ORLANDO FLORIDA CONDO RENTALS

Renters aided if landlord defaults

2009-11-09T16:46:00.000+05:30

Crystal Johnson had no idea her landlord had financial trouble until police taped an eviction notice to the door of her Sandy Springs condominium in June.
About a year into her two-year lease, Johnson faced the prospect of being forced out of her home because a bank had foreclosed on the landlord, who was in default on a loan.
“They treated me like I was in default,” Johnson, a music producer and songwriter, said. “But I wasn’t in default.”
As banks and finance companies seize an expanding portfolio of residential properties through foreclosure, tenants can find themselves facing eviction from their homes.
A federal law enacted in late May, however, has eased the pain for renters such as Johnson, a single mother raising her high school aged daughter and a nephew
Source:- http://www.ajc.com

Landlord Tenant Laws for All 50 States Includes Federal Legislation, Statutes and Other Helpful Resources

2009-11-07T16:59:00.000+05:30

Legal disputes are an inevitable event between landlords and tenants in the landlording business. Landlord Association.Org feels it is essential that you know and understand your responsibilities and legal rights as a landlord before taking any landlord-tenant issue(s) to the next step. Landlord Association.Org also feels it is vital that you know and understand your tenant's responsibilities and legal rights as well. There are very strict guidelines, procedures and timeframes which must be followed in order to be successful. Landlord Association.Org strongly encourages every landlord to seek the legal counsel of a qualified attorney before starting any legal action
Source: http://www.landlordassociation.org

President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

2009-11-06T15:28:00.001+05:30

Barely nine months into office, President Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, substantially boosting his prestige and standing in the United States and internationally.

The Nobel Committee said the President won the award for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation among peoples." The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

http://www.americanchronicle.com

Rental car taxes are getting jacked up

2009-11-04T18:06:00.001+05:30

Anyone renting a car in Maine would be paying the state 12.5% of their bill in excise taxes starting last month if the legislature there had its way.

But residents blocked the state's new tax-reform law — which included a tax increase from 10% to 12.5% on rental car bills — by signing petitions in opposition. If the signatures on the petitions turn out to be valid, the increase will be put to a vote in June, says Sara Lewis, a Maine taxation official.

The action in Maine represents something of a victory for business travelers, corporate travel departments and rental-car companies who are increasingly upset over what's been an explosion in taxes imposed on renting a car.

Airline fees "are bad, but the worst are car-rental taxes," says frequent business traveler Tony Harrison, who has rented cars 75 days so far this year and paid upwards of 20% of his bill in taxes in some cities.

Harrison, president of a company in Edmond, Okla., that trains public-safety officials, says the city, state and airport tax levies on what he pays to rent a car have gotten so bad that he factors them into deciding which airport he'll fly into.

The taxes are tough to avoid. There were 114 separate state and local excise taxes for renting or leasing a car in 43 states and the District of Columbia as of the end of last year. In 1990, there were only 14 of them, according to the Coalition Against Discriminatory Car Rental Excise Taxes, a group formed to combat the proliferation of the taxes and which tracks them.

Taxes a way to close budget gaps

The taxes can cost a Fortune 100 company $5 million to $10 million a year, figures Michael McCormick, executive director of the National Business Travel Association, which represents about 4,000 corporate travel managers and suppliers.

Rental-car companies aren't happy with them either. They don't want to be tax collectors. Nor do they want to hear disgruntled renters complain about the charges on their bills. So three years ago, eight rental-car brands and the National Business Travel Association formed the coalition to publicize the taxes, educate consumers about them and lobby against them.

The taxes are proliferating, however, as states and localities look for revenue to balance their budgets in recessionary times.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/

Experience Natural Beauty With Destin Florida Vacation Rental

2008-07-14T16:27:00.000+05:30

The beauty of its beaches is very difficult to describe in words that is white sand and beautiful crystal blue water which seems so pure like blue diamond. Fun and activities comes as a part and parcel while holidaying at Destin Florida. Destin Florida will provide you best golf courses besides landscape of palm trees, pines and other beautiful view. So, that while playing you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Destin Florida provides a great package of fun, shopping, fishing, dining, and off course yummy sea food.

While holidaying at Destin Florida you can choose from wide range, the place for accommodation that is from Destin Florida vacation rentals, hotels and many others. Hotels are also a good place to accommodate while holidaying but the factors which interrupts the choice of hotels is that they are expensive and offers no privacy. On the other hand Destin Florida vacation rentals have all the features which accommodating in hotel lacks that is cost factor and privacy.

Destin Florida vacation rental can be a condo, bungalow, apartment, beach houses, villas. The rent on such vacation rental is determined on the basis of its location and area of the vacation rental.

Destin Florida Vacation rentals, as said are cheap as compared to any other accommodation because vacation rental are made available directly from the home owners which involves very low cost that is, only the agent charge his fee in between. On the other side of the coin, in hotels or any other accommodation there are many cost involve which subsequently increases the rent of the rooms.

Destin Florida vacation rental offers all the services which are available at your home that is from kitchen to dinning room and from living room to bed room. In order words you can simply relax in your rooms while watching television or DVD after your day at Destin Florida beaches and after enjoying all the adventure. After that, you can cook for your partner and your family so that you don’t feel home food sick while holidaying. It is also absolutely right to say that after your tiring day in the holidaying town, you can relax as if you are in your own house. But, remember if you incur any loss or damage there, it is possible that you will be asked to pay for that incurred loss.

Thus, it is true that Destin Florida vacation rental is your home away from home.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/experience-natural-beauty-with-destin-florida-vacation-rental-238050.html

Resort Style Living on Florida’s First Coast

2008-04-04T10:13:00.000+05:30

One of the advantages to living in one of Florida’s First Coast communities is that you’ll find that you are able to live the dream. There are a number of ways in which you can enjoy resort style living on the First Coast.

Consider beachfront living: what would you give to have a home in which the beach was just a quick walkover from your yard. What would it be like if you were able to fall asleep at night to the sound of crashing waves.

Consider a vacation home where you can live every day. Wouldn’t you love to have the lifestyle that others have to travel for? Wouldn’t it be ideal if you could take advantage of beach side festivals, great restaurants and night life all without having to travel far from home?

The same features that others look for within a resort area when they are planning vacations can be present in your home - you just have to look for the right property, and know it when you see it.

Resource: www.seasideviews.com

Condos in Orlando

2008-03-05T12:32:00.000+05:30

You can't talk about Orlando without mentioning Disney World. Visitors flock to Orlando from all over the globe to visit the Disney parks. In Orlando you will also find the popular SeaWorld and Universal Studios attractions. This area of Florida sees more than fifty million tourists each year and is second only to Las Vegas for the number of hotel rooms.

Along with the amusement parks you'll find a wild nightlife, a multitude of great restaurants, and tons of golf courses. Orlando is home to a strong performing arts community, and each year they throw the Orlando International Fringe Festival, which brings theater groups from all over the globe to perform.

Orlando isn't just about family vacations. It is also home to the Orange County Convention Center, the countries second largest convention center in terns of square footage, which makes it one of the United States busiest conference destinations. There are a host of museums in Orlando, including the Mennello Museum of American Art, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, the Orlando Science Center, and the Morse Museum of American Art among others. There is no limit to the things to see and do just a short drive from the condos in Orlando.

Orlando is a tourist attraction all year round thanks to its tropical climate. There is no off season for this city. This makes it a popular spot for real estate developers as well as the tourists. Orlando condos are a vacation rental that will make you money all year round. Condos in Orlando can also make a great second home, a place to soak up the sunshine while the snow falls up north. Many people also buy Orlando condos for their college age children. The city is home to many fine universities like Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Florida.

resource: www.ezinearticles.com

Residents Say Migrant Workers Being Charged More At MetroWest Condos

2008-02-09T16:47:00.001+05:30

Residents in a MetroWest neighborhood say landlords are ripping off foreign workers employed at Universal Olrando's cultural exchange program.

Channel 9 found that six to eight people were living inside two-bedroom units at the Azur at MetroWest condos on Raleigh Street. The landlord was charging $3,000 per month for each unit when the going rate for other tenants is only $1,100.

Some neighbors said the overcrowded units are ruining the neighborhood.

"When they are here there's a lot of foot traffic, like a street party or something. People have their doors open. People are drinking," said Keith Tomasek, an Azur resident.

The California-based landlord is accused of several code violations. Universal said it has not yet confirmed a problem, but it pledges to continue reaching out to Azur residents to find a solution.

Source : http://www.wftv.com/

Condo-hotel developers adapt in a cooling Orlando market

2008-02-09T16:44:00.000+05:30

International buyers have become the best hope for Central Florida's beleaguered condo-hotel developers, many of whom have truncated or indefinitely delayed their once-ambitious building plans.

During the real estate market's white-hot days several years ago, plans for condo hotels abounded. Projects totaling nearly 15,000 rooms were proposed throughout the region, and developers launched upbeat sales campaigns that promoted hotel rooms and suites as second homes with cash flow attached.

But only a handful of the projects have broken ground. The few that are moving ahead say they are focusing on overseas buyers, pitching their projects as good deals for those who can benefit from favorable currency-exchange rates. Foreign customers are a small group, however, not large enough to keep developments on track.

"We are not unlike everybody else in this market," said Gregory D. Lee, president of Jordan Development Group LLC, which is building WorldQuest Resort, a multi-phased condominium hotel off International Drive. "Nobody is going to move ahead with the program they intended. We are not going to be able to sell or build the volume we expected."

Lee said financing is a big obstacle. In the past half year, he said, the subprime-mortgage meltdown has made lenders skittish. That makes it harder for potential room buyers to find mortgages. Nevertheless, WorldQuest is finishing a 70-unit third phase this spring that will be added to the 170 units already open in what it planned as a 600-unit project.

Many who placed deposits on yet-to-be-built condo hotels two or three years ago were part of an investor frenzy that supercharged the entire real estate market. But as the market cooled, buyers withdrew.

"We had an incredible window open for 12 or 18 months where it seemed like the sky was the limit," said Larry Cohen, vice president of Lake Buena Resort Village & Spa. "It used to be you could get people to just walk in and sign a contract. Now it takes two or three visits and a lot of questions."

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village, which opened last year, continues to build, but at a slower pace. Cohen said 112 units were sold last year -- a third of the project's 2006 total. And prices have been reduced by 6 percent to 9 percent on units that start at $339,000.

Other projects have been less fortunate.

The Lexington, a condo-hotel conversion in downtown Orlando, went into bankruptcy last year and was sold last month. In Celebration, The Related Group closed its sales office last month for what was to have been a $200 million luxury condo hotel.

Developers have marketed condo hotels as vacation homes with advantages. Owners could use the rooms and suites whenever they pleased, but when they were away, the units could be rented, generating income.

Interest in the idea soared for a while, and several very large -- and expensive -- hotel plans were unveiled locally. Two of the biggest -- The Blue Rose on Universal Boulevard in south Orlando and the Palazzo del Lago/Intercontinental Resort and Residences on International Drive -- are still in the planning stage.

"We are finishing our design-development plans with the city," Blue Rose developer Camilo Aguirre said. "We changed the project, but it will have the same number of units."

Aguirre said he expects to close next month on a $1 billion joint venture with a European fund, allowing the 1,300-unit project to move ahead. The Blue Rose continues to market condo rooms, but Aguirre said the focus will be on overseas sales offices and markets in other parts of the United States.

"We are doing seminars in Northeastern cities, educating the snowbirds," Aguirre said.

Developers now plan to break ground on the 1,215-unit Palazzo del Lago later this year, with plans to open in 2010. The developer, Hospitality Development, continues to sell units as condos, but Chief Executive Officer Jerrold Krystoff said his company is no longer relying on condo sales to move ahead.

At Floridays Resort, a condo hotel that opened a first phase last year near Walt Disney World, the sales pitch has also shifted to international buyers.

