If you own or are going to own Orlando Florida real estate as a primary residence or vacation home don’t forget to get a SunPass for your vehicle.  We are all pinching our pennies these days and the SunPass can save you 25 cents at most toll plazas and exits on Turnpike roads.

For example, a trip from Sunrise Boulevard in Broward County to the Disney World exit costs cash customers $15.70. SunPass customers pay only $12.40, a savings of $3.30 one-way, or $6.60 round trip. A typical SunPass customer who uses the Turnpike 3 to 4 times a week saves approximately $125.00 annually!

The 525 or the road you know as the BeeLine is the main toll road from the Airport to Orlando, if you are coming to Celebraton Florida and our office you would take the 417.  Both are toll roads, so save yourself time searching for coins and get the SunPass.

How SunPass Works

Here is how it works. You visit SunPass.com to open your prepaid account with a minimum opening balance of $10.00. You also purchase a transponder that attaches to your windshield. Sorry, motorcycle enthusiasts, the transponder must be attached to glass!! The transponder allows you to travel through the tolls plaza on specified SunPass Only lanes without stopping.

There are 2 models of transponders, a SunPass Portable transponder costing $25.00 and a SunPass Mini Sticker transponder costing $4.99. Both models allow you to have tolls automatically deducted from your account. There are benefits to the higher priced model. It warns you when your account is getting low. If you opt for the lower priced model, you have to go online to check your balance. And be sure to check the battery once a year or you could get a ticket for running through a toll booth.

Saving Money With SunPass

Not only do you save money with the SunPass, but if you are a frequently traveler on Florida toll roads, you can receive additional discounts and rebates of up to 10%. In the Orange County area, if you have logged 80 tolls during a calendar month, you will receive 10% rebate credit at beginning of the following month. Visit the website for more detailed information.

You can purchase a SunPass Portable transponder or SunPass Mini Sticker transponder at most Publix Super Markets, CVS/pharmacy, Navarro Pharmacies, Sedano’s Markets, all Turnpike service plazas and Turnpike gas stations, and the SunPass Service Center.

Check it out! Not only will the SunPass save you money, it will relieve unnecessary stress by allowing you to sale right through those toll plazas!

If you are thinking of Buying Selling or Relocating to Orlando Florida call Teri today and find out other ways you can save more of your own dollars and other helpful hints. Also, visit OrlandoAve.com for more Orlando Florida real estate information.

Search all Orlando Florida real estate and homes for sale.

Orlando Homes For Sale:

511 E Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee FL 34761
MLS# O4926183

SHORT SALE. Bring your boat and enjoy many hours of fun on Lake Prima Vista that connects to Lake Starke, both are ski and fishing lakes. Seawall, dock and sandy beach. Approximately 1 acre, huge oak trees. Master upstairs. Home needs some TLC. Lakeside Living at an incredible price. The home needs some work but at this price for a home on the Lake with a dock it is a great opportunity. Inside add your personal touches alot of the updates inside are complete. The previous owner added a huge family room all permited correctly. The exterior needs work but at this price you could create your own elevation and dress it up. Lakeshore is a beautiful treed street with access to Starke Lake from Lake Prima Vista too for you watersport enjoyment. Seawall is grandfathered in and the dock is waiting for your boat! Great deck out back to enjoy evening sunsets and there is a room off the master with windows that could also be changed to doors if you ever wanted to add an upstairs deck. So what are you waiting? Give us a call for your private showing!

Call toll free for more information… 877-962-4242. Ask for Teri Isner or Tricia Schneider.

Learn more about Orlando homes for sale by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com.

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Orlando Real Estate For Sale:

513 E Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee FL 34761
MLS# O4918386

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:

8103 Fan Palm Way, Kissimmee FL 34747
MLS# S4602095

This home has everything you could need for the ultimate vacation with a 51 inch high def. t.v., internet access plus surround sound and 2 master suites! There is an excellent rental history with current management company. Popular Brighton unit with pool and spa, comes with website. Resort offers loads of amenities that include a heated community pool, fitness center, playground and much more. Quiet, gated, guarded community close to Disney, shopping and dining.

Superb location near Orlando for commercial development!!

Corner of Talmo and Rt 434.

One Block East of 17-92 located on 434 in Longwood.  Architectural Drawings & Engineering Plans completed for Office/Retail Development. Avalon Plaza is 18,130 Sq Ft Total Devopment.  7,500 Sq Ft of office space and 12,130 Sq Ft of retail.

