Is it all about location?
Still worth saying "Location, Location, Location?"
As I see it, it is the number one rule in real estate. If two homes are "created equal", and one is in an area closer to lakes, shopping, schools it would naturally be more desirable than the other yes?
Now if you feel there is still some concern about where the real estate market is headed, then the answer is definitely yes. It is Location, Location, Location. Big time.
Such a simple rule but so often overlooked.
You can buy the right home in the wrong location. You can remodel it, you can change it, you can add to it....but you cannot pick it up and move it somewhere else. I am basically restating the thoughts and sentiments expressed here but I see examples of this in Orlando everyday.
I guess what "Location, Location, Location" means might differ somewhat from person to person. But for many of the clients I have worked with some of the most desirable location features include:
1. Close Proximity to Oceans, Lakes and Parks
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| 1002 Delaney Park Drive just one block away from Lake Davis |
2. Highly Rated Schools
You might say that this is only important if you are looking for a home and you have school aged children. But what about when you go to sell? Your home will probably attract more potential buyers (those with children) if you are near highly regarded schools.
3. A Smaller Home In A Rich Neighborhood
Better to be a small fish in a big pond as far as resale is concerned in most cases. You really can't lose here. A smaller home might be an opportunity for someone to gain entry into the neighborhood of their dreams.
4. Walking Distance to Restaurants and Shopping
In this day and age more people want to feel self reliant. The idea of being able to stroll to a neighborhood cafe after work would be appealing to many. Cars do break down you know.
5. A Safe, Secure, Stable Neighborhood
Well of course you would want to know that if you did decide to stroll to a neighborhood cafe you would feel safe doing so! Not to mention the security of the home you just walked out of. Also, is the area of the property consistent? A home might be considered of greater value in an area of other similarly built homes, as opposed to a mixed usage community- homes near offices or industry.
Other "good" location features might be accessibility to hospitals, public transportation and job. Take a look at the information on my listing pictured- 1002 Delaney Park Drive in the Lake Davis district, A couple of steps from the front yard and you can see the beautiful lake!
Back to the "two homes created equal" scenario. Think of a home exactly like this one on Delaney Park Drive except located in an area of high crime, on a busy street, in a depressed area next to a paper mill! I could go on and on but hopefully you see my point.
In my humble opinion, "Location, Location, Location!" will never change. It should and will continue to be the most important factor when choosing a home, and without a doubt a home in a great location is well worth a premium.
For more information on Location, Location, Location and this lovely home featured please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
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buyers,
Lake Davis,
listings,
resale
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The following information comes from the Neighborhood Watch Unit of the Orlando Police Department--
What is Suspicious Activity?
There are many people, things and situations that might be considered suspicious. When a person's conduct or action does not fit the norm of your neighborhood, follow your intuition.
If you think or feel that something is wrong or suspicious, it probably is- CALL 9-1-1.
You should consider the following activities or persons as suspicious:
1. A person or vehicle that stays in the same place for an unusual length of time.
2. A vehicle drives around your block frequently, slowing down, speeding up, etc.
3. A person looks into cars, moving from car to car and/or tries dorr handles.
4. A car leaves or arrives from a certain location, without lights at night.
5. A person sells or conducts business out of his car, van, truck or other vehicle.
6. Continuous repair operations at a nonbusiness location (stolen property being altered).
7. Unusual noises, such as gunshots, screaming, or dogs barking continuously (burglary, assault, rape).
8. A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms (may be injured/under the influence of
drugs/may be in need of medical attention).
9. Sound of breaking glass (burglary or vandalism).
10. Going door to door in a residential area, especially if one or more goes to rear of residence (gypsies,
traveling thieves).
11. A person runs at night for no apparent reason (fleeing the scene of a crime).
12. Forcing entrance or entering an unoccupied house.
13. Heavy traffic to and from a residence if it occurs on a daily basis (drug dealing).
14. Loitering around schools, parks or secluded areas (sex offenders).
15. Offering items for sale at a very low price (trying to sell stolen property).
16. Loitering or driving through a neighborhood several times or appearing as delivery person with a
wrong address (burglary).
A suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place and should not be happening in your neighborhood. There could be reasonable explanations for some suspicious activities. By thinking things through, observing and using your common sense, you will be able to make a good judgement about whether an activity is suspicious or not. For the best report, write down the tag number, color and make of the car and direction of travel. Also write down a brief description of the suspicious person: race, hair color, height, build, etc. When in doubt, call 911. Let OPD investigate. If you don't call within two minutes of seeing suspicious activity, the chances are the suspect will get away.
For more information contact the Neighborhood Watch Unit of the Orlando Police Department at (407) 246- 2369. Questions? Do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
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orlando real estate,
safety
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I would think that the idea of living on a beautiful Orlando lake close to restaurants, shopping, possibly work and everything else downtown would be appealing to many. Imagine your home as your vacation home- and being able to live the dream all year long? Not bad!