"Things are going pretty well for us," said Neil Scott, Floridays' vice president. "Part of the reason is that we don't market in the United States at all. We did six [promotional] shows in Europe last year. Knowing where the market is today, we are doing OK. We would like to be doing better, of course."

Source : http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

Condo Hotels - Ideal Vacation Home for Busy Families

2008-02-06T15:40:00.000+05:30

If owning a house was once the tangible evidence of a family having achieved success, today having a second home to visit on vacations has become the ultimate symbol of truly having arrived. But with limited time to spend actually using that vacation home, much less maintaining it, the perfect solution has been elusive.

Enter condo hotels. A new twist on the traditional vacation apartment or family beach house, condo hotels are hassle-free, amenity-rich properties for today´s well-to-do.

"Condo hotels are beautifully-furnished condominium suites located in upscale hotels and resorts," explained Joel Greene, president of Condo Hotel Center, a national real estate firm that specializes in the sale of condo hotels.

"Owners have access to all the wonderful amenities of a luxury hotel -- the pools, restaurants, fitness center and spa. They also get the benefit of all the hotel services like daily housekeeping, valet parking and a helpful on-site concierge. It's all the niceties most people want when they vacation."

Owners of condo hotel units can use their vacation home when they´d like. When they're not there, they don´t have to worry about maintaining it or finding someone to rent it. That´s because an on-site hotel management company takes care of all operational issues, including finding hotel guests to rent the condos.

According to Greene, owners receive a share of the proceeds their unit generates, usually ranging from 40%-60%. By participating in the hotel's rental program, they are more likely to receive a higher level of rental income than they'd achieve trying to rent out the condo themselves. "The hotel usually brings to the table a known brand, international marketing, a reservation system, name recognition and management expertise."

Many condo hotel owners say the option of a formal rental program helps them to justify the purchase of a vacation home. "I hesitated to buy a second home in the past because I knew we would only be able to use it a couple weeks each year," explained Cindy Canton, who recently purchased a condo hotel unit in Orlando. "A condo hotel was ideal for us because when we´re not there, the condo is rented to hotel guests. The revenue it generates helps cover its costs."

Prices for condo hotel units range from $200,000 to upwards of $2,000,000 for top-of-the-line homes. They are usually furnished by a professional designer and include all furnishings, appliances and kitchen items.

Condo hotel buyer, Steve Keeley, said he always wanted a second home for his family but didn´t want to take on the responsibilities of maintaining the property. He remembered the problems his parents faced with their beach house when he was growing up.

"Even though we only used the beach house in the summer, it was a year-round burden. I remember my parents having to deal with everything from burst pipes and rotting deck stairs to fading paint and renters who left the place a mess. I knew I didn't want the additional work and stress."

He said that when he heard about condo hotels, he knew he'd found the vacation home solution he'd been seeking. Keeley just put a deposit on a condo hotel unit at New Oasis at Sea Mist Resort, a to-be-built condo hotel in Myrtle Beach.

Condo hotels are beginning to appear in cities across the country. Some of the most prominent destinations are Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and the Caribbean. "The concept started in Miami," Greene said, "but it's definitely catching on throughout the U.S. And now we're also seeing condo hotels appear in Canada, Europe and places in the Middle East like Dubai. It is becoming a global phenomenon."

In addition, buyers are coming from all over the world, not just the U.S. W International, a London-based company that markets condo hotels in Great Britain, finds that U.K. buyers are enchanted with the condo hotel concept.

According to Ann Adenius, president of W International, they welcome the opportunity to have a vacation home in the U.S. and are especially enamored with Orlando, Florida. "Over 40% of the condo hotel units sold in Orlando last year were to British buyers," she said. "A condo hotel is perfect for them. They want to go on holiday once or twice a year in the U.S. but do not want to find renters or try to maintain their property from overseas the rest of the time," she said.

Most upscale condo hotels are operated by well-respected hotel companies like Hyatt, Trump, Hilton, Starwood, Sonesta and Ritz-Carlton that are known for their quality and guest services.

"I like to be pampered when I'm on vacation," said explained Merryl Sanders who recently decided to buy a condo hotel unit at the W Las Vegas, now selling in preconstruction phase. "I don't want to cook, clean or entertain the kids. I want to relax. With a condo hotel, my children can play in the pool. I can head to the spa and fitness center. And my husband will enjoy the casino. Everyone is happy."

While having a home-away-from-home is the primary reason for purchasing a condo hotel, some buyers say they like the concept because of its appreciation potential. Places like Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami and Myrtle Beach have seen double-digit increases in real estate values in recent years. Many condo hotel owners in those areas are counting on continued property appreciation. When they sell their vacation homes, they´re hoping to make a substantial profit.

"I bought a condo hotel to diversify my portfolio," said Jose Manerra who purchased a unit at the Kensington Royale condo hotel in Dubai, a place he said he is not planning to spend his vacations. "I was able to buy a five-star condo hotel for under $300,000. I´m looking forward to seeing decent annual returns and an increase in value when I´m ready to sell, probably in a few years."

Now Manerra, who lives in Detroit, says he´s looking for another condo hotel to buy. But this one will be in the U.S. closer to home, one he and his family are able to use as a vacation home as well as an investment.

"I´ve didn´t invest in real estate in the past because I didn´t want to be a landlord and take on all the responsibilities that come with it. A condo hotel gives you all the perks of ownership – a nice place to vacation, rent revenue, and appreciation potential -- without any of the hassles."

To learn more about condo hotels and see property listings, go to Condo Hotel Center, www.CondoHotelCenter.com. The real estate company, based in Miami, Florida, is the global leader in condo hotel sales and offers properties throughout the U.S. and the world.

Source : http://www.americanchronicle.com/

Orlando Condo Owners Not Paying HOA Fees, OUC To Cut Service

2008-02-06T15:38:00.000+05:30

More problems are plaguing a downtown Orlando condominium and the city is getting involved to help.

Eyewitness News learned the Metropolitan at Lake Eola is almost $40,000 past due on its utility bills. The Metropolitan's manager said the homeowners association is $120,000 in debt.

The reason, he said, is that 38-percent of the condo owners are either not paying their HOA fees or they're not paying enough.

"The core people that care are paying for those that don't and it's not fair," said Ian Stewart, a condo owner.

OUC said it probably won't cut the power, but there's a chance it will shut off the air conditioning to the building. The Mayor's office said city staff is exploring some options like tax breaks to help the building.

Source : http://www.wftv.com/

Home sales slump continues

2008-01-28T17:03:00.000+05:30

Orlando-area home sales ended the year on a downward note, as single-family home sales dropped by 37 percent and condo sales in December saw a 66 percent decline, according to the monthly and year-end sales reports from the Florida Association of Realtors.

The Orlando area saw existing condo sales fall from 320 in the last month of 2006 to 108 last month. For the year, 2,141 condos sold in the Orlando area, a 57 percent decline from the 4,933 sold in all of 2006.

December median condo prices also saw a 7 percent drop, from $163,600 in December 2006 to $152,300 in December 2007. For all of 2007, the median condo price fell to $158,500, 5 percent less than the $166,100 posted in 2006.

Single-family homes also saw slower sales, both in December and for the year, the association's report says. Sales were 1,134 last month, which compares with 1,790 in December 2006. The median home price fell 13 percent in December, from $260,800 in 2006 to $226,100 last month. Year-end sales totaled 17,143, also a 37 percent decline from the 27,212 sold in 2006. The median sales price on single-family homes was $248,900 in 2007, 5 percent less than the $262,900 posted in 2006.

Source : http://www.bizjournals.com/

ChampionsGate Welcomes Omni Orlando Resort

2008-01-22T16:58:00.000+05:30

New 730-Room Destination is Heart of the Golf Lifestyle Community

ChampionsGate golf resort, southwest of Orlando, recently celebrated the official opening of the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate Saturday, with the slicing of a red ribbon by golfing great Arnold Palmer, his grandson, Sam Saunders, community developers, David and Ira Mitzner, Lee Neibart, and Omni Hotels president Mike Deitemeyer.

The new flagship resort for Omni Hotels is the first major hotel project nationwide financed and completed after 9-11. The 730-room Omni Orlando Resort is at the heart of ChampionsGate, and represents a new landmark for Central Florida tourism. At 16 stories, the resort is the tallest building in Osceola County. It will sit adjacent to the 558-unit ChampionsGate master planned community that includes condos, townhomes, estate homes and resort villas.

"The Omni Orlando Resort is a testament to the vision of my father who believed in this location years before it emerged as a prime destination," said Ira Mitzner, president of RIDA Development Corporation. "The fact that the hotel opened on time showcases the commitment of our partners within the ChampionsGate family."

The new Omni is a partnership that includes New York-based Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Houston-based RIDA Development Corporation. Major lenders were skeptical about approving new loans for hotels after 9-11, especially in the Orlando market. Yet, both Omni Hotels and RIDA Development Corporation were confident Orlando needed more high-end properties.

"It took a great deal of soul searching and number crunching to get the deal done," said Mitzner, "But we believe this is a perfect fit for the community and Orlando has a strong demand in the luxury resort segment."

After financing, RTKL spearheaded the design, and Welbro Construction made the resort come alive. At first, the building breezed along on time. Then Mother Nature christened the resort with hurricanes Charley, Francis and Jeanne, and a glancing blow from Hurricane Ivan, just as the Omni was nearing completion.

"The hurricanes hit at the finishing stretch. We were racing to put the final touches on the hotel and all of a sudden we had to deal with threats of 115-mile-an-hour winds," said John Fischer, vice president Rida Development. "We basically planted the trees around the resort four times."

The storms put strain on last-minute supplies and government approvals. Inspectors worked long hours to try to keep the new resort on track and on schedule.

ChampionsGate a Welcome Neighbor
"The coordination with Osceola County was fabulous. Without the work of the inspectors and building department during a challenging time for our county, we could not have completed this project," Mitzner said. "We owe them a debt of gratitude."

Actually, it is Osceola County officials who say they are thankful for ChampionsGate. The development is expected to pump millions of dollars in property resort fees and sales taxes into the county. The Omni is an example of the upscale hotel development that the county craves.

"The opening of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate could not come at a better time," said Ken Shipley, chairman of the Osceola County Commission. "This brings a stunning four-star property to our area that we expect will serve as a beacon to welcome guests to Central Florida. Ira and David Mitzner are the most professional team I have had the pleasure to work with - and for that I am incredibly thankful."

For Omni Hotels the opening represents a new flagship hotel in the top tourism destination in the country. The destination golf resort includes more than 70,000 square feet of meeting space, a 10,000 square-foot European-style spa, and two par-72 championship golf courses, the National and the International, designed by golf great, Greg Norman.

ChampionsGate hosts the Office Depot Father/Son Golf Challenge, nationally telecast on NBC-TV. ChampionsGate is also home to the world headquarters of the internationally acclaimed David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

"The reception The Omni Orlando Resort has received since welcoming it first guest this past October is heartwarming," said Michael Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels. "We helped design this hotel so it would be built to four-star standards and would represent the sensible luxury that Omni delivers to its guests. Our standards were tested even before opening."

At ChampionsGate, the Omni is just the beginning. Del Webb has announced plans to build, BellaTrae a $200 million community of luxury townhomes, condos and villas near the new resort. Construction is also about to start for the Villas at ChampionsGate, a luxury condo community of nine buildings with a variety of floor plans designed to meet the high standards of future owners and residents.

"We are really building a lifestyle," Mitzner said. "With the new Omni Orlando Resort, this community has the heart of a champion. It is clear that nothing is going to stop us from achieving greatness and bringing to Central Florida a new vacation destination and a new hometown."

About ChampionsGate
ChampionsGate is Florida's premiere golf resort community, encompassing some 1,500 acres southwest of Orlando. ChampionsGate, with its beautifully designed double gates, welcomes visitors off Interstate 4, just south of the Walt Disney World Resort.

