Welcome back to the Sanford Florida Real Estate Market Update for August 2008.  The home sales information for Sanford Florida includes the zip codes of 32771 & 32773.  Just like Lake Mary, Sanford's neighbor just to the south, Sanford Florida is a popular place for Orlando area residents to call home, just a short 30 minute commute to downtown Orlando, Sanford is a top choice to become your Seminole County home. Sanford's selection of housings opportunities include riverfront condominiums, historic homes on brick streets or luxury estate homes in some of the most exclusive Seminole County communities.  You can buy a home in Sanford for under $100,000 to over $3 Million... and everything in between.  August 2008 Sanford Market Snapshot      For Sale Under Contract Sold August 2008 838 1... 09/07/2008

The end of August brought 7 sales to Sanford!  There were 5 single family homes sales in Sanford, Florida last week and 2 townhome/condominium sales. The most expensive home sale last week was in Wilson Park a newer gated community just North of Heathrow built by MI Homes.  5694 Basset Place, Sanford was listed for $649,990 and was on the market over 10 months and sold for $565,000, yes you see that right... almost a $100K difference.   Sanford, Florida Single Family Homes Sales  Sold Neighborhood Street Address Living Area Bed/Bath Pool $ 565,000 Wilson Park 5694 Bassett Place 3,833 5  / 4 Y $ 299,900 Retreat at Wekiva 1571 Stargazer Terrace 2,770 4  /  2.5 N $ 239,000 Bakers Crossing 278 Clydesdale Circle 2,321 4  /  2.5 N $ 229,900 Monterey Oaks 111 Carmel Bay Drive 2,170 4  /  2.5 Y... 09/03/2008

Sanford, the historic lakefront community that is the Seminole County seat is selling!  There were six single family home sales in Sanford, Florida last week and two condo/townhome sales.  The Estates at Wekiva Park is home to the most expensive home sale this week.  The Estates at Wekiva Park is a gated community just East of the Wekiva River, located off of SR 46.  This luxury neighborhood features homes priced from $599,900 to over $1 million. Single Family Home Sales in Sanford, Florida Sold Neighborhood Street Address Living Area Bed/Bath Pool $ 975,000 Estates at Wekiva Park 8613 Bear Haven Court 3,840 SF 4 / 3.5 Y $ 570,000 Lake Sylvan Cove 626 Grand Cypress Point 2,567 SF 5 / 3 N $ 375,000 Wayside Estates 220 Juniper Ridge Court 2,531 SF 4 / 3 Y $ 143,900 Phillips Terrace 2437 P... 08/25/2008

You'd think that most banks would try to keep critters out of their lobbies...but not Fifth Third Bank! As one of the "Preferred Realtors" for Fifth Third Bank, I was invited to the Grand Opening of their new Lake Forest Branch in Sanford last weekend. When I got there, I was shocked to see that the conference room was full of snakes, big lizards, raccoons and even a skunk!! To make the most of their celebration of the opening of the new location, Fifth Third invited local vendors such as Critter Encounters (and yes, there really were a few "encounters"), Platinum Gym, Firehouse Subs, Wekiva Falls Resort, Schwan's and others to connect with local residents. Brian Panzella, Branch Manager for the Lake Forest location and Amy Carlson, Regional Vice President for Seminole and Volusia Count... 08/19/2008

Sanford is Selling! 12 Homes Sold Last Week  (August 10 - 16, 2008) in Sanford, Florida Sanford is the one the oldest city in Seminole County and the least expensive home in Sanford that sold last week was $44,000...  A one bedroom, one bath home built in 1928 stripped down to the studs, ready for drywall...  Sanford also has a luxury side... Lake Markham Preserveis a guard gated private community with estate properties and is home to the most expensive home that sold this week. Listed at $1,196,000, 7713 Flemingwood Court is a gorgeous estate home that sold for $985,000.  Florida Living at It's Best!       Sold Neighborhood Street Address Living Area Beds/Baths Pool $985,000 Lake Markham Preserve 7713 Flemingwood Court 3,973 5 / 5 Y $ 319,900 Kays Landing 249 Porchester Drive 2,969 5 ... 08/18/2008

