The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for February 2010.  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. A couple of definitions are in order.  The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices.  So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the num... 03/15/2010

  Earlier this week, the private-sector Case-Shiller Index showed home prices slightly lower between November and December.  Thursday, the public-sector Home Price Index showed the same. Publishing on a 2-month lag, the Federal Home Finance Agency said home prices fell by 1.6 percent nationally in December.  And that's an average, of course.  Some regions performed well in December as compared to November, others didn't. Values in the Middle Atlantic states improved slightly Values in New England were essentially unchanged Values in the Mountain states sagged, down 3.5% These aren't just footnotes. They're an important piece toward understanding what national real estate statistics really mean. In short, "national statistics" are just a compilation of a bunch of local statistics. For ex... 02/28/2010

  Using data compiled in December, Standard & Poors released its Case-Shiller Index Tuesday.  The report shows home prices down just 2.5% on an annual basis, a figure much lower than the 8.7% annual drop reported after Q3. According to Case-Shiller representatives, the housing market is "in better shape than it was this time last year", but some of the summer's momentum has been lost. 15 of 20 tracked markets declined in value between November and December 2009. Meanwhile, it's interesting to note the 5 markets that didn't decline -- Detroit, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego.  Each of these metro regions were among the hardest hit nationwide when home prices first broke.  Now, they're leading the pack in price recovery.   For some real estate investors, that's a......   Rea... 02/24/2010

  Sometimes, headlines for housing can be misleading and this week gave us a terrific example. On Wednesday, the Commerce Department released its Housing Starts data for January 2010. The data showed starts at a 6-month high. A “Housing Start” is a privately-owned home on which construction has started. Headlines on the Housing Starts story included: U.S. Housing Starts Hit 6-Month High (Reuters) U.S. Economy Receives Home Building Boost (Shepparton) Housing Starts Post Sharp Rebound (ABC) Based to the headlines, the housing market looks poised for rapid growth through the Spring Market. The real story, though, is that although Housing Starts increased by close to 3 percent last month, the growth is mostly attributed to buildings with 5 or more units.  This includes apartments and condo... 02/19/2010

The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for January 2010.  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. A couple of definitions are in order.  The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices.  So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the numb... 02/16/2010

A "Short Sale" is when a home seller sells his home for a lesser amount than what is owed on his mortgage, and the mortgage lender agrees to accept the lesser amount in lieu of a full payoff. By way of example, a Short Sale may be appropriate for a home seller whose mortgage balance is $250,000 but whose home wouldn't sell for more than $220,000.  Rather than pay the $30,000 difference to the lender at the time of sale, the seller enters into an agreement with the lender by which all sale proceeds are paid to the bank and the deficient balance is forgiven. Short Sales are a preferable alternative to foreclosure but...... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: Simple Real Estate Definitions : Short Sale ------------------------------------------   Chris is Florida's #1 FHA Mortgage Broker and... 02/02/2010

November 6, 2009, Congress voted to extend and expand the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program.  There's 100 days left to claim it. The expiration date of the up-to-$8,000 tax credit has been pushed forward to spring, requiring homebuyers to be under contract for a home no later than April 30, 2010, and to be closed no later than June 30, 2010. In addition, "move-up" buyers were also added to the program's eligibility list meaning you don't have to be a first-time home buyer to be eligible for the tax credit.  If you've lived in your home for 5 of the last 8 years, you meet the IRS requirements. Move-up buyers are capped at a total tax credit of $6,500. The tax credit's basic eligibility requirements remain the same:..... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: There's 100 Days Left To Cl... 01/19/2010

Lake Markham Preserve is an upscale, guard-gated and waterfront and golf community with lake access located in Sanford, Florida. The affluent assortment of luxury Mediterranean and Spanish-style estates are all situated on the immaculate Lake Markham, featuring lush landscaping and a handsome, solid brick perimeter. Each of the 61 elegant homes sits on oversize lots of 1-2 acres, 19 of which are on the water's edge. The backdrop of Lake Markham, combined with the extravagant houses and chic neighboring stores, make it the perfect Florida home destination. A few minutes away, you can take advantage of richly appointed golf courses and upscale shopping. Lake Markham Preserve has it all: beautiful homes, first-class golf, a scenic lake and a swanky local neighborhood. The schools zoned fo... 01/09/2010

Lake Forest is an upscale, guard-gated community with waterfront homes and lake access in charming Sanford, Florida. This collection of extravagant, Mediterranean-style homes boast amazing waterfront views setting an immediate tone of tranquility and peace. The houses, which are all extremely some of the luxurious in Central Florida, have elaborate landscaping and sparkling driveways. The neighborhood includes an entrance to the Lake Forest Swim and Tennis Club, which features 6 lighted tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, large clubhouse, cutting-edge fitness center, volleyball court, and a children's playground. In addition you can visit the 65-acre sun-kissed lake where fishing docks and canoes are available for you to use at your leisure. Imagine indulging in all these ame... 01/09/2010

The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for December 2009.  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. A couple of definitions are in order.  The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices.  So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the num... 01/08/2010

The Estates at Wekiva Park is an upscale gated, waterfront community grazing the shores of the Wekiva River in lovely Sanford, Florida. The neighborhood, featuring gorgeous, majestic homes with Mediterranean architecture, includes a spectacular grand entrance, impressive picnic area, children's playground, tennis courts, and convenient fishing docks set up all along the bank of the famous Wekiva River. Enjoy fishing in the backyard of your grand Floridian home. All the homes sit on oversize lots, and when the development is completed, there will be only 85 exclusive homes in the subdivision. If you want to explore outside the neighborhood, try going to Rock Springs Run State Reserve, where their many outdoor activities will keep you infinitely busy and energetic. The schools zoned for ... 01/01/2010

