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7 Tips for Moving With Pets

7 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving with pets is stressful – for you and for them. Check out these seven tips for moving with pets to make the whole process more successful.

7 Tips for Moving With Pets

Your pets, whether they’re dogs, cats, birds, reptiles or something more exotic, can easily get stressed out during your move. Use these seven tips to make things easier on all of you:

  1. Get your pet used to being in a crate.
  2. Keep your pets away from the moving action.
  3. Prepare an overnight kit for your pet.
  4. Hand-carry all your vet records.
  5. Transport your pet in his or her crate.
  6. Keep your pet confined to one or two rooms in the new house for a while.
  7. Give your pet extra love (and treats).

#1. Get your pet used to being in a crate.

Long before moving day, make sure your pet is used to his or her crate. You can do this by leaving the crate open for a week, letting your pet explore at-will. After that, place your pet’s food and water inside the crate – and when he or she becomes comfortable in there, you can practice closing the door with your pet inside.

#2. Keep Your Pets Away From the Moving Action

On moving day, confine your pet to one empty room in the house – a room that you’ve already removed all the furniture from. Be sure to put your pet’s bed, favorite toys, litter box and plenty of food and water inside.

Keep the door closed until it’s time to leave for the last time. This minimizes your pet’s chance of escape.

Moving With Pets#3. Prepare an overnight kit for your pet.

Put together an overnight kit for your pet, just like you have for yourself and your other family members. Include food, medications, favorite toys and supplies (like extra litter).

#4. Hand-carry all your vet records.

You don’t want to risk losing track of your pet’s proof of vaccination and other medical records, so hand-carry them in the front seat of your car or in your overnight kit.

#5. Transport your pet in his or her crate.

The safest way to transport a pet is in his or her crate. If your pet is too big to transport in a crate in your car, talk to your veterinarian about special dog seat belts, which are available at most pet supply stores.

Related: How to Hire the Right Moving Company

#6. Keep your pet confined to one or two rooms for a while.

Once you arrive at the new house, it’s tempting to let your pet go room by room to explore – but that can be a lot more stressful than it looks. Keep your pet confined to one room at first, and when he or she starts to get comfortable, you can let your four-legged family member explore another room. It takes time for pets to adjust, so be patient when giving your pet access to the rest of the house.

#7. Give your pet extra love (and treats).

Who doesn’t love extra love and treats? Your pet might not seem stressed about the move, but even if he or she is fine, extra TLC offers plenty of benefits for everyone involved.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

Posted in: Buying a Home, Moving Tagged: Buying a Home, Moving, Pets

3 Things You Should Never Compromise On When You Buy a Home

3 Things You Should Never Compromise On When You Buy a Home

Whether you’re searching for your dream home in Orlando, a golf course home for sale at Alaqua Country Club or something else entirely, there are three things you should never compromise on. Your future happiness depends on it.

3 Things You Should Never Compromise On When You Buy a Home

When you start your house-hunt, you’ll have a wish list – and you’ll probably star some of the items on it, meaning that they’re more “must-have” than “dream feature.” These are three things you should never compromise on when you’re buying a home:

  • The floor plan
  • Your budget
  • Commute times

#1. Never compromise on the floor plan.

You have to live in the home every day, and if it’s inconvenient – or if it’s too small, too large, or too anything, you’re not going to be happy with your purchase.

Before you start house-hunting, you’ll know how much space you want and how much you absolutely need. And while you can invest in renovations later to change the floor plan, or add bedrooms and bathrooms, it’s probably better to find a house that’s at least very close to what you want before you start your search. You’ll save yourself a lot of time – and money – later.

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#2. Never compromise on your budget.

Most people buy a home that’s pretty close to the amount that their lender says it’ll give them. But you definitely don’t have to spend that much – in fact, it’s smarter to buy under your budget than right at your budget. You’ll save money in the long run.