Welcome to the Sanford Market Update for July 2008.  The statistics for Sanford include the zip codes of 32771 & 32773.  Like Lake Mary, Sanford is a popular "bedroom community" 25 miles North of Orlandoand is home to the County Seat and Sanford's Historic District.  Seminole County's highly rated school system is also another reason that Sanford is a highly sought after community.  Sanford's housing options consist of condominiums to luxury estate properties.  Sanford has a bustling Historic District with homes built in the early 1900's and a new waterfront Condominium Development on the shores of Lake Monroe.  Sanford has homes from under a $100,000 to over $3 million and everything in between.  Market Snapshot:    For Sale Under Contract Sold July ‘08 932 95 54 June ‘08 910 94 59 May... 08/02/2008

Laura Forty-Garcia | RE/MAX Realty Resources | (386) 801-0878 315 Wilton Circle, Sanford, FL 2BR/2BA Townhouse offered at $115,000 Year Built 2003 Sq Footage 1,056 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking None Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $90 per month DESCRIPTION BEAUTIFUL UNIT MANY UPGRADES THROUGHOUT HOME. MOVE IN READY - EZ SHOWING - EXCELLENT LOCATION!!WITH EASY ACCESS TO MAJOR ROADS. UNIT IS IN COMMUNITY THAT OVER LOOKS TO A BEAUTIFUL POOL W/FOUNTAIN THAT LIGHTS IN THE EVENING. BUYERS WILL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE GREAT CONDITIONS THIS NICE COMFORTABLE TOWNHOME.LISTING PRICE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL ENCUMBRANCE, CLOSING COSTS, OR OTHER SELLER CHARGES AND SALE OF PROPERTY AT FULL LISTING PRICE MAY BE CONDITIONED UPON APPROVAL OF THIRD PARTIES. CALL FOR DETA... 08/01/2008

Sanford, the county seat of Seminole County has long been our Historic Waterfront Gateway.  The city of Sanford was incorporated back in 1877 and has been at the heart of Seminole County ever since. Sanford is home to all of the county services of Seminole County. Downtown Sanford is being revitalized with a multi-million dollar waterfront walking trail, the business district and the restoration of historic homes set among ancient oaks and beautiful parks. There are a wide variety of housing options from apartments, historic homes, new planned subdivisions to luxury gated communities in Sanford to fit any Florida lifestyle. The Orlando Sanford International Airport continues to grow and Allegiant Air even offers domestic flights to many airports across the country.  The Orlando Sanford ... 07/27/2008

Sanford is one of Central Florida's oldest cities and has a variety of housing options available, from the homes of the historic district with brick streets that date back to the late 1800's to modern lakefront urban condos to Lake Forest a large gated community with multi-million dollar luxury homes, Sanford continues to grow and develop as a modern city and the county seat. There are currently 910 homes on the market, only a small increase over the 872 homes that were currently active in May.  There are 94 homes under contract.  58 homes sold in Sanford in June, which means that for every 100 homes that are listed in Sanford 6 sold last month. If you are considering selling your Sanford home think about offering seller concessions... Closing cost and down payment assistance could mean... 07/13/2008

  (click images to enlarge) The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for June 2008.  Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.  It is all relative and this has to be underst... 07/12/2008

Laura Forty-Garcia | RE/MAX Realty Resources | (386) 801-0878 315 Wilton Circle, Sanford, FL 2BR/2BA Townhouse offered at $130,000 Year Built 2003 Sq Footage 1,056 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking None Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $90 per month DESCRIPTION BEAUTIFUL UNIT MANY UPGRADES THROUGHOUT HOME. MOVE IN READY - EZ SHOWING - EXCELLENT LOCATION!!WITH EASY ACCESS TO MAJOR ROADS. UNIT IS IN COMMUNITY THAT OVER LOOKS TO A BEAUTIFUL POOL W/FOUNTAIN THAT LIGHTS IN THE EVENING. BUYERS WILL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE GREAT CONDITIONS THIS NICE COMFORTABLE TOWNHOME.LISTING PRICE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL ENCUMBRANCE, CLOSING COSTS, OR OTHER SELLER CHARGES AND SALE OF PROPERTY AT FULL LISTING PRICE MAY BE CONDITIONED UPON APPROVAL OF THIRD PARTIES. CALL FOR DETA... 07/10/2008

