Hi Vernon,

It is unlikely that there will ever be a better time to buy again in our lifetimes. The Orlando housing price bubble has now been completely burst and prices (especially bank owned and short sales) have over corrected to below the historically long term rate of increase that existed before 2003.

I specialize in Osceola County and south Orange County. On the MLS right now we have over 500 single family homes in this area priced between 200K and 250K. There are some great locations here like Celebration, Harmony, Lake Nona, Solivita, and many more.

On my website, I have created several neighborhood maps to help you get your bearings and I've written my own brief intro to each area.

If this area looks interesting to you and your wife, then I'd be pleased to show you around.

Regards,
Mark LeMenager
Weichert, Realtors - Hallmark Properties

If your thinking about retirement in Florida you will want to check out Ocala Florida. We have over 26 retirement communities in the aera. Ocala has the most retirement communities in one area in the whole United States. Ocala has so much to offer for retirement or a second home. Low property taxes, low home owners insurance, rolling grassy hills, and only hour and 15 minutes from Orlando Airport.

I am currently working with a buyer doing exactly that. We are looking in the Clermont area so that he is not in Orlando but is still close to the attractions. There are excellent properties available. There are communities that aloow for short term rentals and many of these are being sold completely furnished. Prices are pretty much at the bottom right now. If you need some assistance with your search, feel free to contact me through my website. Best of luck to you!

Hi Vernon (and Mrs. Vernon)
You never know when the market is at the bottom until it's on it's way up. Keep in mind that the median price range right now in the Orlando area is $125k-so your budget is going to bode you a "wow" house, depending on where you want to live part of the year.
I cannot stress enough how affordable home buying is right now. Prices are super low and rates are low-it's a win win for a buyer. I only wish I had waited until right now to purchase. If your long term goals are to move to Orlando, I'd make sure your relocation is well planned out and your goals are being met. If your long term goals only include this home as a vacation spot, why not purchase something low maintenance near the attractions-so you can make your money back renting it out short term? The options are endless and the selection is pretty sweet.
I am a PSU alum, so I understand why wanting to fly south for the winter may be a priority. ;) You and your wife should rank your specifics of what you want in this home, and that will help decide where and what you're to buy. You'd be pretty amazed at what you can buy right now well under $200k, let alone in the price range you've listed. If you're ever just curious about the market statistics, check out http://www.orlrealtor.com, which will show you how many homes are selling...and honestly, it's truly picking up.
Your Favorite Realtor,
Amanda Sarnes

Hi Vernon,

Now is an awesome time to purchase as there are some tremendous opportunities available in popular, desirable areas of Central Florida. From a long-term investment standpoint, prices in many areas are at 2001 levels. Historically, from approx. 1990-2004, real estate overall in Central Florida was very solid and predictable, appreciating between 2-5% yr, and had a strong rental/investment market. Additionally, besides the investment angle, you also have to select an area, location that meets your geographic, cultural and environmental needs. There are a number of excellent properties in desirable areas for 250K or under.

Feel free to contact me for further information and overall data and anecedotal evidence.

Sincerely,


Marty Kaiser
Broker/Associate
Accredited Buyer's Representative(ABR)
Keller Williams Realty
407-595-9700
marty@floridasells.com

Dear Vernon,

There has never been a better time to purchase property in Central Florida. Real Estate has for the most part been a good investment in any market cycle. Orlando has so much to offer in the way of entertainment, beaches, golf courses and of course we have a whole new Medical City coming which will add many new employment opportunities. The weather is a drawing card to many people who live in cold climates.

I have lived in Central Florida for 40 years and have loved every minute of it. It would be my honor to serve your Real Estate needs.

Regards,

Maggie DeGennaro
Prudential Florida Realty
407-929-1384

Mr. Harris,

As you can see, we Central Florida Realtors believe that this area offers diversity in entertainment and
interesting places to go and it's a great place to purchase a second home while the prices are at their bottom, they can only go upward as the market appears to be turning around here.

Wouldn't it be nice to spend winters in Florida? Plan a trip to this area with Mrs. Harris and it will be my pleasure to give you the grand tour and also show you what great home buys we have, spending some time here and seeing the area should convince her that it would be a good investment.

Please visit my websites where you can search the MLS for homes on the market. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, it would be my pleasure to provide you with excellence in real estate services.

Suzanne Ogden, Realtor
Charles Rutenberg Realty
(407) 234-1098
sogden2@cfl.rr.com
http://suzanneogden.mfr.mlxchange.com

Hi Gay,

I am sending you some listings in Mount Dora. I can show them to you this weekend, we can have you moved out of Orlando in 30 days or less.

You are going to love it here in the country.

