Coincidences and the Jewish New Year!

I don’t generally believe in coincidences, but… Yesterday, I wrote a post on ‘stuff’ - the fact that we accumulate such and what it all really boils down to in the end. Today, I received a card for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year from a very dear friend.

He sent it from the Chabad site. I played around the site for a little bit and then boom, I was hit in the face with these words “The Hebrew language has no word for "things," for "objects" or for "stuff." Even the words "physical" and "matter" are borrowed terms. It was from an article “The Adam Factor,” by Tzvi Freeman.

What was somewhat profound to me is that I was discussing an end and today is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. It literally means ‘head of the year.’ This may seem odd to some, but you have to understand that we use the Lunar calendar in this regard. There are several beginnings with Rosh Hashanah. We read the torah from the beginning again. The story starts with Adam and Eve.

It is one of the several high holidays that Jewish people observe and is a very solemn holiday ending on Yom Kippur in which we repent for our sins, ask for forgiveness and that we should be written in the ‘Book of Life’ for the new year.

L'shanah tovah tikatev ve'techatem l’alter l'chayim tovim - "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year, for good life immediately."

Stuff – You Have It, Don’t You?

Is this what one’s life amounts to in the end? A dear friend passed away 7 months ago and the process to clean out her house had been daunting on many levels. The range of emotions that I’ve gone through during the process is quite interesting when I look back on it, but then again I’m sure that it’s also the grieving process as well. I won’t deny that there has been so much anger while packing her things/belongings.

Seriously, what do your belongings become afterwards? Yes, we’ve had family and friends come in and go through her stuff to pick and choose what they may like. Some of it we did to keep as a reminder; other stuff we took because we may have liked it or thought that we could utilize it. As I’m writing, I’ve noticed that I’ve used the word ‘stuff’ – but that’s all it comes down to it – stuff! Stuff someone has accumulated and stuff someone else may want. Geez, almost sounds like we could go into a George Carlin routine here, but I digress.

So much has been gone through. Actually, every nook and cranny in this house. Now I’m here for the final packing and removal. Except for the furniture that’s left in the house, this is what’s left of her life - in the garage. I’m sorry, it appears to be a sad testament to one’s life, but I know the same will happen to mine at sometime in the future as well. And it’ll just be stuff that people will forage through to see what they may like and discard the rest.

You may wonder what is the point of this post? There really isn’t any, just basically my miscellaneous meanderings about our life or what happens afterwards. I apologize in advance if the tone here is somewhat somber, that is not my intention. But I guess when you speak of death, what else can it be?

We surround ourselves with things. And obviously I’m referring to inanimate objects. We are masters of conspicuous consumption. Buy, buy, buy!!! Probably the majority of what we buy is not because we actually need it. I’m not going to blame this on our societal changes. But, if you look back, you will notice that we changed our lifestyles greatly with the advent of available credit. First it was with credit cards; then came the HELOC’s (Home Equity Lines of Credit); and, then the easy mortgage. Unfortunately, I think this has led us to really become a debtors society, where the majority of people have more debt than they do assets.

What happened to living within our means? What the heck is the big deal with “keeping up with the Joneses?” Seriously, are they putting food on your table? So going into debt and buying conspicuously will allow you to supposedly attain a certain social class or socio-economic status? But do we actually stop and look at the cost of such? Again, do you seriously believe that trying to buy your way up the ladder, will actually get you there?

I had an acquaintance once who felt that he had an inalienable right to things. That he was deserving and had a dutiful right whether he attained the goods or that he was owed it by others. It didn’t matter if he could afford such.

Do you think that our present economic situation is due to this kind of mentality? If you think not, than you are only deluding yourself. I apologize if that appears terse, but we need to reevaluate ourselves and what we are doing. First off, it’s only fair to the children. What kind of legacy are we leaving them? They deserve the same fair rights and choices that we’ve had, but not if we leave them a major debt ridden society.

Things need to change. They should have changed years ago, but that’s over and done with. Tomorrow will be too late. It needs to be done NOW!!

Till next time – Marc It Sold!

What’s Happening in Central Florida - September 23, 2004

This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Orlando Central Florida area. The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Etc, On-Going and Plan Ahead. There is surely something for everyone.

