Monday, December 22, 2014

November 2014 Market Report

The Orlando real estate market is definitely looking stronger this year during the holidays compared to last year. Looking at Nov 2014 compared to Nov 2013, the market is up 16.74% according to My Florida Regional MLS Stats. The average home shows and increase of 7% compared to this time last year. The average sold price is $217,584 compared to $203,347. The homes that are in the greatest desired category seemingly are single family 3 bedroom homes between $150,000 and $199,999.

In the Osceola real Estate market the sold dollar volume has increased 16.53% since last year same time according to the My Florida Regional MLS stats. The average sold price is up 6% from last year which means that the average sold price is not $186,372 compared to last year at $175,822. The homes that are more desired are single family 3 bedroom homes between $150,000 and $199,999 which is the same as homes in Orlando County.

The average days on market is between 31-60 days in both Osceola and Orange County. So if you are looking to list your home, now is a pretty good time... Buyers need the inventory and Sellers and ready to move on to their next chapter with probable profit.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

How is the market?



I get asked this question a lot. Today I decided to just post how the market is doing because if you are thinking about buying or selling, I have some great information in this article. Being the straight shooter I am, beating around the bush is not my forte. I like giving facts and the truth about real estate. Being a realtor, I have the privilege of interpreting the market.

In mid November we saw an increase in single family home sales. The median price of single family homes increased 0.8% within the 2nd week of November compared to the 1st. The number of single family foreclosures did show a slight increase while the number of short sales decreased relatively little. The average days on market listings to closing has decreased to approximately 115 days in Lake , Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties from the high of 130 days in October and July of 2014. Let's note that  in this current market, bank owned properties take make up 21.89%, Short Sales make u about 5.72% and other sales make up 72.39% according to the Orlando Regional Association from 11/16/2014- 11/22/2014.

With all that being said, are you curious about keeping track of your home value? Be ahead of the game with facts about the market.

This is an ever changing market and now is the time to have a knowledgeable professional to make your property stand out above the rest. Looking for a great experience when making one of the biggest life changes? Please call me at 646-732-2730. We can determine whether selling your house is the right decision for you.



Wednesday, November 5, 2014

A Day with Mr Roy

     Today started off with nothing major to do on the "To do list." As a realtor you may have days that you choose to do prospecting or admin activities.Well, today I knew it was going to be an out of the office day. A day that I would hit the streets and knock on the doors of unsuspecting neighbors in and out of my community. I was actually driving to a homeowner that called me about listing their home, when I noticed an older man standing in front of his driveway walking back and forth. I stopped and asked him what his address was, because some of the homes in the neighborhood did not have addresses on the front. In any event, as I spoke with him for a while I discovered that he was from New York, like myself and he had moved to Florida when his wife decided to retire from nursing. As we continued to converse, he explained that his wife had suffered from Alzheimer's shortly after they moved down and then had 2 strokes one shortly after the other, that left her immobilized in need of major overall care. After speaking with Mr Roy for about 15 minutes he invited me in to meet his wife. When I walked in the house, the first thing I noticed was everything had its place. The home was impeccable. It looked like a traditional Island home. I can say that because I am also from the islands, and culturally, I usually can spot another islander when I meet them initially. After being introduced to Mr Roy's wife, Doreen, I was very impressed with how clean and well taken care of she was. Mrs Doreen could not communicate with her mouth but she communicated with her eyes. I immediately noticed that she was present for my presence and I expressed my gratitude for allowing me in her home. Mr Roy proceeded to tell me all these wonderful stories about him and his lovely wife Doreen, not to mention going through the wall of their family photos and memories. At the end of the tour down memory lane, I had to tell Mr Roy that I needed to leave to go back to work. Mr Roy turned around and looked at me and said "My dear, I want to remind you of one thing, life is short and you have to make the best of the time you have left." Mr Roy asked me to remember to take vacations with my family and spend as much time as possible with loved ones because tomorrow is not promised. To tell the truth I did not wake up expecting such a great day. I am thankful for all the treasures I found today. Thank you my new friend Mr Roy for being my treasure!

Friday, October 17, 2014

East Park Neighborhood Update

Click on the link for a Market update on East Lake  Neighborhood near Lake Nona community

East Lake Properties/ Market Update

The Stinking Truth

As I come in contact with many sellers, I realize one thing. That one thing is, everyone wants the best price for their home. That is not the issue. The issue is the overpricing that happens too often in real estate. Some homeowners even like to "test" their home on the market. Hoping that someone gives them enough money to go retire on a yacht in the Cayman Islands. What is that? Is it a dose of disney world that continues to hold sellers back from their reality of the Real Estate Market?

The truth is the real estate market is ever changing, however what remains the same is that everyone wants the best bank for their buck. Unfortunately because most sellers have an emotional attachment to their house and do not work in the Real Estate Market daily, they tend to overprice their home. Overpricing will lead to the least bank for your buck and send a seller into distress.  Even if a buyer solves the home, buyers remorse can happen if they realize through research that they are paying $30,000 more for your home that the home across the street.

Please, listen to your Realtor. Usually you know when you have interviewed with a real Professional. Take sound advice from someone that studies the market monthly, if not weekly. Be informed, yet be realistic. Selling a home is not a simple task, as a matter of fact in some cases it could be nearly impossible for  a buyer to absolutely love everything about a home that they about to pour most of their savings into.  Make it Sell not Sit,

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

$99.00 down for a New Home

Highland Homes Expands Offerings with Four New Communities Coming Soon

Highland Homes announces new home communities in St. Cloud, Plant City and Ruskin, Florida.

Tampa, FL, October 02, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Highland Homes is growing as it expands its new
home offerings with several new communities expected to open soon in Central Florida and
Tampa Bay.