Besides, there’s more money involved in home ownership than the amount you pay for your monthly mortgage payments. You’ll have to handle homeowners association dues, maintenance and repairs, and any upgrades that you want to make.

Related: Interest Rate vs. APR

#3. Never compromise on commute times.

Five days a week – at least – you’ll be driving to and from work. Sure, you may be willing to take on a 30-minute commute to work… but will it really matter if it’s 35 minutes, or maybe 40 minutes?

Yes, it will. Because sitting in the car gets old – and it gets old, fast. Set your maximum commute time and stick to it – and just to be safe, try the commute before you put an offer on a home. Head to work from the neighborhood at the regular time, and head to the neighborhood directly after work. That way, you’ll get a good feel for how long the commute will really take.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

Posted in: Buying a Home Tagged: Budget, Buying a Home, Commute, Compromise, Financing, Floor Plan

How Can You Tell if the Home You Want Will Have Good Resale Value?

How-Can-You-Tell-if-the-Home-You-Want-Will-Have-a-Good-Resale-Value-ABR-Orland

If you’re like most people, you know that even if you’re buying your “forever” home, you should look for something that has a good resale value. That’s because someday, your circumstances might change… and if they do, you want to get as much money as possible back out of the house.

Remember, though, that a good resale value can’t be guaranteed. Instead, you should look for homes that meet all the right criteria. That includes looking for a house that:

  • Falls under a homeowners association
  • Is close to local amenities, like dining and shopping
  • Is assigned to highly rated schools
  • Features a family-friendly floor plan

How Can You Tell if the Home You Want Will Have Good Resale Value?

The most important thing in your homebuying decision is that you love the house you make an offer on. However, you still have to look for all the factors listed above – and here’s why.

Buying a Home in a Neighborhood With an HOA

If you can live in a neighborhood that’s covered by homeowners association restrictions, you might want to think about it. Sure, it costs extra to pay HOA dues… but the HOA’s main purpose is to preserve property values. That means you’re not likely to have to watch your neighbor’s yard get overgrown with weeds, see the guy across the street paint a cowboy mural all over the front of his house, or drive past broken-down RVs in the streets on your way home. All of those things would most likely negatively impact the value of your home.

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Buying a Home That’s Close to Local Amenities

It’s convenient for you to live in a neighborhood that’s close to local amenities, and your future buyers will think it is, too. When you buy in a well-developed area, as well as one with good infrastructure, you’re more likely to be able to sell it for more than you would if it was more remote.

Related: 5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

Buying a Home That’s in a Highly Rated School Zone

Even if you don’t have kids, buying a house in a highly rated school zone can be a smart move. It might not matter to you, but if you sell to a family down the road, the schools might be high on their priority list.

Buying a Home With a Family-Friendly Floor Plan

Like schools, family-friendly floor plans are important. A four-bedroom home with just one bathroom might not be a great choice, for example. And it’s not just about family-friendliness, either; if you buy a home with a quirky floor plan, there’s no guarantee that future buyers will even like or appreciate it.

Related: 5 Common Decorating and Design Mistakes to Undo Before You Sell Your Home in Orlando

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home in Orlando or one of the surrounding communities, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

If you’re selling your home in Orlando, we can help – we know how to market it to all the right buyers so you can sell it quickly and at the right price.

Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to learn about our premium property marketing services and how we’ll put them to work for you.

Posted in: Buying a Home Tagged: Buying a Home, HOA, Homeowners Association, Resale Value, Schools

Interest Rate vs. APR: What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Home in Orlando

Interest Rate vs. APR What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Home in Orlando

When you’re buying a home for sale in Orlando, whether it’s at Alaqua Country Club, Bay Hill Club or Heathrow and Legacy Clubs (or anywhere else, for that matter), you’re probably going to take out a mortgage loan – most people do.

But you’ll see terms like interest rate and APR, and they can get pretty confusing. This article breaks down the differences between your regular interest rate and APR, as well as explains why you need to know about both.

