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2021-04-18T21:15:18-07:00
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:18054
Exploring Historic College Park in Orlando, Florida
College Park is known as one of the oldest and most distinguished communities in the Orlando area. The first home was built in the late 1800’s, but it really began to grow during the real estate boom of the 1920’s. In the 1930’s the boom had turned to bust, but a savvy real estate businessman came along and started to purchase much of the vacant land. His name was Welborn C. Phillips and he was a true entrepreneur of his time. His foresight paid off in the post-World War II boom as real estate picked up once again.
As you drive down the cobblestone streets you will find various styles of architecture with an abundance of character. The lawns have mature trees and are meticulously kept. Many of the streets are named after schools of higher learning such as Yale, Princeton, Harvard, and Stetson to name a few, thus creating the name College Park. This community is currently home to an eclectic population and is the top pick for young professionals who want the flexibility of living so close to Downtown Orlando.
Contact me if you have any curiosity about this beautiful area or any other area in Central Florida. As a native to Orlando with extensive background on the little niches in the area, I am able to match client lifestyles to specific communities which makes me the perfect Realtor© to assist with relocation situations.
2021-04-18T21:12:00-07:00
2021-04-18T21:15:18-07:00
Nicole Mickle
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:18053
Welcome to Montverde, Florida
When people think of Central Florida they generally think of a flat landscape. Montverde strongly contradicts that notion with its rolling hills and lush greenery. It also is located away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and attractions, but close enough that one can enjoy at one’s own choosing.
Montverde is a small town with historic roots dating back to the mid-1800s. The town’s first residents arrived in 1865 and named the area West Lake Apopka. Later on, it would be renamed as “Mount Verde,” which is Spanish for green mountains. It is located within the borders of Lake County, Florida.
Montverde is now one the most sought after destination to live by people relocating to the area. Currently, it houses the <a href="https://montverde.org/">Montverde Academy</a>. The school opened on September 23, 1912, in a two-room wooden building and a church, with two teachers and a small amount of equipment. It has evolved into an international, coeducational, independent college preparatory school for grades PK3-12, with a boarding program which serves grades 7-12, and post-graduate studies.
You will also find the <a href="https://www.mylakelibrary.org/libraries/helen_lehmann_memorial_library.aspx">Helen Lehmann Memorial library</a> located in this community. It is part of the Lake County Library System which is a library cooperative consisting of 9 member libraries and 6 branch libraries. Whether searching for a reading program, community events or other resources, this is your go-to place.
Also, you will find the 1900-acre private waterfront golf community, known as <a href="https://www.bellacollina.com/">Bella Collina</a>. Recognized for its beautiful custom estate homes, rich architectural design and award-winning home sites. Watch the below video to learn more and feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries you might have.
2021-04-18T21:02:00-07:00
2021-04-18T21:10:08-07:00
Nicole Mickle
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:17947
Explore Lake Nona-Live Work Play
Lake Nona known as “Medical City,” was started by the Tavistock Development Company. Tavistock developed the community in 1996 with the purchase of 600 acres which are private residential lots as well as home to the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.
It has continued to progress with over 1000 homes sold in 2007. The lifestyle focuses on technology, sustainable design, and healthy living. Whether you prefer urban living or a more suburban lifestyle Lake Nona has you covered.
You will find the following companies in Lake Nona:
Lake Nona Health and Life Sciences Campus
United States TennisAssociation (USTA)
A State of The Art VA Hospital.
Retail Centers
Recreational Facilities include:
Golfing
Yoga
Tai-chi
Cycling
Art classes
The Lake Nona community engages everyone by holding quarterly events like their “movie night” for example, where residents just step outside their homes to enjoy.
As far as those people who enjoy a little outdoor time there is 40% green space with community parks and pools in every neighborhood. There is also 44 miles of planned trails crisscrossing throughout our Lake Nona neighborhoods.
Lastly, I must mention the innovation that Lake Nona is known for through partnering with other companies such as:
<a href="https://www.cisco.com/">Cisco</a> which offers the fastest internet connection in the US (200 times faster than most.)
<a href="https://meetwhit.com/">Whit</a> is a company that specializes in designing homes to highlight health and well-being – from a Vitamin C shower to an alarm clock which lights up to simulate dawn.
<a href="https://www.daistechnologies.com/commercial/hosted-solutions/">Dais-Onsite Technology</a> is a solutions provider for residential and commercial sites.
So, as you can see, Lake Nona truly encompasses the live, learn, work and play connection which is what makes this a community so many are proud to say they belong to. For more options in the Lake Nona and surrounding areas.
2021-04-09T21:22:00-07:00
2021-04-09T21:27:32-07:00
Nicole Mickle
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:17768
Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3069/image/getting-a-home-mortgage.jpg" alt="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" title="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" height="410" width="750" />
Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.
Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not want to end up in a litigation situation due to loan issues.
What Has Happened to the Number of Mortgages?
Due to the strict nature and requirements of the lending companies, the number of mortgages given out has significantly dropped. A report by the Housing Financial Policy Center at the Urban Institute showed that about 6.3 million fewer mortgages were given out between 2009 and 2015. The reasons behind this statistic are strict regulations and policies. These mortgages would have been granted if the lending standards where more reasonable.
