Christian Real Estate Professionals : Florida

"A DeBary woman was arrested after a Volusia County Sheriff's Office investigation found that she participated in a Nigerian check-cashing scheme that defrauded at least 15 victims of $26,835, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said Saturday."  Daytona News Journal Read the full story here. 

OK so you read right and many will have something to say to those that fell prey to these scam artists.  The truth is not everyone is tech savvy or spend hours on end online or in their email.  Some folks might be desperate or in a desperate situation and lo and behold their prayers are answered.  Money from the net.

Be Careful of Nigerian Scams-Consumer Beware-Many Scams

This scam is different from the Homes on Craigslist or the millions they try to send everyone to safely remove their family inheritance to the U.S.  While this one involved scholarships and rebates, keep in mind, there is a wide variety of these scams going on...and no one should joke about someone being scammed..instead use the energy and inform those who might fall prey to one these schemes.

Read consumer reports on the different types of scams that they have seen and experienced first hand.  Read the reports here. 

Be leary of those handing you big bucks via email and you have never met them and they want your very personal information which would include bank account info, social security numbers. 

• Craigslist and Rental Scams-Port Orange Florida
• Rentvine Creates Rental Scam Detection Tool
  

If you found this useful please subscribe! Midori Miller authors DaytonaRealEstateTrainer.com | The Business Center | Celebrity Truths and her Active-rain blog DaytonaRealEstateTraining.com. Midori is also an Activerain Ambassador, have questions?  Feel free to contact her via email or phone.

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Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings to all my global friends.......

• French: Joyeuses Fêtes!

• Spanish: Felices Fiestas!

• Swedish: Trevlig Helg!

• Portuguese: Boas Festas
  

• Turkish:  Mutlu Bayramlar!

• Romanian: Sarbatori Fericite!

• Mandarin: Jie Ri Yu Kuai

• Catalan: Bones Festes!

• Japanese: Tanoshii kurisumasu wo! (Have a happy Christmas)

• Italian: Buone Feste!

• South African (Xhose): Ii holide eximnandi

  

• German: Forhe Feiertage

• Dutch: Prettige feestdagen

• Hawaiian: Hau'oli Lanui (pronounced how-oh-lay la-new-ee)

• Gaelic: Beannachtaí na Féile

• Slovenian: Vesele Praznike

• Indonesian: Selamat Hari Raya!

• Croatian: Sretni praznici!

May your days be merry and bright...

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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Hello there!

Here is an Ocoee, Florida Real Estate Market Report for
Sept. 2009.

• There are currently 270 single family homes, townhouses,
  condos, and villas for sale on the Regional Orlando MLS.
• The high asking price is for an estate with over 5,500
  square feet of living space, with 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.
  It is listed at $599,000.00.
• The low asking price is for a one bedroom, one bathroom
  condo with 560 square feet of living space and is offered at
  $29,999.00, which is a STEAL of a price!! 
• The average asking price for real estate in Ocoee, Florida is
  a little over $210,000.00.
• The average time on the market in Ocoee, Florida  is just
  about 160 days or almost a half a year.

If you want to see ALL the current Ocoee, Florida homes for sale, just click on this link.

Here are some things going on in Ocoee and part of the Parks and Rec. Dept. there!!

Founders Day Festival Jam Packed With Fun and Live Entertainment! October 9 & October 10, 2009

Just how much fun can you handle in two days? Founders Day is Friday, October 9, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. There is music, food, games, rides, historical exhibits, arts and crafts, classic cars, a fishing tournament, a bicycle fest, and lots, lots, more! The highlight of the 2-day event is the FREE concerts on Friday and Saturday. Preferred Seating tickets are now available for purchase! The cost for Preferred Seating will be $25.00 for one night and $40.00 for both nights. For more information, please contact Jamie Meeks at 407-905-3180 ext. 5010 or email jmeeks@ci.ocoee.fl.us More information to come regarding the Founders Day Golf Tournament and 5K Walk. Poker Run - October 3, 2009. For more information please contact the Ocoee Police Department 407 905-3160 ext. 3316.

