Tuesday

Real Estate Bills Mailed out to Florida Property Owners

The Tax Collector's Offices in Florida have recently mailed out the 2014 Real Estate Tax Bills to property owners. The bill is due for payment by 03/31/15 with discounts available for early payment. If owners have not received their bill they may download and pay their bill online by visiting the appropriate Tax Collector's website. Property tax is a locally assessed tax which is payable annually regardless of whether the property is rented or personally used. The tax is used to support local government services including education, roads, emergency services etc. 

Unpaid Real Estate Taxes become delinquent 04/01 of the year following the year of assessment. At this time, interest of 3% and an advertising charge is added to the tax amount due. If the taxes remain unpaid on or before 06/01 a tax certificate, or lien against the property, will be sold for the amount of the unpaid taxes, interest and costs. After two years, the tax certificate holder is eligible to file for a Tax Deed Application, which could result in the loss of the title to the property. 

If you have any questions contact your local Tax Collector's Office:
http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/taxcollectors.html

Monday

Freddie Mac's 2015 Forecast:

Mortgage rates: Interest rates will likely be on the rise next year. In recent weeks, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has dipped below 4 percent. But by next year, Freddie projects mortgage rates to average 4.6 percent and inch up to 5 percent by the end of the year.
Home prices: By the time 2014 wraps up, home appreciation will likely have slowed to 4.5 percent this year from 9.3 percent last year. Appreciation is expected to drop further to an average 3 percent in 2015. "Continued house-price appreciation and rising mortgage rates will dampen affordability for home buyers," according to Freddie economists. "Historically speaking, that's moving from 'very high' levels of affordability to 'high' levels of affordability."
Housing starts: Homebuilding is expected to ramp up in 2015, projected to rise by 20 percent from this year. That will likely help total home sales to climb by about 5 percent, reaching the best sales pace in eight years.
Single-family originations: Mortgage originations of single-family homes will likely slip by an additional 8 percent, which can be attributed to a steep drop in refinancing volume. Refinancings are expected to make up only 23 percent of originations in 2015; they had been making up more than half in recent years.
Multi-family mortgage originations: Mortgage originations for the multi-family sector have surged about 60 percent between 2011 and 2014. Increases are expected to continue in 2015, projected to rise about 14 percent.
Source: Freddie Mac

Friday

Tips to "Sell" your home!


As your REALTOR® I know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster! Here are a few key things to consider:
 
Expense- simply "Value for Value"
Exterior and Curb appeal- Leaves "First impressions" and "Last Impressions"
Preparing the Interior- "Clean & De-clutter"

In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. Making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets, a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, or adding some fresh flowers can eliminate a lengthy listing. As your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, I can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. I know it is difficult to keeping a home ready to show as well as to accommodate daily showings, so I will guide you through a "Quick Sale"!
 
Tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:
-Keep the lawn edged, cut, and most importantly watered regularly.
-Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees.
-Check the foundation and seal & paint any cracks. 
-Clean and align gutters.
-Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
-Repair and repaint loose siding.
-Keep your garage door closed, but tidy because buyers will take a peak!
-Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
-Add a pot of fresh annuals near your front entrance as well as a fresh welcome mat!

Tips to enhance your home’s interior appeal:
-The most important thing is to do a thorough cleaning and remove clutter. Keep your home smelling fresh, vacuumed, & mopped, as well as counters and mirrors wiped down. Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market may be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere. (Dirty dishes, laundry, or trash exposed during any showings is a BIG turnoff)
-Remove clutter from the kitchen counters, drawers, & all of your closets. (Be aware buyers will open and look everywhere.)
-Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale or packing up a few personal items at this point is a great idea. Buyers want to see themselves living there, so keep the home as spacious as possible! 
-Repair any cracks, holes, or damage to the walls & repaint them with a neutral shade of paint and the same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets if necessary. 
-Always repair issues with the A/C, plumbing, appliances, pool pumps, etc... for better resale value. Buyers do not want to start off with problems or repairs. 
-Freshen up the bathrooms by removing personal items to a zipped bag under the sink, repair dripping faucets or shower heads, & keep it clean from mildew or soap scum. 
-The most important room in the home is the kitchen so spruce it up... This is always where everyone will come together to discuss the homes appeal so keep it "sparkling"!
 
