My New Blog

The term "networking" has become tiresome.  It took people a while to realize that walking into a room with a fist full of business cards, handing them out, and expecting strangers to network them into an immediate business referral usually didn't happen. 

But is really isn't networking that helps a business to grow; it's building alliances.  Even the analogy points out the differences.  A net can be weak, and it is certainly full of holes.  But building alliances creates an image of something that is constructed or planned and made of very firm material.

It isn't as important who you know as who knows you.  People get to know you by building alliances, and building alliances comes from good deeds.  We have been in real estate for 10 years, and during that time, we have assisted our customers in many unique ways:  doing walk throughs for absentee owners, helping with home repairs, cleaning the home or re-arranging furniture, putting out their garbage, assisting with an emergency, such as an irrigation leak or water main break, seeking out reputable vendors to refer, keeping an eye on vacant homes, or even taking our customers out to dinner.  These are just a few of the many activities that take time but do not net an immediate financial gain.  What it does net is getting people on our band wagon.  Our service does not stop with the listing or the sale, but continues in whatever capacity is needed.

The "old fashioned" band wagons paraded through town.  They were so colorful, and the music was so enticing that people followed them through the town, wanted to climb on board, and told other people about them.  The word spread.  Building alliances and getting other people on your band wagon have a lot in common.  It takes time to construct both.  It is something others want to be a part of, and the word spreads.

We hope you will become a part of our band wagon and tell others about us!

"Lofty words cannot construct an alliance or maintain it; only concrete deeds can do that."      - John F. Kennedy

FHA mortgages are guaranteed by the US government and offer secure, fixed-rate loans that are ideal for many Florida buyers.

The down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, and many closing costs and fees can be included in the loan.  FHA also has "fixer-upper" loans that include the cost of repairs and renovations in the mortgage amount - an ideal situation for someone buying a foreclosure or other distressed property. 

However, some changes have recently been made to their program.  The FHA is raising its up-front mortgage insurance premium to 2.25% from 1.75%, boosting the minimum down payment to 10% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 and below (it stays at 3.5% for everyone else), and reducing permissible seller concessions from 6% to 3%.  The higher up-front mortgage insurance premium won't affect the amount of cash that buyers will need to raise, as that can be financed.  But it will affect how much house they can afford, and could increase their monthly payments by $50 to $100. 

The up-front mortgage insurance premium increase goes into effect April 5.  Proposals to reduce seller concessions and increase the credit score requirements were expected to be posted in the Federal Registry in February.

These changes are in part designed to shore up the FHA's capital reserves and to manage risk, maintaining a healthy FHA, which today commands about 40% of the national mortgage market.  This is an important part of affordable home financing and economic recovery.

Finally, an ice cream shop has arrived in our area and recently opened in the Deer Creek Plaza on Hwy. 27,  just 2 miles south of Exit 55 off I-4. 

 "Moo" Ice Cream, Inc. not only has more than a dozen delicious flavors of ice cream, but also offers a variety of other foods. There are choices of soups and chili, as well as fresh muffins, snacks, drinks, and ice cream cakes.  Lots of tables are available for eat in, but also comfortable white rocking chairs allow you to enjoy your ice cream treat out doors.

With the upcoming summer months and the welcome return of hot weather, this will most likely be a popular place to visit, and is conveniently located to the Posner Park Shopping Plaza.

It is nice to see more small businesses open up in the Davenport area and hopefully the trend will continue throughout this year.

Having never ridden a train before, I was unaware of the unique opportunities so close by to our Central Florida and Davenport area.  We decided to board Amtrak at the Winter Haven station and take a weekend trip to West Palm Beach.   It was absolutely wonderful!  The ride was fun and quite comfortable, with roomy seating areas, dining and snack cars available, pillows provided, and courteous staff.

In just two and a half hours, we arrived in West Palm Beach station where there were shuttle buses and taxi cabs all waiting to take you to your destination.  Having selected a downtown hotel, we were within walking distance to everything and had no need for a rental car.  The hotel actually provided transportation to and from the Amtrak station.  We enjoyed walking along the intercoastal waterway and spending all day at City Place, where there is something for everyone:  a variety of restaurants, many upscale retail stores, a 20 screen movie theatre, live entertainment and comedy clubs . . .  so much to see and do.  On a warmer weekend, the beach  was also within walking distance, although a couple more miles of walking!  This was the perfect  kind of weekend getaway . . . . no stress of driving and complete relaxation.

The Amtrak rail system has stops throughout Central Florida, including Orlando and Tampa, and you can also take it north or south.  There are many vacation packages you can book to specific tourist destinations and the sleeper cars are quite nice for overnight travel.

Recently, it was announced that a High Speed Rail System would be constructed between Tampa and Orlando airport, hopefully to be completed within the next 5 years.   The second phase is projected to connect Orlando to Miami by 2017.  This will spark interest in a regional master plan that will include improvements to highways and buses, and create a strong coordinated transportation system that will take riders to their final destinations.  It is a tremendous boost to the future of Central Florida's economy.

