Many couples embark on the purchase of a new home soon after they are engaged or married. It’s a hectic time, but these tips should help new homebuyers be proactive and make educated real estate decisions. Location -- Proximity to employment and the quality of the schools are common factors in determining whether a location is suitable; so scan community web sites for more information about the area. Local Realtors® have access to extensive data regarding the community and its amenities, and are a wonderful resource for this information. Factor in maintenance costs -- All homes require constant care. Many homebuyers take into consideration the cost of paying the home’s mortgage, taxes, and utilities, but fail to factor in cost and time investment of home repairs and maintenance. Estimat... 11/21/2008

Every house is different, but there are some common elements every homeowner can include on a regular maintenance list: Check the grading and drainage around the foundation Seal driveway and walkway cracks Check fencing and gates Check and trim trees near the house Check for deteriorating/damaged siding Check for loose, damaged, or missing roofing and flashings Clean all gutters and leaders Check weather-stripping and seals on all windows and doors Check all tile and sealant around tubs/showers and backsplashes Check for leaks at faucets and piping below fixtures Check condition of the water heater Check ventilation openings for nests, blockage While this list is not comprehensive, it’s a good start to identifying some potential trouble spots in any home. It also saves you time when you... 11/21/2008

    Let me help you find a home, negotiate a contract, shop for a loan and everything else you need to be able to relocate with a minimum amount of stress!!!  Available 7 days a week to help you!     Richard Shuman P.A. Mortgage Brokerage BusinessREALTOR - RE/MAX Select Search for a home www.SKIPtheBULL.com Apply for a Loan  www.WholesalePlusMortgage.com See how much you can spend on a home www.How-Much-Can-I-Spend.com The same consideration should be given to hiring a REALTOR & Mortgage Broker as hiring any other professional. When I look for a doctor, accountant or attorney, I want someone that is well educated, has experience, ethics and a track record of satisfied clients. What is most important is I want direct answers to direct questions!!! That's why I picked www.SKIPtheBULL.com ... 11/16/2008

Chances are...  Probably NOT but here's some interesting info on the matter:   GRANITE PRODUCTS AND RADON It has been known for many years that mined or quarried products such as stone can contain radioactive deposits. Granite, in particular, has been known as a potential source of radiation from naturally occurring uranium deposits and a contributing factor for elevated radon levels in homes.  Allegations that granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radiation and radon have been raised periodically over the past decade, often by manufacturers of competing countertop materials. But with the increasing use of granite for countertops, as well as in other building products, more reports of potentially hazardous countertops have circulated. Articles have been printed in various media, ... 11/15/2008

Don't overlook your garage when considering the safety features in your home. The garage door is typically the largest moving object in a home; and because of its size and weight, special care should be taken to maintain safe operations. Mounting tracks and hardware: If not positioned and attached properly, the door might come off the track and fall. Corner Brackets: Usually attached to the high-tension cables that lift the door, if these brackets are loose, they could disconnect and fly off at dangerous speeds. Springs: Due to the high tension in the cables that are attached to these springs, any repairs or adjustments should only be made by a qualified service company. For safety, consider enclosing extension springs in a metal tube or installing a safety cable inside the extension s... 11/15/2008

Check your know-how on various homeownership related matters. See how many questions you can answer correctly. (The answers are listed below.) 1. Which cut lumber is thicker: a 2-inch by 4-inch board or a 2-inch by 6-inch board? 2. Which is thinner: a termite’s waist or a flying ant’s waist? 3. Which is colder: 30 degrees Celsius or 30 degrees Centigrade? 4. Which is typically hotter: the air supply temperature of a warm air furnace or the air supply temperature of a heat pump? 5. Which is longer: a six penny nail or a ten penny nail? 6. Which wood is denser: oak or pine? 7. Which will freeze first: hot or cold water? 8. Which produces more light: a 20-watt compact fluorescent bulb or a 60-watt incandescent bulb? 9. Which is lighter: natural gas or propane gas? Here are the answers: 1. ... 11/13/2008

I have found recently that many neighborhoods in the Central Florida housing market, show significant differences between what a seller's expectations are and what is reality from the buyer.   One example of this, is in a community south of Clermont, FL known as Westchester.   There are presently 15 active listings in the Westchester community ranging in size from 1,176 sf to 2,200+ sf.  Listing prices are from $109,900 to $249,000.   In the last 12 months, the MLS reports 7 closed sales from $150,000 to $209,000 for homes of similar size range.  There are currently many short sale and REO/Bank owned properties noted in the community.  The adjacent community, Greater Groves, is additional competition in the market.  This community has had 12 sales in the last 12 months from $110,000 to ... 11/03/2008

