Orlando Florida Real Estate and pest control update why pest inspections are a must!

Orlando Florida residents and home buyers it is that time of year again to take a closer look at your pest control.  Most importantly your termite bond and udating your termite inspections.

The spring season brings on that spring cleaning urge but don’t forget the pest control especially this time of year.  This goes for Orlando Florida buyers and sellers that need to be informed and up to date about potential pests that could be lurking behind walls or beneath the soil.  Don’t be the seller caught during the pest inspection with termite or ant infestations.

Did you know termites are America’s $5 billion pest problem?  I know it is gross to talk about bugs and the nuisance ants can be as sociable as they are no one wants them at your next dinner party.  You have that glamorous new kitchen or beautiful remodeled garden, but remember Florida is considered a very high risk of termite infestation.  As for ants there are ten different species that can potentially threaten homes so what can we do as a Orlando Real Estate buyer or seller?  

You may have the most beautiful and well kept home, but you are still at risk because termites and ants can strike without warning.  You can learn more about both first check out the Termite Institute and Ant Institute to find out about America’s most common household pest.

If you are a first time home buyer or seasoned home owner these sites will help you identify, prevent and offer suggestons to solve termite and ant problems.  There are live web cameras and podcasts that show what is like when your home is invaded by one of these pests.

If you are not an Orlando Florida Real Estate buyer or seller here is an map which shows the areas of concern. 

I can speak here from personal experience when we were buying our first Florida home guess what showed on the pest inspection?  Yes that’s right termites.  The homeowners had it treated and paid for the bond.  Yes is can be treated and an annual check up helps you stay in control.  Termador is a terrific new treatment which you can read about at the Termite Institute at the solutions sections that identify the best ways to rid your home of these problems. 

You can even sign up for their tip list.  I want to thank Corrinne Cupton for reminding me of this important topic for this time of year.  If you have questions don’t hesitate to call her at 610-941-0395 extension 148 or email her at cupton@fcfschmidtpr.com  she can give very useful advice and information

Lakefront living on the Butler Chain of Lakes

Did you know that Windermere Florida is a sister city of Windermere England?  In England Windermere is known as the Lake District and it would make sense that Windermere Florida is a sister city as it is also set amidst the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Real Estate has historically been more valuable by lakefront settings and Windermere Florida is no exception.  Lots starting at a million dollars and up are not unusal especially for the Butler Chain of Lakes if you can find anymore.

Thanks to the surrounding Butler Chain of Lakes the lakefront lifestyle is a top choice for the Windermere home buyers.

Currently there are 35 lakefront homes for sale in the multiple listing service at the time of writing this for sale on the Lake Butler Chain within Isleworth, Keene’s Pointe, Lake Butler Sound, Park Ave, Windermere Downs and Windermere addresses.   Priced from 1.2 million up to 12 million. 

Then of course there is one more that almost got auctioned this last Saturday that of the infamous Lou Pearlman best know for his management of In-Sync and the Back Street Boys.  It got an offer over 3 million but earlier they had one over 5 million and will have to wait to see what happens.

Watersports, fishing, tennis or golf are  part of Isleworth, Park Ave. and Keene’s Pointe as well as the clubhouse amenities.   There are homes not in gated communities too with all the waterfront fun and close to golf.

If you want to learn more specifically about the Butler Chain of Lakes or why living in Orlando is so much fun there are so many good reasons to enjoy the Windermere Florida Lakefront lifestyle check this out. 

We have had our boat out on all the lakes and it will take about 4 hours to enjoy a trip through all of them from Lake Down to Fish Lake.  Stop for a picnic on board or swim and ski.   The town of Windermere is well known for its towering oaks and town activities as well as the Butler Chain of Lakes.

So if it is a home you are looking for that lakefront lot where the sun is glistening brightly on the water and the fun seems endless call us today.  Appointments are necessary and we will have all of the best options to share with you.  Give us a call today if a home on the Butler Chain of Lakes is in your future.  You can start your search for Windermere Lakefront homes on our website by map, subdivision, zipcode or city/county

Orlando Florida Real Estate in the town of Celebration Florida

This Celebration Florida condo for sale in North Village Georgetown is on the top floor.  No problem there is a difference in the many condos for sale and this one has the best of all worlds.  Private tucked away location in a beautiful Mediterranean building.

Next this is one of the very few condo buildings with elevator service.  It also has its  own private single car garage right across from the car wash, and post office boxes.  Remember location location location this Celebration Florida Condo has it all.  Did we mention the new price?

Under 300K this unit may also come furnished for a small premium to be decided by the seller.  So it is move in ready just bring your clothes we can make it happen.  The unit does include all appliances plus washer and dryer. 

