Your Central Florida Real Estate Blog

Relying on A Real Estate Agent

2012-01-24T15:46:00.004-05:00

The latest NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showed a growing trend among recent buyers.

The latest figures show that 89 percent of buyers purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent or broker. This is a sharp increase from a decade ago in 2001, when only 69 percent of buyers enlisted the help of an agent or broker.

Why do today's buyers buyers choose to work with an agent? Let's look at just a few of the many reasons an agent can be your biggest ally.

First, agents are licensed professionals, which means they had to complete coursework and pass an exam in order to become and agent. They have the education and experience to help you navigate what will be one of the biggest purchases of your life.

They also have access to a wide range of properties and can guide you to those that are the best fit for you, which can save you time and energy. If you are unsure what type of property you're interest in, an agent can help explain the pros and cons of things such as condo life versus single-family detached living.

Where are the up and coming neighborhoods? Which areas are more walkable or have access to better schools? These are all issues an agent deals with daily.

They can also ease the burden of buying by simplifying the process. They set up showings, drive you to appointments if needed, and help you handle the intricacies of negotiations.

Today's market also presents challenges that simply weren't present or didn't dominate the market a decade ago. Buyers are faced with some great deals, but through some complicated channels, such as short sale or foreclosure. How does one handle these sort of contracts? Your agent or broker will know.

According to the NAR, "More than ever home buyers are relying on real estate agents and brokers to help them with their home purchase regardless of whether the home they are buying is a foreclosure, short sale, or even a FSBO sale because they need a real estate agent to help them through the process."

Finally, buyers are unsure if now is really a good time to buy. They need to rely on someone with local market knowledge. Is this a good neighbor to invest in? Are prices still dropping in this community? How long do homes take to sell? What is the median selling price? Buyers want the best deal out there.

The 2011 Profile found that more buyers are opting against dual agency, where the agent represents both the buyer and seller. This could signal that today's buyers are very cautious about getting into the market. While a dual agent isn't supposed to harbor any bias, buyers now want to be extra sure they are getting the best deal possible. In fact, "60 percent of recent buyers had an oral or written arrangement with the real estate agent or broker so that the buyer's agent only represented the buyer and not the seller."

If you are considering entering buying a home this year, be sure to strongly consider using a real estate agent. They could be your biggest ally.

If you or someone you know needs Real Estate help, please contact me 407-257-3433 or julie@moving2orlando.com.

Published: January 17, 2012
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Heading Towards Foreclosure?

2012-01-12T15:31:00.004-05:00

Resolve to Face the Facts!
Since 2007, 8.9 million homes have been lost to foreclosure and millions more are headed in that direction.
As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, my mission is to ensure that you or anyone you care about does not add to that statistic.
The unfortunate fact is that so many homeowners who have played by the rules and never imagined that they could be facing foreclosure are now in a very tough situation.
More than one in four homeowners owes more on their mortgage than their home is worth. On top of that staggering statistic is the fact that millions of homeowners are unemployed, or underemployed and falling further behind every month.
Sound familiar? Rest assured you are not alone.
If you feel that you are headed toward foreclosure, or if you are avoiding facing that fact, the sooner you reach out for help, the better your options.
As a CDPE agent, I help distressed homeowners to work through every aspect of the denial and discouragement that accompanies a mortgage which is no longer manageable, and in the process, to move toward financial solvency.
If you or someone you care about is ready to tip the scales back toward financial solvency, contact me today and let’s get started.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor
Charles Rutenberg Realty,
407-420-9004 Office
julie@moving2orlando.com
Visit me at www.Expertatshortsales.com.

Fantastic Time to Buy a Home in Orlando, FL

2012-01-06T14:47:00.004-05:00

Start your year off on a positive note by taking advantage of the low, low 15 or 30 year fixed rate mortgages!

WASHINGTON (AP) - 2012 looks to be another year of opportunity for the few who can afford to buy or refinance a home.

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.91 percent this week, Freddie Mac said Thursday. That matches the record low reached two weeks ago.

The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage ticked down to 3.23 percent from 3.24 percent. That's up from 3.21 percent two weeks, also a record low.

Mortgage rates are lower because they tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which fell below 2 percent this week. They could fall even lower this year if the Fed launches another round of bond purchases, as some economists expect.

Still, cheap mortgage rates have done little too boost the depressed housing market. For eight straight weeks at the end of 2011, the average fixed mortgage rates hovered around 4 percent. Yet many Americans either can't take advantage of the rates or have already done so.

High unemployment and scant wage gains have made it harder for many people to qualify for loans. Many don't want to sink money into a home that they fear could lose value over the next few years.

Previously occupied homes are selling just slightly ahead of 2010's dismal pace. New-home sales in 2011 will likely be the worst year on records going back half a century.

Builders are hopeful that the low rates could boost sales next year. Low mortgage rates were cited as a key reason the National Association of Home Builders survey of builder sentiment rose in December to its highest level in more than a year.

But so far, rates are having no major impact. Mortgage applications have fallen slightly in recent weeks, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

To calculate the average rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country Monday through Wednesday of each week. The average rates don't include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.

The average fee for the 30-year loan rose to 0.8 from 0.7; the average on the 15-year fixed mortgage was unchanged at 0.8.

For the five-year adjustable loan, the average rate declined to 2.86 percent from 2.88 percent. The average on the one-year adjustable loan rose to 2.80 percent from 2.78 percent.

The average fee on the five-year adjustable loan rose to 0.7 from 0.6; the average on the one-year adjustable-rate loan was unchanged at 0.6.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying a home, please give me a call at 407-257-3433. I would be honored to represent you in getting a great deal!

Looking Forward to 2012

2011-12-30T10:37:00.003-05:00

May 2012 be your best year yet!

Julie Boyd-Elrod

Orlando's Housing Report for November 2011

2011-12-19T15:53:00.003-05:00

Courtesy of ORRA.

New to the Orlando Real Estate Market

2011-12-09T15:16:00.007-05:00

Who says Orlando Real Estate is slow??? Inventory may be down but there are sellers looking to sell their homes. Here are great homes I’ve listed in the past 2 weeks as well as one price reduction.

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath with over 1,000 sq. ft., near Downtown Orlando. Priced at $48,000

Just Reduced 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath with 1,303 sq. ft., completely updated! Now Priced at $61,900.

Stunning Lakefront 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath with sunroom, media room, dock and boat house. Priced at $450,000.

Just Listed! 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bath Home in Winter Park near Cady Way. Priced at $259,900

Short Sales in the Orlando and surrounding areas are made easy. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert, (CDPE) and I am distinctly qualified to help homeowners facing the stresses of an unaffordable mortgage to steer clear of a foreclosure.

Contact Me Today!

Orlando’s Turning It Around!

2011-11-17T12:38:00.002-05:00

This is GREAT news for the Orlando area! Orlando is ranked 2nd in leading the nation towards a general recovery and stability of the housing sector and Orlando leads the nation in the ratio of Realtor.com (the National Association of Realtors' website) searches to listings. Orlando's inventory is balancing out with demand and foreclosures in this area are down 58% in Sept. of this year compared to the same time last year. Turning it around indeed Orlando!!!

Florida Markets Dominate REALTOR.com Top Ten Turnaround Report

Though the past four years have seen many cities suffering from large numbers of foreclosures and a loss in home values, ten of these real estate markets are now leading the nation towards a general recovery and stability of the housing sector.

Realtor.com’s Top 10 Turnaround Town Report, based on third quarter 2011 data, includes six Florida markets: Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers-Cape Coral, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Lakeland-Winter Haven.

Each of these markets has experienced positive year-over-year median price appreciation, reductions in year-over-year median age of inventory and inventory counts, while also experiencing lower unemployment rates on a year-over-year basis. Florida’s success can also be tied to foreign buyers; the number of foreign buyers purchasing homes there increased from 10 percent in 2007 to 31 percent in 2011.

Let’s take a closer look:

Miami, FL: The number one town on the report, Miami has gone from being one of the first victims of the subprime crash to having a healthy inventory that is only half the size from a year ago. Today, Miami is only reporting one foreclosure for every 407 homes, compared to the national rate of one per every 213. And, condo sales have increased 79 percent in the first five months of this year, largely due to an influx of foreign investors.

Orlando, FL: Ranked second on the report, Orlando leads the nation in the ratio of Realtor.com searches to listings. Inventory has also obtained a balance with demand. Foreclosures hurt the market in 2007-08, but foreclosures in Orlando were down 58 percent in September, compared to last year.

Fort Myers-Cape Coral, FL: Median prices in Fort Myers-Cape Coral have increased almost 33% year-over-year, according to Realtor.com’s October 2011 Real Estate Trend Data. In addition, foreclosures are down–only one in 313 homes in September–while inventory has been reduced and foreign buyers have been attracted to the area’s real estate prices. The metro ranked third on the turnaround report.

Fort Lauderdale: FL: A decrease in inventory coupled with an uptick in prices earns Fort Lauderdale the number five spot on the report. Inventory decreased almost 38 percent year-over-year, according to Realtor.com’s October data report. Prices have fallen about 46 percent since 2006, but are now going up.

