Allison Stewart BROKER/ASSOC/REALTOR ®St. Cloud Florida

LOOKING FOR A HOME AND DON'T FEEL YOU HAVE MUCH MONEY? TRY ST. CLOUD FLORIDA. Your dollar seems to have greater value in St. Cloud, Florida. The entension of the Tax credit for first time home buyers will now extend to April 30, 2010. This means your dollar will go further if you are a first time home buyer. Why rent when it is possible to purchase for less than you are paying now and still reap the tax advantages renters forego? Former rental homes make great starter homes.

St. Cloud, Florida is celebrating it centennial, way back in 1909 it was established as a City celebrating Small Town Living.

The homes in the downtown district are perfect starter homes, or vacation or rental properties. Close to shops, stores, banks, and restaurants.

The tree lined streets which lead to east Lake Toho are quintessential small town quaint.

Located south east of Orlando, St. Cloud Florida was considered a bedroom community. It is nestled between Disney to the west and the beaches to the East. Only 30 minuites to Orlando International Airport.

WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN?

With prices this reasonable why rent when you can own your own home?

Prices are way down, and sales are rising. Now is the perfect time to consider making the move to St. Cloud Florida

Homes in St. Cloud, Florida Under $100,000 CLICK HERE (No Sign up required)

The allure of endless summer, amusement parks, and other attractions, seems to escalate sales as the weather cools down in other parts of the US, Canada, and Eastern Europe. As a result buyers from abroad begin to consider possible buying homes in Florida as primary, secondary or vacation/investment properties.

The popularity or the Orlando Area is increasing. Over 50 Million people visited Orlando in 2008. Knowing how to get around and access to interactive maps is very important particularly for foreign tourists. Here is an excellent site that will assist you Orlando Maps

ORLANDO IS Bigger than you think. In fact, it is 110.2 miles from end to end and side to side. It is borders several other counties (of which there are 64 total in Florida) Osceola to the south, Polk to the Southwest, Orange which is located in and Volusia to the North.

Important Facts about Orlando

SEARCHING FOR YOUR FLORIDA HOME

BUYING A HOME IN FLORIDA IS EASY EVEN IF YOU ARE FROM ABROAD.

You do not need to be a US citizen to own property in America.

You DO need to be at least 18 years of age.

DECIDING WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE

Kissimmee Offers many recreational activities as well as points of interest. Homes in various price ranges as well as short term rental opportunities.

St. CLOUD, Florida

Is a bedroom room community to Orlando and Disney. Nestled between I-95 to the east, I-4 to the west and The Florida Turnpike. About 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport, historic St. Cloud is celebrating 100 years as a City celebrating Small Town Living.

As a local area expert, I often get calls from people looking to relocate to Florida who may not fully understand how large the Orlando area is.

In order to best service them, I have provided some helpful links in this post to better familiarize out of area buyers.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER

1) USE OF THE INTERNET -Begin your search with exploring as many sites as you can to get familiar with an area.

2) SELECTING A REALTOR

Google will be very helpful in narrowing down your choices

3) CALL REALTORS

Communication is the cornerstone of our business.

4) HAVE A WORKING BUDGET

Know how much you can and are willing to spend

5) Verification of Funds

Due to recent changes int he mortgage lending practices verification letters are often required.

6) CASH BUYERS

Proof of availability of funds will be asked for in most cases.

Once you have narrowed the possible places you may want to live, you REALTORS will be very helpful by providing you with information. Showings should be scheduled in advance, however narrowing down the possible homes you are most interested in will streamline the process and be less confusing.

ANY QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME

IS NOW REALLY THE BEST TIME TO BUY OR SELL? Questions many would be buyers and sellers are struggling with.

Unlike our northern and International counterparts fall and winter are excellent times of the year to buy or sell a home in Florida. Typically over 2 Million visitors come to Florida during the holiday season, and many are looking at Real Estate while visiting here. Property values are indeed attractive especially for second homes or vacation home buyers.

PROPERTY IS AN EXCELLENT HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION

Property investment is an excellent hedge against inflation. The value of the dollar fluctuated not only in the global economy but in the domestic economy as well. Over time, investing in Real Estate is a hedge against inflation. Simply put, it will take more of today's dollar to buy the same property in the future.