  One day after November's Existing Home Sales report blew away estimates, the Census Bureau's related New Homes Sales report failed to impress. A "new home" is a home that is newly-constructed; not bought as a resale. In a lackluster showing, New Home Sales dropped 11 percent in November, falling to the lowest levels since April. Furthermore, the all-important "months of supply" climbed by a half-month to 7.9. The press pounced on the figures and if you only read the headlines, you'd think that housing had cratered.  Some of the angles were quite bold, even: Weak U.S. Home Sales Show Recovery's Shakiness (Reuters) New Home Sales Plunge In November (CNNMoney.com) Housing Forecast : Off Life Support, Still In Critical Care (CBS News) These headlines, although technically accurate, only t... 12/23/2009

Retreat at Wekiva Real Estate is a Gated community located in tranquil Sanford, Florida. The neighborhood's peaceful ponds and lavish landscaping perfectly accent the beautiful homes that weave all around the tree-lines streets. You can enjoy the neighborhood's playground and beautiful park, go jogging on the trails or enjoy the gorgeous water views. If you want to explore the city of Sanford, there are award-winning restaurants and upscale shopping in close proximity of the community. With access to all major roads, Retreat at Wekiva is in an ideal location. The schools zoned for Retreat at Wekiva are Wilson Elementary School, Markham Woods Middle School, and Seminole High School. Retreat at Wekiva is conveniently located off Orange Blvd. and Stargazer Terrace, 5 minutes from the inte... 12/21/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for November 2009.  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. A couple of definitions are in order.  The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices.  So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the num... 12/16/2009

These statistics for Sanford FL Luxury Real Estate Sales in November 2009 should give you a feel for what’s happening in the luxury segment of the Orlando FL real estate market. Street Date Sold Original List Price Sold Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Pool MAPLE GLEN 11/12/09 $1,499,000 $1,150,000 4 4 4755 Y WHOOPING CRANE 11/23/09 $1,199,900 $870,000 4 4 5023 Y BELLA FORESTA 11/13/09 $999,900 $758,550 5 5 4878 Y   Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS members. Data drawn from the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. Homes listed above $500,000 often take longer to sell than properties priced at the lower end of the market. While many houses priced below $500,000 may take 6 or 7 months to sell, homes in upscale neighborhoods may take as much as 2 years to unload. Keep in m... 12/12/2009

The average family spends $2,200 per year in electric bills and the average home is responsible for twice the amount of greenhouse gases than the average automobile. Whether you want to save money or save the environment, this 5-minute piece from the NBC Today Show is for you. In it, you'll learn that just by being aware of your energy consumption, you can reduce it by up to 15 percent. The piece centers on a device called a Power Monitor which retails from $30 to $100, depending on the model. It measures the actual cost of using an appliance, or using a light, or charging a laptop, or any other household energy use. Among the cost findings:........... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: How To Trim Your Utility Bills Without Inconveniencing Yourself   ------------------------------------... 12/08/2009

For many American homeowners, interest paid on a mortgage is tax-deductible in the year in which it was paid. Knowing that, eligible homeowners can increase their 2009 tax deductions just by making their January 2010 mortgage payment before the end of the year. By paying in 2009, the mortgage interest paid can be applied against 2009's itemized tax deductions even though the payment isn't technically due until 2010. It can reduce........ Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: How To Increase Your 2009 Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction   -------------------------------------------   Chris is Florida's #1 FHA Mortgage Broker and a syndicated mortgage blogger. He is regular contributor to the three leading industry blog-fronts including The Mortgage Chili Blog, My FHA Mortgage Blog, Top of Mind N... 12/07/2009

When a home seller accepts a contract on an MLS-listed property, the property's status changes from "Active" to "Pending". This means the home is scheduled to sell, but not yet sold. Each month, the National Association of Realtors® tallies the number of pending homes and publishes the data as the Pending Homes Sales Index report. In October, for the 9th straight month, the index gained. It's the longest such streak in Pending Home Sales history. Because a "pending" home sale is just a contract between buyer and seller, it's not as important to the economy as actual home sales.  However, the Pending Home Sales Index can be a fine predictor of future activity. Historically, 80 percent of...... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: Pending Home Sales Data Forecasts Higher Home Values Next Mon... 12/02/2009

Buckingham Estates is an upscale, guard-gated community located in serene Sanford, Florida. The luxury, single-family homes are all magnificently designed and have stunning architecture and beautiful, custom interiors. Each house has stunning landscaping with several palm trees in every front yard and rosy, vivacious blooms and hedges that bring life to the homes. The spotless, sparkling subdivision streets wind in and around the brick-paved driveways. The neighborhood features an excellent community pool, a children's play area and a clubhouse that can be used for special gatherings, meetings, and get-togethers. The schools zoned for Buckingham Estates are Bentley Elementary School, Sanford Middle School, and Seminole High School. Buckingham Estates is conveniently located off Markham... 11/30/2009

Don’t lose your home to foreclosure. These smart homeowners didn’t. Instead, they put their home on the market as a Short Sale. Street Date Sold Original List Price Sold Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Pool Rock Rose 10/02/09 $200,000 $180,000 3 2 1955 N Kays Landing 10/15/09 $250,000 $240,000 4 3 2623 N Bassett 10/26/09 $550,000 $430,000 5 4 3990 Y Satin Leaf 10/23/09 $755,500 $556,500 5 3 3468 Y Markham Bend 10/26/09 $1,497,000 $955,000 5 5 5300 Y   Properties have been listed and sold by various MLS members. Data drawn from the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service.   Because the payoff of a loan will be ‘shorted’ by a significant amount, the mortgage lender must approve a Short Sale. Handled properly, the likelihood of successfully selling your house as a Short Sale is high. Once the ... 11/28/2009