Hidden Gems In Your Home

Beyond the Theme Parks: The Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Orlando Attractions

No doubt about it: Walt Disney World puts Orlando on the tourism map. Additional major theme parks, like Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND, Florida have only added to the region's lure as a family vacation destination. But there's more to see in Central Florida, both in Orlando and its surrounding towns. These smaller attractions and off-the-beaten path sites offer quality entertainment and enrichment, and work within any travel budget.

Gatorland, Orlando
What began as a small tourist attraction in 1949 has evolved into the "Alligator Capital of the World." Gatorland offers a look at Florida tourism when gators were considered exotic enough to be the main attraction. However, it has progressed into a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, showcasing thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, petting zoo and breeding marsh with an observation tower.

More Orlando Attractions

Besides observing the gators of all ages and sizes in their pens, kids enjoy the train ride and the Gator Gully Splash Park. The Gator Wrestlin' Show and the Gator Jumparoo demonstration draw the biggest crowds. You can even sample gator, in the form of fried nuggets, at Pearl's Restaurant.

Gatorland's newest attractions include the White Gator Swamp, home to the world's largest collection of giant white Leucistic alligators, known for their ivory skin and reflective blue eyes. There are only 15 of this rare species known to be alive, and four of them reside here. Also, the new Screamin' Gator Zip Line features over 1,200 feet of zip lines and a 50-foot suspension bridge.

Orlando Science Center, Orlando
The Orlando Science Center introduces kids to physical and natural sciences in the most effective ways possible, with plenty of opportunities to experiment and interact with the exhibits. For preschoolers, the main attraction is KidsTown, where they can build dams at the water table, pick pretend oranges at the juice processing plant, create designs with working gears or participate in an impromptu drum lesson.

A life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton greets you near the entrance of the "DinoDigs" exhibit gallery. Guides in lab coats give walking presentations about this and several reproduction skeletons of dinosaurs and prehistoric sea creatures. There are two fossil dig areas, which include a waist-high table and a "pit" on the floor, where kids can brush away "dirt" to reveal dino bones.

For the grade school-aged set, the Science Park gallery exhibits focus on principles such as magnetism, electricity, lasers, sound waves and more. They can construct pinewood derby cars and send them down the 70-ft. track, play a harp with laser "strings," or create echoes with tubs of PVC pipe. The Digistar planetarium, inside the 310-seat CineDome, features a giant, 8,000-sq. ft. screen. You can watch a traditional planetarium show, laser light shows and movies in this supersized theater.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Sanford
With over 400 animals, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a full day of entertainment. In addition to the menagerie of mammals, reptiles and amphibians in residence, there's also the Animal Adventure Children's Zoo and an impressive collection of bugs in the Massey Services Insect Zoo. The Herpetarium houses the southeast's largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles. Zookeepers offer several programs a day, such as bird shows, reptile demonstrations, feeding observations and "encounter" programs with raptors, camels, primates and felines.

The Zoo offers rides and attractions in addition to the nature and animal exhibits, including a train, carousel, playground and laser tag area. The Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground is a water play area offering cool relief on warm days, with raining trees, a water tunnel and a bucket dump. The newest attractions include the North American River Otter Exhibit and the ZOOm Air Adventures aerial course of rope bridges, zip lines and suspended disks.

Unique and Unusual Finds
Two attractions located on Orlando's International Drive make the most of unusual, unique and sometimes downright bizarre exhibits. While it looks like Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium is sinking into the ground, it's just an illusion representing the quirky character of this collection of oddities from around the world. Artifacts and interactive exhibits are displayed in 16 different galleries, which you tour at your own speed. The relics range from the disturbing, like the human shrunken head, to the oversized, like the 25-foot tall mural of Jimi Hendrix made from more than 8,500 playing cards.

More architectural trickery is at hand at WonderWorks, a building that appears to be upside down, even when you first enter. This attraction aims to exercise your mind through education and entertainment with over 100 hands-on exhibits. To experience the application of force, you can lie on a bed of 3,500 nails, or feel a 5.3 earthquake in the Disaster Zone. Other kid-friendly experimentation awaits on the life size replica of the Mercury capsule, the Bubble Lab, the Mind Ball bio feedback game and the Far Out Illusion Gallery.

 

Courtesy of the Family Vacation Critic!

Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Your Orlando, Florida, Real Estate Agent Talks About How To Choose a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House.
  When you are choosing a real estate agent to sell your home, you need to be somewhat selective with who you choose. Different companies have different qualities about them that can make them better or worse for the job. When you are choosing an agent, be sure to take some of their qualifications into consideration. Below, you will find many things that are positive, or potentially negative about each agent. When you are choosing who you want to help sell your home, you can use this list to determine whether or not the agent you are working with is someone you want to continue to work with throughout the sale.
#1 - The fee charged.
Perhaps the biggest concern is how much money your real estate agent is going to charge you. Often times, agents ask for a percentage of the sale price of the home. Some charge more money than others, so this is definitely something that you will want to take into consideration. It's a good idea to contact more than one company and ask them about their pricing. Doing this allows you to compare companies and see who has the lowest price. Of course, you may not want to go with the estate agent that offers you the best deal. They might not be as efficient of promoters as the other agents and they may not be able to sell your home as quickly. Turnaround time is very important.
#2 - How fast can your home be sold? 
How quickly the estate agent can sell the home and get it off of your hands is also very important. You want to hire someone that has experience with this and has successfully sold many homes under a quick turnaround time. Remember, you are paying them a good deal of money so the faster they can sell your home, the better value you are getting out of the agent. Part of their services should be to get the home off of your hands as quickly as possible, that is why you hired them.
#3 - What does the track record of your real estate agent say about them? 
Every real estate agent should have some type of track record. This track record should speak for their quality of services and it should tell you a lot about what they provide. For instance, do they have a history of selling houses successfully? How long did it take on average to sell the homes that they have listed? These are things that you need to consider, it can mean a lot when it comes to selling your home.
There a lot of different qualities and things that you need to take into consideration when you are selecting a real estate agent. Real estate agents have big differences and comparing these traits is very important to hiring the right person for the job.
Your Orlando, Florida, Real Estate Agent Talks About How To Choose a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House
Bethanne Baer
Bearteam.com
Keller Williams Realty
2300 South Crystal Lake Dr.
Orlando, Florida 32806
407-228-1112 office
407-375-3321 cell

Buy A Home in Central Florida with FREE MONEY! (Sort of)

Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

Nationwide, the single largest barrier to homeownership is lack of down payment funds. Florida’s First Time Homebuyer program features two down payment and closing cost assistance programs that provide borrowers greater access to homeownership opportunities.

In conjunction with the First Time Homebuyer program, there are two down payment and closing cost assistance programs in the form of second mortgage loans, and up-front cash assistance to help eligible homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. Based on the information you provided, you may be eligible to receive ONE of the following:

Florida Assist (up to $10,000 available). For a complete list of income limits by county for the Florida Assist program, click here. HAMI Program (up to $5,000 available) The interest rate for the HAMI program is 5 percent. Three Percent (3%) Cash Option This option, in the form of cash assistance, provides borrowers with 3 percent of the loan amount applied toward down payment and closing costs.

Florida requires the completion of a Homebuyer Counseling Course for all borrowers receiving First Time Homebuyer Program assistance. Homebuyer counseling addresses vital information such as money management, spending and savings plans. Florida Housing believes that Homebuyer Education will empower you to make more informed decisions and enable you to effectively manage your resources leading to greater financial stability.

Should I Rent My House If It Doesn't Sell?

 

IF you have had your home on the market for sale without success, you may be tempted to rent your house.  While this is a possible solution for some people, for many it is simply more trouble than they are looking for.  If you find yourself in this situation you might ask yourself "Am I ready to be a landlord?"

Before you rent your home you should answer these questions to be sure you are making the right decision:

1. What will you do if your tenant tells you they cannot pay the rent this month because of other obligations or unexpected expenses?

2. Have you spoken with any attorneys who handle evictions to get a sense of the cost and time involved in evicting a tenant:

3. Will you allow pets?  Cats? Dogs? How many?  How big?

4. How do you plan to actually collect the rent?  In person or by mail?

5. When repairs to the property are necessary who should the tenant call?  Will you be the one doing the repairs?

6. If you are not going to be doing the repairs do you have a list of reliable contractors who can handle these for you?

7. How often will you conduct a physical inspection of the property?

8. Will you advise your current neighbors that you will be renting the property?

9.  Renting your home can be hard for owners when they have a significant personal 'relationship' to the home. (i.e. the only home my children have ever known, my parents home, our home that we put our heart and soul into remodeling, etc) These are particularly hard to rent if the owners cannot stand to see their home not cared for in the way they would care for it.

