The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for October 2008.  Lake Mary is made up of the zip code 32746.  For purposes of this analysis we will be 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 number of prope... 11/11/2008

This Pre-Qual worksheet is part of a series of blogs to assist First Time Home Buyers. While this worksheet is by no means meant to replace speaking with a loan officer and obtaining a pre-approval, it might help you understand how the process works and give you a starting point to figure out how much you can afford. Again there are more details that go into a pre-approval and if you would like to get pre-approved for a home loan contact Heather Joubran 407-810-6304. Total gross monthly income:             $_3600_ $___3600_____________    x _____0.31_________% = $____1,116.00_________ (total gross monthly)                        Housing Ratio              FHA allowable toward housing cost $___3600_____________    x _____0.43_________% = $____1,548.00_________ (total gross monthly)     ... 11/08/2008

Each day when I drive by the new Star Child Academy in Lake Mary, I notice the full parking lot, the brightly colored playground equipment and the abundance of "classrooms" with their own private view to the outdoors. Today, I decided to stop in for some information so that I could have it available for some buyers who are visiting next week...and after seeing the facility and the program offerings, I am wishing I was a kid again! Star Child Academy, which is a franchise with an excellent reputation, offers childcare/education programs for children who are 6 weeks to Pre-K age, in addition to providing before and after school programs for the area public school students. A few of the things that really impressed me were: How clean the facility was Their nationally recognized curricula T... 11/07/2008

Okay, we all know that the loss [unless something changes] of Ameridream and Nehemiah is going to stiffle the first-time buyer's ability to jump in the market, do we not. Well... maybe not so fast. What about the IRS-Funded Down Payment Assistance? I am talking, obviously, about the new $7500 Tax Credit for First-time homebuyers. How do we position this so that buyers can legitimately see the benefit and be willing to re-engage. First things first. What is the difference between a Tax Deductiona and a Tax Credit Tax Deduction -The benefit is relative to the tax bracket that the last dollars of your income falls in. For example, if you had a $7500 tax deduction in a 25% bracket, the realized benefit would be $1875.00 [7500 x .25 = 1875] Tax Credit - A dollar for dollar reduction of your ... 11/05/2008

Just a few short years ago, there wasn't one home available for sale at $200,000 or less...but today, there are 17 homes with a MINIMUM of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1500 square feet and a two car garage that are listed in the Multiple Listing Services within this price range. Here is a breakdown of those 17 homes: 4 are bank owned  10 are short sales 3 are traditional owned properties (Being offered for sale without third party approval being required) If you are a Buyer who would like to own a home in Lake Mary for $200,000 or less and would like to purchase, close and occupy by December 31st so that you can qualify for Homestead Exemption (which reduces your taxes), call me today! Bank-owned properties and those homes being sold by traditional sellers not requiring bank approval are th... 11/05/2008

This is the weekly update of homes sales (townhomes & condominiums too) for Lake Mary Florida.  The "Just Sold" Lake Mary & Heathrow Florida Update includes the 32746 zip code. The last week of the month was very good in Lake Mary Florida, there were ten single family homes sales and one condominium sale.  Single Family Homes Just Sold in Lake Mary Florida   Sold Neighborhood Street Address Living Area Beds & Baths Pool $525,000 Heathrow 757 Preserve Ter. 2,913 4 / 3 Y $327,500 Heathrow 1089 Kersfield Cir. 2,206 3 / 2 N $287,000 Hills of Lake Mary 333 Silver Pine 2,314 4 / 2 Y $266,000 Hills of Lake Mary 880 Lake Como Dr. 1,597 3 / 2 Y $244,000 Manderley 497 Randon Ter. 2,033 4 / 2 N $200,000 Highlands of Lake Mary 3592 Moss Pointe Pl. 2,142 4 / 2.5 N $195,500 Heron Cove 178 Heron Bay C... 11/04/2008

