What’s Happening in Central Florida - August 26, 2009

This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Greater Orlando Central Florida area. The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Nature, Etc, and Plan Ahead. There is surely something for everyone. There is also a complementary list of On-Going events in the area as well & you can find those by Clicking Here!

ART, MUSIC, LITERARY & THEATER

POSSIBLE LIVES

What: a Global Lens film screening

When: Aug 28 – 4 & 7pm

30^th – 1:30pm

Where: Orlando Museum of Art

2416 N. Mills Ave.

Orlando

Cost: adults - $12; seniors & students - $11; 17 & under - $8

Contact: 407-896-4231

ROMEO ET JULIETTE

What: Charles Gounod’s operatic translation of Shakespeare's tragic play, shown as part of the Enzian's Summer Opera Series

When: Aug 29 – noon

31^st – 8pm

Where: Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave.

Maitland

Cost: $20

Contact: 407-629-0054

www.Enzian.org

MAITLAND POETS & WRITERS

What: readings on the Farmer’s Market stage

When: Aug 30 – 11:15am

Where: Lake Lily Park

840 Lake Lily Drive

Maitland

Cost: Free

Contact: 321-274-4329

AVERAGE COMMUNITY

What: documentary about the '80s hardcore punk scene through the eyes teens from Trenton, N.J

When: Aug 30 – 12:30pm

Where: Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave.

Maitland

Cost: $5 donation

Contact: 407-629-0054

www.Enzian.org

BOOTLEG ON THE BIG SCREEN

What: Dave Segal of Bootleg Television intercuts road videos with performances by Shak Nasti and Thomas Wynn & the Believers

When: Aug 30 – 9pm

Where: Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave.

Maitland

Cost: $10

Contact: 407-929-6600

www.Enzian.org

MOVIE MONDAY

What: The intimate pub screens watery epics, with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Abyss and Das Boot

When: Aug 31 – 7pm

Where: Redlight Redlight

745 Bennett Rd

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-644-2578

http://www.myspace.com/theredlightredlight

JUST FOR CHILDREN

ACTIVITIES DAY FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

What: hosted by Orlando PlayDate Foundation, a social networking site connecting children with disabilities; also a panel of doctors for parents to ask questions & get information about resources available; food & drinks provided

When: Aug 29 – noon - 5pm

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Drive

Orlando

Cost: $5

Contact: 407-770-7809

NATURE

GREEN GARDENING: NATIONAL WILDLIFE CERTIFICATION

What: Learn sustainable gardening practices that can turn any garden into a wildlife friendly habitat and become a Certified Wildlife Habitat When: Aug 29 – 10am - noon

Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

3755 US Hgwy 17-92

Sanford

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-323-4450

www.CentralFloridaZoo.org

FOOD

HIGH & MIGHTY BEER KICKOFF

What: new brew offers sample flights, with music from Jazz Revolver

When: Aug 27 – 7pm

Where: Redlight Redlight

745 Bennett Rd

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-893-9832

http://www.myspace.com/theredlightredlight

FUNDRAISERS

LES PAUL TRIBUTE SHOW

What: Local musicians Thomas Wynn, Kaleigh Baker, Jeff Nolan, Joseph Martens and more pay tribute to the guitar pioneer, with videos of Paul's work and a live art show Jim Jackson; all proceeds benefit Connections4Kids and Family

When: Aug 27 – 9pm

Where: The Lodge

49 N. Orange Ave

Orlando

Cost: $5 donation

Contact: 407-650-8786

www.DowntownLodge.com

HOGS SAVING DOGS

What: bike ride, raffle & auction to benefit Pet Rescue by Judy

When: Aug 30 – 9am

Where: Fleet Reserve

3040 SR 46

Sanford

Cost: $6 breakfast/lunch

Contact: 407-302-4497

ETC.

CITY SKIP DAY

What: A street party to celebrate not going to your job, featuring live music, food and drink specials

When: Aug 28 – noon

Where: Downtown Orlando

Church St. & Orange Ave.

