Forget Poinciana. It is inexpensive, but for a reason. Most of the New Home builders have models starting form 200K. You should have no problem. I see your zip code. Orleans Homes has some nice inventory homes under 200K at Lake Elsie reserve, near the new Kohls in Tavares. Lennar has a nive community in Mt Dora. If I can help e-mail me at m2everett@comcast.net-Thanks, Matthew

Sat May 10 2008, 11:16

You may also want to consider Poinciana. There are several homes with 4/2 and 2800 sf selling for below $200k It sounds like your best bet will be bank owned homes. Typically, you can get one under contract and be closed within 30-45 days depending on your financing. Please call me at 407-421-3002 if I can help.

Fri Apr 25 2008, 06:24

I agree with Mark, it sounds as if you have an agent already.
If so, please let us know

Wed Apr 23 2008, 12:38

Hi Thomas, it sounds like you have a Realtor already by reading the posts but I wanted to let you know that there are properties that meet your criteria so let me know if you would like additional information. A majority of my sales are Buyers and I can help you save time and money with your home purchase. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.

Wed Apr 23 2008, 11:51

Dear Thomas,

NEVER apologize for spending time with yoru family ;-)
I know this is a confusing maze for you, but, just because I couldn't stand it... I went into our MLS system with the requirements you gave 4/2 - 2600 sq. ft. $215 - $240K, two story and there is NOTHING on the market meeting those requirements in zip code 32701.

Now, if you back off the two story requirement, I get 5 properties. So, don't be discouraged, you can find what you want, but the problem with doing it this way is that nobody has enough information to really help you. I can send you the 5 properties I got if you'd like, and you don't even have to commit to working with me, I would do it as a matter of courtesy, but I'm worried about what you COULD get if you expanded your parameters a little bit.

Having said that, these are only listed properties, not foreclosures, short sales, expireds, short sales or people I know that will be selling in the next few months...

As a real estate consultant, I think you have to find an agent who knows this area well. One who can get you a list of EVERYTHING available, whether fsbo, foreclosure, MLS, etc. But, you need to think outside the box a little ;-)

Does your 3 yr old daughter live with you? If so, then schools are going to be very important in the near future.

Where will you be working? Is being close to work and/or your daughters future school important?

Have you thought about branching out your area parameters outside the 32701 zip code? The reason I ask you these questions is that there are many issues with school zones going on in that area just now, and that affects resale value, price range, etc.

You really need to be in touch with an agent who knows that market, and who will be capable of giving you some thoughts on other areas that you might be better off with.

What is your time frame for this move? Is that important?

Where do you live now? Do you have a lease that needs to expire or a house that needs to sell before this move can happen?

As you can see, there are many questions to be answerd before you will get where you need to be happily. In the meantime, enjoy that little one, they grow up way too fast! Life has a way of making things happen WHEN they were meant to happen, so don't get in a big rush, it is a buyers market now, so the world is your oyster ;-)

Best Regards,
Paula Bean

Tue Apr 15 2008, 12:04

I have Pre-foreclosure and Short Sale properties listed in the Apopka and Orlando area for that price range. For further information you can go to my website at: www.FLHomesByLoiz.com For Mortgage Pre-Approval go to: FLMortgageLoansByLoiz .com

Mon Apr 14 2008, 15:58

Life waits for no agent, I know that Tom.

I'm actually glad I got some feedback. I used to only do very QUICK searches for peple online and send them a link of a personal website I set up for them....mostly just to show people the web tools I can offer buyers. Not to find them their dream house before meeting with them. On occasion someone may find their perfect house in the many that would come up, but most of the time there isn't near enough information (or time) to do any kind of an adequate search. And in this case....you still beleive the 2 minute search I put together for you is the sum total of what I do. I can only assume many people think the same when i do this for them, So I will not be doing so anymore. Didn't mean those words to be harsh.

As far as everyone getting in a tizzy on this question, I think most people thought since you said you want somthing in 30 days, people were expecting immediate calls??? I don't know, I'm used to "delayed gratification" in the business I'm in, and especially with these online markets....the typical buyer I meet online will take between 4-6 months to purchase!

Good Luck Tom. If you'd like more help you know where to find it!

P.S. I am very familiar with the Ocoee, Winter garden, winderemere, a little bit of apopka area, not so much clermont. So if your leaning towards clermont I have a great way to help you find the agent that knows that area the best.

Mon Apr 14 2008, 07:17

I have a 2 story KB Home Custom Built Home in Deep Creek Golf Community it is beautiful, it's a 4 bedroom with a den and it is located in Punta Gorda, Florida (between Ft Myers, FL and Sarasota, FL )
Didn't know if you would be interested in this area or not but it was worth a shot. Email loriannmertens@yahoo.com if interested.

