Lauren Ritchie COMMENTARY January 22, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
Don't come home drunk.That's Rule No. 1 for living in a truly hideous BUD. BUD is an acronym that stands for Butt Ugly Development -- those cookie-cutter, treeless subdivisions that are taking over Lake County. If you come home three sheets to the wind (my mother's quaint phrase), chances are good that you'll blast through the wrong front door, stagger into the wrong bed, and oh-my-goodness! Think of the consequences!Stop BUDs! Click on this hilarious, but true details.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Experts Can See Clouds forming over Home Sales
Mike Thomas COMMENTARY January 22, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
I see where some home builders say 2006 is going to be an even better year than 2005 for housing.That is nonsense."
This is not the time to invest in real estate," says local economist Hank Fishkind.Adds Kevin Fritz of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association: "That time is over where it is a great option to buy for resale."
We have gone from a housing market considered undervalued only a short while ago to one that now is edging into the risky category. Click link for more information.
I see where some home builders say 2006 is going to be an even better year than 2005 for housing.That is nonsense."
This is not the time to invest in real estate," says local economist Hank Fishkind.Adds Kevin Fritz of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association: "That time is over where it is a great option to buy for resale."
We have gone from a housing market considered undervalued only a short while ago to one that now is edging into the risky category. Click link for more information.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Get over it
Our position: The widespread use of Windermere's name is a compliment, not a problem.
January 19, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
So a Windermere official is so concerned about nearby enclaves horning in on the town's prestigious name that he inquired about getting a trademark to restrict its use.
Come on. People in Orange County lay claim to Orlando, but the city doesn't try to stop them.
Certainly, Windermere residents have much to be proud of with the town's sparkling lakes, quaint unpaved roads and soaring property values. That people down the road claim that they, too, live there takes nothing away.It's wrong for real-estate agents to falsely claim an area is in Windermere just to make a buck, but misled buyers aren't the only ones complaining. Windermere residents are, and it smacks of elitism.
Why not consider the name usage a compliment and just enjoy the flattery?
Our position: The widespread use of Windermere's name is a compliment, not a problem.
January 19, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
So a Windermere official is so concerned about nearby enclaves horning in on the town's prestigious name that he inquired about getting a trademark to restrict its use.
Come on. People in Orange County lay claim to Orlando, but the city doesn't try to stop them.
Certainly, Windermere residents have much to be proud of with the town's sparkling lakes, quaint unpaved roads and soaring property values. That people down the road claim that they, too, live there takes nothing away.It's wrong for real-estate agents to falsely claim an area is in Windermere just to make a buck, but misled buyers aren't the only ones complaining. Windermere residents are, and it smacks of elitism.
Why not consider the name usage a compliment and just enjoy the flattery?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Orlando Real Estate Outlook is Optimistic for 2006
Jack SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 16, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
Think 2005 was a great year for residential and commercial real estate? This year will be even better, according to the real experts -- not economists, but the folks managing the businesses that help make the Central Florida economy hum.
David Barley, president of The Palm Beach Land Trust and the force behind development of the former Pizzuti block in downtown Orlando, promises lots of excitement.
"We're the catalyst for change in downtown Orlando," Barley said. The development, still evolving, takes a new approach: Making maximum use of public spaces.
"We've introduced place making to the developers' vocabulary," Barley said.
The developer also has the Eight Seconds property on Livingston Street under contract and Barley said he has development plans for that 2.96 acres.
Additional proof of Barley's optimism: He is buying land on Morse Boulevard in Winter Park for an office condo project and five acres at Heathrow in Seminole County for another office condo. Palm Beach Land Trust earlier did an office condo project near Heathrow that sold out quickly. Please click link for full story.
Think 2005 was a great year for residential and commercial real estate? This year will be even better, according to the real experts -- not economists, but the folks managing the businesses that help make the Central Florida economy hum.
David Barley, president of The Palm Beach Land Trust and the force behind development of the former Pizzuti block in downtown Orlando, promises lots of excitement.
"We're the catalyst for change in downtown Orlando," Barley said. The development, still evolving, takes a new approach: Making maximum use of public spaces.
"We've introduced place making to the developers' vocabulary," Barley said.
