What is an Eco-Friendly Home?

An eco-friendly home is any house that strives to reduce energy usage either during the building process or for average, everyday use. Green Home Building Standards have been established by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), which strives to ensure that ecologically sound building practices meet structurally sound ones no matter where you live.

Some of the components of a “green” home include:

• Energy-efficient features, including appliances and windows with the Energy Star rating. This can also be accomplished by doing simple things like using more efficient lighting fixtures and light bulbs.
• Water-efficient features, including Energy Star ratings on toilets, showers, faucets, dishwashers, and washing machines. At a more advanced level, this can include water recirculation systems and on-site wastewater treatment systems.
• Resource-efficient features, which generally come from structural changes that have to do with house size and layout, window placement, heat conservation efforts, and even using fast-renewing resources (like bamboo) for the floor or other building materials.
• Quality air features, which provide good ventilation without introducing toxins into the air either inside or outside the home.
• Outdoor features, including landscaping that contributes to the local vegetation, and the use of permeable materials for driveways and walkway. Water waste should also be reduced wherever possible.

Purchasing a Green Home

One of the greatest things about eco-friendly homes in the Orlando region is that most of the costs are figured in during the building process. This means that if you’re in the market to purchase a green home, you will only have to help maintain the work that’s already been done. While this can increase the initial price tag of your new FL home, chances are that it will save you large amounts of money as the years progress.

In an age where it’s becoming increasingly more important to give back to the environment, more and more homeowners in the Orlando area are loFLing for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. It doesn’t matter whether you purchase a new home in Winter Garden or an older building with recent renovations in Windermere, Jay Myers can help you find a way to combine your love of the environment with the home of your dreams.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

The majority of home buyers in the FL region begin their search online. The Internet is becoming an increasingly viable way to present homes from both an interior and an exterior vantage point. Although Jay Myers will help you to understand the best angles for presenting a photographic display of your house, you can help by pointing out what it is you love best about the home. A great backyard garden, a cozy front porch swing, a spacious kitchen, the tile on your bathroom floor – no matter what it is, use it as a way to entice buyers into contacting your agent for more information.

Virtual tours are becoming a very popular way to showcase your home online, as well. Allowing viewers to “walk through” your home gives them a stronger connection to it.

Signs and Advertisements

The more traditional Florida home selling options include putting up a sign or placing an ad in the newspaper, in your local real estate magazine, or even on direct mailing advertisements. These steps have long been a part of the buying and selling market, regardless of where you live.

The truth of the matter is, there’s a reason these actions are relied upon so heavily: no one will know you’re selling your Orlando home unless you post it somewhere! While decisions related to where you place the signs and advertisements will most likely be made with the assistance of Jay Myers, you can help by finding additional ways to spread the word of your sale. Online home selling postings for Winter Garden or Windermere are fairly common, and oftentimes, simply letting your friends and family know that your Orlando home is on the market can go a long way in spreading the word.

Rely on Jay Myers

Of course, the most important home marketing step you can take is trusting Jay Myers to work hard to sell your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Like any real business partnership, selling a Florida home is all about finding someone you can trust and working together to get the best possible results.

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.

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.

However, an open house can be an unnerving event; after all, you’re opening your home up to complete strangers, and in most cases, you won’t be there to witness the event. By knowing what to expect, you have a better chance of selling your FL home – all while keeping a handle on your peace of mind.

• Remember that an open house is just one part of a larger marketing process. No one wants to sell your home more than your Orlando real estate agent, and the best approach in any sales climate is to reach as many potential homebuyers as possible. That means diversifying the way you market to include those who prefer the low-key atmosphere of an open house.
• Don’t expect immediate results. Few people enter an open house and make a purchase right then and there. The real outcome is most likely going to be a few appointments for a private viewing or future appointment.
• Remove your valuables, money, keys, pets, medications, and any paperwork that has personal information on it (such as bills). Although a good real estate agent will keep an eye on your property to avoid damages, anything that is of value (for either monetary or personal reasons) should be safely tucked away. This can actually help sell the house in the long run, since personal effects tend to turn buyers off.
• Do a walk-through with your real estate agent immediately before and after the open house. This will allow you both to determine damages or thefts with an objective eye.
• Remember that an open house can tell you a lot about your property. Your real estate agent will be able to draw conclusions based on the turnout and the overheard comments. If few people show up, it could indicate that your asking price is too high, or that your curb appeal simply isn’t up to snuff. A large turnout with few leads could mean that the problem lies with the layout or “dressing” of your home.

Selling a home in FL can be difficult in today’s market – but it isn’t impossible. By approaching your marketing strategies with an open mind – and an open house – you can get your home effectively promoted throughout the Orlando, Windermere and Winter Garden housing market with better results than ever before.

Price: $950/mo
8910 Legacy Court #16-306
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Contact: Orlando Realty & Property Management by Keller Williams Realty at the Parks
Future Tenants: 407-641-5782

Bedrooms: 3
Property Sub Type: Condo
Square Ft: 1249
Bathrooms: 2
Year Built: 2000

*Priced low to rent fast!
*3 Bedrm/2 Bath condo
*Can be rented FURNISHED or UNFURNISHED
*Wired for alarm
*Community restaurant too!
*Living & Dining Rooms
*Ceiling Fans
*3rd Floor Unit
*Screened in Patio
*30 Minutes to Downtown Orlando & Airport
*Convenient to 428 & Tpike
*Gated Community
*Community Tennis, Basketball & Volleyball
*Community Pool
*Community Playground
*Just minutes to Disney’s west entrance
*Convenient to US 27, shopping & restaurants
*All appliances included
*Blinds included
*Washer/dryer
*http://edulogsrv.osceola.k12.fl.us/edulog/webquery/
*Pets Ok up to 50 lbs
*Available now
*SORRY, NO SECTION 8 ACCEPTED
*Call 407-641-5782 to see this home

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: I-4, exit 192, head West, past 429 to Legacy Dunes, turn Left into Legacy Dunes, park outside the clubhouse to meet agent. Go through gate on the Left, through gate and on to 3rd building on the Right. 