“2014 has been a successful year for Highland Homes as we have started selling new homes in 
several new communities and closed out several others,” said Amy Cooper, Marketing Manager of 
Highland Homes. “As we begin the fourth quarter of 2014, we are excited to announce four more
new communities to fulfill the needs of Florida home buyers, with a few more being developed to
open before the end of the year.”

The four communities that Highland Homes will soon start selling at include Deer Creek in
St. Cloud, Venetian at Bay Park in Ruskin and Eastridge Preserve and Wiggins Estates in Plant City.

With its prime St. Cloud location and stylish home designs priced from the $160,000s, Deer
Creek was so popular among homebuyers that when Highland Homes sold out earlier this year,
they received multiplerequests to build more homes in this community. Highland Homes listened
and is excited to announce theyare purchasing 41 new home sites in the community.
Residents of Deer Creek enjoy the ideal Florida lifestyle with lakes and conservation areas
throughout the community, as well as a playground and open spaces. Additionally, the Florida
Turnpike, Orlando’s world-renowned attractions, delicious restaurants and golfcourses are just
minutes away.

Located within the Wellington North at Bay Park community in Ruskin, Venetian at Bay Park
will feature 25 
single-family homes in a quiet cul-de-sac court. Priced from the $150,000s, these homes will
feature up to 2,179 square feet of living space with sought-after features that include open layouts,
built-in storage, two-car garages and outdoor living areas. Additionally, Venetian at Bay Park
is located just minutes from Tampa Bay and the Little Manatee River, as well as a multitude
of beaches, parks, nature preserves and water activities. Pre-sales opportunities are available now.

In Plant City, Highland Homes is now accepting pre-sales at Eastridge Preserve and Wiggins Estates.
 Both communities offer plenty of space for outdoor living with one-acre home sites (or larger).
With homes pricedfrom the $230,000s, interiors of the single-family homes showcase well-designed
floor plans with up to 3,315 square feet of living space. Eastridge Preserve offers 17 home sites,
while Wiggins Estates offers very limited opportunities with just two estate home sites available.

At every Highland Homes community, buyers have the opportunity to personalize their new home
with hundreds of selections available in the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio. Additionally,
qualified homebuyers can purchase with just $99 down, to make owning a home in one of these
metro Orlando or Tampa Bay communities even more affordable.

For more information on these communities and to register for the community Interest Lists, visit www.HighlandHomes.org.

Highland Homes has been Florida's new home value leader for more than a decade. When it
comes to building your new home, you can trust the Highland Homes team to deliver the best
in new home choice, quality, value and satisfaction. Highland Homes has new home communities
throughout Central, North Central, Southwest and Tampa Bay, Florida, including the cities
of Auburndale,Bartow, Davenport, Hudson, Gibsonton, Lady Lake, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland,
Leesburg, Mulberry,Ocala, Palmetto, Plant City, Ruskin, St. Cloud, Valrico, WinterHaven, and
Zephyrhills. For a complete list of new home communities and more information, visit the 
Highland Homes website at http://www.highlandhomes.org.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Monday Morning Quarterback Weekly Report - Orlando Regional Realtor Association

Looking For the "Truth in the Real Estate Market".. Here it is! Click Below

Monday Morning Quarterback Weekly Report - Orlando Regional Realtor Association



Email me at KarleneGrimes@gmail.com if you would like a FREE home analysis!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Housing Trends eNewsletter- Karlene Grimes

Housing Trends eNewsletter- Karlene Grimes

www.grimesfloridarealestate.com


Read up on Real Estate! Stay ahead of what is happening in the local market. Sitting on a thought is less effecting than acting on it. Call me today! 


Monday, September 29, 2014

Wondering about upcoming USDA changes and property qualification Preview USDA Map

Click Here USDA Map Locator


  
The implementation of the new Rural Area Eligibility Maps has been delayed for an indefinite period.  That means any property currently in an "Eligible" area on the regular Eligibility Map site will remain that way past September 30th, 2014.  Do not use the Future Eligibility Map site until further notice.  We will keep you informed of any changes as they become available.


 Brought to you by:
      
Colleen Mitchell
Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #490278
HomeBridgeFinancial Services, Inc.

Orlando Housing Market Report: August 2014

Monday, September 22, 2014

Sunday, September 21, 2014

REITs are not a handyman special

I found this great article about Real Estate Investment Trusts. What are your feelings about a REIT? Would you take a chance on an investment like this one in your portfolio and if you already have one, how is doing?
REITs are not a handyman special


Friday, September 19, 2014

If you were to sell your home today, is it Ready?

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Buy Vs Rent Comparison. Will make you say " Hmm....."

Buy vs. Rent Comparison 

The chart below shows a cost comparison for a renter and a homeowner over a 7 year period.
The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5% The homeowner purchases a home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000
After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment
With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is lessthan the rental payment after 3 years
Source: Ginnie Mae. Click on image to enlarge.

Statistics & Studies on the Buy vs. Rent Decision

Rent vs Buy: Where Should You Invest?, (Mortgage Dex May, 2014). 
Is It Better to Buy or Rent?, (New York Times, 2014).
Poll: Number of Renters Who Want to Own Skyrockets(REALTOR® Magazine, Jan. 3, 2013).
American Renters Getting Squeezed, (REALTOR® Magazine, July 5, 2012).
Why renters should consider buying a home, (Tampa Tribune, May 29, 2012).
Rents Keep Rising as Demand Soars, (REALTOR® Magazine, Feb. 28, 2012).
12 Markets Where It’s Better to Rent., (The Fiscal Times, Jan. 4, 2012).
"Are Retirees Better Off Renting than Owning a Home?", (OutOfYourRut.com, Apr. 22, 2011).