ART

HOT ROD ART EXHIBIT

What: automobile-inspired art depicting America's love affair with

the automobile.

When: thru September 30 – 10am-5pm Mon - Fri

Where: Casselberry Art House

127 Quail Pond Circle

Casselberry

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-262-7720

COLORS OF INDIA 2008

What: artwork of Shalini Tandon, Poornima Hebbar, Sunanda

Shivdasani and Renuka Adhav.

When: September 12 – October 24 – 8am-5pm Mon - Fri

Where: Casselberry City Hall

95 Triplet Lake Drive

Casselberry

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-262-7702

PROVOCATIVE PAIRINGS

What: art from different periods, media & point of view side by side

When: September 20 – November 2

Where: Orlando Museum of Art

http://www.omart.org

2416 N. Mills Ave.

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-588-1260

THEATER

DOUBT, A PARABLE

What: John Patrick Shanley drama

When: September 26 – October 4

Where: Annie Russell Theatre @ Rollins College

1000 Holt Ave.

Winter Park

Cost: $19 Fri & Sat eve; 17 Wed, Thurs & matinees

Contact: 407-646-2145

MOVIE

14^th ANNUAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

When: September 27 – 29

Where: Enzian Theater

http://www.enzian.org

1300 S. Orlando Ave

Maitland

Cost: $10/screening; $35/series

Contact: 407-629-0054

MUSIC

BELA FLECK

When: September 23 – 7:30pm

Where: Rollins College Tiedtke Concert Hall

1000 Holt Ave.

Winter Park

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-646-2233

UCF WIND ENSEMBLE & CONCERT BAND

When: September 26 – 8pm

Where: UCF Visual Arts Bldg. Auditorium

4000 Central Florida Blvd.

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-823-3581

FOOD

VINE AND DINE

What: savor the flavors of Switzerland

When: September 26 – 7pm

Where: Rosen Centre Hotel

9840 International Drive

Orlando

Cost: $65

Contact: 407-996-9840

CENTRAL FLORIDA BEER FESTIVAL

What: beer & food sampling benefitting Big Brothers & Sisters

When: September 27 – 3-7pm

http://www.centralfloridabeerfestival.com/

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Drive

Orlando

Cost: $35 advance tickets; 45 at the door

Contact: 850-291-3183

FUNDRAISERS

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

What: gala to benefit the Center for Memory Disorders

When: September 27 – 6:30pm

Where: Rosen Plaza

9700 International Drive

Orlando

Cost: $150

Contact: 407-898-4427

DINNER DATES FUNDRAISER

What: to benefit The Mustard Seed

When: September 28 – 6pm

Where: Sweetwater Golf & Country Club

2700 Sweetwater Country Club Drive

Longwood

Cost: Call for reservations

Contact: 407-339-3283

ETC

BABY LOVES DISCO

What: dance party for children and parents

When: September 28 – 2pm

Where: Club Firestone

578 N. Orange Ave.

Orlando

Cost: $12

Contact: 407-872-0066

ON-GOING

JUSTICE ILLUMINATED: THE ART OF ARTHUR SZYK

When: M-Th – 9am – 4pm

Fri – 9am – 1pm

Sun – 1pm – 4pm

Where: Holocaust Memorial Research and Education Center of CF

851 N. Maitland Ave.

Maitland

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-628-0555

TUESDAY VOICE

What: poetry reading series

When: September 23 – 7pm

Where: Seminole Community College

100 Weldon Blvd

Sanford

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-708-2691

FIRST THURSDAYS

What: a new art theme by local artists, live music, cash bar

When: 6 – 9pm

Where: Orlando Museum of Art

2416 N. Mills Ave.

Orlando

Cost: Free to OMA members; $45 individuals; $30 students

Contact: 407-896-4231

STORYTELLING AT LEU GARDENS

What: for 18 months to 5 yearsold

When: Third Monday – 10am

Where: Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N Forest Ave.

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-246-2620

THIRD THURSDAY’S

What: art in downtown Orlando at various locations from 6-9pm

Where: City Arts Factory (Orange & Pine)

The Office Gallery (47 E. Robinson)

A.K.A. Lounge (68 E. Pine)

Gallery at Avalon Island & Guinevere’s (Magnolia & Pine)

Cost: Free

PLAN AHEAD

DATE NIGHT AT LEU GARDENS

What: outdoor screening of Ghost

When: October 3 – 8:30pm

Where: Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N. Forest Ave.