John

Vernon,

Wow, seems you hit a nerve. Calm down John, we in Orlando love Mt Dora too! Truth is there is no place like Central Florida.

I agree that you all need to come on down and a take another look. Great Weather, Lakes, Beaches, Golf, Theme Parks, tourists and home prices that you cannot believe what you can get for under $250,000! What is not to love.

I can send you some great previews of some homes in different areas if you like. You all can look together on the ole computer at home. See if you see anything you like. I will even send you something from Mt Dora. It's all Good.

The point here is, if you can afford it, you like it, and you all are in agreement it cannnot be all that bad. Of course you are asking Realtors here so you have to consider the source! We love what we do and we love helping and showing off our community. Thanks John!

I will leave my contact information if you want to start a little email chat to get to know one another and see where it takes us! Check out me website to learn a bit about me and the Orlando Area, lots of helpful info.

Regards and Hope to Hear from you!

Gay Middleton
Realtor*Moving You in the Right Direction
gaymiddleton@orlandohomeresales.com
407.493.3699

VERNON, Never, and I mean this, never do anything that your wife doesn't want to do.

Now, the prior answers are all very good answers.
THIS is the time to buy. It's 1/2 off sale time, just tell her that.

We need to get your wife to Mount Dora, she will love it. It will turn her head, you can find tons of Orlando people here on the weekends going from shop to shop - I tell you Vernon- its real ugly.

Us guys can get on a boat and go from lake to lake all the way to the St John's River to the Atlantic ocean. And if you want to see the Mouse, you get on US 411 to Interstate 429 and you are at Mickeys place in 20 minutes - NO TRAFFIC as you are coming in the "back way".

Now I know your area well - spent 30 years calling on an account in Media - just south on US 1. When you think about Bucks county think of Mount Dora.

Come visit and well let your wife look around.

John

352-978-4539

Good Afternoon, Vernon:

As with any investment, you have to ask yourself ..... what is the goal I hope to reach? If the purchase will be a true vacation, 2nd home for your family, it may be a great investment. How often do you visit the Orlando area? If you are only able to travel to the area once or twice a year, it would be cost prohibitive to purchase a 2nd home. However, if your visits outweigh the maintenance & carrying costs, it is an investment to consider.

Values in the Orlando area have readjusted from the 2005 craziness the US real estate market experienced. Our prices reflect the values from 2000-2003 .... which even accounts for some appreciation values.

Depending on how you will use the house & surrounding areas, you need to consider which community in Orlando will best suit your investment goal.

Financing options may be limited since this is a 2nd home purchase. Many lenders have restrictions to eliminate the multitude of purchases made by 1 person (as experienced in 2005.)

I specialize in Central Florida ..... from the city lights of Orlando & surrounding communities to the popular beaches of the East Coast-Space Coast. I would be more than happy to provide you with specific answers to your investment questions. Please contact me at your convenience to discuss the why it really is a good time to buy real estate inCentral Florida!


Rock Solid in Real Estate,
Tami Leliuga
Prudential The Property Place
Direct: 407-948-0540
Efax: 407-210-3773 http://www.OrlandoHomeSpecialist.com

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass .... it's about learning to dance in the rain!

Hi Vernon,

This is the time to be exploring your options relative to inventing in Florida real estate. Unless there is a major attraction other than Disney, our recommendation is to try to position yourself a reasonable distance from Disney but also try to stay close to the beaches as well.

There are plenty of options that are 10-20 minutes from some fantastic beaches while being a reasonable 70-90 minute ride from the Magic Kingdom. It's nce to be able to enjoy the best of all worlds.

Good luck
The Eckelr Team

Michael Saunders & Company
billeckler@michaelsaunders.com
941-408-5363

Vernon, I have a client from PA that's closing on FOUR condos here in Orlando this month. With prices at rock bottom - sometimes as little as 30c on the prior dollar - I can't imagine it's a poor investment. So long as the sun keeps shining there will always be a need for housing because people keep coming. And with the boomers moving here in droves, the real estate market should be set to rebound nicely over the next 5 years or so. Those who buy at the bottom will almost certainly be laughing in 10 years. If your wife needs convincing call me! LOL
Best,
Marcus.

--
Kind regards,

Marcus Burke PhD, GRI
Broker: Orlando Real Estate Pros
Condo Metropolis LLC
Licensed Real Estate Brokerage

Homes Website: http://www.OrlandoRealEstatePros.com

Telephone / Fax: 407-290-3408.

Vernon,
I don't think it would be a bad investment at all. I think Florida is going to come back very quickly, especially in the Orlando resort areas. I will include a link for you to look at to prove what I'm saying.

Good luck!