Mortgage companies rely on calculations to determine if a home buyer will become delinquent on their payment. They will not give you a loan if you are too much of a risk for them. Credit history has a huge impact on this decision since lenders can see how often you pay back your debts. The history they receive is extensive. This view into your financial past causes lenders to take less risk when lending to you for your mortgage.
The Effect on the Economy
The housing market is recovering at a slower pace than it should since less potential homebuyers are being offered loans. While the market is still recovering with positive trends, fewer buyers can create a strain on other economic factors like home goods or construction jobs. Bottom Line
After the housing market boom and bust, mortgage lenders became stricter in their lending standards. It is not impossible to get a mortgage loan, but it can still be difficult for potential home buyers. Stay on top of your credit and make sure you and anyone else who is applying are in a good financial position so you can be approved for a loan. It is important to research different companies and their requirements to ensure success in getting a mortgage.
2021-03-30T12:48:00-07:00
2021-03-30T12:49:21-07:00
Nicole Mickle
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:17767
Why You Should Consider Selling in the Winter
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3069/image/selling-in-the-winter-attracts-serious-buyers.jpg" alt="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" title="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" height="410" width="750" />
The season you sell your home can have an impact on how much you get for your home and how quickly it sells. The season that has the most success in selling homes is spring. This is a good time of year for families moving to new school districts and is also more convenient weather for moving. Because of this trend, most people will recommend waiting to list your home until after the winter is over. Avoiding the winter is a huge misconception in the housing industry and can cause homeowners to miss out on opportunities.
Selling in the winter can give you a few advantages. There will be fewer houses on the market since most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. This gives your home more attention. Potential buyers are always looking no matter the time of year. Keeping your house on the market in the winter might bring the right buyer to your door. Real estate agents also tend to be less busy during these months and commit more time to getting your home sold.
Studies have shown winter buyers are buying because they need to move right away either for a relocation or personal situation. They will want to close quickly and allow for a much smoother sale.
Bottom Line
If you need to sell your home right away, or have some time but want to see what is out there, consider listing in the winter. Most homeowners who are going to sell will list their home in the spring, making for a competitive market. The winter allows buyers who are in a hurry to move consider your home and sell for more money than you would have in the spring.
2021-03-30T12:48:00-07:00
2021-03-30T12:49:33-07:00
Nicole Mickle
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:17766
Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3069/image/3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-your-dream-home.jpg" alt="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" title="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" height="410" width="750" />
It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first time home buyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the housing market.
It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home.
1. Why am I Buying a Home?
Regardless of the finances, it is important to think about what made you want to buy a home in the first place. Usually the reasons don’t have to do with money. Instead, home buyers are focused on how the house will impact their family in the future. A study done by the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard found there are four reasons people buy a home. Those reasons include schools for your children, a safe environment, more room for your family to grow, and control of your own space.
These factors are the most common reasons people look to buy a new home. When you ask yourself why you are looking to purchase a home, do any of those factors come up? Spend time with your spouse or family members who are involved in this decision and determine why you want a home in the first place. Creating this list will help when searching for a home and can help your real estate agent find the best home for your needs.
2. What is the Trend with Home Values?
Our current economy and housing market is strong. That means home values and mortgage rates are increasing. If you are looking to purchase a home but want to stay within a budget, it may be in your best interest to move quickly. It is forecasted for these trends to continue in an upward motion, causing home values to continue to increase.
3. What About Current Mortgage Rates?
The ticket price is not the only thing you should be concerned with when purchasing a home. Mortgage rates are always changing and can have a huge impact on your monthly payments. Current trends show mortgage rates are rising. This is something to consider if you are debating the right time to purchase a home, since the rates may be even higher down the road.
Bottom Line
You and your family are the only ones who can determine the right time to purchase your dream home. It is important to decide exactly why you want a new home for your family and decide on a budget that will be comfortable moving forward. This budget may affect the amount of time you have to search for a home, since home prices and mortgage rates are increasing.
2021-03-30T12:48:00-07:00
2021-03-30T12:49:28-07:00
Nicole Mickle
tag:iorlandorealestate.com,2012-09-20:17765
Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3069/image/mortgage-rate-projections.jpg" alt="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " title="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " height="410" width="750" />
There has been some discussion recently on home prices in relation to mortgage rates. Some believe if there is a rapid rise of mortgage rates, home prices should decrease. Logically it makes the most sense for the price of the house to drop when interest rates are rising, but this is not always the case.
This theory of home prices decreasing is typically discussed by future home buyers. As a buyer you would like to think if you are paying higher rates on your mortgage, you should be able to see a decrease in cost somewhere else. Unfortunately, these rates are rising because the economy is in better shape. As the economy succeeds, incomes rise, rates go up, as well as the price of the home.
A recent study by the John Burns Real Estate Consulting found mortgage rates have very little impact on the cost of the home. The housing market and price increases are affected by things like job growth in the area and rising wages. Coincidentally, these same factors are causing the rise in the mortgage rates since people can afford to take out more.
Bottom Line
As the economy progresses and strengthens, mortgage rates and home prices will fluctuate. It is a misconception as rates increase, home prices will decrease. Advances in the economy have shown that rates and home prices are more likely to increase together.
2021-03-30T12:48:00-07:00
2021-03-30T12:49:25-07:00
Nicole Mickle