The citizens of Ocoee have safe and enjoyable programs, parks and facilities that enhance the overall quality of life and promote a sense of community. The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing quality programs and parks, and they welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Please take a moment and browse through thier website to view the programs that are offered, and the variety of recreational facilities that are provided in your park system. The Parks and Recreation Department is located in the Jim Beech Recreation Center, at 1820 A.D. Mims Road.
	Ocoee Family Aquatic Center Located at 1820 A.D. Mims Rd			Before & After School Program Registration August 3rd - August 7th
	Woman's Basketball League 18 and up Register August 14th-September 26th			Annual Halloween Event Thursday, October 29th Friday, October 30th

Hello there!!

Here is the general Central Florida Real Estate
Market Reprt for September 2009.

• The Median sales price of central Florida properties
  has dropped to $128,000.00. This has been driven
  by foreclosures and short sales all over the central
  Florda area.
• "Normal" sales of homes are holding steady at $165,000.00.
  This is a good sign that if you are selling your central Florida
  home, you should  begin to see better prices up ahead.
• Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association members sold
  over 65% more homes than in August of last year, con-
  tributing to the area’s year-to-date sales increase of almost
  50%.
• There is currently more than twice the number of pending
  sales this August than in August last year.
• The Orlando affordability index improved in August to over
  193% because of the month’s decrease in median price.
  
  (An affordability index of 100% means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 100% able to purchase a median-priced home. An affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.)
  
  Buyers who earn the reported median income of just over $52,000.00 can qualify to purchase one of almost 9,000 homes in Orange and Seminole counties the local multiple listing service for $257,142 or less.
• The area’s average interest rate decreased in August to a little over 5%.

Hello there!

This is the Longwood, Florida Market Report for 9/18/2009. 

• There are almost 400 homes for sale in Longwood.
• The high asking price is for an 9 bedroom 8 bath
  estate with over 14,000 square feet of living space.
  It is being marketed for $5,499,900.00.
• The low asking price is for a 2 bedroom 1 bath
  home with just over 800 square feet of living space.
  The asking price for this property is a STEAL at
  $56,000.00.
• The average price of a home in Longwood is
  about $527,000.00 and has right around 3,000
  square feet of living space.
• The average number of days on the market in Longwood
  is 223 or 3/5 of a year.

To see all current single family homes in Longwood, Florida  for sale ,
Just click on the link.

Longwood has replaced Winter Park as an "Executive City" to live
in. LOTS of white collar workers make Longwood their home.
Department Heads, Managers, Company Executives, and Business
Owners love this city for it's many amenities.

Established in 1878, Longwood will continue to grow its already strong base of commercial, retail, and industrial centers.  With major economic bases such as the Florida Central Commerce Park, the Orlando Regional South Seminole Hospital, and the SR 434, CR 427, and US 17-92 commercial corridors, Longwood is home base to a large, skilled workforce.  With many housing opportunities and awesome ability connecting to local and regional markets, Longwood encapsulates the "complete community".

One of Longwoods premire sites is its Community Building, open since October 2002.

This Community Building can be rented out for:

• Receptions
• Weddings
• Birthday Parties
• Anniversary Parties
• And much, much more

The facility is located at 200 West Warren Avenue, on the corner of Wilma Street and Warren Avenue. This beautiful Victorian home is approximately 9,000 square feet including the carriage house. The maximum capacity of the building is 169.

The building has a totally equiped kitchen with:

• OvenStove
• Microwave
• Two Refrigerators
• Dishwasher
• Ice machine

There is a stage in the main room, a wrap around porch, gazebo and rooms upstairs (bride’s room, groom's room and conference room). The main first floor is where all the activities are held.

