Blog About Orlando Real Estate

Thank you for reading my informative blog about the Orlando area and real estate within.     If you have any questions about real estate, feel free to call my cell # at 321.662.1025.   Thanks!

Erik Hansen
KW Real Estate

Real Estate Update — Orlando FL   — June 2009

Keller Williams Advantage Realty Group was recently ranked in the TOP 300 offices in the entire nation for all companies!   Offices are ranked by transactions and total sales.   This email was recently sent to our entire office from the President of Keller Williams in Austin TX:

Keller Williams Advantage Group:   TOP 300 IN THE NATION!

You’ve just received information from KWRI President Mark Willis about Keller Williams Advantage Group in Orlando FL.     This information is confirmed by the annual RIS Media Power Broker Survey and the REAL Trends 500 Report.

In both research organizations, Keller Williams Advantage Group is ranked in the top 300 brokerages….in ALL COMPANIES….in the country!

You all are some of the highest achievers in the country – be proud and please know we appreciate your continued vision, commitment, and partnership.   YOU ROCK!

– Mark Willis

To learn more about Keller Williams Realty and the great opportunities offered to their agents, visit www.KW.com or call me anytime!   Search Orlando area homes for sale here:   www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com

Erik Hansen
ErikH@kwerik.com

Heathrow Country Estates ” Sorrento, Fl ” June 21, 2009

Heathrow Country Estates is located in Sorrento, FL just 15 minutes from the Seminole Town Center and 25 minutes from Lake Mary Fl.   The gorgeous Red Tail Golf Club has championship style greens and fairways for an enjoyable day on the course!   David Weekley, one of America™s top  home builders,  was fortunate enough to have purchased several lots in the Hawks Run portion of Heathrow Country Estates!  Each of these estate homes have been drastically reduced in price in order to closeout the community.

Heathrow Country  Estates is only a 45 minute drive to  Downtown Orlando,  35 minutes to Winter  Park, 35 minutes to  Daytona Beach, 10 minutes to Mt. Dora, and 50 minutes to Orlando International Airport!

I would consider this  community  a luxury  homeowner™s dream!   Includes custom homes built with all the amenities and designer touches in mind.    Whether you work from home or are planning your retirement, this community  has the luxury ammenities you  desire!    Luxury  real esate in a  gated golf course community is  hard to find, especially with the tranquility of being in the country!    Check out  all that Heathrow Country Estates and  Red Tail Country Club have to offer!!

For more information on any of the estate homes discussed in this blog, click here: Contact Me, or call Erik Hansen at (321) 662-1025!

The  Gasmer Model

Orlando FL — May 3, 2009 — TAX CREDIT for First Time Homebuyers

A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.   We are already 4 months into the year, which means you only have 8 months left to find a home, make the offer and close on the property!   This $8,000 is available to anyone who has not owned a home within the last 3 years.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, I encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

1. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?
   First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home”new or resale”are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.
2. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
   The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
   The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home™s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
   Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
5. What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
   Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.

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To learn more about this tax credit, click on the following link:   IRS Tax Credit Info

œOrlando homebuyers are getting back into the market and taking advantage of the improved affordability, says ORRA President Les Simmonds, L.G. Simmonds Real Estate Corp. œLower prices, record low interest rates, and a vast selection of homes give homebuyers increased buying power, making it an excellent time to buy a home. This is especially true for first-time buyers who are eligible for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.   “(from the ORRA website)

I believe we live in a great part of the country  that offers beautiful weather, plenty of shopping spots, great restaurants  and friendly people.     The more the word gets out about all Central Florida has to offer, the more likely we will see the local real estate market get back to normal!   To find out more, or to discuss how I can help you relocate to the Orlando area, send me an email to: erikh@kwerik.com.

My Real Estate Websites include homes for sale in Orlando Fl, Lake Mary Fl, Winter Park Fl, and the surrounding areas:

www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com

ErikHansen.YourKWAgent.com

Thanks for reading and be sure to comment if you have thoughts about this or any other posts on this blog!

Erik Hansen         Email: erikh@kwerik.com

Real Estate Consultant

Keller Williams Realty

***SOLD FOR $320k on May 22, 2009.   NOW is the time to get a great deal!***

• Foreclosed Bank Owned Property
• $385,900
• 5 bedroom
• 3 bathroom
• 3853 sqft = $100.16/sqft
• MOVE IN READY
• Huge Rooms
• Large Closets
• Great Location!

