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  • admin 2:28 pm on April 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply
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    3Bdrm Condo in Gated Brantley Terrace/ Altamonte Springs 

    We answer calls 7 days a week at 407-641-5782.
    View all of our properties at http://www.407rentals.com
    WE SHOW PROPERTIES 7 DAYS A WEEK!

    ***HURRY THIS OFFER ENDS SOON.   OFFER FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS ONLY (PLEASE VIEW OUR APPLICATION GUIDELINES HERE.). THIS OFFER IS BASED UPON A 12 MONTH LEASE BEING SIGNED WITHIN 3 DAYS OF THE INITIAL VIEW OF THE OF PROPERTY. OCCUPANCY OF PROPERTY AND COMMENCEMENT OF RENTAL AGREEMENT MUST BEGIN WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE INITIAL VIEWING OF THE PROPERTY. THE RENT FOR THE FIRST 120 DAYS OF THE LEASE ON THIS PROPERTY IS $899.00 PER MONTH. THE REMAINING TERMS OF THE LEASE SHALL BE BASED UPON THE ORIGINAL LISTED PRICE OF $950.00 PER MONTH. THE TENANT MUST FULFILL THE ENTIRE LEASE, OR THE AMOUNT THAT WAS DISCOUNTED ON THE FIRST 120 DAYS WILL BE CHARGED AT TIME OF TERMINATION AS ADDITIONAL RENT. THE SECURITY DEPOSIT DUE WITH AN APPROVED APPLICATION IS $950.00.  OTHER FEES/DEPOSITS MAY APPLY.***

    For Photos and More Information – http://www.thejaymyersteam.com/default.asp?f=listing_details&listingid=247959&listingtype=7

    Price: $899/mo
    586 Brantley Terrace Way Unit #204
    Altamonte Springs, Fl 32714
    Contact: Orlando Realty & Property Management by Keller Williams Realty at the Parks
    Future Tenants: 407-641-5782

    Subdivision: Brantley Terrace Condos
    Bedrooms: 3
    Bathrooms: 2
    Property Sub Type: Condo
    Square Ft: 1208
    Year Built: 2001

    *Priced to Rent Now!
    *3 Bedroom / 2 Bath Condo
    *Family Friendly
    *Too Many Amenities to Mention All Of Them
    *2nd Floor Unit
    *Views of Conservation Area and Lake Lotus
    *New Paint and Carpet – Pride Of Ownership
    *Super Clean with Split Floor-plan
    *Walking Distance to Shopping
    *42” Cabinets
    *Family and Dining Rooms
    *Move in Ready!
    *Water, Sewer, and Trash INCLUDED
    *Alarm System Wired
    *2nd Floor Unit
    *No Rear Neighbors
    *Lake View
    *Conservation Lot
    *Screened in Patio
    *1 Parking spot
    *POOL INCLUDED
    *LAWN INCLUDED
    *Just 35 Minutes to Downtown Orlando and Airport
    *Convenient to I-4, 436 and 434
    *Community Clubhouse
    *Storage Unit
    *Gated Community
    *Tennis Courts
    *Fitness Center
    *Community Pool
    *All Kitchen Appliances Included
    *Blinds Included
    *Full Size Washer/Dryer TOO!
    *SORRY, SECTION 8 NOT ACCEPTED
    *The deposit amount is based upon the application results.
    *School info: http://www.thejaymyersteam.com/default.asp.pg-OrlandoAreaLinks
    *Call 407-641-5782 to see this Resort Style Living Condo
    *Pets Okay!
    *AVAILABLE: Now

    DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From I-4 E, take exit 90B to merge onto FL-414 W/W Maitland Blvd toward FL-414 W.  Take the ramp onto FL-434 E.  Turn left at W Town Pkwy.   Turn left at Bunnell Rd.  Take the 2nd left onto Lake Lotus Club Dr.  Take the 1st right onto Brantley Terrace Way. 

    We answer calls 7 days a week at 407-641-5782.
    View all of our properties at http://www.407rentals.com
    WE SHOW PROPERTIES 7 DAYS A WEEK!

     

  • admin 12:00 am on October 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Communities, , , , , Neighborhood, , ,   

    Your Dream Home: Why Neighborhoods and Communities Matter 

    Finding the right home in Orlando isn’t always as easy as relying on a checklist of square footage, number of bathrooms, and the upkeep of the yard. Although these types of features are important when determining where you want to live and raise a family, another important consideration is the neighborhood where your dream house is situated.