Sarasota-Bradenton, FL: A total of 11 percent of all foreign buyers in Florida are in Sarasota-Bradenton specifically. Number six on the turnaround report, the market has seen a list prices increase of more than 17 percent year-0ver-year and a decrease of inventory of 32 percent according to the Realtor.com October data. The market still has a long way to go, after losing more than 55 percent of home values from 2006 to the second quarter of 2011 due to foreclosures.

Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL: A year ago, Lakeland-Winter Haven topped national foreclosure filing lists, but now the area’s distressed sale market share has decreased 46 percent. The area–ranked 7th on the turnaround list–has seen total listings decreased more than 36 percent year-over-year and median age of inventory decrease more than 17 percent, according to Realtor.com’s October data. Prices are also up 12 percent compared to last October.

Realtor.com’s Top Ten Turnaround Town Report is compiled using a formula based on price appreciation, changes in inventory, median age of inventory, searches by Realtor.com visitors, and unemployment data.

Check back in tomorrow for a closer look at the remaining four markets!

Courtesy of Realtor.Com

Julie Boyd-Elrod Helps Homeowners Change the Course

2011-11-15T12:34:00.008-05:00

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor, Helps Homeowners Headed Toward Foreclosure to Change the Course!

Adept at negotiating with lenders, distressed property expert helps financially strapped homeowners to salvage credit and avoid foreclosure

Current estimates are that nationwide, 6.3 million U.S. homeowners are more than 30 days late on their mortgage and in some stage of foreclosure. “The problem is compounded by the fact that nearly one fourth of all U.S. homeowners are ‘underwater’ on their mortgage—meaning they owe more on their home than they could net from selling it in today’s market,” noted Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor.

“Too often, the solution for homeowners faced with an underwater and unaffordable mortgage has been to let the home slip into foreclosure,” Julie observed. Seismic economic shifts have changed the dynamics of real estate transactions and the level of expertise needed to ensure success, Boyd-Elrod added.

As Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Julie pointed out that the long-term implications of foreclosure cannot be underestimated. Committed to helping homeowners to understand their alternatives to foreclosure and to take action that will change their current financial course Julie has developed a report entitled, “Change the Course! And Navigate Away from an Unmanageable Mortgage,” that can be downloaded from her website, www.ExpertatShortSales.com.

“Too often, the anxiety associated with missed mortgage payments and the fear of putting ones trust in the wrong hands, causes homeowners who are heading toward foreclosure to avoid seeking help or pursuing a short sale,” Boyd-Elrod said.

Real estate agents who have received the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation have proactively sought out the most respected and recognized designation for helping clients within the complicated and highly charged distressed property arena.

If you or someone you know are in danger of foreclosure, please contact me today.

Foreclosure Fears Foster True Grief

2011-11-09T16:36:00.000-05:00

Foreclosure fears foster true grief

Reports of foreclosures by the millions have been in the news so much over the past few years that to some, it might seem like the new normal.

But as a real estate professional who is in the trenches with financially stressed homeowners every day, it never for a second feels to me like business-as-usual.

The prospect of losing ones home is right up there among the major sources of grief, and often, it goes hand in hand with other tragic setbacks such as the loss of a job, a divorce, death of a loved one, mounting medical bills or skyrocketing mortgage payments.

Unfortunately, the first stage of grief is denial, and that’s even more the case when the threat of foreclosure is looming. No one wants to talk about or admit financial troubles—even when millions of others have found themselves in a similar spot. It’s completely understandable, but for homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, decisive action is often the most critical step toward ensuring the best possible solution.

As a real estate professional who has sought out the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I help homeowners to deal with every aspect of the grief and uncertainty that accompanies a mortgage which is no longer manageable. In the process, I help them to get on a path of financial solvency.

If you or someone you care about would like to change the course of a life that’s facing foreclosure, I get it and I can help.

Contact me today at 407-257-3433 Cell, 407-420-9oo4 Direct Line or Julie@moving2orlando.com.

Buyers, Sellers and Credit Scores

2011-09-20T17:24:00.004-04:00

Wow!!

I attended a very informative seminar today concerning education on credit scoring and credit restoration. This is so useful for me as a Realtor in order to help many buyers and sellers with their home purchases and/or sales.

Harry Snedden, President of Score Crafters, a Credit Restoration and Education company, was the Presenter. Score Crafters, LLC is a local Central Florida credit consulting company that works with consumers to raise credit scores and create a healthy overall credit profile. They also offer personal consultation services to help consumers work through credit/debt related issues.

The event was sponsored by North American Title Company, Security National Mortgage Company and M & I Bank. Mr. Snedden discussed the different platforms and thus, the different uses of the FICO vs. Vantage credit scoring. He went into the top three reasons buyers are declined a mortgage, the Statute of Limitations on credit card debt, when to dispute a credit collection and how to avoid reinstating it by mistake.

While this all sounds very simple, these issues could have legal implications which might be avoided by obtaining professional consumer counseling and knowledge.

Mr. Snedden and his partner, Attorney Joseph M. Guida, are launching their new consumer advocacy website, www.DollarClimb.com within the next ten days which will cover a multitude of topics relating to foreclosure, short sales, bankruptcy, tax liens, settlement of debt, and more It will feature webinars with financial counselors, attorneys, accountants, Realtors, lenders, bankers, contractors, maintenance professionals, etc. All of these area directly relate to the market and affect values.

As a full-time professional Realtor who prides herself on staying up-to-date in this industry, it would be my pleasure to be of service to you, your family and your friends. You may contact me at julie@moving2orlando.com or at 407-257-3433.

FHA Mortgage Updates

2011-09-09T11:24:00.002-04:00

I wanted to share this mortgage information I just received from one of my mortgage partners.

Kari Freeman with Security National says “Please be aware that FHA loan limits are proposed to change (which means we are pretty certain they will change) October 1st, 2011. Currently the max FHA loan for Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties is $353,750 and will now be decreased to $274,850. Volusia and Brevard counties will go down to $271,050. FHA case #'s must be issued prior to 10/1/11 in order to stay under the current limits.

Also, there is an upcoming change to USDA loans. Currently, there is only an up front funding fee that is financed into the loan of 3.5% and no monthly fee. This will change 10/1/11 to a 2% funding fee and .30% monthly.

More reasons to get those buyers off the fence and making buying decisions now.”

Many Thanks to Kari for keeping Realtors, like myself, and my clients up to date on mortgage trends.

If you want to buy before these changes take effect, contact me today.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor

Charles Rutenburg Realty

407-420-9004 Office

407-257-3433 Direct

Julie@moving2orlando.com

www.moving2orlando.com

www.julieboydelrod.com (live and under construction)

Real Estate News for Central Florida

2011-08-31T13:55:00.001-04:00

Orlando Area Real Estate looking up in many ways!

To see up-to-date local real estate news, please click the link below.

Orlando Regional Realtor Association

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor
Charles Rutenberg Realty
407-420-9004 Office
407-257-3433 Direct
julie@moving2orlando.com
www.moving2orlando.com
www.julieboydelrod.com (Under Construction but Live)

Huge Price Reduction for this Winter Springs Home

2011-08-23T17:02:00.002-04:00

North Orlando Ranches

The Sellers of this roomy 4 bedroom, 3 bath home have just reduced their asking price by $20,000. This home is now priced at $219,900. This home backs to a creek, is partially fenced and has beautiful natural landscaping. And it is clean and move-in ready.

If you or someone you know wants to buy or sell a home, please contact me at 407-420-9004 office, 407-257-3433 direct or Julie@moving2orlando.com.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor

Charles Rutenburg Realty

407-420-9004 Office

407-257-3433 Direct

Julie@moving2orlando.com

www.moving2orlando.com

www.julieboydelrod.com (live and under construction)

Orlando Home Now Contract Pending

2011-08-19T12:03:00.000-04:00

Orlando, FL

Fieldstream West neighborhood - I listed this adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with huge screened porch and fenced back yard on August 9th and had a fully executed contract on it by August 16th. This is a short sale and will close before the end of this year.

If you are thinking about selling your home, or know of someone who is, please give me a call. I would love the opportunity to represent you. You can reach me by phone or text at 407-257-3433, or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor

Charles Rutenberg Realty

407-420-9004 Office

407-257-3433 Direct

Julie@moving2orlando.com

http://www.moving2orlando.com/

http://www.julieboydelrod.com/ (live and under construction)

Winter Springs Home SOLD in 2 Days

2011-08-18T12:03:00.002-04:00

Winter Springs, FL

Winding Hollow neighborhood – I recently had the pleasure of representing a wonderful couple who were relocated to Naples, FL in listing their home and getting it sold for them. I’m excited to report that I had their beautiful home sold in less than 2 days and for the highest price per square foot that has been had in their neighborhood since Sept. 23, 2009. This home sold to a couple relocating from Michigan whose friend was on my Facebook page who called and told them about it the evening I listed and placed it on FB. How about that for marketing skills and social media! This home had 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, pool and spa, gorgeous water view and sold for $290,000.