The City of Longwood provides the following items for the main social room:

• 15 - round 5’ 6” tables
• 10 - rectangle 6’ tables
• 160+ chairs

Longwood has many community pavilions and ball fields that can be rented for a modest fee. There are also batting cages for practicing and other places you can take your family out to have fun in Longwood.

The Longwood Parks and Recreation Dept. has MANY family things to do throughout the year:

Art Classes

Athletics

Community Events

Events/Classes for Seniors

Every year there is Summer Camp, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Easter Celebration at Candyland Park,
Fall Festival, National Night Out, and Rock the Park...all GREAT family events for you and your children!

Here is the link to the Longwood, Florida Parks and Recreation Page.

To see the other posts about the central Florida real estate
market, just click on this link:

Central Florida Real Estate News

You will find a wealth of information and links to
webpages that will help you get inside information
on what is happening in popular communities and
areas of central Florida.

Thanks to: Naufragio and www.flickr.com
for the GREAT Clock tower picture!

Hey there!

Here is the Altamonte Springs Market Report for 9/17/2009. 

• The high asking price is for a 6 bedroom 5 bathroom
  estate offered at $3,000,000.00. It has been on the
  market for about 1200 days, or 3 1/4 years.
• The low asking price is for a property with 1 bedroom
  and one bathroom. It has about 500 square feet of
  living space. This wonderful condo is priced at
  $17,000.00... IT IS A STEAL !!!!
• The average asking price in Altamonte Springs is
  about $159,000.00.
• The average time on the market is currently at
  184 days, or about 6 months.

If there is a right place in all of the Orlando central Florida area,
Altamonte Springs is it. Poised right in the geographic heart of
the greater Orlando area, Altamonte Springs has a solid base of
personnel and support services with the convenience of a location
that virtually eliminates the daily challenge of commuting to work.
With Interstate Route 4 and Route 436 running right through the
middle of the city of Altamonte Springs, you can get everywhere
you want to go with ease.

If you want to see Altamonte Springs, Florida  real estate for sale  ...
Just click on the link.

Here are the parks that serve the city of Altamonte Springs residents:
(All information is from the Altamonte Springs City website.)

Cranes Roost Park

Shorecrest & Northlake Blvd.
This beautiful thirty seven acre lakeside park features one mile of continuous lighted boardwalk and covered pavilions, various ornamental plants, huge shade trees, park benches, floating stage, 900 seat amphitheater, handicapped accessible restrooms and ranger station. Many of the City's major events take place here. A perfect park for concerts, art shows, and many other special events! This is a great place to do your daily walking and/or enjoy a lunchtime break.

Hermit's Trail

Hermit's trail and Highway 436
This small neighborhood park offers both active and passive recreation options including an equipped playground, and picnic pavilion.

Lake Lotus Nature Park

Magnolia Homes Road and Oranole Road
Opened to the public September 15, 1995. A passive conservation park which will offer a wide variety of activities and facilities for the nature lover, including a jogging/nature trail, fishing pier on Lake Lotus, play areas for children and picnic pavilions within one of the last remaining wetlands within Altamonte Springs. Extensive boardwalks and nature trails that will lead the nature enthusiast into an authentic "Old Florida" setting. Boardwalks will also include a self-guided interpretative trail tour educating the public about the wildlife and flora that live in the area. Park Rangers will also be conducting guided tours through this fabulous nature park. Security is provided by full-time, trained Park Rangers. Contact Chief Ranger Bill McCombs at 407-293-8885 for full details.

Lake Orienta Public Boat Ramp and Recreational Area

Hattaway Drive Hattaway Drive on Lake Orienta
1.5 acre picnic/recreation area with access to lake Orienta, which boasts 135 acres of lake for fishing, skiing, and other water sports.

Sunshine Park

Oakland Drive & Spring Lake Hills Drive
Across from Lake Orienta Elementary on Oakland Drive and Spring Lake Hills Drive this one half acre park has walkways and benches for quiet leisure pursuits.

