FOXY INTERIORS INCORPORATED, CENTRAL FLORIDA HOME STAGING. REDESIGN. RENOVATION With the first real cool snap in Florida, I know it’s almost time for the Lake Mary - Heathrow Florida Festival of the Arts.  This week we’ll be experiencing evenings in the 60’s and highs during the days in the low 80’s.  This is very comfortable weather for Central Florida. The art show is scheduled Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday, November 4th.  The Festival is held at Lake Mary’s Oval Park, located near Heathrow off International Parkway.  The great thing about this art show is that there is a lot of room to move around. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Ten of the best food trucks in Central Florida will be there this year.  There will be two stages with entertainment:  ... 10/22/2012

Central Floridians, here is a great opportunity to get in some early holiday shopping and networking!  This is sponsored by WOAMTEC, a nationwide networking group but you don't have to be a member to attend.  Where: Heathrow County Club, Lake Mary FL When:  Wednesday, November 7th from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Cost: Lunch buffet, $18 plus a cash bar for mixed drinks, wine, champaign and beer. Proceeds will go to benefit "Pathways to Home" and "Tennies for Tata's" (American Cancer Society) If you have any questions, please call 386-366-1014) or email gina.mcvey@woamtec.com.  Tell her Dee Toohey referred you.   Learn more about WOAMTEC           10/08/2012

  7 Deadly Sins in Orlando Short Sales There are many reasons why an Orlando Short Sale does not close but here are some to the most common short sale obstacles:   1. The property may go into foreclosure before the short sale is completed. The banks “short sale” department does not communicate with the foreclosure department, so while you are waiting for a response on the short sale, the property is being auctioned off as a foreclosure at the courthouse steps. 2.   The seller may file bankruptcy which may put a stop to any foreclosure procedure and seller may decide they want to continue living in a home they have stopped paying for…so they procrastinate when the bank requests more documentation.                                                                                            ... 08/23/2012

Back to school time, Central Florida Yes, it's that time already. Here in the Orlando area, the surrounding areas fall in as many as 6 different counties- so it does get a bit tricky keeping up with things sometimes.  With schools getting re-zoned a good bit, it even gets tricky within districts- and the "Where does my kid go this year?" question is one you'll hear a good bit these days. Things are great when it comes to Seminole and Orange counties- and they're the ones where a great deal of our properties sit. Seminole County Schools start tomorrow, August 13th.  That system is one of the top 5 systems in Florida, and the high-quality education its schools provide makes homes in the district very, very desirable.  The following link leads to the school district's calendar for the comi... 08/12/2012

Exclusive Buyers Agents for Lake Mary Florida Real Estate National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents video on the benefits of hiring an Exclusive Buyers Agent rather than a traditional Buyers Agent. Exclusive Buyers Agents for Lake Mary Florida Real Estate work ONLY in BUYER AGENCY OFFICES that do not list homes for sale, therefore since they never represent sellers Exclusive Buyer Agents never have a conflict of interest. Exclusive Buyers Agents actively advocate for the buyer on 100% of Florida Properties...any day, anytime, anywhere, including Lake Mary Florida Real Estate.  CONSUMER REPORTS COVER STORY: "How to protect your biggest investment"...more and more buyers have been asking for a "buyer's agent" who works exclusively for them, not sellers. AGENCY LAW QUARTERLY: "Nadar ... 06/13/2012

"How do you handle evictions?" Owner FAQ Series, #6: "How do you handle evictions?"   http://youtu.be/7jW6Xj07va0 Orlando Property Manager Dennis Burgess (Legends Realty) continues his series of Frequently Asked Questions. Today, he discusses an owner-type question. Evictions stink. They stink for the tenant, stink for the owner, stink for me. I've had a tota of 3 "physical evictions" in my nearly 5 years here in Florida, and I remember each one of them as if they were yesterday. Anyone who thinks there's joy to be found in placing folks' belongings on the curb is sadly mistaken- but it's a reality and responsibility of the cuprent profession I've chosen. br> That said, when a tenant fails to pay rent by the end of the 4th day of a month, I generate and deliver a 3-day statutory notice... 06/08/2012

Summer is under way and the Orlando real estate market is as hot as ever.  Check out these great house sales that our office sold in May.                              Santa Anita                                      Silversmith                                               Marks 1.  Ross Place, Orlando, FL 32805. 3 bed/2 bath, 1324 square feet, block home. This fixer upper sold after just 5 days on the market.  The investors are quick to snap up great deals.  Sold for $44,500. 2.  Lancaster Court, Apopka, FL 32703.  2 bed/2.5 bath townhome in the Wekiva area of Seminole County. This one also sold in just 5 days.  With great area schools, is it any wonder?  Sold for $69,900. 3.  Santa Anita, Orlando, FL 32808.  2 bed/1.5 bath, 1538 sf home on big double lot.  A Pine Hills investor specia... 06/03/2012

