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.

It’s pretty rare to come across a homeowner who doesn’t want his or her Orlando home to come across as expensive or even possibly luxurious to some extent. Your home is most likely your largest investment, your pride and joy, and so why wouldn’t you want it to look its finest. It can be seen as a reflection of who you are, and especially when used to entertain guests it can be utilized to potentially “show off” just how hard you’ve been working. The tricky part in this whole expensive appearance scheme is the financial aspect. The cost of your Orlando home itself may have burned through your home budget alone, and so the money left over for its interior decorations may be limited. For those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to spend infinite amounts of money on interior designers and on the most lavish foreign furniture and paintings, we have to make some clever choices. Just like with clothing, an impeccably dressed person does not necessarily have to buy their garments from the top fashion designers to look good. And the same can be said for homes! The price tags of a couch or dining room table are not the only indicators of class and luxury. How you arrange your home, and how you choose specific things to compliment its layout can make a world of difference with just how pricey your abode appears. And even if your bank account does allow you to afford the more luxurious décor items, you too can make use of these tips to making your Orlando home appear more expensive:

• MAINTENANCE. It seems so logical, but often homes can go without a good cleaning for a lengthy period of time.  Keeping your home clean and tidy is most definitely the simplest way to looking more expensive. Clutter and mess absolutely degrades its worth.
• WALLS. The quality of your walls says a lot about the quality of your entire home. A fresh coat of paint is always refreshing to see, and be sure to cover chipped areas and to remove marks.
• FRAMES. Posters and pictures taped up on walls just looks sloppy. Buying frames for your posters and pictures that are worth displaying looks absolutely polished and presentable. Nice looking frames need not be expensive either. This also goes for people who have not displayed anything on their walls. Hanging framed posters and pictures and pieces of art always looks very appealing.
• TEXTURE & PATTERNS. From your pillows to your rug, opt for regal looking patterns, most likely in deep tones. Window drapes in one room, like your family or living room, just screams luxury, and if it’s not too daring for you, a faux fur rug can do wonders. Neither has to be pricey, but just be careful not to go crazy on the patterns. Stick to a few specific things to decide to pattern up.
• LITTLE THINGS. Focusing on small, cheaper house items can really spruce up your home. Opt for more expensive looking garbage bins, coasters and the like. For instance, choose a more visually pleasing material like glass or wood over plastic.

  Read the rest of this entry »

It doesn’t matter if you are considering a permanent move to Orlando or if you wish to become a snow bird, there are many reason to buy Orlando real estate in today’s market.

Top Reasons to Buy Orlando Real Estate

1. Weather
As you know, our weather can’t be beat! Young and old alike relish in our warm weather year round. What is not to like? No more heavy coats, hats and mittens.

2. Competitive Prices
Florida has been among those states hit hardest buy the foreclosure crisis and prices are the most competitive they have been in years. Experienced investors will tell you to ‘ buy low and sell high’, making this a great time to jump into Orlando real estate. Orlando ranks among the 10 Best Performing Major Housing Markets.

3. Prices below replacement cost
Many homes are selling below replacement costs. For example, a home with a replacement value of $150,000 may sell for only $60,000.

4. Healthy job market
Orlando’s city government is working hard to bring additional companies and jobs to the area.

5. Recreation
The top amusement parks in the world, Disney World, Epcot, Sea World and Universal, are all located in Orlando, making this a great place to live and vacation. Other outdoor activities abound…fishing, boating, horseback riding, golf, hot air ballooning, and water sports galore, making Orlando the perfect location for rental property. Seasonal rentals are in demand either on a weekly or monthly basis. Orlando is among the 10 Best Cities To Buy Rental Property.

After you decide to buy Orlando real estate, you will need a top-notch Realtor! The Orlando Avenue Top Team can’t be beat!

You can expect professionalism with Teri. She is a member of the Graduate Realtor Institute, a Certified Residential Council Specialist, one of only a few hundred Certified International Property Specialist in the country, a member of the elite Cyber Professionals Group, holds the e-pro designation, is Internet Certified, a member of the Real Estate Cyberspace Society and an Allen Hainge Cyberstar.

You deserve professional real estate service! You will obtain the best results with Teri. You can relax as important decisions are made easily with the timely and accurate information she provides.  Teri and the Orlando Avenue Top Team will handle the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

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.

Free mobile app to search all homes right from your phone!

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

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
Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.

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 

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.

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

Search all Orlando Real Estate and homes for sale.