This is so true and something to keep in mind throughout the home buying process

I saw this recently and thought it made a good point. When buyers are in the negotiation and construction process this emotional part of home ownership may get lost in the mix.

Let's take time to think about the memories which will be made in your home and enjoy the process and work together to ensure that it will be as smooth sailing as possible.

Something to remember when buying your home

The LR Group will guide you through the process and support you to ensure that you will find the love in your home that you want and many, many of your dreams will be fulfilled.

The LR Group is headed by broker Associate Allister Lenn
Premium Properties Real Estate Services
Tel: 407-593-8234
www.homesinlakenona.com

Ideas on how to keep your shower door Shiny and Bright - Learning cleaning techniques while travelling.

On a recent trip to Europe I stayed with a friend in her meticulously clean condominium.
Somehow the conversation came around to her glass shower door and how clean and new it looked.

She shared one of her cleaning tips and now I am going to share it with you as it really worked for us.

She doesn't use windex or glass cleaner rather the rinse aid for the dishwasher.

Growing up I always remember a landlady while I was in college saying that her idea of cleaning was talking her glasses off and that was how she survived and kept her calm. Now we all like a clean house but the water is hard and we are busy, so the shower door was not the #1 priority.

Arriving back home in the States I set off to the grocery store on a mission only to find that the dishwasher rinse aid is now sold in concentrated form. Never mind I want to have that brand new shower door and I am going to fill the product in to a sprayer and get the door looking shiny and bright. Maybe they have the regular bottles somewhere and if you know message us please.

I would definitely read the instructions and make sure the windows are open. Wear a mask etc. when spraying the solution, but it worked and the shower door looks like new again. No grimy calcium build up from the hard water we have here.

This is just an idea and maybe there are betters ones, but if you are listing your home for sale and want to spruce up that shower door, you might want to give it a shot.

If you want to know why I am posting about this in a real estate blog, well that is because the cleaner your home is the easier it is to sell:) I have seen some homes which needed a little bit of elbow grease and I want to get that message out.

As a listing agent I am always thinking outside the box and looking for ways to help my sellers and buyers.

Allister Lenn, PA
Broker Associate
Listing Agent
Premium Property Real Estate Services
Tel: 407-593-8234
allister.lenn@gmail.com

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION - Have you filed? Some useful links

Have you filed your homestead exemption? If not why not?

As a real estate agent I usually attend my buyers and seller closings. When I am working with buyers from out of state, new buyers etc. I always make a point of mentioning the Florida Homestead Exemption. This is a great advantage for Florida residents and something which not all states offer.

I am not going to go in to detail about the benefits as the article below from Wikipedia gives a much better insight.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_exemption_in_Florida

Orange County

https://www.ocpafl.org/exemptions/hx_file.aspx

Osceola County

https://ira.property-appraiser.org/homestead/WebForm1.aspx

Lake County

https://ira.property-appraiser.org/homestead/WebForm1.aspx


If buyers are buying and selling I will also bring up the topic of portability, by knowing about these benefits many buyers and sellers will be able to save dollars. That's always good to have additional funds to spend on other things, especially for home buyers.

I did a little research and found out that some people didn't know about these benefits or simply hadn't gotten around to filing the homestead exemption paperwork. There is a timeframe for filing and receiving the exemption.

If you know someone who has recently purchased a home feel free to share this information with them. It's important and could potentially save you thousands over the years you are living in your home.

Click here to register for my own tools to better assist you in your propert search

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Allister Lenn, PA
Broker Associate, Realtor, MRP, ABR.
Premium Properties Real Estate Services
Tel: 407-593-8234
allister.lenn@gmail.com

Average rate on 30-year mortgages falls to 3.76%

Looking to buy a home now? It is important to consider the affordability of the home. If you are not a cash buyer then the mortgage rate is the factor which will be the most important. The lower the mortgage rate the lower the cost of ownership. Here is a an article for you frrom Florida Realtors



Average rate on 30-year mortgages falls to 3.76%



The LR Group

Premium Properties Real Estate Services

Tel: 407-593-8234

A great Resource for First Time Home Buyers - We'll help you through the process

Call the LR Group today and we'll help you navigate the process 407-593-8234

Homes with pools

How much pool does a home need?
What is the smallest acceptabale pool size for a home? What do you think?