    Orlando and Windermere homes for sale are noted for their family-friendly communities and idyllic backdrop, but that doesn’t mean that every home is ideally placed. Before you purchase a home in any Florida city, it’s important to research what the rest of the neighborhood has to offer.

    Schools

    Schools are the number one consideration when it comes to choosing a good neighborhood in FL. If you have kids, the reasons are easy to spot: you want your children to have access to a good, safe education. However, even homeowners without kids need to keep this issue in mind, especially if you plan on selling the house some day. Top-rated schools will not only keep your property value high, but they’ll also serve as an appeal to potential homebuyers in the future.

    Crime and Sex Offenders

    Few people want to live where they feel unsafe or fear for their families. That’s why you should always check the crime rate and search for registered sex offenders in the area. Never take a neighborhood at face value; a place that looks charming during the day might have a high rate of break-ins, while a neighborhood that looks less savory might actually have a strict neighborhood watch program in place and several policeman living nearby.

    Walkability/Livability

    Suburbs in the region of Orlando are generally good places for a slower pace of life, but the ability to walk to the market, the park, or to run simple errands might not be as high as what you can find in a more urban center. At the same time, Orlando suburbs might be better for taking a scenic evening stroll. When determining where you want to live in Florida, keep in mind what is more important for your lifestyle: being near amenities, or being near other families with similar goals as you.

    The same is true for things like construction zones, local garbage plants, train tracks, playgrounds, dogs, or industrial zones nearby. Make sure you take a walk through your potential neighborhood during the day and in the evening to see what types of noises, smells, and sights you will have to get used to.

    The Neighbors

    Nothing tells you more about a neighborhood in Windermere than the neighbors. Does everyone keep their homes and yards in good order? If a visually-appealing community is important to you, you might want to look around to make sure everyone else feels the same way. You might also want to investigate why. Is upkeep important to the neighbors, or is it held in place by strict homeowners’ association rules? Are you ready to make the same level of commitment?

    Also, you’ll want to determine the types of people who live nearby. Is there a large percentage of young families? Teenagers? Professionals who are rarely at home? Although these things can and will change, they will tell you a lot about the overall neighborhood culture.

    Neighbors also matter when it comes to the type and sizes of homes they have. Are there a large number of foreclosures? That could indicate a lowering neighborhood value. Are the other houses very different than yours in terms of value? (Note: Being surrounded in houses much higher in value than yours means that you may pay more in property taxes. Houses with a lower value means that you may end up having a difficult time selling in the future.)

    Buying Your New Orlando Home

    Buying a home, whether it’s in the center of Orlando or on the outskirts of Winter Garden, is a big undertaking. It’s important to look beyond the physical structure of your dream house to notice all that’s going on around you. After all, the place you call home is about more than four bedrooms and three baths; it’s about your way of life.

    If you’re ready to learn more about purchasing a home in FL, contact Jay Myers today. We’ll match you with the perfect home—including neighborhood amenities.

     

  • admin 10:27 pm on October 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE MONTH 

    **Everytime you have a new tenant move into a property, insist that the tenant pay you the deposit and first month’s rent in a cashier’s check form only before you give them keys  (A money order is not a cashier’s check because they CAN be cancelled). **

    Tired of managing your property yourself?   Click here.

    Tip provided by: Orlando Realty and Property Management
    Keller Williams Realty at the Parks
    http://www.407rentals.com

     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     

  • admin 2:46 pm on September 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Selling A Home, ,   

    Selling a Home: Why You Have to Engage all Five Senses 

    If you’re getting ready to sell a home in Orlando, you probably have a checklist of ideas for making your home more marketable. FL homes tend to sell better when they have more immediate appeal; for example, well-tended yards, impeccable siding, and a welcoming kitchen can go a long way in enticing homebuyers in the area. There are a number of ways you and your real estate agent can work together to make these things happen, and one of the best ideas is to ensure that you’re engaging all of the senses.

    Sight

    When selling a Windermere home or preparing your Orlando home for viewing, you should pay attention to both the big picture and the details of your house.

    For a bigger picture viewpoint, try to see everything with fresh eyes. When you pull into the driveway, what overall impression does the house give you? Is it clean and well-cared for? Does it look like the sort of place a family would want to live?

    Then, as you walk up to the front door, pay closer attention to the little things: the state of the flowerbeds, a cracked panel of siding, or an unsightly satellite dish at one corner of the house. These little things are often the easiest to fix in terms of time and money.

    Do the same thing as you walk through each room of your house. Take a quick survey from the doorway, and then walk through to make note of smaller defects. Different homebuyers look at different things, so it’s best to ensure that even the littlest problems are attended to.