Again, there is so much opportunity  in the Four Corners area of Central Florida and it will only get better in the future.  Living here or owning a home here is only half the fun!!

One of the very first theme parks in Central Florida was established 74 years ago and was well known as Cypress Gardens.  After several attempts to maintain this park through a tough economy, it was recently sold to Merlin Entertainments Group and will now be known as Legoland Florida.

However, the beautiful historic botanical gardens and newer water park will remain when the new Legoland opens in late 2011, providing more than 1,000 jobs and boosting the local economy. 

Legoland Florida will include more than 40 million Lego building bricks in its design and will bring a unique new experience to Florida.  It is an extraordinary concept - specifically developed for children between the ages  of 2 and 12, not to mention their parents.  It offers families rides, shows and even model building challenges. 

Merlin Entertainments is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to Walt Disney Company.  Legoland Florida will be Merlin Entertainments 13th attraction in the United States, with four more in the development phase.  Legoland Florida will be the 5th Legoland park worldwide and the only one on the East Coast - with others in California, Denmark, England and Germany.

This is a huge success story for Polk County that will have a significant impact on this area as a tourism destination.  Hwy. 27 South off of Exit 55 from I-4, will lead right through the Davenport area to the Legoland attraction.  Polk County will receive worldwide visibility and will continue to be a great place to live or own a second home!

Yes, the famous Punsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning on top of Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, predicting 6 more long weeks of winter for the area.  This has usually been the case, as I was actually born in Punxsutawney (the reason I can spell it!)  and lived most of my life just 30 minutes from there in Indiana, the home of actor, Jimmy Stewart and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  It is quite a celebration and a long time tradition, drawing crowds and media from all over the country. 

Now, when the groundhog "predicts" 6 more weeks of winter, he is usually right on.  This is the time of year that I liked the least while living there.  The days are dreary and cold, the nights long and even colder.  Many get cabin fever and "grumpy", with all that lack of sunshine.  Funny, I should mention that today, though, as Florida is getting soaked with rain for the second day in a row.   But, the nice thing is knowing we will not have 6 more weeks of winter and the sun will be bright and shining again tomorrow.

So, wouldn't it be nice to have a cute little condo available for those winter escapes?    One located on a huge beautiful lake with boating and water sports; a resort style location with restaurants, shopping and Disney World at your door; a fully furnished condo, ready to move in to with just your clothes and your toothbrush . . . . . . .

I have one just ready and waiting at such an incredible price . . . . all it needs is a new owner.   That could be you!

Blue Heron Beach Resort is located across from Downtown Disney and every unit has an open balcony facing the resort style pool and Lake Bryan.  Check out this listing on my web site and view the virtual tour, priced at only $129,000.  It is one of the lowest priced condos available and well below market price.   Make an offer, you never know . . . . . . .

After two weeks of brutally cold weather for Florida, the electric bills are now double to triple the normal cost, giving homeowners a different kind of "electric shock."  Many are beginning to realize that smaller homes can be much smarter, and there are many ways to cleverly use what square footage there is.

With baby boomers entering retirement, young adults delaying marriage, and the economy slowly beginning to improve, people are starting to like the idea that less is more when it comes to their square footage.  The average size of a new house decreased last year for the first time in nearly three decades.  Although the average square footage of a new house is still double what it was in 1960, it is the first drop in house size since the recession of the 1980's. 

Buyers still want the luxury and electronic toys, but they are learning to put them into smaller spaces.  There are many ways to maximize less square footage and use storage items that are both functional and beautiful, such as storage ottomans, end tables and benches.  You can also create more storage space by using bed risers and using the space underneath, using spice risers for kitchen cupboards, or using heavy duty shelving that attaches to the ceiling in garages or laundry rooms.  Also, be careful of buying big pieces of furniture that may make a room look overstuffed. 

Small closets call for big ideas when it comes to maximizing space.  Some inexpensive options are adding a second hanging rod or storing off-season clothes under the bed.  There is also a lot of unused space above the rods, where several shelves can be installed.  Decorative hooks can be used for purses, belts or ties.  Of course, the simplest way to create more closet space is to reduce what is going into it!  If you haven't worn it for over 6 months, get rid of it.  Yes, easier said than done.  I can never seem to let go of all those shoes!!

There are design tricks that will open up floor plans and make rooms look larger, such as light-colored walls and flooring that continues from room to room.  Strategic lighting is another way to create the illusion of more space, especially corner uplighting.  Even a few easy structural changes can help . . .creating higher ceilings or a tray ceiling, or lowering the ceiling in a hallway. 

These are just a few of many creative ways to thoroughly enjoy living in a smaller home.  Some added benefits:  they are usually single floor homes, easy to maintain and get around in, they force families to spend more time together and rediscover each other, and the electric bills will be lower!  What's not to love about a smaller cozy home?