  Disclaimer:  All examples used in this are fictional. Any resemblance to you is coincidental. The purpose of this is to inform not insult! 1) Leave the lawn, after all its the house they are buying.  No need to pick up all those little presents Fido has been leaving you all over the yard either. 2) Paint your walls in bright, vivid colors and patterns. After all everyone loves a red and purple room with green dots! 3) Leave out your dirty movies and magazines. No one will see them, its the house they are looking at. 4) What odors?  My house doesn't stink.  So what if I smoke cigars and Fido has an accident every now and then. 5) Leave dirty dishes in the sink and counter tops.  I was in a hurry! 6) No need to fix that hole in the wall where your little ones threw that ball.  After al... 08/20/2008

Rob Arnold | Sand Dollar Realty Group Inc. | 407-375-4567 13301 Whisper Bay Drive, Clermont, FL Clermont foreclosure steal deal 3BR/2.5BA Single Family House offered at $212,000 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 2,192 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 10,889 sqft HOA/Maint $110 per month DESCRIPTION MOTIVATED SELLER!! PLEASE BRING OFFERS! This is a great opportunity to acquire a wonderful jome in Magnolia Point subdivision. The community is gated with security guard. This is a 3 bedroom. 2.5 bath home. Additional bonus room may be converted to a fourth bedroom or used as an office or workout room. Lots of community features, including: pool and Johns Lake access. Foreclosure / short sale situation. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Centr... 07/25/2008

As I continue to research communities throughout the day while performing area appraisals, I am finding some strength returning to certain communities.   The media would have us believe that the Florida housing market is still crashing - and it is in some areas. However, there are also some communities which are picking up and are actually considered stable again! I recently was appraising a home in Greater Pines in Clermont, FL.  This is a subdivision situated just south of Highway 50 off of Hancock Rd in Clermont.  You can see a view of the community by clicking HERE. This is the first time in the last 6 months where I have been able to write some positive comments about a neighborhood in Clermont!  Typically, the decline has continued in the region, and then when looking at the speci... 06/20/2008

You've decided now is the time to buy.  You've collected all the real estate magazines.  You sit down with your pen and circle all the homes you are interested in.  You reach for the phone to start to call about them ---STOP! Did you know that you can call one Realtor and they can give you the information on all the homes you have circled plus ones that are not advertized?  Through our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) all Realtors have access to all homes listed by all Realtors.  No more having to remember which Realtor you called about which house!  Pick one Realtor who you feel will best meet your needs and call them, give them the details about what you are looking for, how much you want to spend, and where you want to live.  Then just sit back and they will be able to e-mail, mail, or... 06/05/2008

Preapproved! Prequalified!  What's the difference???  Which is better??  Why do it??? I'm selling my home. It doesn't apply to me, does it?? These are the questions I often hear.  Let's start with prequalified and preapproval.  Prequalified means that you have talked to a mortgage officer and based on the information you have given him, this is what they would give you.  Preapproved is when you go to the mortgage company, given them all your information, filled out the loan application, they have verified your employment and credit and they have approved the loan.  The difference is that they have done all the work and are guaranting you a loan provided nothing changes in you employment or credit before the loan changes.  When you are prequalified, they are basing the price given based ... 06/03/2008

Buying or Selling? One Call Does it ALL!! Rick Belben Direct (407) 341-1706 Are you looking for an experienced real estate professional who knows the Orlando Real Estate market and can get the results you desire? Let me put my knowledge, experience, and dedication to work for you. Give me a call today, and I will immediately get to work for you - satisfying your real estate needs. Buying a Home? I'll take the time to listen to your needs and desires, and find your dream home. Your total satisfaction is my number one priority. Selling a Home? I will get your home sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. My online and offline marketing programs will give you the edge you need to sell your home. I don't want to just list your home, I want to sell it! Fast! Relocating to the Orlando Flor... 05/26/2008

