Lake Mary, FL Real Estate News

By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Lake Mary Homes For Sale Homes & Condos for sale:  417Properties listed as short sales: 109 or  26%Bank Owned/REO Properties:  42 or 10% The inventory of homes available for sale in Lake Mary continues to stabilize with little to no change in the quantity or the percentage of distressed properties in the marketplace.  As we enter the “Summer Buying Season” we will be watching to see if the demand increases and waiting to see if more homeowners who are not in distress consider selling their current property and move up or downsize.  We’ll be watching… Lake Mary Homes Under Contract Homes & Condos under contract:  209Short Sales:  112 or 54%Bank Owned/REO:  46 or 22%Distressed Properties make up 76% of the homes under contract. Lake Mary Home Sales May Home Sales:  65Short Sales:  8 or 1...
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By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
One of the most important issues to most of the homeowners I speak with is where their home will be visible online.  Maximum exposure is on their minds! Is it in a homeowner's best interest for their listing agent to opt out of sharing on IDX* websites?  I've noticed a trend in my area where some agents are not sharing their listings on IDX.  Is it an over site on their behalf while entering the property in the MLS [Multiple Listings Service] or is it a strategy not to share their listings with other REALTORS who quite possibly have a more vibrant online strategy and utilize the IDX to drive business to their own websites? I believe that it's in the best interest of the homeowner to have as much exposure online as possible. Restricting access to information is over. Do you share your li...
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By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
What the latest housing data means to you and some good advice from The Today Show's Jean Chatzky...  She says that housing is a good investment "Right Now"...   Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
Lake Mary, Florida is just 18 miles from Orlando Florida and conveniently located near 1-4.  A sought out community because of all the perks and benefits of being a Lake Mary resident.  Today I was checking on Lake Mary homes for sale and noticed something quite interesting. Lake Mary Affordable Housing?  Yes Affordable Homes For Sale in Lake Mary, Florida According to the mls search on my website there are currently 295 homes on the market today but what really surprised me is that 107 of these homes for sale in Lake Mary Florida are bank owned | foreclosures | pre-foreclosures and REO's.  That means close to 1 out of 3 homes but more like 1 out of 2.75 are either a short sale | foreclosure | REO | or bank owed based on numbers from my mls feed.  That is not whats so enlightening. The ...
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for May 2010.  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 propert...
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
Already have flood insurance or are considering purchasing it?  There is something new that you should know.  If you are a homeowner in Lake Mary or own a business in Lake Mary you may be entitled to a discount for your flood insurance. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program For Lake Mary Residents The City of Lake Mary has done additional flood protection activities to obtain enough CRS points to obtain a Class 8 certification resulting in a 10% reduction for flood insurance to homeowners and business owners.  To find out if you qualify please speak to your insurance provider and take advantage of these savings.  If you have any questions you can always call the City of Lake Mary.      
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
The Lake Mary Historical Society presents a 60 minute documentary of Lake Mary, Florida. Growing Home-The Lake Mary Story Here is a sneak peak of the past, present and future of Lake Mary, Florida.      No wonder, Lake Mary Florida is a wonderful place to call home.
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
If you have a property that you are having trouble making the mortgage payment or are behind on your mortgage Gary would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your options.  Don't assume anything when it comes to selling a distressed property or a short sale, contact Gary today.  All calls and inquiries are confidential.  Feel free to contact Gary Berkson by phone, email or right here on our site.
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By Joyce Marie Marsh, Luxury & Ocean Homes in Central Florida
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
The competition was fierce, but when it was over, Lake Mary High School's Marionettes had won their first national championship in eight years.  The talented high-kickers worked hard to gain back the title that they had held for a long run during the late 1980's through the 90's.  From 1986 to 1998 the LMHS varsity kick squad captured the title 10 times, earning juggernaut status around the National Dance Alliance.  Read the entire story:  Lake Mary Life Magazine, Vol 8-Issue 3 May/June 2010 or visit: www.Lakemarylifemagazine.com  
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for April 2010.  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...