Lastly.... Always if possible make it a pleasant showing for every viewing by adding a candle, lighting, and soft music. This will make every buyer feel invited and right at HOME...!

"I will guide you every step of the way and assist you in making this a quick and easy sale, by taking excellent pictures, giving you exposed advertising, and bringing buyers in right away. So let's begin... by making your home Charming & Get it SOLD"!
 
Your committed and trusted REALTOR®,
 

Kris Julian, Realtor® | Realty Executives Seminole | 3899 W. Lake Mary Blvd. Suite 123 | Lake Mary, FL 32746 | 407-421-6187 | http://www.listinglakemary.com
   

Wednesday

This Gorgeous 4 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, Office, Loft, Pool Home is located in the Beautiful Lake Mary! This MUST SEE home has New A/C, New Paint (inside & out), New Carpet, New Wood Flooring, & More!! An Open Floor Plan that is Move In Ready & Great for Entertaining... Kitchen/Great Room Combo right off the Patio! Pool complete with a Salt System, New Pebble Tech, and Sweeper! Split plan with the Master Suite down stairs with a huge walk in closet and garden tub. Upstairs has Three Bedrooms, Bathroom, Office, & Bonus Loft perfect for Kids Game room! Large separate inside laundry (not in garage entry), guest bathroom downstairs, with a Formal living and Dining room area. Pre-wired with Vivint Security system, water softener, ceiling fans, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets, window treatments, mature landscape, & fenced yard! Great location in Lake Mary with 417, I-4, shopping, restaurants, Sun Rail, and zoned for A+ schools!
Priced to SELL....$250,000.00 A MUST SEE!



It is always my pleasure to assist you, Kris!
Kris Julian, Realtor® | Realty Executives Seminole | 3899 W. Lake Mary Blvd. Suite 123 | Lake Mary, FL 32746 | 407-421-6187 | http://www.kris-julian.com

Saturday

Starting tomorrow, "No sales tax" on Hurricane supplies, so stock up!

Prepare for the beginning of another Atlantic hurricane season.... Florida's retailers are gearing up for the sales tax holiday on hurricane preparedness items that begins May 31 and ends June 8.

The Florida Retail Federation encourages residents to visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management for resources to help prepare for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. 

In 2004, a catastrophic series of four hurricanes caused losses of more than $25 billion in Florida, and in 2005 another series of hurricanes caused nearly $11 billion in losses, according to estimates from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. 

The 2014 holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.

Items included in the Sales Tax Holiday:

Portable self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less
Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio or weather band radio selling for $50 or less
Tarps or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less
Self-contained first-aid kits selling for $30 or less
Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits selling for $50 or less
Gas or diesel fuel tanks selling for $25 or less
Battery packages: AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, selling for $30 or less
Nonelectric food storage coolers selling for $30 or less
Portable generators used to preserve food or provide light or communications selling for $750 or less
Reusable ice selling for $10 or less

Top 10 hurricane mistakes Homeowners most often fail to do according to the National Hurricane Survival Initiative.

Understand the threat
Evacuate
Leave in time
Protect the home
Organize important papers
Inventory valuables
Ensure adequate insurance
Make provisions
Know safety protocols
Provide for Fido and Fluffy

© 2014 Florida Realtors®

It only takes one to make landfall, so please get prepared! 

Thanks! Have a beautiful day, Kris 

Kris Julian, Realtor® | Realty Executives Seminole | 3899 W. Lake Mary Blvd. Suite 123 | Lake Mary, FL 32746 | 407-421-6187 |http://www.kris-julian.com 

"I appreciate you trusting me to not only finding the perfect home for you, but extending that trust to care for all of your friends and family as well!"  