Interest Rate vs. APR: What You Need to Know

This guide will show you the difference between your APR and your interest rate – and why one is higher than the other is.

What is an Interest Rate?

Your interest rate is the percentage you’ll pay each day on the money you borrowed. It benefits the lender – it’s what they get for loaning you the money to buy a home. It’s expressed as a percentage, not a dollar figure, and it doesn’t reflect anything but what you’re paying the lender for borrowing money.

A lot of factors go into your interest rate. On the open market, interest rates go up and down every day (kind-of like oil prices). The day that you lock in your mortgage interest rate is the only day you need to worry about, though – it doesn’t matter where interest rates go the next day or the next week (provided you don’t have an adjustable-rate mortgage).

The factors that go into what interest rate you qualify include:

  • Your credit score. The higher your credit score is, the better interest rate you’ll probably qualify for.
  • Your down payment amount. When you put more money down, lenders are assuming less risk by letting you borrow money – and they reward you with a lower interest rate, in many cases.
  • The loan type you’re getting. Your interest rate will depend on the type of loan you’re using.
  • Your loan term. The term of your loan – how long it lasts – will have an effect on your interest rate.
  • Whether you’re getting a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate doesn’t change over the life of the loan. But with an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rate will stay the same for a few years (usually 3, 5, 7 or 10, depending on what you choose when you sign up for it) and then fluctuate annually with the market. It could go up or down, raising or lowering your monthly mortgage payments.

What is an APR?

APR stands for annual percentage rate. It’s a broad measure of the cost of borrowing, and like a regular interest rate, it’s expressed as a percentage. It determines the total amount you’ll pay each year over the entire loan.

Your APR includes the interest rate on your mortgage, discount points you paid to lower your interest rate, loan origination fees and other costs of borrowing money from a lender, so it appears higher than your regular interest rate does. The higher your APR is, usually, the higher your mortgage payments are for the entire time you have your loan.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Orlando or any of the surrounding communities, we’re here to help. Call us at 407-529-4621 right now to tell us what you’re looking for!

While you’re here, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

 

Posted in: Buying a Home, Financing Tagged: APR, Buying a Home, Interest Rate, Mortgage

3 Fun Things to Do in Orlando in November 2018

Things to Do in November 2018 in Orlando

When you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Orlando, whether it’s on the beautiful grounds of the Isleworth Country Club, Sweetwater Golf and Country Club, Bay Hill Club or anywhere else, you’ll be glad to know that Orlando is an amazing community with so many things to do and see. November 2018 is no different – there are dozens of amazing events happening all over the city, and this guide will help you plan your month accordingly.

Things to Do in Orlando in November 2018

32nd Annual Festival of Trees

The 32nd Annual Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art is a nine-day event. You’ll enjoy daily musical performances, family entertainment and several programs for all ages throughout the museum.

The event kicks off on Friday, November 9, with the tree lighting and champagne reception. Special admission applies to the champagne reception and the following events:

  • November 10: Breakfast with Santa
  • November 13: Senior salute
  • November 14: Rudolph’s Reindeer Romp Party
  • November 15: India Hicks Pop-up Shop
  • November 16: Ugly Holiday Sweater Date Night
  • November 17: Breakfast with Santa

General admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids aged 3 to 11 and $10 for seniors $65 and over. Military and first responders get in for $10.

Light Up UCF

Light Up UCF at CFE Arena, put on by Duke Energy, is a spectacular light show that features more than 200,000 lights in perfect sync with holiday music. There’s also a Holiday Film Festival, where they’ll show “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Santa Clause,” “Elf,” and “Home Alone.” Santa will be there, too, and you can purchase photos with the big guy. There’s a ferris wheel, the Arctic Glide Ice Slide and the Winter Whirl, too, and there’ll be local talent performing on the Community Stage.

