain of Lakes. Surrounding the areas of Windermere, and Dr. Phillips, in Orlando, Florida, this amazing inland lake system provides breathtaking lakefront real estate. Lake Butler, Lake Down, Wauseon Bay, and Lake Isleworth are just a few of the local gems we share, in our very own backyard. The Butler Chain of Lakes provides amazing opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and more! Collectively, the lakes equal over 5000 acres of land! Individual lake statistics are as follows:

Lake Butler – Surface Area: 1700 acres - Depth: 14.1 feet

Lake Blanche – Surface Area: 122 acres - Depth: 26.9 feet

Lake Chase – Surface Area: 142 acres - Depth: 20.7 feet

Lake Down – Surface Area: 911 acres - Depth: 19.7 feet

Lake Isleworth – Surface Area: 56 acres - Depth: 16.7 feet

Lake Louise – Surface Area: 151 acres - Depth: 10.2 feet

Pocket Lake – Surface Area: 128 acres - Depth: 18 feet

Lake Sheen – Surface Area: 569 acres - Depth:15 feet

Wauseon Bay – Surface Area: 1686 acres - Depth: 24.6 feet

Little Fish Lake - Surface Area: 24 acres - Depth: 16.1 feet

Lake Down - Surface Area: 911 acres - Depth: 19.7 feet

Chain of Lakes Public Boat Ramps:

Public access is very limited. With just two public ramps, the exclusive Butler Chain of Lakes typically remain free of congestion and over-crowding.

Lake Down Boat Ramp: Provides an entryway to Lake Down, and is located on Conroy-Windermere Road, just across from the community of Isleworth. The single-lane Lake Down Ramp is open daily, but it has strict limitations on parking for vehicles and trailers. Ramp hours vary seasonally. Please contact 407-836-6200 for more information.

R.D. Keene Boat Ramp: Located in Windermere, on Chase Road, near the Keene’s Pointe community. This public access point provides boaters an entryway onto Lake Isleworth. Space is limited to a mere 49 vehicles/trailers. For information on park admission prices and operational hours, please contact the park staff: 407-876-6696.

For more information on lakefront properties in Windermere and Dr. Phillips, including a complete database of the current home listings, please visit our Orlando MLS Search Resource.

Located just three miles from downtown Orlando is the traditional neighborhood of Baldwin Park.  Resting on 1,100 acres of land with 8,000 residents and over 125 businesses, Baldwin Park is a community unlike any other.  Characterized by its diverse housing styles, excellent schools, shops, restaurants and parks, Baldwin Park is a great place to live, work or visit.

Blending into neighboring communities without walls or gates, Baldwin Park is designed as a Traditional Neighborhood Development with the tried and trusted principles of New Urbanism.  Meeting people is easy in this pedestrian friendly community of wide sidewalks, bike paths and trails that stretch for over 50 miles.  Getting involved in community events and going shopping are popular activities for residents in Baldwin Park.  The A-rated schools, that many children walk or bike to are an important feature for families, as are the parks, playgrounds and pools. 

The core of activity in Baldwin Park is its beautiful waterfront Village Center.   There is a wide variety of restaurants from pubs to sushi and fine dining.  Shoppers enjoy small boutique shops, unique small businesses, a neighborhood bank, as well as a pharmacy and supermarket. 

Baldwin Park has more than 20 different parks, some open to the public and others exclusively for residents.  These parks feature everything from pools, to fitness clubs, and playgrounds.  A sense of community is nurtured as family and friends get together to enjoy the many amenities that make this neighborhood one of Central Florida Luxury Real Estate’s most unique and special places to call home.

Presentation is everything.  While considering the sale of your Orlando property, keep in mind the importance of an appropriately staged home. Set your home apart from the pack, and gain a competitive edge, by considering the following staging tips for your Orlando Real Estate transaction.


1. Curb Appeal – The most important step in home staging, is creating enticing curb appeal.  You do not get a second chance to make a first impression, and the first impression of the potential homebuyer takes place before they even step out of their vehicle.

•     Keep landscaping well trimmed, free of weeds, and the lawn manicured.
•     Accent your property with potted plants and colorful blooms.
•     Power wash exterior concrete, including driveway and sidewalk areas.
•     A fresh coat of paint on the front door, polished hardware, and a tidy new doormat are all easy updates that will go  a long way with the initial impression of your home.
•     Complete necessary outdoor repairs.

2. Clean Up!  –  Prior to listing your home, be sure to deep clean your entire home from top to bottom, inside and out.  Think…hotel clean. Think…your in-laws are coming to stay for a week - clean. Remember to clean baseboards, ceiling fans, cupboards, and drawers. Don’t forget to clean the inside and outside of every window, as well as giving your large appliances a deep clean inside and out.  Keeping your home in tip-top, sparkling shape will reflect an overall, well cared for property.

 
3. Paint – It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for a room. Keep colors warm and neutral. Although you may not need to repaint the entire home, be sure to take a good look at the trim, and baseboards. Touch up paint can also go a long way with giving a renewed appearance to your home.

4. Repairs – This is a very important step. Time to start checking items off of your “honey-do” list. All needed repairs should be completed prior to showing your Orlando home. Unfinished projects (large and small) are a turn off to potential buyers, and can ultimately hinder the sale of your property. Remember to repair all plumbing, faucets, and even running toilets. Inspect the caulking in the showers and tubs, and re-caulk as necessary.