If you are thinking about selling your home, or know of someone who is, please give me a call. I would love the opportunity to represent you. You can reach me by phone or text at 407-257-3433, or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor
Charles Rutenberg Realty
407-420-9004 Office

407-257-3433 Direct

julie@moving2orlando.com

http://www.moving2orlando.com/
http://www.julieboydelrod.com/ (live and under construction)

New to the Central Florida Real Estate Market

2011-07-20T13:40:00.000-04:00

Check out my newest listings.

Winter Springs, FL - This stunning home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, screened pool and great lake views. Priced at $299,900. *** SOLD in 2 days ***

Winter Springs, FL - This huge 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, with screened pool, lovely natural landscaping and located in golf community, Tuscawilla. Priced at $314,900.

Julie would value the opportunity to assist you or anyone you may know with their real estate needs.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor

Charles Rutenberg Realty

407-257-3433 Direct

407-420-9004 Ofiice

julie@moving2orlando.com

2011-07-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

Very Informative Central Florida Mortgage Report for May, 2011

This is a great article for the most up-to-date LOCAL real estate/mortgage information. One will note that the housing inventory is at record low levels, interest rates are hovering around a very attractive 4.5%, yet real estate prices are not rising because of stricter underwriting guidelines leading to a lesser number of buyers being able to qualify for a mortgage.

If you would like a copy of the actual report, please let me know and I will be happy to provide it to you.
Enjoy!

Orlando, Florida - Orlando mortgage lender FBC recently released their Central Florida Mortgage Report for May 2011. All of the data contained in the report is compiled from financed properties located in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola and Lake Counties and excludes condos and distressed properties unable to obtain financing.

• Year over year purchase prices for financed single family residences decreased by 7.5% averaging $146,000. This is the lowest average price in the last two years.

• The average income of buyers was $6,200 per month-- 17% higher than last year.

• Rates continue to decrease, averaging close to 4.75%, nearly a quarter point drop from last month.

• Credit scores for home buyers averaged 735 for the Quarter, 20 points higher than Q1 2010.

• Down payments on FHA and Conventional loans were significantly higher than they were at this point last year.

• The average loan amount was $138,000, a slight decrease from last month and 5% lower than last May.

“Overall, the real estate market during the month of May was weaker than anticipated. Florida is still considered a declining market by Fannie Mae and other housing agencies, which is leading to stricter underwriting criteria than the rest of the nation and shrinking our eligible buyer pool,” said Rob Nunziata, Co-CEO/President of FBC Mortgage, LLC.

Nearly 60% of all home buyers in Central Florida are paying cash. This is a staggering statistic considering for the last 15 years it has averaged closer to 12%. With housing inventory at record low levels and rates close to 4.5%, we expected that prices would bump up—however this will not happen until underwriting guidelines are eased and more eligible buyers are able to obtain financing to purchase a home.

**Based on financed transactions, FBC population size and sample size, FBC Mortgage, LLC believes the report has a 95% confidence level.

1330 Fawn Avenue, Deltona, FL

2011-04-21T15:08:00.000-04:00

As you meander up the long, winding driveway to this beautiful home, you will notice the outstanding curb appeal with lush, mature, natural landscaping. This home is situated on over an acre lot that is nicely wooded. As you step inside this immaculate home, you will experience spacious formal living and dining rooms on either side of the front entrance. The light & bright kitchen has lots of cabinet space, wide and long bar area plus a big breakfast nook. The family room is open to the kitchen and breakfast nook, is wired for surround sound, and accented with plant shelving. The master bedroom features a great walk-in closet and the master bath is a spa-like oasis with its separate garden tub and big tiled shower. The secondary bedrooms are spacious also. There is a big screened patio overlooking the expansive fenced backyard. Ideal for a huge pool! ALSO, in addition to the 2-car attached garage, there is an oversized (22’x26’) 2-car detached garage with electricity, water and overhead lighting, plus 3 overhead commercial roller doors. This is ideal for workshop, office, gym, or whatever you desire. The possibilities are endless.

Anthony Starke is located in Deltona just minutes away from restaurants, major highways, shopping, schools, and parks. Anthony Starke neighborhood features ranch-style homes with an average of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and an average of 1100 square feet, with acreage priced at an average of $140K and up.

Search Deltona Homes.

Web Link to 1330 Fawn Avenue, Deltona

Deltona Homes For Sale, Homes For Sale in Deltona, Deltona, FL, Volusia County, Volusia County Homes For Sale.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty.
Because buying and selling a home is a big decision, Julie Boyd-Elrod with Charles Rutenberg Realty is your Real Estate expert for Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL. Call Today at 407-420-9004. You are the reason we are here. Please give me the opportunity to prove it.

634 Murphy Road, Winter Springs, FL

2011-04-12T16:16:00.000-04:00

634 Murphy Road, Winter Springs, FL Home For Sale

Foxmoor Neighborhood

Beautifully remodeled and well maintained 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home situated on oversized lot backing to conservation in well established Foxmoor Subdivision. Foxmoor is in the heart of Winter Springs. Master bedroom is a good size with an updated master bath with custom tile shower. The guest bath boasts of neutral tile used through-out. The big and bright eat in kitchen has lots of wood cabinets and tons of counter top space. The great room has a cozy fireplace and lots of space. This home features beautiful wood floors, large screened patio, new plumbing in 2007, new A/C in 2005, and new roof in 2009. The community requires NO HOA Fees!

For more information and pictures

Foxmoor is located in Winter Springs just minutes away from restaurants, major highways, shopping, schools, and parks. Foxmoor neighborhood features ranch-style homes with an average of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and an average of 1100 square feet, priced at an average of $90K and up.

Search Winter Springs Homes.

Web Link to 634 Murphy Road, Winter Springs

Winter Springs Homes For Sale, Homes For Sale in Winter Springs, Winter Springs, FL

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty.

Because buying and selling a home is a big decision, Julie Boyd-Elrod with Charles Rutenberg Realty is your Real Estate expert for Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL. Call Today at 407-420-9004. You are the reason we are here. Please give me the opportunity to prove it.

Real Estate: It's time to buy again

2011-04-01T12:58:00.000-04:00

Please read this article. It is good one!
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/28/real-estate-its-time-to-buy-again/

I Need Homes!!!

2011-03-15T13:22:00.001-04:00

HELP! I NEED LISTINGS!

This post is going to be very local in nature – Seminole and Orange County area homeowners -- I need houses to sell! I have 185+ buyers that are qualified and want to buy between NOW and the end of this year. And the best part is that the market is turning around and sellers are now starting to get their asking price, and (in some cases) entertain multiple offers, and move up to their next home with very cheap loans.

Are you ready to sell? Who do you know that's ready to sell? Please respond as soon as possible so I can catch this upsurge for YOU, get your home SOLD, and get YOU moved up to your next great home with interest rates that even your grandparents haven't seen!

Call me today, please! 407-420-9004. I have lots of qualified Buyers and not enough houses to sell!

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor

The Julie Boyd-Elrod Group, P.A.

Office: 407-420-9004

Cell: 407-257-3433

Julie@moving2orlando.com

www.moving2orlando.com

Loved this Orlando Area Restaurant

2011-02-25T15:27:00.002-05:00

White Wolf Cafe'

1829 N. Orange Ave.

Orlando, FL 32804

http://www.whitewolfcafe.com/

407-895-9911

Latest Comparison-Foreclosures VS. Short Sales

2011-02-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

Here are the latest comparison of foreclosures vs. short sales. If you have any questions or know of someone who does, please contact me at 407-420-9004 or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Beautiful 3 Bedroom Pool Home

2011-02-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

New Social Media Mastery Course

2011-02-18T16:14:00.000-05:00

Oviedo Home For Sale

2011-01-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Check out this great 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located in Oviedo. Priced under $100,000 and needs some TLC.

IS HVCC artificially deflating the value and equity of every home in America?

2011-01-25T14:27:00.000-05:00

Something to seriously consider in helping the real estate industry to recover quicker and therefore, our economy!

Permanent Reversal of HVCC

How Americans Live

2011-01-24T15:53:00.000-05:00

Now here’s something to consider as the spring season approaches this year!

National Home Census Survey Reveals How Americans Live in Their Homes

RISMedia

Florida Schools Ranked 5th Nationwide

2011-01-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

This is a great article on the positive progress of our Florida Public Schools and their ranking today. Hooray, yet another prime reason for living in Florida!
Click here to read the article in it's entirety.

Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Pool Home For Sale

2011-01-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

I just listed this beautiful home. It has a wonderful open floorplan. Check it out.

FHA Financing For Condominiums

2010-12-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

I just read an article depicting the true picture of the status in selling condos in the Orlando, FL area. Selling a condo in the Orlando area is virtually impossible unless it is a Fannie Mae Home Path property or the condo complex is FHA approved (both very unlikely). The prices for condos are steadily decreasing because of this. Unless you are paying cash, your chances of purchasing on condo are slim to none. So, if the big mortgage lenders are not financing condos and if the condominium communities are not FHA approved, then who suffers?