If you are looking for a nice bank owned property that  is READY TO MOVE IN, this might be the perfect home for you!   Located in the Maitland area off of 17-92, this home is only 15 min. from downtown Orlando,  40 min. to Daytona Beach, 30 min. to Disney World, 20 min. to Universal Studios and Sea World, 20 min. to UCF and  Research Park!     Contact Erik today for any questions about this or any other bank owned property.     We are hired by the banks to sell these foreclosed properties at great discounts below market value!     To search Orlando Bank Owned or Foreclosed Properties, visit www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com!

Erik Hansen ” Foreclosure Expert ” Keller Williams Realty “

Cell: (321) 662-1025 ” Email: Erikh@KWErik.com ” www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com  “  www.BlogAboutOrlando.com

* Prices are subject to change

* Property status is updated on a monthly basis, and may no longer be available.   Call for current status.  

Orlando, Fl “  In the  Central Florida real estate market (only including Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties), there are 21,448 properties on the market with 4043 being NEW listings to come on the market in March.  In the entire Orlando area real estate market, there are  thousands of  new homes to be built by  home builders including: Centex, Ryland, D.R. Horton, Pulte, M/I, David Weekley, Meritage and KB Homes.     With only 4906 single famliy homes PENDING currently, we still have a long way to go in order to start earning positive returns on our #1 investment, the family home.   (Please disregard the html code below.   not sure why that is there.   sorry)

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(April 13, 2009 “ Orlando, FL) Orlando area home sales have again experienced an increase in activity, with members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR ® Association involved in the sale of 47.59 percent more homes in March of this year than March of last year: 1,653 to 1,120.

In addition, Orlando REALTORS ® filed 76.06 percent more contracts in the month of March (2,956) than in March 2008 (1,679). Overall, pending sales ” considered by housing economists to be a reliable indicator of future sales ” continued its upward trend in March to 4,906. There were more than twice as many homes under contract in March 2009 compared to March 2008 (2,398).

"Orlando homebuyers are getting back into the market and taking advantage of the improved affordability," says ORRA President Les Simmonds, L.G. Simmonds Real Estate Corp. "Lower prices, record low interest rates, and a vast selection of homes give homebuyers increased buying power, making it an excellent time to buy a home. This is especially true for first-time buyers who are eligible for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit."   --(from the ORRA website)

The local experts are predicting that we will continue on a decline over the next 12-18 months, with normal appreciation  (3-5%/year) returning in the late part of 2010.    I personally think that the local growth will continue and our area will see those returns a bit sooner¦..possibly as early as summer 2010.

I believe we live in a great part of the country  that offers beautiful weather, plenty of shopping spots, great restaurants  and friendly people.     The more the word gets out about all Central Florida has to offer, the more likely we will see the local real estate market get back to normal!   To find out more, or to discuss how I can help you relocate to the Orlando area, send me an email to: erikh@kwerik.com.

My Real Estate Websites include homes for sale in Orlando Fl, Lake Mary Fl, Winter Park Fl, and the surrounding areas:

www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com

ErikHansen.YourKWAgent.com

Thanks for reading and be sure to comment if you have thoughts about this or any other posts on this blog!

Erik Hansen         Email: erikh@kwerik.com

Real Estate Consultant

Keller Williams Realty

Orlando FL April 2009

Orlando Area Homes for Sale -- Foreclosures and Investment Property

The Orlando area has many opportunities for buyers looking to get a great value on a new construction or resale property!   What are the advantages of buying new versus resale?

Below are some advantages for each:

New Construction Advantages:

• Incorporate the most recent building codes
  • New homes must adhere to the most recent building codes and, therefore, are better equipped to deal with high winds.   Additionally, advances in technology make building materials today safer and more environmentally friendly than in the past.

• Builder Warranties
  • Most builders have at least a 1 year complete warranty and 10 year structural warranty.   This can help prevent unexpected costs.

• Choice of Upgrades and Lot
  • Unlike with resale, you can choose the flooring, counters, cabinets, etc. in your new home.   In many cases, you will also have your choice of lot.
• Incentives
  • Particularly in a down market, builders are notorious for offering incredible incentives to purchase their product.   These range from closing costs, to free upgrades, to your first year of mortgage payments, and even to cars!   Most resale owners cannot compete on the same level.

To learn more about the advantages of buying resale vs new construction in the Orlando area, send me an email to erikh@kwerik.com.   My website has an easy to use property search feature that you may find helpful: www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com.

