This is a perfect time for all you snow weary Northeners to take a golf vacation in Orlando! Consider attending the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Instructors are hand picked by Arnold Palmer and offer instructions for all levels…beginner to professional.

Arnold’s approach:

“My father taught me the game of golf. A great deal of the success I’ve enjoyed in my career, I owe to him. He believed golf is really pretty simple and a whole lot of fun… if you rely on two vital aspects; fundamentals and attitude. I totally agree.  At the Golf Academy, I’ve personally chosen every instructor and approved every minute of the entire training program. They will teach you what my father taught me. The result will be, no matter what your level of play, you will improve your game. And you’ll play with more consistency, more confidence and more pure pleasure than ever before.”

Home sales surged in the fourth quarter of 2009 with many areas seeing double digit gains according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales (single-family and condo) jumped 13.9 percent above the third quarter and 27.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property sales accounted for 32 percent of the fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent from 2008.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit, combined with record low interest rates, played a dominant role in fourth quarter sales. Yun went on to say, “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”

Let’s look at Orlando real estate sales statistics (residential) for January to see how the housing recovery is progressing locally.

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

There were 456 more homes sold in Orange County in Jan 2010 than Jan 2009. A 62 percent increase! The average sales price  declined 28 percent and the median sales price declined 37 percent from the previous year.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Osceola County home sales increased by 75 homes or +26 percent. Prices declined however with the average sales price down 18 percent and the median price down 24 percent.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Seminole County residential sales increased 81 percent with 146 more homes sold in Jan 2010. The averages sales and the median sales price decreased 23 percent and 24 percent respectively from Jan 2009 levels.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Residential sales in Lake County also increased with 88 more homes sold for a 40 percent increase. The average sales price dropped 12 percent and the median sales price dropped 11 percent during the same time period.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – Jan 2010

Polk County followed the trend of the surrounding counties with 111 more homes selling, a 29 percent improvement. Sales prices declined with the average sales price dropping 9 percent and the median sales price dropping 5 percent.

What do these numbers mean to you? An increase in sales is usually followed by an increase in prices. The number of homes sold increased across the board in our local markets in 2009. Even though prices continued to drop, it shouldn’t be long before prices turn the corner and start to tick upward. The market appears to be at its bottom. Now is the time to get your best price on an Orlando home, before the prices move upward.

Remember, the first-time home buyer tax credit has been extended through April 30, 2010 and a new tax credit has been implemented for current home owners. Give us a call to take advantage of your FREE government money!

Oceanaire Orlando offers the perfect atmosphere for a special dinner. Each day fresh seafood is flown in from around the world. You won’t want to miss the Virginia stripped bass, the South African snapper, the Alaskan halibut, the Carribean lobster tail, the British Columbian king salmon or any of the other world renowned delicacies.

Executive chef Chef Garey Hiles trained at Disney’s Culinary Academy in Orlando. He apprenticed at The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and studied with Disney’s elite culinary regime. After holding positions at Citrocos & The Coral Reef within Epcot, Garey was selected to work at Disney’s Victoria & Albert’s, central Florida’s only AAA 5 diamond and Mobil 4 star restaurant, and trained under Chef Scott Hunnel. After a stint in the US Virgin Islands as Executive Chef at Divi Corina Resort and Marina, Hiles moved to Atlanta and joined the Oceanaire Seafood Room where he ascended to Sous Chef.

The Oceanaire is as sleek as a 1930’3 ocean-liner and accomodates everything from private dining for up to 100 to a cozy, romantic table for 2. Whatever the occasion, you won’t be disappointed after an evening of culinary delight.

Awards:

• “Best Seafood Restaurant”
  Orlando Magazine
  – 2008
• “Best Seafood Restaurant”
  Orlando Magazine
  – 2009
• Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards
  Voted “Best Seafood”
  – 2009
• “Best New Restaurant”
  Orlando Home and Leisure Magazine
  – 2007
• Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards
  Voted “Best Chain Restaurant”
  – 2007

The Berenstain Bears at the Orlando Repertory Theatre is a must see for the little ones!

You will join Papa, Mama, Brother and Sister Bear as classic Berenstain Bears stories are presented by guitar-strumming Cowboy Joe, the world’s foremost expert on the famous residents of Bear Country!

Shows are Saturday and Sunday, Feb 27 and 28 and tickets are available online.

The Rep is Orlando’s professional family theatre whose mission is to create experiences that enlighten, entertain and enrich the lives of family and young audiences.

When in Orlando you won’t want to miss the Kissimmee Ghost Tour. It is not for the faint of heart, however. You will step into the realm of the unknown with this 90 minute stroll through shadowy streets and alleys of the Kissimmee Historic District.

If the spirits are restless you will experience the headless horseman on his late night ride, the girl in the playground who loves to swing, the unfortunate soul on the ‘hanging tree’, the ghost of the lake and SO much more!!

