Downtown Lake Mary

Last week Lake Mary City commissioners took a step in the right direction… Unanimously agreeing to accept the Downtown Design Guidelines and Master Plans prepared by ACI, Inc. of Winter Park.

There have been public meetings, presentations and debates regarding how the community wants to see the redevelopment of Downtown take place, including how the proposed Lake Mary SunRail depot will impact our area.  Agreeing to the overall concept is an exciting first step towards a rebirth of Downtown Lake Mary and revitalization of this area to enhance resident’s lives.

Lake Mary Florida is looking towards the future… It’s an exciting time to live here.

If you haven’t seen the working layouts of the proposed redevelopment district, please click here for more information.

Lake Mary Homes For Sale

Homes & Condos for sale:  366
Properties listed as short sales: 103 or 28%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  20 or 6%
The inventory of homes for sale has remained stable during the past 60 days.  Distressed properties make up 34% of the available homes for sale in Lake Mary, Florida.  An increase of 4% over December 1, 2009.

Lake Mary Homes Under Contract

Homes & Condos under contract:  142
Properties listed as short sales:  93 or 66%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  24 or 17%
Distressed Properties make up 83% of the homes under contract.

Lake Mary Home Sales

November Home Sales:  70
Properties listed as short sales:  12 or 17%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  23 or 33%

December Home Sales in Lake Mary, Florida

Lake Mary Real Estate Market Fact:  50% of the homes sold in Lake Mary, Florida during the month of December 2009 were distressed properties.  This is a 5% increase from the month of November.

What this means to Lake Mary homebuyers and homeowners… We continue to see distressed properties entering the market place at prices that are under market value and these homes are selling.  This is an opportunity for buyers to purchase homes at a much more affordable price, but “traditional sellers” who are not in distress are forced to compete with these homes in an open market and often have to price their homes in line with short sales and foreclosures.  Staying informed of your home’s value is very important.  Please contact me if you have questions about current market trends.

Questions about buying or selling a home in Lake Mary, Florida?  Feel free to call/text or email me anytime for the answers!

Lake Mary Homes For Sale

Homes & Condos for sale:  380
Properties listed as short sales:  94 or 25%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  19 or 5%
Distressed Properties make up 30% of the homes for sale in Lake Mary.

Lake Mary Homes Under Contract

Homes & Condos under contract:  170
Properties listed as short sales:  101 or 60%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  30 or 18%
Distressed Properties make up 78% of the homes under contract.

Lake Mary Home Sales

November Home Sales:  63
Properties listed as short sales:  11 or 18%
Bank Owned/REO Properties:  17 or 27%

55% of the homes sold in Lake Mary in November were not distressed.

Lake Mary Real Estate Market Fact: Currently only 30% of the homes in the inventory available are distressed properties, but 78% of the homes under contract are distressed properties.

What does this mean to you… the Lake Mary homebuyer or homeowner? It means that many of the homes that are traditional sales are being overlooked for distressed properties that are often priced under market.  If you are considering selling your home as a “traditional seller” you have to compete with the current pricing of the distressed sales, it can’t be avoided.

Lake Mary Real Estate Market Fact: 55% of the homes sold in November were “traditional sales”.

What does this mean to you… the Lake Mary homeowner or homebuyer? It means that even though distressed properties make up 78% of the homes that have contracts written on them, those proerties are not closing in a timely manner.  If you are considering purchasing a distressed property, you need to have a flexible timetable to close.  If you are selling your home and it is not a distressed sale, you need to promote the fact that your home is ready to buy today.

Questions about selling your home in Lake Mary… Feel free to call or email me anytime for the answers!

Scholarship/Essay Contest for Florida High School Seniors -Sponsored by the Florida Assocation of REALTORS

In today’s New economy everyone is on a budget, especially students and their families who are considering higher education after high school.  The Florida Association of REALTORS has a wonderful scholarship opportunity for graduating seniors to write a 500-word essay based upon “How a REALTOR Professional Benefits the Community?”

This year each of the winners from the 13 Regional Districts will receive a $1,000 scholarship, the first-place district winners will compete for one of three state-level scholarship awards of $5,000.  The 2009 total scholarship funding from Florida Realtors will equal $28,000 of much needed support.

The essay contest application kits can be obtained from senior high school’s guidance offices or you can download a kit by visiting the Florida Association of REALTORS website.

I hope that we see a Lake Mary High School Senior as one of the winners!

Just a quick word from the Attorneys [The Rules]:  Florida Realtors’ statewide scholarship awards program is open only to high school seniors who reside in the state of Florida and plan on continuing their education at a college, university, technical school or other institution of higher learning. The college or institution of higher learning does not have to be located within the state of Florida. Children whose parents are licensed real estate practitioners are not eligible for contest entry; nor are children whose parents are employed by any local Realtor board/association or by the Florida Realtors.

