Browsing Posts tagged Orlando Real Estate

2008 Luxury Brand Status Index Survey Rates Sotheby’s International Realty Nation’s Most Prestigious Real Estate Brand

Orlando, Florida. – The Luxury Institute’s 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index Survey recently rated Sotheby’s International Realty (www.SothebysRealty.com) the most prestigious real estate brand among high net worth consumers.

Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty (www.StirlingSIR.com) in Orlando – one of the largest and most active Sotheby’s International affiliates in the Southeast – said the national ranking makes a huge difference in marketing Central Florida luxury homes, unique properties and communities. Soderstrom said the New York-based Luxury Institute’s Status Index Survey queried a nationwide sample of 1,666 wealthy American consumers online.

Respondents boasted an average income of $348,000 and average net worth of more than $3.7 million.

“Survey respondents were asked to rate brands according to consistently superior quality; unique and exclusive; social status as a product consumed by people who are admired and respected; and self enhancement, in that the brand makes the consumer feel special across all aspects of the customer experience,” Soderstrom said.

While the brand ranking itself has little effect on marketing efforts, Soderstrom said, it’s all about perceptions.

“The survey tells us something we already know, that among affluent buyers and investors, our brand ranks the highest,” Soderstrom said.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty markets Central Florida luxury homes, unique properties and communities locally, nationally and internationally through its world marketing center, the Global Gallery (www.GlobalGalleryUSA.com) and real estate galleries at Lake Mary/Heathrow, Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, Windermere/Dr. Phillips and Clermont.

“Given the favorable currency trading rates, affluent families whose wealth is in Euros, Rubles, Rupees and Renminbis see Central Florida real estate as a stable, highly desirable opportunity, he said.

“For those families, the prestige of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is a powerful incentive,” Soderstrom said.

The British Homes Group formed a marketing alliance with Stirling Sotheby’s in November of 2007 to help raise awareness of buying Florida homes through the auction process (original press release). All auctions to date have been a complete success with sell outs at almost every event.

Keep up to date with the latest auction activities on Stirling’s website or by visiting Featured Florida Property.

Despite the many misconceptions attached to living in Florida, prospective buyers from Britain still find Florida property a hot commodity!  Fun in the Sunshine State, especially the Orlando marketplace is key for many British second home buyers.  Many believe the free fall in the Orlando real estate market has stopped and stabilization is starting to occur.  In just the last two months the Florida market as a whole has shown vast signs of improvement.  Now is one of the best times for British second home buyers to think about getting into the Orlando real estate market.

According to a 2007 National Association of Realtors survey, 1/3 of all licensed Realtors have worked with an overseas buyer.  Of these overseas buyers, 1/3 were from Europe with 12% being British.  Lots of Brits buying second homes look to Florida as an investment in their future.  The sunny lifestyle meets their needs and the stable tourism economy typically ensures the demand for Orlando FL rental properties.  So those homes have the potential to generate income from short term rentals while British families are not using them.

Due to many subtle differences in British real estate process versus US real estate transactions, it is imperative British buyers work with Realtors and lenders well seasoned in both markets.  The Orlando real estate team at British Homes Group is unique in that they employ British and American professionals who are experts in both UK and US property purchase and financing procedures.  Through co-brokerage arrangements and the availability of the Florida Property Multilist, they have access to one of the largest property databases available in Florida.

The British home loan division can also help the British home buyer with access to fixed and flexible mortgages in a variety of currencies.

Call British Homes Group Today for help with purchasing or financing your Orlando area dream home!

Orlando Area MLS Search 

While the Florida market teems with an oversupply of homes and the pound remains strong, there has never been a better opportunity for UK real estate buyers to snatch up bargain Orlando dream homes.  Our team at British Homes Group has helped hundreds of British families find vacation homes in Florida over the years.  With the pound at a 26 year high, the Brits have a significant advantage over US buyers who are not only faced with trying to afford a home but also with a difficult mortgage market.  Developers in Florida notoriously over-built, which means that there is a ton of inventory up for grabs.  The economy remains strong with healthy job growth, so this is a great area to invest in as the market will likely level when the inventory wanes.  For now, sellers are highly motivated are bargains are available for the savvy investor. 

If buying real estate overseas seems a daunting process, don’t worry – our team at British Homes Group can help.  We guarantee impartial, professional advice on the current Florida market, on sales and mortgages and much more.  Our goal is to provide the UK real estate buyer with a completely hassle free transaction. 

Our Orlando real estate team is unique in that we have both British and American professionals who are experts in both UK and US property purchase and financing procedures.  Through co-brokerage arrangements and the availability of the Florida Property Multilist, We have access to one of the largest property databases available in Florida.

Our British home loan division can also help the British home buyer with access to fixed and flexible mortgages in a variety of currencies.

