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        <title>Florida Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/</link>
        <description>This is a Real Estate News Blog focusing on Central Florida Real Estate and and our local market. We cover national home and property news, but we more or less focus on the local housing market in Orlando, Florida and through Central Florida Homes.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/building-has-started-at-acuera.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/building-has-started-at-acuera.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>Building has started at Acuera!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The slab is poured for the model and there are now 6 other homeowners who have contracts in place and their homes will be starting soon!  Visit www.Acuera.com today to find out more about the community. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:02:03 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/bidding-on-an-overpriced-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/bidding-on-an-overpriced-home.html</link>
            <author>jen@orlre.com (Realty Executives Representative)</author>
            <title>Bidding on an Overpriced Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Today's real estate market is saturated, and there are plenty of homes in foreclosure. These statistics make the market one of the best for buyers in a long while.


Still, it's very possible for you to find a home that's over priced and be unsure how to handle the situation. Don't write off the home that's over priced. There are a few legitimate reasons that the price might be a bit high.




The homeowner (and their realtor) has not kept up with the comparable sales in the market. Home prices have fallen very rapidly very quickly in some areas. If the seller and his or her realtor haven't kept pace, they may not realize that their price is out of the ballpark.


The homeowner is under water on their mortgage. If the homeowner purchased the home recently, or if they simply paid too much, or over mortgaged, the home may not be worth what the homeowner owes. This homeowner is simply trying to get out without losing his or her shirt.


The home has features that can't be duplicated. Before you write off a home as "over priced" because it is priced higher than others around it; go and see the home for yourself. If it has features that are very rare, such as a private lake, the home may legitimately be worth more than others in its area. This doesn't mean that you are personally willing to pay extra for those features, but they do explain the price difference.




If the home you're looking at is over priced for one of these reasons, it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to pay the higher price. The homeowner may still be willing to negotiate if he or she realizes that they must come down in price to close a deal. However, it does mean that you shouldn't have your heart set on that particular house and a rock bottom price.


Determine what you're really willing to pay for the house. Start by looking at comps in the neighborhood to determine a starting point. If you're not willing to pay the area's comparable price, then the house is not for you.  But, if the comps fall into your price range, try making an offer on the house that is slightly lower than the area's comparable prices. This gives you a bit of room to negotiate upward and still get a fair deal.


Be Prepared for the "No"


Some homeowners are simply not willing to negotiate very much off the price they have set. They may not be in a hurry to sell, only looking to make a move if they can get the price they want. Making an offer is the only way you can really determine if the homeowner is serious about selling. Don't be badgered into paying more than you have budgeted. Make sure the process is a business transaction. When you get emotionally involved in a house, you fail to remember that there are plenty of other houses available.


If this homeowner won't negotiate with you, there's one right down the street who will. In today's market, there may be a few homeowners who take a hardline on the price of their home, but for every one of those, there are at least two who can offer you a deal that is more than fair to you as a buyer.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:46:14 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/new-activity-at-acuera.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/new-activity-at-acuera.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>New Activity at Acuera!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Building is starting!  Surrey Homes has started clearing Lot 11, ready for the model home to be built!  Visit Acuera today to find out more about this beautiful Community situated between the Wekiva River and State Park.  Realtors on site 7 days a week to answer your questions and to help you buy a new home! Visit www.Acuera.com for directions. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:29:44 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/happy-new-year.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/happy-new-year.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>Happy New Year!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Welcome 2012!  As the new year arrives, now is a great time to think about a new home.  Contact the Realty Executives team at Acuera to find out more about this community and how we can help your dreams become a reality! www.Acuera.com or (407) 878 7707.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:11:06 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/visit-acuera-today.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/visit-acuera-today.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>Visit Acuera today!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you would like to know more about the Acuera community, please drop by the GuardHouse to meet the sales team.  We will be closed on 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th Dec and on 31st Dec, 1st Jan and 2nd Jan to observe the Holidays, but please visit our website (www.Acuera.com) to find out more about the community during those days.


We look forward to welcoming more visitors to this fabulous Community, ideally located in the Markham Woods corridor, close to all amenities but bordered by conservation, State Park land and the Wekiva River for maximum privacy.  This truly is the best of both worlds!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:31:04 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/acuera-update-more-sales-activity.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/acuera-update-more-sales-activity.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>Acuera Update!  More Sales activity!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT ACUERA!


Lot 17 has just been sold and Lot 18 is Pending. 