What's Hot and What's Not Week in Review - 11/4/2008 Past Weeks: 10/06/2008 10/13/2008, 10/20/2008 Each week will feature the hottest sales and listings in Orange County and Seminole County, FL. As to not offend anyone we will not be listing the Nots. This week I had a hard time choosing the hottest listing of the week so I have embedded a link for all 9 homes. But I choose the showcase one because of it's lavish back yard. Hottest Home of the Week JUST SOLD: This weeks hot home sale is located at 1780 CAROLLEE LN WINTER PARK, FL Custom kitchen with 60 inch cabinets, granite, GE profile appliances, hardwood, marble & travertine floors. Custom wood work, crown molding, large baseboards. Home pre-wired for surround sound Audio/Video system and prewired rooms for internet & HDTV. Thermo-p... 11/04/2008

524 Serenity Pl Lake Mary, FL 32746 SHORT SALE APPROVED IN LAKE MARY! Home Complete Details Photo Gallery Property Map Financing Request Showing Contact Me June Moore Office:407-921-7727 Mobile:407-921-7727 Website:Visit Website Price : $321,900 Bedrooms : 4 Bathrooms : 2.5 Square Foot : 3,000 County : Seminole Property Type : Detached Year Built : 1993 click for more pictures Property Description HURRY EXCEPTIONAL BUY!! SHORT SALE! Lakefront! Stunning 2 story w/4 BR 2.5 ba, Bonus room, soaring vaulted ceilings.Study or Den with French door, bonus room overlooks family room, customwood floors & Italian tile in foyer, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room.Remodeled kitchen with center island, new ceramic stove stop, gourmet double oven, double door refrigerator, dishwasher and new disposa... 11/03/2008

Do you want to be on House Hunters? If you were watching last night you probably saw myself and my buyers Marcie & Paul. The producers of the show have emailed me to ask for my assistance again with the show. They have been picked up for another 26 episodes. So here is your opportunity to be a star. If you want to have a shot of being on HGTV's House Hunters and are looking to work with a Realtor lets get together. I can help you put together your story and audition tape and since Im on their list my buyers are generally a shoe in. Please know that this will consume 4-5 days of shooting (some are half days), you are paid about $50 per diem for your time. I spoke with Paul today and on his way home he stopped by the bank to deposit his check and the teller there got all giddy. She said,... 10/31/2008

The Summers Team from "Move To Lake Mary" wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween...  We will be attending a "Spooktacular" wedding this evening!  It's an Irish/British wedding of two of my favorite clients... Can't wait!    Don't be afraid! Halloween's a sudden BOO!! And just as quick a scream: Laughing in the scary dark, Loving friendly fright. On Halloween, witches come true; Wild ghosts escape from dreams. Each monster dances in the park, Eating candy like a shark-- Now kiss and say goodnight! Happy Halloween! Debbie Summers | ALHS, e-PRO | RE/MAX Central Realty Cell 407-758-1020 | Email | Website     Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida) Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com     10/31/2008

22nd Anuual Lake Mary - Heathrow Festival of the Arts begins tomorrow morning in Lake Mary.  This years festivities are being held at Oval Park in Heathrow adjacent to Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary just north of Heathrow on H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway.  The Festival features Artists from around the country and draws tens of thousands of visitors to the area.  The festival is recognized as one of the finest juried art show that blends entertainment, crafts and extraordinary art.  Come and spend the day in Lake Mary at the Arts Festival, walk the streets of Colonial Town Park and have lunch at one of the very popular eateries.   Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida) Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com   10/31/2008

Who says 100% financing isnt possible for first time home buyers? If they did, then they dont know about one of the great loan programs available to Veterans. I had to go back in an edit this blog I forgot to mention that with a VA Loan there is no PMI payment! With veterans day right around the corner I felt it was an appropriate time to discuss VA Loan Benefits. Here are some frequently asked questions about the VA Loan program. So what is a VA Loan & Who can use it? The VA Loan also know as the The GI Bill it provides veterans with a federally guaranteed home with no down payment. That's right no down payment, regardless of the real market. This was put into place to ensure the dream of home ownership became a reality for millions of veterans. Eligibility for the VA loan is defined ... 10/31/2008

                As you can probably determine, this basically used to be dry land, or at least drier. Tropical Storm Faye's pattern of continually dropping enormous amounts of rain on the area, still shows signs of its powerful wrath. I had wanted to take these pics when I took the previous ones, but at that time was on the wrong side of SR 417. For information on Orlando and Lake Mary real estate & Orlando and Lake Mary homes for sale contact Marc Grossman, your Greater Orlando Are Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County. To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.  Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ ... 10/29/2008

