If you want to freshen up your Orlando home’s kitchen, redoing the countertops might be a good choice. It’s quick and easy to install new laminate, and you’ll have almost limitless styles to choose from. Here’s how to install new laminate on your kitchen countertop:
Measure Countertop
Measure your existing countertop in your Orlando home’s kitchen and total the results. Add a few inches to the side and bottom measurements to give you a little wiggle room. You’ll need to buy contact cement, a putty knife and a utility knife at the home improvement store at the same time as the laminate.
Prepare the Area
First, you’ll have to remove the old laminate. Leftover laminate and adhesives can make it hard for the new laminate to properly attach to the countertop. Use a three to four inch putty knife to scrape off the old laminate.
After you’ve removed it all, sand the surface underneath to make sure that any left over adhesive has been completely removed. Work carefully from one end of the counter to the other and double check your work. Then wipe the area down with a clean cloth and dry it.
Cut the Laminate and Apply the Cement
Next, you’ll measure and cut the new laminate to the correct size with the utility knife. Apply the contact cement to the edge of the countertop and press the laminate into place. Then spread the cement on top of the counter, and press down evenly on the laminate to properly adhere it to the surface.
Go over the entire counter again with equal pressure to seal the contact cement. Trim the excess laminate with the utility knife. Then clean the work area with a damp cloth.
You’ll be able to use the countertop shortly after the contact cement dries. Re-doing the laminate can breathe new life into your Orlando home’s kitchen without emptying your wallet.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Orlando Home Buyer News – Foreclosures Halted Nationwide?
As a potential buyer of an Orlando home, you may be looking at foreclosures as a way to get a good home at a great price. The Saga of the Housing Bubble continues, however, and it might just have you, the homebuyer, looking at regular housing with a more favorable eye.
In October, numerous mortgage services voluntarily suspended foreclosures nationwide, including Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Litton Loan Servicing and GMAC Mortgage/Ally Financial. The suspensions include pending foreclosures as well as foreclosure sales, as the mortgage services investigate flaws in their foreclosure processes. For those of you looking at a foreclosed Orlando home through one of these companies, it may be a long wait.
Twenty-three states initiated a foreclosure moratorium. In addition, they have begun probing all lenders’ foreclosure processes in those states. Thanks to nationwide, coordinated efforts of State Attorneys General, 17 more states as well as 17 non-judicial foreclosure states have expressed interest in joining the probes. In short, a foreclosure freeze “craze” has begun, upsetting real estate investors and homebuyers alike.
In general, this craze isn’t expected to last long. As well, the lenders don’t expect to find many problems because most foreclosures are believed legitimate. In short, it seems to be simply a matter of improperly reviewed and improperly handled foreclosure documents. Although it’s only expected to last a few weeks, some buyers are left sitting with an offer on the table and no closing.
With the foreclosure processes in question and sales halted, buying a foreclosed Orlando home may not be as ideal as you think – at least for a little while. Don’t give up hope on owning your own home, however. Instead, take a few minutes to look over the other homes for sale. Your dream home and great deal may not be a foreclosure after all!
If you’re looking for a beautiful home of your own, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
In October, numerous mortgage services voluntarily suspended foreclosures nationwide, including Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Litton Loan Servicing and GMAC Mortgage/Ally Financial. The suspensions include pending foreclosures as well as foreclosure sales, as the mortgage services investigate flaws in their foreclosure processes. For those of you looking at a foreclosed Orlando home through one of these companies, it may be a long wait.
Twenty-three states initiated a foreclosure moratorium. In addition, they have begun probing all lenders’ foreclosure processes in those states. Thanks to nationwide, coordinated efforts of State Attorneys General, 17 more states as well as 17 non-judicial foreclosure states have expressed interest in joining the probes. In short, a foreclosure freeze “craze” has begun, upsetting real estate investors and homebuyers alike.
In general, this craze isn’t expected to last long. As well, the lenders don’t expect to find many problems because most foreclosures are believed legitimate. In short, it seems to be simply a matter of improperly reviewed and improperly handled foreclosure documents. Although it’s only expected to last a few weeks, some buyers are left sitting with an offer on the table and no closing.
With the foreclosure processes in question and sales halted, buying a foreclosed Orlando home may not be as ideal as you think – at least for a little while. Don’t give up hope on owning your own home, however. Instead, take a few minutes to look over the other homes for sale. Your dream home and great deal may not be a foreclosure after all!
If you’re looking for a beautiful home of your own, we can help. Call us at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Foreclosures in Orlando: A Great Investment or Bad Disaster?