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens

The Holiday Home Tour at Bok Tower Gardens (tickets aren’t available until November 23) is a truly spectacular way to experience Pinewood Estate. It’s transformed into a holiday showplace that reflects the 1940s, and you can see carillon concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

FusionFest

Taking over Downtown Orlando, FusionFest 2018 is a free, two-day celebration that kicks off on November 24. You’ll love checking out the diverse origins and heritages of Orlando through the international food court and marketplace, taking in live performances on the music and dance stages and watching the Diversitastic! Choir perform. There’s a global street dance party, a parade, and a huge fashion showcase, too.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, especially around the holidays.

While you’re here, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

 

 

 

 

Posted in: Buying a Home, Things to Do Tagged: Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens, Duke Energy, Festival of Trees, FusionFest, Light Up UCF, Things to Do

5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

When you’re looking at Orlando homes for sale online, it’s easy to create a short list of the ones you want to see – but how do you know if a neighborhood is right for you?

Your Realtor® will most likely suggest that you pick a home not just for its features, but for its location… and the neighborhood your home is in can make or break the way you feel about the house after 6 months, a year, or 5 years.

So how can you tell if the home you want is in a neighborhood that you’ll love?

5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

While there’s really no substitute for spending a lot of time in a neighborhood (like visiting family or friends), there are five ways you can tell if a neighborhood will be a good fit for your needs:

  1. Be sure about what you want.
  2. Drive through at various times of day.
  3. Talk to neighbors.
  4. Do your homework on statistics and crime.
  5. Make sure it has the amenities you want.

#1. Be sure about what you want.

What do you want from a neighborhood? Do you prefer a quiet, serene environment rich in natural beauty, or do you want a community that’s full of playing kids and backs up to a sandlot? Are well-spaced homes your goal, or do you want to live close to neighbors and meet new friends on every evening stroll?

The answers to those questions will help you narrow down your search to a few distinct neighborhoods.

#2. Drive through at various times of day.

Check out the neighborhoods you’re interested in early in the morning. Swing back through at lunchtime, and then again in the evening. If you’re up for it, drive through after dark. You’ll see who’s out and about, and when, as well as see how the neighborhood’s character shifts at different times of day.

#3. Talk to neighbors.

Don’t be afraid to stop and say hi when you see people outside. Let them know you’re interested in buying in the community and you’ll get plenty of information – if there are loud planes overhead, the HOA hasn’t repaired the entry gate in months, or there’s a neighbor who’s always throwing loud parties, you’re sure to hear about it.

#4. Do your homework on schools and crime.

Look at websites that provide you with information that real estate agents can’t. Look up schools that serve each community. Even if you don’t have kids, schools can be important – like when you’re selling to someone who does have kids. Look for crime reports, too, to see how close to home the nearest issues typically occur.

#5. Make sure it has the amenities you want.

If a playground, sidewalks and community area are important to you, rule out neighborhoods that don’t have them. You’re more likely to regret the neighborhood not having the amenities that you want a few years down the road, so look for them now.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, especially around the holidays.

While you’re here, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in: Buying a Home, How To, Luxury Real Estate Orlando Tagged: Buying a Home, Neighborhoods

3 Things to Listen for at an Open House

3 Things to Listen for at an Open House

If you’re like many people, you’ve been to a few open houses around Orlando – and if you haven’t, it can’t hurt to go check one out. In fact, if a house you’re interested in buying has an open house, you should definitely check it out.

When you show up, listen to the Realtor® and other visitors. You’ll get plenty of information.

Here’s what to listen for.

3 Things to Listen for at an Open House

There are a few things that can clue you in better than a real estate listing can, including:

  • “The owners are flexible on the price.”
  • “This price is too high.”
  • “Honey, this could be your home office.”

#1: “The owners are flexible on the price.”

When you hear the real estate agent holding the open house say “The owners are flexible on the price,” it’s a clear sign that you can offer less than what they’re asking and still have a great chance of being accepted. Look around and see if there are negotiation points, like the home needing new appliances or new carpet in the bedrooms – and if you find them, you know you have some things to bargain with.