Here at Orlando Realty & Property Management our motto is “We Treat Your Home Like it is Our Own.“  We rent, sell and manage homes, townhomes, and condos in Orlando, Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Windermere, Kissimmee, Maitland, Altamonte Springs and other areas of Central Florida.  Go to our site, http://www.407rentals.com or give us a call today at 407-641-5049.

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!

Price: $1625/mo
112 E Esther Street
Orlando, FL 32806
Contact: Orlando Realty & Property Management by Keller Williams Realty at the Parks
Future Tenants: 407-641-5782

Bedrooms: 3
Property Sub Type: Townhome
Square Ft: 2034
Bathrooms: 2.5
Year Built: 2007

*Priced low to rent fast!
*3 Bedrm/2.5 bath townhome
*Built in 2007
*Wood, Travertine & Slate Floors
*Granite Counters
*42” Cabinets
*Upgraded Kitchen
*2 Car Garage
*Just 5 minutes to Downtown Orlando
*Convenient to I-4 & 408
*Stainless steel appliances
*Blinds included
* http://www.ocps.net/Parents/Pages/FindaSchool.aspx
*Pets Ok
*Available 5/1/2010
*SORRY, NO SECTION 8 ACCEPTED
*Call 407-641-5782 to see this townhome

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Downtown Orlando, take I-4 W. to Michigan St., turn left on Michigan to N. Orange Ave. (turn left) to E. Esther St. (turn right). Townhome is the front unit (112) on the right side of the street. 

Need property management?  Need to buy or sell a home?  Looking for a home for rent?  Go to our site, http://www.407rentals.com or give us at Orlando Realty and Property Management a call at 407-641-5049.  We service all of Central Florida including Winter Park, Winter Garden, Windermere, Orlando, Maitland, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs and the rest of Central Florida.   

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!

Price: $1250/mo
11824 Delfina Lane
Orlando, Fl 32827
Contact: Orlando Realty & Property Management by Keller Williams Realty at the Parks
Future Tenants: 407-641-5782

Bedrooms: 2
Property Sub Type: Single Family Home
Square Ft: 1600
Bathrooms: 2
Year Built: 2006

* Priced to rent NOW!
* 2 Bedrm 2 Bath Home
* Living and Family Rooms
* Cable TV INCLUDED
* Monitored security alarm INCLUDED
* LAWN CARE INCLUDED
* Corian counters
* Newer home, all the upgrades
* Pond View
* Convenient to the airport & 417 & 528
* Guard-Gated community
* Community POOL
* Community Fitness Center
* Community Playground
* Community Tennis Courts
* All kitchen appliances included
* Blinds TOO
* Washer and Dryer also.
* SORRY, SECTION 8 NOT ACCEPTED
* https://www.ocps.net/Parents/Pages/FindaSchool.aspx
* Call 407-641-5782 to see this home
* Pets ok
* Available now

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From 417 (GreenWay) to Narcoossee Rd., head north on Narcoossee 1/8th of a mile to Lake Nona Blvd. Head West 1.7 miles to the entrance of Village Walk at Lake Nona on the (L), go through security gate (tell them you are going to see the home on Delfina for rent). Thru the security gate, make a (L), make a (R) onto Delfina. 

Orlando condo for rent?  Winter Park home for sale?  Need Windermere property management?  Want to buy a home in Winter Garden.  Maybe you have real estate needs in Kissimmee, Maitland or Altamonte Springs?  Visit our website, http://www.407rentals.com or give us, Orlando Realty and Property Management at 407-641-5049.  We service all of your Central Florida real estate needs.

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!

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.

Price:$1595/mo
4887 Fells Cove Ave
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Contact: Orlando Realt & Property Management by Keller Williams at the Parks
Future Tenants: 407-641-5782

Bedrooms: 5
Property Sub Type: Single Family Home
Square Ft: 3660
Bathrooms: 2.5
Year Built: 2005

* Priced cheap!
* Large half acre lot
* Securilty system
* Formal living and dining
* Master downstairs / Large Bedrms
* Brand New 5 Bedrm 2.5 Bath
* Ceramic tile & Carpet
* Large BONUS room upstairs
* Family room that is open to the kitchen
* Convenient to 417 & the airport
* All kitchen appliances included
* Blinds included
* Washer & Dryer TOO
* SORRY, SECTION 8 NOT ACCEPTED
* http://www.osceola.k12.fl.us/Disclaimer.asp
* Call 407-641-5782 to see this home
* Pets under 50lbs are ok
* AVAILABLE May 1, 2010

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From 417 and Narcoossee, go towards Saint Cloud South, make a right on Boggy Creek Road and 1 mile to Fells Cove Community, make a left on Wax Myrtle and a right on Fells Cove and home on left side. 

Here at Orlando Realty & Property Management our motto is “We Treat Your Home Like it is Our Own.“  We rent, sell and manage homes, townhomes, and condos in Orlando, Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Windermere, Kissimmee, Maitland, Altamonte Springs and other areas of Central Florida.  Go to our site, http://www.407rentals.com or give us a call today at 407-641-5049.

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!