New Listing!


Immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bath w/ Den with tons of Upgrades!! This "Beautiful" open floor plan home features custom "Tigerwood" flooring, built in entertainment center with a 52" TV, blinds, upgraded lighting, ceiling fans, ceramic tile, custom mirrors in entry and bath, & more! A beautiful "White" kitchen complete with "Gorgeous" granite counter-tops, "Whirlpool" appliances, "Brand New" disposal, closet pantry, & breakfast bar. Master suite has an "Open" walk-in shower, separate garden tub, walk in closet, & ceramic tile. Extended covered and screened lanai with a "Hot Springs" Hot/Tub Spa that is "Negotiable"! Looking over a Beautiful landscaped yard & Fountain view surrounded by a privacy fence. This Gorgeous home is located in a quaint "Gated" community! Great location with access to I-4, 417, restaurants, shopping, A+ schools, and more! Traditional sale and truly a MUST SEE!!






It is always my pleasure to assist you, Kris!
Kris Julian, Realtor® | Realty Executives Seminole | 3899 W. Lake Mary Blvd. Suite 123 | Lake Mary, FL 32746 | 407-421-6187 | http://www.kris-julian.com

Bankrate.com offers some great tips to homebuyers!

• Be prepared to document your finances. Buyers should be ready for a stringent review by lenders underwriting mortgages thanks to new mortgage regulations that took effect in January, particularly in proving borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. To prepare for the inevitable, borrowers should be prepared to show bank statements, tax returns, W-2s, investment accounts and documentation of any other assets they own. Also, they should be prepared to explain any large deposits to their accounts – even a $500 check from a family member during the holidays. If they can’t prove where the money came from, it has the potential to delay closing.

• Lock in a rate soon. Mortgage rates are expected to rise in 2014 as the Federal Reserve winds down its $85 billion per month bond-buying stimulus program. A rate lock is usually good for 30, 45 or 60 days, although the time period can vary among lenders.

• Shop around. Buyers may have the upper hand in 2014. Lenders have lost a large amount of their refinance business this year as rising rates encourage fewer homeowners to refinance. That means they are turning their attention to homebuyers and may be more willing to compete for their business. Homebuyers will want to shop around for more than just the best interest rate on the loan, however – look at points and closing costs as well.

• Pay careful attention to credit. The best mortgage rates often go to borrowers with credit scores of 720 or higher, Bankrate reports. While those with a credit score of 680 can still probably qualify for a loan, they may end up paying higher rates or higher closing costs.

• Watch your spending. Make sure your buyers aren’t tempted to go outfit their new home by buying furniture – on credit – before closing. Lenders carefully scrutinize debt obligations, such as credit cards and student loans. Borrowers are advised to keep their monthly debt obligations, including mortgage and property taxes, to below 43 percent of their income.

Source: “10 Mortgage Tips for 2014,” Bankrate.com (February 2014)

© Copyright 2014 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

Spring Forward!





It's that time of year again where we Spring Forward...! Time to enjoy some extra daylight after work by getting outside for a bike ride, walking in the park, grilling, swimming, or taking care of some much needed landscaping... Obviously, my favorite time of year because I could go on and on...!! 

Remember, it is also time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. The best advice is to have a smoke alarm outside of each sleeping area. Purchase long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries or change regular batteries twice a year and smoke alarms should be changed every 10 years. 

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. clocks will “spring forward” one hour. Sunrise is at 7:42am and Sunset is at 7:30pm so enjoy the day... 

The Countdown begins for Spring in 12 days on March 20, 2014! A great time to sell or buy a home. If you have any questions or are looking for some advice I'm always here for ya! 

