Some Pics from Doglympics in Avalon Park

Just wanted to share a few photos from earlier today at Avalon Park. We had a great time, and weather permitting, we’ll go again Sunday morning!

Hunting

Doggie Lovin'

Race!

Doglympics in Avalon Park

Any breed, any shape, any size, no special training,
just you and your dog!

Hello East Orlando dog lovers! Avalon Park is holding its 1st annual Doglympics USA this weekend. If your doggie is not up for competition, there will be a variety of fun things to do to keep him/her entertained! Below is a schedule of the planned activities:Visit www.doglympicsusa.com to register for an event or to get more information.

Avalon Park Area Foreclosures for Sale

MLS#  S4648762
Price: $275,000

Sq. Ft: 2928
Bed: 4
Bath: 3/1

MLS#  S4649407
Price: $269,900

Sq. Ft: 3435
Bed: 5
Bath: 3
Pool: Y

MLS#  V4617434
Price: $249,900

Sq. Ft: 3272
Bed: 4
Bath: 3/1

For more information about each of the above homes for sale, just click on the photo. If you would like information about other bank-owned homes ready for occupancy in 32828, please send a request via email by clicking the link below:

Dawn Pratt, Keller Williams Advantage II Realty

50% Off at Bill’s Car Wash in East Orlando!

Just click on the picture above and print!

Our nearest location is on East Colonial just east of the Orange County Public Library- Alafaya Branch.

UPDATE:   The link is now fixed!!!

Free Pancakes this Tuesday

3 FREE pancakes this Tuesday, from 7am-10pm at the International House of Pancakes. Donations are appreciated and go to support the Children’s Miracle Network.

Coupons to Lowe’s

I have coupons to Lowe’s available to East Orlando residents 2 ways: either by snail mail or email. If you would like a 10% off coupon by mail, please email your name and address to me and you will receive your coupon in about 1 week.

If you prefer contact by email, just email me and let me know you are interested in a Lowe’s Enewsletter. About once a month, Lowe’s will send you an email about creative project ideas and maintenance tips, and periodically include project starter coupons as well.

Thanks and have a great one!

Email:  Your Orlando Real Estate Agent

Beautiful East Orlando Home for Sale

This lovely Timber Lakes home has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and nearly 3000 square feet. All rooms are located on the lower level except for the large bonus room, which would make a great office, game or theater room! This home overlooks a pond and is just waiting for you to move in!

  $295,000

 

If you are interested in viewing this spectacular home, please email me by clicking the link below:

Your Waterford Lakes/Avalon Park Real Estate Agent

*Showings are available to clients that have Proof of Funds or have been Pre-Approved with a lender.

FREE Coffee at McDonald’s

I’m real late catching this train! Participating McDonald’s are offering a FREE medium premium roast coffee or vanilla, hazelnut or regular iced coffee all this month (what’s left of it!) between 5-8am!

I’m not sure if the Waterford Lakes or Timber Springs (near Avalon Park) locations are participating, however. If anyone knows, please share with the rest of us in the comment area below… Thanks!

Obama to Soon Sign the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed both the House and Senate yesterday, February 13, 2009, by a vote of 246 – 184. Obama is expected to sign the bill soon. The bill is a $780 billion package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts (mostly for 2009) and the rest to spending intended to occur in 2009 and 2010.

Although the Bill is around 1000 pages, below are a few highlights for homebuyers and current homeowners:

• Homebuyer Tax Credit:  The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike last year’s $7500 tax credit, this is not a loan- no repayment required! Click on the following link to read frequently asked questions about the tax credit… Federal Housing Tax Credit
• FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits:  The bill reinstates last year’s 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. FHA loans limit for Orlando has gone back up to $353,750 (from $271,050) and Conventional loans are limited to $417,000. These 2009 limits will expire December 31, 2009.
• Rural Housing Service – The bill provides an additional $500 million to existing USDA Rural Housing programs.  The RHS provides both a guaranteed loan program and a direct housing loan program for those meeting the program’s eligibility criteria. Many homes in the Avalon Park/Waterford Lakes areas of 32828 qualify for this 100% loan!
• Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits and Grants:  To promote green jobs and energy independence, ARRA invests significantly in efforts to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.  The bill provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives.  Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation.

Multiple Offers – How to ‘Win’ Your East Orlando Dream Home

So you have found the home of your dreams, but your real estate agent informs you that the sellers are considering multiple offers… don’t be discouraged! Many factors are involved in a Seller’s decision, and ultimately, it’s the highest and BEST offer that wins.

Here are some key factors to consider when making your offer the BEST:

• PRICE-  First, and foremost, have your Realtor go over the comparable sales with you. Make sure your offer reflects the market value of the area, shows just how much you want the home, but most importantly, a price you are comfortable with.
• CONTINGENCIES-  Typically, offers are made contingent upon financing and inspections. Having been pre-approved will aid you tremendously. Shortening your time period to inspect the home will also help- contact your Home Inspector to see the soonest available time he/she will be able to inspect and have your Realtor adjust your offer time period accordingly.
• DATES-  Have your Realtor investigate the Seller’s preferred closing date and do your best to meet their needs.  You may have to move more quickly than expected, and in some cases, wait to move until the Seller’s next home is available. If this is ‘the home,’ be flexible!
• DEPOSITS-  Earnest deposit money is usually 1% of the sales price in East Orlando. Show the Sellers that you are serious and offer more. The deposit money will go toward your downpayment once your offer is accepted by the Sellers.
• WRITE A LETTER-  Selling a home is a very emotional process. Sellers will want their home to go to someone who will love their home as much as they have. Write the Sellers a letter along with your offer. Let them know who you are, why you love the home, and let them know the home will be in good hands!

Ultimately, Sellers want the best price with the least amount of hassle. By following these recommended tips, your best foot will be forward and you will have that dream home before you know it!

Please feel free to email me with any questions- I’m more than happy to help!
Dawn Pratt, Your Waterford Lakes/Avalon Park Area REALTOR