Investment and Vacation Real Estate - Orlando, Florida

Even with all the homes up for sale, some people just have to have new construction. It’s clean, it’s new and nobody else has lived in it. Understandable, but a word to the wise. If you go for a newly constructed home, bring your Orlando real estate agent.

Why? Isn’t there a site agent on hand to help you? Well, yes… and no. Here are a few good reasons why a personal agent, or buyer’s agent, is a good idea:

Conflict of Interests - While the builder has an agent on site, that agent is not working in your best interests. Consider, if the site agent got a better deal for you (which takes money out of the builder’s hands), would they still have a job? No. However, your own agent is there to make sure you get a good deal. End of story.

Being Informed - A builder’s agent doesn’t have to tell you about the negatives of a deal. They’ll push the positives and even sometimes use high-pressure tactics to get you to sign the contract. Having your own Orlando real estate agent is having a professional you know is on your side. It’s knowing the drawbacks of the transaction as well as the positives.

Contacts - Agents get around; they go everywhere. As a result, they tend to gather a lot of professional contacts and information. If you’re choosing a builder with a bad reputation, your agent might have heard about it. Your agent will have contacts to good home inspectors to go through the house when it’s finished. Your agent will know if the builder’s lender is reputable, and if not, your agent will be able to recommend a highly regarded lender to you. In short, your Orlando real estate agent is a rolodex of home buying and selling resources.

If you’re looking at new construction and need a personal real estate agent, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771 for more information.

Real estate investments are still going strong and will probably continue to be a popular method of financial gain into the future. Real estate is solid. It is a tangible product that is attractive to both beginning investors and experienced pros. The most important part of getting started in Orlando real estate investing is knowing what you're getting into and what to watch out for. Here are 4 top tips from real estate investment professionals:

Understand the Realities

Real estate investment, like any form of investment, is risky. Do not use money you cannot afford to lose. Careful study, understanding the market, and practice help alleviate a lot of the risks but things happen in the best of situations so don’t play with what you can't afford to lose.

Research is a Constant

Research in real estate investment isn't something you do once. Research is constant. It is a daily part of your efforts and should always be at the forefront of your mind. From changing banking methods to market changes, researching and learning must be ongoing to be a successful Orlando real estate investor.

Know the Property

Research isn't limited to financing and the real estate market. You need to thoroughly investigate each property before you buy. Fill out an investment worksheet to see if all the costs associated with the purchase will allow a satisfying profit.

Learn About Personal Protection

Taking risks with the money you have set aside for investment is one thing. Taking risks with your family's savings, property, and other assets is another. Consider starting an LLC. You can choose from a single LLC to cover all of your real estate holdings, or having a separate LLC for each property purchased.

Learning the tricks of the top real estate investors allows you to profit from the experience of those who have gone before you. If you would like more expert advice on Orlando real estate investments, give us a call today at 407-876-5771.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The children of baby boomers will eventually resuscitate the pummeled U.S. housing market, Harvard University said on Monday, but in the meantime, limits on income and credit are sustaining the three-year bust.

The highest unemployment in almost 26 years, record foreclosures and rigid lending threaten to overcome emerging home sales progress despite unprecedented efforts by the Obama administration, Harvard's State of the Nation's Housing 2009 report said.

Echo boomers, the children of the post-World War Two baby boomer generation, offer a massive source of support for housing, the study said. The generation is entering the peak home buying and renting ages of 25 to 44 and numbers over five million people more than did their parents' record-sized group in the 1970s.

"Echo boomers are larger than the baby boomer population. Couple that with immigration and you have the seeds, the possibility of a housing recovery," Nicolas Retsinas, director of Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, said in an interview.

The group will bolster demand for the next 10 years and beyond, supporting the sagging housing market even if immigration drops, the study said. complete story

Source: Reuters.com - Lynn Adler

Two Democratic lawmakers are calling on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to relax recently tightened standards for mortgages on new condominiums, saying they could threaten the viability of some developments and slow the housing-market recovery.

In March, Fannie Mae said it would no longer guarantee mortgages on condos in buildings where fewer than 70% of the units have been sold, up from 51%. Fannie Mae also won't purchase mortgages in buildings where 15% of owners are delinquent on condo association dues or where one owner has more than 10% of units, which the firm sees as signals that a building could run into financial trouble. Freddie Mac will implement similar policies next month.