Orlando

Cost: Free

PLAYDATE ORLANDO

What: board game night for adults

When: Aug 28 – 8pm – 2am

Where: Rix’s Lounge

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

1000 W. Buena Vista Drive

Lake Buena Vista

Cost: $5 - $10 after 9pm; must be over 21

Contact: 407-939-3806

ALL-BREED HORSE SHOW

What: presented by the Orlando Arabian Horse Club

When: Aug 29 – 30 - 9am

Where: Clarcona Horseman’s Park

3535 Damon Rd

Apopka

Cost: Free for spectators; concessions & BBQ on 29th

Contact: 321-231-1221

BBQ COOKOFF & FAMILY FESTIVAL

What: 12-15 teams; live music; children’s activities; lunch

When: Aug 29 – 10am – 7pm

Where: Trinity Downtown

123 E. Livingston St.

Orlando

Cost: $10 – all-you-can-eat BBQ wristbands

Contact: 407-295-6269

LUNA

What: Learn about the interactions between life on Earth and our moon

When: Aug 29 – 8:30pm

Where: Seminole Community College Planetarium

100 Weldon Blvd.

Sanford

Cost: $6

Contact: 407-708-2360

A TASTE OF THE J

What: local restaurants sample their wares for the grand opening ceremony of the new southwest campus for the Orlando Jewish Community Center

When: Aug 30 – 11am - 4pm

Where: Jack & Lee Rosen JCC Campus

11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd.

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-644-7593

WALKING TOURS IN WINTER PARK

What: A guided tour of the churches detailed in the current Heritage Center exhibit Sacred Places, Sacred History: Black Churches of West Winter Park

When: Aug 30, Sept 6 & 20 – 1:30 – 3:30pm

Where: Hannibal Square Heritage Center

642 W. New England Ave.

Winter Park

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-671-1886

www.crealde.org

VOLUNTEER FAIR

What: non-profit orgs will have booths for people to find out about volunteer opportunities within the community

When: Aug 30 – 2 - 5pm

Where: Maitland Public Library

501 S. Maitland Ave.

Maitland

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-647-7700

CIVILIAN POLICE ACADEMY

What: 13 week course to educate citizens about the Sheriff’s Dept. includes demos, tours, q & a – no physical requirements

When: Sept 1 – 6:30 – 9:30pm

Where: Orange County Sheriff’s Office

2500 W. Colonial Dr.

Orlando

Cost: Free, registrations required, must be 19+ & a background check will be performed

Contact: 407-254-7389

PLAN AHEAD

FALL LAWN CARE

What: how to repair lawn damage caused by insects, weeds & root rot

When: Sept 3 – 6 – 7:30pm

Where: Orange County Extension Education Center

6021 S. Conway Rd.

Orlando

Cost: Free – registration required

Contact: 407-254-9200

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

What: screening of Race to Witch Mountain

When: Sept 3 – 6:30pm

Where: Winter Garden Library

805 E. Plant St.

Winter Garden

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-835-7480

DATE NIGHT AT LEU GARDENS

What: outdoor screening of America’s Sweetheart

When: Sept 4 – 8:30pm

Where: Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N. Forest Ave.

Orlando

Cost: $7 adults; $2 children

Contact: 407-246-2620

BRAILE TRANSCRIBER

What: 9-month course leading to certification; materials & equipment provided; includes study & exercises at home

When: Tuesdays, Sep 8 – 10 -11am

Where: Braille Assn of Mid-Florida, Inc.

1500 Falcon Drive

Orlando

Cost: Free; orientation 9/1 – 10 – 11am

Contact: 407-894-8130

GROWING ORCHIDS

What: with Doug Watson or World Wide Orchids

When: Sept 9 – 10am

Where: Winter Park Garden Club

1300 S. Denning Dr

Winter Park

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-644-5770

JOB FAIR

What: over 70 employers hosted by the Central Florida Employment Council

When: Sept 9 – noon - 4pm

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Drive

Orlando

Cost: Free – dress properly; no children; bring resumes

Contact: 407-834-4022

BROWN BAG LUNCH & LEARN

What: with Dr. Jan Garavaglia, chief medical examiner for Orange & Osceola counties

When: Sept 10 – noon - 1pm

Where: Orange County Regional History Center

65 E. Central Blvd.

Orlando

Cost: Free – bring your lunch or pre-order for a small charge

Contact: 407-836-7010

SEMINOLE UNCORKED

What: wine tasting and auction to benefit The Mustard Seed

When: Sept 10 – 5:30 – 9:30pm

Where: Seminole Towne Center

200 N. Entrance Rd

Sanford

Cost: $35 advance; $45 day of the event

Contact: 407-290-1060

HIDING IN THE SPOTLIGHT BY GREG DAWSON

What: true story how his mother & aunt survived the Holocaust as entertainers to then study at Julliard; with a book signing and reception

