tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144289862010-08-31T13:29:27.159-04:00Central Florida real estate blog | Orlando, Kissimmee | Real estate news and opinionCentral Florida real estate news and opinions. Blog posts will include information on short sales, first time home buyer, foreclosures, home buying, home selling and the current Orlando, Kissimmee and Central Florida real estate market conditions and trends.
Also I will write about Central Florida city information; events, news, celebrations, laws.
Plus we will highlight and feature new listings and homes for sale. We are a real estate site afterall.Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.comBlogger1296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-34827493194882026272010-08-31T13:29:00.000-04:002010-08-31T13:29:27.168-04:0050,000 backlog foreclosure cases in Ninth Judicial CircuitThe Ninth Judicial Circuit which includes Osceola and Orange County reports over 50,000 backlog foreclosures cases. The Florida Bar News article, Rainy Day Dollars Used to Alleviate Foreclosure Backlogs, lists foreclosure backlog totals throughout the 20 judicial circuits in Florida. Ninth Circuit Chief, Judge Belvin Perry was quoted in the news article; “People in the banking community seem to Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-46046035514064455932010-08-22T12:26:00.000-04:002010-08-22T12:26:44.635-04:00HUD Counseling Agency information for deaf persons video
I discovered this video HUD produced for deaf persons. The video gives the web address for both FHA and HUD so that anyone in fear of losing their home can visit to obtain information about local HUD Counseling Agencies.Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-33840112780248933442010-08-17T15:51:00.000-04:002010-08-17T15:51:19.330-04:00Leverage our technology to your advantage - Watson Realty Corp.Leverage our technology to your advantage. Ed Forman, President of Watson Realty Corp. discusses the advantages Watson Realty offers through our technology.
Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-54344368846659927612010-08-12T22:12:00.000-04:002010-08-12T22:12:58.007-04:00When is the Florida Back to School Sales Tax Holiday?As the 2010 Florida school year approaches, Floridians will be able to take advantage of the back to school sales tax holiday again this year. The sales tax holiday will run from August 13-15.
The tax holiday will help families and students save on purchases of school supplies, books, clothing, and footwear. They will not have to pay sales tax on books, clothing or footwear that cost $50 or Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-78537783545789091952010-08-11T22:22:00.000-04:002010-08-11T22:22:23.161-04:00Watson Realty Opens New Office in Starke, FloridaWatson Realty Corp., REALTORS® recently merged the office of Hometown First Realty in Starke with its Keystone Heights office. Watson Keystone Heights will maintain a branch office at the former location of Hometown First Realty in downtown Starke at 107 E. Call Street. Watson associates Ann Ryan, Gayle Van Wagenen and Ronald Norman will now work at the Starke location. The merger increases the Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-77833031352398500602010-08-11T21:52:00.000-04:002010-08-11T21:52:59.780-04:00National Association of Home Builders Show Coming To Orlando in 2011The National Association of Home Builders will be holding the 2010 International Builders' Show in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center. The tradeshow is scheduled for January 12-15. The show offers networking opportunities, education sessions, product showcase and special events.
The National Association of Home Builders is forecasting moderately faster economic and job growth over Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-77124271699970971212010-08-11T20:57:00.000-04:002010-08-11T20:57:54.708-04:00Kissimmee’s residential home sales up in 2Q 2010Kissimmee’s residential home sales increased by just over 11% during the 2nd quarter of 2010 compared to the same time during 2009. 1257 residential homes were reported as selling during the 2nd quarter of 2009 while 1396 units are reported as selling during the same time period in 2010.
REO/bank owned homes accounted for approximately 47% of the total sales reported with 660 residential units. Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-54188237675587328972010-08-04T21:44:00.000-04:002010-08-04T21:44:25.685-04:00Florida's Tax Amnesty July 1, 2010 - September 30, 2010Florida's tax amnesty runs from July 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010 and is an opportunity for taxpayers to voluntarily pay back taxes with NO penalty and reduced interest during a limited time period. The amnesty period is intended to help taxpayers save money.