Still unconvinced?  To give you an idea of the available Orlando real estate bargains – you could be the new owner of a 5 bedroom, 3 bath fully furnished Clear Creek home with a pool just minutes from Disney for only $225,000.  Now that’s the real deal.

Call British Homes Group Today for help with purchasing or financing your Orlando area dream home!

Orlando Area MLS Search 

If you are like most Orlando homeowners facing foreclosure, you want to keep your home. Perhaps you raised your family in this home and have fond memories of the good times you’ve had. Maybe you have school-aged children, and you don’t want to move them out of the neighborhood or school district and away from their friends. Or, maybe you just dread the thought of packing up and moving.

Unfortunately, for about 90 percent of Orlando homeowners facing foreclosure, selling the home and moving to more affordable accommodations is usually the best option. If you were unable to make the monthly mortgage payments before, making the payments in the future while trying to catch up on missed payments can be quite a challenge.

Can you keep your Orlando home? That depends on several factors, which this article explores.

Is This a Temporary or Permanent Financial Setback?

If you are facing foreclosure because of a temporary financial setback, such as a short-term layoff or a large, unexpected medical bill, then you have a much better chance of keeping the home. As long as you can afford the monthly mortgage payments going forward, you should be able to work out a payment plan with the bank to catch up on missed payments.

Is Bankruptcy an Option?

If you’re behind on your house payments primarily because you’re buried in credit card debt and other debts not secured by your home, you may be able to file for bankruptcy and keep your home. Consult with a reputable bankruptcy attorney in your area to find out whether bankruptcy is a viable option for you and which assets you would get to keep.

Don’t dismiss the bankruptcy option before exploring it fully. A bankruptcy attorney may charge you $350 to $400 for the initial consultation, but it is usually worth the cost.

Do You Have Mortgage Insurance?

If you have been paying mortgage insurance, that insurance could offset what the bank stands to lose from your inability to pay and may make it more appealing to work out a deal with you or negotiate a short sale (accepting less than full payment of the loan), so you can sell the home and at least break even.

Is Your Bank Willing to Cut You a Deal?

The mortgage crisis has weakened the bank’s ability and willingness to foreclose, because they simply cannot handle the vast number of foreclosures. They may be more inclined to cut you a deal that allows you to keep making payments rather than foreclose on you. Foreclosure sticks them with a property they must rehab and sell, and your property’s value may not be sufficient to cover what you owe on your mortgage. Foreclosure usually costs the bank a lot of money.

Contact your bank and see what kind of deal they can offer you. They may forgive part of your debt, modify your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable, or work out a payment plan with you to catch up on missed payments over time or add them to the end of your mortgage.

Can You Borrow Money to Reinstate?

Prior to foreclosure, you can reinstate the mortgage by catching up on missed payments and penalties. If you have family members or friends who are in a position in which they can help you out, consider asking them for a loan to reinstate the mortgage.

Caution: Don’t reinstate unless you can start making your regular mortgage payments and have enough money to start paying back the loan from your relatives or friends.

Can You Tighten Your Belt?

If you are earning sufficient income to pay your bills but simply overspent your way into foreclosure, can you tighten your belt enough to get back on track? Be realistic. If keeping the home is going to place a significant strain on the family finances, moving into something more affordable may be your best option.

For information on how to obtain free or low-cost assistance from a HUD-approved credit counselor, call 1.888.995.HOPE or visit HOPE NOW.

Don’t Borrow Trouble

Freddie Mac’s Don’t Borrow Trouble website advises against borrowing trouble. Under duress, many homeowners panic and seek ways to borrow the money they need to bring their mortgage loan current. This can lead to high-interest loans and the possibility of signing over rights to your home to a con artist who offers what seems to be an easy solution.

Work with your lender and reputable professionals (an attorney, credit counselor, mortgage broker, your lender, and/or a Realtor) to determine your best course of action. The person who shows up at your door uninvited and offers to help is usually the wrong choice.

Ralph R. Roberts, GRI, CRS and his team of foreclosure experts regularly assist families facing foreclosure and have authored Foreclosure Self-Defense For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons).

Contact British Homes Group today for information about multi-currency mortgages or for more information about Orlando Real Estate.

Orlando Area MLS Search

Orlando ranked 22nd in foreclosure rates out of 230 metropolitan US cities according to RealtyTrac recently.  40,351 Orlando area properties were foreclosed in June.  Despite the gloomy news, single family home and condominium sales are quite healthy in key Orlando submarkets.  Those properties near good schools and highly sought after jobs are attracting a healthy number of buyers AND offers – including cash offers.  Areas such as the University of Central Florida neighborhoods are seeing some continuous action.

Rising gas prices have caused an effect on which Orlando area properties are attractive to buyers.  Many are focusing  on those closer to the downtown amenities.  The South Eola district of Orlando is becoming increasingly popular.