In further reading this article, it appears a solution is in the future for those condo communities that apply for and are granted FHA approval for their complex.

To read the article in its entirety, go to http://rismedia.com/2010-12-06/fha-project-approval-a-crucial-step-in-selling-condominiums/.

The Latest on Short Sales and Foreclosure Properties

2010-10-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

I attended an update on the latest changes in listing and selling short sales and foreclosed properties last Friday, October 15th, 2010. I want to insure I stay current and up-to-date so as to offer my customers and clients everything they need to know to make an informed decision on their housing needs and wants.

If I may be of service to you or someone you know, please feel free to contact me at 407-420-9004 or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Orlando Homes Sales Increase as Affordablility hits an All-Time High

2010-09-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

(September 10, 2010 – Orlando, FL) Members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association reported completed sales on 2,429 homes in August, which is a 10.91 percent increase over the August 2009 mark of 2,109. To date, Orlando area home sales are up 36.12 percent over this time in 2009.

“As expected, sales have been softer following the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit,” explains ORRA Chairman of the Board Kathleen Gallagher McIver, RE/MAX Town & Country Realty. “However, since May, the number of new contracts has continued to climb as consumers take advantage of record-low mortgage rates and historically high housing affordability.”

The number of new contracts filed in August 2010 (3,892) represents an increase of 17.09 percent more than were filed in August 2009 (3,324). The area’s pending sales statistic — also an indicator of future sales activity – is likewise remaining at a record high with 8.60 percent more homes (8,945) under contract and awaiting closing in August of this year than in August of last year (8,237).

The median price of all existing homes combined sold in August 2010 decreased 21.95 percent to $99,900 from the $128,000 recorded in August 2009. August 2010’s median price is a decrease of 8.10 percent compared to July 2010’s median of $108,700.

“With foreclosures and short sales dominating the market, the median price continues to be lowered,” says Gallagher McIver. “Plus, the rise in popularity of lower-priced condominiums has put additional downward pressure on prices.” Gallagher McIver adds that one in four home sales during the month of August was a condo sale, and the median price for all August condo sales was $44,000.

The median price for “normal” sales is $165,900 (down 5.20 percent from last month’s $175,000). The median price for bank-owned sales is $70,000 (down 2.78 percent from last month’s $72,000), and the median price for short sales is $100,000 (down from last month’s $116,000).

Of the 2,429 sales in August, 691 “normal” sales accounted for 28.45 percent of all sales, while 1,187 bank-owned and 551 short sales made up 71.55 percent.

The Orlando affordability index increased to 270.30 percent in August. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $53,219 can qualify to purchase one of 9,932 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $270,031 or less.

First-time homebuyer affordability in August increased to 192.21 percent. First-time buyers who earn the reported median income of $36,189 can qualify to purchase one of 6,885 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $163,219 or less.

Homes of all types spent an average of 84 days on the market before coming under contract in August 2010, and the average home sold for 95.04 percent of its listing price. In August 2009 those numbers were 94 and 94.44 percent, respectively. The area’s average interest rate decreased in August to 4.61 percent.

Inventory
There are currently 16,535 homes available for purchase through the MLS. Inventory decreased by 28 homes from July 2010, which means that 28 more homes exited the market than entered the market. The August 2010 inventory level is 1.06 percent higher than it was in August 2009 (16,361). The current pace of sales translates into 6.81 months of supply; August 2009 recorded 7.47 months of supply.
There are 12,769 single-family homes currently listed in the MLS, a number that is 859 (7.21 percent) more than in August of last year. Condos currently make up 2,342 offerings in the MLS, while duplexes/town homes/villas make up the remaining 1,424.

Condos and Town Homes/Duplexes/Villas
August when compared to August of 2009 and increased by 5.89 percent compared to July of this year. To date, condo sales are up 74.09 percent (4,596 condos sold to date in 2010, compared to 2,640 by this time in 2009).
The most (361) condos in a single price category that changed hands in August were yet again in the $1 - $50,000 price range, which accounted for 57.39 percent of all condo sales.
Orlando homebuyers purchased 208 duplexes, town homes, and villas in August 2010, which is a 1.96 percent increase from August 2009 when 204 of these alternative housing types were purchased.

MSA Numbers
Sales of existing homes within the entire Orlando MSA (Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) in August were up by 5.32 percent when compared to August of 2009. Throughout the MSA, 2,968 homes were sold in August 2010 compared with 2,818 in August 2009.
To date, sales throughout the MSA are 28.72 percent above this time in 2009 with 24,127 homes exchanging hands compared to 18,744. Each individual county’s year-to-date sales comparisons are as follows:

Lake: 14.22 percent above 2009 (2,923 homes sold to date in 2010 compared to 2,559 in 2009);
Orange: 31.86 percent above 2009 (13,045 homes sold to date in 2010 compared to 9,893 in 2009);
Osceola: 18.09 percent above 2009 (4,223 homes sold to date in 2010 compared to 3,576 in 2009); and
Seminole: 44.92 percent above 2009 (3,936 sold to date in 2010 compared to 2,716 in 2009).

Copyright © 2010 Orlando Regional Realtor® Association.
All rights reserved.

New Construction Home in Longwood, FL - SOLD by Julie Boyd-Elrod

2010-08-25T15:19:00.000-04:00

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor, sold another home in Longwood, FL this month. Exquisite new custom construction home with the flair of an Italian Villa, this home featured 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, fireplace on large covered back patio, water view, glamorous appointments throughout and much more. Traditional sale at $463,000. Visit Julie Boyd-Elrod's website at www.moving2orlando.com or contact her at 407-257-3433. You may also chat with Julie on Facebook at www.facebook.com/julie.boydelrod.

Another Winter Park home sold by Julie Boyd-Elrod

2010-08-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

Julie Boyd-Elrod sold and closed on another home in Brookshire Heights in Winter Park, FL last week! Traditional sale of a single family home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large pool, large lot under canopying oak trees along the entire street. This home was listed for $199,900 and sold for $185,000 in 11 days.

Just Reduced Short Sale in Andover Cay, Orlando, FL

2010-08-24T14:08:00.005-04:00

Great condition, this home is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage, fenced back yard with 2 large oak trees on the property, in desirable Andover Cay in Orlando. This community has a community pool and playground with waterfall at the entrance. Just reduced to $148,000. For more information on this property, please visit my website at www.moving2orlando.com, or call me, Julie Boyd-Elrod, direct at 407-257-3433. Also, please chat with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/julie.boydelrod.

Can You Believe It - Not a Short Sale nor Bank Owned in Altamonte Springs, FL

2010-08-24T12:33:00.009-04:00

Wow, a lot of home on over 3/4 acre in Altamonte Springs for sale! Not a short sale nor bank owned home but priced even better! Features include 4 large bedrooms, 3 baths, an exercise room, formal areas, HUGE family room, open kitchen with breakfast bar and breakfast nook and all appliances stay. Total living space is over 4300 sq. ft. Exterior boasts of mature landscaping, nicely manicured, 2-car garage, separate workshop with shower, and an addition of a 2-car carport. In move-in condition! No Homeowners' Association. Better than a short sale or bank owned property at only $69. per sq. ft. For further information and to see this beauty, please visit my website at www.moving2orlando.com or contact me, Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty, at 407-257-3433. Also chat with me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/julie.boydelrod.

Bear Stone @ Aloma Woods in Oviedo short sale

2010-08-24T12:00:00.008-04:00

This home has a great floor plan with lots of light and openness. In addition to 4 bedrooms, 3 baths downstairs, it also has an office downstairs and a huge bonus room with full bath upstairs. With a total of 2969 sq. ft. of living space, other features are formal living and dining rooms, large family room with built-ins, and spacious kitchen with 42" wood cabinets, work island and solid surface countertops. There is also a 3-car garage, covered patio and large pool in the fenced backyard. This home is a short sale and has just been reduced to $315,000. For further information, please visit my website at www.moving2orlando.com or contact me, Julie Boyd-Elrod, directly at 407-257-3433. Also chat with me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/julie.boydelrod.

Breaking News... Tax Credit Extended

2010-06-17T15:54:00.002-04:00

Senate approves home tax credit extension
By ANDREW TAYLOR (AP) – 1 day ago

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives that boosted home sales this spring.

The move by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would give buyers until Sept. 30 to complete their purchases and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000. Under the current terms, buyers had until April 30 to get a signed sales contract and until June 30 to complete the sale.

The proposal, approved by a 60-37 vote, would only allow people who already have signed contracts to finish at the later date. About 180,000 homebuyers who already signed purchase agreements would otherwise miss the deadline.

Reid, D-Nev., added the proposal to a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November. Nevada has the nation's highest foreclosure rate, and Reid is facing a tough re-election campaign.

The Realtors group has been pushing hard in Congress for the extension. Mortgage lenders, the trade group says, have been swamped with borrowers trying to get approved by the end of the month. Many potential borrowers are unlikely to make the deadline.

"If Congress fails to act promptly, then prospective homebuyers might not get the benefit of the homebuyer tax credit, even though they have completed contracts," the Realtors said a a letter to lawmakers.