Turnbull Avenue

Turnbull Avenue and Main Street
A Neighborhood park with picnic tables and playground equipment, along with other passive recreational devices.

Public high schools in Altamonte Springs:

Every month I will be doing reports on many suburbs and communities in the central Florida area. Be on the lookout for them!

Thanks to:

Hello there!

This is the Baldwin Park Market Report for 9/17/2009.

There are 97 properties for sale in Baldwin Park right now.

• The high asking price is for a 6 bath, 6 bedroom
  estate being offered for $3,994,000.00. It has
  been on the market for almost 3 years.
• The low asking price is for a 2 bedroom 2
  bathroom unit. The asking price is $160,000.00.
• The aveage price in Baldwin Park is about
  $700,000.00. The average time on the market
  is 210 days or about 3/4 of a year.

To see fine real estate in Baldwin Park for sale
in central Florida just click on that link!

Baldwin Park has come a LONG way from when it was
a military installation. When the base was closed down in
1999, investors took over and the result is QUITE a transformation!

Downtown Orlando is just 2 minutes away and the Orlando
International Airport is 8 miles away. You will spend MINUTES,
not a half an hour or more driving to go dancing, shopping, out
to a picnic, the ballet or an Orlando Magic basketball game. There
is easy access to highway Interstate 4, Route 408 or Route 417
to get you anywhere you want to travel.

The Baldwin Park Community Network provides owners access to a
business directory, resident directory, calendar of Property Owners
Association events and parties, developer updates, club information,
current neighborhood news, classifieds, a photo gallery plus links to
recreation, shopping and others areas of interest.

Clubs in Baldwin Park currently include a Maj Jong & Canasta Club,
Sand Volleyball Team, Aviation Club, Book Club, Walking Club and more.
All clubs and organizations are sponsored by residents.

There are four major parks and recreational facilities in Baldwin Park:

• Cady Way Trail is a very well-known jogging and bike trail in central Florida that has over 50 miles of walking paths with benches and tranquil rest areas alongs its route.
• Blue Jacket Park, a 55-acre City of Orlando park, sports lighted baseball fields and concession stand, a track and field complex,tennis courts,  picnic areas with covered pavilions, two children's playgrounds, basketball courts, a great lawn for soccer and field games, fountain plaza and grand stairs. Reservations are made through the City.
• Enders Park is a recreation center for residents only that offers a state-of-the-art fitness room, a community gathering room, large pool and kiddie pool, playground and much, much more. Swimming lessons and fitness classes such as Pilates and yoga are available. This facility is access-controlled.
• Grace Hopper Hall is another beautiful residents-only recreational
  facility that offers many of the same features as Enders Park. Grace
  Hopper Hall is access-controlled and also home to the Property Owners
  Association office.

Not only are the community features excellent, but so are the schools!

• The Winter Park High School campus borders Baldwin Park.
• Audubon Park Elementary School is now located within the neighborhood.
• Glenridge Middle School borders Blue Jacket Park and is just a short walk for many residents.
  
• Excellent private schools are nearby, as are esteemed Rollins College in Winter Park and the University of Central Florida.

Here are some recent news articles and press releases about Baldwin Park:

• TenUnited Wins Top National Award for Baldwin Park 
  
• Medical offices also call Baldwin Park home 
• Baldwin Park Home To Nine Parade of Homes Winners  
• Baldwin Park's Landscape Architect Wins Award  
  
• Baldwin Park is #1 in the Top 10 Urban Areas

This Baldwin Park Community information
and market update is brought to you by:

Hello there!