• $130,000
• 2  Master Suites
• 2.5 Baths
• 1264 Sqft
• 1-Car Garage w/door opener
• Upgraded Black Appliances
• Gated Community
• Community Pool
• Clean & Move In Ready
• 5 Min. to UCF
• Walking Distance to Waterford Lakes Shopping Center
• 5 Min. to Research Park
• 40 Min. to Cocoa Beach
• 20 Min. to Downtown Orlando
• 35 Min. to Disney World and Attractions
• 20 Min. to Orlando International Airport
• ***NOT A FORECLOSURE!!***

If you are looking for a nice  TOWNHOME that is ready to move in and able to close quickly, this might be the perfect  TOWNHOME for you!   Located in the  Waterford Lakes/UCF  area off of toll road  408, this home is only 2 miles from UCF and 3 miles from Valencia CC!  Call Erik today for any question about this or any other  property in the Orlando area!

Click here to view the property photos on my website: 13148 Lexington Summit in Orlando Fl   or my other site: OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com

We are hired by the banks to sell  foreclosed properties at great discounts below market value!     To search Orlando Bank Owned or Foreclosed Properties, call Erik today!

Erik Hansen ” Foreclosure Expert ” Keller Williams Realty “

Cell: (321) 662-1025 ” Email: Erikh@KWErik.com ” www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com  “  www.BlogAboutOrlando.com

Orlando FL ” 3/11/2009 ” Foreclosure Specialist Erik Hansen

When it comes to the Orlando Real Estate Market, foreclosures are everywhere and the banks are overwhelmed with trying to sell them at a fast rate!   In order to find the best deals, you need to work with someone who knows what the banks are looking for.     There are over 100 banks that have properties (REOs)  on their books, which makes it difficult to know the requirements of each bank/lender.   The best you can hope for is to find someone that works for the banks to help sell these REOs (Real Estate Owned = Foreclosed Property).     That™s where I come in.   I have recently joined a foreclosure team that is hired by the banks to sell their REOs and foreclosured/bank owned  properties.   We have weekly meetings to stay updated on the special requirements of each bank.   This gives us an advantage over the average Realtor who does not have the relationship with these banks.

If you are interested in purchasing a foreclosure property in the Orlando area, give me a call so we can discuss the opportunities available to you.    My contact info is below and I am always available to answer your questions about foreclosures, short sales and distressed properties!   Many of these bank owned properties are in excellent condition and ready to move in!

Here are a few advantages to working with our Foreclosure Team at Keller Williams Realty:

• Inside track on Orlando foreclosures as they become available
• Opportunity to preview these Orlando foreclosures prior to coming on the market
• Guidance and support from a team of Foreclosure Specialists
• Updates on Investor specials that are perfect for rentals or flip properties.
• Free credit report and appraisal if working with the bank who owns the property*
• Insider knowledge of the bank™s requirements, price margins and processes
• Expert advice on how to present an offer to the bank without it getting rejected
• Professional service from a team of Foreclosure Specialists

To search for bank owned properties in Orlando Fl, call me so I can set you up with our bank owned email system!    

Erik Hansen
Keller Williams Realty

Foreclosure Specialist

Cell: 321-662-1025

Email: ErikH@KWErik.com

www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com

www.BlogAboutOrlando.com

*Only applies to certain banks, and only if you are approved for a loan through that bank.

Orlando, Fl “  In the  Central Florida real estate market (only including Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties), there are 24,657 properties on the market with  4289 being NEW listings to come on the market in October.  In the entire Orlando area real estate market, there are  thousands of  new homes to be built by  home builders including: Centex, Ryland, D.R. Horton, Pulte, M/I, David Weekley, Meritage and KB Homes.     With only 2679 single famliy homes PENDING currently, we still have a long way to go in order to start earning positive returns on our #1 investment, the family home.

According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, “Osceola County for the second month leads the Orlando area in increased sales activity. Sales in that county jumped an impressive 47.26 percent in October 2008 compared to October 2007; last month, the comparison increase was an astonishing 77.38 percent.”

The local experts are predicting that we will continue on a decline over the next 12-18 months, with normal appreciation  (3-5%/year) returning in the late part of 2009.    I personally think that the local growth will continue and our area will see those returns a bit sooner¦..possibly as early as summer 2009.

I believe we live in a great part of the country  that offers  phenomenal weather, plenty of shopping spots, great restaurants  and friendly people.     The more the word gets out about all Central Florida has to offer, the more likely we will see the real estate market locally get back to normal!   To find out more, or to discuss how I can help you relocate to the Orlando area, call me at 321-662-1025 or email me: erikh@kwerik.com.

My Real Estate Websites including homes for sale in Orlando Fl, Lake Mary Fl, Winter Park Fl, and the surrounding areas:

www.OrlandoAreaDreamHomes.com

www.EastOrlandoDreamHomes.com

ErikHansen.YourKWAgent.com

Thanks for reading and be sure to comment if you have thoughts about this or any other posts on this blog!

Erik Hansen         Cell: 321-662-1025

Real Estate Consultant

Keller Williams Realty