There were 11,903 Orlando FL foreclosure homes in February 2012, according to RealtyTrac.com. 1 in every 1,171 housing units received a foreclosure filing. The average sales price of an Orlando home was $119,371 and the average sales price of a foreclosure home was $97,197, a $22,174 savings.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage was 3.89% in February and there were 1,171 new foreclosures compared to 1,459 new foreclosures in January.

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Orlando FL foreclosures were 0.15% above national statistics, 0.02% above Florida figures and the same as Orange County numbers in February.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Activity by Month
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Housing affordability conditions have reached the highest level since recordkeeping began in 1970, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

NAR’s Housing Affordability Index rose to a record high 206.1 in January, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power. An index of 100 is defined as the point where a median-income household has exactly enough income to qualify for the purchase of a median-priced existing single-family home, assuming a 20 percent downpayment and 25 percent of gross income devoted to mortgage principal and interest payments.

NAR projects the affordability index for all of 2012 will be at an annual high, with little movement in mortgage interest rates or home prices during the year.

What does affordability look like in our local real estate market? Take a look at February figures.

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – February 2012  

Orange County saw 169 less homes sold in February 2012 than 2011, a 12 percent decrease. The average sales price increased by 16 percent and the median sales price increased by 16% from February 2011.  Market times decreased by 4 days or 4 percent.  

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – February 2012

Osceola County homes saw home sales decreased by 134 homes, a 24 percent decrease. Prices increased with the average sales price up 10 percent and the median price increased by 13 percent.  Market Times remained decreased by 2 days compared to February 2011.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – February 2012

Seminole County residential sales decreased by 9 percent with 45 fewer homes sold in February 2012. The averages sales  price increased by 15 percent, and the median sales price increased by 23 percent compared to February 2011 levels. Market times decreased by 10 days or 10 percent.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – February 2012  

Residential sales in Lake County increased with 63 more homes sold for a 16 percent increase. The average sales price decreased by 1 percent, while the median sales price increased by 1 percent during the same time period.  Market times decreased by 7 days.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – February 2012

Polk County saw 108 fewer homes sold, a 16 percent decrease.  The average sales price increased by 9 percent,and the median sales price increased by 12 percent.  Market times increased by 4 days or 3 percent.

Now is the time to get your best price on an Orlando home, before the prices move upward. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 17 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

There are some really great tips here: The best are near the end. Common sense applied in a vigorous way.

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU.
Read all the way to the end. You just might learn something that will save your home from being burglarized.

I am particularly interested in the part about the wasp spray…

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste… and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom – and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door – understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find itathttp://www.faketv/.com/)

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU:
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The California real estate research firm, Clear Capital, issued a report predicting that Orlando FL real estate will have the largest increase in prices for 2012 with an 11.7% gain in values. According to the report, 2012 is expected to play out much like the last half of 2011, with a very subtle price change. A minimal decline in the beginning of the year is expected to turn into a gain by year’s end.

If you are thinking of buying Orlando FL real estate, NOW is the time to buy while prices are still low. Although the
increase is only projected to be at 11.7% that is still $11,700 on a $100,000 home. Who wouldn’t want to save $11,700?

Contact me today to save $11,700! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 17 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Monday Morning Quarterback Report gives you a snapshot of the previous week’s Orlando FL real estate market activity, including sales, prices, days on market, and much, much more.

Week of December 5, 2011

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes increased to 404 during the week of Nov 27, from 168 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes increased to $138,000, a change of 4.0%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions increased to 74 last week, from 24 the week of Nov 20
• The number of single-family home short-sale transactions increased to 141 from 67 the week prior
• Single-family inventory decreased by 59, and now sits at 10,618

Condos, townhomes, and villas
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There were 10,317 Orlando FL foreclosure homes in October, 2011, according to RealtyTrac.com. 1 in every 1,961 housing units received a foreclosure filing. The average sales price of an Orlando home was $121,127 and the average sales price of a foreclosure home was $102,742, a $96,284 savings.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage was 4.07% in October and there were 1,961 new foreclosures.