The  housing market in the South Lake County is still in decline.  Statistics are in for the 1st quarter of 2008.  They are as follows: Clermont: 2007*** 234 homes sold with a median price of $275,000                2008*** 183 homes sold with a median price of $229,000 a decline of 17% Minneola:  2007*** 32 homes sold with a median price of $234,950                2008*** 23 homes sold with a median price of $199,523 a decline of 15% Groveland: 2007*** 36 homes sold with a median price of $229,900                 2008** 21 homes sold with a median price of $189,900 a decline of 17% Mascotte:  2007 *** 17 homes sold with a median price of $189,900                2008*** 14 homes sold with a median price of $142,900 a decline of 15% Overall South Lake County :  2007** 319 homes sold with... 05/26/2008

More than just the geographical center of Florida, Clermont boast of an incredible diversity of natural beauty and pleasant year around climate. Clermont is situated in Lake county with an abundance of beautiful lakes and gorgeous hills. The service industries are bolstered by central Florida tourism because central Florida consistently continues to be one of the most popular destinations of travelers worldwide. Our great location and excellent climate also makes Clermont an ideal place to retire which explains why our migration rate from other states continues to be strong.Quality of life attracts many, both young and not so young, too our close knit community. Come for a visit but be prepared to stay!  03/04/2008

Just in case you didn't know, that building that they are building at the corner of HWY 50 and Hancock Rd. is going to be a Pollo Tropical. I believe it is the only one in Lake County.So, what is Pollo Tropical? Well, as you have probably already guessed, it has to do with chicken...chicken on the grill that is. My personal favorite is the 1/2 chicken, black beans/rice, mac n cheese and a dinner roll. Wash it all down with a nice cold coke...or pepsi, whatever they serve.I'll keep you posted as to when the Grand Opening is.  Until next time....Johnny DavisPlatinum Professional Realty PLLCwww.iselllakecounty.com  02/13/2008

I have just found out that Wal-mart Stores Inc. has decided they would not pursue a new supercenter at Plaza Collina. Ya think? We already had one just a few miles down the street. When I first heard that Plaza Collina had landed Walmart as their "anchor", I was kind of surprised. I had always thought that Plaza Collina was supposed to be a bunch of upscale stores...Walmart just didn't seem to fit that bill.Does losing Walmart change the landscape of the Plaza? Not sure, but developers of the Collina project have said they will continue moving forward despite losing Walmart.So, what store will replace Walmart as the new anchor? I don't know, but here is a store that I think would do great in South Lake County...Bass Pro Shop. With all of the great lakes and fishing in this area, how do ... 02/12/2008

Clermont Christian Academy to Host a BasketballathonWhat is a basketballathon? It is an opportunity for students, parents, and friends to help raise money for the school through pledges from the community. Donors can pledge a certain amount per basket made by the Chargers in their February 29th game with CHEF or simply make a flat donation. All the money raised will be used in the general operation needs of the academy to keep the tuition costs affordable to CCA's school families.  Meet the boys who will be shooting for your money! Front Row: From Left: Coach Tom Edinger, Michael Pereira, Khustin Guadamuz, Bryan Howard, Christian Weidler, Sam Karp, Michael Mosquera.Back Row: From Left: Mark Tait, Jesse, Pereira, Charles Green, BJ Williams, Jonathon Morgan, Brad Boswell. Good Luck Fellas... 02/12/2008

New to the Clermont, Florida area? Long time resident looking for a church? Look no further than Grand Highway Baptist Church. Grand Highway Baptist Church is located at 100 North Grand Highway Clermont, Florida 34711.  Founded by Dr. Lloyd Meyer and his wife, Grand Highway Baptist Church is an Independent Baptist Church. The church is pastored by Joel Shackleford. Grand Highway is small in stature, but large in heart. From the minute you walk in the door, you will feel the love of the people there. I have been to many churches and can honestly say that I have never felt as comfortable and at home as I do at Grand Highway. As an Independent Baptist Church, Grand Highway has the following beliefs: 1.) You must be born again to get to heaven. What does that mean? You must confess you are ... 01/22/2008

   An elderly Widow approached me with fear and skepticism. You see her Husband took care of all the bills before he recently passed away, she didn't know much of where anything was. While in morning of her tragic loss she fell behind on her bills. She eventually figured it out, but not till after falling two months behind on the mortgage. She was working part time at a grocery store and told her situation to a co-worker she trusted, and was introduced to a realtor.    The realtor tried to convince her into a short sale, but after living in the house for over twenty years it was almost paid off. She was very reluctant to take the advice given and sent the realtor away. A couple of days later my Wife and I stopped at the grocery store after work and I was wearing my I D Badge. As I was l... 10/17/2007