When: Sept 10 – 7pm

Where: Holocaust Resource & Education Center of Central Florida

851 N. Maitland Ave.

Maitland

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-628-0555

7^TH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN HEALTH FAIR

What: prevention education and free screenings for blood pressure, body mass, HIV, glucose, cholesterol (must fast), pap smears & prostrate offered by The Center for Multicultural Wellness & Prevention

When: Sept 12 – 8am - 2pm

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Dr

Orlando

Cost: Free – screenings on a first come-first served basis

Contact: 407-648-9440 x 14

COIN AND MONEY SHOW

What: over 125 vendors buying and selling

When: Sept 11 & 12 – 10am - 6pm

13^th – 10am – 3pm

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Dr

Orlando

Cost: Free & receive a free coin

Contact: 407-889-3658

5^TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY

What: presented by Smithsonian Magazine

When: Sept 26

Where: Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

633 Osceola Ave.

Winter Park

Cost: Free – download your card at www.smithsonian.com/museumday

Contact: 407-647-6294

For information on Orlando real estate and Orlando homes for sale in addition to Orlando relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Greater Orlando Area 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 website.

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

You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker

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

Marc It Sold!

5 Simple Landscape Ideas That Say - WOW!!

Whether you are selling or just want to spruce up your property, here are some simple ideas that are fairly affordable.

1. Add a Splash of Color - By adding color to your landscape, you are in essence adding another dimension. Flowering annuals produce an abundance of color for a sustained period of time.

2. The size of trees and shrubs should be in proportion to the size of the home, whether it be a one-story, two-story, etc. They should also not be blocking windows, doors or other architectural features of the home.

3. Lush Green Lawn - in other words get rid of those brown spots. And if you are located in a drought area, how about drought resistant plants, rocks, boulders and other ornamental grasses.

4. Shine the light - Add low voltage or solar lighting to the outside to add drama to your home at night. Highlight the front door, walkway, trees or branches, but don't overdo it.

5. Add a fountain - The sound of water is very appealing and soothing. You can put a nice one together fairly reasonably.

Till next time... Marc It Sold!

Numbers, Numbers & More Numbers – A Mixed Bag

Sales are up! For the past couple of months we’ve been closing over 2000 homes a month. We haven’t seen numbers like that since mid ’06. Of those sales, 58% were what would be considered ‘normal’ sales and 42% were either bank-owned or short sales.

The pending sales, those under contract, increased as well for the sixth straight month. While this used to be a good indicator of future closings, I don’t feel it is as accurate as it used to be since many under contract do not make it to the closing table.

Inventory has been pretty much steadily dropping for the past year – down over 7000 properties to 17,231. We still have a long way to go as during a normal cycle we would see an inventory of about 7K homes.

The affordability index for Orange & Seminole counties is 181.48. An affordability index of 100 tells you that a median income family can qualify for a median priced home. Therefore, a higher index number shows you that they are more than qualified.

Current low interest rates should also be fueling increased demand as is the $8K tax credit.

So why are so many people still on the fence?

Well some do have the legitimate fear of losing their job. That is wholly understandable and should be a major consideration when undertaking a purchase of a home. But at the same time many are still frightened that prices will still drop. I can only talk about the Greater Orlando/Central Florida region, but I doubt if that will happen unless something catastrophic occurs. But that’s out of our control in almost any situation, anyway.

The other side of the coin is that interest rates will rise. That is an inevitability that we have to face. They will not stay at these levels much longer. That will also affect affordability in that as they rise homes become less affordable.

I think we are on the road to recovery. Granted, it won’t happen overnight, but neither did the debacle that we’re dealing with. We can not lose sight of the fact that real estate is a long-term investment. The run up and run down of the market has put us below the level where we should be at this time. But we will get back there. It will take time. Real estate is not supposed to appreciate like we saw, but at the same time it is a good investment. But as with any good investment, you have to put into it and nurture it & not take out from it and rape it (home equity loans).

Till next time…Marc It Sold!

Property Taxes - Investment vs. Homestead

In the last newsletter, I wrote about the City of Apopka proposing a tax hike. (You can read it here.) What’s more interesting is that TRIM (Truth in Millage) Notice that was just sent out shows this increase in both sections whether there is a proposed budget change or no budget change. So, I guess they’ll have their public hearings, but really do they mean anything?