The developer also has the Eight Seconds property on Livingston Street under contract and Barley said he has development plans for that 2.96 acres.
Additional proof of Barley's optimism: He is buying land on Morse Boulevard in Winter Park for an office condo project and five acres at Heathrow in Seminole County for another office condo. Palm Beach Land Trust earlier did an office condo project near Heathrow that sold out quickly. Please click link for full story.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Resale or Renovation?
Experts say you should consider how changes will affect your home's value before you get your heart set on specific home-improvement projects.
Jennifer Lisle Special to the Sentinel January 15, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
When Christy Cleveland and her family outgrew their 1,800-square-foot ranch house in Long Beach, Calif., two years ago, they first considered trading up. Additional expense: $400,000 to $500,000.They next looked at adding a second floor. Estimated cost: $200,000.Ultimately, they decided to add a recreation room and an extra bath at the back of the garage. Cost: $40,000. Please click on link for full details.
Jennifer Lisle Special to the Sentinel January 15, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
When Christy Cleveland and her family outgrew their 1,800-square-foot ranch house in Long Beach, Calif., two years ago, they first considered trading up. Additional expense: $400,000 to $500,000.They next looked at adding a second floor. Estimated cost: $200,000.Ultimately, they decided to add a recreation room and an extra bath at the back of the garage. Cost: $40,000. Please click on link for full details.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Orlando Full House
Economists forecast healthy home sales unless speculators bail out
Jack SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 12, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
The nation's housing markets should remain quite healthy this year, if a bit off last year's record-setting pace -- though that could depend on how investors and speculators behave in coming months, experts in Orlando said Wednesday.
A trio of economists at the International Builders' Show warned that, if investors who have flooded the U.S. market in recent years begin selling off their properties as appreciation rates decline or investments such as stocks become more attractive, it could lead to problems in certain parts of the country. Click link for full story.
Jack SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 12, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
The nation's housing markets should remain quite healthy this year, if a bit off last year's record-setting pace -- though that could depend on how investors and speculators behave in coming months, experts in Orlando said Wednesday.
A trio of economists at the International Builders' Show warned that, if investors who have flooded the U.S. market in recent years begin selling off their properties as appreciation rates decline or investments such as stocks become more attractive, it could lead to problems in certain parts of the country. Click link for full story.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Mortgage Preapproval Letters Not Worth the Paper
By Pat Curry • Bankrate.com
Start shopping for a house and inevitably someone will suggest you visit a lender and find out how much house you can afford.
That visit generally results in a preapproval letter from the lender. It's an important document because in hot real estate markets, many agents won't even show a house without some indication that the buyer can get financing to close the deal. Click on link for full story.
Start shopping for a house and inevitably someone will suggest you visit a lender and find out how much house you can afford.
That visit generally results in a preapproval letter from the lender. It's an important document because in hot real estate markets, many agents won't even show a house without some indication that the buyer can get financing to close the deal. Click on link for full story.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
What Home Buyers Really Want
By Dana Dratch • Bankrate.com
Home buyers want the basics. But they also demand the best. Or at least the best their money can buy.
The features most in-demand by buyers? According to the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, the top five are:
Centralized air conditioning
Walk-in closet in the master bedroom
Bedroom on the main floor
Patio
Oversized garage
Click on link for full details.
Home buyers want the basics. But they also demand the best. Or at least the best their money can buy.
The features most in-demand by buyers? According to the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, the top five are:
Centralized air conditioning
Walk-in closet in the master bedroom
Bedroom on the main floor
Patio
Oversized garage
Click on link for full details.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Metro Orlando is Hot for New Jobs
But experts would like to see region add more than just service workers
Jay HamburgSentinel Staff Writer January 9, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
While no economist claims a perfect crystal ball, those who track and study employment trends generally agree that 2006 should be another good year for jobs in Central Florida.
Florida led the nation in job growth last year and, within the state, Orlando had the top growth rate among the state's six big metro areas. Click on link for full details.
Jay HamburgSentinel Staff Writer January 9, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
While no economist claims a perfect crystal ball, those who track and study employment trends generally agree that 2006 should be another good year for jobs in Central Florida.
