Orlando is ranked as one of the 10 Best Cities To Buy Rental Property according to Local Market Monitor. Here’s what they have to say about our fair city…

Average home price (2011): $165,200

The real estate market in Orlando — home to Disney and a slew of other theme parks — has been anything but magical lately. Prices have plummeted 43% since 2006, according to Local Market Monitor.

Winzer projects little in the way home price gains Orlando over the next three years. Rents, on the other hand, are expected to climb by a healthy 17% clip, he said.

The area’s ties to tourism should help as the economic recovery gains traction, he said. Visitors keep coming to the theme parks here, despite the lukewarm national job picture. If employment ever heats up, the area will attract even more visitors and that means more jobs for local residents.

He expects that real estate investors will net about 3% above the national average.

Apartments.com has just named a local Orlando-arearesident as a finalist in the third annual nationwide Roommate of the Year Contest. After reviewing entries from around the country and selecting 12 finalists, Apartments.com is now inviting America to weigh in on the video entry submitted by Casselberry resident William Sherrod, entitled The Roommate You Wish Your Roommate Could Be. Sherrod’s video was entered in the All-Star Roomie category. The voting stage is open now through July 31, 2011 when the votes will be tabulated, narrowing down the competition to five fabulous roomies, one of whom will be named the Apartments.com Roommate of the Year and win the grand prize of free rent for one year plus $10,000 and a one year membership to freecreditscore.com. The four runner-up winners
will each receive $500.

When casting their vote, the public is asked to judge the finalists’ videos with equal weight on originality and creativity, overall wow factor, persuasive argument and style and production. “The judging panel narrowed down the entries to 12 finalists and now it’s America’s turn to tell us who they think should be named Roommate of the Year. With free rent for a year plus $10,000 up for grabs, we’re certain our finalists are going to be out there drumming up support for their video,” states Tammy Kotula, public relations and promotions manager for Apartments.com.

“Due to socio-economic factors, finding and being a good roommate is a concept that’s really important to renters today. This year the videos we received across the board featured more creativity and higher production values. Choosing 12 finalists was not an easy task, and selecting just one winner will be even more difficult.” The public can view videos and vote for their favorite roommate now through July 31, 2011 at http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. Visitors to the website can vote for their favorite video once a day every day until the voting stage ends.

Meet Your Local Finalist: All-Star Roomie This category celebrates all-around roommate greatness for those roomies
whose special qualities don’t fit into just one category. Title of Entry Description,
http://www.roommateoftheyear.com/videos/26/the-roommate-you-wish-your-roommate-could-be, The Roommate You Wish Your Roommate Could Be Look at your roommate, now back to William, now back to your roommate. Sadly, he isn’t William. Step into William Sherrod’s spotless apartment, courtesy of the roommate you wish your roommate could be, filled with fresh linens, a state-of-the-art home theater, a five- star meal with the dessert
you love AND a present for your mom when you forget her birthday! Log on and vote today! Submitted by William Sherrod of Casselberry, FL.

Sherrod is vying for the grand prize and the coveted title that is currently held by Andrew Prestler of Kokomo, Indiana and a student at Ball State. Last year, Prestler beat out stiff competition to be named the 2010 Roommate of
the Year by composing an original rap and creating an eye-catching video, singling him out as “Da Best.” “As our 2010 Roommate of the Year can attest, this contest can be life changing,” Kotula continues. “Andrew Prestler made appearances on national TV as well as on more than 40 different TV stations across the country during his tenure. Our 2009 winner Keaton Davis leveraged his award-winning video and production skills to attain a summer internship at a national television network. Being Roommate of the Year has so many benefits beyond the valuable free rent for a year and $10,000 cash prize.”

To view the finalists’ videos and cast a vote for the Apartments.com Roommate of the Year Contest, visit http://www.roommateoftheyear.com. 