First-time buyers were eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Current owners who bought and moved into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500.

The $140 million cost of the measure would be financed by denying businesses the ability to deduct from their taxes punitive damages paid when losing lawsuits or judgments.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Beach Side Condo

2010-05-26T12:49:00.002-04:00

I have just helped a buyer, from Chicago, IL, buy a wonderful beach side condo. The buyer purchased at the recently renovated Hawaiian Inn. This resort is stunning featuring ocean view units, renovated pool area, tiki bar, and much more. The ocean views from this unit are breathtaking. I believe the new owner will be very happy with her choice.

If you need help with buying or selling a home, please contact me today. You can reach me at 407-257-3433 or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Sold Condo in Central Park on Lee Vista

2010-05-11T13:04:00.004-04:00

I am pleased to blog that one of my Canadian clients just closed on an adorable condo in Central Park on Lee Vista. It is a wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit overlooking the pond and fountain. I believe my client and his family will enjoy their condo for many years.

As you know the $8,000 Home Buying credit has ended. This hasn't slowed down lenders instituding great incentives. With home prices and interest rates low, NOW is a VERY GOOD TIME TO BUY. Prices and rates will not stay low forever!

Whether you are looking to sell your home or buy a new one, put my Real Estate experience and knowledge to work for you.

Short Sale Closings

2010-04-28T13:04:00.004-04:00

I am excited to say I have just helped a couple sell their 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Winter Springs by way of short sale. This couple has now been able to move closer to family.

I had a 1st time home buyer close on his very 1st home last week. This great home is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Winter Springs. I know the buyer will be very happy in this home.

I have enjoyed working for these people and helping them with their Real Estate needs.

If you need help with buying or selling your home, please don't hestitate to contact me. Put my over 20+ years of experience to work for you.

Brand New Tuscawilla Home to the Market

2010-04-13T11:36:00.005-04:00

Check out this beautiful home.

Short Sale Approval In One Week

2010-03-17T15:11:00.001-04:00

SHORT SALE APPROVAL IN ONE WEEK!! Must be the luck of the Irish! After all, it is St. Patrick’s Day.
Finally, a short sale that took only one week for approval!! Yes, you read that right, we have APPROVAL!! I still can’t believe it but it is in black and white and staring me in the face as I write this.
It’s no secret that short sales, up until this point, have been a long and arduous process. But as a conscientious Realtor who wants the best for her customers and clients, we simply do what we must do to make a short sale work if it is the only alternative left to foreclosure.
My team and I are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. This is the second short sale approval we have received so far this week.
If you, or someone you know, are wondering if a short sale is the right course of action to avoid a foreclosure, please call me at 407-257-3433. I have been professionally trained by Harris Real Estate University to handle any short sale and have a Certified Distressed Property Designation.

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Realtor and Associate Broker
EXIT Realty Central
Direct: 407-257-3433; Fax: 407-209-0323
julie@moving2orlando.com
www.moving2orlando.com
www.twitter.com/julieelrod
www.facebook.com/julie.boydelrod
www.linkedin.com/in/julieboydelrod

Buyers, Look at these Mortgage Rates!!

2010-02-19T15:48:00.004-05:00

Amid stabilization within the housing market, Freddie Mac reported Thursday that mortgage rates continued to inch down this week, hovering near record lows.

“Mortgage rates eased for the second week, while economic data releases suggest that the housing market may be in a slow state of recovery,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac VP and chief economist.
For the week ending February 18, 2010, the average rate for 30-year fixed mortgages dropped to 4.93 percent with an average 0.7 point, Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) found. This week’s average marked a 0.04 percent decline from last week and a year-over-year reduction of 0.11 percent.

In addition, Freddie Mac reported a dip in the average rate for 15-year fixed mortgages. Coming in at 4.33 percent with an average 0.6 point, rates for 15-year fixed mortgages fell 0.01 percent from week-to-week and decreased 0.35 percent from the same week in 2009.

According to the PMMS, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) also followed the overall trend of declining rates. The 5-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 4.12 percent with an average 0.5 point this week, down 0.07 percent from last week and 0.92 percent year-over-year. The 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 4.23 percent with an average 0.6 point, marking a 0.1 percent drop from week-to-week and a 0.57 percent decline from last year at this time.

Article by Brittany Dunn/DSNews.com

Sales Stablize in December

2010-02-03T14:54:00.003-05:00

Following a market swing driven by response to the homebuyer tax credit, pending home sales in December have leveled off, according to a report Tuesday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

In November, the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed during the month, fell to 95.6, a 16.4 percent decrease from surging activity in preceding months due to the anticipated expiration of the homebuyer tax credit. Following the extension and expansion of the credit, though, the PHSI in December jumped 1 percent to 96.6 and remained 10.9 percent above December 2008 when it was 87.1.

December’s PHSI varied from region to region. Compared to November, the PHSI in the Northeast jumped 2.3
percent to 76.1 and was 14.9 percent higher than December 2008. The Midwest’s index of 86.9 was 5.2 percent higher than November and 8.7 percent above a year earlier.

In the South, pending home sales in December rose 2.2 percent from November to an index of 98.4, a 5.5 percent surge year-over-year. However, the index in the West fell 3.8 percent in December to 119.9 but was still 18.6 percent higher than the index one year earlier.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said it is important to recognize how the tax credit is skewing market data.

“There are easily understood swings in contract activity as buyers respond to a tax credit that was expiring and was then extended and expanded,” he explained. “These swings are masking the underlying trend, which is a broad improvement over year-ago levels. December activity was the fifth highest monthly tally in two years.”

Yun projects 2.4 million households will take advantage of the extended and expanded tax credit. While new-home sales will remain low due to a lack of construction, Yun expects existing-home sales to rise to around 5.6 million this year, up from 5.16 million in 2009. He said one of the greatest benefits of rising sales will be firming home prices.

“For several months now we’ve been seeing stabilization in all of the home price measures as inventory is pulled down,” Yun said. “As a result, the housing wealth for many middle class families has begun to stabilize.”

Author: Brittany Dunn • Date: 02/02/2010 • Category: Market Studies • Users: Agents & Brokers, Attorneys & Title Companies, Investors, Lenders & Servicers, Service Providers

Orlando Home Sales Stay High But Prices Hit a Low

2009-12-18T11:52:00.003-05:00

By Mary Shanklin
Orlando Sentinel

The last time Orlando-area home prices were as low as now, it was the year George W. Bush first took office, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and Apple released the iPod.

Last month the number of existing-home sales doubled from a year ago as prices dipped to a midpoint of $123,000, according to a report released Friday by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.

The last time the median price was below $123,000 was March 2001, at the outset of the previous recession, when it dipped to $120,287. So anyone who bought an existing home in the past eight years probably paid more than if they bought the property today. During the housing boom, the local median peaked at $264,436 in July 2007.

In the past year, prices in the Orlando Realtors' core market (mainly Orange and Seminole counties) have fallen by more than 25 percent.

Sellers seem to be recognizing the market's extended decline, as the difference between the average sales price and average list price actually narrowed a few tenths of a percentage point in November, to 94.9 percent, despite the drop in prices.

The pace of sales last month actually fell slightly from October, to 2,238 from 2,319but the November total was up more than 100 percent from the same month a year ago, an indication of how much sales activity has been improving for more than a year now. So far this year, Orlando Realtors have reported selling 21,420 homes, compared with 13,435 homes through the first 11 months of 2008.

The Orlando Realtors group broke down the prices paid for single-family homes and condo units in November by the level of financial distress involved: The median price for "normal" sales was $173,960, a 3 percent decrease from October to November; the median price for "short sales" was $122,000, down 2 percent from October; and the median for bank-owned properties was $84,000, up 5 percent from October.

Of all properties sold in November, 63 percent were owned by a bank already or in some stage of distress; the remaining 37 percent were "normal," or conventional sales, in which the owner wasn't under threat of foreclosure.

Orlando resident Bruce Tooker thinks many of the financially strapped homeowners peddling short sales -- listings for which the bank has agreed to accept less than the amount owed on the property's mortgage, to avoid the expense of a full foreclosure -- are still delusional about market prices.

Tooker said he recently submitted a low offer on a short-sale house near Westmoreland Drive in Orlando. The sellers had paid $329,000 for the house at the peak of the market and wanted $200,000 now, but it was worth only $169,000 when compared with similar sales, he said.

Tooker said he's in no hurry to buy because he expects prices will decay further.

"There are just too many houses out there and not enough buyers," he said.

According to the Orlando Realtors group, a growing number of buyers are poised to close on sales: Friday's report noted that the number of pending sales has more than doubled in the past year, growing from 3,326 to 8,633. That included 3,023 sales contracts filed just last month, an 84 percent increase from November 2008's new filings.

Mary Shanklin can be reached at mshanklin@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5538.

MMG Monthly Newsletter- Great Information

2009-12-04T16:27:00.003-05:00

For the Month of December 2009 --- Vol. 4, Issue 12
IN THIS ISSUE...