Here are some great opportunites to see homes
for sale in Apopka, Florida. These homes were hand picked because they represent homes that can be bought for very little money in central Florida... this list includes:

• Foreclosures
• Pre-foreclosures
• Bank and corperate owned REO
  
• Short sales
• Assumable mortgage
• Fixer-Uppers
• Owner will assist with closing costs and/ or financing

The city of Apopka is a wonderful place to bring up your family! Here are some facts about the city and some information about the recreation Dept. and the MANY parks that serve the cities residents:

The City of Apopka was incorporated in 1882. The City limits were measured one mile in all directions from the Apopka Masonic Lodge. The "Lodge" still sits in its original location on Main Street and happens to be the oldest lodge room in the State of Florida.

Ferns became the industry for Apopka in 1912 and soon Apopka became known as "Fern City". As more and more tropical plants were introduced to growers in the area, this influx of foliage took over the production of ferns and the City inherited the name of "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World".

The City of Apopka is located northwest of Orlando and encompasses an area slightly larger than 32.5 square miles and currently has a population of more than 40,000 citizens.

The city Mayor and Commissioners are elected at large and serve a term of four years. City Council meetings are held in the City Hall on the first Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and the third Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.

The City of Apopka is implementing a wireless network within the City limits.  This wireless network, will provide Law Enforcement, Emergency Response Teams and all City Workers real time access to resources they need to provide the highest quality services to the citizens of Apopka.  As an added bonus, this network will also allow citizens of the city access to broadband speed internet service.

Williams Park is is starting up recreational flag football and cheerleading leagues. Whether you are a first time participant or a veteran, they have got a position for you!  From one form of football to another, the Northwest Recreation Complex offers one of the most successful recreational soccer leagues around.  Adults, we haven’t forgotten about you!  The Fields of Fame at the Northwest Recreation Complex are also home to several ISA-sanctioned softball leagues as well as our newest adult kickball league. The teams fill up fast, mark your calendars for registration dates!

For those who are into dancing, the City of Apopka Dance Program has instruction in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Lyrical.  There is also a Romper Room class for 3 year old children where your little one can learn the rudiments of dance. Classes meet once a week for an hour at the Fran Carlton Center.  Romper Room meets once per week for 45 minutes. Class fees are $40 per month/per class for City Residents and $55 per month/per class for Non-City Residents. Additional recreation fees may apply.  Please call the Fran Carlton Center at 407-703-1631 for details.

The City of Apopka is “Where the Fun Begins”. For more information regarding any of their programs or special events, please feel free to contact them at the numbers listed below:

Northwest Recreation Complex
3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway
Apopka, FL 32712
407-703-1784 (Phone)
407-703-1783 (Fax)

Fran Carlton Center
11 North Forest Avenue
Apopka, FL 32703
407-703-1631 (Phone)
407-703-1740 (Fax)

Alonzo Williams Park
515 South Hawthorne Avenue
Apopka, FL 32703
407-703-1742 (Phone)
407-703-1668 (Fax)

Apopka Athletic Complex
797 Wells Avenue
Apopka, FL 32712
407-703-1741 (Phone)
407-703-1740 (Fax)

Kit Land Nelson Park
18 North Forest Avenue
Apopka, FL 32703
407-703-1741 (Phone)
407-703-1740 (Fax)

Doctors' Dog Park
21 North Highland Avenue
Apopka, FL 32703
407-703-1741 (Phone)
407-703-1740 (Fax)

Dream Lake Park
364 North Park Avenue
Apopka, FL 32712
407-703-1741 (Phone)
407-703-1740 (Fax)

Lake Avenue Park
439 North Lake Avenue
Apopka, FL 32712
407-703-1741 (Phone)
407-703-1740 (Fax)
For further information, please call 407-703-1784.

Thanks to:

Glorious Treats , rustyalaska , kwmrm93 ,
tapasparida and www.flickr.com for the
great pictures!

Every week I will be posting market reports and great
deals in Orlando and the surrounding suburbs in the
central Florida area... bookmark or subscribe to my
blog to be first in line to see these great deals! Just
click on the subscribe link in the upper right part
of my blog to get great information about central
Florida real estate!

Hello again!