This year could still be filled with challenges in Florida's real estate market with a slow economy, little population growth, and uncertainty in the retiree market.  But there are excellent opportunities for several market segments such as first-time buyers, investors and international buyers who want to take advantage of low prices, low interest rates and great deals on new home inventory. 

Especially in Central Florida, because the area grew so quickly, there are now countless short sales, foreclosures and REO's on the market, but also regular sales where sellers have priced their homes to compete with these distressed properties.  There are unimaginable bargains to be had and a wide variety of choices and the window of opportunity is definitely closing!

Developers state that the prices of existing homes have fallen below replacement costs.  That indicates that pricing has overshot on the way down, because the long-run floor for prices has to be replacement costs.   That points to prices definitely rising in the future.

Florida does not have a structural economic problem like Michigan faces with its devastated auto industry.  Florida remains a desirable destination and conditions will improve here.  Already, the supply and demand are beginning to equalize in the Orlando area and prices are beginning a gradual increase.  Buying now is a great spot to be in, as the region renews its growth in the near future.

Over the next few years, the Orlando region is predicted to have one of the state's strongest economies, in terms of population growth, wage growth and personal income.   The outlying areas of Disney will also enjoy this growth and property values will once again be going in a positive direction.  This is the right time and right place to be buying real estate . . .  it can only get better.

Having lived in Florida now for 10 years, I can honestly say this is the longest stretch of the coldest weather I have experienced!  I never thought I would have "cabin fever" in the sunshine state, but not many have ventured outside lately, including me!

However, this can be the opportune time to begin those "indoor" house projects, especially for those contemplating selling this year.  Keeping busy is the best way to beat the winter time blues, while adding to the value of your home.

Now may be the time to change the color of rooms, add some wall paper or borders, get the carpeting cleaned, steam clean the tile grout, change lighting fixtures, touch up baseboards and doors, use new caulking in the bathrooms, refinish furniture, add new decor, or even change a room around.

No one wants to be "indoors" when the weather gets warm and beautiful, so now is the prime time to do something positive to the house.  It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. . . . even a good spring cleaning will add a fresh new look and smell to the home. 

As we all look forward to warmer weather, take this opportunity to make your home shine and stand out among the others.

Davenport, Florida - the small dot on the map surrounded by other cities & towns located between Orlando and Tampa.  Why would anyone want to live here?  Many reasons, especially for the baby boomer generation.  As a resident and "boomer" myself, I have listed my own top 10 reasons for living here.

1.  Location, location, location:  being centrally located and so close to Disney World, we enjoy the many major highways that can take us in any direction - from Hwy. 27, Hwy. 192, the toll roads of the 429 and 417, and I-4, with all being 4 lane highways and easy access. 

2.  Medical facilities:  the Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is closest, with Winter Haven, Lakeland and Celebration Hospitals only a 10 to 20 minute drive.  All are full service facilities with quality doctors and specialists.  There is also a medical center plaza nearby with a large variety of specialty services, such as cardiology, gynecology, cancer treatments, MRI and X-rays, knee & foot specialists,  just to name a few. 

3.  Affordable Restaurants:  we have the advantage of many luxury and high end restaurants living so close to Disney, but for a night out on a smaller budget, there are many choices and styles of local restaurants that offer senior discounts, special low prices, buffets, two for one dinners, early bird specials and more. 

4.  Quiet, "country" atmosphere:   we are close to the cities, but we can still hear the sounds of a passing train in the night, the cows as they "moo" in the nearby fields, the frogs, birds and owls (and yes, a few allegators) - so much nature to enjoy!

5.  Disney and other theme parks:  all friends and relatives want to go there, so why not live close by?  We are within 20 minutes to nearly every Orlando attraction or dinner theatre, with easy access on those various highways.  There is much to choose from and something for everyone.

6.  Outdoor activities:  not just the numerous golf courses near by, but many places to ride golf carts, bikes or take walks on nature trails, balloon rides, air boat rides or even horse back riding . . .  so many places to just enjoy beautiful gardens, such as Bok Tower. 

7.  Abundance of "Day Trips": we are close enough for day trips to either the Atlantic or the gulf coast beaches, Kennedy Space Center, Winery tours, Tea Rooms, Casinos, Amtrak stations, and so much more!

8.  Beautiful weather:  okay, so it's COLD!   But on average, those living south of Orlando (the dividing line) usually enjoy temperatures at least 10 degrees warmer than Florida's more northern cities.  And being centrally located, most times we are sheltered from coastal hurricanes and flooding. 

9.  Location to Airports and Cruise Terminals:   we are fortunate to have both Orlando and Tampa airports nearby, giving a chance to "shop" for the best air fare.   And for a cruise, we have easy access to the ports of Tampa, Port Canaveral, Ft. Lauderdale and even Miami. 

10.  Affordable Housing:  especially now, Davenport has some of the most affordable homes in Florida with an ideal location.  There are golf course, gated, residential or vacation home communities, all within minutes to everything listed above.  

Now, why would you NOT want to live in Davenport??