What happens at the Design Center?

Yesterday I accompanied  my buyers to the design center for their new home.

For those building a new home it can be a little overwhelming selecting the options and colors. The expert staff at the design center are very helpful and informative.

The design selection process took four hours and every room of the home was discussed in detail.

Starting with the floor selection.what size of tile,? which color? which grout color? Every step of the way the design consultant kept the process moving.

Tile was laid next to carpet, hardwood, granite colors were added and cabinetry and handles.

The fortunate buyers had a say in everything, what type and finish of the faucets, cabinets with drawers or doors? How high should the vanity be? Do you want a glass front door perhaps? What color facade? Which stones on the elevation?

Building a new home is so much fun. Contact us at the LR Group today and we will help you find your future  home new or resale.

Www.homesinlakenona.com 

Listing your Home in a market with a lot of new construction?

Are you thinking of listing your home? Do you live in a market with a lot of new construction properties being built around you?

Buyers look for new construction homes as these are move in ready. You don't have to call the decorators in immediately or spend hours repainting walls and redoing flooring when you buy new construction. Oftentimes you just need to move in and start enjoying your home. 

You might want to hang blinds and drapes but otherwise it is pretty straight forward. Or so it seems.

Either you are buying a home from a builder's inventory or you have been able to build, go to the builder's Design Center and select your options as well as colors. You have a home which should be exactly what you want.

If you are listing your home for sale it might be good to understand why someone might select a new construction home, then you will be better prepared to consider the selling features of your home and for us to highlight the benefits of your home above one being built.

Why might someone select a resale home over new construction?

1.)Lot Size

The lot may be larger and offer more space for the future home owner. New homes sites are getting smaller all the time.

2.)Fence in Place

The current home owner may have installed a fence and this will save the buyer time and money installing a fence on their won

3.)Landscaping

The house may simply look better with mature and well kept landscaping your home may be more appealing

4.)Upgrades

You may have upgraded your home beyond builder's best and that took makes the home appear more attractive to the right buyer.

5.)Timing

The potential buyer might want to move quickly and the flexibility you as a home seller offer may be a better fit. Think out of towers transferring in for a new job.

When a potential buyer checks out a property, it is much easier if the home looks attractive and welcoming.

6.)Pool already installed and operational

No waiting months to have the pool built

7.)Price
The price might be more affordable, not always the case. Recently we were talking with a For Sale bu Owner Seller who thought his home was worth more than the new homes in the neighborhood. It's not always the case and as agents we need to be able to understand and explain the issues with pricing.

Some Things to do to make your Resale Listing stand out

When you are listing your home you are often mentally in your next home, however short of having your home professionally staged it is always worth thinking about how your home will appear to a new home owner. Remember we are  discussing competition from new construction homes today.

1.) Bright Neutral Colors 

You might like the deep purple wall in your master bedroom, but the color may be off putting to a future home owner. All the buyer sees is $'s getting the space brightened up. Customers of mine had a purple living room and once they painted it white the home sold in days.

2.)Get Rid of Clutter now Declutter

Pack up the things you never need and those things which are in the way, get them in to a storage container. Move the exercise bike form the bedroom, Get rid of all the items on the counter tops you don't use. Box these things up and store them in the storage container.

If you know that you will not want to use the old TV set ever again which has been stored in the guest room, now is the time to dispose of it. The same goes for older furniture call Goodwill or donate it to someone who has found a 

3.)Paint the Exterior

Give the exterior a fresh coat of paint, Make sure that the doors are clean. Nothing says used more than finger prints and dirty marks on a front door.

4.)Clean and tidy up

Make sure that everything is clean and sparkling. Bathrooms, kitchens, windows, ceiling fans and surfaces. Hopefully you will have already decluttered but a clean home is much more likely to get you top dollar on the resale market.