Happy Holidays! The holiday season is in full swing. But did you realize that the government already gave homebuyers the gift of an extended and expanded Homebuyers Tax Credit? This is one gift you won't have to stand in line to receive. But you will need to make sure you qualify and that you take the right steps to receive it. The article below on the new Homebuyers Tax Credit can help you get started.

Speaking of standing in line, this holiday season some people may find themselves waiting in line on the airport tarmac rather than in the shopping mall. So, if you're planning to travel by plane this holiday season, make sure you read the second article below with information on passenger rights and what to do if your flight gets stranded on the tarmac.

As always, please feel free to forward this issue to friends, family members and coworkers... or let me know if they'd like to enjoy their own free subscription. If you need any personal assistance at this time, simply call or email. Happy holidays to you, your family, and friends!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving...

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!

Last month, a new Homebuyers Tax Credit bill was signed into law. The bill extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs), as well as opens it up to current homeowners who are looking to buy. And even if you aren't looking to purchase - pass on this article to anyone you think might be in the market to do so. This is information that might benefit them greatly, and I'll be happy to be of service to them.

Here is a brief overview of the Homebuyers Tax Credit - and its benefits - based on the new bill.

Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers

FTHBs (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Tax Credit for Current Homeowners

The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010. Those in the military do have some special extensions on the timelines available.

What's So Great About a "Tax Credit"?

The benefit of a tax credit is that it's a dollar-for-dollar benefit, rather than a "tax deduction", or reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer who qualified for the entire benefit were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little or no income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Higher Income Caps

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. Call or email today if you have questions or would like to see if you can benefit from the tax credit...and email this article along to anyone else you feel it might benefit as well!

Flying Home for the Holidays? What Should You Do If You Get Stranded on the Tarmac?

Earlier this year, a Continental Airlines flight stranded passengers on the tarmac for 6 hours. A couple weeks after that, passengers on a Sun Country flight also sat on the tarmac for a grueling 6 hours.

For proof that these aren't isolated incidents, you only have to look back in history to similar situations. In 1999, Northwest Airlines stranded a plane on the tarmac for 8 hours. American Airlines also stranded passengers for 8 hours in 2006. In 2007, JetBlue held passengers on the tarmac for 11 hours. In many of these cases, passengers were stuck on planes with no food or water, not to mention terrible odors coming from the cramped airplane bathrooms.

But what can you do if you're on a flight that gets stranded on the tarmac? The information below describes what you can do to be prepared and make sure your voice is heard.

Know Your Rights

As a result of long delays years ago, the Air Transport Association - which includes Delta, United, Continental, Southwest, and other airlines as members - released a Customer Service Plan stating that airlines will:

Notify passengers of known flight delays and cancellations
Meet customers' essential needs during long on-aircraft delays
Allow reservations to be held or tickets to be refunded within 24 hours of purchase
Be more responsive to customer complaints
The details of the self-governed Customer Service Plan should be posted on each airline's website. So, before you head to the airport, take a minute to review the airline's specific details regarding this plan.

You can check out the Air Transport Association's website for links to specific airlines. If the airline you're flying on isn't listed on that website, you may be able to find a customer's bill of rights on the corporate website. For instance, JetBlue offers a detailed bill of rights on its website for customers.

What Can You Do?

The national debate is gaining momentum and now's the time to make sure your voice is heard. There are a number of ways that you can join the discussion.

You may want to join the effort to put more stringent rules onto the law books. For example, the Coalition for Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights has proposed a set of rights to be written into law, including a requirement that airlines "establish procedures for returning passengers to terminal gate when delays occur so that no plane sits on the tarmac for longer than three hours without connecting to a gate." You can view the proposed Bill of Rights on FlyersRights.org.

In addition, you can sign a Petition for the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights. You can also contact your Senators and Representative in Congress to make sure they take this issue seriously and work to protect airline passengers' rights. If you don't know how to contact your Senators and Representative, you can quickly find their names, telephone numbers, and websites by typing your zip code into the Congressional Directory on CongressMerger.com.

Finally, if you do experience a horror story on the tarmac, you can submit a complaint form to make sure the incident is recorded.

Be Prepared Before You Fly

Before you get on your next flight, visit FlyersRights.org to download and print two important documents that you can carry on the plane. The first document is the Emergency Kit Document, which lists items you should have handy on your next flight. The second document is the Stranded Passenger Survival Guide, which features information on what you can do if your plane is stranded on the tarmac for an unreasonable amount of time.

It all comes down to taking some time before you fly to know your rights, be prepared, and take part in the conversation. Have a safe, comfortable flight.

The data provided is for information purposes only and does notwarrant credit and/or rate approval.

The material contained in this newsletter has been prepared by an independent third-party provider. The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, real estate and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is not without errors.

We are sending you the Views You Can Use - MMG Monthly newsletter because we are committed to keeping you updated on news, financial events and hot topics that may impact or interest you.

And as your Trusted Advisors, we always look forward to hearing from you. If you or someone you know is in need of our services at this time...or even if you just have a quick question or would like to touch base...please feel free to give us a call or email today!

Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Can Rent

2009-11-13T14:27:00.004-05:00

REAL ESTATE NOVEMBER 6, 2009 Fannie to Rent to Owners in Foreclosure

Fannie Mae will allow homeowners facing foreclosure to stay in their homes and rent them for as long as a year, as part of the government's latest effort to help troubled borrowers, while keeping more foreclosed properties from hitting the housing market.

The "Deed for Lease" Program lets borrowers who don't qualify for loan modifications transfer their property to Fannie Mae in exchange for a lease. Borrowers-turned-tenants will pay market rents, which in most cases are lower than the cost of mortgage payments, and might be offered extensions when their leases expire.

Fannie Mae wouldn't say in its Thursday announcement how many homeowners it expects would take advantage of the program. The company acquired 57,000 properties through foreclosure during the first half of the year.

Borrowers have to demonstrate they can't afford their current mortgage, but can pay the rent. The borrower's mortgage servicer has to show the borrower didn't qualify for a loan modification.

"If you keep more people in their homes, it's better for the community. It's better for the financial institutions that own those homes," said Jay Ryan, vice president of equity investments at Fannie Mae. "Hopefully, less foreclosure product on the market will help stabilize those communities."

The initiative also would allow Fannie to keep inventory off already-saturated housing markets, and amounts to a bet the housing market would be stronger one year from now.

"I'm sure Fannie is hoping that when they sell the properties, the values will be higher," said David Berson, chief economist for PMI Group Inc., a mortgage insurer. "A year from now, we should be a year further into the economic recovery, and housing demand will be stronger....That will allow you to release homes that have been foreclosed upon but not put on the market."

The program could also help Fannie preserve the value of its nonperforming assets, because occupied homes are likely to hold up better than vacant homes, and rents would provide some income before the properties are sold. "If they can keep the property occupied and have at least some positive cash flow, that may end up being less worse than going the route of kicking them out and having a vacant home," said Thomas Lawler, an independent housing economist based in Leesburg, Va.

Housing advocates and some investors have long called for less disruptive alternatives to foreclosure. The program would provide a "big step" towards giving families housing security, said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic Policy and Research. The rental programs join a series of other initiatives designed to help borrowers who might not qualify for a loan modification.

Fannie will use a professional management company to handle maintenance, and properties that are sold during the lease period will include an assignment of the lease to the new owner.

The move by Fannie follows a similar effort by Freddie Mac that began offering month-to-month leases to owner-occupants who had lost their homes to foreclosure. The Fannie Mae program differs in one important respect: Fannie's foreclosed homes won't be listed for sale. In February, both companies began allowing tenants whose landlords had lost their properties to foreclosure to sign month-to-month leases.

So far, approximately two-thirds of owner-occupants who have been offered monthly leases by Freddie Mac have taken them, and the breakdown of owner-occupants to tenants who have rented under the program is roughly 2-to-1.

Freddie Mac says it is considering whether to extend longer-term leases to some troubled homeowners. "We're looking into our options, because there are certain markets where there's just so much inventory on the market," said Ingrid Beckles, senior vice president of default asset management at Freddie Mac.

In recent months, some industry analysts have been puzzled over why more homes haven't been put up for sale as the rate of borrowers who defaulted climbed higher. Well-intentioned efforts to keep families in their homes have led to delays that some analysts believe are prolonging the mortgage crisis by creating a "shadow" inventory of pent-up supply that will ultimately hit the market.

Separately, Fannie Mae said Thursday it would need an additional $15 billion from the U.S. Treasury after it posted an $18.9 billion net loss for the third quarter, as loans made to prime borrowers deteriorated at a faster clip. That infusion would bring the total cost so far of Fannie's bailout to $61 billion.

In the past year, the government has invested more than $110 billion in Fannie and Freddie, and it has pledged to invest as much as $200 billion in each company to keep them afloat.

Written By: Nick Timiraos, Wall Street Journal
Write to Nick Timiraos at nick.timiraos@wsj.com

Maitland Home Back on The Market. Buyers Financing Fell Thru

2009-11-10T16:13:00.003-05:00

Breaking News on the $8000 Tax Credit

2009-11-05T16:37:00.001-05:00

Tax credit extension passes House and Senate

WASHINGTON – Nov. 5, 2009 – The $8,000, first-time homebuyer tax credit has not yet been extended beyond its Nov. 30 end date, but it’s very close to gaining a longer life.