With all the talk of the great deals you can get on foreclosures in Orlando, you may be tempted to step into the investment market. Or, you may get the idea that buying a foreclosure is your best bet for a great deal on a home. Well, it’s possible, but remember that the foreclosure market is full of perilous pathways and competitive investment pros who know what they’re doing.
Whether you’re considering purchasing foreclosures in Orlanod as investments or as your personal residence, here are a few tips that will help you get a great investment and avoid a bad disaster.
• Gather a Team of Professionals: Your team of professionals should include a home inspector, a real estate agent and an appraiser. You may also want to include a professional repairman, if you’re not handy. With foreclosures, you often have to be ready to move on the home immediately, so establish relationships with these professionals ahead of time.
• Buy a Pre-foreclosure: According to the experts, pre-foreclosure is one of the best times to buy. The seller will probably be more willing to accommodate you because they want to avoid ruining their credit. Which means you’ll have a much better chance of getting a good deal – something more than the seller owes the bank, but less than market value.
• Skip the Auction: While going to foreclosure auctions is another possibility, it isn’t for the beginning investor. You may find that you’ve done a whole bunch of research for nothing, because the auction was cancelled. You may end up with a trashed property because the previous owners didn’t want to move, or because the house has been empty for a long while.
• Be Careful Buying Bank-Owned Properties: This option is seldom as great as it sounds. Not all banks price homes at fair market value. Many of them are trying to get their money back, which, with current depreciation, could be much more than the home is currently worth.
If you’re considering buying foreclosures in Orlando as an investor or a homebuyer, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Whether you’re considering purchasing foreclosures in Orlanod as investments or as your personal residence, here are a few tips that will help you get a great investment and avoid a bad disaster.
• Gather a Team of Professionals: Your team of professionals should include a home inspector, a real estate agent and an appraiser. You may also want to include a professional repairman, if you’re not handy. With foreclosures, you often have to be ready to move on the home immediately, so establish relationships with these professionals ahead of time.
• Buy a Pre-foreclosure: According to the experts, pre-foreclosure is one of the best times to buy. The seller will probably be more willing to accommodate you because they want to avoid ruining their credit. Which means you’ll have a much better chance of getting a good deal – something more than the seller owes the bank, but less than market value.
• Skip the Auction: While going to foreclosure auctions is another possibility, it isn’t for the beginning investor. You may find that you’ve done a whole bunch of research for nothing, because the auction was cancelled. You may end up with a trashed property because the previous owners didn’t want to move, or because the house has been empty for a long while.
• Be Careful Buying Bank-Owned Properties: This option is seldom as great as it sounds. Not all banks price homes at fair market value. Many of them are trying to get their money back, which, with current depreciation, could be much more than the home is currently worth.
If you’re considering buying foreclosures in Orlando as an investor or a homebuyer, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Slow Markets and Orlando Homes
Today’s slow real estate market is a hard place to sell Orlando homes. However, the fact remains that homes are still being bought and sold. Buyers are out there; you just have to attract them to your home.
Here are a few tips for getting Orlando homes sold in a slow real estate market:
Prepare for the Sale
Your home needs to stand out from the rest. Give it a lot of sparkle and shine:
• Make minor repairs: Patch holes, fix faucets and replace cracked tiles.
• Clean inside and out: No cobwebs, dirty carpets, worn rugs or smelly odors.
• Check your curb appeal: Mow the lawn, plant flowers, trim bushes, etc.
• Remove clutter and de-personalize: If it isn’t essential, pack it up or get rid of it.
• Straighten your cabinets and closets: Buyers will open them; make sure they’re nice and neat.
Stage Your Home
Hire a professional home stager or read informational home staging articles on doing it yourself. Here are a few quick tips:
• Carefully choose your window coverings.
• Tie new bathroom towels with ribbons for a “finished” bathroom look.
• Use color psychology.
• Bring in plants.
Use Good Marketing Techniques
A strong marketing campaign is a must. A few techniques you want to be sure you or your agent includes in your marketing campaign are:
• Take photographs with good lighting that show off the positive aspects of your home.
• Create a virtual tour that showcases both the inside and outside of your home.
• Display the photos and virtual tour on as many real estate websites as possible.
Selling Orlando homes isn’t a quick or easy endeavor. Especially now, aggressive marketers are the winners. Taking the time to clean and stage your home, as well as create a wide-reaching marketing campaign, can get that for sale sign taken down for good.
If you’d like to sell your home, let us create a strong, wide-reaching marketing campaign to get your home sold. Give us a call today at 407-876-5771.
Here are a few tips for getting Orlando homes sold in a slow real estate market:
Prepare for the Sale
Your home needs to stand out from the rest. Give it a lot of sparkle and shine:
• Make minor repairs: Patch holes, fix faucets and replace cracked tiles.