    Sound

    The sounds of an ideal Florida home are pleasing to the ear, and you should do your best to keep them that way. Avoid running any noisy appliances when you’re expecting potential homebuyers to stop by. Televisions, radios, and even kids playing outside can all contribute negatively to the experience. When possible, you should either opt for silence (to demonstrate the peacefulness of your home) or use light background music that won’t be offensive to anyone. If you live near the water or wilderness, you might also open a few key windows to let in the most natural sounds.

    Smell

    It’s long been held as a “rule” of real estate that you should bake cookies or light a vanilla-scented candle when you show your home. These traditional smells are ones that most people associate with happy memories, which can trigger better feelings about your FL home for sale.

    While you don’t have to stick to traditional baking smells, the idea is a good one. However, if you use scents, choose ones that are inoffensive, are hypo-allergenic, and aren’t too obvious. You can also choose smells suited to particular rooms. Light and airy scents are well-suited to bathrooms, while the baking smells tend to do better in living rooms and kitchens.

    Touch

    In most cases, you don’t want people walking through your home to touch your personal possessions. However, the sense of touch can be important. Plush carpeting is welcoming in bedrooms and living spaces, while cool hardwood or tile makes a kitchen feel cleaner and more efficient. Crisp, clean appliances promise a treat for the fingertips even if the potential homebuyers don’t make actual physical contact.

    For the sense of touch, it’s best to promise a great tactile experience, rather than actually provide one. Place soft furnishings next to clean architectural lines. Throw a cozy blanket over some leather furniture. Choose draperies that are either light and airy or heavy and warm, depending on the mood you want to set.

    Taste

    When you have an open house in Orlando, keeping appetizer trays on hand can go a long way in making a good impression. Elegant sandwiches, tasty tarts, and other bite-sized treats cause people to linger and take a better stock of their surroundings. Food at a open house, while potentially messy, is also more likely to draw other real estate agents. At the end of the day, greater exposure – whether it’s potential buyers or real estate professionals other than your own Jay Myers – means a greater likelihood that your home will sell quickly and easily.

    Selling a FL Home

    A house is more likely to sell if it seems like a home. When you engage all the senses, you’re doing more than showcasing the physical features of your house – you’re demonstrating how comfortable and welcoming it is. And in today’s market, taking those few extra steps can make a huge difference in how quickly your Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden home sells.

     

  • admin 1:49 pm on June 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Home Inspection, , , ,   

    Benefits of a Home Inspection 

    Although new tax breaks and great housing prices in Orlando, Windermere and Winter Garden make buying a home easier and more cost-effective than ever before, it can still be a daunting task to undertake the path to home ownership. In addition to the stress of moving, you’re probably worrying about things like loan processing fees, down payments, mortgage options, and closing costs. Even with a financial advisor and a realtor at your side, these can add up to quite a bit of hard work!

     

    However, almost every homeowner will tell you that these costs are definitely worth buying a FL house. Not only are you purchasing a place to call home, but you’re making a financial investment with potentially huge returns. That’s why you should always consider a home inspection before signing on that dotted line, even if the added expense isn’t one you’re looking forward to.

     

    What is a Home Inspection?

     

    Many people equate a home inspection with a home appraisal, and with good reason. At their core, the two processes are very similar: in both, a trained professional goes through the home and inspects it with the intent of informing all parties involved on making the smartest buying and selling decisions.

     

    However, the similarities stop there. Home appraisals are done to give buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and financers a better idea of what the home is worth (based on “surface” things like square footage, number of rooms, and amenities like a fireplace or granite countertops). A home inspection, on the other hand, is all about informing buyers about the potential problems that lie underneath the surface.

     

    For example, a home inspector will be able to answer the following questions:

     

    • What is the condition of the plumbing and/or electrical system, and how easy is it to access in the event of a problem?

     

    • What will be the realistic costs and challenges of heating or cooling the house?

     

    • What is the state of the foundation, the roof, and other structural components?

     

    • How many years of use will you be able to get out of the electrical/plumbing/heating systems?

     

    • What are the potential safety hazards of the house (lead paint, radon, termites, asbestos, mold, etc.)?

     

    What a Home Inspection Does for You

     

    Although most home inspections cost the potential homebuyer hundreds of dollars up front, they typically end up saving homebuyers thousands of dollars in the end. When you get a home inspection, you can not only step away from a purchase that might not be right for you, but you can also require sellers to either “fix” the problems before you buy the home, or adjust the price in order to allow you to make the repairs.