Although downward pressure on Orlando home prices may continue into 2009, the market looks like it could be making a slow comeback.  While affected investors will have to ride the wave for awhile, first time homebuyers and new investors will continue to drive demand and help to achieve long term stability in the Orlando real estate market.

Contact British Homes Group today for information about multi-currency mortgages or for more information about Orlando Real Estate.

Orlando Area MLS Search

Securing the number 10 spot of top cities for investment in the American marketplace, Orlando real estate offers a value many investors are finding attractive.  Although it ranked 32nd on the international market list, Brits still consider Orlando number one.  This marketplace is a great investment for vacation bound Europeans at the moment as the combination of strong currency such as the Sterling and all time lows on real estate prices make for an attractive investment.  Most real estate investors expect for the US market to recover and exchange rates to return to the rates of a few years ago.  If this happens, their investments today will produce excellent returns.  According to the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, the US is currently the top nation for international real estate dollars with an expected 16% increase in foreign investment from last year’s $230 billion.

Orlando’s proximity to Disney, historic success with buy to let investment properties and generally strong tourism economy has made it the number one choice for British real estate investors for years.  If you’re looking for that Disney area dream home or even a gorgeous Florida beachfront condo, please contact British Homes Group.  They can help with multi-currency Florida mortgages as well as your Orlando real estate search. 

According to some UK overseas property websites, Orlando, Florida remains a favorite for British real estate investors.  Approximately 80% of Britons purchasing real estate continue to focus on Florida vacation homes.  Experts say that inquiries for other coastal areas of Florida have increased however.  This may be due to the fact the Florida beachfront properties have become more affordable in the last year.  Some properties have shown as much as a 25% reduction as compared to one year ago.  Gulf coast areas like Fort Myers have been attracting more attention. 

Orlando still tops the list as buy to let properties in the four county Disney area are perfect for family vacation getaways and short term rental properties.  The Orlando tourism economy remains strong despite the overall US slowdown.  With Disney as an anchor, there is little fear that real estate sales in this area won’t pick soon. 

California and New York are also getting nods from the Brits – with many homes priced at a bargain and the Sterling at record lows, US vacation homes in many areas are well within reach.

Contact British Homes Group today for information about multi-currency mortgages or for more information about Orlando Real Estate.

Orlando Area MLS Search

According to Forbes.com, real estate statistics for the first quarter of this year show that an increasing number of median-earning households have been able to afford metro homes in several markets.  This is a sign that buyers have started to respond to the shift in market affordability.  Cities topping the list of greater affordability were: Boston, Orlando, Washington DC and Phoenix.

The data used to calculate the affordability factor was from the National Association of Home Builders.  The fifty largest cities were compared to see which metro areas were changing the fastest.  Cities seeing increasing affordability in combination with a solid local economy or an influx of first-time home buyers made the list.

Technically, this is good news for the Orlando real estate market.  Although homes have gone through a massive price correction, more buyers can now afford to purchase homes.  This activity is key to strengthening the economy and getting us through the credit crunch.  In the previous market (from 01 to 06), price growth outpaced income growth which meant the majority of homeowners had to pay more than half their income to afford home ownership.

For more information about Orlando real estate, please contact the British Homes Group.

Orlando Area MLS Search

Real estate sales for homes and condos within a two mile radius of downtown Orlando increased 37% from March to April and 15% from April to May.  Overall the market was up 9.9% and 3.7% respectively.  Earlier this year, the urban segment lagged behind the overall growth trends.  Experts believe the switch is likely due to the increase in gas prices in combination with an attractive urban lifestyle. 

Commuters are looking to save on daily gas costs by walking, car-pooling, scootering or cycling to work.  The average Orlando area commute is 23.4 minutes – which equates to approximately $500/month in gas.   

Price reductions in the downtown center are helping to fuel interest.  Properties once priced at over $1 million are now selling for much less.

Contact British Homes Group today for information about multi-currency mortgages or for more information about Orlando Real Estate.

Orlando Area MLS Search

Recent numbers in the industrial segment bode well for Orlando real estate.  Preliminary studies show the amount of available commercial space decreased by 600,000 square feet during the second quarter.  This is the first evidence since late last year that vacancies may be stabilizing. 

After two consecutive quarters of slow activity, quarter two numbers are a welcome change.  According to commercial Orlando real estate agents, lower prices are driving sales and despite tough times for residential lending, financing is readily available for industrial loans.  According to one study tracking industrial buildings larger than 10,000 square feet, first quarter numbers in Orange and Seminole Counties are down 29% from last year.  The average commercial sales price per square foot also shows a 16% decrease.  However, the preliminary numbers from Q2 should show an improvement.  Many believe the market is cyclical and will make a turn around in less than two years.

Contact British Homes Group today for information about multi-currency mortgages or for more information about Orlando Real Estate.

Orlando Area MLS Search