Do Lake Mary Florida Short Sale Home Sellers really want to sell? Some Lake Mary Short Sale Sellers really don't want to sell their house...they just want to pretend to short sale the house... forever... so that they can  live in the Lake Mary home longer...without paying the mortgage.  Harsh?  I don't think so.  Not all Lake Mary short sale sellers want to make the property available for showing.   I know, because I tried to show short sales. Yesterday I was setting up Lake Mary properties to show ...unfortunately, Lake Mary short sale properties were also on the list of Lake Mary homes to show.  In Central Florida about 35% of homes being sold are short sales, so sometimes it is impossible to avoid them... back to my Lake Mary short sale story: I had no problem getting in to see any o... 05/20/2012

Buyers Closing costs on Foreclosures in Heathrow, Lake Mary. Will Banks pay the buyers closing costs on a bank foreclosure in Heathrow, Lake Mary?     If a buyer is paying cash, the bank typically will not pay for the home buyers closing costs.  If a buyer is financing with either FHA or VA financing, the buyer will problably need assistance with Buyers Closing costs on a foreclosed property, so the bank will need to either assist the buyer or it may take longer to sell the property.  Many times the bank will want the buyers closing costs on a foreclosed property to be added on top of the purchase price (in order to net the same amount) which means that the purchase price on a foreclosed property may be more than the listed price, which could create a problem with an appraisal on the pr... 05/08/2012

  Lake Mary Florida Bank owned homes and bargain Real Estate        Lake Mary Florida has some of the best home bargains I have seen in a long time...it is a great place to house hunt. Lake Mary Florida was voted in the top 100 best little city to live in by CNN Money.   Lake Mary Florida has a population of about 14,000, making it a perfect choice for small town living, close to the big city.  Lake Mary boasts of excellent schools, low crime rate, and a short 30 minute drive time to downtown Orlando, and only 45 minutes to the beaches. With all that it has to offer, Lake Mary Florida is a top choice place to live with a wide variety of homes to choose from in an array of discounted prices.  Real Estate in Lake Mary is always in demand. Currently, Lake Mary had 11 foreclosed homes to ch... 04/18/2012

Lake Mary Home Sales February 1 - 28, 2012   If you read, listen or watch the news it's almost impossible to escape from the latest report on the housing market. Much of what you hear is based on a national level and leaves many questions about what's going on here at home. This is what's happening here;  the Lake Mary housing inventory is down 30% from the same time last year and the distressed property inventory is down 4%.  There were 36 home sales last month, up from 23 home sales in February of 2011.  We are expecting the Seminole County real estate market start heat up (along with the weather) and sales rise as we enter the spring buying season. If you have been thinking about selling your home and are underwater on your mortgage, you may want to consider a Short Sale.  The debt f... 03/04/2012

It's moving week. I'm packing and sorting and trying to get organized all at the same time. I ran across these amazing sunset photos that I took of a listing I had in Lake Apopka FL a few years back. It never ceases to amaze me that the sunsets in Florida can be so colorful! The listing was a vacant waterfront parcel and I knew I could sell it if I was able to communicated the quality of the sunset views over the lake. I was able to capture these photos in one trip. I just had to be patient while the sun dropped.   05/16/2011

Acuera Homes and Estates | Lake Mary Florida | Luxury Homes For Sale in Acuera in Lake Mary In Lake Mary Florida sits a beautiful new home site, its pretty exclusive since Acuera will only house 38 homes on 80 acres of rich land.  These larger lots sits close by to natural preserves and surrounded by lakes paying tribute to early inhabitants in Central Florida..  You'll be surrounded by natural beauty and gorgeous estate homes in Acuera.  Some of the perks you should expect when buying a Lake Mary luxury home. Brick paved streets -  On site park - Gated entry way with guardhouse -  3 Lakes surrounding Acuera Boardwalk to Wekiva River Canoe - Kayak storage for each home walking - jogging trail - read more about Acuera Homes for Sale in Lake Mary If you are interested in buying a new hom... 05/13/2011

Attention Lake Mary Home Sellers:  Listing your home with Custom Builder Realty is the perfect solution in getting your property sold.  Let's face it, there are many Lake Mary real estate agents | REALTORS to choose from.    One of the most important points is to place your Lake Mary property on the market with the right professional. Selecting the wrong real estate agent could possibly leave your home listed and expired. Selecting The Perfect Lake Mary Real Estate Agent | Lake Mary REALTOR Custom Builder Realty agents are real estate professionals that does so much more than place your property in the multiple listing service or mls and pop a sign in your front yard. We market your Lake Mary Florida property to potential home buyers looking to relocate to Florida all over the internet ... 05/12/2011