ChampionsGate is being developed as a joint venture by Apollo Real Estate Advisors of New York and RIDA Development Corporation of Houston. ChampionsGate has a projected value of approximately $1 billion and is expected to include 2,864 hotel rooms, 2,136 resort villas, condominiums, townhomes and apartments, 36 holes of golf, and 426,000 square feet of retail space, making ChampionsGate one of the region's largest resort destinations.

Source : http://www.condohotelcenter.com/

55 West may add hotel to residential condos

2008-01-18T16:04:00.000+05:30

Changes are coming to 55 West on the Esplanade.

The project's lender, SNS Property Finance of the Netherlands, foreclosed on the property Jan. 7. The lender also replaced the developer, Tampa-based Euro American Advisors Inc., with Grosse Pointe Development Co. of Fort Myers.

Grosse Pointe CEO Bob Hensley characterized SNS Property Finance's actions as a "friendly foreclosure" and says work on 34-story tower on Church Street will continue.

"The bank is willing to step up and complete the project. The job will not shut down, and the building will be finished in November," Hensley says. "This is not a contentious thing. [Euro American] is welcoming our involvement."

Hensley was quick to say Grosse Pointe is not an investor in the 55 West project and will only oversee the completion of the project. Grosse Pointe and SNS Property Finance have a long-term relationship, Hensley says, noting that SNS Property Finance is a limited partner in all of the firm's Florida developments.

Along with a change in developers will come a change in focus. Hensley says the project will still contain residential condos, but Grosse Pointe is considering adding a boutique suite-oriented hotel and office space.

Of the 405 residential units originally planned for the building, the project has about 260 contracts to purchase. Those contracts will be honored, Hensley says.

Hensley is unsure how much of the building might be converted into non-residential uses.

"We're still analyzing what to do with the space that is not sold and the space that is not designed for today's market," Hensley says of features like tower's two-story penthouse suites.

Source : http://www.bizjournals.com/

Condo Trends: Florida Reaching the Bottom?

2008-01-14T16:58:00.001+05:30

If you're looking for a piece of Florida at the lowest price you'll see in years, then 2008 may be that year to buy into the Sunshine State. Condominium inventory has soared over the last 20 months and about 35,000 units were recently completed or about to be completed this year, according to Florida Trend Magazine.

The median price of a condo in Florida stands at about $187,000 according the Florida Association of Realtors, down 9 percent from last year at the same reporting period. Meanwhile, the number of units sold compared to the same time last year is down 29 percent.

Nevertheless, investors are moving in to grab good deals while they can in this buyers market. The demand for condos should continue upward as the state brings in more than 300,000 new residents per year, second only to the state of Texas.

Keeping mind that all the bad news for sellers means a land of opportunity for savvy buyers, real estate speculators are counting on softening prices and plenty of seller and builder contributions to sweeten the deals to be had in Florida's condo market.

The economy continues to plug along, albeit at a slower pace, according to the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Competitiveness. All in all, the economy is taking a breather and that means opportunity for buyers.

Source : http://www.homes101.net/

Eden condo project may morph into senior living facility

2008-01-07T14:59:00.000+05:30

The company developing the controversial Eden Condominium project near downtown Boca Raton hopes to save it by turning it into an age-restricted combination independent and assisted living center.

As it has done in the past, the developer, Boca East LLC, brought its revised plans to City Hall on the 90th day of a 90-period the City Council had given for submission of revised plans.

In September, the council had to call a special morning meeting to approve an extension of the firm’s permits. It was the day before the documents issued to Eden would have expired

And it was not the first extension given to the troubled complex. But city officials guaranteed that it would be the last.

The council issued the firm a list of stringent regulations, a specific timetable for completion and said that any deviation from that path would nullify the extension.

The plan that arrived in City Hall four days before Christmas revises the initial proposal that had called for 248 condominium units – 62 in each of four buildings.

The developer now wants to put in 92 two-bedroom units, 87 one-bedroom units and 10 studio apartments for a total of 193 independent living units and 86 assisted living residences.

Deputy City Manager George Brown said the plans will have to go before the Planning Board and City Council for approval. The first time the proposal will see the light of municipal day will be Jan. 3 when they go before the Planning Advisory Committee.

The four-building complex located just a block south of City Hall has been in the works since 2003. One structure is done, another is nearly finished. The other two are just concrete skeletons.

The City Council had to call a special meeting Sept. 27 – one day before Eden’s permits expired – to vote on the two-year extension.

Not to grant the extension would have forced the city to take over the complex and demolish it. It would have then had to lien the property to get its money back.

At the time, at least three council members – Susan Whelchel, Bill Hager and Peter Baronoff – specifically said they have received many complaints about the project.

It was at that meeting that Charles Siemon, attorney for Eden, told the council that Boca East LLC was about to join forces with Parc Communities to turn a couple of the buildings into senior residences.

The plans at came to City Hall last week said the project will now be called Parc at Eden. It said that three of the buildings would be for independent living; the fourth for assisted living.

Source : http://www.ccfj.net/

New York Condos Lure Deal-Seeking Europeans

2008-01-01T16:14:00.000+05:30

The sidewalks of Manhattan are crammed this month with European tourists on shopping sprees, picking up gifts that cost far less in the United States than they do at home because of the weak dollar. But they are not just crowding into boutiques and department stores. Some are also shopping for condominiums.

“There’s bargains to be had,” said Kerry Miller, a public relations executive who with her husband, Marty, a disc jockey, was working through her Christmas gift list by buying sweaters at Abercrombie & Fitch and makeup at MAC, as well as touring 32 apartments. The Millers, from Malahide, Ireland, a suburb of Dublin, searched for a one-bedroom condo. They made an offer for $700,000 on one apartment in the meatpacking district and are waiting to hear back from the seller.

While natives remain wary about real estate and worry about bonuses and the economic climate, foreign tourists are keeping brokers busy with their eagerness to buy up Manhattan apartments, which many see as investments.

“The exchange rate is like a gift from God for Europeans,” said Danielle Grossenbacher, the broker for Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy who showed the Millers around. “Everybody is feeling they have an opportunity to purchase a piece of Manhattan.”

These buyers are transforming a traditionally slow month for Manhattan real estate brokers at a time when brokers nationwide are struggling to sell homes. This year, Manhattan brokers are waking before dawn to talk by phone with European buyers about amenities and closing costs and working late advising foreign buyers in town on the best places to shop for gadgets and clothes.

The number of foreign buyers has doubled in the last two years, according to data from the research firm Radar Logic. In just the last 18 months, they have bought one-third of all new condos that were up for sale, said Jonathan J. Miller, an executive vice president at Radar Logic and its director of research.

“We’d have had difficulty absorbing the elevated level of new development coming on the market without foreign buyers,” Mr. Miller said. “They are a key source of demand for new development.”

Donna Olshan, a Manhattan broker, said that in December she typically received calls only from a few Wall Street bankers who had gotten their bonus numbers. This month, she said, a record number of foreign buyers have called, sent e-mail messages and shown up at her office shopping for real estate.

“We’re seeing a flurry of foreign activity from Britain, France and Italy, looking to spend their pounds and euros,” Ms. Olshan said.

Foreign buyers are helping shield Manhattan from the housing slowdown that has plagued the rest of the nation and are providing a ready market for thousands of newly built condominiums. They like condos for the amenities and flexible rules that allow renting the apartments as investments. That many units are in neighborhoods that are not traditionally residential like Midtown and the financial district does not seem to bother the shoppers. They like that those neighborhoods are well known.

Diane Ramirez, president of the real estate brokerage Halstead Property, said foreign buyers would make up about 20 percent of the firm’s sales transactions in 2007 in terms of dollars spent compared with nearly 15 percent in 2005. Ms. Ramirez said that five years ago, there were no apartments for foreign buyers because the market was made up mainly of co-ops whose owners would not welcome them into their buildings.

Real estate brokers project that foreign buyers will continue their shopping sprees for condos and clothes through the new year with the expectation that the dollar will continue to weaken.

Jonathan Fletcher, who works in information technology, and Aine Marshall, a dentist, came to Manhattan from London to buy a $1 million investment property. Mr. Fletcher, who is considering buying in the financial district, where he believes there is opportunity for appreciation, plans to put down his deposit money first and wait for the dollar to weaken more before paying for the entire apartment. Even if he does not buy an apartment, the savings from shopping in the United States covered the cost of the trip, he said. They spent a total of $8,000 on clothes, a camera and a $5,000 drum set that would have cost about double back home.

Foreign buyers often purchase quickly because they largely view these apartments as investments like a bond or a stock. Dorothy Somekh, a Halstead broker, said that in an afternoon a Belgian couple she represented bought a $1.7 million two-bedroom condo at the Sheffield in Midtown to rent out for about $7,500 a month. After the couple signed the contract, they headed to Abercrombie & Fitch to shop for clothes for their daughters.

“They’re not really sophisticated investors,” Ms. Somekh said. “But they thought, ‘Where else can I put my money?’”

Anne Marie Moriarty, a Corcoran broker, recently coordinated her meetings with an Italian buyer, Roberto Lorenzon, around his family’s shopping schedule. She showed him some apartments after his trip to Gap Kids for his son and daughter. She met Mr. Lorenzon, a financial adviser, at Victoria’s Secret while he waited for his wife to finish her shopping. While Mr. Lorenzon had a deal fall through on a $1.3 million penthouse in Murray Hill, he will visit again in January.

“She was all about the stores, and he was all about the condos,” Ms. Moriarty said. “All of the hours were arranged around shopping.”

But Mr. Lorenzon said that in this “very favorable period” for investing and buying in New York, he had bought clothes, a neck massager, a digital picture album and toys for his children.

Of course, a busy shopping season means that Manhattan brokers are running out of time to buy family gifts. Ms. Moriarty, who has worked every day for six straight weeks, has resigned herself to shopping with the last-minute crowds. By the weekend, she said, her British, Irish and Italian buyers will “be home with their presents.”

Source : http://biz.yahoo.com/

The Benefits Of Buying An Orlando Condo

2007-12-24T16:42:00.000+05:30

Have you heard of an Orlando condo before? While a large number of individuals associate Orlando condos with rentals, did you also know that you could buy your own Orlando condo? Although that sounds pretty nice, you may be wondering whether or not you really should by yourself a condo in Orlando. If that is the case, you may want to take the time to examine the benefits of doing so. Just a few of the many benefits to owning an Orlando condo are outlined below.

One of the greatest benefits to owning an Orlando condo is the multiple uses. For instance, a large number of Orlando condo owners choose to reside fulltime inside their condos, but other only use them when they regularly travel to the Orland area, whether that travel is for business or for pleasure. Should you choose to buy an Orlando condo, you can use it as however you see fit. Essentially, this means that whether you would like to live in your Orland condo year round or only on occasion, it is your right to do so.

Another one of the many benefits to owning an Orlando condo is the selection that you have to choose from. Orlando condos come in all different sizes, shapes, and styles. In fact, in the Orlando area, there are a large number of condo complexes, which each hold numerous condo units. Whether you are looking for a condo that has one bedroom or four of them, you should be able to find at least one condo in the Orlando area that can give you what you need.

In keeping with the above mentioned benefit of choice, you also have a choice when it comes to deciding where in Orlando you would like to buy a condo. As it was previously mentioned, condo complexes can be found all over the city of Orlando. If you are looking to live in Orlando fulltime, you may want to find an Orlando condo that is located close to your place of business. Should you only be interested in visiting Orlando while on a vacation or even if you are looking to retire in an Orlando condo, it may be a good idea to examine local activities or attractions that you would be interested in participating in or visiting. A conveniently located condo is one of the best ones to have.

