Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream according to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, VA, and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.

The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership. An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.

One of the more striking aspects of the survey results is the intensity of sentiment among potential voters, according to Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. “People believe overwhelmingly that owning a home is an anchor to the American Dream,” she says. “It’s an anchor to your retirement, and it’s an anchor to your personal economic well-being.”

Among the other survey results:

• 73 percent said owning a home is one of their goals
• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a down payment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

Owning a home is not just a commodity to people. It is a core value.

Now take a look at how the Orlando real estate market performed in May.  

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Homebuyers have been gradually chipping away at Orlandoreal estate’s once-towering inventory and have reduced it down to 11,480 homes available for purchase, reports the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. That’s an inventory level not seen since the end of the red-hot housing market in 2005.

Orlando real estate sales in April of 2011 are down by 9.68 percent compared to April of 2010, with 2,388 homes changing hands last month. To date, sales in 2011 are 1.82 percent above sales in 2010.

Orlando’s median price experienced its third month-over-month gain, with area homes selling for a median of $105,000. That median price is 8.70 percent lower than April 2010’s median price of $115,000.

The lower median price of foreclosures and short sales — which at 65.49 percent of all sales in April actually represents a 5 percent drop from last month — continues to drag down the overall median price.The median price for bank-owned sales in April is $80,000 and the median price for short sales is $91,000. The median price for “normal” existing homes sold in April is $160,000.

Teri Isner 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.

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

Orlando Real Estate For Sale:

9950 Tivoli Villa Drive, Orlando FL 32829
MLS# O5043651

Luxury Townhome Short Sale

Short Sale. This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath luxury two story townhome built by Cambridge Homes is located in the Mediterranean style gated community of Tivoli Gardens and offers an attached 1 car garage with warm neutral paint finishes, designer fixtures and arched entries. Additional features include Rocker switches, raised panel doors, ventilated closet shelving, ceramic tile flooring and wall to wall carpeting throughout.  The Kitchen showcases 42 inch upper cabinetry with crown molding, Corian countertops with under mount double ceramic sink and high arched designer faucet.  The community is surrounded by a lush conservation area and features community pool, basketball courts and a tot lot.  There is a delightful pond across the street where you can even watch the ducks during the season.  Two entrances to the development with the second entrance right across from the fire station making it very convenient to come and go from this gated community.  No rear neighbors and screened porch to enjoy those cool Florida evenings.  Come look inside you won’t be disappointed this is a move in ready townhome that shows the pride of ownership with each upgraded detail.

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Orlando Real Estate For Sale: 1305 N Jacks Lake Road Clermont Florida 34711

MLS#04986493

Short Sale! Hurry you will not want to miss the opportunity to call this gorgeous three bedroom two bath home yours. Gleaming wood laminate floors invite you into the sprawling comforts of this luxurious ranch. Boasting both formal living and dining rooms you will never want for entertaining space. The inviting great room has cathedral ceilings, built-ins and plenty of sunshine. An irresistible kitchen features all the bells and whistles to create and serve your culinary masterpieces. The charming breakfast area is a perfect place to start your day. A large master suite is just waiting to comfort you. Enjoy the convenience of being centrally located to everything yet just far enough away for desired peace and quiet. Relax at the community pool after a game of tennis. Come look inside today. It is move-in ready and all appliances stay. Call us today for more details.

Learn more about 1305 N Jacks Lake Road and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com
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Orlando Real Estate For Sale:3154 Tamarind Circle Kissimmee, Florida 34747

MLS#O4983904

Awesome turn key townhome is great for short term rental or permanent resident. A vacation awaits you in this conveniently located established Mango Key-Gated Resort.  Recent renovations include new tile, furniture and paint. You will enjoy the open airy floor plan featuring a breakfast bar, dining area, well appointed kitchen and cozy great room. If you need a little quite time retreat to the second floor loft and enjoy! Grab your coffee and relax on the large screened patio with great views and two sets of sliders. The two spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets and tiled bathrooms are perfect for unwinding after a day at the parks. You will appreciate the fantastic community pool and spa with clubhouse surrounded by peaceful water and pond views. Offered at a great price and it includes all the furniture! Not a short sale or banked owned. A quick closing is available.  Come look inside today!