#2: “This price is too high.”

While you may have already reached that conclusion yourself – especially if you’ve been house-hunting online and in person with your own Orlando Realtor®  – it’s a good sign that you might want to look at other homes and not become too attached to this one (unless, of course, you’ve heard the Realtor say that the owners are flexible on the price; in that case, your own agent might encourage you to go ahead and make an offer).

Remember, though, that most homes are priced based on what buyers are willing to pay for other, similar homes in the same area. A price might seem a little high, but that could be what houses are going for there. Talk to your own agent to find out if he or she thinks the price is reasonable if you’re really interested in the home.

#3: “Honey, this could be your home office.”

What you’re seeing when you hear someone say, “Honey, this could be your home office” is really other potential buyers envisioning themselves living in the home. They’re most likely entertaining the idea of putting in an offer, and if you are, too, these people are going to be your competition.

You don’t want to sleep on it if you’re really interested in the house. You should go back to your real estate agent’s office and start putting together your offer right then and there – because that’s what the other prospective buyers are going to do, too. Think about including a nice note that describes what you love about the home, and make sure your earnest money deposit is high enough that the seller can take your offer seriously.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, especially around the holidays.

While you’re here, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

 

 

 

 

Posted in: Buying a Home, How To Tagged: Buying a Home, Open House, Tips

Guide to Buying Outdoor Furniture for Your Orlando Home

Guide to Buying Outdoor Furniture - Orlando Homes for Sale

Winter is right around the corner, and although we won’t experience the extreme temperature dips our neighbors to the north will, tons of outdoor furniture is about to go on sale (literally).

But how do you choose the right pieces for spring and summer now?

Check out this guide to buying outdoor furniture that’ll leave you armed with all the knowledge you need to score the best sets available.

Guide to Buying Outdoor Furniture for Your Orlando Home

If there’s one thing that’s hot right now, it’s outdoor living space – and whether you’re just now looking at Orlando homes for sale or you already own a house here, this guide will help you turn your backyard into an idyllic paradise.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Start with a list of what you’ll be doing outside and sketch a plan.
  • Zero in on durable materials.
  • Don’t be scared to mix things up.
  • Shop around for the best deals.

#1. Start with a list of what you’ll be doing outside and sketch a plan.

Picnicking? Lounging poolside? Playing sports? What you’ll do in your backyard has a huge impact on the types of outdoor furniture you should choose.

Sketch a to-scale diagram of your backyard and plan everything out before you even start searching for furnishings. You’ll know just where to put the fire pit, picnic table and loungers – and you’ll be able to see if you’re planning something a little too extreme for your yard or if there’s room for even more creativity.

#2. Zero in on durable materials.

Figure out the most durable material you can afford. Some of the best options include teak, cedar, powder-coated metal, and in some cases, plastics. Once you’ve figured that out, make sure you know how to care for them and store them. (Really – don’t make a purchase unless you know how to clean and store the material, or you could be throwing away your investment after just one season.)

#3. Don’t be scared to mix things up.

Interior designers know that you don’t need a perfectly matched set to create an exceptional environment, and as a newly minted exterior designer, the same applies to you. You can get a full suite of outdoor furniture, but you don’t have to – and you can actually add even more character to your yard by taking a mix-and-match approach. The key is to make sure that you embrace contrast in style and texture – but not in quality.

#4. Shop around for the best deals.

There’s outdoor furniture available all over the price spectrum, and because major retailers are prepping for the latest styles and models for next spring, now’s the time to nab great deals. Check out your favorite retailers to find pieces that really speak to you, and look around online, too.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, especially around the holidays.