Cost is another benefit to buying an Orlando condo. While many individuals consider the cost of condos, including Florida condos, to be quite high, it is important to remember what you are getting. It has been said that condos represent a combination of a house and an apartment. They have many of the rooms that a traditional home would have, but they are compact like many apartments are. For that reason, you will find that many Florida condo prices are consistent with the average selling prices of homes in the area. When compared to renting an Orlando apartment, you may very well find yourself saving money, overtime, with the purchase of an Orlando condo.

Isn’t it amazing that there are so many benefits to buying an Orlando condo. What is even more amazing is that the above mentioned benefits are just a few of the many that exist. If you are interested in buying a Florida condo, particularly an Orlando condo, it is advised that you do a little bit of research to first get your search started. When doing so, you will want to examine Condodomain.com. Condodomain.com is your one stop resource for buying a Florida condo, including a condo in Orlando.

Source : http://www.isnare.com/

Condo - Hotel Orlando, Why Purchase?

2007-12-19T16:48:00.000+05:30

Why purchase a condo hotel in Orlando?

Condo hotels have quickly become one of the hottest commodities in real estate. As more and more people realize the investment potential of these units, the demand for these properties continues to grow. While the majority of buyers are focused on the investment opportunity a condo hotel offers, many are quickly realizing the extra benefit of the hassle free ownership of a luxury unit in one of the top vacation destinations in the world. This ability to use a condo hotel as a vacation home is almost as important as the investment diversification that these properties offer.

With such a high demand for these properties, the condominium hotel market continues to see most new properties sell out in the pre-construction phase. In fact, because of the tremendous demand, a large percentage of these properties are taking reservations for the purchase of 100% of their units well before they have even broken ground on the new construction. It is the real estate investors that are getting in earlywho are able to purchase at a lower price point, secure many of the best units, and are realizing amazing initial appreciation on their condo hotel investments.

If you plan on utilizing a condo hotel unit as not only an investment opportunity, but also as a vacation home, you will not find a better type of property, or a better location then Orlando. A condo hotel provides a first class vacation accommodation in a high demand location. Plus, when you are not using your unit, someone else takes care of the renting, managing and maintenance. Truly the definition of a hassle free opportunity!

The Condo Hotel Advantage?

* Your own luxury vacation accommodation that you and your family can use at any time located in the vacation capital of the world.

* Generate rental income from your unit when you are not using it.

* Purchasing now allows you to get in at a lower price before the popularity of these units cause the influx of new investors to drive up prices.

* Acting now also provides an opportunity for higher gains with a real estate investment that will diversify your portfolio. Condo hotels historically offer better returns then traditional real estate investments(2nd homes, commercial buildings, etc.) while allowing the owner to actually use and enjoy the property for themselves.

* Hassle free opportunity! Someone else takes care of the renting, managing and maintenance of your unit.

The Orlando Advantage?

* Orlando is one of the hottest housing markets not only in Florida, but in the entire world. The demand for homes is so great that it currently has close to a zero inventory of newly built vacation condos/homes.

* Orlando property continues to be undervalued by 30% when compared to other major city markets in the United States.

* The average hotel occupancy rate for Orlando is 78.9% (March ?03 thru March ?04).

* The average real estate appreciation rate for 2004-05 was 27% (with the short term vacation rental market being higher).

* Orlando sees 40 to 55 million visitors each year.

?more advantages of why you should buy in Orlando!

Yet every condo hotel does not offer the same investment potential. As this new market continues to gain popularity, it takes a seasoned eye to identify which properties offer the best opportunity for financial gain. The Buy Vacation Condos team will combine their considerable experience in this new market with their knowledge of the Orlando area to help you locate a property that not only fits your price range, but also offers the amenities you desire. They will work closely with each client to help them achieve their financial goals, by searching for the best possible investment opportunities with the least amount of risk. At Buy Vacation Condos, we don?t just sell property; we help our clients build a diversified real estate portfolio with the ultimate goal of financial independence.

We encourage you to take a moment to review some of the condo hotels investment opportunities currently available below, or contact us to personally discuss this exciting new real estate investment opportunity.

There has never been a better time to participate in the Orlando short-term vacation market. We are here to help you answer those questions and advise you along the way.

Source : http://www.florida.am/

More Orlando-area hotels are going green

2007-12-17T17:31:00.000+05:30

The Rosen Plaza Hotel, the Rosen Centre Hotel and six other Orlando-area lodges have recently received state certification for Florida's Green Lodging Program, an effort to encourage conservation practices in the hospitality industry.

The latest designations give Florida 59 properties certified as Florida Green Lodges through the voluntary program, which sets conservation objectives for hotels. There now are 27 Florida Green Lodges in Central Florida, from Cocoa Beach to Mount Dora and from Walt Disney World to Daytona Beach.

To be designated a Florida Green Lodge, a hotel must follow certain green practices, such as low-flow plumbing fixtures and a linen-reuse program, the installation of Energy Star appliances and programmable thermostats.

The other recently certified hotels include the Tremain Street Cottages in Mount Dora; the Royal Plaza at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista; and the Hawthorne Suites Orlando Airport, the Embassy Suites Orlando International Drive Convention Center, the Embassy Suites Orlando International Airport and the Embassy Suites Orlando North, all of which are in Orlando or the International Drive area of Orange County.

All three Rosen hotels in Orlando's International Drive area are now certified as Florida Green Lodges. In the coming months, the entire company-managed Embassy Suites portfolio in Florida will be taking steps to receive a "green" designation as well, the company says.

Wizard's work?

Universal Orlando has quietly begun groundwork, apparently, for construction of its big Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions area, which is set to open in a couple of years in Islands of Adventure.

Universal officials last week would not talk about the construction. But earth-moving and utilities equipment were visible last week clearing and preparing two sites adjacent to the theme park's Lost Continent area. Last spring, Universal officials announced that the Wizarding World area of rides, shops and other attractions, based on the enormously popular J.K. Rowling books and Warner Brothers movies, would be carved out of The Lost Continent plus adjacent back-lot property beyond the park's fence.

One area being worked last week, outside the park fence between the Flying Unicorn ride and the Jurassic Park River Adventure, was reported earlier this summer to be the planned site of the Hogwarts castle from the Potter stories -- a report that Universal would not discuss. The other area being worked was outside the park fence behind the Sinbad Stunt Show theater and The Dueling Dragons coasters.

Happy New Year!

Orlando looks like it will be among the top travel destinations in the world for New Year's revelers, according to a Yahoo! Travel survey.

Orlando ranked fourth in the survey, which was based on the number of searches for hotel rooms on New Year's Eve on the Yahoo! Farechase search engine.

Las Vegas came in first, followed by New York and Boston. Paris ranked fifth.

Magazine debuts

Orlando Attractions Magazine is the latest entrant in the regional travel-magazine business.

The December/January debut issue features a cover story on Epcot's 25th anniversary and includes stories on the Nickelodeon hotel and dining at CityWalk.

Orlando Attractions' owners plan six issues a year that focus on Central Florida's theme parks, other tourist attractions and restaurants. Unlike many similar local publications that focus on ads, coupons and press releases, Orlando Attractions plans to include original editorial content relevant to people visiting the region.

Ski-in, ski-out

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the Orlando-based time-share subsidiary of the Wyndham Worldwide hospitality group, has opened its first ski-in, ski-out resort in New Mexico.

The WorldMark Red River is a 21-unit, condominium-style development in the Sangre de Christo Mountains.

Buyers purchase credits in Worldmark, which can be converted into vacation time at an assortment of Worldmark properties.

Source : http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

Orlando Foreclosure Homes

2007-12-14T17:10:00.001+05:30

Over the past couple of years various states in the United States of America are facing a surmounting foreclosure rate. The state of Florida is one amongst them. In fact the state of Florida leads in its foreclosure rate. Within the state of Florida there are several such areas where a large number of foreclosure homes are available for sale and one amongst them is Orlando.

In Orlando it is found that several residential properties are facing foreclosures. In fact report for the first half of the year 2007 has revealed that the city of Orlando posted a total of 8,325 foreclosure filings. This in turn means that there was one foreclosure filing for every 98 household. Reports also reveal that till June 2007, a total of 6,098 properties faced foreclosures. Due to high foreclosure rate in Orlando, the city ranked 33rd amongst the country’s top 100 areas having a high foreclosure rate.

The foreclosure rate in Orlando has increased significantly, which in turn means that several foreclosure homes are now available for sale, thus providing a good opportunity for buyers. There is no dearth of foreclosure homes in Orlando. From the simple to the stylish luxurious mansions, Orlando has it all. Different types of homes comprising of apartment, ranch homes, waterfront houses, and much more is available in Orlando’s list of foreclosure homes. So be it resale or new homes, buyers have a variety of homes to choose from.

It is found that Orlando foreclosure homes provides a wonderful opportunity to invest and several real estate investor are showing interest in investing in foreclosure homes in Orlando. The once hot housing market is Orlando is witnessing a significant fall in its prices due the mounting foreclosure rate, and real estate investors are taking full advantage of this opportunity. Other than this, Florida, and in turn Orlando enjoys a much milder climate and has a flourishing economy. As a result of which several people are seen acquiring residential properties for temporary or permanent stay. Taking advantage of these conditions, real estate investors buy foreclosure homes in Orlando at a much lower price and either resell them, or rent them, thus gaining huge amount of profits.

Several such foreclosure homes available in various areas of Orlando.

Source : http://www.foreclosurelistings.com/

Relaxing & Unwinding in Orlando

2007-12-12T17:10:00.000+05:30

There is nowhere better to unwind than Orlando. Play a leisurely round of golf, enjoy a poolside champagne brunch, or picnic in one of Orlando's beautiful parks. Away from the bustle of the major attractions, there are sanctuaries of peace and quiet.

Lake Enola and Loch Haven Park in Orlando offer gentle walking, waterside benches for picnics or people-watching, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. There are spas to be pampered in and resorts with Olympic-size pools, surrounded by palm trees and tropical vegetation, where you can laze the day away. And, just a short drive away are the magnificent beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast.

Insider's Guide: The Best of Relaxing & Unwinding in Orlando

Spend a leisurely day at Wekiwa Springs State Park (1800 Wekiwa Circle), just north of Orlando in Apopka. It's where many of the locals hang out on the weekend, so go during the week when it's less busy. You can sunbathe or swim in the spring that remains warm year-round, or walk along 13 miles of gentle trails through Florida vegetation that hasn't changed for thousands of years.

If you take a canoe trip along the Wekiva River, you might spot river otters, black bears, and alligators. Admission to the park is $5 per car, so it's one of the best value deals around. You can also rent canoes or kayaks at the park for $12 for two hours, and barbecue grills are provided.

A great way to relax and unwind is to spend a few hours next to the pool (every resort has one) or at a nearby beach. Within a 45-minute drive of Orlando is Cocoa Beach with its white sand beaches, or drive a little farther north to New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach.
Golf in Orlando is as good as it gets. More golf courses are located in the Greater Orlando area than anywhere else on earth. You should play early or late in the day when the sun isn't so warm. The Kissimmee Golf Club (3103 Florida Coach Drive, Kissimmee) is a challenging 18-hole course with the additional hazard of lots of wildlife.

Other good public 18-hole courses are the Wekiva Golf Club (4100 Wekiva Club Ct, Longwood) and the Hawk's Landing Golf Club (8701 World Center Drive). No matter how you do on the links, each course has a clubhouse to relax in afterward.

Relax on an hour-long, narrated Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, an 18-passenger boat ride on three of seven lakes and two narrow, manmade canals in the small city north of Orlando. The boats leave every hour from the end of Morse Boulevard at Lake Osceola in the city of Winter Park.

Spend a few hours exploring Lake Eola at Lake Eola Park (195 N Rosalind Ave) in the heart of downtown Orlando. The city was originally situated on the west side of the lake, and residents swam and fished in the lake and picnicked along its banks.

Today, the city has encircled the lake, and a walk around the water's edge offers panoramic views of Orlando's skyline. The park is beautifully landscaped, rich in wildlife, and has a spectacular fountain in the center of the lake.