• Clean inside and out: No cobwebs, dirty carpets, worn rugs or smelly odors.
• Check your curb appeal: Mow the lawn, plant flowers, trim bushes, etc.
• Remove clutter and de-personalize: If it isn’t essential, pack it up or get rid of it.
• Straighten your cabinets and closets: Buyers will open them; make sure they’re nice and neat.
Stage Your Home
Hire a professional home stager or read informational home staging articles on doing it yourself. Here are a few quick tips:
• Carefully choose your window coverings.
• Tie new bathroom towels with ribbons for a “finished” bathroom look.
• Use color psychology.
• Bring in plants.
Use Good Marketing Techniques
A strong marketing campaign is a must. A few techniques you want to be sure you or your agent includes in your marketing campaign are:
• Take photographs with good lighting that show off the positive aspects of your home.
• Create a virtual tour that showcases both the inside and outside of your home.
• Display the photos and virtual tour on as many real estate websites as possible.
Selling Orlando homes isn’t a quick or easy endeavor. Especially now, aggressive marketers are the winners. Taking the time to clean and stage your home, as well as create a wide-reaching marketing campaign, can get that for sale sign taken down for good.
If you’d like to sell your home, let us create a strong, wide-reaching marketing campaign to get your home sold. Give us a call today at 407-876-5771.
Should You Buy Orlando Real Estate Through an Auction?
With the many auctions here and throughout the U.S., you may be wondering if it’s worth buying Orlando real estate this way. Auctions let you bid at a public sale. Some property is being sold by the owner, but most properties are foreclosures being sold by banks.
Like any endeavor, there are pros and cons in buying Orlando real estate at an auction. For instance, a pro for auctions might be the price; you can often get great discounts on nice homes through an auction. However, you may get caught up in the fervor of the bidding process and pay more for a home than you ever intended.
The Condition of the Home may be Questionable
When you work with a real estate agent to buy a home in the traditional manner, you go through the home inspection process. This ensures the home is in sound structural condition.
In an auction, you have to go with the timeframe of the bidding process and most likely will not have time to get a home inspection performed. In fact, homes sold at auction are sold “as is.” That means no improvements will be made to the home, even if you had it inspected and found something wrong. Additionally, there’s no warranty and no legal recourse to get your money back if you find problems later.
Tax liens can be Costly
In foreclosure auctions, a property may have a tax lien. If you win the auction, you may then become responsible for the payment of the tax lien. It could be a small or large amount of money, but no matter the size, you may not be able to afford it on top of the cost of the house.
Large Payments in Short Timeframes
Lastly, consider that full payment may be required at the close of the sale; if not full payment, earnest money will at least be required. Because closing usually happens within a month of the auction, it’s always best to be pre-approved for your loan before you start bidding.
If you’re looking at Orlando real estate auctions for your dream home, do your homework first. You could end up with a fantastic deal, but, without enough information, you could also end up with a dead end.
If you’re looking for a great deal on a wonderful home, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Like any endeavor, there are pros and cons in buying Orlando real estate at an auction. For instance, a pro for auctions might be the price; you can often get great discounts on nice homes through an auction. However, you may get caught up in the fervor of the bidding process and pay more for a home than you ever intended.
The Condition of the Home may be Questionable
When you work with a real estate agent to buy a home in the traditional manner, you go through the home inspection process. This ensures the home is in sound structural condition.
In an auction, you have to go with the timeframe of the bidding process and most likely will not have time to get a home inspection performed. In fact, homes sold at auction are sold “as is.” That means no improvements will be made to the home, even if you had it inspected and found something wrong. Additionally, there’s no warranty and no legal recourse to get your money back if you find problems later.
Tax liens can be Costly
In foreclosure auctions, a property may have a tax lien. If you win the auction, you may then become responsible for the payment of the tax lien. It could be a small or large amount of money, but no matter the size, you may not be able to afford it on top of the cost of the house.
Large Payments in Short Timeframes
Lastly, consider that full payment may be required at the close of the sale; if not full payment, earnest money will at least be required. Because closing usually happens within a month of the auction, it’s always best to be pre-approved for your loan before you start bidding.
If you’re looking at Orlando real estate auctions for your dream home, do your homework first. You could end up with a fantastic deal, but, without enough information, you could also end up with a dead end.
If you’re looking for a great deal on a wonderful home, we can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771 for more information.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
How Buying Orlando Real Estate is Like Running a Marathon
It's true. There are a lot of parallels between buying a piece of Orlando real estate and running a marathon.