Now I must admit that I’m thrilled with the several hundred dollar savings that I’m noting in investment properties. On the other hand, many people that have lived in their home for a while will note tax increases. This is partly due to the ‘recapture provision’ of Save Our Homes homestead. It’s interesting because the taxable value of my home rose $93, yet my taxes will rise a minimum of $63 to a maximum increase of $113. Huh!!

Here is some great information that the Seminole County Property Appraisers Office put together in regard to taxes, the millage rate, homestead exemption, portability, etc.

Till next time...Marc It Sold!

What Have We Become? – Death Squads!?!

This is just absolutely ridiculous! That we as a society have stooped to this level is abominable. Shame on us! If this is the only way for some to get their point across with misinformation and the selling of fear, then we should be ashamed. What happened to good old debates? Yes, even then each side would have their own slant, but not a total distortion of the facts.

If we took a poll today, I doubt if 50% of the people could accurately relate what ‘end of life counseling’ or ‘single-payer system’ means.

Before we even get into that, what’s being discussed as healthcare reform is in reality health insurance reform. The insurance companies have run amok. I have no problem with a corporation making a profit. That’s capitalism as it should be. But you want to talk about death squads, well they are the real culprits. Insurance companies make life and death decisions about what coverages they will allow us based on the cost-benefit, but not to the insured, to the corporation and of course their good old actuarial tables. Yet, they have deep pockets (profiting from us) and lobbyists so all we are hearing is the rhetoric that they are spewing, which carries very little truth.

Pres. Obama did not say that government would make decisions about who gets care. Actually, quite the opposite. He said, "I don’t want bureaucracies making those decisions." He also said, "The point is we want to use science, we want doctors and medical experts to be making decisions that all too often right now are driven by skewed policies, by outdated means of reimbursement, or by insurance companies."

I think it’s very important for seniors to have counseling in regard to options, especially when it comes to Hospice care. I used them when I knew it was time for my mother. They were there for pain management and their goal was to make her comfortable so she could pass, when the time came, in her own home, not in a hospital bed with strangers, tubes and machines.

Comparing a single-payer system to socialism is absurd. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. A socialized health care system is one in which all health care facilities and personnel are owned and operated by the government. A single-payer system refers to the funding of health care, not the services rendered. An example of such in the U.S. is Medicare. It is a single-payer system, not socialized medicine.

The difference between our present single-payer system, Medicare, and that of other countries such as a Canada, is that ours is for seniors and the disabled whereas theirs is a universal health care. In simplistic terms, we are just talking about our system, but on a larger scale.

People! Take the initiative to research what is being discussed instead of listening to pundits. It doesn’t take long to Google any of these topics mentioned here. The news is now big entertainment. With the proliferation of all the channels on the television, all these so-called pundits need to attract viewers. The majority can’t do that by just giving us the facts & letting us come to our own conclusions. It’s about sensationalism, whether it be from the right, left or middle.

While researching this post, I came across a very informative site www.FactCheck.org. It is produced by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. Want to learn more about Health Care and debunk some of the myths, check it out.

Till next time….Marc It Sold!

What’s Happening in Central Florida - August 18, 2009

This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Greater Orlando Central Florida area. The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Nature, Etc, and Plan Ahead. There is surely something for everyone. There is also a complementary list of On-Going events in the area as well & you can find those by Clicking Here!

ART, MUSIC, LITERARY & THEATER

SMALL CHANGE

What: screening of the Francois Truffaut film

When: Aug 20 – 7pm

Where: The Painter’s Daughter

331 Donnelly St.

Mount Dora

Cost: Free

Contact: 352-735-3470

POPCORN FLICKS

What: outdoor screening of The Wiz

When: Aug 20 – 8:30pm

Where: Shady Park

crnr New England & Pennsylvania Aves.