Plenty of closet space with walk in closets, kitchen pantry closet, hall closet and storage over the hall desk.  Great kitchen counter top space and plenty of cabinets for the chef in your family. 

Beauty warmth and value throughout you won’t be disappointed so come look inside one of the best deals in Celebration Florida.  Don’t forget we have no State income tax in Florida so if you are looking for a great place to call home Celebration has so much to offer.

Still want to know more?  Disney did a video about why people love living in Celebration.  If you want to see more of the villages and all that Celebration has to offer here is another opportunity to see the wonderful beauty of the Town of Celebration.

Your home away from home or permanent residence with easy lifestyle living is here in this Celebration condo only minutes from Disney, roads, restaurants and entertainment.  You can’t go wrong so come take a look inside.  Call and talk to Teri today and start packing this condo has it all. 

If you want a flyer or would like to send a flyer to friend who may also be considering a new home in Celebration Florida we made it easy for you to do.   Better yet come look inside this is the real deal. 

Orlando Florida Vacation Home at Indian Creek near Disney

This would make a lovely Orlando Vacation home close to the parks.  Not only is this a delightful hme inside it comes with bookings and a great property management company already in place.  This is a real gem and having trustworthy management so important especially if you live miles away.

You won’t have to worry about the details when you have the expertise of a trusted Home Management Service.  They even provide free worldwide telephone services.  Check below for the link to one of our favorite companies.

You can enjoy conservation views and privacy by the pool and luxury spa.  If you have game players in your family don’t miss the game room.  Enjoy enhanced cable TV and high speed internet access.

You won’t be disappointed there is so much activity that all your guests can enjoy in this beautiful 3 bed 2 bath home Orlando vacation home.  Just 3 miles from Disney and great area restaurants not to mention the shops that are close by all for your guests convenience.

Buy this home for your own family use or also use it as a rental investment property. 

If you want to know what else is only minutes away check out the list I created here about Orlando Resources.

View a slide show of this property and check out the property management of this company which if you buy this home would be wonderful to keep.  Why?  They have the records and repeat visitors that have already stayed in this warm and welcoming home and are very reasonable compared to services of other management companies in the area.

Here is an example of what I mean.  I won’t mention names here but going with a just any proberty management company is not always the best option for your pocket book.  Let’s say your home rents for two weeks in the peak season and you are guaranteed $600 per week.  Income could be as high as  $1800 for the two weeks in a peak season.  So if you are with a not so reputable guarantee company that promises you $600 per week  who do you think is pocketing the extra money? Not you.  There are also companies that charge $25 to change a light bulb or filter.  Enough said.

Here is the management company we recommend to our clients. 

Using a reputable management company is key.  It is all in place if you purchase this home in Indian Creek and make it your Orlando Vacation Home priced at $349,950.  Call Teri today for details or a private showing at 407-467-5155.

Orlando Florida home in Windermere Club Golf Course Community

Do you want this golfcourse view?  This Windermere Club golf course community is the answer, with a prestigious Windermere address.

If you don’t like living in a cookie cutter claustophobic surroundings why not come to Windermere Club golf course community for the views, space and luxury you would expect in a gated community with a wonderful country club.

Located on a quiet cul de sac street this home has not only incredible views, but is in a community of luxury homes which all share the benefit of a country club community lifestyle.

There are two entrances to Windermere Club on off McKinnon Rd and the main one off Park Avenue.

Not a detail has been missed.  A new exercise room, comfortable famly room, spacious kitchen with granite counters, desk and plenty of storage.  Best of all is the golf right outside your back door. and tennis courts next to the country club.  Enjoy the sunsets and warmth of a sunny south facing pool or soak in the spa.

Formal dining is easy with the open dining room just off the formal living area.  Views of the patio and course abound right from the moment you open the front door.  This split bedroom floorplan has 4 bedrooms and  3 baths.  Completed renovated in 2004/05.  Everything is brand new.

 Enjoy warm evenings relaxing in your Hot Springs Hot tub. This is the perfect Florida home with nothing remaining to do except enjoy!

Of course it is a golfers delight with view of the 18th fairway and driving range.  Built by S. Cahill this home features a kitchen-family room combination with golf course views, and the separate area off the master bedroom which has been converted into a personal gym.

 Take a virtual tour of this property or watch the video to enjoy the a printable flyer which you can email to a friend.   

To look inside just give us a call at 407-467-5155 you won’t be disappointed.