5. Lighting – Proper lighting when showing your home is crucial.  Add lamps where needed, especially to brighten dark corners. Turn every light on, for every single showing, even during the daytime. Also be sure to keep all window treatments completely open to allow the most natural light possible. By doing so, you will also showcase the natural outdoor surroundings.

 
6. De-clutter – Say bye-bye to clutter!  Less is more, especially in closets and cabinets. Remember, you want to highlight the storage space in your home - storage space SELLS!

•     Remove all small kitchen appliances from countertops.
•     Remove refrigerator artwork and magnets.
•     Put away personal bathroom necessity items.
•     Do not over furnish a room.
•     Remove worn or damaged pieces of furniture.

For more spacious and functional rooms, consider removing half of the decorative accessories and furniture. If a piece of furniture is worn, damaged remove it.

 
7. Depersonalize - Buyers need to see your HOME, not your stuff.  Personal belongings such as photos, collections, personal awards, electronics and collectibles make it challenging for buyers to envision themself in the home.  By removing your personal items, buyers can identify with the space easier. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for the buyer to form an emotional connection with the home – seeing it as THEIR home.

 
8. Don’t forget the Garage – It is equally as important to unclutter and organize the garage area. Be sure the buyer can visualize car(s) parked in the space, as well as vital storage opportunities.

 

9. Finishing Touches & Accessories – Accent your kitchen with a bowl of fresh fruit, or a nice cookbook properly displayed on a book easel. Place an arrangement of fresh flowers on the dining room table, or even on a table in the foyer or in the hallway area. Books, flowers, and/or nicely rolled up (fluffy) white towels in bathrooms all create an inviting impression.  Use mirrors to accent rooms. A great way to utilize a mirror to enhance space is to place a mirror at end of long hallway.

 
10. Appealing Aroma – Pay special attention to the aroma of the home. Consider consulting a neutral nose, by having a friend visit for a smell test. A great way to create an enticing environment is to bake cookies just prior to a showing. You may also consider using a subtle air-freshener plug-in.

 
To receive a customized review of the current value of your Central Florida Real Estate; including the areas of Windermere, FL, Dr. Phillips, Longwood, FL, Winter Park, FL, and Lake Nona, FL, please feel free to visit our What Is My Home Worth resource.

 
Once you have decided to move forward with selling your Orlando Luxury Home, it is time to draw up a time frame for the selling process. The Central Florida Home Sellers Roadmap will assist you with the next steps.

Experience the Orlando Resort Lifestyle!

We're so sure you'll fall in love that we'll reimburse your travel expenses up to $1,500* when you purchase at Vista Cay at Harbor Square, The Isles at Cay Commons or Windsor Hills Reserveby Pulte Homes. This offer is good through October 31 and includes Reimbursement for travel, food, accommodations and entertainment.

Join us for the Pulte Homes Resort Rental Experience and enjoy the world's #1 vacation destination! Indulge in upscale shopping and dining and entertainment as well as all the theme parks and attractions that Orlando has to offer!

To book a getaway at Vista Cay at Harbor Square or The Isles at Cay Commons, please call Jeff at 407-438-4028. This is in addition to the other great sales incentives that I offer my buyers just for using me as your buyers agent.

Related Information: Orlando Investment Properties

Vista Cay at Harbor Square and The Isles at Cay commons by Pulte homes in Orlando has recently released the following buyers incentives. These are 2 great communities investment / vacation properties located next to the Orlando Convention Center. Vista Cay and The Isles at Cay commons offer 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums and town-homes in a gated community with resort amenities.

Vista Cay at Harbour Square - Bayshore: Price incentive $30,000

Vista Cay at Harbour Square - Monterey: Price incentive $60,000

The Isles at Cay Commons - Ventura: Price Incentive $30,000

For more information on the current incentives please visit: Vista Cay Buyers Incentives

For More information on these great Properties please visit: Vista Cay Orlando

Additional information:  Orlando Investment Properties

Emerald Island 7 Bedroom house in FORECLOSURE! Asking price $399,900. This is a great opportunity to purchase a 7 bedroom home at a 4 bedroom price.

7 BEDROOM POOL HOME IN A GREAT LOCATION IN HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER EMERALD ISLAND RESORT. THIS RESORT FEATURES A 24 HOUR MANNED GATED COMMUNITY JUST MINUTES FROM DISNEY, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS. SUBJECT TO THIRD PARTY APPROVAL

Copy of Listing: 8512 Sunrise Key Emerald Island

Additional Information on: Emerald Island Resort Orlando

For more information on Orlando vacation homes please vist: Orlando Investment Properties

Building an energy-efficient home is a huge trend these days, with the prominence of global warming being just about everywhere we go. Energy efficiency is not only great for the environment it can lead to healthier living as well as cutting monthly bills drastically. In Orlando the savings can add up year after year. When thinking about building an energy-efficient home, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. consider is the climate the house will be built in

2. Structural insulated panels

3. Doors and windows

4. Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems

5. Insulation

For the complete article please visit: Building an Energy Efficient Home

 Jeff- Orlando Real Estate