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Orlando, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever. And here’s why.A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize.Your agent is the person who will guide you through every step when buying a home and look out for your best interests along the way. They smooth out a complex process and take away the bulk of the stress of what’s likely your largest purchase ever. And that’s exactly what you want and deserve.This is at least a part of the reason why a recent survey from Bright MLS found an overwhelming majority of peopl...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need. A Bankrate article explains: “Roughly 60 percent of U.S. adults who have held student loan debt have put off making important financial decisions due to that debt . . . For Gen Z and millennial borrowers alone, that number rises to 70 percent.” This includes one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, buying a home. But you should know, even with student loans, waiting to buy a home may not be necessary. While everyone’s ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights Hiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market. They’ll also go over contracts and fine print with you, so you understand what you're agreeing to. Plus, they're good at negotiating, making sure you get the best deal. Expert advice from a trusted real estate professional is priceless. Let’s connect today.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothi...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Mastering Scale and Proportion in Interior Design  The Art of Scale and ProportionCreating Harmonious Spaces with Furniture and Decor In the world of interior design, achieving a harmonious and visually appealing space goes beyond just selecting beautiful furniture and decor pieces. One crucial element that is often overlooked is scale and proportion. The size of objects in a room can greatly impact its balance and overall aesthetic.  We’ve all seen it ourselves. You walk into a room and you just know things just aren’t right.  Something is off. Many times it’s the scale and proportion.   The importance of scale and proportion in interior design cannot be overstated and it’s imperative to get it right. Understanding Scale and Proportion:Scale refers to the size of an object in relation ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re trying to sell your house, you may be looking at this spring season as the sweet spot – and you’re not wrong. We’re still in a seller’s market because there are so few homes for sale right now. And historically, this is the time of year when more buyers move, and competition ticks up. That makes this an exciting time to put up that for sale sign. But while conditions are great for sellers like you, you’ll still want to be strategic when it comes time to set your asking price. That’s because pricing your house too high may actually cost you in the long run. The Downside of Overpricing Your House The asking price for your house sends a message to potential buyers. From the moment they see your listing, the price and the photos are what’s going to make the biggest first impressi...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show there are more homes on the market in 2024 than there have been in any of the past several years (2021-2023): Does That Mean Finding a Home Is Easier? The answer is yes, and no. As an article from Realtor.com says: “There were nearly 15% more homes for sale in February than a year earlier . . . That alone could jolt the housing market a bit if more “For Sale” signs continue to appear. However, the nation is still suffering from a housing shortage even with all of that new inventory.” Context is important. On the one hand, inventory is up over the past few years. That means you’ll like...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Before making the decision to buy a home, it's important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you're busy saving for the down payment, don't forget you’ll want to prep for closing costs too. Here’s some helpful information on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them. What Are Closing Costs? A recent article from Bankrate explains: “Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .” Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. According to Freddie Mac, while they can vary by location and situation, closing costs typically include...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Thinking about buying a home? If so, you're probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but here's some information that can help you decide.What’s Next for Home Prices?Each quarter, Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 experts—economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists—what they think will happen with home prices.In the latest survey, those experts say home prices are going to keep going up for the next five years (see graph below):Here’s what all the green on this chart should tell you. They’re not expecting any price declines. Instead, they’re saying we’ll see a 3-4% rise each year.And even though home prices aren’t expected to climb...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Can you Embrace Change?Can you find a silver lining in life's changing dynamic?  In the whole scheme of things, change is the only constant.It's only natural for our minds to veer towards the negative, envisioning doom and gloom scenarios that might overshadow the potential for growth and fulfillment.But what if every life-changing decision, carried with it the seeds of opportunity.When you are standing at the crossroads and facing a decision that could possibly alter the course of your life forever, instead of focusing on the negative, what if you shifted your perspective to see the opportunities?Every decision, or circumstance, no matter how extreme, is an invitation to step out of your comfort zone and actually welcome the chance to change.Every success... every setback... is a step ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Even with the latest data coming in, the experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis like the one we saw back in 2008. While headlines may be calling attention to a slight uptick in foreclosure filings recently, the bigger picture is that we’re still well below the number we’d see in a more normal year for the housing market. As a report from BlackKnight explains: “The prospect of any kind of near-term surge in foreclosure activity remains low, with start volumes still nearly 40% below pre-pandemic levels.” That’s good news. It means the number of homeowners at risk is very low compared to the norm. But, there’s a small percentage who may be coming face to face with foreclosure as a possibility. That’s because some homeowners may have an unexpected hardship in t...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more. Remember these four tips to make your best offer. 1. Partner with a Real Estate Agent Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals. As PODS notes: “Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.” Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for. That advice can be game changing when you...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