While you’re here, check out our:

  • Apopka homes for sale
  • Baldwin Park homes for sale
  • College Park homes for sale
  • Colonialtown homes for sale
  • Phillips homes for sale
  • Longwood homes for sale
  • Orlando homes for sale
  • Oviedo homes for sale
  • Windermere homes for sale
  • Winter Garden homes for sale
  • Winter Park homes for sale

 

 

Posted in: Buying a Home, How To Tagged: Buying Guide, Outdoor Furniture

What to Do Before You Start House-Hunting for Your First Home

Checklist for First Time Homebuyers - Orlando Homes for Sale

If you’re thinking about buying a home but you’re currently renting, we can help you figure out if you’re really ready. This checklist explains what you need to do to prepare to buy your first house.

What to Do Before You Start House-Hunting for Your First Home

If you’re buying your first home – or, at least your first home in a while – you’ll have to prepare ahead of time by:

  • Figuring out how much house you can afford
  • Coming up with a down payment
  • Sprucing up your credit score
  • Researching your mortgage options
  • Finding the right Realtor®

All this happens before you start searching for your dream home, so the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.

Figuring Out How Much House You Can Afford

Subtract all your monthly obligations – rent, car payments, credit card payments, insurance, utilities and everything else – from what you make each month. If you’re doing just fine now with rent, chances are pretty good you’d be able to afford a similar mortgage payment. However, remember that when you borrow more money from a lender to buy a home, your mortgage payments will be higher – which is why coming up with a good down payment is essential.

Coming Up With a Down Payment

Most lenders want you to put down 20 percent of your own money as a down payment on a home, but there are many loan programs that require much less. Some programs allow you to borrow the money for a home with as little as 3 percent down – and VA loans let you borrow with nothing down. However, if you’re putting down less than 20 percent, you’ll have to buy private mortgage insurance, or PMI. PMI protects the lender if you default on your payments. (The exception is when you use a VA loan – in that case, you’re not required to buy private mortgage insurance.)

Sprucing Up Your Credit Score

When you’re buying a home, lenders will look at your credit score as an overall picture of your financial health. Now is the time to start paying down debt and making sure all your payments are made on time. Many experts advise against closing credit accounts, though, because it’s good to show lenders that you’re able to juggle multiple lines of credit without any issues.

Researching Your Mortgage Options

There are hundreds of mortgage products available, including loans that last 10, 15 and 30 years. Even within those brackets, there are programs that allow you to put down less than 20 percent as a down payment, some that have fluctuating mortgage rates, and many more. Start researching your options early to find out what type of loan is right for you.

Finding the Right Realtor

You’ll want a skilled buyer’s agent on your side when you’re ready to take the leap. Your Realtor will help you find the right house, negotiate with the seller on your behalf, and file all the appropriate legal paperwork. He or she will also be there to give you recommendations for contractors, like home inspectors, and can even help you find a lender who can help you get the cash to buy a house.

Are You Buying a Home in Orlando?

Call us at 407-529-4621 to find out what’s available now.

Explore our current listings, search all Orlando real estate listings to find out what’s available now, or check out these communities:

  • Homes for sale at Alaqua Country Club
  • Houses for sale at the Country Club of Orlando
  • Homes for sale at Isleworth Country Club
  • Real estate listings in Sweetwater Golf and Country Club
  • Homes for sale at Heathrow and Legacy Clubs

Posted in: Buying a Home Tagged: Buying a Home, Credit, Down Payment, Mortgage

Spotlight on The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Point

Spotlight on The Golden Bear Club at Keene's Point

The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Point in Windermere is a spectacular place to live and play – and it’s one of the most popular in the area for good reason.

About The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Point

Featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, The Golden Bear Club borders the tranquil, beautiful Butler Chain of Lakes. Packed with phenomenal natural landscaping, including breathtaking oak and cypress trees, the club offers members unparalleled access to amenities such as:

  • Full golf course privileges
  • Full access to the golf practice facility
  • Advanced tee time booking
  • Four tennis courts (lighted)
  • Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool
  • State-of-the-art fitness facility with on-site personal training and classes
  • Indoor and outdoor dining
  • Members-only invitations to monthly events

Explore homes for sale in Orlando’s premier golf communities by clicking through the images below.