If you haven't had an opportunity to watch the latest 60 Minutes Segment on Credit Default Swaps... You must watch this report.  Until a bill was passed in 2000, this form of gambling (YES, I SAID GAMBLING) was ILLEGAL. Congress and Wall Street SOLD OUT their fellow Americans... They knew exactly what they were doing and you and I are left to pick up the 700 Billion pieces.   Watch CBS Videos Online   The First Report by 60 Minutes on Credit Default Swaps    Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida) Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com  10/28/2008

What's Hot and What's Not Week in Review - 10/20/2008 Past Weeks: 10/06/2008 10/13/2008 Each week will feature the hottest sales and listings in Orange County and Seminole County, FL. As to not offend anyone we will not be listing the Nots. This week we are showing the most lavish homes in both counties with one being the sale to a local sports celebrity. Hottest Home of the Week JUST SOLD: This weeks hot home sale is located at 3565 RICE LAKE LOOP LONGWOOD, FL in LAKE CLUB part of the 2008 Street of Dreams. This home was purchased by a local sports celebrity and player for the Orlando Magic. European estate wins all awards; Best in show, landscape design, architectural design, interior design. Chateau D'Usse features stunning 30' gold travertine gothic arches at courtyard. One wing of... 10/27/2008

 Attention Golf lovers... The PGA Tour comes to Orlando and Disney World next week with the 2008 Children's Miracle Network Classic.   The Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America.  The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando is a participating hospital and was voted by U.S. News and World Reports as One of the Best Children's Hospitals in the Country. I support the Children's Miracle Network throughout the year and I attended the tournament with customers last year and will be sharing the my tournament experience again this year with some fellow golf junkies.  It's a great chance to see some of your favorite PGA tour players and spend the day with... 10/26/2008

Excitement...Frustration...Hope...Desperation...Anger...Disappointment and Disgust!  These are the feelings that a buyer is likely to have during the 3rd party approval process of a home that is a short sale...and that's during a sale THAT ACTUALLY ENDS UP CLOSING. Once you write a contract on a short sale you could be waiting weeks and often months for an answer from the seller's lender.  Should you consider writing an offer on a short sale?  Please think about this first... Short sales are not for everyone: If you have a specific timetable to meet... Don't write a contract on a short sale. If you can't accept the property in the condition that it is today... Don't write a contract on a short sale. If you don't have a backup plan... Don't write a contract on a short sale. If the seller... 10/25/2008

You may have read in my previous posts about Washington Estates, a custom home community of only five lots...if not, you can read them here and here . I am pleased to announce that the first estate is now complete! The good news is, the home has been finished (minus the pool, which can be built prior to closing if so desired) and that this home has been reduced from $1.2M to $995,000.  The not-so-great news (for the builder) is that he has a balloon payment coming due at the first of the year. As a result, he is considering offers on not only the house, but on the entire project! I have provided a video email in the first link below and a slide show presentation of the property in the second link which provides additional information about this property and the opportunities that exist.... 10/24/2008

  Your's truly will be on her 2nd HGTV show this year, House Hunters. My episdoe will air October 30th at 10 pm. Check HGTV for your local times. This episode will be a special about challenges first time home buyers face and the Sanford, FL area.   A portion of all my commissions are donated to organizations dedicated to the saving and protecting of animals and wildlife. I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net. Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanfor... 10/24/2008

How can I buy a foreclosure? It's the top question of many Seminole County home buyers.  The best way to purchase a Foreclosure in Lake Mary is to contact your Seminole County REALTOR and have them provide you with a list of the Lake Mary foreclosures that are now available on the open market. Please check back each week as we will focus on the Foreclosure Value Buy of the Week in Lake Mary, Florida. Featured Lake Mary Foreclosure Of The Week: 681 Starstone Dr., Lake Mary, FL  32746 Neighborhood:  The Crossings 4 Bedroom / 3 Bath Pool Home $191,900 Please click the photo to link to all the property details Please contact me for a complete list of all the foreclosures available or if you would like personal assistance with your home search. Often foreclosures are in less than perfect con... 10/22/2008