However not all lake front homes are created equal.
Not all Orlando lakes are created equal.
If you are in the market for a lake front home close to downtown Orlando Florida you may want to ask the following questions:
- Is the home truly "Lake Front"? There are many homes that are advertised as lake front and many of them are not. For example, a home that faces a lake is actually lake view if there is any sort of road between the house and the lake. The house might have spectacular views, but it is not true lake front property and will not be valued as such.
- What kind of lake is the home situated on? Basically, you have recreational lakes which allow skiing, and the rest that do not. From what I have seen lake homes on recreational lakes- which allow fishing, boating, skiing etc. can garner greater sales price cost per square foot than one equal in all ways (including location) but not situated on a recreational lakes. Furthermore, when I asked Kelly Kellogg, State Certified Residential Appraiser she said there was no comparison because "a skiable lake is not comparable to a small lake which is not skiable".
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| 1225 Bryn Mawr St 32804 we have currently listed on "private" ski lake- Lake Silver |
My advice is to find out the answers to these questions if you are pursuing lake front property. If you have any questions, or would like to see our beautiful listing at 1225 Bryn Mawr in College Park please get in touch.
Filed Under
buyers,
lake front,
Lake Silver,
multi million dollar listings,
orlando real estate,
sellers
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The idea of owning a custom designed built home would be very appealing to today’s home buyers. By definition, a custom home is one that is especially designed to meet the needs and desires of the one who commissioned it. What could be better than that?
Consider this. What if homes that were commissioned by renowned designers or an acclaimed custom home builder, built to meet their specifications as their own personal residence came on the market?....
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| "Parade of Homes" winner- 1401 Green Cove Road Winter Park |
I would imagine such homes would be given immeasurable amounts of consideration by a savvy buyer and here is why-
● Designers and Builders have access to materials that you and I might not have access to. They have ongoing relationships with craftsmen and vendors who might make available higher quality commercial grade materials for them- their professional colleagues than the norm available to the general consumer. Certainly a vendor or craftsmen would be eager to bring the “A-game” to a personal residence project on behalf of the people with whom they have a well established business relationship. After all, it is an incredible chance to “show their stuff” to people with great influence. It would only make sense that a vendor or contractor, under these circumstances, would utilize only the finest materials, their best design and top employees.
● Often times, personal residences of builders/ designers also becomes a showplace of their work and inspiration. Knowing this, vendors often initiate calls to leaders in the building and design industry hoping to land their top end products or appliances in these personal homes so they can be shown off and displayed. A home of this caliber might be a serious contender for awards in design. This was the case of my current listing, 1401 Green Cove Road in Winter Park. Originally built by Tatro Custom Home Builders LLC to be lived in by their family, the home was so compelling it won 2 awards in the 2009 Parade of Homes including first place. Since the home was both a personal residence and a show home, owners Don and Lisa Tatro knew they needed to utilize the very latest products which are on the forefront of technology and that quality was imperative.
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| A kitchen designed like no other- 275 E Webster Ave Winter Park |
● Of course if you were to purchase a home built by a professional, you have now received their special skills, knowledge base, time and expertise for free.
● Yet another benefit, and this can be monumental- you wouldn’t be forced to wait months or possibly years for architects to sketch, contractors to show up (hopefully) , and a home to be built.
You may find that a home like this in a perfect location could be better than anything you have ever imagined.
1.13.2011
Market Pulse- Lastest Data from Orlando Regional Realtor Association- Listings, New Inventory at Lower Levels May Stabilize the Housing Market in 2011
by Michael Gonick
Here is the raw data- it certainly is a mouthful! If you have any questions or comments feel free to get in touch.
Market Pulse- Orlando Regional Realtors Association January 2011
Filed Under
listings,
Orlando,
Orlando Regional Realtors Association,
trends
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It may sound nutty but the folks at walletpop have some pretty simple suggestions to keeping your home warm in affordable, uncoventional ways. For example:
- baking 4 potatoes in a conventional oven requires 75 minutes of 450 degree heat.
- Wearing gloves and hats indoors? Hey, it is a concept.
- Simply using a $29 electric blanket can save you more than 15% of your monthly electric bill. Add an electric mattress pad? You can save thousands a year.
Filed Under
common sense solutions,
home improvements,
homeowners
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11.24.2010
by Michael Gonick
Don't let the rush and excitement of the holiday season make you careless in protecting your home from potential criminals. The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips from the Los Angeles Police Department Crime Prevention Section can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- Be sure your Christmas tree (Or Hanukkah bush) is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
- If you use lights on your tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
Filed Under
holidays,
home protection
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