5.)Consider Upgrades

If all the homes in the neighbor hood have granite counter tops you might want to make sure that your home does too. If this is something that the new construction market is offering as a standard and your home doesn't have it then that will just signify to the buyer that the home is worth less or 

that they are going to be out of pocket and time doing the work later.

When we list at the LR Group we want to find the features that make your home stand out. We will work with you to develop a plan which will help you get your home sold even if you are competing with new construction. We will ensure that the buyers see the positive aspects of your home.

We look forward to chatting with you soon

The LR Group 

407-593-8234

Stainless Steel Appliances - How to keep them clean.

One of my buyers just purchases all stainless steel appliances for her kitchen and the subject of cleaning them came up on her Facebook thread. She has completed renovated her home and it looks amazing. Going to have to blog about that someday.

Stainless steel appliances or for that matter all appliances look great when they are new but after a while they can look like they need cleaning.

I remember that I was told by some housekeepers that WD40 worked well. Here is a link to an article on using that product in the kitchen. The comments section is the most interesting part here which I would recommend you read. It's a link from the Apartment therapy website:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/clean-protect-stainless-steel-156190


Check out the link and let us know how you keep those stainless steel appliances looking brand new.
The sun is shining in the side by side in my home and it looks like it needs a clean, so I do understand the stainless steel cleaning dilemma we mostly have. Still love the look and believe that even black and white appliances need cleaning too.

The LR Group

Premium Properties R.E. Services

Allister Lenn

Tel: 407-593-8234

www.homesinlakenona.com

Young Homebuyers - What is the right age to buy a home?

Buying Young - Is it Ok to buy a home at a young age?

When people ask what is the right age to buy a home, there really is no one age fits all answer.

Here in the US we generally have the attitude that there is nothing wrong in buying homes early in life. If the buyers personal situation is right, age doesn’t really matter. Of course younger people can generally afford less but this is not always the case. We often move house and rent out homes we once lived in. Buying a home is part of the American Dream. A first home is often a starter home and there is nothing wrong with that concept. As incomes grow and situations change you can sell the home and upgrade or rent it out and hopefully have an income.

There are some home buyers out there who are really quite young. Recently, and by that I mean since the crash we often hear that homeownership is not for everyone, but this doesn’t mean just because you are in your twenties that you shouldn’t buy a home.

When can it make sense to buy young?

Home prices and interest rates are low.

The interest rates are still at a historical low. You have a reasonable income and can afford the mortgage payments. You might be getting in to a home now which you otherwise would not be able to afford. If in the next few years interest rates and home prices go up in your area then you might find that you can no longer buy the same home. In this case you might regret your decision down the line

You spot a home and it is an incredible deal. Similar to the point above. The home is a real deal and you can afford the home. The seller might be distressed or just want out and the home is a great fit for you. There really should be nothing to stop you considering the purchase.

You have a nest egg which is good for a down payment and the payment on the home is comparable to any mortgage including additional costs for taxes, maintenance etc. you might pay. You are renting or live at home and feel that you are ready to move out and in to your own home. If you have the cash and chose to make the investment in your own four walls, why not?

When you plan to stay in the area. Not everybody wants to travel the world. There are plenty of people who just have no desire to move from an area and for those who want to stay put getting a home early can make a lot of sense. You have a roof over your head and you can afford the payments. The sooner you start the sooner you can live mortgage free in your own home.

Your independently wealthy and you want the home. Well this is a no brainer. In this case why not go ahead and enjoy your own home. 

You do not want to pay someone else’s mortgage.

Many renters realize that they have been paying someone’s mortgage just not their own. This is a motivating factor for many to not rent but to buy their own home.

Buying Young - Is it Ok to buy a home at a young age?

When people ask what is the right age to buy a home, there really is no one age fits all answer.

Here in the US we generally have the attitude that there is nothing wrong in buying homes early in life. If the buyers personal situation is right, age doesn’t really matter. Of course younger people can generally afford less but this is not always the case. We often move house and rent out homes we once lived in. Buying a home is part of the American Dream. A first home is often a starter home and there is nothing wrong with that concept. As incomes grow and situations change you can sell the home and upgrade or rent it out and hopefully have an income.