 Blessings and Quotes to InspireThe Spirit of St. Patrick's Day St. Patrick's Day is not only a celebration of Irish culture and heritage but also a time to reflect on the blessings and wisdom that this revered saint has bestowed upon us.  From heartfelt blessings to inspiring quotes, the essence of St. Patrick's Day is captured in the words that have been passed down through generations.  Blessings May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand   May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.  May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
For a St. Patrick's Day dessert buffet, you can include a variety of treatsinspired by Irish flavors and colors. Here are some ideas:1. Irish Cream Cheesecake: A rich and creamy cheesecake flavored with Irish cream liqueur, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.2. Shamrock Cookies: Sugar cookies shaped like shamrocks and decorated with green icing or sprinkles.3. Guinness Chocolate Cake: A moist chocolate cake made with Guinness stout beer, topped with a creamy chocolate ganache or frosting.4. Bailey's Irish Cream Cupcakes: Moist cupcakes infused with Bailey's Irish Cream, topped with Bailey's buttercream frosting in green.5. Pistachio Pudding Parfaits: Layers of creamy pistachio pudding, whipped cream, and crushed pistachios served in individual glasses.6. Irish Apple Cake: ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights With the number of new listings going up and average days on market going down, buyers may have more options, but will still want to move fast. For sellers, inventory is still low and houses are selling fast, meaning your house should stand out and may get multiple offers if you price it right. If you want to know more about what’s happening in our area, let’s connect.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contai...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash. Some in the media were even forecasting home prices would drop by as much as 10-20%—and that might have made you feel a bit unsure about buying a home.But here’s what actually happened: home prices went up more than usual. Brian D. Luke, Head of Commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices, explains:“Looking back at the year, 2023 appears to have exceeded average annual home price gains over the past 35 years.”To put last year’s growth into context, the graph below uses data from Freddie Mac on how home prices have changed each year going back to 1980. The dotted line shows the long-term average for appreciation: The big takeaway? Home prices almost always go up. As an article from ...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Do you think you're being more efficient when you are multi-tasking? Well... that may not be the case. We have been led to believe that the ability to multi-task is a good thing, and a positive trait. We've heard that people that can multi-task are more efficient and more productive. I myself have been known to attempt to juggle many projects at the same time.  Checking emails, getting dinner ready, talking on the phone etc. Recent research disputes the benefits of multi-tasking.  They now say that what we perceive as multi-tasking is a myth.  We think it is enhancing our productivity when in fact it is not.  The Myth of Multitasking: What it boils down to is that the human brain is not wired to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with equal efficiency and effectiveness.   Instead, wh...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you. They may even be why you’ve put your plans on hold for now. When rates climbed near 8% last year, some buyers found the numbers  just didn’t make sense for their budget anymore. That may be the case for you too.Data from Bright MLS shows the top reason buyers delayed their plans to move is due to high mortgage rates (see graph below): David Childers, CEO at Keeping Current Matters, speaks to this statistic in the recent How’s The Market podcast: “Three quarters of buyers said ‘we’re out’ due to mortgage rates. Here’s what I know going forward. That will change in 2024.” That’s because mortgage rates have come down off their peak last October. And while there’s still day-to-day volatility in rat...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if you’re looking to break into the housing market or want to stretch your budget further. According to NerdWallet: “Buying a fixer-upper can provide a path to homeownership for first-time home buyers or a way for repeat buyers to afford a larger home or a better neighborhood. With the relatively low inventory of homes for sale these days, a move-in ready home can be hard to find, especially if you’re on a budget.” Basically, since the number of homes for sale is still so low, if you’re only willing to tour homes that have all your dre...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Making Eco-Friendly Choices   Choose Sustainable Transportation Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation instead of driving alone. These alternatives reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion while promoting physical activity. Eat Local and Seasonal Foods Support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of your diet by choosing locally sourced and seasonal foods. Visit farmers' markets or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program to access fresh, locally grown produce.  Reduce Meat Consumption The production of meat, especially beef, has a significant environmental impact due to deforestation, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet and reducing your meat consumption.Consciou...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights Wondering if now’s a good time to sell your house? Based on how many homes are on the market, there are two big reasons why this spring is looking so good for sellers. Thanks to an uptick in inventory over last year, you’ve got more options for your next home. But there are still fewer homes for sale than there’d normally be, meaning your house should stand out and get a lot of attention from buyers. If you want to sell your house, this spring is the sweet spot. When you’re ready, let’s chat to get the ball rolling.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not inte...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. One long-standing, popular way to do that is by downsizing to a smaller home. When you think about cutting down on your spending, odds are you think of frequent purchases, like groceries and other goods. But when you downsize your house, you often end up downsizing the bills that come with it, like your mortgage payment, energy costs, and maintenance requirements. Realtor.com shares: “A smaller home typically means lower bills and less upkeep. Then there’s the potential windfall that comes from selling your larger home and buying something smaller.” That windfall is thanks to your home equity. If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’ve built up a considerable amount of...
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