Orlando Florida Vacation Home for sale in Windsor Palms

A wonderful Orlando Florida Real Estate Investment Opportunity at Windsor Palms.  This sought after Brighton model is one of the most popular plans at Windsor Palms.  Why?  The Brighton model has a covered porch area for added space surrounding the sparkling pool and spa.

So much to offer with enough room to sleep 10 comfortably, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.  This home comes fully furnished right down to the silverware and all the games in the newly added game room.

Windsor Palms has one of the best rental investment histories out there when it comes to repeat business.  Close to golf, and only 3 miles from Disney minutes more to SeaWorld and Universal.  If you have had enough of the parks and want to go to the beach that too is only about an hour away from each coast. 

What else makes this a home to own is the benefit of having an up and working website.  Did you know if you book in your own clients you save big when it comes to the fees a property management company may charge.  This owner has been very successful with bookings and will sell it with current bookings in place and several repeat bookings.

Having clentele that want to come back to your home year after year makes it easier to manage.  The owner is willing to share his secrets to success with the new owner.  You can take advantage of his 4 years experience and very good advice.  The website alone is worth it!

Why Windsor Palms aside from its track record this community has alot to offer the guests.  A store on site, beautiful community pool, fitness room, theatre, games room and clubhouse meeting area.  There is a reason guests return here year after year.

So what are you waiting for call Teri today for a look inside this beautiful home at 8103 Fan Palm Way.  Your Orlando Vacation home is waiting and so is the Florida sunshine!

Orlando Florida Real Estate New Players

Orlando Florida Real Estate has a new player.  A Canadian home builder from the Canadian based company of Mattamy Homes has hired Steve Parker.  Mr. Parker was formerly the President of Morrison Homes.

Mattamy Homes has home develpments in Minnesota, Arizona and North Carolina.  Well established and with posted revenue of 1.3 billion (US dollars) a real player in the Orlando Real Estate Market.

Since many of the other big players are selling off land Mattamy has found new opportunity in Orlando Real Estate aquisitions,  They plan to build more than 4000 homes by 2013 and feel the Florida Real Estate market will rebound stronger than ever.

Mattamy is a privately owned company founded in 1978 by Peter Gilgan from Canada and has built more than 35,000 homes in over 85 communities in Canada.  Looking to expand in Florida since the strength of the Canadian dollar now makes land aquisitions more attractive. 

Time will tell if the investment in Orlando Real Estate will pay off but considering the growth even in a sluggish market here opportunity still abounds in Orlando Florida.

Another new opportunity comes from the the Green Builder House Series sponsered by the Green Builder Magazine and showcasing another Orlando Florida home in Lake County during the International Builders Show here in Orlando.  This green home will be available to view from March 2, 2008 during the Lake County Parade of Homes.

The address is 16921 Apopka Springs Blvd. in Montverde.  So go take a look at the eco planned landscaping, mold resistant drywall, and many other earth friendly features here.  By the way the home theatre also doubles as fortified hurricane bunker.    5400 sq. feet of room with incredible view are ready to invite you in so enjoy a visit during the Parade of Homes.  Open noon to 5 Sundays and 10-5 on Sat. and weekdays starting March 2 the cost is free.

Remember you can search all homes for sale in the Orlando Florida area and surrounding counties and check back for more Orlando Real Estate Updates by subscribing to our blog.  I have also attached a podcast which has information about moving to the area.  The market information is from Dec. 2005 but the content about Orlando area market trends, mortgage rate issues, and what people need to know when moving in this area is still important. Yes I know I speak quite fast but this was one of my early ones and they will get better.  Enjoy

Orlando Florida Real Estate Luxury Auction

Here is more information about the upcoming Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction by Keller Williams Realty.

So just what are the seller options when it comes to an auction?  What are the fees and what can I expect?  First you need to know which of the two options you want to offer your property in an asolute or a reserve auction.

An Absolute sale is one where the property is sold to the highest qualified bidder with no limiting conditions of amount.  Also known as an auction without reserve.

Note statistics show that absolute sales command more atention from buyers, secure more opening bids, and consequently achieve higher prices.

A reserve auction is a minimum pirce for which a property will sell on auction day.  If the auction bidding does not reach this minimum, the seller is not obligated to sell.

Note:  We are very selective in regards to which properties are accepted on a reserve basis when it comes to the Keller Williams Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction being held in Orlando, Florida on March 15th at 1 pm.  Registration will be Saturday 11-1pm.

Properties in this auction held in Orlando, Florida at the Wyndham Orlando Resort will generally speaking be in the price range of $500,000 and up.

So what are the seller costs to be admitted in this auction?  There is an engagement fee paid up front and commissions.