Taxes related to real estate that are eligible for the amnesty include; sales tax due when renting any type of living quarters for less Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-39479687853497762372010-08-04T13:30:00.000-04:002010-08-04T13:30:56.128-04:00How can you avoid IRS refund delays in receiving your first time homebuyer tax credit?Now that the Government has extended the time to close for first time homebuyers who were under contract by April 30 until September 20, 2010, the IRS is offering suggestions on how you can avoid refund delays.
The IRS says to attach a copy of the pages from the signed contract showing all parties' names and signatures if required by local law, the property address, the purchase price, and the Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-48383329316163080122010-07-12T16:40:00.000-04:002010-07-12T16:40:15.408-04:00We need to short sale our home; can we sell it to a family member?It is a common practice for the lender to require the seller to sign an “arms length” affidavit as part of the short sale approval process. This arms length affidavit is intended to prevent the owner of the house from selling to a family member. It may also prevent the owner from selling to a business associate.
Why would the lender not want the owner to sell to a family member? The reason in Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-30747891506548012522010-07-11T19:04:00.000-04:002010-07-11T19:04:45.008-04:00New theme park coming to Central Florida will bring tourists & jobs.
Managing Director of LEGOLAND Parks John Jakobsen says on this WOFL FOX 35 video that the opening of the LEGOLAND® Florida theme park will bring tourists and approximately 1,000 jobs to the Central Florida area. To find out more about the new park, visit http://www.legolandfloridaresort.com.Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-1566209238762280162010-07-08T13:11:00.000-04:002010-07-08T13:11:39.180-04:00Leverage Our Experience To Your Advantage - Watson Realty Corp.
Founder and Chairman of the Board, William Watson, Jr. of Watson Realty Corp. discussing the advantages of using our full service real estate firm.Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-15052272098185212152010-07-08T11:39:00.000-04:002010-07-08T11:39:32.810-04:00If the owner does not sign the contract how will you enforce it?We are encountering houses for sale in our area where the listing agent informs us that the owner of the house has entered into an agreement to sell their home to a third party and it is this third party that has now listed the home and will be negotiating the transaction with our buyer. As you might have already guessed, these listings have short sale contingencies.
Here is how the conversationGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-82732611314349857442010-06-24T13:53:00.000-04:002010-06-24T13:53:13.798-04:00Kissimmee 4th of July fireworks and funThere will be fireworks, entertainment, live music and food at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park South this 4th of July from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to attend a fireworks show that will be displayed above Big Lake Toho beginning at approximately 9:10 p.m.
More informationGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-13490833689686031702010-06-24T10:38:00.000-04:002010-06-24T10:38:02.030-04:00Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywallThe Florida Realtors website recently reported on a Miami family that was awarded $2.4 million because of having defective Chinese drywall installed in their home. Defective Chinese drywall can smell like sulfur and corrodes appliances, wiring and other metal. Research is ongoing to determine health hazards and risks of exposure to the drywall.
A potential home buyer concerned with buying a Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-92215584458724623392010-06-14T11:57:00.000-04:002010-06-14T11:57:57.746-04:00If there is something about your real estate transaction that does not seem right, talk to an attorney.The contracts that we use in Florida to sell real estate are legally binding documents. They were created to address the issues, concerns and requirements buyers and sellers should be aware of when buying or selling a home. As a result of repetition, practice and training, real estate agents should have a very good understanding of what is written in the contracts and can direct a buyer or sellerGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-84470110427100883842010-06-02T14:37:00.000-04:002010-06-02T14:37:13.236-04:00The Estates at Stevens Plantation Award Winning Saint Cloud HomeThe Estates at Stevens Plantation. This award winning home has been professionally designed and appointed. Stevens Plantation is within minutes to Orlando. Located in Saint Cloud, this community prides itself on being progressive while not losing the small town feel. The city and community is also near the Orlando International Airport, and the newly created Medical City at Lake Nona.
