Memorial to be Held for Nicole Ganguzza

A memorial service for Nicole Ganguzza will be held at East Orlando’s Jay Blanchard Park tomorrow night at 7pm. Nicole was killed June 10th as she jogged along the path just outside the park area.

Mrs. Ganguzza was a graduate student at UCF who was training to become a therapist. A foundation in Nicole’s name has been created and monies donated will go towards fulfilling Nicole’s dream to provide mental-health counseling to those who can not afford it. Please go to www.NicoleGanguzza.com to make a donation.

If you have any information at all, anything at all that could help police with their investigation, please call 1-800-CRIMETV. You may remain anonymous.

FREE Copy of Suze Orman’s Women & Money

East Orlando Life Readers

Hurry, offer is only good until Friday evening! Click on the link above, scroll down, and choose whether you would like her book in English or Spanish. Enjoy!

Is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to Blame for Alligator Attack?

Although I am sincerely thankful this young man will be OK, is it really the fault of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the attack?
The victim is asserting blame to the Commission because it is not properly controlling the population of alligators in Florida.
Hmmm, swimming in a canal- in Florida- at 2am probably was not the cause???
Unfortunately, reports say that about a dozen alligators were killed in Lake Okeechobee as a result of this incident.
Lake Okeechobee is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the US and is located about 100 miles south of East Orlando.

 

Plans Released for the Orlando Wheel

The Great Wheel Corp. released its plans for The Great Orlando Wheel project earlier today. The Wheel will be located near the Convention Center and Sea World, off of International Drive. It will take about 30 minutes to complete the loop at nearly $20 a go. They estimate you will see about 25 miles of Orlando on a clear day. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010.

Eh, I don’t know about riding in a tall metal structure during one of Orlando’s infamous afternoon storms, but that’s just me. Are you looking forward to riding The Wheel?

10 Tax Changes for 2008

1.  More Money for Gas. The standard mileage deduction for business increases to 50.5 cents per mile. Note that mileage rates for medical or moving purposes fall to 19 cents per mile.

2.  More Money for Retirement. You can contribute $5,000 to your IRA ($6,000 if you’re over 50) in 2008.

3.  No Breaks for Sales Taxes. The provision permitting taxpayers to deduct state sales taxes expired at the end of 2007. 

4.  More Tax Breaks for Retirement Savings. Married taxpayers with joint income of up to $85,000 will be able to deduct IRA contributions if they file jointly; individuals with income of up to $53,000 can take the deduction.

5.  Higher Standard Deduction. If you’re one of the 2/3 of taxpayers who don’t itemize, you’ll be able to deduct $10,900 as a married couple filing jointly ($5,450 for singles) in 2008.

6.  No Tax on Some Capital Gains. Joint filers whose taxable income doesn’t exceed $65,100 and single filers with income that doesn’t exceed $32,550 don’t have to pay any tax on capital gains they realize in 2008; the rate for other taxpayers remains at 15%.

7.  More Time to Sell a House When You Lose a Spouse. Taxpayers who lose a spouse now have up to two years after that death to take the maximum exclusion of $500,000 in gain on the sale of a principal residence. The other requirements for the exclusion must have been met before the death.

8.  Less Money Back for Some Hybrid Cars. While buying a hybrid car can still save you taxes, the tax credit has been phased out on many popular models such as the Toyota Prius. Check out the 2008 Model Year Hybrid List at www.irs.gov before you buy.

9.  Tougher Taxes for Children. Children 18 and under or full-time students up to 24 years old will pay taxes at their parents’ tax rate for investment income over $1,700. Note that this rate doesn’t apply to wages a child earns.

10.  Higher Cutoffs for Social Security. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax increases to $102,000 in 2008.

Well-Appointed 3/2 Home for Sale in East Orlando

$145,000 !!!