Visit Acuera today to discover this hidden gem!  Acuera is ideally located in a quiet corner of Seminole County, bordered by State Parks and the Wekiva River.  No busy traffic and yet still easy access to I-4, SR46 and SR417.  Construction will be starting within weeks.  The Realty Executives Acuera Team is available on-site to answer questions, 7 days/wk.  Call (407) 878-7707 for more information or visit www.Acuera.com for a location map.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:15:55 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/support-the-realty-executives-food-drive.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/support-the-realty-executives-food-drive.html</link>
            <author>jen@orlre.com (Realty Executives Representative)</author>
            <title>Support The Realty Executives Food Drive!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
During this holiday season, we should take the time to be thankful for our many blessings such as a roof over our heads and food to eat.  Some of our neighbors in Seminole County are not so fortunate.  There are 30 students right now that attend Lake Mary High School that are homeless.  We are organizing a food drive so that we can collect food for these students and their families so they have something to eat over the holidays. 


If you would like to participate, please bring in some canned food/box/non-perishable items to the Realty Executives Seminole office by Thursday December 15th. 


There is a list of suggested items but anything is appreciated.  If you want to donate money, the office can purchase the food items for you to donate.  Please let us know if you have any questions.


Also, this is a community event.  Feel free to forward this info to your friends, family, clients so that they can participate in this worthy cause.


Thanks and happy Holidays!


Download the event flyer here.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:20:12 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>Happy Thanksgiving</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The on-site Acuera office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th, but open over the weekend so would love to see visitors then.  Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the time with your friends and families. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:11:28 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/so-youre-thinking-of-buying-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/so-youre-thinking-of-buying-a-home.html</link>
            <author>jen@orlre.com (Realty Executives Representative)</author>
            <title>So, You're Thinking of Buying a Home...</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Owning a home is something that most people strive for in North America. It is both a place to live, and an investment in the future. It's also come to be known as a symbol of status or accomplishment in our society; homeownership means a certain level of success has been reached.


In these economic times it has become increasingly difficult for young people to enter the housing market, due to lower income levels, increases in debts like student loans and credit cards, and general economic instability. For young people, the dream hasn't gone away. It's just that in today's market people must be more resilient than ever, and plan their finances carefully if they want to become homeowners.


Before purchasing your first home, many factors need to be considered. Initially, you will need to take check your credit rating to determine the maximum amount of a mortgage that you will be approved for. Realize that if you are approved for a mortgage loan, of say $350,000, that doesn't mean that you should purchase a home of that amount. Just because you can "afford" it, doesn't mean you should buy it.


Obtaining a lesser mortgage than your maximum approval can you save money and help you enjoy economic stability. There is no telling what financial hardships may arise in the future, or increases in interest rates and costs of living that may occur. Allowing yourself some breathing room can sometimes be the difference between keeping and losing a home. It's a lesson in living within your means, that doesn't have to be learned the hard way.


Interest rates on mortgages have seen record lows in recent years. This fact has been an enticement for many first-time buyers to enter the real estate market because it has made homeownership more affordable. But buyers must be careful, and consider the variables.


If and when interest rates begin to increase, there will also be a significant increase in the monthly housing costs. Payments may increase by hundreds of dollars each month, adding up to thousands each year. Paying careful attention to interest rates and considering their future impact will ensure that financial hardship isn't experienced in the future.


If possible, try becoming mortgage free faster. If your mortgage is amortized over 30 years you will have a lower monthly payment, but higher interest costs than if it were amortized over 25 years. Conversely, an amortization period of 25 years may give the buyer a slightly higher monthly payment, but the mortgage will accumulate a significantly lower amount of interest. Over the years, this can be the difference between tens of thousands of dollars worth of interest. If it's an option for you to pay a bit more now to save a lot more later, it's worth considering.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:19:29 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/acuera-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/acuera-update.html</link>
            <author>sally@sallycorrick.com (Acuera Community)</author>
            <title>Acuera Update!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Another home sold in Acuera!


Lot 25 has just been sold. Visit the Acuera website to find out more about the community and to view the site plan.  Permitting is due to be completed shortly and work will start on the Model, to be located on Lot 11.  The Model will be a Captiva floorplan, with an upstairs Bonus Room and Theatre - 4578 sq ft under air.  Dont forget, Agents are on site 7 days a week to answer questions and show you around the community, or call 407-878-7707.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:23:56 -0500</pubDate>
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