Just east of Lake Eola is Thornton Park, one of Orlando's trendiest new areas that has some great restaurants and cafes, such as Mobil Two-Star Hue (629 E Central Blvd), which offers gourmet fare and killer martinis.

If you are interested in people-watching, grab a table at Houston's (215 S Orlando Ave) in Winter Park between 5 pm and 7 pm any weekday or sit at Bahama Breeze (499 E Altamonte Drive) in Altamonte Springs around the same hours. You can eat and drink, but most people go to see and be seen.

Source : http://travel.howstuffworks.com/

Retail Mixed Use Center Designed by Wakefield Beasley & Associates set to open in Orlando's tourism

2007-12-11T15:44:00.000+05:30

A 108,000 square foot mixed-use retail project designed by Wakefield Beasley & Associates Architects, Inc., is under construction now and set to open in March at the intersection of Universal Blvd. and Canadian Ct. in southwest Orlando.

Dennis Schott, project manager for the Jacksonville office of Wakefield Beasley and construction administrator for the 12-acre project, said Lake Cay Commons will feature a 13,000 square foot grocery store anchor, adjacent 13,000 square feet of retail shops, another 42,000 square foot building with retail shops and second-floor offices as well as out parcels.

"This project has been a long time coming for an area which is perfect for a grocer," said Schott. "With our site overlooking Universal Boulevard and just a few blocks from the Orange County Convention Center, it's perfect for both tourists and residents in the area."

"The project provides pedestrian access to serve the residents of Universal Boulevard from the adjacent condominium complex and nearby Shingle Creek," he added.

Thomas Enterprises of Newnan, Ga. is the developer. J. Raymond Construction, Inc., of Longwood is the general contractor.

Source : http://www.larryvershel.com/

Shop ‘Till You Drop at Downtown Disney in Orlando Florida this Christmas

2007-12-08T16:18:00.000+05:30

Get into the spirit of the holidays while you shop at Downtown Disney this Christmas season. It’s a shopping experience like no other…because it’s right in the middle of all the Disney magic! Every avenue is dressed up for the holidays and you’ll find fantastic dining, entertainment, shopping and more as you stroll the decorated storefronts and eating establishments. Everyone visiting this awesome shopping emporium is full of good cheer and bubbling with excitement and it’s no wonder…there’s so much to see and do! From cute, eclectic boutiques to decadent candy stores and a plethora of fine dining choices, it’s a fun and whimsical journey you’ll want to experience again and again. Kids will love the decorations and the chance to see Santa himself in a beautifully decorated cottage that is Santa’s home away from home while he greets children from around the world. You’ll also find a Lego store unlike any other with giant Lego sculptures and statues made entirely of Legos! You’ll find the World of Disney Store with life-size audio animatronics, larger-than-life size Disney characters flying suspended from the ceilings and special sections for boys and girls to dress up and imagine to their hearts content. You’ll have a hard time deciding what to do next, but you’ll definitely have more fun than you ever thought you’d have while shopping!!

Source : http://blog.orlandovacationnews.com/

Orlando Condo Rentals at Windsor Hills

2007-12-07T16:33:00.000+05:30

Orlando condo and town house rentals at Windsor Hills.

Windsor Hills is a 5 star Orlando condo and town house rental resort located 2 miles from Disney. The Olympic-size swimming pool with a water park slide and whirlpool spa are the focal points of the resort.

Windsor Hills is located just minutes from the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios, Downtown Disney, and Wide World of Sports.. Our condo rental is also close to Orlando's other main attractions, such as Sea World and Universal Studios and the sights of International Drive.

All of our condo rentals have a screened in lanai and the town house pool area is also screened. Both are a great place for you can sit in the morning and enjoy a cup of java or your morning tea. At night it's ideal for sitting outside with your favorite drink and just relaxing.

The dining areas are comfortable for 6 to 8 guests. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you might need to prepare a light snack or a gourmet meal. All dishes, utensils, etc. are there for your use. Of course there is a coffee maker, toaster, blender, microwave, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Pack light because there is also a full size washer and dryer located in all of our condos and the town house.

Our Windsor Hills luxury vacation rental condos and town house are beautifully decorated and furnished. The living room has a sleeper sofa and love seat. It is an ideal for watching TV or just relaxing and listening to your favorite music. There is a TV, music center and dvd/vcr and play station with games for your use.

The master bedroom of the 2 bedroom condo has a king size bed. The second bedroom has a king size bed and 1 twin bed. The master bedrooms of both of the 3 bedroom condo and town house rentals have a king size bed. The second bedroom of those condos have a queen bed and the third bedroom have two twin beds. All of the bedrooms in our condos have TVs.

Source : http://home.earthlink.net/~windsorhillsorlando/

Maui home, condo sales soft but prices up

2007-12-07T16:31:00.001+05:30

The median price of a condominium in Maui County rose sharply last month to the highest level since June 2006. Single-family home prices also rose.

The median price of a condo jumped to $647,656 in November, higher than a single-family home, and a nearly 13 percent jump over the same month last year, when the median price was $575,000, according to data from the Realtors Association of Maui.

Sales last month were flat, with 78 units sold, compared to 77 units sold during November 2006.

The median price of a single-family home in Maui County was $624,000 last month, a 4 percent increase over November 2006, when the price was $600,000. The number of sales fell to 79, down from 113 last year.

Year-to-date figures show a different story, however. The median price of a single-family home for the first 11 months of the year was $625,500, a 10 percent drop from the same point last year, when the median price was $697,500.

Sales, on the other hand, are up 8 percent for the first 11 months of the year, with 1,025 homes sold compared to 949 homes sold during the same period in 2006.

Condo sales from January through November were down 5 percent from the same period in 2006, with 1,101 units sold, compared to 1,154 units sold last year.

The median price of a condo through the first 11 months of the year was $550,000, up 6 percent over last year, when the median price was $516,500.

Source : http://www.bizjournals.com/

Star Tower gets visits from city officials

2007-12-06T17:17:00.000+05:30

Recently, the Mayor of Orlando Buddy Dyer and City Commissioner Pat Sheehan made a visit to Star Tower and amassed views of the city via the roof-top amenity deck. Their tour was part of the grand opening and ribbon-cutting festivities of Star Tower to Orlando’s core business district. Dyer is confident that the development will be successful over time and is glad to see the CBD’s residential market continuing to absorb more young, business savvy professionals and retiree’s alike.

The 100-unit complex is said to have over 80% of it’s inventory sold which is a miracle in itself considering the state of the local condo economy and the real estate market in general. I find this interesting considering I don’t see these units being listed or really advertised for sale anywhere…do you?

I work a few blocks away from this and I drive by it on the way home and I must say that it is really appealing to the eye from curb-side. Nice clean contemporary styling with subtle accents like rock wall water fountain and cool blue lighting in the lobby area add to the aesthetics. I think Historic Creations did a nice job on this one!

Source : http://www.orlandocondo411.com/

Orlando

2007-12-06T17:13:00.000+05:30

Full Name
Orlando

Area
243 sq km
94 sq miles

Population
176,500

Time Zone
GMT/UTC -5 ()

Daylight Saving Start
first Sunday in April

Daylight Saving End
last Sunday in October

Languages
English (essential)

American English encompasses a multitude of regional accents of differing degrees of intelligibility.

Spanish (other)

Spanish has effective dual-language status in parts of southern California, New Mexico, Texas and Miami.

Native American languages (other)

There are 400,000 speakers of Native American dialects.

Religion

Protestant (50%), Roman Catholic (25%), Jewish (2%), Muslim (1%)

Currency
US Dollar (US$)

Electricity
110V 60Hz

Source : http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Orlando - A Holiday Like No Other

2007-12-05T11:41:00.000+05:30

Palm trees sway gently in the afternoon breeze. Laughter fills the air. New adventures await you around every corner. This isn't just any holiday. It's an Orlando holiday. And, memories are being made that will be with you forever.

Planning a holiday that offers the perfect experience for everyone in your family isn't easy. But, Orlando's collection of world-class theme parks, championship golf courses, great shopping, unique restaurants and thrilling outdoor adventures - complemented by more than 300 days of sunshine each year - makes it the destination of choice when planning the holiday of a lifetime.

Trying to decide between a relaxing warm-weather getaway and an action-packed adventure? With an Orlando holiday, you don't have to choose. You can have it all...on the same trip. So whether your perfect holiday has you hitting the links, stocking up on the latest fashions, relaxing by the pool or spiraling through the air on a white-knuckle roller coaster experience, you'll find just what you are looking for in Orlando. And, with new attractions, shows and resorts opening all the time, you are guaranteed to find new adventures each time you visit.

Source : http://www.orlandoinfo.com/

Resources

2007-12-05T11:23:00.001+05:30

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Restaurants Orlando

2007-12-03T10:10:00.000+05:30

Dining in Restaurants Orlando is a unique experience altogether. There is an extensive selection of dining options ready to satisfy the palette of one and all. From Asian to American and Italian to Japanese all the restaurant in Orlando compete with each other to provide exquisite dining experience.

Some top Restaurants Orlando are named below

Black Angus Steakhouse : It is a restaurant Orlando that serves only USDA prime or choice government graded mid western beef. Famous for ribs, fresh sea food, and chicken.

NBA City :It is a restaurant Orlando that blends a combination of good food, interactive basketball games and unique NBA merchandise. Twice voted the ‘Best Theme Restaurant'.

Phone: 3132051

Vallarta Mexican Grill : This is the best place to eat Mexican dishes in Orlando. Another special item is ice cold margaritas.

Phone- 9310362

Bubba Gump Shrimp at universal studio Orlando : Great tasting dishes based on the super hit movie ‘Forrest Gump'. Fun filled atmosphere for out and out dining delight.

House of Blues : Consists of traditional American cuisine with a Southern flair. Over 20 brands of Monterey wines available. Space is limited and reservation is encouraged.
Rainforest Café : Offers unique dining experience in an artificial jungle. Most realistic rain forest ever created.

Also present is a retail village which has plenty of souvenirs.

Phone: 8278500

Mandolins: Features delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a warm and comfortable setting. Phone- 3903907

Roy's restaurant in Orlando : mouth watering Euro Asian dishes with a variety of Thai, Hawaiian and Asian dishes.

Phone: 3524844

The Melting Pot : Offers four courses of fondue and great wine in a fine setting. The beef fondue, the Swiss cheese fondue or the chocolate fondue are equally delectable

Phone- 407903

Other famous Restaurants

* La Coquina, Phone- 407 239 1234
* Texas de Brazil, Phone-
* Emeril's Restaurant, Phone- 4072242424
* California Grill, Phone- 4079393463
* Wolfgang Puck, Phone- 4079389653
* Bongo's café Phone 4078280999
* Latin Quarter, phone- 4073635922
* Carrabba's Italian grill, Phone- 4078882727
* Outback Steakhouse-, Phone- 407 2925111

A trip to Orlando cannot be complete without Dining in Orlando. The unique flavor of the multi cuisine available in and around makes eating an equally pleasurable experience as enjoying the amusements in theme parks.

Source : http://www.mapsofworld.com/

National City opens Orlando wealth management office

2007-12-03T10:08:00.000+05:30

Cleveland-based National City Corp.'s private client group, which specializes in wealth management for high net-worth clients, has opened an Orlando office.

With the addition of the Orlando location, the group now has three in Florida.

National City (NYSE:NCC) is one of the nation's largest financial holding companies focusing on commercial and retail banking, mortgage financing and servicing, consumer finance and asset management. It has banking locations in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Source : http://www.bizjournals.com/

Vacation Home Orlando

2007-11-28T09:33:00.000+05:30

Are you planning a unique get-away? Are you still thinking of a place to visit? Are you thinking of a fun-filled, remarkably wonderful vacation but you have a low budget? Then go to Orlando! It is a land of fun and entertainment. It is a place where nothing can go wrong. This is a place for you, your friends and your family.