Sanford's downtown Wi-Fi is a success!  Sanford is the second Central Florida City to introduce free wireless internet access for it's residents and businesses. The system covers most of the downtown area from the waterfront to 9th Street and from 17-92 to Mellonville Avenue. Sanford is actively working to enhance it's reputation and encourage more businesses to make Sanford their home.  Sanford is one of Seminole County's oldests cities and is home to a thriving historic community.  Many of the homes in Sanford have been restored to their original grandeur and there are new projects on the waterfront including The Gateway at Riverwalk, luxury condominiums overlooking Lake Monroe, Sanford is fast becoming the "hot" place to live too. If you would like more information about Sanford's h... 06/21/2008

  (click images to enlarge) The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for May 2008.  Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.  It is all relative and this has to be underst... 06/14/2008

  One of the great things about living in Central Florida is that there is always something to do.  The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is offering an Alligator Awareness Program to the community on June 3rd from 7 - 9PM.   You will learn a lot about our Alligator neighbors during this informative and education program. To make reservations, please call 407/323-4450, ext. 123. Registration required: Members: $10.00Non-members: $15.00Must be 12 years or older. This photo was taken about 2 years ago on Lake Jessup in Seminole County, the gator (about a 12 footer) was sleeping in the grass until we drifted in on the airboat we were riding on.  He came out of the water for a second and looked like he was going to jump in the boat, but quickly submerged into the water.  We saw hundreds of ga... 05/29/2008

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

  If you haven't been to Live After Five in Historic Sanford on the second Tuesday of the month you are really missing out. On June 12th come to downtown Sanford for Blues and Bar-B-Que.  Each month the street festival features great wine, food, live entertainment. June's southern summer Barbeque theme is sure to please... $5 donation are accepted. 5-9 PM on 1st Street & Palmetto Avenue www.sanfordinfo.com or 407-302-2586 1st Street, from Park to Palmetto Avenue and Palmetto and Park Avenues, from 1st Street to 2nd Street, will be closed from 3-10 PM. If you enjoy Live after Five in Historic Sanford and would like information about moving to Historic Sanford please call me for a personal tour.  Sanford has one of the most affordable historic districts in the area, with the look of Old ... 05/22/2008

  Looking for a Good Deal NEW HOMES is the way to go!!! If you are looking to purchase a new home in any Central Florida New Home Community NOW is a excellent time to do so. New Home builders in the Orlando, Apopka and Central Florida area have dropped the prices and are offering great incentives. Do you need a REALTOR® when buying a brand new home from a builder? ABSOLUTELY!!! When you walk into a Model home and you're greeted by the salesperson, remember they work for the Builder and have the Builders best interest in mind NOT YOURS! Thinking of Buying a NEW home in the Orlando, Apopka and Central Florida area? Don't BUY WITHOUT Representation. Call Rick Belben BEFORE YOU VISIT the sales center as I must accompany you on your 1st visit. Let me represent you and Save thousands on new ... 05/20/2008

The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for April 2008.  Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771.  For purposes of this analysis we are not only splitting the data according to zip codes, but also single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. 32773 - Single-Family Homes 10 homes sold during the month of April. The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $180,495 with 132 days on the market. The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $185,500. The most expensive home sold for $225,450 after 139 days on the market.  It was a 4 bedroom, 2½ bath, 2-car garage home in 2321sf built in 2002 in a gated comm... 05/11/2008

 The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for March 2008.  Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771.  For purposes of this analysis we are not only splitting the data according to zip codes, but also single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.32773 - Single-Family Homes6 homes sold during the month of March.The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $194,783 with 159 days on the market.The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $190,750.The most expensive home sold for $252,200 and was on the market for 209 days.  It was a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage home in 1955sf built in 2004 on .15 acre in a... 04/10/2008

 Bubba Baker is an artist in many ways...He did his first tattoo in 1976 but he didn't really get into that art until 1982. He bought himself a motor home and started hitting bike events and such around the country tattooing on the road. That quickly grew old for him though and he came back home to Florida.   Bubba once told me if he had to do one more Harley Davidson shield he was going to go nuts. It got to the point where he could do a shield without a stencil he had done so many.  Bubba had an urge to work in film behind the camera and went to film school, graduating in 1989. Instead of being behind the lens though, Bubba ended up in front of it working with people such as Charlize Theron in the Academy Award winning film Monster, Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura, Pet Detective and Will Sm... 03/18/2008