Architectural plans available for review and can be redesigned to new owner specifications subject to Longwood code and requirements. Great parcel with 234 feet of frontage on county road 434. 

Serious buyers come in and take a look at the plans it has been designed with style and functionality to make the best use of the square footage. Zoning permits offices, retail, warehouse, but plans are complete for a strip center with plenty of parking. 

This property is a must see for any commerical property investor! The plans are beautiful. Email us for details.

Learn more about this property and other Orlando real estate at OrlandoAvenue.com.

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:

14748 Peekskill Drive #271, Winter Gardens FL 34787

Short Sale in Luxurious Independence.  The sellers loss is your gain. this property is super convenient to Disney & major highways.  Huge 3 bedroom, 3 bath end unit with 2 car garage.  Private fenced patio, downstairs master suite, loads of designer tile, upgraded kitchen, formal LR,DR & den.  Short sale pricing. This is a great value you won’t want to miss!!

Independence covers 1342 acres, a 5200 sq.ft. Welcome Center and over 1100 acres of lakes, Lake Hancock and Lake Speer.  Motorized boats are allowed.  There are 658 acres of parks, recreation and conservation areas, 4 residential swimming pools, a Bald Eagle refuge, basketball courts, ball fields, children’s play area and a 14 ft. wide walking path.  Basic cable, internet and monitored security included.  Close to major highways. This Walton Model Townhome is 25ft. wide and loaded with upgrades. 

Learn more about 14748 Peekskill Drive and other Orlando real estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com.

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Orlando Real estate buying with cash or loan options require a sense of humor.

Monty Python’s The Money Song says it all.

I’ve got ninety thousand pounds in my pyjamas,I’ve got forty thousand french francs in my fridge.I’ve got lots of lovely lire,Now the Deutschemark’s getting dearer,And my dollar bills would buy the Brooklyn Bridge. Chorus: There is nothing quite as wonderful as money,There is nothing quite as beautiful as cash.Some people say it’s folly,But I’d rather have the lolly,With money you can ma-ake a splash. Finale: There is nothing quite wonderful as money, (money,money,money,money)There is nothing like a newly minted pound, (money,money,money,money) All: Everyone must hanker for the butchness of a banker,It’s accountancy that makes the world go round. (round,round,round)You can keep your Marxist waysFor it’s only just a phase.For it’s money money money makes the world go round. (money,money,money,money money,money,money,money moneeeeeeeeeeeyyyy)

Cash works best for real estate for any Orlando Real Estate   Financing is available but every rule to qualify must be met.  With so many banks and financial institutions failing because of bad loans and administration a home purchaser needs to be more ready than ever before.

Have you saved your closing costs and intial investment? Is your credit in stellar condition?

These are a must in todays financial atmosphere if you are looking to finance a home loan.

Even the humor of Monty Python’s Flying Circus seems plausable with what is going on in todays financial institutions.  Almost as believeable as the minister of silly walks.  What does this mean for todays home buyer?

Unless you are bringing cash to the table getting a home loan will be scrutinized left right and center.

It is more important than ever to get a professional on your team to lead you through the requirements. 

Are first time homebuyer funds available?  Will there be downpayment assistance?

The answer is yes but there will be rules so be sure you consult a professional, after all you wouldn’t go to a foot doctor for brain surgery so find a real estate professional with plenty of experience to help you with one of the biggest purchases you have in your life.

How can Monty help?

As a buyer especially if you are making an offer on a short sale or bank owned home you will need to remember to keep you sense of humor when it may take 3 months to get an answer to your offer.

Why is it taking so long you ask?

With so many foreclosures and so much paper to push banks have hired people to help that may not be as qualified to file this as they would like. Summer hires and part timers are pushing paper and not much else.  

So many offers this year and so few answers frustrates serious buyers ready to buy when after 3 months just feel like moving on to something else.  It is not surprising that buyers are also asking not to look at short sales after a previous bad experience.  Keep your sense of humor in tow if this is the direction you want to go.

The deal may look terrific but it may or may not even get an answer.

Here is a list of questions to ask:

Have you checked the public records, make sure you have all the required information by lender and seller, submit documentation and give lender a deadline, request inspections and for more information check out this wiki.

Here is a video to back this up why it takes so long.

Here is the Monty Python money song.

Take a Closer look like the song your Orlando Florida home needs to be staged ready for showtime.

Todays lyrics are Closer by Ne-Yo

Turn the lights off in this place

or turn up the lights in your Orlando Florida home
And she shines just like a star

or will your home shine showtime ready?
And I swear I know her face

or is your first impression an inviting one?