Kris julian
Krisjulian@att.net

Thursday

Boomerang Buyers making Moves to return to Home Ownership


Now that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is in the rearview mirror, former home owners who lost their homes to a short sale or foreclosure are re-entering the housing market.
They've spent the last few years rebuilding their credit — and they're ready to buy again.

"We're about three years past the peak of the foreclosures, and that's about the time when most people would qualify for another loan," says Daren Blomquist, spokesman for RealtyTrac. "The market really needs boomerang buyers to maintain the current recovery."

Some boomerang buyers heading back to the housing market may find they have to make down payments of at least 20 percent to qualify for a loan, but others are finding opportunities to put down as little as 3.5 percent or 5 percent.

The wait times for qualifying for a loan can vary depending on the former home owners' circumstances. Typically, the wait times following a short sale or foreclosure are as follows:
• Seven-year wait for home owners with a previous foreclosure before they can qualify for a new mortgage through mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If the foreclosure was included in a bankruptcy, the borrower has to wait only four years.
• Two-year wait for home owners who underwent a short sale before they're eligible for another Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan.
• Three-year wait for home owners seeking a Federal Housing Administration loan after a foreclosure or short sale. Some home owners who underwent a foreclosure because of at least a 20 percent cut in their pay may be able to qualify for a new mortgage after just a year through FHA's Back to Work program.


Mel Eidlen
Central Florida Title, LLC
142 W Lakeview Ave,
Suite 2020
Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407)330-7878 office
(407)330-7868 fax
(407)416-7009 cell
mel@centralfloridatitle.com
www.CentralFloridaTitle.com

Monday

An article from the "Sanford Herold"!

Seminole High School Baseball making a Difference



SANFORD — The Seminole High School Baseball team has been hard at work giving back to the community and making a difference in society. In the last year the program has given over 300 hours of service to the local community. Just last week, the team had participated in the 6th annual Chili Cook-Off at Alive after 5 to help raise money for the Chris Elliott Fund as part of an awareness effort and a way to make a difference in brain cancer. The event helped raised $4,700 and the pot of chili the Fighting Seminoles entered in the cook-off and placed 3rd. "This is a very special group of young men," stated Seminole Head Coach Justin Frost. “After winning a gift card the team decided to give it back so it can be auctioned off to help raise more money for the event. Lessons like this are far more important than the game of baseball. This is more about the game of life and our goal is to help mold these student athletes into becoming good young men.” Every varsity home game this season will be an "appreciation night" honoring the local community groups that really go above and beyond to make a difference in our community every day.


* Monday, February 3 _ Seminole High School Faculty & Staff Night.

* Friday, February 7 _ Seminole County Sheriff Department Night.

* Wednesday, February 12 _ Sanford Airport Fire Rescue and Police Night.

* Friday, February 14 _ City of Sanford Fire Department Night.

* Tuesday, February 18 _ Seminole County Night.

* Tuesday, February 25 _ City of Sanford Night.

* Tuesday, March 4 _ United States Armed Forces Night.

* Monday, March 24 _ Seminole County Fire Department Night.

* Friday, March 28 _ City of Sanford Police Department Night.

All varsity games start at 7 p.m.

Come out and support the community and the Fighting Seminoles.

Read more: Sanford Herald - Seminole High School baseball making a difference

Tuesday

Looking for a Rental by UCF!


4 Bedroom, 2 & 1/2 Bath, Pool, Tiki Bar, and more...!

Call me for details today!
Kris Julian
407-421-6187
krisjulian@att.net

Monday

Sun Rail Update!


DeBary Station Community Train Tour Event
Date: Saturday, March 29
In conjunction with the SunRail Station Grand Opening
On-site parking available at the station.
Train Tour: 9:30-11:30am

SunRail trains will link DeBary in Volusia County with downtown Orlando and south Orange County. The second phase is scheduled to open in 2016 and extend the tracks to DeLand to the north and Poinciana to the south, for a total of 61 miles. Trains are scheduled to arrive at each station every 30 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The seats will have tables where you can sit with your laptop and get started on work, read the paper or let the kids draw. The passenger cars will be double-decker so that you’ll always have a seat with a great view. Ticket fare will range from $2-$4 per passenger and for travelers who plan to ride SunRail routinely, getting a reusable and reloadable plastic SunCard is the better way to go!