     

    Of course, there’s also the benefit of knowing that the home for sale in Orlando that you purchased is safe and comfortable. It can be difficult to know just what a house has in store for you until you’ve lived in it for a few months. A home inspection is the best way to take the house for a “test drive” before you make the investment. And with so many choices currently on the Florida real estate market, you’re in a perfect position to make a smart, financially-sound choice for your entire family.

     

  • admin 10:13 am on May 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Buying a Historic Home in Florida 

    For many people living in or moving to FL, the best real estate purchase is one that combines the comfort of home with a piece of history. Buying a historic home in Orlando, Windermere or Winter Garden is fairly common in today’s market, thanks to an incredible real estate climate and one of the most dynamic historic districts in the state.

    However, if you’re simply looking at the intricate architecture and are thinking how great it would be to own a piece of the city’s history, you might want to take a step back and consider all the work involved in becoming a historic home owner.

    Home Quality

    The most important consideration for purchasing a historic home in Orlando is the quality of the house. Whether you’re looking at a bungalow or a mansion, you have to remember that time is rarely kind to real estate.

    In addition to outdated materials (like plaster instead of drywall or lead pipes) and difficult-to-work-with architectural styles, you have to consider the costs of restoring the house with authenticity in mind. Many materials are no longer available or can be costly if you want to maintain the historic integrity of your home. The same is true of the availability and cost of craftsman qualified to work with your particular home.

    Florida Housing Regulations

    Many historic homes are overseen by governing bodies that regulate what you can and can’t do to your own home. If you’re in the market to purchase a historic home, make sure you know who you will have to go through to get the right permits for renovation, or if you’ll need to register and pay a fee to get your home listed as an authentic historic site. You might also want to note what kind of tourist interest you will get from having a historically-listed site.

    Financial Investments

    Fortunately, not everything about owning a Orlando historic home is hard work! Historic homes, when restored with authenticity, safety, and modern comfort in mind, are an incredible financial investment. Many people are willing to pay top dollar for homes that are in perfect shape or that have a keen attention to detail.

    Many local governments also offer tax credits and tax freezes for those who maintain a certain level of quality in their registered historic homes. This means that a historic home can be a great investment, as well as a beautiful piece of architecture.

    Finding and Buying Your Historic Home

    When refurbished to contain all the modern amenities today’s families need and enjoy, a historic home can become a showpiece – both for your own visitors as well as those interested in the history of Orlando, Winter Garden and Windermere. As with all real estate purchases, however, this one should be made after much consideration and under the guidance of your trusted agent.

     

  • admin 6:07 pm on March 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Homebuyers, , Location, , ,   

    Buying a Home in FL: What to Look for in Neighborhoods and Communities 

    Most prospective homebuyers in the Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden Florida areas already know that when it comes to purchasing real estate, location is key. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to make a profit on your new home or if you simply want a place that will help you raise your family – the neighborhood you choose to call your own is just as important as those details of square footage, number of bathrooms, and central air.

     

    Choosing a home in FL based on the quality of the neighborhood is especially important. There are so many diverse and incredible places to live here that you can change your lifestyle simply by moving closer to that hip, urban center or further out, where suburban sprawl or a few acres of your own are calling.

     

    Most people already look at neighborhoods and communities in Orlando when considering a home purchase. In fact, some of the more common considerations include:

     

    • School districts
    • Type of neighborhood (gated, urban, suburban, etc.)
    • Public transportation options
    • Access to commuting routes
    • Proximity to shopping
    • Proximity to facilities like police, fire, or medical care
    • Tax rates
    • Crime rates

     

    However, although these are all very important parts of choosing a neighborhood in the Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden Florida areas, finding the facts might not be as easy as you hope. For example, things like tax rates can be researched, but you’ll also need to look at the future of development in the area. If there’s a big plan for condos to go up in your family neighborhood, you might find that the area is gearing for development. This might mean higher tax rates as the community draws in a higher-income crowd. (It might also mean a change in the neighborhood dynamic).

     

    It’s also important to consider the different times of day and the year in which you visit your prospective home.

     

    • How crowded are the streets during rush hour? On the weekends?
    • How safe do you feel walking around during the day? What about at night?
    • How maintained are the parks and streets in the winter? In the summer?
    • How is the noise level at night or in the morning? Does this change on the weekends?

     

    In order to make the most well-informed decision possible on your new home in Orlando, it’s best to ask a trusted real estate professional like Jay Myers or to talk with current (and past) residents. Not only will you get an insider’s view on what the FL community looks like after hours and in real life, but you might also learn that the people who will become your new neighbors are an enticing draw all on their own.

     

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