There are some home buyers out there who are really quite young. Recently, and by that I mean since the crash we often hear that homeownership is not for everyone, but this doesn’t mean just because you are in your twenties that you shouldn’t buy a home.

When is it probably an idea to wait?

If you don’t know where you’ll be in a couple of months let a lone a couple of years time, then you probably don’t want to saddle yourself with a mortgage. Homes are generally not a good investment if you aren’t planning to stay in them for at least 5 years. There are exceptions to this rule but buying the wrong home is usually a bad idea.

You plan to go to school and your income is going to drop.

In this case you should wait. If you know that you will not be able to afford the home in the future, don’t put yourself under any undue stress. Now is not the right time.

Not looking for the responsibility of Homeownership

Buying and renting are different animals. If something doesn’t work in a rented home you can 

just call the landlord or leasing office. When you buy it is your responsibility to maintain the home and the bills involved with home ownership are 

Currently you could afford a home but you expect your financial situation to change in the next few years and you could then afford a home you would like more. Then there is nothing wrong with waiting.

Does anyone have any comments about the right age for homeownership? We would be interested in hearing your take and of course helping buyers of all ages find a home that works for them.

The LR Group

Tel: 407-593-8234

www.homesinlakenona.com

Where should we look online when we are searching for a home? - Lake Nona to St. Cloud and beyond

Most home buyers are searching for their homes online and that's OK. That is exactly what I did when shopping for a new home and I am a Realtor. Here in the Central Florida region there are
so many different areas to live, each with their own characteristics and charm, searching online seems the obvious first step.

However what you have probably found is that some of the portals out there confuse you as a buyer more than one would imagine. The listings are out of date, an active listing is already under contract or sold even a year ago, the information is questionable at best and sometimes it appears to be fake.

This is how the process works from an agent perspective.

The seller's agent enters the data in to the multiple listing Service (MLS). All agents in the MLS share the same data and have access to the latest information.

Seller's agents want the information for listings to be visible to as many eyeballs as possible. For this reason the information is syndicated to other sites. Depending on how this information is pushed or pulled the accuracy of the information can easily change over time. If pictures are added, if prices are changed this information may not be updated quickly, if at all. Some sites even sell the information again, this is called re-syndication, the information is further removed from the original more accurate source information.

The various portals out there attract customers by posting information. They then sell advertising space to various service providers including real estate professionals. They need to have content to attract visitors and much of the information is helpful, even if not always 100% accurate.

How can I as a buyer save myself the trouble and confusion?

As a Broker Associate the easiest answer is of course contact the LR Group. However this blog is not about shameless self promotion. It is however important to point out that a buyer's agent has access to the updated information in real-time.

At the LR Group we have invested in tools which enable our buyers to search on their own if preferred. These tools give our buyers access to exactly the same information that we have. We don't harass our customers we just provide the tools and information and when you are ready so are we.

Of course a savvy agent will also be able to set up searches which are very specific and detail oriented. Not every home buyer wants to move quickly and some want to get a feel for the market before they start the search for real. That's OK, but don't hesitate to involve your buyer's agent early in the process they could ensure that you have the updated information and use your time wisely.

The LR Group
Premium Properties Real Estate Services
Tel: 407-593-8234
www.homesinlakenona.com
Allister Lenn Broker Associate
ABR - Accredited Buyer's Representative
MRP - Military Relocation Specialist

Living with an HOA - What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Living with an HOA - What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Ask two different homeowners and get two different answers regarding the advantages and disadvantages of HOA’s

What does HOA stand for?

HOA stands for Home Owners Association.

I have personally resided in various HOA’s and believe that a well managed HOA has multiple benefits. As a Realtor I can also understand buyers who say no way Jose to the idea of purchasing in an HOA. HOA living is not for everyone that is for sure.