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Homes for Sale in Keene’s Pointe

If you’re searching for homes for sale in Keene’s Pointe, you’ll discover that this beautiful community at Windermere community is gated, private and exclusive. Many of the homes within the 16 neighborhoods feature lake access to Lake Tibet-Butler and Lake Burden. You’ll find playgrounds and parks, nature preserves and a wide variety of architectural design throughout. The neighborhoods, each with its own distinct feel and style, include:

  • Arlington. Arlington features 29 beautiful homes with large, deep porches, tall windows and beautiful horizontal siding and stucco finishes.
  • Bedford. Bedford, nestled between the 10th and 18th fairways, contains 61 distinctive homes featuring early American and old-world European architecture.
  • Brookline. Brookline’s homes line the shores of Lake Burden, and the neighborhood features a community park, community dock and private boat launch.
  • Cambridge. Cambridge, a 61-home village between the 13th and 14th fairways, features two-story homes with spacious front and back porches.
  • Grosvenor Pointe. Grosvenor Pointe’s estate homes offer views of the 9th hole and the Lake Butler-Tibet Nature Preserve and feature direct access to the lakes.
  • Hampton. Hampton is located between Lake Burden Park and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and the homes feature a variety of distinguished styles.
  • Kensington. The custom luxury homes in Kensington are tucked between the 14th and 17th holes of the course, and homesites range from 0.3 acres to 1 full acre.
  • Lower Huntingdon. Lower Huntingdon offers its residents beautiful views of holes 6 through 8 on the course.
  • Lyndhurst. The Lyndhurst neighborhood at Keene’s Point backs up to the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and offers amazing views the beautiful fountain pond at its center.
  • Montrose. Located between Lake Burden Park and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Montrose is a beautiful, nature-friendly community.
  • Muirfield. Spectacular views of the course, the water and a gorgeous pond fountain characterize the spacious homes in Muirfield, which feature roomy three-car garages.
  • Northshore. Streets lined with mature magnolia trees and breathtaking views of holes 17 and 18 on the course, direct access to the water and more make Northshore at Keene’s Point truly spectacular.
  • Sommerset. Sommerset is located between Lake Burden Park and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and features homes with traditional, classic architecture.
  • The Gardens. Infused with old-world charm, The Gardens is the newest addition to Keene’s Point. Homes here sit right on the lakeshore.
  • Upper Huntingdon. The beautiful, spacious homes in Upper Huntingdon offer lake views or views of holes 4 and 5 on the golf course.
  • Westlake. Westlake features two-story homes with swimming pools and spectacular outdoor living spaces on the lake, the golf course or canal.

Are You Looking for a Home for Sale in Keene’s Point?

If you’re interested in buying a home for sale at Keene’s Point, we can help you find one in any of the neighborhood’s beautiful neighborhoods.

Call us at 407-529-4621 to find out what’s available now!

Looking for something else? Check out:

  • Homes for sale at Alaqua Country Club
  • Houses for sale at the Country Club of Orlando
  • Homes for sale at Isleworth Country Club
  • Real estate listings in Sweetwater Golf and Country Club
  • Homes for sale at Heathrow and Legacy Clubs

 

 

Posted in: Buying a Home, Luxury Real Estate Orlando Tagged: Country Club, Golden Bear Club, Golf Club Membership, Golf Course, Keenes Point, Luxury Homes

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About Abr Orlando

We love working with Buyers and have worked hard to develop the skills necessary to assist our clients. All of us at Accredited Buyers Representative-Orlando LLC are certified as ABR®’s or working towards that and other NAR Designations to help you find your perfect spot. This short video highlights some of the important benefits of working with an ABR® when buying your next home. Education and Experience produce results for our clients.

ABR Orlando
1936 Lee Road Suite 100
Winter Park, FL 32789
Email: dave.hoyle@abr-orlando.com
Phone: 407-529-4621

  

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