The Starting Line
At first, there is excitement. The idea of buying a new home pulses in your veins and you can't wait to get started. You're like a runner in the blocks just itching to begin. Your muscles twitch in anticipation with every piece of Orlando real estate you see. That's when the real adrenaline rush kicks in.
Start Out Slowly
Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line. There's so much to do before you can get your Orlando real estate. Home appraisals, inspections and financing to apply for…
You start to think about all the 'what ifs,' like what if you don't get the financing, what if something goes wrong, what if… goes on forever.
Stay Mentally Tough
Don't give into periods of self-doubt. Remember all that you’ve done and have faith in yourself and your real estate agent. Think about how hard you’ve worked and how rewarding it will be when you’re in your new home.
Hit the Wall
You feel like you simply can't go on any more and the ordeal is never going to end. Your mind hurts from the strain, but you keep pushing onward because it’s the only direction you can go after coming so far. Remind yourself that you'll get past this feeling. Keep day dreaming about that finish line.
Breakthrough Bliss
Suddenly things begin to happen. Home inspection reports come back. Financing is approved. You begin to breathe easier, the pain goes away, and you are sailing free and clear toward the finish line.
The Finish Line
You sign all the papers at closing and the keys are placed in your hand. Congratulations! You’re a winner.
When you’re ready to buy a home, we can help you from start to finish. Contact us today at 407-876-5771.
The Starting Line
At first, there is excitement. The idea of buying a new home pulses in your veins and you can't wait to get started. You're like a runner in the blocks just itching to begin. Your muscles twitch in anticipation with every piece of Orlando real estate you see. That's when the real adrenaline rush kicks in.
Start Out Slowly
Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line. There's so much to do before you can get your Orlando real estate. Home appraisals, inspections and financing to apply for…
You start to think about all the 'what ifs,' like what if you don't get the financing, what if something goes wrong, what if… goes on forever.
Stay Mentally Tough
Don't give into periods of self-doubt. Remember all that you’ve done and have faith in yourself and your real estate agent. Think about how hard you’ve worked and how rewarding it will be when you’re in your new home.
Hit the Wall
You feel like you simply can't go on any more and the ordeal is never going to end. Your mind hurts from the strain, but you keep pushing onward because it’s the only direction you can go after coming so far. Remind yourself that you'll get past this feeling. Keep day dreaming about that finish line.
Breakthrough Bliss
Suddenly things begin to happen. Home inspection reports come back. Financing is approved. You begin to breathe easier, the pain goes away, and you are sailing free and clear toward the finish line.
The Finish Line
You sign all the papers at closing and the keys are placed in your hand. Congratulations! You’re a winner.
When you’re ready to buy a home, we can help you from start to finish. Contact us today at 407-876-5771.
Orlando Home Warranty FAQ
In today’s real estate market, it’s helpful when homeowners add incentives to sell their Orlando homes. Incentives may include paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, reducing the sale price or offering a home warranty.
Many sellers and buyers are unaware of the advantages of home warranties, so below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home warranties:
• What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances. They are typically annual policies that can be renewed and usually cost between $250 and $500.
• Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their Orlando home. Sometimes real estate agents offer home warranties as a closing gift.
• What is covered? This will depend on the terms of your warranty. Most warranties cover the air conditioner, dishwasher, furnace or heating system, water heater, ductwork, garbage disposal, inside plumbing, electrical systems, range and oven, and telephone wiring. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
• What is not covered? Again, this will depend on the terms of your warranty. However, most warranties do not cover outdoor sprinklers, certain faucet repairs, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, spas, and pools. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
• How do I file a claim? If you have to file a claim, contact your home warranty company. They will call a service provider who will set up an appointment. You will have to pay a small service fee that is usually less than $100.
Want to buy an Orlando home that comes with a warranty? We can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Many sellers and buyers are unaware of the advantages of home warranties, so below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home warranties:
• What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances. They are typically annual policies that can be renewed and usually cost between $250 and $500.
• Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their Orlando home. Sometimes real estate agents offer home warranties as a closing gift.
• What is covered? This will depend on the terms of your warranty. Most warranties cover the air conditioner, dishwasher, furnace or heating system, water heater, ductwork, garbage disposal, inside plumbing, electrical systems, range and oven, and telephone wiring. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
• What is not covered? Again, this will depend on the terms of your warranty. However, most warranties do not cover outdoor sprinklers, certain faucet repairs, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, spas, and pools. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
• How do I file a claim? If you have to file a claim, contact your home warranty company. They will call a service provider who will set up an appointment. You will have to pay a small service fee that is usually less than $100.
Want to buy an Orlando home that comes with a warranty? We can help. Call us today at 407-876-5771.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)