***This is NOT a short sale or bank owned property- Available for immediate move-in!***

This lovely, well-appointed home located in Sutton Ridge features upgraded tile throughout the common areas and carpeted bedrooms. All 3 bedrooms have walk-in closets. The living room has a vaulted ceiling and is further enhanced with a bay window. The kitchen has a breakfast bar, custom tiles, and plant shelving finished with crown molding. The back yard is spacious and is fenced-in. Exterior paint and roof are less than 1 year old. Washer and dryer are included in the sale.

This terrific home is in great condition, a great location near UCF and Valencia College with easy access to the 408 and 417, and is ready for you to move in!

Dawn Pratt, Realtor
dawn@eastorlandolife.com
407-761-2663 

East Orlando Residents- Get Your Free Credit Report Today!

Are you aware that you are entitled to receive one free copy of your credit report each year?

Incorrect information in your credit report can be detrimental when it is time to purchase your new home. Incorrect information contained in your credit history can be removed by filing a dispute form provided by the credit bureau. Within 30 days, the credit bureau will correct or delete the information or report to you why the information is correct.

Contact one of the below credit reporting agencies to request your copy today. It is your right and responsibility to ensure the information in your credit report is accurate.

Equifax – Atlanta, GA
800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian – Orange Co., CA
888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Trans Union – Chicago, IL
800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

Dawn Pratt, your East Orlando real estate agent, proudly serving the Waterford Lakes, Waterford Chase, Avalon Lakes, Avalon Park, Eastwood, Timber Springs, and Stoneybrook areas.

Central Florida R/C Model Yacht Club

On a recent drive by Firkin & Kegler in East Orlando, my son and I were amazed by all the radio controlled boats in the pond. Upon further investigating, we learned that the Sunday Sloopers are behind this exciting and entertaining hobby. Please visit their website to learn more about their East Orlando organization and come watch them in action this Sunday at their new race location- Firkin & Kegler!

Summer Fun at Sliderz in Oveido

Greetings   fans,

Are you ready for summer? Are you ready to beat the heat this summer?  Looking for places to take the kids that will not break your budget, as well as keep the kids cool?  Need to burn off the kids extra energy? 

Look no further!! SliderZ is a great place to bring the kids for some fun and excitement.  Our Open Plays allow kids of all ages to come and play for only $8 per child (adults are free). They will have access to all nine inflatables, in our 10,000 square foot, air-conditioned facility. 

Come jump and play on our huge slides, bounce houses, and obstacle courses.  It’s fun for both children and adults!

 

Open Play Hours

Tuesday and Thursday   10am—12pm

Wednesday     3pm—5pm     6pm—8pm

We have the largest indoor slide in Central Florida, with a height of 24’ (that’s a two story building)!
522 S Econ Cir, Oviedo, FL 32765   407-359-6300

 

Are You Heading for Foreclosure?

Many homeowners in East Orlando are facing this terrible predicament. The Hope Now Alliance was created in order to help prevent foreclosure and keep you in your home. Please visit www.hopenow.com or call 1-800-995-HOPE for more information.

Willing to leave your home? You may qualify for a short sale. With your lender’s approval, you may qualify for a hardship that will relieve you of your loan balance after your home sells.

First, you will want to hire a Realtor, Real Estate Attorney, or Title Company to determine if you qualify for a short sale. A CMA (comparative market analysis) will be done to give you an estimated market value of your home. From that estimate, you will deduct:
1. all outstanding liens, mortgages, lines of equity
2. seller closing costs
3. real estate broker commissions
4. estimated repairs
A HUD-1 (settlement statement) will be composed to give you your bottom line.

If you do qualify for a short sale of your home, you will need the following available when negotiating with your lender:
1. loan number and recent payment history
2. brief explanation of circumstances
3. recent income documentation including pay stubs or tax returns
4. a list of household expenses- utility bills, food, insurances, etc.
5. a list of other debt obligations- credit cards, car loans, etc.

For more information, please email Your East Orlando Realtor with any and all questions.