Lake Mary Christmas Tree Lighting & Visit From Santa Claus

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER!

Kick of the Season right at the The Lake Mary Holiday in the Park this Friday, December 4th.  The Event starts at 6PM and concludes at 8PM in Central Park, adjacent to City Hall.

6:30 PM Lighting of the Christmas Tree

6:45 PM marks the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus

Live entertainment provided by Michael Wade, Dreamscape Entertainment

Free Face Painting, Kids Games & Prizes

For those that bring canned goods or an unwrapped toy, you will receive cookies.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Please click here for a map & directions to Lake Mary City Hall.

I spend a portion of each day searching for properties for my clients, I’ve read thousands of property descriptions and feel like I’ve looked at millions of photos.  One constant theme seems to run true, updates are being confused for upgrades.

I know the word ‘upgrade’ sounds luxurious, but how often is it used to describe the replacement of something that was worn out with something, well, that isn’t special, it’s just new.  Upgrades are “quality improvements” over and above what you expect to find.

I like to think of it this way…  Have you ever flown ‘First Class’?  it is definitely an upgrade.  It’s not just new upholstery on a coach seat.

No doubt in my mind that this is an ‘First Class’ kitchen, how about you? [photo Courtesy of Kitchen Art Design Center of Orlando].

I think much of the confusion started when Home Builder’s starting charging for items that should have been ’standard’, but instead they found a new revenue tool to increase profits.  Builder “Upgrades” are a high profit- low expense option…

What does this mean to you… a Lake Mary home buyer or seller?  In today’s market, where competition is fierce and home buyers are looking for the best ‘deal’, they won’t  pay more for updates, they have come to expect them.  The truth of the matter for homeowners is that upgrades often won’t fetch a high percentage return on investment in the current market climate, but they will help attract buyers and get the deal done.

Score another one for the home team…  The promise of another “top quality” restaurant choice in Lake Mary is about to be fulfilled…  tomorrow (November 13th) Shula’s 347 Grill will be opening it’s doors in Colonial TownPark.  Located on the ground floor of the new Westin Hotel, also opening for business tomorrow, Shula’s 347 Grill is sure to attract local and visiting sports fans & steak lovers to it’s laid back yet refined atmosphere.

I have to confess that I love football and even though I grew up in the Seattle area, I have been a Dolphins fan since I moved to Central Florida 24 years ago, when the only Florida team was the Dolphins and in my mind still is.  I’m very excited that the Shula organization has chosen Lake Mary as their new home, their reputation for a quality dinning experience is a welcome addition to our community.

Click here for a link to Shula’s 347 Grill Website or Phone: 407-531-3567

Check back for my review of Shula’s 347 Grill in Lake Mary…  “Coming Soon”

23rd Annual Lake Mary Arts Festival November 7 & 8, 2009

Lake Mary couldn’t ask for a better weekend to host the 2009 Arts Festival at Oval Park. The weather should be fantastic and help make this event a “must” in your weekend plan.  There is something for everyone; a children’s area, classic car show, crafts, jewelry, fine art, photography and more.

I like to kick off my Christmas Shopping here and look for unique gifts for friends and family.  Want to make a day of it?  There are great restaurants in the area to sit outside at and enjoy lunch and maybe even a cocktail…  I’m going to head over to Colonial TownPark for a quick bite myself and an awesome Bloody Mary at Dexter’s – if I don’t see a Funnel Cake with my name on it at the Arts Festival first.

For more information about the Lake Mary Festival of the Arts 2009 and directions, please click here.

Free Community Health Screenings

Lake Mary Events Center

Wednesday 11/04/09 from 9am – 1pm

Visit the 2nd Annual Lake Mary Health Extravaganza at the Lake Mary Events.  I’ll be stopping by tomorrow for my own bone density testing and blood pressure check.  This is a free event for the community, an opportunity to meet your neighbors and local health professionals.  I hope to see you there.

Free Health Screenings Available:

• Bone Density Testing
• Memory Testing
• Blood Pressure Testing
• Glucose Testing
• Balance Testing

Local Health Care providers will be available to answer questions too.

$100 Cash Grand Prize

Food Tasting & Door Prizes

Please contact Michelle Flipin @ 407-585-1428 for more information.

Map to & Address of the Lake Mary Events Center:

View Larger Map

The Facts about The St. Johns River Water Management District’s MANDATORY Lawn Watering Restrictions…

A “Hot Topic” in Central Florida is WATER!  From the dispute over Seminole County wanting to pull water from the river for the growing population to bottling companies pulling water from the aquifer to sell for a profit.  Water is a valuable resource, like it or not, we all have to conserve.

Changes Effective NOVEMBER 1, 2009

There are EXCEPTIONS TO THESE RULES and you can read them by clicking here.

For more information about the St. Johns River Water Management District click here.

For Tips on How To Save Water – Visit “Florida’s Water – It’s Worth Saving”