It has been said that inflation doubles every ten years. Homes purchased ten years have maintained equity over those that were purchased 5 years ago. Which is why those people who held onto their properties purchased prior to the boom in the Real Estate market may still have equity left.

Looking at the Real Estate Market of St. Cloud Florida, there are homes currently available for sale for under $40,000. That is about the price of a luxury car.

If you purchased a luxury car the rate of depreciation would cost you more than 50% over a 5 year period.

Compared to purchasing a winter home, or rental property which is likely to gain a 50% appreciation during that same time period.

HOMES IN ST.CLOUD FLORIDA ARE VERY AFFORDABLE!

PLANNING AHEAD TO RETIRE

BUYING A HOME NOW IN THE DEPRESSED MARKET WILL YIELD A BETTER RATE OF RETURN THAN MOST STOCKS AND BONDS. If I told you that there was a stock paying a 20% rate of return, you would be all over it right? Well in Real Estate if you are looking for a 20% rate of return on your investment, you should be all over the smaller rental homes available in St. Cloud Florida.

CONVERSELY SELLING A HOME NOW MEANS YOUR TAX BENEFIT IS PORTABLE

If you are a seller wondering if now is the right time to sell- the answer may surprise you.

Contact me for a free evaluation and I will be happy to review your options.

The excitement of a house closing builds to a crescendo when the documents are signed, checks are dispersed and the keys are exchanged. The last minute details have all been attended to and finally it is a done deal. Or is it?

Most times agents think of the closing with finality. For the sellers it may well be, they too are venturing onto a new path. For the buyers, it is a new beginning. It is after the closing for many when your help can be most appreciated and the extension services can begin. In my area of St. Cloud Florida, there is a dire need for extension service providers and coordinators.

In my last post, I wrote about expanding the extension services available to buyers and sellers.

AGENTS SUCCUMBING TO THE SLUGGISH ECONOMY

After sale marketing is also important. One of the first things I noticed when the economy slowed down was the absence of "Just Sold" postcards in the mail.

Also the absence of "SOLD" signs on the homes which had just changed hands. Asking the new owner for permission to leave your sold sign up is two fold. It introduces them to the neighbors and it gets the word out that you did a good job.

St. Cloud, Florida is a city celebrating small town living. As such introducing newcomers to local businesses and business owners with a welcome packet is a valuable tool.

Too often Realtors overlook the necessity in helping people acclimate to a new area.

THE SINGLE BEST RESOURCE IS FREE

The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce has a wonderful Guide of St. Cloud, Florida which provides information about local businesses. It also highlights events and activities available to businessness owners and residents. It is free and available in many locations throughout St. Cloud, Florida

Thinking of Relocating To the St. Cloud Florida area? I will be happy to help you!

JUST DROP ME AN EMAIL

LOOKING FOR A HOME IN ST. CLOUD FLORIDA, Osceola County's best kept residential secret is out of the bag. Everyday I get inquiries from prospective home buyers searching the Internet looking for the best buys in Real Estate. Occasionally I get emails from home owners looking to sell their homes. The last four buyers I have assisted, purchased their properties sight unseen. It is easier than one may think.

HOW TO LOOK AT REAL ESTATE LONG DISTANCE

I Specialize in working with long distance buyers and sellers. They have very special needs. The ability to place someone in a home takes a great deal of effort, lots of quality photo and videos and a general overall knowledge of the Area. That is why they come to me.

Technology is a wonderful thing. Did you know that 84% of the buyers today use the Internet?

Rapid response. Communication is above all else our greatest tool. Rapid response is important when dealing with prospective buyers and sellers, yet so often agents are difficult to get in touch with or are unavailable when you call.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

The time difference for many International buyers puts them at a disadvantage. However, understanding their special needs and working on "their time" most of the International buyers I have worked with are so impressed I will keep their business hours. Looking for a Home In the St. Cloud Florida area? Ask me.

RELOCATION

Do you have southern heart? Is the south calling you? Perhaps it is time to consider making that all im portant purchase in St. Cloud Florida. Prices have never been better.

Just drop me a line, let me know what type pf home you are looking for and I will happy to assist you.