If you are purchasing a home specifically as a rental, there are no personal memories or feelings in this home, but a previous homestead property may create angst between you and your tenant if they are not as clean as you are, or they may have a pup that digs up those beautiful flower bulbs you and your son, daughter, Mother planted with you. These feeling may play a big role in your comfort level regarding  turning your homestead into a rental. 

Renting out residential property can be a great investment.  However, it does come with challenges.  Be sure that you are renting for the right reasons.........that you want to own an investment property, not that you are hoping to realize a higher sale price in the future by postponing the sale now.

Have questions, or need more detailed advice?  Contact me.  I will be glad to help.

Bethanne Baer

REALTOR - Keller Williams At The Parks

407-228-1112

 

Conway Chain of Lakes Boat Ramps

There are only two public boat ramps on the Conway Chain with the largest on being off Hoffner, just two blocks off Orange Ave. There is no charge for launching however parking is limited. Other access can be found on the map below or by going to www.myfwc.com. So if you are thinking of buying a lakefront home, this chain of lakes is still affordable.

Size and Depth

Lake Conway has nearly 1,800 acres of clear water with a maximum depth of 30 feet and a average depth of 8 feet. The Conway chain is connected by canals which are very shallow and has low bridges that can limit some boats or any boat with a height of 8 feet or more. The largest of the four lakes is Middle Lake Conway. Lovely sunset, beautiful mornings and watersports are the ticket for this lakefront community.

Water Source

Conway Chain of lakes is a land locked lake with no navigation beyond the chain itself. Primary water source is natural rainfall and runoff. Annual water fluctuations vary according to rainfall.

Shoreline

Lake Conway is a urban lake like a lot of Florida freshwater lakes and public bank access is almost non-existent. Private property and high price homes line all of the shoreline. There is wildlife in some of the lakes, but mainly the east lake where there is a small submerged grass island which is home to many birds.

Bottom

Lake Conway and the Conway Chain has mostly clear water and hard sand bottom with beds of peppergrass eelgrass and hydrilla scattered offshore. Water depths change drastically on this chain and there are many deep water drops and humps.

Water

Water is very clear on all of the lakes in the Conway Chain in some cases water clarity will allow an angler to see to depths of twelve feet are more.

Conway Elementary is one of the oldest schools in Central Florida, tracing its roots back to the original two room Conway School that opened in 1875. The old 1954 building recently gave way to a brand new school that is a state-of-the art facility. One of the traditions they've carried on from the old school is Arts at Conway Day. The entire day is devoted to teaching students about the arts – from opera to television technology.
My three sons graduated from the Conway Schools! I love Conway and the school system is awesome!

Consumer Confidence is rising!!!!

Consumer Confidence, which measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are with respect to the economy in the near future, hit a five-year high in May, coming in at 76.2. The Consumer Sentiment Index, a similar measure, also came in above expectations for May.




There was also good news on the housing front, as the Case Shiller 20-city Home Price Index rose 10.9 percent year-over-year. This was above expectations and the best annual gain in seven years. In addition, the second estimate for first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 2.4 percent. By comparison, the final reading of GDP for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 0.4 percent. GDP is an important measure of productivity growth and a key indicator of economic strength.



In inflation news, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the Fed's favorite measure of inflation, shows that inflation remains tame. In fact, the year-over-year core PCE (which excludes volatile food and energy measurements) is running at 1.1 percent, well below the Fed's upper end target of 2 percent and just above the all-time low.



What does all of this mean for home loan rates? Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates (which are tied to Mortgage Bonds) improve. Strong economic news often has the opposite result. With several strong economic reports released last week, Bonds and home loan rates felt the impact.



However, helping Bonds and home loan rates is the fact that inflation remains non-existent, as inflation reduces the value of fixed investments like Bonds. A big question moving forward is: Will the Fed continue its Bond purchase program known as Quantitative Easing? While low inflation gives the Fed cover to do so, there are growing opinions that the program should come to an end.



The bottom line is that home loan rates remain near historic lows and now is a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

Richard Williams

407-310-3609

Richard.Williams@carringtonms.com

Mortgage rates are trending upward * Article from the Washington Post 5-23-13

Mortgage rates moved higher for the third week in a row, according to the latest data released by Freddie Mac.
The 30-year fixed-rate average jumped to 3.59 percent with an average 0.7 point. It was up from 3.51 percent last week but down from 3.78 percent a year ago. Until last week, the 30-year fixed rate had remained below 3.5 percent for more than a month.
The 15-year fixed-rate average climbed to 2.77 percent with an average 0.7 point. It was 2.69 percent a week ago and 3.04 percent a year ago. Despite the increase, the 15-year fixed rate has not been above 3 percent in nearly a year.