Florida led the nation in job growth last year and, within the state, Orlando had the top growth rate among the state's six big metro areas. Click on link for full details.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
East Orlando is Growing
Schools, shopping outweigh bad trafficJack
SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 1, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
East Orange County is peppered with rapidly growing communities such as Waterford Lakes and Stoneybrook. And Ivy Moore has sampled many of them.
Since she and her family moved to the area five years ago from San Diego, they have owned homes in Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes and, most recently, Lake Nona, moving into a nicer house each time.
Moore has seen housing prices soar -- 67 percent in the past two years -- as ever-increasing numbers of people are drawn to the area. Click link for full story.
SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 1, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
East Orange County is peppered with rapidly growing communities such as Waterford Lakes and Stoneybrook. And Ivy Moore has sampled many of them.
Since she and her family moved to the area five years ago from San Diego, they have owned homes in Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes and, most recently, Lake Nona, moving into a nicer house each time.
Moore has seen housing prices soar -- 67 percent in the past two years -- as ever-increasing numbers of people are drawn to the area. Click link for full story.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Cooling trend forecast after another year of record sales
Jack SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 2, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
This past year was the fifth consecutive record for housing sales and the experts, while expecting some cooling, see 2006 as shaping up as the second-best year ever.
Everyone from home builders to real-estate sales people are pumped, ready for another year of strong sales.
However, David Lereah, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, says there was evidence this year of "a tapping of the brakes on a hot market."
Back to the Big Easy
Good news for New Orleans: Realtors say they're proceeding with their annual convention as scheduled Nov. 8-13 in the Big Easy. That will mean more than 25,000 visitors and an economic impact exceeding $30 million.
Record year
Locally, look for announcements of record years in housing. Beazer Homes' Orlando Division said it sold 600 houses last year for more than $186 million, a record. Nicholson Homes posted 400 new-home sales last year and is getting in position for a strong 2006. The company has contracted to buy more than 500 building lots at Cara Estates in Haines City in Polk County. Construction on homes is expected by this summer.
Breaking up
After 10 years of affiliation, Brentwood Custom Homes of Altamonte Springs is ending its relationship with Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Brentwood has been one of the largest Rutenberg franchise builders, but Chairman Frank Pizzica said the company is moving into new territory. When Brentwood started as a Rutenberg builder, it did $3 million in the first year. In 2005, sales exceeded $100 million. Pizzica said Brentwood now builds one-of-a-kind luxury homes.
Jack SnyderSentinel Staff Writer January 2, 2006 Orlando Sentinel
This past year was the fifth consecutive record for housing sales and the experts, while expecting some cooling, see 2006 as shaping up as the second-best year ever.
Everyone from home builders to real-estate sales people are pumped, ready for another year of strong sales.
However, David Lereah, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, says there was evidence this year of "a tapping of the brakes on a hot market."
Back to the Big Easy
Good news for New Orleans: Realtors say they're proceeding with their annual convention as scheduled Nov. 8-13 in the Big Easy. That will mean more than 25,000 visitors and an economic impact exceeding $30 million.
Record year
Locally, look for announcements of record years in housing. Beazer Homes' Orlando Division said it sold 600 houses last year for more than $186 million, a record. Nicholson Homes posted 400 new-home sales last year and is getting in position for a strong 2006. The company has contracted to buy more than 500 building lots at Cara Estates in Haines City in Polk County. Construction on homes is expected by this summer.
Breaking up
After 10 years of affiliation, Brentwood Custom Homes of Altamonte Springs is ending its relationship with Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Brentwood has been one of the largest Rutenberg franchise builders, but Chairman Frank Pizzica said the company is moving into new territory. When Brentwood started as a Rutenberg builder, it did $3 million in the first year. In 2005, sales exceeded $100 million. Pizzica said Brentwood now builds one-of-a-kind luxury homes.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Home Prices Enjoy Record 2-Year Run
Jay HamburgSentinel Staff Writer Orlando Sentinel January 1, 2006
Home prices in the Orlando area have rocketed to dizzying heights these past two years, taking homeowners, real-estate agents and developers on a wild ride that has left them breathless -- but hoping the momentum will send prices even higher. Click link for full details.
Home prices in the Orlando area have rocketed to dizzying heights these past two years, taking homeowners, real-estate agents and developers on a wild ride that has left them breathless -- but hoping the momentum will send prices even higher. Click link for full details.
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