About Saint Cloud's Lake Front Addition

ST.CLOUD FLORIDA, SO MUCH TO DO AND WHY IT IS GREAT TO LIVE HERE. If you are new to Central Florida, one of the most overlooked places in St. Cloud Homes & Land, dating back to the early 1900's this community began as a sugar plantation. The pristine 11,000 acre fresh water lake,known to the locals as Lake Toho, is rich with bass was an naitive american hunting ground.

Located on the East West corridor between Melbourne (Beaches) and Disney to the west, it is the jewel of Osceola County. Cattle and horse ranches once painted the landscape reminiscent of the old west-today it is a thriving bedroom community to Disney, yet enjoys a less tourist atmosphere.

Veteran's who helped established this City in 1909, as a retirement community for returning Civil War Veterans, have continued to maintain a strong presence here. Home of G.A.R., and Osceola Veteran's Museum in Kissimmee Florida, the center piece of St. Cloud Florida, is a park situated on Hwy 192 in the heart of town.

This weekend, the Battle of Narcoossee in St. Cloud Florida will be held on Saturday and Sunday in Chisholm Park located off hwy 15, north of Hwy192.

Civil War re-Enacters will set up camp, and fight the ficticious battle as troups from the North and South converge.

While there never was an actual battle here, this event has been a St. Cloud Florida favorite for people of all ages as well as an education tool for school age children, as it provides a up closr look at what life was like for soliders during the Civil War period.

Costumed Actors set up real camps,cook on open campfires with cast iron pots, load black powder muskets and battle for victory both on land, on horse back and in the lake area. While the women also dressed in oeriod clothing attend to their daily tasks of that period, such as food preparation, sewing, and baking. There is a market area and goods can slo be purchased. It is a wonderfully entertaining spectacle enjoyed by all.

SPRING FLING IN ST. CLOUD FLORIDA

March 27 & 28- At the St. Cloud Florida Lakefront, features live entertainment, Bass Fishing Contest, Wakeboarding Contest, Rides, Arts and Crafts, Antique Cars, Mortorcycles, and excitement.

Non- stop activities from 9am on Saturday to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am-5pm

The Beautiful Lake from North of Hwy 192, provides the perfect setting. Sandy Beaches, covered pavillions, walking paths, and interactive water park, and pets on leashes are permitted.

Come to St. Cloud, Florida March 26 & 27, 2010 and let's look at homes!

Photo courtesy of St. Cloud Homes & Land, LLC A full service Real Estate Company dedicated to providing Old Fashioned Customer Service through modern convenient technology.

St. Cloud Florida is a great place to live, work and play.

Contact me for additional information and let's begin your home search here

Do REALTORS® understand the special needs of long distance buyers? Not all buyers are local. Particularly in tourist communities, the majority of buyers interested in purchasing property often do it long distance. While a recent survey indicated that few buyers are willing to purchase a property "sight unseen" many buyers will begin their search long distance.

PUTTING THE SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT

It is often difficult to get a grasp of the local area. The in depth knowledge that comes with actually knowing the area, traveling the local roadways, and familiarity with specific locales.

Imagine yourself trying to consider making a purchase of something as significant as a house, town home or condo from across the country.

In regions such as my market of Central Florida, the vast majority of prospective buyers come from out of town.

Working with them takes a bit more patience than a local buyer, and a bit more willingness to provide additional service in order to help them fine tune their search and match properties to their specific needs.

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SALES

Homes in my local areas are dramatically different. One size, shape or style does not fit all.

St. Cloud, Florida for instance is a 100 year old city. Which has some turn of the century housing, alongside homes which are only a few years old. The original historic homes for example, are circa 1910-1930 and over time have been modified, added onto and improved in some cases- but in others are still very basic when compared to their modern day contemporaries.