The extension was added as an amendment to an existing bill, HR 3548, that extends unemployment benefits. The U.S. Senate passed that bill on Wednesday and, after debate, the U.S. House passed HR 3548 this afternoon. It now needs only President Obama’s signature to become law, and the White House has indicated it will sign it, perhaps as early as tomorrow.

Until the president signs the bill, however, it is not law.

In addition to extending the tax credit for first-time homebuyers under the current rules, the bill adds a smaller tax credit for move-up homebuyers who have lived in the house for five of the past seven years. The bill also increases the income limits of homebuyers from $75,000 (single) to $125,000; and from $150,000 (married) to $225,000.

Florida downpayment assistance

After the president signs the bill and extends the tax credit, the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program – a downpayment and closing costs assistance program relating to the federal tax credit –automatically gets extended too. The state still has about $28 million available for homebuyers. The money is essentially a loan to first-time buyers; they receive it upfront, use it for a downpayment or other costs, and pay it back once they get their federal refund.

For more information on the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program, visit the Homebuyer Center on floridarealtors.org: http://www.floridarealtors.org/AboutFar/homebuyercenter/index.cfm

Also check floridarealtors.org for updates as they’re released; and, after the tax credit extension becomes law, details on the new program.

© 2009 Florida Realtors®

Home Sold in Seville Chase, Winter Springs

2009-10-12T12:03:00.003-04:00

On Thursday, October 8th, 2009, I had two super excited buyers' close on their 1st home together. They purchased a stunning home in Seville Chase. These lucky buyers found the home of their dreams. After months and months of looking for their dream home, they finally found it and went to contract on it September 1st, 2009. I stopped by over the weekend to see how they were coming along with their move. They were a bit tired from the move, but still had the same smiles as they had on the day of closing. This young couple still couldn't believe this home was theirs.

This is the very reason why I sell Real Estate.

If you are looking for your dream home or need to sell your home, please contact me at julie@moving2orlando.com. I look forward to working with you.

Brand New Short Sale Listing in Altamonte Springs, Fl

2009-10-06T16:53:00.003-04:00

Amazing Views of Lake Harriet.

Brand New Home on the Market

2009-09-08T16:27:00.002-04:00

Latest Updates to My Listing Inventory

2009-08-27T15:57:00.005-04:00

I am excited to announce the sellers of this great home in Lake Mary has just reduced their asking price to $263,000. See the details below:

Also, these sellers need to sell their home quick. This is a short sale listing priced at $69,500.

Brand New Price on my Eastwood Listing

2009-08-12T11:07:00.002-04:00

Check out this listing with it's New Price.

Central Florida Housing Free Fall- Did you Lose or Not?

2009-08-11T10:33:00.002-04:00

A current client of mine was interviewed for an article for our local newspaper, www.OrlandoSentinel.com. I wanted to share this article.

orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-home-prices-bubble-081109,0,2195025.story

OrlandoSentinel.com
You didn't really lose in housing free fall
By Mary Shanklin

Sentinel Staff Writer

August 11, 2009

Stan Smith has some news for longtime homeowners having a pity party over falling house prices in Central Florida: New research shows that current home values are just about where they would have been if the real-estate bubble had never inflated and burst.

A long-term view of the market reveals that, even though prices rose and fell dramatically in recent years, they appear to have settled back into historic patterns, according to an analysis by Smith, a University of Central Florida finance professor.

"Most homeowners are within 6 percent of where they would have been had there not been a bubble. The people who have been here since before 2005, they should not have been hurt," Smith said, though he added: "... A lot of people did buy in 2005 and 2006, and obviously they have been hurt significantly."

For about a quarter-century, starting in the late 1970s, home prices in Metropolitan Orlando increased 4.7 percent a year on average, according to Smith's analysis of data from a federal housing-price index. Then the bubble emerged, with prices rising 20 percent in 2005 and 32 percent the following year. Homeowners were elated about their fast-growing equity — at least until the bubble burst in mid-2007.

The sharp drop in prices since then — 22 percent from the 2007 high — may have left the impression that the bursting bubble set back even long-term homeowners for many years to come. Yet prices now are about where you would have expected them to be had the dramatic rise and fall never occurred.

Steve Shapiro, who is trying to sell his Lake Mary home, hadn't really thought about it before but said it makes sense that the price he is asking for his home of 10 years tracks the area's long-term pricing trends.

"I think I'm about where it should be with the price," said the retiree, who has listed his house for $269,000 with Exit Realty Central agent Julie Elrod-Boyd — the same agent who helped him buy it in 1999 for $161,000. He estimated the house would have sold for more than $300,000 about 18 months ago, so the price has retreated 10 percent since then.

"It was nice to think it was worth so much a year and a half ago, but I felt like it was a little inflated," he said. "All the homes were."

Volusia County Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath has obtained results similar to Smith's in his county.

Gilreath recently plotted home prices from 1996 to the present and concluded they are not far below where they would have been without the bubble. The mid-point, or median, for home prices in Volusia in May was $124,900 — down about $20,000 from where they would have been if they had continued on their long-range trajectory rather than inflating and deflating in recent years, he said.

A year ago, the median in Volusia was about $50,000 above the historic trend line, he said; two years ago, it was flying about $100,000 above that line.

Gilreath said his analysis was not as thorough as Smith's research at UCF, but both indicate the residential market is not likely to decline much further.

"The point that the charts are telling us is that we're close to where we think the bottom is going to be," he said. "The question is: When is it going to turn around? I have evidence that it is turning around here [in Volusia]."

Smith said prices in the region may continue to fall but are less likely to do so now that they are so near the long-term trend line — a "positive indicator" for coming months.

Les Simmonds, president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, said people generally measure their home's current value against what it was worth a year ago — a short-term view of the market."I feel strongly that, had we not had this bubble, that the median price of the properties would be a little better than they are now, because of the way they've been pushed down [in the post-bubble market] by ... [distressed] properties," he said.

"I said to my wife last week that, when the market was really high, if we had sold then, we could have made four times what we paid for the house." The problem, he added, is that most of the people who sold at the peak usually then bought near the top of the market.Shapiro said that, once he sells his Lake Mary house, he is ready to retire to a log cabin in north Georgia and forget about the whims of the real-estate market for a while.

The only thing that will rise and fall on his cabin, he said, will be the runners on his front-porch rocking chair.

Mary Shanklin can be reached at 407-420-5538 or mshanklin@orlando sentinel.com.

Copyright © 2009, Orlando Sentinel

Brand New Listing at 440 Pickfair Terrace, Lake Mary, FL

2009-07-22T15:08:00.003-04:00

This home is a beauty. Check this home out....

If you want to see all my listings, please visit www.moving2orlando.com.
If you are needing to sell your home, regardless of the reason, contact me at 407-257-3433 or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Central Florida Real Estate on the "UP" Swing!

2009-01-08T14:32:00.001-05:00

My start to 2009 has been a whirlwind. I have taken 4 new listings, worked with two buyers and gotten them under contract. Orlando Real Estate is definitely picking up. With constant amount of short sale, bank owned and foreclosures flooding our Real Estate market, it is definitely a BUYERS market. There are lot of homes currently on the market have great amounts of equity. This is a buyers and investors dream market. Go to www.julieboydelrod.com to get pertinent information on the buying or selling process and check out my featured properties. There are some great home deals!!!! If none of homes work for you, let me know and I will sign you up to receive FREE list of current homes meeting your criteria.

Short Sale Listings

2008-12-30T15:17:00.006-05:00

I have just taken three more short sale listings. You have to see the deals on these homes. The banks are ready to sell these homes!

Looking for a home with lots of square footage? Check out 2675 Aloma Oaks Drive, Oviedo. This home is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath home with a separate study/office plus a large bonus room, screened pool, big patio and 3-car garage.

Check out 200 Sandhill Crane Run in Orlando. This home is located in popular Eastwood. Located closely to lots of shops, restuarants and highways. The Eastwood community has great amenities such as a community pool, tennis and raquetball courts, playgrounds and much more. This home is move in ready. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 1,601 square feet. It has been freshly painted on the interior and has newer flooring.

10716 Whisperwood Lane in Orlando. This is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath pool home. It has formal areas, spacious kitchen and is near all major attractions. This home needs a little TLC.

Check out this Short Sale Listing

2008-12-12T13:43:00.002-05:00

I have just taken a listing in Autumn Glen, Winter Park, FL. This home is a short sale listing. You could get more than $30K in equity with this home. Listed at $170,000, this 3 bedroom 2 bath home has a open floorplan with a large eat-in kitchen, great room with sliding glass doors that open onto the screened patio. Just beyond the patio is a huge swimming pool. Lots of room to put a grill and chairs to take in the Florida sun. Don't miss out!

Major Price Changes

2008-12-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce a few of the recent price reductions I have received.

4081 Corrine Drive in Popular Baldwin Park has just had a major price reduction. The sellers are now asking $419,500 for their 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths home.