Mon Apr 14 2008, 05:42

Wow! I did not realize how a posting can erupt people. Sorry all I spent time with my daughter..(Single father of a 3 year old) this weekend. With all the email and i am a computer guy, I dont seat on my computer 24/7. As for the bonnies, I was born in Clermont. My grandfather came here on a horse and buggy when land was 25 cents a acres. I hate groveland and mascotte as a kid becuase they were so racial and some bad thing happen there becuase of my color..I am black. As a sales person I apprecited the searches..I have dont that constantly too. And if I would have found sometrhing that you recommend..I would have called and if you not a broker. I would have sent you a check for your help..I am that type of guy. Becuase you search for someone and it did not workout. It is sales..If you would have done this and it got a big sale. You would be on it 24/7. I am back in my office today and after I get though with my 9Oclock meeting I plan to read everyone of these post...I posted this to try and get a better understanding of the market and just see if I was missing anything..Haaaa!I want do that again in a discussion..Thanks

Mon Apr 14 2008, 05:31

Thomas says: Greg Traub has some interesting home but they were in the boonies..Mascotte and Groveland. I was born in Clermont and no one want to go to those places. I see why there are so many cheap house out their.

NOT sure how long it's been since you lived in Clermont, but Groveland is no longer considered 'the boonies' anymore. People from Clermont are moving there to get away from the 'big city' that Clermont has become.

Greg says: Guess I'll stop doing QUICK searches for people online. Didn't know people would expect me to take a few hours out of my day to do searches for random people online with a 2 line search criteria.

*** YOU should NEVER do this unless you have a good idea of what the buyer wants, and 2 lines doesn't cut it. I wish we could get people to give more info, but even then, unless they contact me by email or phone, I don't spend any time looking for a house that I'm not sure they want. Additionally,
Trulia is really meant to be an educational, helpful Q & A site, not a lead generation/promotional site. If I give free advice, that is my perogative, but I do it knowing that I am helping, and not expecting payment.

Jackie hasn't heard from him either.... so maybe he has already found a house, or an agent. I bet this wasn't the only site he checked. . . so don't get disgusted when you don't hear back. Think of this as a community service, and spend your time accordingly, and you won't be frustrated. You'll never hear from about 80-90% of these people.

Sun Apr 13 2008, 12:00

I haven't heard from Thomas yet.
Maybe He has already found a Realtor to work with.

Sat Apr 12 2008, 06:01

Guess I'll stop doing QUICK searches for people online. Didn't know people would expect me to take a few hours out of my day to do searches for random people online with a 2 line search criteria.

Fri Apr 11 2008, 21:03

Thomas what you are looking for is very reasonable, you are welcome to use my free access to the MLS properties available today or contact me and I will gladly send you a list of properties. Negotiating is the key of which my 30 years of experience can help get you the best value

Fri Apr 11 2008, 11:17

Greg Traub has some interesting home but they were in the boonies..Mascotte and Groveland. I was born in Clermont and no one want to go to those places. I see why there are so many cheap house out their. Jackie, I will probably contact her. Forclosure that can close quickly is probably the best bet. And becuase most realtor knows the inventory..it would be less pain mentally..haa

Fri Apr 11 2008, 06:14

Thomas,
Foreclosure homes can close in 30 days. Happens all the time. However you have to mindful that you are dealing with a Bank. Much different than a home owner. Short sale deals are generally very good. The asking price is usually discounted already. Therefore you are getting a nice deal right from the start. Make sure you work with an agent who has some short sales experience. Do your work and do some interviews. Ask how many closings ( short sales deals ) and make sure you are comfortable with your agent and their abilities. There are tons of 4 bedroom homes in this price range. From Clermont to Orlando is a wide area. What schools are important to you ( are they important at all?). How about proximity to your work , houses of worship,shopping etc. Get an idea of exactly where you want to look. Then drill down to a specific part of town or neighborhood or subdivision. Find the foreclosure deals and move on. I think you will find that if you really like a home you should make a reasonable offer and go for it.
Rick.

Thu Apr 10 2008, 23:43

Hello Thomas,
I found one home that matches your criteria in Clermont. How does a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home with 2919 square feet listed at $214,900 sound to you? It's not a foreclosure or short sale, but a motivated seller. Please let me know if I can be of further help to you.
Regards, Myra Waterman, Realtor
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Mobile: 407.509.6364

Thu Apr 10 2008, 12:17

Hi Thomas... I'm facing the same dilema... less money than you, but also looking for a good house with 4 bedrooms around Orlando or Kissimmee...
I do have a realtor looking for options... pay attention to the condition of these houses... some are in great condition...some are a terrible deal... many problems to fix... Good luck... let me know how you are doing...
giselecamargo@hotmail.com

Thu Apr 10 2008, 11:00

I have been looking at this process and putting up a contract and waiting six months is not my cup of tea.
So probably bank owned is the best way.. But you know when you get paid by the hour..they take their sweet time too