HISTORIC HOMES APPEAL TO A SMALL SECTOR OF BUYERS

Ten foot ceilings, tin ceilings,plaster walls, crown molding and petrified hard wood floors are some of the appealing characteristics of older homes. Fireplaces actually served as heating source, and unless retrofitted later on they did not have central air conditioning. But they do have character. Parlor rooms, for example off the entry way, and formal small dining rooms are typical of this period.

The square footage was generally under 1000 sq ft. These served as summer homes or retirement homes. They space efficient and cost less to operate and maintain. Something our grandparents who grew up in the depression era were very mindful of.

They make great starter homes. Many that were purchased only a few years back have been remodeled, renovated, and updated. These homes offer affordable housing, and are appealing to investors as rental homes. Depending on condition, location and square footage rents range in price from $750- $1200 per month according to the Osceola Landlords Association President Tom Long.

As a result of reduced prices, they are in higher demand than large homes at the present time.

Pre-Approved buyers with good credit can expect to find an ample supply of home from which they choose in the $70,000-$100,000 price range- and they are selling off at a faster rate than they are coming on to the market.

IS NEWER BETTER?

It depends on your viewpoint. Newer homes tend to have been built in sub division developments. They have larger square footage than the older homes do, and much more modern kitchens and bathrooms. The style of these is quite different as well. Split floor plans are common as are "Great rooms" which are large open spaces within the home. Vaulted ceilings which are high as well, give these homes a more spacious feeling.

Often these developments have Home Owner Associations and the fees vary within each community. There are also Deed Restrictions, and Community District Development Fees (CDD) which add additional expense to the Property Taxes make some attractively priced homes less of a bargain when the others fees are added into the monthly operating costs. Those people seeking community amenities, such as community pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts, expect to pay a little more monthly for those amenities.

LONG DISTANCE BUYERS MAY NEED MORE INFORMATION

When serving as the eyes of a long distance buyer- the more photos you can provide, the better a sense of the home and community your buyer will get. Even better- make a viseo presentation.

It is impossible to judge a home by a single photo. Yet, many bank owned properties are represented only as a single photo on mulitple listings.

Buying a home is a serious undertaking- finding the professional Real Estate Expert who understands those needs and can help eliminate frustration is vitally important in making the process a pleasant one.

WHILE THEY ARE ALL LICENSED.....

THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME.

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker-

Assocaite- Florida Pines Realty, LLC

A youth movement is underway. Let it never be said that youth is wasted n the young, in fact today's young people are very saavy. The are smart, well educated and exploring the housing market in larger numbers than ever before. One reason is Affordability.

THE AFFORDABILITY FACTOR

In some areas for what one would expect to pay for a high end car, you can purchase a home. The current market climate has yielded some HOT deals which appears to be enticing the twenty something crowd to explore their options in the housing market. FOr too long homes were unapproachable. One needed to be established, and finding a starter home was difficult to come buy. Not so anymore.

THE GREAT APPEAL OF HISTORIC OLDER HOMES

Old Homes are making a big comeback in St. Cloud Florida. Classic historic homes (many refurbished and remodeled) during the housing boom are back at steeply discounted prices- The Pre-Deco and Deco period homes featurre many ammenties of a by gone era which have tremendous character such as ten foot ceilings, formal dining rooms, and parlors. Real wood floors are also common. Crown molding, and vintage cabintry are some of the many things that give these vintage homes unique character and appeal.

RETRO IS IN

The historic homes found all throughout St. Cloud Florida from as early as 1910 and up, have without doubt withstood the test of time. While there are still some in need of remodeling and more modern upgrades, there is also an opportunity to own a piece of the past at a very affordable price. There also is an opportunity to acquire these homes as rental units.

WHY BEING A LANDLORD IS BETTER THAN HAVING ONE...

Over the long term- there will always be a need for housing. Students, young couples, working professionals, retirees, and people starting over will often seek rental homes as an alternative to industrial properties. Some people just prefer renting a home for the comparable price of a rental apartment.

Collecting rent is better than paying rent!