Learn more about 3154 Tamarind Circle and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com 

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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!

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

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Orlando Real Estate For Sale: 2694 Manesty Lane Kissimmee, FL 34747
MLS#04959643

Short Sale. Most sought after, prestigious resort community-less than 2 miles to Disney! After a day at the Theme Parks, take a swim in heated pool/spa. Short walk to community amenities-includes clubhouse, movie theatre, tennis. There is room to relax in this 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom family-oriented floor plan. Impressive great room, volume ceilings, art nooks, archways & tile. The spacious kitchen features plenty of cabinets, breakfast/snack bar, dinette area and opens to family room area for great entertaining space. Living Room/Dining Room combo is a great gathering place. There are three large suite style bedrooms. Fully furnished pool home is located in the most prestigious and well booked short term rental community in the Disney area. Enjoy all amenities of this Gated Resort-Clubhouse with lagoon style pool, giant Jacuzzi, water slide, game room, movie theater, work out facilities, ping pong tables, convenience store, lighted tennis courts, basketball, putting green & sand volleyball. Giant Children’s Castle playground is right across the street. 1/2 mile from Mystic Dunn’s Golf Course. Celebration school system. Guarded with gate for private entrance. Zoned short term for the vacation home family. Come look and delight yourself when you visit your home.

Learn more about 2694 Manesty and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

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Orlando Real Estate For Sale:
4710 Hemingway House Street Kissimmee, FL 34746
MLS#04947708

SHORT SALE – Fiesta Key Community offers many amenities including tennis, fitness center, playground, and much more. Don’t just walk . . . run to this great deal of a home and make an offer today. Near to attractions, eateries, and shopping. Sold AS IS SHORT SALE – AWESOME DEAL on this property in FIESTA KEY! This 3 bedroom 2 bath executive townhouse is spacious and practical offering an open floor plan with a large private screened enclosed patio and is conveniently located near the community swimming pool and fitness center. A great investment opportunity! Close to the major attractions and entertainment! Fully furnished, Gated community with 177 town homes. Resort living with clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and more. No Lawns to mow! 9’4″ ceilings, walk-in closets in the master bedroom and another walk-in closet in the second bedroom, plant shelves, breakfast bar and bay windows. Kitchen has a breakfast nook and service bar opens to the great room. All bedrooms are upstairs. Fiesta Key is a short term rental approved community, featuring tile roofs. Call now for more information and an appointment. Short sale subject to lender approval.

Learn more about 4710 Hemingway House and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

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Orlando Real Estate For Sale:
4706 Hemingway House Street Kissimmee, FL 34746
MLS#04947694

SHORT SALE – Fiesta Key Community offers many amenities including tennis, fitness center, playground, and much more. Don’t just walk . . . run to this great deal of a home and make an offer today. Near to attractions, eateries, and shopping. Sold AS IS SHORT SALE – AWESOME DEAL on this property in FIESTA KEY! This 3 bedroom 2 bath executive townhouse is spacious and practical offering an open floor plan with a large private screened enclosed patio and is conveniently located near the community swimming pool and fitness center. A great investment opportunity! Close to the major attractions and entertainment! Fully furnished, Gated community with 177 town homes. Resort living with clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, playground and more. No Lawns to mow! 9’4″ ceilings, walk-in closets in the master bedroom and another walk-in closet in the second bedroom, plant shelves, breakfast bar and bay windows. Kitchen has a breakfast nook and service bar opens to the great room. All bedrooms are upstairs. Fiesta Key is a short term rental approved community, featuring tile roofs. Call now for more information and an appointment. Short sale subject to lender approval.

Learn more about 4706 Hemingway House and other Orlando Real Estate by visiting OrlandoAvenue.com

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