Orlando Short Sale:

815 Cheetah Trail, Apopka FL 31712
MLS# O5010852

Short Sale! Don’t miss this 3bedroom, 2 bath home with a spacious back and side yard. You’ll delight in the stone wood burning fireplace in Living Room. The entire home is tiled. The Trane A/C (inside/outside units) was replaced in January 2002. All new duct work done in 2007.  No HOA fee. French doors open to your gigantic backyard, featuring a 10x10x4 Koi pond with goldfish.  If gardening is your favorite past-time then you are in luck as there is plenty of room, shade and sun in the backyard for your vegetable and flower gardens. Also, plenty of room to park your RV next to the house behind a passion/jasmine-vined trellis.

Learn more about 815 Cheetah Trail and other Orlando real estate.

Lakeside Living At It’s Best – Orlando Short Sale

Incredible Price!!

1222 Lake Blue Circle, Apopka FL 32703

Short Sale! 3 bedroom, 2.5baths with gorgeous views of the lake. The Master Bedroom is located on first floor with 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. Beautiful hardwood floors and Eat-in Kitchen. Enjoy lake views from either your screened in porch or open balcony off the 2nd Bedroom. Come take a look today inside – this is truly a diamond in the rough. With a little TLC and updating this would be a wonderful place to call home. Conveniently located off of 436 in Apopka this would make for an easy commute downtown. There are plumbing issues but at this price it is worth viewing this water front home – Call today for a look inside! At this price don’t procrastinate be an investigator and call for details. Community features include a fenced lake front playground next to tennis courts and spacious community pool with picnic area and very low quarterly HOA fees. Lakeside living meant to be enjoyed!

Learn more about 1222 Lake Blue Circle and other Orlando homes for sale.

Bring the kid in you to the Lego Store in Downtown Disney Orlando to see a 12 foot T-Rex and explore the pick a brick wall with every conceivable color. Experience a Lego shopping trip like on other at the Orlando store. They are also home to the larger than life Titan XP Robot, which will enthrall everyone. You are also able to do hands –on events, like mural construction and beat-the-clock building contest.

Take a trip to Downtown Disney in Orlando to relive your childhood.

Looking for fresh ingredients for Sunday night dinner? Then head on down to the Downtown Orlando Farmers’ Market at Lake Eola Park. You will be able to choose the freshest ingredients from local farmers. Some examples of what you can expect to find are: tomatoes, carrots, oranges, local honey and many other local items. There is also a Wine and Beer Garden where you can choose the best wine or beer for your meal. The kids will enjoy talking to the local farmers about how they raise their fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits. As you wonder the booths you will be entertained by live musicians. Don’t forget to grab some kettle corn to snack on. You are able to get fresh produce every Sunday from 10 am -4 pm in Downtown Orlando at Lake Eola Park. Pick out your favorite summer recipe and head on out to the Downtown Orlando Farmers Market.

Enjoy lunch at the Yellow Dog Eats near Orlando. This great restaurant is located in an old country store building. The restaurant offers sandwiches, salads, and bar-b-que. The café also offers take-outs and Fish’s own bottled bar-b-que sauces. The shelves are also full of jams, jellies, preserves, and salsas. You can also enjoy art by some really good artist including the original painting that gave the place it’s name. Bring along a picture of your dog to hang on the wall with other patrons dog pictures. Outside in the backyard you will find a nice garden of beautiful flowers. The Yellow Dog Eats puts the fun back in dining. So make the short drive from Orlando and enjoy a great lunch from chef Fish Morgan.

So lasso yourself some tickets for the Rodeo held on June 5th & 6th and head on down to the Spurs Arena in Orlando.

Dining aficionados celebrated when the Queen Victoria Room debuted in January at Victoria and Albert’s in Orlando’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Set aside from the main dining room, the Queen Victoria Room features four tables that will be served the chef’s table menu for that evening. The chef’s table’s bill of fare is always different from the food served in the main dining room. Restaurant manager Israel Perez promises attention to your every whim.