Construction Update:

DeBary
630 South Charles R. Beall Blvd.
DeBary, FL 32713
Percent Complete: 98%

Sanford
2720 West State Road 46
Sanford, FL 32771
Percent Complete: 97%

Lake Mary
2200 West Lake Mary Blvd.
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Percent Complete: 90%

Longwood
149 East Church Ave.
Longwood, FL 32750
Percent Complete: 85%

Altamonte Springs
2741 South Ronald Reagan Blvd.
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Percent Complete: 98%

Maitland
801 North Orlando Ave.
Maitland, FL 32751
Percent Complete: 90%

Winter Park
148 West Morse Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Percent Complete: 90%

Florida Hospital Health Village
500 East Rollins Street
Orlando, FL 32803
Percent Complete: 95%

Lynx Central
101 West Livingston Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Percent Complete: 95%

Church Street
99 West South Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Percent Complete: 90%

Orlando Health/Amtrak
250 Columbia Street
Orlando, FL 32806
Percent Complete: 87%

Sand Lake Road
8030 South Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32809
Percent Complete: 90%
Avoid Congestion.

Central Florida is growing by leaps and bounds... That’s why SunRail is so important to Central Florida. Regardless of weather or accidents, SunRail has scheduled commute times so you can avoid delays and arrive at your destination safely and on time. As well as reduce your expenses on fuel, maintenance, and insurance premiums!

Interesting Facts according to Sunrail!

100,000

The increase in vehicles registered in Central Florida between 2004 and 2008.

38

The average amount of hours Central Florida drivers lose annually while stuck in rush-hour traffic.

+3.2 Million

The estimated population growth in Central Florida by 2020.

51.4 Million

The number of tourists that visited Central Florida in 2011.


Saturday

Florida Housing Report!

Florida’s housing market reported more closed sales, higher median prices, more new listings, and continued stabilization of inventory in January! According to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors® closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 15,000 last month, up 10.2 % over the January 2013. Prices are increasing and equity is growing for home owners across the states, which is why we are seeing more homeowners listing their homes again. Listings for single family homes rose 13.8 % year-over-year, while new townhouse-condo listings rose 7.4 %. January, 2014 marked 26 consecutive months that we’ve seen increases in statewide median sales prices for both single family homes and town home-condo properties. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $162,500 & townhouse-condo properties was $131,000. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Some interesting facts from the National Association of Realtors®, the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in December 2013 was $197,900; the national median existing condo price was $198,600. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in December was $438,040; in Massachusetts, it was $320,000; in Maryland, it was $255,183; and in New York, it was $236,875. It appears that the rate at which properties are coming on the market is closely matched by sales. In addition, rising prices have cut down on the availability of short sales and these have been dropping consistently. According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.43% in January 2014!

Thursday

Ready to Build a New Home!

Looking to build a new home....?? The Coventry at Heathrow & Estates at Pearl Lake our two brand new communities located in the Seminole County school zones! The Coventry is a premier neighborhood of new homes inside the gates of the highly sought after Heathrow Golf & Country Club community. The Estates at Pearl Lake, is located in the highly desirable Heathrow area and within walking distance of downtown Lake Mary’s popular Colonial Town Park shopping and dining district. Both are zoned for top-rated Seminole County schools and are located close to the Business district. Both communities offer great floor plans, easy access to SR 417 & I-4, and the Sanford Airport. If you are looking for new homes in Seminole County that provide an exceptional value and the best of everything in Central Florida’s most desirable area then Taylor Morrison is your builder! Homes from the $400s... are going fast so contact me today for all the details!


Kris Julian
Realty Executives
407-421-6187