Orlando is the home of different ranges of attractions. It has theme parks like Walt Disney, Sea World, and Universal Studios. It also has museums and parks like Morse Museum of American Art, Orlando Museum of Art, Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Zoo Orlando, Leu Gardens, Blue Springs State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Discovery Cove, Kennedy Space Center and Silver Springs. Orlando is also known for its water theme parks, the Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Wet 'N Wild.

Aside from these, places such as Buena Vista Water Sports, Orlando Balloon Rides and Sky Venture are available. Fantasy of Flight, Daytona USA, Fun Spot, Gatorland, Green Meadows Petting Farm, The Holy Land Experience, Titanic- The Exhibition, Orlando Science Center, WonderWorks, Ripley's Believe It Or Not and Skull Kingdom are most-loved family sites.

Being one of the famous places of attraction, Orlando has all the types of lodging houses. They have high-rising hotels, ski resorts, camping sites, mountain lodges and vacation homes.

Vacation home have sprouted like mushrooms in Orlando. Almost every corner, there is a vacation home for rent or for sale.

Vacation homes are very different from other lodging places. It has more to offer than any of other lodging homes. First thing, staying in a vacation home is far more comfortable. You have the convenience of your home during a vacation. You can also enjoy more privacy in the comforts of your vacation homes. You will not be monitored whenever you go in or out of your place. Lastly, it is cheaper compared when staying in other lodging homes like hotels.

Whenever in Orlando, where can you find vacation homes for rent? Where are the reliable and efficient sources for it?

Vacation home rentals are widely advertised. You can find several listings in magazines and newspapers. There are also lists available online and through agents.

Another is through referrals of friends, relatives or neighbors. Some may have experienced renting a vacation home already and they might recommend the place where they stayed or the agents whom they talked to.

One source also is the visitors? bureau or information centers. You can check on their websites or personally visit them in their office.

Vacation homes can either be bought from real state brokers or it can be rented. Here are some things that you should consider in finding a good vacation home?

Make sure that it is not far from the attraction sites. It should be at least 10-15 minutes away from the recreation areas. This is to avoid meeting traffic along the way. It might take you 30 minutes to 1 hour going to and from a theme park if you stay far from the attraction sites.

If you prefer to rent a vacation home, check if short-term rental is applicable. Ask for the minimum number of days allowed. Occupancy usually starts from 5 to 7 days. Inquire also the necessary information that goes with renting the place. Make notes on which specific furniture is rented out separately. In some cases, high-chairs or strollers for kids are rented out per day or the use of heated swimming pool requires extra charge.

Ask for the list of amenities that goes with the house. Swimming pool is a plus but heated swimming pools or an additional jacuzzi is better. Request for a tour before reserving the place, they might give you another house than the one you talked about.

Larger backyards are also more preferable since it allows more activity and wider play area for kids. Bigger spaces mean more people can enjoy the house.

Consider the house structure. If traveling with an elderly or disabled, better go for houses with no 2nd floors. It limits movements for them and for you as well.

When you have finalized the agreement, make sure to write everything. It is safer if transactions are made into writing. Be specific with dates, time and payments made. Include clause that you think is important to be noted.

Vacation home in Orlando is very convenient. It is one of the best options in having a rewarding and fruitful vacation.

Source : http://floridatourism.tv/

Orlando's median home price drops 2.0 percent to $245,000

2007-11-24T17:13:00.000+05:30

The median price of a home purchased in the Orlando area in August of this year decreased to $245,000, a 2.0 percent drop over August 2006's median price of $250,000. March and April of this year posted lower median prices: $240,000 and $242,100, respectively.

In addition, the latest data released from the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association reveals that inventory growth is continuing its slowing trend. The number of new homes added to the market in August 2007 was 295, above the year's record low of 95 in July but far below the record high of 1,729.

The number of sales in the Orlando area declined by 40.3 percent in August 2007 compared to August of last year (1,343 to 2,249). The number of sales that took place in August 2007 also declined over the number of sales that occurred in July 2007 (1,524). Year-to-date sales for 2007 (12,455 through August) are down by 37.2 percent over the same period in 2006 (19,824).

The month-to-month Orlando Housing Affordability Index and the First-time Homebuyers Affordability Index both improved in August: the prior increased from 84.0 percent to 85.0 percent while the latter changed from 59.8 percent to 60.4 percent in. (An affordability index of 85.0 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 15 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home.)

The area's average interest rate was 6.60 percent in August — a tick above last month's rate of 6.50 percent.

Homes of all types spent an average of 108 days on the market before being sold; and the average home sold for 95.1 percent of its original asking price.

The majority of single-family homes (237) that changed hands in August 2007 were sold for between $200,000 and $250,000, while another 164 homes were sold for between $250,000 and $300,000. Two-hundred and forty-five homes sold for less than $200,000 in August, and 436 sold for more than $300,000. On the far ends of the scale, 38 homes were sold for $1 million or more while only four homes sold for less than $50,000.

Inventory

There are currently 26,313 homes available for purchase through the local multiple listing service (MLS). Inventory increased by just 295 homes in August 2007; July 2007 saw an increase of 95 homes; and June 2007 saw an increase of 460. Compared to last year, the August 2007 inventory level is 24.8 percent higher than August 2006.

The current inventory level reflects a 19.59-month supply at the current pace of sales.

There are 19,708 single-family homes currently listed in the MLS. Most (7,454) are listed in the $200,000 - $300,000 price range, while another 2,128 are listed in the $300,000 - $350,000 range. Condos currently make up 4,337 offerings in the MLS, while duplexes/town homes/villas make up the remaining 2,268. Most condos (1,081) are priced at $140,000 to $180,000; most duplexes/town homes/villas (600) are $200,000 - $250,000.

Condos and Town homes/Duplexes/Villas

The sales of condos in the Orlando area declined by 60 percent in August: A total of 143 condos changed hands in August 2007 compared to 360 in August 2006. In a month-to-month comparison, August 2007 condo sales decreased from July 2007 (143 to 171). Most condos (24) that changed hands in August 2007 were sold for between $200,000 and $250,000; followed by 22 condos that were sold for between $100,000 and $120,000. Year-to-date condo sales are down by 55 percent (1,645 condos have been sold so far in 2007 compared to 3,663 by this time last year).

Orlando homebuyers purchased 119 duplexes, town homes, and villas in August 2007, which is a 33 percent decline over August 2006 when 178 of these alternative housing types were purchased. Duplex, town home, and villa sales in August 2007 were nearly equal compared to the number of sales that took place in July 2007 (115). The majority (30) of duplexes, town homes, and villas sold in August 2007 cost between $200,000 and $250,000.

Source : http://www.floridapropertyagency.com/

Spacious Suites for Holiday Travel Featured at Springhill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista

2007-11-23T17:13:00.001+05:30

Springhill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village offers amazing and adaptable accommodations that are perfect for holiday travel with the entire family.

Offering 25% more space than traditional hotel suites, this Lake Buena Vista, Florida hotel knows what it takes to make rooms that work for families. As an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, Springhill Suites boasts an array of amenities, creating a cozy and convenient home away from home, while traveling during the holidays.

Boasting deluxe accommodations, Springhill Suites offers complimentary continental breakfast, high-speed Internet access, on-site parking and newspapers delivered daily.

Lodging in Orlando also features the choice of one king or two double beds, a sofa bed, mini fridge, microwave oven, hairdryer, coffee maker and two TV's, all for guests' added convenience. Separate shower and tub make spacious bathrooms into family-friendly spaces, while Marriott's Revive® bedding boasts crisp linens, custom comforters and fluffier pillows, for a restful night's sleep. For those looking to get some work done during the holidays, Springhill Lake Buena Vista suites also feature large work desks with phones, voicemail, data ports and ergonomic chairs.

In close proximity to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and other area attractions, this hotel provides an exciting escape from the ordinary. Highlighted by an outdoor swimming pool with a children's play area and whirlpool, this family-friendly hotel offers a wide variety of children's amenities and activities, perfect for every Orlando family vacation.

The Village Food Court boasts an array of meal choices for on-site dining options. From pizza to ice cream and everything in between, this Orlando family restaurant is a quick and easy way to feed the entire family the foods they love.

Springhill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista is a remarkable tropical paradise, giving guests a convenient getaway just in time for the fast-approaching holidays.

About Springhill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village
When looking for an exceptional Orlando area hotel, look no further than the spacious Springhill Suites in the Marriott Village. As an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, this extraordinary Lake Buena Vista hotel offers 25% more space than traditional Orlando area hotel rooms. Continental breakfast, high speed Internet access, and on-site parking are all complimentary at this acclaimed Lake Buena Vista, FL hotel, while large guest rooms provide an abundance of amenities to reflect the comforts of home. Splash in the spectacular outdoor swimming pool with a children's play area or relax in the whirlpool. Boasting a variety of dining options, the Village Food Court at this Walt Disney Good Neighbor® Hotel offers ice cream, pizza, and sandwiches. Enjoy convenient, quick access to many nearby attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Discovery Cove. Indulge in spacious studio suites perfect for extended family vacations at Springhill Suites Lake Buena Vista, Florida Hotel.

Source : http://www.prweb.com/

The Orlando Condo Market: Part II - The Interstate 4 Analogy

2007-11-23T17:09:00.000+05:30

Some condominiums have been postponed, others have been axed completely. I can rattle off over half a dozen condo communities that have done a vanishing act like this in the last few months (read more here). The inventory of condos for sale has dropped by several thousand, and the previously much sought after rental property has increased by much the same amount. Take a look at the leasing signs that have appeared outside former conversions in the last few months.

So slowly, the tide is turning and the market, always a slave to market forces, will eventually reach equilibrium again. For those of you waiting for even better pricing, for even better incentives; for those who think the worst is still to come, you may be about to miss the boat - and along with it, the opportunity to acquire property when the going was good. Legions are those who will eventually join the masses to buy - just as soon as the next scramble for equity begins - (which will be just as soon as the media tells you it’s okay to buy again). But by then of course, it will be too late, you’ll be the wrong side of the curve, just another body on an over populated bandwagon. And then will come that familiar refrain: “If only I’d bought when… I’d be laughing right now.”

If you want to be one of Orlando’s future hyenas, the trick is to stop doing what everyone else is doing and get back to basics: Buy low, sell high. It might seem pretty obvious, but if so, why did everyone buy high? Those same investors are now being forced to sell low. Now if you have a house to sell before you can take advantage of the current “buyers” market, I grant that makes life more complicated, but if you’re a first time buyer, there’s really no excuse for waiting. And if you’re hovering simply because relatives are telling you to wait, please shoot them, because developers are bending over backwards right now to sell you their condos. And their offers of free upgrades, waived HOA fees and countless other incentives will disappear overnight, the second the masses decide to join the party again. And that’s a promise.

Everyone wants to get ahead. But it’s impossible to get ahead of the crowd if you’re a follower - if you wait for everyone to tell you that the time is “right”.

Let me put it this way: Don’t you just love it when you’re driving into the city at the end of the day just as everyone else is trying to get out? You should try it some time. It’s fun when you’re doing 70mph eastbound (cough, by which I mean 55mph), while everyone else is doing 10mph westbound. The only people moving on I4 are the folk moving in the opposite direction to everyone else.

Real estate and stock trading are no different. In order to get ahead, you have to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. I have a friend who claims to make more money day trading before his 10am cup of coffee, than he makes the entire rest of the day in his own business. I asked him what his strategy was and he said: “Buy when no one else wants to buy. And sell when no one else feels like selling.” It’s simple economics. And it feels great. Unless, of course, you’re a fan of the parking lot we affectionately call I4.

Source : http://blogs.condo.com/

Selling Your Condo

2007-11-22T09:54:00.000+05:30

For whichever reason you may be selling your condo there are several things that you should keep in mind as you enter the selling process. Here are few tips to sell your condo as fast and as quickly as possible.