next to Winter Park Community Center

Winter Park

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-629-0054

www.Enzian.org

BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

What: various screenings of movies about cyclists

When: Aug 21 - 22

Where: Backbooth

37 W. Pine St.

and

Gallery at Avalon Island

39 S. Magnolia Ave.

Orlando

Cost: $10

Contact: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS

What: outdoor screening of Charlotte’s Web

When: Aug 21 – 8pm

Where: Avalon Park Town Center

13001 Founders Square Dr

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-658-6565

www.AvalonPark.com

MOVIE BY THE POOL

What: outdoor screening of Race to Witch Mountain

When: Aug 21 – 8:30pm

Where: Jim Beech Recreation Center

1820 A. D. Mims Rd

Ocoee

Cost: Movie – free; concessions available; pool - $1.25 adults, .75 children

Contact: 407-905-3100

BRIAN TURNER

What: farewell reading by the poet & Kerouac House resident

When: Aug 22 – 8pm

Where: Kerouac House

1418 Clouser Ave

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: www.KerouacProject.org

EASY RIDER 40^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

What: film screening, barbecue & bikes

When: Aug 23 – 1pm

Where: Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave.

Maitland

Cost: $10

Contact: 407-629-0054

www.Enzian.org

JUST FOR CHILDREN

DANCE BABY DANCE LUAU

What: for parents & children aged 6 mo – 7 yrs

When: Aug 22 – 2 - 5pm

Where: Rix Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

1000 W. Buena Vista Drive

Lake Buena Vista

Cost: $10

Contact: 407-832-4814

FUNDRAISERS

17^TH ANNUAL MARCH OF DIMES MUD VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

What: coed teams of 6 – 10 players

When: Aug 22

Where: Lee Vista Center

Lee Vista between Judd Rd & SR 436

Orlando

Cost: team registration $450 til 8/1; $500 after – teams raising over $1500 receive special benefits

Contact: 407-599-5077 x 24

A.U.T.I.S.M.

What: music festival benefitting Autism Speaks

When: Aug 23 – 2pm – 2am

Where: Fusion Ultra Lounge

875 Woodbury Rd.

Orlando

Cost: $5

Contact: 407-281-8987

ETC.

PEACE THROUGH MASS MEDIA

What: Peace University of Mass Communications present a seminar on using media for global conflict resolution

When: Aug 21 – 4 - 8pm

Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

1 Grand Cypress Blvd

Lake Buena Vista

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-239-1234

UNITING FOR AMERICA

What: Activists gather for an evening of patriotism and entertainment featuring Lloyd Marcus & the McPhersons

When: Aug 22 – 6 - 8pm

Where: Lake Eola Park

N. Rosalind Ave. & E. Washington St.

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-246-2827

MINI-MEGACON

What: comic book & sci-fi convention

When: Aug 22 – 10am - 7pm

23^rd – 10am – 5pm

Where: Orange County Convention Center

9800 International Drive

Orlando

Cost: Sat - $22; Sun - $19; 2-day pass $36

Contact: 386-364-1826

PRO-HEALTH CARE REFORM RALLY

What: Activists voice their opinion in support of the Congressional health care plan

When: Aug 23 – 4 - 6pm

Where: Orlando City Hall

400 S. Orange Ave

Orlando

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-246-4279

PLAN AHEAD

POSSIBLE LIVES

What: a Global Lens film screening

When: Aug 28 – 4 & 7pm

30^th – 1:30pm

Where: Orlando Museum of Art

2416 N. Mills Ave.

Orlando

Cost: adults - $12; seniors & students - $11; 17 & under - $8

Contact: 407-896-4231

PLAYDATE ORLANDO

What: board game night for adults

When: Aug 28 – 8pm – 2am

Where: Rix’s Lounge

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

1000 W. Buena Vista Drive

Lake Buena Vista

Cost: $5 - $10 after 9pm; must be over 21

Contact: 407-939-3806

HORSE SHOW

What: presented by the Orlando Arabian Horse Club

When: Aug 29 – 30 - 9am

Where: Clarcona Horseman’s Park

3535 Damon Rd

Apopka

Cost: Free for spectators; concessions & BBQ on 29th

Contact: 321-231-1221

BBQ COOKOFF & FAMILY FESTIVAL

What: 12-15 teams; live music; children’s activities; lunch

When: Aug 29 – 10am – 7pm

Where: Trinity Downtown

123 E. Livingston St.

Orlando

Cost: $10 – all-you-can-eat BBQ wristbands

Contact: 407-295-6269

ACTIVITIES DAY FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

What: hosted by Orlando PlayDate Foundation, a social networking site connecting children with disabilities; also a panel of doctors for parents to ask questions & get information about resources available; food & drinks provided