Orlando

Cost: $7 adults; 2 children

Contact: 407-246-2620

FRIENDS OF A FEATHER FESTIVAL

What: bird show, music and vendors

When: October 4 – 10am - 5pm

Where: Lake Eola Park

101 N. Rosalind

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-568-7567

LAKE MARY BLUES REVIEW

What: featuring Smokin’ Torpedoes

When: October 4 – 6pm

Where: Lake Mary City Hall

100 N. Country Club Road

Lake Mary

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-585-1466

UCF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

When: October 5 – 4pm

Where: University High Schoold

11501 Eastwood Drive

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-823-5002

EVENING OF DANCE

What: Dr. Phillips High School “Dance in Motion”

When: October 11 – 7pm

Where: Lake Eola Amphitheater

101 N. Rosalind Ave

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-355-3200

For information on Orange and Seminole County real estate and Orange and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Orange and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Orange and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Piedmont Lakes Picnic - Apopka, Orange County, Florida 32703

Piedmont Lakes Picnic - Apopka, Orange County, Florida

Well a great time was had by all! We had beautiful weather games, a tattoo booth, food and fun. It was great meeting our neighbors and getting together. A great deal of thanks & accolades needs to be given

Bounce House at Piedmont Lakes Picnic donated by Clay & Maggie Lee

to Maggie & Clay Lee. Their hard work put together so much of this event including the fact that they donated the bounce house, which was obviously a great hit with the children.

There were sack races and frozen t-shirts amongst some of the games. Many sign up sheets were at the check-in desk and it was wonderful to see so many people that wished to help out.

Desert Table that so many donated

There were many teenagers that also assisted and were very enthusiastic about helping us.

People just hanging out and enjoying friends, neighbors and making new friends!

Another thanks needs to be given to Terri & Stuart Morrell for their hard work as well.Of course, our master grillers Stuart, Clay & ‘Uncle’ led the way and kept us hot hamburgers and hot dogs throughout.

Our next event with be a semi-annual community wide garage sale. I would like to see a Spring BBQ and hopefully more would like to help and be involved.

For more photos, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/22928563@N08/sets/72157607398585369/

How to win the frozen shirt contest!

Games being played!

Sack Race!

Beauty, Peace and Harmony

There is so much beauty in a flower.

Just one of my orchids that I thought I'd share. Besides I got a new digital and wanted to see how it would do on a macro setting.

And this was done on Super Macro of one of my many blooming cacti.

Technorati Profile

Winter Springs, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for August ‘08

  (click image to enlarge)

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for August 2008.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

 

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. 

 

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time.  More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another.  By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture.  It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

Single-Family Homes

 

28 homes sold during the month of August.

 

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $269,958with 143 days on the market.

 

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $215,175.

 

The sales to list price ratio, which means that the homes sold for 93% of their list price.

 

The most expensive home sold for $665,000 in St. Johns Landing and was on the market 199 days. 

 

The least expensive home sold for $120,000 in the Highlands after 97 days on the market. 

 

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $378,114 with 136 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 96%.

 

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

 

7 homes sold

 

The average sales price was $169,471 with 140 days on the market.

 

The median sales price was $160,000.

 

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

 

The most expensive townhome sold for $211,363 in Harbor Winds after 126 days on the market.

 

The least expensive townhome sold for $124,000 in Casa Park Villas and was on the market for 56 days. 

 

The average sales price a year earlier was $162,537 with 123 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95%.

 

 

For information on Winter Springs and Seminole County real estate and Winter Springs and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Winter Springs and Seminole County relocationcontact Marc Grossman, your Winter Springs and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

 

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

 

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

 

Marc It Sold!

Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, FL – Market Sales Statistics for August ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for August 2008.  Winter Park is made up of the zip codes of 32789 & 32792.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

 

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. 

 

It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

 

Single-Family Homes

 

37 homes sold during the month of August.

 

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $336,986 with 148 days on the market.

 

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $309,500.

 

The sales to list price ratio, which means that the homes sold for 93% of their list price.