Virtual Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-16397082336406367812010-06-02T11:28:00.000-04:002010-06-02T11:28:06.698-04:00What would a football dome do to Orange County property values?The Orlando Sentinel has reported that Orange County Commissioner Bill Segal dreams of bringing a football dome to Orange County.
How do football domes and stadiums impact mean property values? I went to Google looking for information about the impact football stadium has on real estate values. I found two differing opinions from two major markets that were considering/are considering building aGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-23548822856762535432010-06-01T14:48:00.000-04:002010-06-01T14:48:33.303-04:00Florida Realtors is donating money for phone calling cards that the USO will distribute to U.S. active duty troops
Show our troops we care - donate todayFlorida Realtors kicks off military phone card program
Orlando, Fla. – May XX, 2010 – “To us, home is where we prop our feet up after a rough day” says Wendell Davis, Florida Realtors® president. “If ‘home’ to our service sons and daughters is a short phone call, then we, as Florida Realtors, should help them find ‘home,’ just as we help Florida buyers findGreg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-23489468420480430532010-05-27T23:17:00.000-04:002010-05-27T23:17:15.358-04:00If you are looking for a job, how about a career instead?As stated in one article, the recession may be over, but the job market recovery is lagging way behind. Let’s not go into what they say about the future job market. Instead, what is something positive that is happening?
Watson Realty Corp. announced that the closed volume for the month of April 2010 was up $29,386,657.00. In addition the number of transactions was up 39%.
So, what do the job Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-83492909431026362502010-05-27T14:55:00.000-04:002010-05-27T14:55:23.916-04:00If you think you do not need a home inspection, think again.There is no legitimate reason I can think of to waive having a home inspection when purchasing a house. The cost of the inspection prior to closing could save you thousands of dollars you might otherwise have to pay out for unseen damage or problems that need repaired or replaced. Why would a buyer take a chance and buy a home that has not been inspected?
Bad advice
Someone has told the buyer Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-9812068766097790382010-05-24T13:20:00.000-04:002010-05-24T13:20:16.670-04:005 things you should know if you have not bought a house in the past few years.If you have not bought a home since the early 2000s you will need to be brought up to speed on what has changed, what to watch out for and what you need to consider before buying a house during 2010.
Prices are low. I mean real low. The median home prices of homes in the Orlando area are at an 8 year low. How low will they go? Where are the best deals?
2. Financing guidelines have tightened. Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-59439757010982565752010-05-21T11:49:00.001-04:002010-05-21T11:51:03.976-04:00Mercedes Homes Offers Spacious Affordable Living in Stevens PlantationMark Shields, Marianao Arguello and Carmen Dombrowski visited our office recently and provided us with information on Verandah Lakes at Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud. Builders will often stop by during our weekly meeting in order to make sure we have the latest information about their new homes and communities so that we can pass this on to our customers.
Mercedes is building homes in Stevens Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-45373153599770333342010-05-19T14:59:00.001-04:002010-05-19T15:03:54.996-04:00Lenders may ask the seller to bring money to the closing as part of the short sale approval.Several of my agents have encountered situations involving short sale transactions where, as part of the approval process, the lender requires the seller/owner to bring money to the closing. In many cases this condition of approval is acceptable to the seller and they agree to the banks terms enabling the transaction to close.
There are times when the seller/owner of the home being sold simply Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14428986.post-85143800193625960912010-05-18T21:19:00.001-04:002010-05-18T21:22:10.322-04:00I get a lot of calls for assisted living facilities and churches.I receive calls and emails daily from people interested in purchasing an assisted living facility or a church. The majority of those who contact me do so because of a blog post on assisted living facilities I wrote back in 2009 and a webpage on gregstaker.com dealing with churches for sale. It would seem the demand for assisted living facilities and churches is in high demand. I think that makes Greg Stakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09213970498827484324greg@gregstaker.com1