The community management and maintenance are funded via a fee paid by the homeowners. The fee is generally due monthly, quarterly or annually. As a rule of thumb owners in the communities must follow a certain set of rules laid down by the association

Advantages of HOA’s

In my opinion the biggest advantage should be the appearance of the community. Homes within an HOA should meet the standards set by the association. If not fines should be applied. There should not be uncared for lawns, homes which are not painted and kept up and there could be bans on private commercial vehicles and RV’s parked within the community. The height and color of fencing may well also be predetermined. These are just a few things the HOA may be watching out for. 

Some HOAs have a design review board, the purpose of which is to ensure uniformity and that the look of the community is upheld. They might rule that a homeowner may not install an awning on the front of their home. Equally they might ensure that trees and landscaping conform to the overall plan. and which establishes a color palette for exterior paint and trim.

There are differences between HOA’s some will take care of more services than others. Lawn care could be part of the monthly fee leaving less work for the owner of a home. The common areas are usually maintained by the association, entry ways in to the communities, gates where applicable as well as community pools and tennis courts. Many new communities are including dog parks and utility fields which provide a convenient resource for residents.

If you have a problem with loud neighbors partying, or barking dogs, you can ask the HOA management to intervene rather than getting directly into a dispute with the neighbor. This is not always the best option but for some people it may be preferable.

Who is an HOA not great for?

Prospective Home buyers who have their very own idea of how they want to live might want to avoid an HOA. If you don’t want to follow their rules, or if you know you want to park your RV on your driveway all the time and hang a flag all year round then an HOA is not for you and that is OK.

Some HOA’s won’t allow home business and some will limit the number of pets allowed.All HOA’s aren’t alike, but you have specific requirements ask your Realtor so they can assist you in finding a home where you can do what you want without the particular HOA restriction.

Here in central Florida a pool is something many buyers simply expect on the property or within the community. If you buy a home for example in an HOA without a pool and you’ don’t have your own pool, down the road you may find that the home is less attractive to a potential buyer. Some of the facilities of an HOA are an advantage at resale. As the services are often divided by a larger number then the cost per home is sometimes negligible.

In the community where I live there is a great communal pool but as many homeowners have their own private pool the pool is not really crowded and this is an added benefit in my eyes.

If you have any questions about buying a home here in Central Florida feel free to reach out toe the LR Group. We know the area and look forward to sharing our knowledge with you. 

Allister Lenn, Broker Associate with Premium Properties Real Estate Services, is both a military relocation specialist (MRS) as well as an accredited buyer's Specialist ABR. He is excited to work with homebuyers looking to move in Central Florida. Whether you are a civilian homebuyer, a service member, citizen or foreign national we can assist you find the right financing and guide you through the purchase process of your new home, be it resale or new construction.

Please give us a call or send an email: 

allister.lenn@gmail.com

Tel: 407-593-8234

www.homesinlakenona.com

New Construction House Hunting with Children

New Construction House Hunting with kids

We will more likely than not start by looking at furnished models :)

As a Realtor I understand that families may want to bring their children with them when hunting for a new home. For families relocating to the area it is also a great way to get the children excited about the idea of having a new home and possibly moving to a new town and changing schools. By involving the children in the house hunting process they are also being prepared for the move and the excitement which comes with buying a new home.

It is fun as a Realtor to watch children get excited about floor plans and their potential new bedrooms. Children can also constructively contribute to the process and many kids will have seen details in homes that their parents overlooked. They are here with us so let them explore and get a feel for the homes and the communities. Let them know that parents have budgets and explain that you will see homes which my well be larger or smaller than the one which best fits your family needs.

Below are some suggestions to make the house hunting process a great experience for the entire family. I am a firm believer that you can successfully house hunt with children.

Be prepared

Pack some food and drinks for the kids. Don’t forget the baby wipes and all that fun stuff. We might have planned the day, but we could very easily get side tracked and be stuck in traffic or absolutely need to go back to a sales center. So a good Realtor will have built in some time to be flexible.

Here in central Florida there are so many new home communities that days are going to be long and exhausting, if you are from out of town and  before we decide on the favorite homes and areas.

Sometimes home builders have a media room in the model where the kids can sit and enjoy a movie. One developer I work with keeps the kids entertained with features like Nemo and Frozen. The kids find the media room quickly and settle down in the comfy chairs while the grown ups can focus on the home design and features. There is candy available for the children which of course is
popular with the adults too.