Hybrid adjustable rate mortgages held steady. The five-year ARM edged up to 2.63 percent with an average 0.5 point. It was 2.62 percent a week ago. The one-year ARM remained the same as a week ago at 2.55 percent with an average 0.4 point.
“While [higher rates] may slow some of the refinance momentum, rates are nonetheless low and home-buyer affordability high, which should further aid home sales and construction in coming weeks,” Frank E. Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, said in a statement. “For instance, in April, single family housing permits rose to the strongest pace since May 2008 while existing home sales for the same month grew the most since November 2009. Moreover, the National Association of Realtors reported that the median number of days on the market for these sales fell from 62 to 46 days, the fewest since it began collecting the data in May 2011.”

Top 10 tools for the New Homeowner!

Top 10 Tools You Should Own For Your Home Improvements

 

Not every homeowner is destined to become a gold star handyman, but that shouldn't keep today's average homeowner from making simple repairs to their own space. Here are some expert recommendations for the top 10 tools every homeowner should own and for what they can be used.

Topping the list is a set of screwdrivers. You can use these small and handy items to tighten loose drawers, handles, and of course, to change batteries in the countless children's toys around your house! Invest in both Phillips-head and flat-bladed versions, preferably in a few varying sizes. Next, get yourself a hammer! Using a hammer is pretty self-explanatory, but you'll find it's great for removing troublesome nails and replacing them with new ones!Hammer those nails into the perfect spot by using a stud finder. For less than $20 you can purchase this handy tool. Now you'll have sturdy screws and nails on which to hang your tv mount, coat rack, and heavy artwork. Third, purchase an electric, corded drill. For projects around the house, there's usually no need for a cordless drill. In fact, having a drill with a cord means no waiting on a battery to charge. Simply hook your drill up to a small extension cord and you're ready to go! Pliers may seem like a simple tool to own, but you'll find hundreds of ways to use them! From loosening tight screws or tightening loose bolts, you'll be glad you purchased this inexpensive tool. Measure the perfect distance with your own tape measure. You can also buy a purse or pocket size tape measure that is perfect to take along on shopping trips. This way you'll be sure that new couch or table will fit!A Shop Vac can be used to clean your car, vacuum out sliding door tracks, and remove cobwebs and dust bunnies from hard to reach places. It can even be used to remove standing water! A Shop Vac is a powerful vacuum to have in your tool arsenal.Exacto knives can be used to open boxes and make “exacting” cuts on tape and edges. You can even use it to cut roof tarp, should the need arise!A Chop saw is a big purchase that might scare some less experienced homeowners, but you can use this tool to cut replacement boards for trim, moulding, and even decks. Finally, use a level to hang the perfect frame. Sometimes our eyes can deceive us, so be sure to get everything "level" with this easy tool.Home repair projects can be tackled by all homeowners, young and old alike. It doesn't matter if you're male or female. Of course there are hundreds of other tools for hundreds household repairs. Don't be afraid to try simple projects yourself. You'll save money in the long-run and will be filled with some real pride of ownership. by Carla Hill

Go Boone Braves Band for 2011

Foreclosure Prevention Seminar

We are sponsoring a FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SEMINAR on July 7th, 2011

6:00pm to 7:30 pm Thursday

There will be an attorney on site to speak to you about your situation.

Bring your paperwork and you will be able to get some free advice about your mortgage.

This is a FREE SEMINAR on July 7th.

See you there!

Foreclosure Prevention Seminar

We are sponsoring a FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SEMINAR on July 7th, 2011

6:00pm to 7:30 pm Thursday

There will be an attorney on site to speak to you about your situation.

Bring your paperwork and you will be able to get some free advice about your mortgage.

This is a FREE SEMINAR on July 7th.

See you there!

Foreclosure Prevention Seminar

Hey everyone!

The last seminar was a terrific success! We had several calls about the next one, so we have scheduled another seminar.

July 7th, that's a Thursday.

Picking a REALTOR

Are you thinking of buying your first home, or maybe an investment home? There are so many agents in the area, how do I choose the best one for me? What should I ask before I start looking?

These are typical questions for any buyer, and here are some of the questions I would ask in order to understand the process, and to make sure your agent is a good fit!