Study the Market

If you are currently living in your condo and have decided to move to another condo you have probably already started to investigate what the market is doing in your area. If you are selling a vacation or investment condo you should start to look at the market well before you are looking to sell your condo.

Market conditions will determine the price you will be able to get for your condo from a buyer and will also determine how long your condo will be sitting on the market. Study your local market and price your condo at the going market rate.

Choose Your Listing Price

Deciding on a listing price that you are comfortable with and that is conducive to the current market climate in your area is very important. You may want to employ a real estate professional to help you with this decision, although only you know what price you can afford to sell your condo for.

Pre-Market Your Condo

Start telling people that you are putting your condo on the market. Tell people in your lobby, at work, at the grocery store, etc, you never know who has been dreaming of buying a unit in your building. You may even get lucky and find a buyer without having to hire a real estate agent to help sell your unit.

List Your Condo

Now that you have decided on a sales price for your unit and have made preparations for other living arrangements you need to list your condo.For people that do not want to sell their condo by themselves and prefer to have an agent represent them now is the time to find a real estate agent that you feel comfortable with.

Offer Buyer’s Incentives

Buyer’s incentives are a great way to sell your unit faster, especially when the market is slowing. We have listed some of the most effective buyer’s incentives below as examples of ways you can help sell your unit faster.

1. Offer a Condo Warranty
2. Offer to buy down the buyer's mortgage interest rate. This may cost a couple of thousand dollars, but that's likely to be less than what it will cost you if your condo languishes on the market and you eventually reduce it by $10,000 or more to sell it.
3. Offer a higher buyers broker commission. This will give buyers brokers more of an incentive to bring buyers to your condo.
4. Offer to pre-pay a year's worth of association fees.
5. Offer credit toward the buyer's closing costs.
6. Offer a weekend getaway at an attractive lodge or hotel.

Entertain Buyers Offers

As buyers begin touring your unit you will begin to receive offers from the buyers on your unit. Some buyers will attempt to lowball your price while others may make an offer that is soo low you may be offended. You can now begin to respond to offers that you would like to entertain. You can accept the initial offer, make a counteroffer or stand firm on your initial price.

Closing

Once you have accepted an offer you can begin the closing process. The seller’s side of the closing process is usually less strenuous than the buyer side. As a seller you should monitor the closing process to make sure the buyer is staying on schedule with all of their responsibilities. The final closing where the title and all other documents are finalized usually takes place in the closing attorney’s office or in the office of the seller’s real estate agent.

Source : http://dallas.condo.com/

Orlando Mortgage Facts

2007-11-22T09:38:00.000+05:30

Orlando Introduction

Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, is located roughly in the middle of Florida on the East-West Expressway (408) and Interstate 4. Orlando is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. It is an hour and thirty minutes northeast of Tampa, an hour southwest of Daytona Beach, and an hour northwest of Port Canaveral.

Orlando Neighborhoods

The City of Orlando has 88 residential neighborhoods. One of the more famous is the Lake Eola Heights Historic District, which has been a U.S. historic district since 1992. The Lake Eola Heights Historic District contains over 480 historic buildings.

Orlando Real Estate

In 2005 there were an estimated 101,981 housing units in Orlando (U.S. Census Bureau). Of these, 39.7 were owner occupied, 60.3% were renter occupied, and 7.6% were vacant. The owner occupancy rate in Orlando was substantially below the national average of 66.9% as of 2005.

Orlando housing is relatively young. Nearly 80% of Orlando's homes have been built since 1960, and slightly over half has been built since 1980. The vast majority of Orlando residences are 4 or more rooms with 2 or more bedrooms. Around 10% have 8 or more rooms and 4 or more bedrooms. As is true of most of Central Florida, most of Orlando's homes are heated by electricity.

An owner occupied home in Orlando had a median value of $194,300 in 2005. This was above the national average and substantially above the $103,200 median value in 2000. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of an Orlando home was up to $267,000 by the end of the Q1 2007.

In Orlando, three quarters (74.5%) of the owner-occupied homes have a mortgage loan. Many Orlando homeowners (28.9%) are tapping into the value of their homes with equity loans and/or second mortgages.Median monthly owner costs for a residence in Orlando were $1,250 in 2005, slightly below the average for the US as a whole.

Orlando Property Taxes

The Orange County Property Appraiser is responsible for identifying, locating, and fairly valuing all real and personal property within Orange county for tax purposes. The Orange County Tax Collector collects the property taxes for Orlando and Orange County. As of 2005, the median annual real estate tax bill for an owner occupied home in Orlando was $1,683 (US Census Bureau Data).

Orlando Schools

The City of Orlando, Florida is served by the Orange County Public School (OCPS) system. OCPS is the 11th largest school system in the United States, and the 4th largest in the State of Florida. OCPS is also the second largest employer in Central Florida.

Nearly 75% of the schools in Orange County earned A and B grades in 2006 under the state’s A+ Plan for Education. Since 2005 two of Orlando's public schools have earned recognition from the Federal Government's "No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools" program.

Colleges and universities located in Orlando include: Barry University's law school, DeVry University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Everglades University, Florida A&M University's law school, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Florida Metropolitan University, High Tech Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Keiser College, Orlando Culinary Academy, Polytechnic University, Reformed Theological Seminary, University of Central Florida, University of Phoenix, and Valencia Community College.

Orlando Economy

The main engine of the Orlando economy is travel and tourism and Walt Disney World is by far the largest employer. But Orlando's economy is not solely dependent on tourism. Other major sectors of the economy include (ranked by size of employment):

* Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
* Professional and Business Services
* Government
* Educational and Health Services

There are three Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in Orlando (Airtran Holdings, Darden Restaurants, and Hughes Supply). Behind Walt Disney, Orlando's largest employers include: Adventist Health System, Federal Government, Florida Hospital, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando Regional Healthcare System, Publix Supermarkets, Universal Orlando, and Wal-Mart.

According to US Census Bureau data, as of 2005 the median household income in Orlando was $36,699. This was well below the national average ($46,242) and below the average for Florida ($42,433).

Source : http://www.citytowninfo.com/

Orlando Housing Market Sentiment index is 38/100 for November 2007

2007-11-21T11:54:00.000+05:30

100 is in balance, less than 100 is a market value decline forecast, more than 100 is a market value increase forecast. Orlando Florida Housing Market Sentiment Trend Index is updated on this site the 1st of each new month. Make this site a favorite and visit often for the latest opinion in the Orlando housig market.

Current market conditions
The market is currently in the process of tipping in favor of buyers. We think the foreclosures peak will be the end of 2008 and this will be when bargains galore emerge.

Forecast conditions
The market will get worse, much worse as most adjustable rates have not yet kicked in and reset upwards.

Lending conditions
Are getting tighter. Many lenders will no longer lend in Florida unless the borrowers are significantly qualified. This will push demand down and prices with it.

When to buy
Possibly wait till the end of 2008. Why not rent a house, there are thousands for rent. You can get a $300K house for as little as $1400 a month. This is much cheaper than owning as a typical mortgage with taxes and insurance would be closer to $3000 a month as an owner.

Source : http://orlandorealestatetrends.wordpress.com/

Orlando, Florida Has it All

2007-11-21T11:46:00.000+05:30

If you are going to Orlando, Florida, they have more to offer than a lot of places do. They have there beautiful sandy beaches, white sand and tan sand, and all the sea shells you would want to take home. On 3 areas of Florida you have beaches, the east side and the west side and of course down by Key West. They have Condos to rent and townhouses or you may want to buy a place for a vacation home. It's just a good place to get away and have fun, and relax. Daytona Beach is really beautiful and then Key West is a great place, plus my favorite is Pensacola where we rented a condo right on an island off Pensacola, and they were very reasonable. From miniature golf to go carts to just sun bathing was all great, everything in Florida is great. You may even want to go surfing or fishing in the ocean, maybe even sailing.

They have Busch Gardens, maybe Sea World or even Universal Theme Park, but I just loved the most famous one Disney World. I recommend it highly, for you to go there. You have to make reservations in advance if you want to stay on the Disney Worlds grounds, only because you benefit from staying there. They have several resorts to chose from. We chose the Caribbean Resort. The big advantage is that if you stay in the resort you get to go to the theme parks 1 hour earlier than anyone else. The Caribbean had there own restaurants and gift shops within walking distance of your rooms. All the resorts have different ones. Plus they all have pools or a lake to lounge around, to catch your breath. The views from every room were breathtaking, with the pretty landscape all done in different flowers and some in a figure of say Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse, so enjoyable to relax.
Early every morning there shuttles to take us to the theme parks of our chose. Each shuttle was color coded and they ran every 25 minutes. We planned three theme parks on that trip, Wild Kingdom and Epcot and last MGM. Wild Kingdom was so exciting because they put on different shows for you. Ours was the Lion King, it was the best ever, so colorful and all of there costumes just were so awesome with the music and all unbelievable. As you walk on through the park they had a safari ride which was like the real thing in Africa. All of the wild animals were right next to you, but of course they had underground wires to keep them from you.

The next theme park was Epcot, this was great because you could walk all the way around and see the different mock up of the countries and to sample there foods, or see there cultures. All of them dressed in their own nationalities. One that really stuck out was Italy, known for their statues really fascinated me so I walked over to get my picture taken by one and it touch me. Not really a statue but a person painted white like one and didn't move at all. They stayed in that pose for several minutes maybe even longer, who would of know that. I know for one thing I can scream, then they did there thing again for the next person that didn't realize it. This was so classical of them I could stand still that long.

The last place was MGM, they did shows, a big theater was playing "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" in 3-D. So they gave you 3-D glasses as you went in. This made some scenes jump out at you really clever. They also had an interesting mock up of Hollywood scenes in front of you on the streets. Every night each theme park shoots of fire works before they close that park. You could stay and watch them there or go back to your resort and even see them from your room. All of this by making reservations n advance; Disney World was really worth the time and the money.

Just over from Orlando you have the Kennedy Space Center where the Shuttle lifts off. Or maybe you wish to visit the Everglades or the Lakes. Three lakes most famous are Lake Copeland and Lake Lawson, but the most romantic lake is Lake Eola, they have swan boats, clubs with in walking distance and dinning. Then there is Gatorland in the everglades, they have several features like, marsh lands and Alligator Island, even flamingo lagoon and a petting zoo. So take a leap at Orlando and the surrounding areas of the sunshine state where you can experience it all.

Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/

Orlando Vacation Rentals

2007-11-21T11:28:00.000+05:30

An Orlando vacation rental or condo makes the ideal home base for family fun in central Florida. Or, book a vacation rental home in nearby Kissimmee or Davenport for easy access to a wide range of central Florida attractions.

Kissimmee, Davenport and Orlando vacation rentals are conveniently located near major theme parks, including Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios. Other area attractions include Discovery Cove, The Titanic Experience, Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Gatorland.

But there's more to the Orlando area than theme parks. Visitors can ride in a hot air balloon or glider, go canoeing or horseback riding, or cool off at water parks like Wet 'n Wild Orlando, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Water Mania. Orlando is a paradise for golfers, with more than 160 golf courses in the area.

Historic and cultural attractions for guests of Orlando vacation rentals include the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Center, the Historic Waterhouse Residence and Carpentry Shop Museum and the Orange County Regional History Center.

A variety of performing arts are available to guests of Orlando vacation rentals, including ballet, opera, philharmonic orchestra, and theatre. Families will enjoy the theme dining experiences at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, Pirate's Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Arabian Nights, and other venues.

Davenport, Kissimmee and Orlando vacation rentals are conveniently located for visiting other central Florida attractions such as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa, Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center.

The Orlando area is the ultimate family vacation destination. Reserve your Kissimmee, Davenport or Orlando vacation rental or condo today!