I just don’t know who you are

Turn the music up in here
I still hear her loud and clear
Like she’s right there in my ear
Telling me
that she wants to own me

Orlando Florida sold sign vs a for sale sign is this what you want?

To control me
Come closer
Come closer

Here are the top ten things you need to do to be ready.

Are you ready for an up close inspection?

Clear all clutter

Odor free

Sparkling clean

Spacious open flow

Focal points like windows or wall paintings accented with light and color

Updated kitchen and bathroom fittings and fixtures

Spacious closet space with clear floors and extra open hangers

Entry clean and with an added splash of color from a floral plant

Be sure they can walk away with a creative and informative flyer detailing the benefits of living here.

More staging ideas for your Orlando Florida home check out this list from Debra Gould great before and after shots will make it crystal clear.

From empty to exquisite Morris and Kalm  a Windermere Florida based team can help you stage in Orange Osceola Polk Lake and Seminole Counties.

Listen to the song Closer here and the other top 10 from Billboard.

Miley Cyrus had her 7 Things we have a bit more than 7 Housing and Economic Recovery Act Items

Miley Cyrus has a top 10 song out called the 7 Things.  It is about likes and dislikes so here is what is happening new for buyers and sellers. 

Dislikes:

“Effective August 18th Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have an adverse Marketing fee added into their pricing.  The increase is subject to all lenders and  will be a .25 discount point.  

In addition, they will be increasing their loan level price adjustments based on credit score and loan type.  

So if you know anyone sitting on the fence.  Have them
act now to avoid these add-ons.”

Likes:

Here is a copy of our realtor call to action from Realtor.org of new legislation.  There is some terrific opportunities here but there are strings attached so be sure to talk to a professional to avoid the pitfalls of the benefits.

Here is the summary.  To hear of Miley Cyrus’s song see the video at the bottom.

Housing Bill

H.R. 3221, the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,” passed the House on July 23rd by a vote of

272-152. The Senate must now approve the language adopted by the House. The Senate approved the bill on Friday, July 25th or Saturday, July 26th. The President signed the bill on July 30, 2008.

It includes:

• GSE Reform – including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of $417,000 or 115% local area median home price, capped at $625,500. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

  • FHA Reform – including permanent FHA loan limits at the greater of $271,050 or 115% of local area median home price, capped at $625,500; streamlined processing for FHA condos; reforms to the HECM program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

• Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $7500 tax credit that would be would be available for any qualified first time home buyer purchase between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan).

• FHA foreclosure rescue – development of a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90% of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50% of all future appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on enactment (although HUD will need time to provide guidance to lenders).

• Seller–funded downpayment assistance programs – codifies existing FHA proposal to prohibit the use of downpayment assistance programs funded by those who have a financial interest in the sale; does not prohibit other assistance programs provided by nonprofits funded by other sources, churches, employers, or family members. This prohibition does not go into effect until October 1, 2008.

• VA loan limits – temporarily increases the VA home loan guarantee loan limits to the same level as the Economic Stimulus limits through December 31, 2008.

• Risk–based pricing – puts a moratorium on FHA using risk-based pricing for one year. This provision does will be effective from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.

• GSE Stabilization – includes language proposed by the Treasury Department to authorize Treasury to make loans to and buy stock from the GSEs to make sure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could not fail.

• Mortgage Revenue Bond Authority – authorizes $10 billion in mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime mortgages.

• National Affordable Housing Trust Fund – Develops a Trust Fund funded by a percentage of profits from the GSEs. In its first years, the Trust Fund would cover costs of any defaulted loans in FHA foreclosure program. In out years, the Trust Fund would be used for the development of affordable housing.

• CDBG Funding – Provides $4 billion in neighborhood revitalization funds for communities to purchase foreclosed homes.

• LIHTC – Modernizes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to make it more efficient.

• Loan Originator Requirements – Strengthens the existing state-run nationwide mortgage originator licensing and registration system (and requires a parallel HUD system for states that fail to participate). Federal bank regulators will establish a parallel registration system for FDICinsured banks. The purpose is to prevent fraud and require minimum licensing and education requirements. The bill exempts those who only perform real estate brokerage activities and are licensed or registered by a state, unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator.

Here is the link to the home buyer credit chart if you are interested in buying one of these homes contact us today we have a complete foreclosure list.

Now for better or worse the rules have changed talk to the Orlando Avenue Top Team today If you are thinking of Buying Selling or Relocating We can Help!