The engagement fee for the our March 15th auction is refundable upon closing if entered as an Absolute sale, non refundable if entered as a reserve.  Commissions are 3% of contract price payable at closing to Listing Agent in either type absolute or reserve.

Buyer Costs include a Buyers Premium of 10% which will be added on to the final bid on each property.  ( High Bid + Buyers Premium = Contract Price).  A 10% deposit or a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the contract price, due immediately upon the close of bidding.  And finally closing costs, the buyer pays all closing costs for the residential sales in the county and state where the property is located including, but no limited to, all Doc Stamps, Transfer Taxes and Title Insurance.

The responsibility of the Buyer’s Premium shifts toward the seller if the property is contracted for sale during the Pre-Auction Protection Period (Feb. 15-March 15th)  or during the Post -Auction Period (March 16- May 16).

If you are interested or want to learn more, the next Seller orientation will be held in Orlando Florida at Wyndham Orlando Resort on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 6pm for Sellers and Thurs. February 28th, 2008 at 6 pm for buyers and again on March 5, 2008 at 6pm for buyers.

Just interested in the process and want to see how it works call Teri Isner today for complete details at 407-467-5155.  She can help get you registered and put you in touch with right people to answer all your questions.  No obligation even if you are just looking into this concept please feel free to call.

Orlando Florida Theatre, Orlando Florida Chamber Music, Orlando Florida Leu Gardens, Orlando Florida Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando Florida Portofino Bay at Universal. Orlando Florida Homes, Orlando Florida Vacation Homes

Are you planing a romantic date for Valentines Day in Orlando Florida?

Just what is out there for you to do in Orlando Florida this year other than sending a few flowers.

If you have heard of the Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando note that on Feb. 15th from 6:30 to 9pm there will be a wine tasting and jazz event.  It will include gourmet food samples, as well as live jazz music for $35/60 per person.   The luxurious Mediterranean surroundings only add to the romance of Harbor Nights Romantico.

The Gaylord Palms Resort is the location for their annual Valentine Rendevous this years theme is inspired by Latin culture and again supports the Red Cross of Central Florida.  The festivities include a silent auction, dinner, live entertainment, and wonderful music plus other surprises that all support the Red Cross.  Couples, singles and friends all welcome to this black tie event on Feb. 9th 6:30 – midnight.  $160 per person.

Music under the stars at Leu Gardens on Valentines Day by Michael Andrew and Swingerhead will be available for $25 per person tickets can be ordered by calling 407-246-2620.

If theatre is your cup of tea why not go to a show?  Le’t’s see what is playing.

• Tony n Tina’s Wedding celebrates its one year anniversary so why not say “I do” at the dinner theatre.

• I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change   is playing at the Winter Park  Playhouse through Feb. 16, 2008.

• Camelot is playing in Winter Haven Feb. 14th – March 9, 2008

• She Loves Me at the Bay Street Theatre February 1st, through the 24th.

• Kiss Me Kate playing in Sanford from Feb. 8-17

There will be a free concert by the Orlando Chamber Singers on Feb. 17th which is an annual event and part of the ArtsFestival.  This concert will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando.

Now for something very artistic Orlando will also be celebration the Nude at Nude Nite Fine Art.  This function it is supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation and Research.  Noted as one of the most popular art happenings in Orlando.  Tickets are $15 come view over 200 works of art from over 100 local and national artists.

Finally from Nudes to Lingerie you might find a few inspirations here.  So whether you are planning  a Valentines vacation in Orlando Florida or live here there is plenty to do. 

Another reason to make Orlando Florida Home or have a vacation home in Orlando Florida when you are ready call Teri today at 407-467-5155.

Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction

The Orlando Florida Luxury Real Estate International Auction timeline for the March 15th auction includes the following.

February:

• National advertising campaign begins, with exposure in key publications:  Chicago Tribune, Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, International Hearl Tribune, London, Miami Hearald, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, Toronto Star and Wall Street Journal.

• Email Broadcasts to all registered Real Estate Agents in the Orlando Area

• February 14th Pre -auction Protection Period begins ( Feb. 14th- March 14th).

•  February 15th Buyer Registration begins.

• February 19th Seller orientation #2 is held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort.

• February 28th Buyer Orientation #1 is held atthe Wyndham Orlando Resort

• March 1st and  2nd Open House for all properties 12p.m. – 5 p.m.

• March 5th Buyer Orientation #2 is held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort.

• March 11th  Auction Portfolio Tour.

• March 14th Final day to submit Opening Bids.

• March 15th   AUCTION DAY!

If you would like to participate there is still time whether a buyer or a seller call Teri Isner today at 407-467-5155.