When: Aug 29 – noon - 5pm

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Drive

Orlando

Cost: $5

Contact: 407-770-7809

LUNA

What: Learn about the interactions between life on Earth and our moon

When: Aug 29 – 8:30pm

Where: Seminole Community College Planetarium

100 Weldon Blvd.

Sanford

Cost: $6

Contact: 407-708-2360

CIVILIAN POLICE ACADEMY

What: 13 week course to educate citizens about the Sheriff’s Dept. includes demos, tours, q & a – no physical requirements

When: Sept 1 – 6:30 – 9:30pm

Where: Orange County Sheriff’s Office

2500 W. Colonial Dr.

Orlando

Cost: Free, registrations required, must be 19+ & a background check will be performed

Contact: 407-254-7389

BRAILE TRANSCRIBER

What: 9-month course leading to certification; materials & equipment provided; includes study & exercises at home

When: Tuesdays, Sep 8 – 10 -11am

Where: Braille Assn of Mid-Florida, Inc.

1500 Falcon Drive

Orlando

Cost: Free; orientation 9/1 – 10 – 11am

Contact: 407-894-8130

GROWING ORCHIDS

What: with Doug Watson or World Wide Orchids

When: Sept 9 – 10am

Where: Winter Park Garden Club

1300 S. Denning Dr

Winter Park

Cost: Free

Contact: 407-644-5770

JOB FAIR

What: over 70 employers hosted by the Central Florida Employment Council

When: Sept 9 – noon - 4pm

Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 W. Colonial Drive

Orlando

Cost: Free – dress properly; no children; bring resumes

Contact: 407-834-4022

BROWN BAG LUNCH & LEARN

What: with Dr. Jan Garavaglia, chief medical examiner for Orange & Osceola counties

When: Sept 10 – noon - 1pm

Where: Orange County Regional History Center

65 E. Central Blvd.

Orlando

Cost: Free – bring your lunch or pre-order for a small charge

Contact: 407-836-7010

For information on Orlando real estate and Orlando homes for sale in addition to Orlando relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Greater Orlando Area 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 website.

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

You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker

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

Marc It Sold!

Winter Springs, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for July ‘09

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for July 2009. 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.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

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. Also, 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

32 homes sold during the month of July.

The average sales price is $237,318 with 123 days on the market.

The median sales price is $219,900.

The sales to list price ratio is 95%.

The most expensive home sold for $500K in Grand Reserve and was on the market 588 days

The least expensive home sold for $60,000 in North Orlando Terrace after 192 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $315,076 with 128 days on the market with a sales to list price ratio of 95% on 38 sales, an decrease of 16%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 1% and an almost imperceptible decrease in the median sales price. Yet, there was a decrease in sales volume of 37% with a 2% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

5 homes sold

The average sales price is $79,727 with 62 days on the market.

The median sales price is $87,136.

The sales to list price ratio is 96%.

The most expensive sold for $100,000 in Barclay Reserve Townhomes and was on the market 24 days.

The least expensive sold for $53,000 in Casa Park Villas after 210 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $172,199 with 81 days on the market with a sales to list price ratio of 98% on 4 sales, a 25% increase.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 34% and a decrease in the median sales price of 30%. There was a decrease in sales volume of 38% with a 2% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

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 relocation contact 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 website.

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

You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker

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 July ‘09

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for July 2009. 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.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

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. Also, 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

53 homes sold during the month of July.

The average sales price is $380,267 with 154 days on the market.

The median sales price is $225,000.

The sales to list price ratio is 95%.

The most expensive home sold for $2.6M in Sicilian Shores after 455 days on the market.

The least expensive home sold for $75,000 after 43 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $524,678 with 210 days on the market with a sales to list price ratio of 92% and on 50 sales, an increase of 6%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 27% and an increase in the median sales price of 18%. There was also an increase in sales volume of 36% with no change in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

15 homes sold

The average sales price was $134,696 with 133 days on the market.

The median sales price was $89,900.

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

The most expensive sold for $465,000 in Casa Jardin Condo and was on the market 300 days.

The least expensive condo sold for $34,000 in The Stratford after 109 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $194,951 with 320 days on the market with a sales to list price ratio of 89% on 9 sales, an increase of 67%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 11% and an increase in the median sales price of 15%. Yet, there was an increase in sales volume of 7% with a 5% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

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 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 website.

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

You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker

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

Marc It Sold!