1. Do you work with first time home buyers?
2. Will you email me listings everyday? What info do you need from me?
3. Are you a full time Realtor or just part time?
4. How many buyers/sellers do you work with at one time?
5. Do you require me to sign a contract. How do I cancel it if I’m not happy?
6. What makes you different than other Realtors?
7. What should I know about the buying process before we go look at homes?
8. Do you prepare a market analysis for me before we make an offer on a home?
9. In the current market, what type of home is the best investment for me?
10. Are there certain areas of Central Florida real estate market you know best?
11. What is the average sales price for your clients who are buyers?
12. How many bank owned homes have you sold in the past 6 months?
13. Do you know anything about special programs like down payment assistance or bond money?
14. Do you know about FHA financing, like the 204k program, or adjustable mortgages?
15. Why do people say to avoid trying to buy a short sale? Do you understand the Short Sale process?
16. Do you work with foreclosures? Why are they so hard to buy when you are getting a mortgage?
17. Can you help me with the vendors I will need to get the deal closed? There are many ways to find a good agent. Find a good one and use their knowledge to get the best deal on the best home for you!

Foreclosure Prevention Seminar

We are sponsoring a FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SEMINAR on June 8, 2011

6:00pm to 7:30 pm Wednesday

There will be an attorney on site to speak to you about your situation.

This is a FREE SEMINAR on June 8th.

See you there!

Thinking of buying a Short Sale?

Are you considering buying a short sale? There are so many available, but are they the same as any other sale?

Well , yes and no. The home that is listed as a short sale is the same as far as the seller is concerned.

The seller can list and show their home just like any other normal sale, but the big difference will be the time required to negotiate the sale with their lender. A typical short sale takes about 6 weeks to negotiate an agreed upon price with the lender. The lender must consider several things before they can approve a short sale. First, the lender must consider the hardship of the seller, the assets of the seller and they must determine if the home is being sold at market price. The seller and the negotiator work together to get this information to the lender in a timely manner, and if the price is right, the lender will usually approve the sale.

Can you hold off doing all the necessary inspections until the short sale is approved? Yes, the lender and the seller will usually allow the inspections and appraisal to be done after the lender has approved the short sale.

If you are using down payment assistance for your purchase, you will want to make sure you have finished all the necessary classes and qualifying before you put in an offer. This will make the closing process go much quicker.

Call me if you would like to discuss the short sale process!

High Fuel Cost Driving People Back To City Living

ARE HIGH GAS PRICES DRIVING PEOPLE BACK TO CITY LIVING?

Yes, it appears, that many of the young buyers I am working with are interested in living close to downtown. If you work downtown or close to it, you may want to consider moving from the suburbs back to in town living. According to a recent survey of 903 real estate agents, 78% of the prospective home buyers are now inclined to chose city living because of high gas prices. It's called reverse migration!

That is great news for those of us living in the downtown area or Conway. Hopefully we will continue to see our homes increase in values because of this new wave of people. Come and see what lovely homes, neighborhoods and communities we have here in town. You will love the 10 minute commute to work everyday!

Conway Community Meeting May 9th, 2011

Subject: Conway Community Meeting Monday May 9th 7:00

Conway Community Council
Monday, May 9th
7:00 pm
Ag Center - 6401 S. Conway Road

Please help us welcome new Orange County Sector 4
Captain Al Rollins and Deputy Stanley Murray

Meet the local fire department and learn tips to keeping your home safe from electrical fires.

Find out how you can get involved in community issues affecting Conway! A lot of great things have been happening and we want to keep up the momentum.

Foreclosures and Short Sales in 32806,32812

Ok, it seems like we have a foreclosed home on every corner in Orlando, but not so with the older established neighborhoods. SoDo and Conway have had their fair share, but not nearly to the degree as other newer neighborhoods.

Do you have a foreclosed home in your neighborhood?

You know the one, the grass is over a foot tall and the home has been abandoned for months. Well you have a couple of options.

1. Call code enforcement. Their number is 407-836-3111

(Remember there are thousands of homes with this issue, so don't expect them overnight)

2. Call the bank that has the mortgage on the home. (If you don't know which bank has the loan, give me a call and I will find the information for you) The bank wants to know if the home has been abandoned. They are usually willing to take care of the lawn and secure the property to avoid more damage. Sometimes they are a much quicker source to get the yard maintained.

Give me a call/email/text if you have other questions.