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Orlando FL foreclosures were 0.37% above national statistics, 0.18% above Florida figures and 0.03% above Orange County numbers in October.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

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Orlando was among cites showing a slight decline in home prices in September. The decrease of 1.4% was among the lowest decrease recorded in cities being tracked during the month. With continued record foreclosure sales amid a weak economy and tight underwriting standards that continue to constrain housing demand, home prices are expected to remain weak despite low interest rates and renewed government efforts to keep people in their homes. FNC’s latest Residential Price Index™ (RPI), released Monday, indicates U.S. home prices decreased as expected in September, consistent with weak housing activities reported for the month. The trend marks the second month of price declines after a relatively robust summer home-buying season.

Based on the latest data on non-distressed home sales (existing and new homes), FNC’s RPI shows that single-family home prices fell in September to a seasonally unadjusted rate of 0.4%. As a gauge of underlying home value, the RPI excludes sales of foreclosed homes which are frequently sold with large price discounts reflecting poor property conditions. The RPI is the industry’s first hedonic price index − built on a comprehensive database blending public records with real-time appraisals of property and neighborhood attributes. By modeling observed sales prices as being determined by property and neighborhood attributes, one of the key advantages of the RPI is its ability to capture intrinsic home price trends.

Two broader RPI indices (the National and 30-MSA composites) showed month-to-month declines in September at 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Although both indices mark a second month of price weakening, smaller declines were realized in September when compared to the August measures. Meanwhile, the 10-MSA composite index showed a small uptick from the previous month. On a year-to-year basis, home prices are about 3-4% lower than September 2010.

In addition to Orlando’s 1.4% decline, several other metro areas tracked by the FNC 30-MSA composite index, also recorded weakened prices in September, including Charlotte (-1.8%), Cleveland (-1.6%), Las Vegas (-1.6%), Tampa (-2.4%), Sacramento (-1.5%), San Francisco (-1.4%), and Miami (-2.8%). Growth momentum in Detroit, which has seen prices rising consistently month over month since April for a cumulative total of 9.4%, subsided in September and prices were flat during the month. In Chicago, home prices enjoyed another strong rebound: up 3.1% from the previous month following August’s 2.8% increase. On average, Chicago home prices rose 3.0% during the third quarter.

Year to date, Boston, Houston, Detroit, San Antonio, Minneapolis, and Chicago are among those showing the best price appreciation, up 6.0%, 5.4%, 4.2%, 4.2%, 3.8%, and 3.7% respectively. Foreclosures sales and the glut of foreclosure inventory continue to depress the Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Tampa markets, where prices are down 8.5%, 8.3%, 6.6%, and 6.2%, respectively, year-to-date.

Year to year, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Tampa continue to lead the nation in annual price depreciation in double digits, down 14.4%, 13.0%, and 11.6%, respectively. Only two cities − Boston and Detroit − showed modest annual price appreciation, with home prices rising 2.2% and 2.0% in the last 12 months. As of September, home prices in San Francisco and Chicago also remain slightly higher than a year ago.

Information courtesy of:

Seth Klein Marketing Production Coordinator
Phone: (662) 236-8277 ▪ E-mail: sklein@fncinc.com
FNC Inc. ▪ 1214 Office Park Drive ▪ Oxford, MS 38655
www.fncinc.com<http://www.fncinc.com/> ▪ www.collateralvision.com<http://www.collateralvision.com>

“Not a drive by” is real estate talk for letting another Realtor know that they have to really work at getting a buyer to go inside to check out the home because the curb appeal just isn’t there. People would drive by and keep going thinking the inside was as unappealing as the outside. When potential Orlando home buyers are looking for a new place, they want a home that looks like it was loved and cared for.  They have a sense that if there is pride in the landscaping and the outside of the home, there will be pride on the inside, too. Curb appeal is both a visual and emotional hook for buyers. It says “Someone was happy here. I could be happy here, too.” In a tough housing market, the curb appeal of a home makes it stand out and can ultimately make a difference in selling the home.

One of the most inexpensive renovations to a home is landscaping. Combined with other small outdoor touches that improve curb appeal, you increase the value of your most important investment. A home is not just a place to live, it is one of the most important investments you can make. Landscaping investments will actually appreciate if they are properly maintained. Orlando plants and trees in nurseries to find some that appeal to you. An investment of $500 to $3000 will help trigger the sale of your home. Nurseries have experienced staff who are eager to help you redesign your yard.