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
FACILITY RENTAL AND CEREMONY INFORMATION In the middle of the City's downtown redevelopment area sits the Lake Mary Events Center located on the shore of West Crystal Lake.  The facility is a perfect place for business meetings | receptions | family gatherings | banquets | retreats and parties. Included are banquet and meeting facilities and the facility can be transformed for a beautiful wedding | graduation party or important event.  Catering services are available. LOCATION AND OFFICE HOURS 260 North Country Club Road Lake Mary, Florida 32746 (407) 585-1490 Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Appointments to make a reservation are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North has put together a very special Mother's Day Brunch.  Offering special items for a very special day.  A variety of salads | soups | pasta | seafood | carving stations to name a few.  Deserts | breads and a children's buffet. Mother's day is once a year so take this time to spend time with your loved ones but to remind those special ladies just how special they really are.   Where: Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North 2974 International Parkway, Lake Mary, Florida 32746 When: Sunday May 9, 2010 11:00am – 4:00pm Price:   Adults $47.00 Children 10 to 4 years old $22.00 Children under 4 years old free For reservations please call 407-531-3567 or 321-249-8046
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
Alaqua Lakes is a master planned community filled with lush landscaping, prime location and just outside of Orlando Florida.  Just of Interstate 4 or better known as I-4.  The main roads to this upscale community is Lake Mary Boulevard and Markham Woods Road.  Land in Alaqua Lakes comes in a variety of sizes from 1/2 acre to more depending on your needs.  Custom built homes, luxury homes can be found in Alaqua Lakes.  A desireable subdivision in Lake Mary Florida.  Ammenities include a community park, swimming pool and the Legacy club.  These homes are well worth the price.  
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
Lake Mary Florida was voted in top 100 places to live according to CNNMoney.com.  Lake Mary is located in Seminole County Florida.  Here's why: Technology companies-Many technology companies have made Lake Mary Florida there home. Small town feel with big city benefits CNN Money Magazine ranked Lake Mary as #1 small town in Florida Growth in communities, business and population makes Lake Mary Florida desirable. Lake Mary Florida is conveniently located to Orlando Florida. Parks, trails, boating and fabulous shops and things to. Lake Mary Florida offers small town feel with big city perks.  If you are considering relocating to Central Florida and would like additional information about Lake Mary Florida contact me!  I live, work and play in Lake Mary Florida. Gary Berkson of RE/MAX Cent...
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By Gary Berkson, ABR, CRS & CDPE
(RE/MAX Central Realty)
The market conditions that many homeowners are facing today have brought to the forefront the immediate need for understanding the importance of seeking competent advice on how to avoid foreclosure.  There is a HUGE difference between life after foreclosure and life without foreclosure! The 5 reasons to avoid foreclosure are: 1.  On any mortgage application the homeowner will always have to disclose they have had a foreclosure. 2.  Credit scores will be lowered by 300+ points affecting the ability to get a car,apartment, credit cards. 3.  A foreclosure is the one credit report item that almost impossible to be "repaired". 4.  Security clearance for military and government personnel could be at risk with foreclosure. 5.  Foreclosure is one of the top items that will put a potential new h...
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for March 2010.  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...
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By Marc Grossman, GRI, Greater Orlando Real Estate Broker
(Marc It Sold!)
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for February 2010.  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 pr...
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By Debbie Summers
(Charles Rutenberg Realty )
Lake Mary Homes For Sale Homes & Condos for sale:  377Properties listed as short sales: 108 or 29%Bank Owned/REO Properties:  38 or 10% We have seen a stabilization of the inventory of homes over the past 4 months, which is a positive indicator, but there are many homes that are bank owned that are empty and will be resold, also called “Shadow Inventory”, this is an unknown variable that could impact our market in a negative manner.  Currently, distressed properties make up 39% of the available homes for sale in Lake Mary, Florida [up 3% from last month]. Click here to read the rest of the article, Lake Mary Florida Real Estate Market Update...  
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By Chris Brown- Florida Home Loan Specialist | Certified Mortgage Planner, Chris Brown 407.367.2974
(Chris Brown | Certified Mortgage Planners)
  You can't get your mortgage rates from the newspaper. Last week proved it.  Again. Friday morning, headlines in Florida and around the country read that mortgage rates were down 0.04 percent, on average, since the week prior. A sampling of said headlines includes: US Mortgage Rates Drop For 2nd Straight Week (Reuters) Mortgage Rates On 30-year US Loans Fall To 4.93% (Business Week) 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Falls Farther Below 5% (Marketwatch) The story behind the headline was sourced from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, am industry-wide mortgage rate poll of more than 100 lenders.  The PMMS has reported mortgage rate data to markets since 1971 and is the largest of its kind. Unfortunately, Longwood rate shoppers can't rely on it. See, unlike governments and private-...
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By Chris Brown- Florida Home Loan Specialist | Certified Mortgage Planner, Chris Brown 407.367.2974
(Chris Brown | Certified Mortgage Planners)
According to the Census Bureau, 2.8 million people commute to work 90 minutes or more each day, in each direction. Now, your daily commute may not be as long, but time spent in cars, trains and buses is time away from work and from family. Drive-time can affect a person's Quality of Life and it's one reason why Forbes Magazine's Best and Worst Commutes is worth reviewing. Measuring travel time, road congestion and travel delays in the 60 largest metropolitan areas, Forbes ranks city commutes from best-to-worst with Salt Lake City topping the list and Tampa-St. Petersburg finishing it. The Top 5 Commutes, as compiled by Forbes: Salt Lake City, Utah Buffalo-N...
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