Visit the website for discount tickets…buy one adult ticket and get a child’s ticket free. You can also get a FREE disposable camera.

Reservations are required, (321) 251-5204

Here is one person’s account of his ghost tour:

Learn more about Orlando by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com.

This post starts the beginning of a series on 365 Things To Do Around Orlando.  We will be letting you know about  fun places for kids, young and old! Please jump in and comment on fun things you know about!

First in our series, is Orlando‘s first major attraction, the Magic Kingdom. This theme park is one of four parks in Walt Disney World Resort and the place where fantasy is reality.

Cinderella’s Castle is probably one of the most recognized pieces of architecture in America and the hub of the park. What little girl hasn’t dreamed of living here?

Discover the enchantment of fairy tales and the beloved Disney characters. Enjoy the fantastical boat ride through ‘It’s a Small World’, soar to the sky with ‘Dumbo the Flying Elephant’, cruise down the river on a safari boat, take a whirl in a giant tea cup at the ‘Mad Tea Party’ and Oh! so much more!!

Whether you live in Orlando year round or just visiting for a few days, put the Magic Kingdom on the top of your list of things to do with the kids. They will talk about it for the rest of their lives!

Orlando Real Estate For Sale: 539 Hunter Circle Kissimmee, FL 34758

MLS#04964041

Come on in and take a look at this immaculate 2 bedroom 2 bath villa with split floor plan. Single level living at its best! Featuring a full sized kitchen with sunny breakfast area. Bright living room with easy access to private outdoor patio. Master suite boasting private bath and walk-in closet. Conveniently located to bus line, shopping center at Publix and Poinciana Towne Center. Beautifully maintained common areas with nice landscaping, community pool, tennis courts, clubhouse and a play ground all in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood. You won’t find a better villa for the money. This home has so much Potential, You will Love it! Great starter home, convenient location, and can be used for vacation home or permanent resident. Come look inside and welcome home! REALTOR/OWNER.

Learn more about 539 Hunter Circle and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com 

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale

Getting Organized to Sell Your Orlando Florida Home

We have all heard the stories about buyers who list their homes and receive a qualified offer within a week of placing their home on the market. While it has and can happen, more often than not in today’s economy, it takes some organization and some time for sell your Orlando Florida home. With a little planning and a time line of six months to a year, you stand a better chance of being prepared for both a fast or slow sale.

While no one has a crystal ball, if you are anticipating a major life change, from a marriage to a divorce, or job change or business downsize, the time to start is now.

First day to first month:

• Gather your paperwork on your home together. Make sure you know how much of your remaining mortgage you owe, as well as the dates when you made major capital improvements.
• Look at and adjust your living expenses if necessary to cover three to six months worth of mortgage costs beyond the time you have estimated to sell your home. Find and retain a lawyer specializing in real estate.

Read the rest of this entry »

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:4542 Philadelphia Circle Kissimmee Fl 34746
MLS#04961050

SHORT SALE – Liberty Village near all the attractions, restaurants, shopping, and only 12 minuets to Disney. Home is in a modern development within a conservation area. Family vacations will be a blast in this immaculate spacious 2 story home with heated pool, spa and screen enclosure. The bright and open floor plan with decorative coloring is makes for a welcoming retreat. There is room for everyone in this fully furnished 5 bedroom home. The formal living and dining area is perfect for family gatherings. The huge family room overlooks the conservation area. A cooks dream come true is in this designer kitchen. Beauty, warmth & value at an incredible price. Don’t just walk… run to this great deal of a home and make an offer today. Short sale subject to lender approval.

Learn more about 4542 Philadelphia Circle and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.

It is true; the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 has been extended until April 30, 2010. This grant is for people purchasing a home for the first time. An additional grant of up to $6,500 is available to current homeowners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

First time homeowners must purchase a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Current homeowners purchasing a home in this same period must have lived in the home they are selling for five consecutive years.

A first time home buyer is qualified if he/she or his/her spouse have not owned a home three years prior the purchase of a new home.

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit applies to residences including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops.  The credit is based on the price of the home being purchased ($800,000 or under) and the buyer’s income (up to $125,000 for singles, and $225,000 for married couples to receive the full tax credit).

Give me a call today for more information on the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit and learn how it can help your buy your Orlando home

You can check out the latest HUD home repair and rehabilitation programs available. You might qualify a mortgage to cover the cost of rehabbing a property as well as buying it. Talk to me or call your City Community Development Block Grant Program Coordinator.

There is no better Orlando Valentine than a new home. You will want to check out this lakefront home in Ocoee on an acre with its own dock and sandy beach. It is a great price and perfect for a rehabilitation loan.

Search other Orlando homes for sale for your Orlando Valentine.