In a letter to the chief executives of Fannie and Freddie, Reps. Barney Frank, the Massachusetts Democrat who is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Anthony Weiner (D., N.Y.) warned that the 70% sales threshold "may be too onerous" and could lead condo buyers to shun new developments. The legislators asked the companies to "make appropriate adjustments" to their underwriting standards for condos.

The political push illustrates the balancing act facing the two government-controlled mortgage-finance giants as they struggle to keep the housing market afloat without losing more money. complete story

Source: WSJ .com - Nick Timiraos

A study released today by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University finds that the housing downturn -- the worst in generations -- continues to grind on.

The positive news is there has been some stabilization in home building and home sales in the spring. Also, long-term demographics for future demand are strong. But real home prices continued to fall, and foreclosures mount in most areas in the first quarter of 2009. With mortgage interest rates heading higher in June and the economy still contracting, a sustained recovery for housing still faces an uphill climb, according to the report.

“Although there are some signs of improvement or at least steadiness in new construction and sales,” said Nicolas Retsinas, director of the Joint Center, “housing starts stand near 60+ year lows, and any life in home sales is coming from distressed foreclosure sales, temporary first-time buyer tax credits, and low interest rates that moved higher in recent weeks.” complete story

Source: Home Channel News .com

Orlando Foreclosures at 6.7% in April

Foreclosure rates in the Orlando-Kissimmee market increased in April to 6.7 percent compared to nearly 3.9 percent posted during the same month last year, according to First American CoreLogic.

Foreclosure activity in the Orlando-Kissimmee area was nearly 5 percentage points higher than the national foreclosure rate of 1.8 percent in April, the report said.

The mortgage delinquency rate also increased last month, going from nearly 7.3 percent of mortgage loans being delinquent in April 2008 to nearly 12.5 percent in the same month this year.

Foreclosure filings — including default notices, auction notices and property sale or bank repossessions — between May 2008 to April 2009 totaled 63,256, or about 173.3 per day. That compares with 30,579 foreclosure filings, or about 83.8 per day, in the same period a year prior.

Foreclosure data from First American CoreLogic is based on the actual number of active mortgage loans, rather than the total number of households in a given area, providing more accurate results by removing paid-in-full mortgages from the equation.

Source: BizJournals.com

Stop Foreclosure & Save Your Credit SELL your Home - Short Sale

Terra Verde Resort

In the heart of Orlando's incomparable enchantment is a gated resort community that offers you something as extraordinary. Inside the clubhouse, you'll find a sauna, spa, sundry shop, arcade video games, fitness center and cyber cafe. Terra Verde is located five minutes Disney - with easy access to the theme parks, attractions and highways of Kissimmee, Florida. By purchasing at Terra Verde, you can spend vacations in the comfort of your own single family home or townhome villa. When you're not using your residence, you'll have the option of offering it and its accompanying resort amenities to other visitors who, like you, understand that the most comfortable way to visit, is to make yourself right at home.

Town Homes from $110K, Single Family Homes from $225K

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Windsor Palms Resort

This is a gated community with resort style amenities including a 7500 square foot clubhouse consisting of a large swimming pool, separate toddler pool and spa, a sundry shop, exercise facilities, a 58 seat movie theater, basketball and tennis courts, and a children's playground. Complimenting these amenities is the location which is approximately 3 miles from Orlando, Florida's greatest attractions and theme parks. The community consists of 283 single family pool homes and 480 condominiums. Offering a combination of amenities, location, and product which is unparalleled in this market, Windsor Palms is also zoned for short term rentals.

Condos from $100K, Town Homes from $170K, Single Family Homes from $295K

FREE Search > Windsor Palms Resort Listings < Immediate Access

Windsor Hills Resort

This gated community includes the resort style amenities unparalleled by any in the Disney vacation area. Features like a luxurious water park pool with fountains, waterslides and spa, separate toddler pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball courts and a children’s playground. Complimenting these amenities is the location which is approximately 3 miles from Orlando, Florida's greatest attractions and theme parks. This premium vacation resort community consists of single family pool homes, spacious luxury condos and town homes all zoned for short term rentals.