Most home buyers start their research on the internet, but everything changes when you visit the communities in person with your own Realtor. Always take your Realtor with you to the sales center on the first visit and if not call your Realtor ahead of time so he or she can pre-register you. A Realtor can be a great benefit buying a new home as they know the nuances of the business. The new construction builders factor real estate commission in to their bottom line and you don’t save by going it alone.

Have a friend or Family Member come along, where possible

The Buyer needs to focus. It is good to have a friend or family member come along so that while the buyers asks the Realtor questions and checks out the different floor plans available in a community, the children have a supervisor taking care of their needs. If they get too excited the friend or family member can take them outside the model and let them run around outside.

There are bathrooms in the model homes so take advantage of them before getting back in to the cars.

Drive in your own Car

When home shopping with a family you really want to have your children in your own vehicle.

You have the booster seats and the DVD players and all the gear that keeps the children occupied as you move from site to site.

Ground Rules

It is fine to go inside a builders model with children. But do tell the kids not to go jumping around on the furniture and an everything is not unbreakable so remind them that they should behave as is they were visiting anyone else’s home.  Don’t touch the stuff!

Have Fun - Enjoy

For older kids get them involved. Let them take pictures. If they complete a check list with things they like about each model they can then remind the home owner and the Realtor down the road what they like and don’t like. If they take pictures of the houses and the Name Sign of a model  and something they like inside the house it will keep them busy and maybe they can have some valuable input when it comes to decorating their own new bedrooms down the road. The pictures can be a great reminder when you regroup later in the day.

If the children are being accompanied by the friend or family member, they might want to check out the community pool or the play areas. It’s the parents making the decision but there is nothing at all wrong in the children being aware of the differences. Teenagers might want to know where the malls are and of course all children want to know where the nearest schools are.

Talk to your Realtor about your plans and requirements so that he or she know what works best for you. As a home buyer you shouldn’t feel pressured and after all this is one of the largest purchases of your life.

Premium Properties Real Estate Services

The LR Group

407-593-8234

First Time Home Buyers - Some tips and pointers

Homes are generally the largest purchase made by a family. It is important to understand the home buying process. First time homebuyers are surrounded by experts and non experts and sometimes the process  is a little confusing. For many it may bring back memories of a first day at a new job.

Always ask questions. The Realtor, the mortgage broker, the title company have been through this process many times and they should be able to give you the guidance you need throughout the process. 

Space or Location?

What is more important for you? Space or location? It is something to be clear about before you start your house search. Don’t buy a house because of the square footage if you feel that will mean you have to endure an unreasonably long commute to work. Not much point in that extra space if you are too tired to enjoy it.

Don’t Rush, but be ready

There are always deals out there but don’t be rushed in to making the wrong decision. Conversely don’t snooze. Get pre qualified with a lender and be ready to sign on the dotted line when you see the home that you like most.

Buying a home is a huge commitment. If your rent is $900 and your mortgage is $1200 without taxes and housing expenses this is a choice you need to budget for. However it will be your own place and you will have more freedom to make the home your own.

Who pays the Realtor?

The Realtor is generally paid by the seller. If you are a buyer find a Realtor who you think will take care of you and stick with them. The MLS Multiple Listing Service is a data bank of all the property available on the market so your Realtor has time available when you do, the right full time Realtor will be able to show you all the listings you want. Feel free to interview Realtors and find one who has sold several homes and has a broker qualification or has taken 

additional designations from the board. A well connected and networked agent can make a considerable difference in your transaction. There are lot’s of agents out there who may simply have a license. Look for Realtors who have sold homes.

School District- don't overlook the importance

The school district will affect how much someone is prepared to pay for  property. If you buy in a good school district this will generally make the home more desirable to more buyer and possibly increase the value over a home in a different school district.

New or Resale?

This is a personal choice. Some buyers like the idea of moving in to a new home and not having any maintenance in the first few years. Others prefer to move in and renovate a home and gain “Sweat equity”. There is no right or wrong answer here, just figure out what you want and ask your Realtor to show you some options.