The Crossings Home Sales – Lake Mary Real Estate Market Report Greenwood Lakes & The Crossings Home Sales in Lake Mary, FL Why Lake Mary Homebuyers choose The Crossings: Walking distance to Greenwood Lakes Middle School Walking distance to Lake Mary High School Walking distance to The Lake Mary / Seminole County Library Minutes to Shopping and Restaurants Easy Access to Interstate 4 and Downtown Orlando Information and see photos of the neighborhood of  The Crossings See all the homes for sale in The Crossings Homes Selling in The Crossings 554 Cidermill Place, Lake Mary, Florida Foreclosure / Bank Owned 3 Bed/ 2 Bath – 1,660 sf Original list price:  $121,500 List price at time of sale: $121,500 Sales price:  $116,500 Price Per Square Foot:  $70.18 Days on the market:  48 Sale Date: 02... 04/03/2011

Don’t be a statistic… Avoid Foreclosure!   You’ll be surprised to learn that many times when a homeowner is in distress they give up, without ever seeking an alternative to foreclosure.  Perhaps they don’t understand the process or feel like they no longer care, help is out there, all you have to do is ask. I’m sure that it doesn’t feel like it now, but there will come a time when these current financially challenging times will be in the past and because a homeowner chose an alternative to foreclosure, they will be positioned to move on in the future without the consequences that have to be faced when a foreclosure happens. 7 Reasons to Avoid Foreclosure You have to disclose that you have had a foreclosure on any mortgage application and many job applications you submit in the future.... 04/01/2011

Timacuan Home Sales – Lake Mary Real Estate Report Home Sales in Timacuan – Lake Mary, Florida Why do Lake Mary homebuyers choose Timacuan? Desirable location off Rinehart Road Minutes to Lake Mary Boulevard and Interstate 4 5 Minutes to Colonial TownPark 18 Hole Golf Cours The Bender Golf School Neighborhood Publix and Restaurants Seminole County Schools The Timacuan townhouses starting in the high 100’s & homes starting in the 200’s Neighborhood Photos & Details for Timacuan, Lake Mary Florida 361 Chinook Circle, Lake Mary, Florida 4 Bed / 4 Bath – 2,978 sf Pool Original list price:  $399,000 List price at time of sale: $399,000 Sales price:  $370,000 Price Per Square Foot:  $124.24 Days on the market: 24 Closing Date:  02/22/2011 544 Masalo Place, Lake Mary, Florida 3 Bed / 3 Bath –... 03/31/2011

Chase Groves Real Estate – Lake Mary Homes Sales Report Home Sales in Chase Groves – Lake Mary, Florida Why do homebuyers choose Chase Groves Minutes from H.E. Thomas Parkway, SR 417 & I-4 Seminole County Schools 5 Minutes to Downtown Lake Mary 8 Minutes to Colonial TownPark Single Family Homes, Townhomes & Condos For more information and see photos of the neighborhood of Chase Groves, please follow this link. To see all the homes for sale in Chase Groves – click this link. Homes Just Sold in Chase Groves 315 Aldrup Way, Lake Mary, Florida Bank Owned / Foreclosure 4 Bed/2 Bath – 1,929 sf Original list price:  $164,900 List price at time of sale: $164,900 Sales price:  $158,900 Price Per Square Foot:  $82.37 Days on the market: 37 Closing Date: 02/28/2011 706 Brightview Drive, Lake Mary... 03/31/2011

Huntington Pointe Real Estate – Lake Mary Home Sales Report Home Sales in Huntington Pointe – Lake Mary, Florida Why Lake Mary Homebuyers choose Huntington Pointe: Community pool, playground and basketball court Zoned for Lake Mary High School Zoned for Markham Woods Middle School Short drive to Lake Mary Blvd. & Interstate 4 Minutes to Shopping & Restaurants 5 minutes to YMCA & Public Library Huntington Pointe has homes starting in the high 100’s Information, interactive area map and photos of the neighborhood of Huntington Pointe. Just Sold in Huntington Pointe 454 Palm Crest Lane, Lake Mary, Florida 4 Bed/2 Bath – 2,539 sf Original list price:  $299,900 List price at time of sale: $279,900 Sales price:  $245,000 Price Per Square Foot:  $96.49 Days on the market: 109 Closing Date: 02... 03/31/2011

Renting a home in Seminole County? Homes For Rent in Seminole County, Florida If you are positioning yourself to buy a home and you just haven’t made it to the finish line, renting a home might be the right option for you. If you are looking to take a neighborhood or area for a test drive and rent a home or townhome we’re here to help.  There are home rental opportunities in every price range and size, from a small condo to multi-million dollar properties. Please contact us @ 407-758-1020 for information about renting a home in Seminole County… Lake Mary Homes / Townhomes & Condos For Rent Longwood Homes / Townhomes & Condos For Rent Sanford Homes / Townhomes & Condos For Rent Altamonte Springs Homes / Townhomes & Condos For Rent Winter Springs Homes / Townhomes & Condos For Rent Casse... 03/31/2011