Repairs and improvements are tax deductible.

Rent is a secondary form of income.

Homes are priced low enough, almost ANYONE can now be a prospective landlord or first time home owner.

FIRST TIME HOME OWNERS REAP ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

$8000 Tax Credit

Closing Cost Deductions

Mortgage Interest Deductions

Dollar for dollar the best investment you can make over time.

*Remember Real Estate is local- and should be viewed as a long term investment towards establishing long term wealth.

Consult a local Realtor to find out how YOU could be a Home Owner...it may be easier than you think.

The emergence of affordable housing has returned. Banks owned properties well priced offer hugely appealing price tags and first time home buyers, out of state buyers and small investors are responding in record numbers. In fact, more are rotating off the market than are coming on.

We have all heard the expression Opportunity knocks. But if no one is home is there anyone there to hear it? Saint Cloud, Florida my market has undegone a price transformation.

IF YOU HAVE ONLY A SMALL POT O GOLD IN MY MARKET

WE CAN CALL YOU A HOME OWNER!

Back in 2006 the public wanted Afforable Housing...also called Work Force Housing, the clammoring for well priced homes the average person could afford has finally been answered.

Perhaps the best part of the Mortgage Melt Down and Credit Crisis was it opend up genuine opportunity for the average working person who was shut out when the housing market went insane.

For those who carefully guarded their small pot of gold, that caution may have been very wise.

Homes Under 50K

Homes Under 50-100K

Homes 100-125K

Homes 125-150K

No matter what you price range there are very affordable homes available in St. Cloud that will fit into both your budget and lifestyle. If you are wondering where St. Cloud Florida is... it is located in the heart of Florida nestled in Osceola County.

Want to learn about Central Florida Home Values?

Fresh No Frills Good Eatin' Seafood. Crabby Bills in Saint Cloud, Florida 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. My wife and I have always enjoyed good seafood with a view. Saint Cloud, Florida for the past year and a half has that combination. Twenty five years ago we use to eat at The Original Crabby Bills in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. A dozen oysters then were just $1.50. The price has gone up to $5.99, but the oysters are still just as fresh. Back then the specials were taped to the walls on simple sheets of paper. Today, there are a few chalk boards with just a few prices. Now there is an extensive menu with local favorites, and just about any seafood that you would desire.

Yes, the prices have gone up and we are just a bit older, but Crabby Bills still has great fresh seafood. On our first visit we chose to sit outside at a table over looking the marina on East lake Tohopekaliga. The view was truly Florida as we lounged watching boats sail by.

We ordered a dozen oysters on the half shell and a dozen steamed oysters for an appetizer. For our entrees, a plate of fried calamari and a fried grouper sandwich.

The oysters were fresh and tasty. They were so good I ordered a second dozen steamed.

Our fried calamari was a good mixture of body rings and tentacles. That is the way I judge an order of fried calamari, if there are enough tentacles. When fried, they are a tasty crunchy treat. A large plate of Calamari, enough as an appetizer for two, or an entree for one just $6.99.

The Florida favorite fried grouper sandwich came with fries and coleslaw. It is sold at market price. The fish was moist and juicy. Fresh grouper is a very flaky fish and my sandwich was just perfect.

Saint Cloud put a lot of effort into their lake front park, and Crabby Bills is the best addition!

After our first visit, we made an additional four trips in just two weeks.

If you go to Crabby Bills on the weekend, go early or you won't be able to get a table outside by the marina.

Crabby Bills caters also. For catering call Jim Martin at 407-329-4509

Great Florida seafood at great prices in a dynamite location! Crabby Bills in Saint Cloud, Florida.

"The Resident Chef" gives Crabby Bills Two tentacles up!

For relocation information to the Kissimmee/Saint Cloud Florida area, contact Mark Horan "The Resident Chef" with The Resident Team at Keller Williams Realty. 407-301-0312. He has the recipe for what's cookin' in the Central Florida Real Estate Market.