Down Payment

A down payment is a solid foundation. It lowers your monthly payment and can make you feel more secure. This is money which is invested in your home and brings you that little closer to having paid your home off sometime in the future.

It can make your offer strong and allow you to negotiate from a position of more strength.

Ready to talk real estate solutions reach out to the LR Group.

Tel: 407-593-8234

Veterans - Thank you for your Service but did you hear about the VA LOAN?

Millions of Veterans and their families have been able to enjoy the benefits of the ZERO down VA mortgage. However millions of other  veterans are either unaware of or missing out on this great benefit.

Only about 10% of the country's 22 million veterans have a VA-backed loan. One third of Veteran’s buying homes don’t even know about their home loan benefit, according to survey data from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

As a Realtor I want to ensure that the Veteran’s I meet are aware of their benefits. I have collaborated with Veteran’s united and will always ask if a customer has served and if he or she is aware of the VA loan. It is not always the best fit, but it is a great option for many Veteran home buyers.

The VA loan was instigated by the government as part of the GI Bill after World War II. The idea was to make homeowner ship possible for returning Veterans.

Decades later the same loans are still helping Veterans purchase homes. The VA insures a portion of the loan on behalf of eligible veterans and service members. Because of this the risk for the lender is reduced and the ZERO down benefit is extended to the Veteran. There are also exemptions to fees etc. should a veteran have a specific degree of disability.

A licensed mortgage broker can advise on the actual details and how the loan works, as a Realtor I am happy to give my customers but leave the details to the mortgage broker and concentrate on my job of selling homes.

The inspection of a VA loan is pretty strict. However this is also a benefit for the future residents as the home is thoroughly checked and inspected before any financing is approved.

For veterans and service members, just knowing VA loans are an option is important. It is always necessary to talk about and compare the costs of different loans. However if the loan office doesn't know you served he or she often just won't ask. Generally a mortgage broker will be able to explain the pros and cons of a particular loan type. Ultimately it comes back to how log someone is planning to live ij a home and on the individual purchaser’s financial situation.

The LR Group embraces Veterans and whether you are looking to buy a new home or move in to a resale property we are her to assist. Thank you for your service.

If you are interested in Buying or Selling 

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Considering Purchasing a Short Sale? Here is some basic information

Thinking about purchasing a short sale in the Orlando area? Compared to South Florida where the supply has been almost exhausted, there are still some opportunities in the South Florida area. As a potential buyers you are going to have questions. Feel free to visit our website to start a search, or call us directly and we can assist you 407-593-8234

Buying a short sale is not for the faint at heart. Typically the purchase of a Short Sale takes significantly longer to close than a traditional Sale. There are however some advantages for the buyer of a  short sale.

• Short Sales and Foreclosures are normally priced lower  than the current regular inventory in a market.
• The lower price makes a larger home or a home in a different neighborhood easier to afford.  With a little luck you might get a home which would otherwise have been your dream home.
• Lenders would prefer to avoid going through the foreclosure process. They do not want to own Foreclosures and if a home can be sold  as a short for a price that will be financially beneficial to them, they will be open to the short sale.
• Short Sales can be financed and I have experience working with buyers and lenders who have financed short sales. Lower prices equate to lower actual down payments. This can mean better affordability.
• Sellers who want to sell are motivated. The final decision is with the bank as to how much they will accept for a short sale. There may be a second phase of negotiations to get through. The sellers  will likely want to move quickly before their situation deteriorates more and they have to face foreclosure. 
• Short Sale Listing agents are working diligently to get properties priced right by banks in order to expedite the sale process and attract the right buyers.

I have had short sales which were very time consuming and difficult, however it is the job of a professional Realtor to accompany a customer through the process and I have done this well.

If you should be looking for a short sale please ensure that you are working with a full time Realtor as the Realtor needs to be available during regular office hours to ensure that the sale is completed.

The LR Team based out of Lake Nona and serving the Orlando/Kissimme St Cloud area can assist you with every step of the process. Let's Talk!