1453 Canterbury Circle in lovely Casselberry has had a recent price reduction. The sellers are now asking $199,900. This 4 bedroom, 2 baths has beautiful views of the lake and park.

Just yesterday the sellers at 417 Hawthorn Circle in desirable Winter Springs, just reduced their asking price to $141,000. This 3 bedroom, 2 baths has a big fenced backyard.

Huge Price Reduced for a 4 Bedroom Home in Casselberry

2008-11-21T10:25:00.002-05:00

My listing at 1453 Canterbury Circle has been reduced to 199,900. This is a steal for this 4 bedrooms, 2 bath home with spectacular views. Go to www.julieboydelrod.com to view this home as well as other good deals.

Check Out Two of My Newest Listings

2008-10-22T15:33:00.002-04:00

I have been asked by the owners to market their home located at 417 N Hawthorn Circle, Winter Springs, Fl 32708. This home is an investor's dream. It is 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, 1,288 square feet of living area, and big fenced backyard with no rear neighbors. The sellers are wanting to move back up North to be closer to family. The asking price of their home is only $149,900. Awesome deal!!!

Another seller has been transferred. She wants to sell her condo in Maitland quickly. The condo is located at 1375 Lake Shadow Circle, #11202. This condo is priced to sell and close quickly at $110,000. The unit is a 2/1 with 898 square feet of living area, has a modern kitchen complete with SS appliances, big screened patio overlooking the pond.

Contact me for more information either of these homes at julie@moving2orlando.com.

Selling Your Home in this Real Estate Market?

2008-10-01T14:26:00.000-04:00

Thinking of selling your home? Click the link below and check the “Listing” button:

www.jbeexit.com

In today’s market, it takes much more than a sign in your yard and putting your home in the Multiple Listing Service. The National Association of Realtors has reported that more than 80% of all Buyers start their search on the Internet. Wouldn’t you agree then that technology in our marketing of real estate is extremely important? So, if a real estate specialist doesn’t know how to properly market themselves, how will they be able to successfully market YOUR HOME and get it sold?

If I may be of service to you, please contact me directly at 407-257-3433 or email me at Julie@julieboydelrod.com.

Price Reductions and Rentals

2008-09-24T15:43:00.003-04:00

The sellers of this great home in charming Altamonte Springs have decided to lower their asking price on their updated home to be $269,000.
Check it out at: http://www.postlets.com/res/1068767

The sellers of this next home will rent or sell their Winter Park home. Contact me if you are interested in either. Check it out at : http://www.postlets.com/res/903194

I have some great homes if neither of these will work for you. Plus, I can get you signed up on my Exclusive Buyer's VIP Program.

Don't miss out on a GREAT Deal.

Check out my New Real Estate Websites

2008-09-18T16:39:00.002-04:00

I have just joined Craig Proctor's Quantum Leap program. This program is designed for Realtors and helps them give their clients better customer service.

Over my 20+ years in Real Estate, the one thing I have learned is that people, buyers and sellers, don't want to be sold. Our homes are, typically, the most expensive item we purchased. Most of us don't want a pushy Realtor telling us what we should buy. This is the very reason, I have a new website. I want to be able to provide past, present and current clients of mine a place where they can get the information they need regarding buying or selling their homes. I refuse to be that "pushy" realtor constantly calling or emailing. I want you to go to my website get the information you need without fear of me hounding you everyday or week. I will be spending my time with my current clients who need my immediate help. Then, when you are ready to buy or sell, you can feel confident that you will have my full attention to focus on your needs.

Check out www.julieboydelrod.com. Let me know what you think.

Of course, if you need to reach me you can call me at 407-420-9004 or email me at julie@moving2orlando.com.

WARNING: Extra Costs to Budget for when Buying a Home

2008-09-05T15:13:00.001-04:00

Orlando-Whether you're looking to buy your first
home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many
costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must
figure into your calculation of affordability. These
extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs,
could surprise you with an unwanted financial
nightmare on closing day if you're not informed and
prepared.

Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments,
while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly
commitment. While not all of these costs will apply in
every situation, it's better to know about them ahead
of time so you can budget properly.
Remember, buying a home is a major milestone,
and whether it's your first, second or tenth, there are
many small but important details, not to mention
stress and excitement, to deal with during the
process. The last thing you need are unbudgeted
financial obligations in the hours before you take
possession of your new home.

To help homebuyers understand what these extra
costs are, and in what situations they may apply, a
free industry report has been prepared called "13
Extra Costs to Be Aware of Before Buying a Home."
To hear a brief pre-recorded message about
how to order your free copy of this report, call
800-381-3306 and enter 1014. You can call any
time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call now to
make sure you're budgeting properly for your
next move.

This report is courtesy of (Julie Boyd-Elrod, Exit Realty Central). Not intended to solicit
properties currently listed for sales. Copyright © 2008.

Cutting Household Expenses

2008-08-25T15:58:00.001-04:00

Everyone knows that the economy is just a bit jittery at this time. I won’t tell you the economy will improve this month or even this year. However, I will share with you some things that my family and I have done to cut some household expenses and it can be fun.

Track your Expenses- Keep a journal or spreadsheet of everything you spend. I keep a spreadsheet of all my household expenses. I can tell you what I spend monthly to the penny. Find your money leaks and close them. We all have them and it can be exciting when you find them and get rid of them.
Use coupons. Use coupons on everything you buy from groceries to electronics to household goods, etc. If you can’t find the coupons you need in your local Sunday paper, then Google “coupons” and find them that way. Go to the grocery store on the days they pay double for your coupons. Make a list before you go to the grocery store and only buy what you have on your list and the items you need. If you are accustomed to popping into the grocery store several times a week, cut it back to only once a week. Try using www.grocerylists.org.
Cut your grocery bill by getting your fruits and vegetables from your local farmers market. I have saved about 20% each month.
Call your credit card companies and speak with them about getting a lower interest rate. Good rule of thumb, pay off your credit card with the highest interest rate first. Also, review your monthly statement and question every charge. I found three charges last month whereby I cancelled the subscription and they decided to charge me anyway. That was a savings of about $250.
Start or join a carpool. It can be with your work mates or help with your children’s after school activities.
Call your power company and get an energy miser audit. These audits are usually free and will give you good ideas on how your home can be more energy efficient, thus, lowering your monthly utility bill.
Call your insurance company. Discuss your homeowners’ and auto policies. There might have been some add-ons to your policies you aren’t using or don’t need. Perhaps you could stand to increase the deductibles on each as well.
Sell extra or unused stuff. If you have items around your home, try selling them on Craig’s List. This could bring in a few extra dollars.

If you would like further cost saving tips or know of anyone in need of a professional Real Estate Specialist, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 407-257-3433 or Julie@moving2orlando.com.

Major Price Reduction in Baldwin Park

2008-08-04T11:16:00.002-04:00

The Sellers of my listing in Baldwin Park have just reduced their asking price from $445,000 to $435,900 for their 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. This home is stunning inside with beautiful hardwood floors, delightful kitchen with upgraded cabinets, solid surface countertops and all appliances. Each bedroom has its’ own full luxurious bath. This features a large open balcony and 2-car garage. For its’ size, the home is priced to sell quickly. Check out the virtual tour of this home on my website at www.moving2orlando.com and go to “Featured Properties”.

Baldwin Park is a beautiful neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants, parks, pools, fitness center, and clubhouse. Go to www.baldwinpark.com to see all the amenities this great area has to offer.

Brokers' Open House nets great activity in Winter Park, FL

2008-07-31T14:05:00.000-04:00

I have a gorgeous 5 bedroom, 5 bath, estate home with outstanding pool and patio listed in Windsong in Winter Park, FL . I held it open for brokers and agents to tour on Tuesday of this week. The turnout was well more than expected. Over 25 real estate professionals came through and gave rave reviews on color selection, layout of this spacious Winter Park home, the amount of closet and storage areas, refreshing travertine pool deck, oversized 3-car garage and the list goes on. And, of course, one of the other appealing attributes of this Winter Park home is its close proximity, actually within walking distance, to the shops and restaurants on Park Avenue. Needless to say, the Sellers of this gracious home were ecstatic.

Just Sold

2008-07-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to announce that I have helped my client sell their home in Rybolt Reserve, Orlando, FL. This sale has been the only sale in that neighborhood since March, 2008. This home was great home with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800+ square feet of living area, 2-car garage, beautiful hardwood flooring, formal areas and a large open kitchen.

Also, I am so excited because I sold a home in Davenport Glen in Tuscawilla, Winter Springs, FL. This home was so well maintained. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2400+ square feet of living area, formal areas, huge patio with screened pool and sits on a large corner lot.

The trick about selling your home is to consistantly run the numbers. I will pull the comparables in that particular area every week. You can price your home well at the beginning of the listing period but due to the increase in foreclosures and short sales, your home may not be priced correctly after 30 days or 60 days. At this point, the Real Estate market in Central Florida is a numbers game.

If you want to know how much you could get for your home today, email me at julie@moving2orlando.com or visit www.moving2orlando.com.