Hi Tanya

The answer to your question really depends on your personal circumstances, and it is premature to give a definitive answer, or to recommend specific communities or areas, without a better understanding of your plans and objectives.

Some prices are still going down and some have stabilized, but the question of whether it is a good time to buy is really dependent on the individual buyer's needs (and, e.g. finances!) - please see our web site for more background and contact us if you think we may be able to help.

Tue Jun 17 2008, 06:12

Hi,

I have a beautiful town home 3 bed room 2 bathrooms in Bellavida resort built by Parksquare homes.
It is purchased from builder direct. If you are interested please email me on rmgx007@gmail.com or kannanx007@hotmail.com.Regards

Mani

Tue Jun 3 2008, 02:02

Hi Tanya,

I have attached the latest data from Zillow which shows first quarter percentage drop from 2007 too 2008. You have received some good avice from other Realtors and here is what I posted to my blog today.

Home owners in Central Florida are wondering if we have hit bottom yet. The latest data from Zillow show that first quarters year over year shows an average drop for Central Florida at 19%. This calculation shows a huge market adjustment for the local housing market around Orlando. For the first quarter of 2008 home values have dropped 6.9% in the Orlando market compared with 1.6% nationwide.
While this news is alarming to Sellers and Buyers in the area, the big question is are we near or at the bottom of this correction? With foreclosures expected to peak in late spring/ early summer the hope is that as these foreclosures work through the market, home prices will begin to stabilize and begin a slow increase. When or how this will happen is the million dollar answer. Every day new data hits the market and the interpretation of the data varies based on who you talk to. Real Estate is no different than any type of market, it goes up and down. We will see our market rebound but it make take longer than anticipated.

Where are Home Values Dropping?

Area Median Value 12 month Change
1. Celebration $257,682 -26.4%
2. Kissimmee $180,115 -22.5%
3. St. Cloud $185,000 -13.8%
4. Maitland $259,435 -16.4%
5. Windermere $477,811 -19.5%
6. Orlando $198,975 -17.6%
7. Winter Park $220,632 -16.0%
8. Winter Springs $229,371 -15.3%

Steve Glose
Real Estate Specialist
The Florida Living Team
Keller Williams Realty

407-616-7286 direct
020 3239 7286 london
407-962-4242 office
866-531-1709 fax
steve@thefloridalivingteam.com
www.TheFloridaLivingTeam.com

Tue May 6 2008, 12:32

Hi Tanya,

It is very difficult to speak in generalities it the current market since market stability can very from one development to another within a certain community. Because of location, desirability, amenities, etc. etc. some locations have been able to minimize the big price declines. They may have dropped slightly but by comparison, this decrease is minor.

"To buy or not to buy, that is the question." A good case can be made for both positions. What we do know is that once it is clear that a "recovery" is in full bloom, it will be too late to take advantage of the the opportunity to nab the best homes at the best price. So the successful speculator needs to be able to see the future. Since this is so unrealistic, let's consider another option.

There are indications that we are nearing the end of this "correction" but since the end remains uncertain our recommedation is to create your own "comfort zone" and become a smart buyer. This can be accomplished by doing the following:

1. Identify a location
2. Find a good agent
3.Generate a pool of possibile properties that meet your criteria
4. Identify a list of comps for both recently sold and currently listed properties
5. Use this information as a basis to generate a target price that is within your "Comfort Zone"
6. Negotiate
7. Find the truly motivated seller

There is no fool proof way to take a risk......But, there are ways to minimize the affect of risk. If we are near the bottom of this "correction" hopefully your "Comfort Zone" offer price will provide the cushion you are seeking. Don't be afraid to offer 10 to 20 per cent under the identified comp price in an effort to identify the truly motivated seller. This is what will save you if the "bottom" is not as near as we think.

So.....in response to your timing concern.....

This is the right time to buy...if you buy SMART and minimize risk by staying within your personally created "Comfort Zone."

Good luck,
The "Eckler Team"
Century 21 Almar and Associates
Venice, Fl 34285
ecklerteam@comcast.net
941-408-5363

Tue Apr 29 2008, 04:57

Greeting Tanya,

Prices are still coming down to a degree in almost every community here in the Disney area. Some are experiencing larger declines than others while some are very close to what we think is the bottom. Those communities that have remained fairly immune to foreclosures and short sales are the most stable. Of course proximity to the theme parks has helped other communities tremendously as well.

How will we know for sure when the market is going back up? When it has already started. So I tell my clients that it is a good time to buy for two reasons and in your case three. The first reason is that we are entering into our busiest time of year with renters. Assuming that you are going to use the home as a rental property you will want to capitalize on the summer months. The second reason is that some communities will not be this low for long. The third and maybe most important reason for you is that exchange rates are very beneficial for Canadian buyers right now.

I would recommend that you look into Windsor Hills first. It has a clubhouse and pool complex that rivals most of our resorts here. The amenities and its extremely close proximity to Disney make it the hottest rental community in Kissimmee. Another community to look into would be BellaVida which is right off of 192. This is a brand new community with an excellent clubhouse and pool. You can even take a look into Terra Verde as well.

The most important thing to do is to build a relationship with a Realtor that you are comfortable with in our area. Do your research and have plenty of questions for the professional that you pick. Once you have a Realtor working with you he or she will be able to navigate you through the different choices and then get you the best deal possible here in Kissimmee.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 11:40

Hello Tanya!

I hope you are keeping warm.
In the research I have been keeping up on, prices are stablizing.
There still are some bank owned homes coming through the market but there are plenty of fully furnished
vacation homes, ready to be rented and affordable at this time.

Are you looking for a resort community?
Gated or newly built?
Resale home?

Our office specializes in helping foreign nationals find thier dream vacation home.
Do you have questions on exchange rates, US mortgages, management companies,
homeowners association dues, taxes?

Feel free to give us a ring or drop us a line with no obligation.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 10:48

Hello, Tanya.

Prices are pretty stable at the moment, but in some areas we might see some decline. Just make sure you do your homework (or your Realtor), so you can find a community where prices are not going down. The best communities will be the ones that are gated, with clubhouse and in close proximity to Disney (2 to 10 miles). Some communities I like are: Windsor Hills, Emerald Island and West Haven. These communities have some great values and it is a great time to purchase a property there because some of these prices will not be around for long.

If you wait too long you might miss a great opportunity, so I think you should buy now, but buy smart. Buy the best value, not only best price, but best overall value by factoring in location of the home itself, location of the community, upgrades, state of the furniture if included, past booking history, and other details that your Realtor would be able to help you with.

I work with vacation homes in the Disney area if you need any assistance.

Best Regards and Good Luck!

---
Carlos German
When in doubt, talk to a Realtor who understands your goals.
Am I that person for you? There's only one way to find out…
Contact me today! 407 744 7190 orhttp:// www.rebycarlos.com

Mon Apr 28 2008, 10:38