Here is the Lake Nona market report for Sepotember 2009.

There are 87 active Lake Nona listings in the
central Florida Orlando MLS.

• The high asking price is for an 8 bedroom 8
  bathroom estate with just over 11,000 square
  feet of living space. If you want this wonderful
  home, it is listing for $7,495,000.00. It has been
  on the market for 3 and 4/5 years.
• The low asking price is for a 2 bedroom 2
  bathroom home with about 1300 square feet
  of living space. Its asking price is $119,000.00
  and it has been on the market for ONE DAY !!
• The average asking price in Lake Nona is a little
  over $1,300,000.00 with the average number of
  days on market being about 3/4 of a year.

To see all the latest central Florida real estate for sale in Lake Nona, click on the link in this sentance!!

Extensive care has been taken to include walking trails all through out the community. Nature is NOT something to be pushed aside in Lake Nona, but something to be celebrated! 

Over 40 percent of Lake Nona is open space...which leaves You free to bike, ride horses, rollerblade, hike, jog, run or just observe nature in its unhurried setting.

Lake Nona has over 1000 acres of parks to enjoy family and freinds with. There are even two dog parks just for your four footed pets! There is an Aquatic Center and an Equestrian center....weather you want to swim or go for a brisk ride on a horse, Lake Nona has it all!!

Lake Nona is known for its many amenities:

• Lake Nona Town Center -- An open air mall that is 1,000,000 square feet of upscale retail shops, fashion boutiques, department stores, restaurants and a cineplex.
• The 600 acre Lake Nona Science and Technology Park -- which includes the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Healthcare, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, University of Florida Reasearch Center, Orlando VA Medical Center, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center.
• The four communities of Lake Nona: The Waters Edge -- With a boat dock boat storage and more, this community has homes starting at $298,000. North Lake Park -- Includes a YMCA and "A" Rated Elementary School all
  under one roof. Village Walk  -- This community won the 2007 Parade of
  Homes Community Award. Quaint bridges to walk on connecting to the
  town center, a fitness center, cafes, and more are why! Lake Nona Golf
  and Country Club -- Featuring a Tom Fazio professionally acclaimed golf
  course, this community has a fitness center and much, MUCH more!!

To get FREE access to the Orlando and central Florida MLS to see current
homes for sale, just click on this link!

Hello everyone!

Here is an updated Hunters Creek market report
in sunny central Florida.

There are currently 134 properties for sale in Hunters
Creek.

The statistics are as follows:

• The high list price is for an estate with over
  3800 square feet of living space. It's asking price
  is $590,000.00. It has been on the market for
  939 days, or about 2 years.
• The low asking price is for a condo with 600
  suqare feet of living space. It has one bedroom
  and one bathroom. The asking price is $39,800.00.
  It has been on the market for ONE DAY!
• The average asking price in Hunters Creek is
  about $204,000.00 and has 3 bedrooms and 2
  bathrooms. The average square footage is
  about 1,800.

To see all the available properties just click here for
central Florida real estate in Hunters Creek !

Hunters Creek is right on the border of Orange and Osceola Counties,
convieniently located near Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World and
downtown Orlando. Routes 528, and 417 are just a minute or so away,
so you can get ANYWHERE in central Florida FAST!

This is a community that prides itself on excellence and professionalism,
from the landscaped medians with palm trees and flowers, to the types of
businesses in the area:

• Target Retail Super Center
• Publix Grocery store
• Numerous casual and some fine dining restaurants
• The LOOP Retail Center
• And many others

Hunter Creek schools are consistently ranked at or near the
top of the scoring system for Florida schools. You know your
children will be getting a GREAT education when they attend
schools in the Hunters Creek area.

Every month I will be doing market updates about MANY
subdivisions for central Florida, Orlando Florida and the
surrounding areas. So, if you want to know about specific
Orlando Florida real estate or central Florida real estate,
just e-mail me and I will get the information to you FAST!