Condos from $150K, Town Homes from $180K, Single Family Homes from $365K

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Emerald Island Resort

Just as the name suggests, Emerald Island Resort is truly a tropical oasis. Nestled within a protected wetland, Park Square Homes has created a unique vacation destination. Emerald Island is located 3 miles from Walt Disney World and the myriad other resorts and activities that bring millions to Orlando every year. Residences include private homes with pools in addition to Emerald Island's popular townhome collection. After a day of exploring the sights and sounds of Central Florida, you can retreat through the gates of Emerald Island to the community clubhouse, where its pool and spa beckon. The club house others amenities such as fitness center, arcade games, tennis courts, and other such resort style areas.

Town Homes from $150K, Single Family Homes from $220K

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Vista Cay Resort

Vista Cay Resort: A Vacation Short Term Rental community offering 994 luxurious condominiums and townhomes in Orlando's master planned development, Universal Boulevard tourist district.  Tuscan themed Vista at Harbor Square and The Isles at Cay Commons.  With a location next to the nations second busiest convention center in the center of the Orlando tourist district, Vista Cay Resort appeals to both business and leasure travelers alike.  Buyers will enjoy a mix of special insider investor terms and generious incentive packages.  Ten various models, each with unique features are offered from the  $100's... 

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Mona Lisa at Celebration

Mona Lisa at Celebration©: the exclusive 240 unit luxury condominium hotel located in award-winning Celebration©, Florida. One and two bedroom fully furnished and professionally decorated suites are being offered from the mid $200's. Affluent living awaits, owners and hotel guests alike, including a vanishing edge pool, rooftop sunset observation deck, intimately enclosed courtyard and fine dining, all embraced by a lush, tropical setting. Mona Lisa at Celebration© is just minutes away from Downtown Celebration© and its Main Village, Orlando’s theme parks, world-class golf courses including Celebration Golf Club©, and the Celebration Health© fitness and medical center.  Offering Luxury Condo's 1 & 2 Bedrooms, 751 to 1,272 Sq. Ft. This is a outstanding  Condo Hotel investment opportunity, with limited availability, professionally managed fully and furnished Condo-Hotel. Prices start in the mid $200’s

FREE Search > Mona Lisa at Celebration < Immediate Access

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village is a wholly owned condominium property offering the facilities and amenities of a resort hotel. This luxury gated condo community will feature 1,875 condo units consisting of 15 buildings in total. Buildings 1 & 2 will be eight stories, the clubhouse building 4 will be six stories and the remaining buildings will be 15 stories in height. Offering Luxury Condo's 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms, 1,080 to 1,560 sq. ft., complete furniture package included, zoned for condo-hotel. Owners have the option to utilize the resort's on-site management company, which focuses on achieving the optimal blend of occupancy and room rate for units in their rental program. As an owner, it is reassuring to know that you have round-the-clock representation in the form of professional management. Prices starting from the low $100's to for resales.

FREE Search > Lake Buena Vista Resort Listings < Immediate Access

Cane Island Resort Listings

Cane Island Resort - This luxury gated condo community will feature 260 condo units consisting of 9 buildings in total, all surrounding a man made lake and clubhouse full of amenities. Offering Luxury Condo's 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms, 1,195 to 1,560 sq. ft., zoned for short term rental. This pre-construction opportunity is priced very attractively and expected to sell at a brisk pace. Prices from the mid $100's

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Floridays Resort Listings

Floridays Orlando Resort is an exciting new luxury vacation resort .   Floridays is a quiet oasis covering 20 acres, consisting of  792 units in 11 buildings, six-floor buildings equipped with elevators.  with all the luxurious ammenities and services one would expect.  Every building on the property features tropical landscaping unique to each courtyard.  Owners have a choice of either two or three bedroom fully furnished suites.  Ownership in this condo-hotel resort has a special advantage.  In additional to the rental revenue generated while not in use by the owners,  up to four weeks can be exchanged for vacation resorts all over the world.  Offering Orlando's best value, prices for the 2 bedroom units start in low $100's and 3 bedroom units in the $200's.

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Reunion Special Value Alert

Reunion Luxury Condos

Here are the Top Three Orlando Condo Hotel Searches

• Floridays Resort
• Lake Buena Vista Resort Villages & Spa
• Ginn Reunion Grande

Here are the Top Three Orlando Vacation Condo Searches

Here are the Top Three Orlando Vacation Townhome Searches

Windsor Hills Resort
Windsor Palms Resort
Emerald Island Resort

Here are the Top Five Orlando Vacation Home Searches

• Windsor Hills Resort
• Windsor Palms Resort
• Emerald Island Resort
• Highland Reserve
• Ginn Reunion Resort