You could hire a landscape architect to re-design your outdoor space and create an ideal look for your neighborhood. Or, you could do it yourself for much less of an investment. Be sure to consult with local nurseries to find the best trees and shrubs for your climate, and determine how to properly care for them.

Here are some additional tips for improving your Orlando home’s curb appeal:
Read the rest of this entry »

Aside from fires, gas leaks, and spills, a lot of us are unaware of the other potential dangers in our homes. Either that or we have forgotten about the other possibilities because they tend to be rather small. And by small, it does not mean that the consequences can’t be detrimental, it means that the incident just may not be as obvious or immediate as a fire or spill. It is true that virtually everything in a home can be seen as dangerous in one way or another, but there are definitely certain things that you should be careful of. To do so does not involve much effort, simply just some awareness and memory. So to jog your memory, here are some common potentially dangerous things to beware of in your Orlando FL home. This information can be especially useful if children are running around the abode.

• TALL & HEAVY FURNITURE. This is mainly for children, but for adults too – dressers, bookshelves and the like are privy to crushing people when being climbed on or knocked over. A quick fix would be to attach furniture to the wall.
• CORDS. Not only are cords dangerous due to their electrical components, but if placed inappropriately can act as an object to trip over. Make sure your cords are organized and out of the way.
• BATHTUBS. Like cords, bathtubs are dangerous in more than one way. People are very prone to slipping in tubs, so be sure to place a good mat in your tub. Secondly, if you have young children, watch them at all times while bathing to avoid drowning. This also goes for when preparing a bath for yourself – don’t leave a full bathtub unattended.
• MEDICINES & CLEANING PRODUCTS. The same rule is applied to both medicines and cleaning products – do not leave them in reach of children and pets. They can be very toxic, harmful and even deadly. It is likely we have all been taught this rule, but it can be easy to forget when rushing around the house.
• EXERCISE EQUIPMENT. Similar to the last tip, make sure exercise equipment is out of children’s reach. Heavy, mobile objects like weights can be tripped over or can be dangerous if a child decides to make them their new play toy. Also remember to clean your equipment after use because they can harbor sickness-inducing germs.
• PESTICIDES & MOTHBALLS. While both can be very useful in removing unwanted pests, the chemicals in each can be very harmful in the long run. You may choose to limit use to when very necessary, find a safe alternate solution, or opt for not using them at all. It may be a small sacrifice to make in order to ensure good health.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 17 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

A number of research studies have shown that home ownership provides social and societal benefits. Not only is home ownership one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, providing resources for a more comfortable retirement, but it also fosters an immeasurable sense of community and stability vital to growing families. NAR’s “Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing” report reveals that home owners are happier and healthier. They tend to vote more, volunteer more and contribute more to their neighborhoods. Home owners do not move as frequently as renters, which encourages more neighborhood stability, and children of home owners are more likely to participate in organized activities and spend less time in front of the television.

Now take a look at how the Orlando market performed in August.  

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – August 2011  

Orange County saw 173 fewer homes sold in August 2011 than August 2010. A 10 percent decrease. The average sales price increased by 9 percent and the median sales price increased by 19% from August 2010.  Market times increased by 20 days or 20 percent.  

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – August 2011

Osceola County homes saw home sales decrease by 173 homes, a 27 percent drop. Prices decreased with the average sales price down 12 percent. The median price decreased 2 percent.  Market Times increased by 24 days or 24 percent. 

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – August 2011

Seminole County residential sales increased by 7 percent with 39 more homes sold in August 2011. The averages sales increased 11 percent and the median sales price increased by 18 percent from August 2010 levels. Market times increased by 16 days or 16 percent. 

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – August 2011  

Residential sales in Lake County increased with 67 additional homes sold for a 17 percent increase. The average sales price increased by 20 percent, and the median sales price decreased by 14 percent during the same time period.  Market times increased by 20 days or 14 percent.  

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – August 2011  

Polk County saw 22 fewer homes sold, a 3 percent decrease.  The average sales price increased by 1 percent, while the median sales price decreased by 7 percent. Market times increased by 25 days or 21 percent. 

Now is the time to get your best price on an Orlando home, before the prices move upward.  

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 17 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.