 

The most expensive home sold for $1.375M in Valencia Terrace and was on the market for 535 days. 

 

The least expensive home sold for $122,500 in Northwood Terrace after 30 days on the market.

 

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $514,111 with 188 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95%.

 

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

 

8 homes sold

 

The average sales price was $211,560 with 106 days on the market.

 

The median sales price was $132,500.

 

The sales to list price ratio is 87%.

 

The most expensive sold for $893,100 in Perle du Lac Condos and was on the market 182 days. 

 

The least expensive sold for $30,000 in Winter Park Woods Condos and was on the market for 58 days.

 

The average sales price a year earlier was $153,455 with 121 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94%.

 

 

For information on Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County real estate and Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available forSeminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

 

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

 

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

 

Marc It Sold!

Windermere, Orange County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for August ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Windermere, Orange County, Florida for August 2008.  Windermere is made up of the zip code 34786.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

 

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. 

 

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time.  More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another.  By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture.  It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

 

Single-Family Homes

 

37 homes sold during the month of August.

 

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $472,861 with a 199 days on the market.

 

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $390,000.

 

The sales to list price ratio, which means that the homes sold for 91% of their list price.

 

The most expensive home sold for $1.675M in the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound and was on the market for 283 days. 

 

The least expensive home sold for $190,000 in Silver Woods after 140 days on the market. 

 

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $934,575 with 205 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94%.

 

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

 

2 homes sold

 

The average sales price was $174,950 with 168 days on the market.

 

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

 

The more expensive sold for $185,900 in Edens Hammock and was on the market 190 days. 

 

The leass expensive sold for $164,000 in the Lakes of Windermere after being on the market 204 days. 

 

The average sales price a year earlier was $234,171 with 168 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94%.

 

 

For information on Windermere and Orange County real estate and Windermere and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Windermere and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Windermere and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

 

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

 

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

 

Marc It Sold!

Sanford, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for August ‘08

(click to enlarge)

The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for August 2008.  Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

 

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. 

 

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time.  More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another.  By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture.  It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

 

Single-Family Homes

 

31 homes sold during the month of August.

 

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $247,132 with 141 days on the market.

 

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $180,000.

 

The sales to list price ratio, which means that the homes sold for 92% of their list price.

 

The most expensive home sold for $985,000 in Lake Markham Preserver and was on the market 457 days.  

 

The least expensive home sold for $22,500 after 37 days on the market. 

 

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $351,115 with 126 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95%.

 

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

 

7 homes sold.

 

The average sales price was $144,403 with 79 days on the market.

 

The median sales price was $160,647.

 

The sales to list price ratio is 95%.

 

The most expensive townhome sold for $185,000 in Savannah Park at Heathrow and was new construction.

 

The least expensive condo sold for $71,000 in Pine Ridge Club and was on the market 75 days. 

 

The average sales price a year earlier was $180,047 with 127 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 98%.

 

 

For information on Sanford and Seminole County real estate and Sanford and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Sanford and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Sanford and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

 

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

 

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

 

Marc It Sold!

Oviedo, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for August ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Oviedo, Seminole County, Florida for August 2008.  Oviedo is made up of the zip codes of 32765 & 32766, which is partly considered Chuluota.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

 

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood may not be realized in the neighborhood next door. 

 

It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

 

Single-Family Homes

 

67 homes sold during the month of August.

 

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $316,159 with 164 days on the market.

 

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $290,000.

 

The sales to list price ratio, which means that the homes sold for 95% of their list price.

 

The most expensive home sold for $770,000 in Kenmure and was on the market for 41 days. 

 

The least expensive home sold for $145,000 in Alafaya Woods after 78 days on the market. 

 

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $345,573 with 149 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 96%.

 

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

 

6 homes sold

 

The average sales price was $133,135 with 160 days on the market.

 

The median sales price was $120,000.

 

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

 

The most expensive townhome sold for $192,782 in Provenance and was new construction. 

 

The least expensive condo sold for $79,400 in Villas at Lakeside after 110 days on the market. 

 

The average sales price a year earlier was $218,259 with 66 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 99%.

 

 

For information on Oviedo and Seminole County real estate and Oviedo and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Oviedo and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Oviedo and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

 

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

 

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

 

Marc It Sold!