Source : http://www.triphomes.com/

Orlando Condos

2007-11-20T11:14:00.000+05:30

Orlando is a growing city full of night life, sports and so much more. Find the Orlando condos that fit your lifestyle and budget by utilizing one of the many useful real estate websites on the internet. There are national and well as regional and local real estate search websites that can take the hassle out of comparing different properties.

Will you be using a real estate agent or realtor to aid you in your search as well as through the entire buying process? Most people find that using a realtor to find and purchase a home is the easiest and most efficient way to find a new home. Realtors will help you by compiling listings that match your individual criteria, as well as deal with property owners and agents.

Choosing a realtor can have a huge impact on the home buying process. If you find yourself dealing with a realtor that doesn’t seem to understand what it is you want, it can be very frustrating and difficult to work with the person. Though it’s normal for the relationship to take a little work, if you give your realtor feedback about what he or she needs to do to find the condo you are looking for and he or she doesn’t make improvements, it’s time to find another realtor.

find the right realtor from the beginning, you may find it useful to use an internet realtor review site to hear what other people thought about their experiences with particular realtors. If you don’t have personal word of mouth to go by, the next best thing is a review site that helps users compare and contrast realtors by location.

Once you’ve selected a few prospective realtors, go ahead and give them each a trial. Provide each realtor with your list of requirements and see what they come up with. You’ll quickly be able to tell which one thinks like you, which one will be most likely to come up with your dream Orlando condo.

Source : http://www.whatarecondos.com/

Orlando Dominates the U.S. Condo-Hotel Market

2007-11-20T10:59:00.000+05:30

Why Orlando? The city is undeniably one of the nation’s top vacation destinations. Over the years, Orlando, Florida, has been repeatedly recognized for its outstanding hospitality industry with, on average, about 50 million visitors every year. The great weather, numerous theme parks, championship golf courses and convention centers for business conferences all contribute to Orlando’s national appeal. Orlando is, in fact, in the process of overtaking Las Vegas as the most popular site in the U.S. to hold business conferences.

According to the ARDA (American Resort Development Association), Florida is the most preferred state by Americans for the purchase of recreational property, and, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), foreign buyers favor Orlando over other U.S. cities and account for 23 percent of home sales in the city.

The condo-hotel market in Orlando is also unique because the units are larger than those in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They are designed to accommodate families that visit the area’s theme parks. Units with two to four bedrooms are common in Orlando, whereas in other South Florida cities, units consist mainly of studios.

Orlando condo-hotel units also cost less per square foot than those in South Florida. Units sell for $400 to $700 per square foot in Orlando, and luxury units with resort amenities start at $350,000. In South Florida, units sell anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per square foot, and most units sell for a minimum of $500,000.

Source : http://www.rebusinessonline.com/

Orlando Condo Hotels Offer Value

2007-11-20T10:51:00.000+05:30

Orlando condo hotel units tend to be larger than those found in cities like Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Designed to accommodate the many families and extended families that come to the area theme parks, two-, three- and even four-bedroom units in Orlando properties are not uncommon. In South Florida cities, you primarily find studios and one-bedroom units.

Orlando condo hotel units also tend to cost significantly less per square foot than South Florida condo hotels. In Orlando, you can expect to pay $400 - $700 per square foot. You can find a luxury unit with resort amenities starting at $350,000.

In South Florida, most condo hotels start at $500,000 and up, significantly more if they're oceanfront. Miami condo hotel units range from $1,000 to $2,400 per square foot, and Ft. Lauderdale condo hotels range from $1,000 to $1,300 per square foot.

Although real estate appreciation has been occurring at an astounding rate of 20% to 30% per year throughout Orlando, many buyers still consider Orlando to be a good value when compared to other Florida locales and when all that the city has to offer is taken into consideration.

Source : http://www.travelindustrywire.com/

Condo buyers seeking release from contracts

2007-11-19T15:17:00.000+05:30

ORLANDO -- Condo buyers who jumped into a white-hot real estate market a couple of years ago now are suing to get back their deposits on units that have dropped in value since they put money down.

Several civil suits were filed this year in Orange County Circuit Court by buyers citing breach of contract due to a variety of alleged material changes made that were not part of their original purchase agreements.

The buyers' goal is to get back their deposits, or for the developers to settle out of court, return at least some money and cancel the purchase contracts, say local attorneys.

And this is just the first wave of litigation regarding units in unfinished condo towers in Central Florida, say local lawyers involved in the current cases. Downtown Orlando has more than 4,000 condo units planned or under construction, says the Downtown Orlando Partnership.

Source : http://www.bizjournals.com/

About Orlando Condos

2007-11-19T14:45:00.000+05:30

History is not as apparent on where the name Orlando originated. There are four stories that are told. One involves Judge James Speer, who worked hard in getting Orlando as the county seat, naming Orlando after a man who once worked for him. Another is that Speer named it after a character from Shakespeare’s, "As You Like It". A third version has Mr. Orlando on his way to Tampa with a caravan of ox. It is said that he got ill, died and was buried, and that folks would come by and say, "There lies Orlando"

The most common story is about a company of soldiers on duty during the height of the Seminole Wars. After battling Indians back into the swamps on the east side of Lake Minnie (now Cherokee), the military troop settled there for the night. Sentinel Orlando Reeves was guarding the camp when he spotted a log floating toward him. Recognizing the Indian masquerade and wanting to warn his fellow soldiers, he fired his gun. Arrows felled the poor fellow as the Indians came out to ensnare the camp. The Indians were chased back again, and the south side of Lake Eola was chosen to bury Orlando Reeves.

Orlando Condos and Real Estate has come of age in the center of Florida . Mickey Mouse, everybody's favorite mouse has caused the sleepy town to explode with tourists over the past several decades. With the population increase, a natural effect of wanting luxury condos to vacation and live in. Developers throughout the world have recognized the real estate needs of those in Orlando . There are currently several new condo projects rising in the downtown area of Orlando . It is more than tourists who are finding that this city is magical. The Orland music scene has helped find many top notch performers. And yes these same performers are buying condos and real estate in central Florida ! If you are considering buying a condo in Orlando, talk with the Realtors, professionals who can help you find the perfect Condo, and help you lease it as a vacation rental property.Every Orlando condominium is unique unto itself, each seemingly with its own personality.

Source : http://orlando.condocompany.com/

Condo Conversion Craze Continues in Orlando

2007-11-17T11:03:00.000+05:30

As the condo converstion pace remains frantic, will potential house seekers have trouble finding an affordable Florida home loan? So far, the city has proven to remain far above the problems facing other sectors of the state.

There’s no real estate bubble here, not as developers Tim Exner and Eric Tuscan are adding to the downtown condo conversion frenzy with a newly announced project at 706 E. Pine St. The duo, who recently finished the conversions and closings of Uptown Place and Park North at Cheney Place, will begin renovating the modern building this month.

The news comes on the heels of a Florida Association of Realtors first-quarter report that shows Orlando condo sales continue to do much better than the statewide average.

In the first three months of 2006, Orlando reported 1,501 existing condo sales, up 118 percent from 2005. Condo sales statewide, meanwhile, decreased 22 percent from a year ago.

Prices for the studio condos will start at $175,000. All units will feature hardwood floors, granite and stainless steel countertops. They will also include new appliances and plumbing fixtures. The Closing Agent Inc., an Orlando-based title insurance agent, has been selected as the title agency and will handle future condo closings.

Other cities in the state are scaling back on condo developments as the Florida real estate bubble is settled. Not Orlando. Its market remains strong.

Source : http://www.floridahomeloan.com/

Tourism News from Orlando Florida

2007-11-17T10:57:00.000+05:30

Orlando Publishes New Guide to Area's Nature, Culture and Heritage Offerings
The Orlando CVB has recently published its 2006 "Unexpected Orlando Guide®." The 24-page guide highlights natural, cultural and heritage tourism offerings throughout the Orlando area. It includes 103 listings of Orlando's hidden treasures as well as an Orlando area map and maps of downtown Orlando and downtown Winter Park. Consumers can request a guide by calling 1-800-867-1496 (United States and Canada) or can download it at orlandoinfo.com/unexpectedorlando.

Orlando Condo-Hotels on the Rise
Orlando is home to more than 113,000 hotel rooms, 26,000 vacation home rentals and 16,000 vacation ownership units. Condo-hotels are the newest accommodation option on the rise, and Orlando is targeted as the site for more than 20 luxury properties including: The Blue Rose, Floridays Resort Orlando, Palazzo del Lago by InterContinental, Sage Resort and The Village of Imagine. The announced condo-hotel properties will open by 2009 and include features ranging from spas and upscale restaurants to meeting space and cinematic and Broadway-style theatres. The projects will add a total of 17,500 rooms to Orlando's accommodation options. For more information on each property, see the Weekly What's New listing on orlandoinfo.com/media.

Orlando Summer Gas Deals for Visitors
The increase in gas prices has received nationwide attention. Research has shown that gas prices won't curtail travel, but will change travel habits, and the Orlando community has responded by offering special gas deals for visitors traveling this summer such as complimentary gas cards and

Orlando Attractions Update:

SeaWorld Orlando opened a new Shamu show in May called "Believe," which combines a "killer whale ballet" of grace and agility with an original music score. The park also unveiled three new additions to Shamu's Happy Harbor play area including a family friendly roller coaster, a jellyfish-themed samba tower ride and a beach bucket-themed tea cup ride.
Universal Orlando opens the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride June 22 at Islands of Adventure. The ride will immerse guests in the world of Dr. Seuss and his famous stories as it transports them throughout Seuss Landing. The park will also open a high-tech nightly lagoon show called Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular in July at Universal Studios. The show relies on 360-degree "cinespheres," an original music score, 300 outdoor speakers, lasers and pyrotechnic effects to place guests in the midst of their favorite films.

Walt Disney World Resort
Expedition EVEREST opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in April. The ride lets guests discover the fearsome lore of the yeti aboard out-of-control railcars that race forward and backward, sending adventurers swooping into the unknown to brave twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain. The Bibbidi, Bobbidi Boutique opened at Downtown Disney. The shop gives little girls the opportunity to get a full princess treatment—including hair, makeup, nails, princess costume and a photo. The Walt Disney World Resort also plans to add two new attractions, both with a "Finding Nemo" theme. Coming in late 2006 will be a live 30-minute musical show at Disney's Animal Kingdom called Finding Nemo—The Musical. Epcot opens The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a whimsical and visually stunning attraction that has the stars of "Finding Nemo" swimming amid the live marine life of the huge aquarium in The Living Seas pavilion.

Featured Activities:
Orlando Opera Announces 2006-2007 Season
The Orlando Opera announced the musical lineup for its 49th season to be held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando. Performances for the 2006-2007 season include: "Samson & Dalila," Nov. 17, 19 and 21, 2006; "The Pirates of Penzance," Feb. 16, 18 and 20, 2007 and "Madama Butterfly" March 23, 25 and 27, 2007. For more information, visit orlandoopera.org.
What's New in Orlando
From exhilarating attractions and gourmet restaurants to fashion-savvy boutiques and unexpected cultural venues, Central Florida is always introducing something new to entertain and amaze visitors.

Did You Know?
• More than 2,000 couples get married every year at Walt Disney World Resort.
• SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay now takes the crown as Florida's tallest roller coaster. This thrill machine is also the tallest dive coaster in the world and the first of its kind to incorporate an Immelmann loop (a rolling maneuver); a second, 138-foot (42-meter) dive into an underground tunnel and a water-feature finale.

Source : http://travelvideo.tv/

Orlando: Magic Sellers' Kingdom

2007-11-17T10:49:00.000+05:30

Orlando, the home of Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and numerous other family-style attractions, is as delightful a place to live as to visit, as a rising sellers' market attests. Located in central Florida, just one hour from the coast and boasting excellent air service, Orlando is also a popular relocation and retirement destination.

Not surprisingly, tourism is the leading industry. While knocked back by continuing terrorist threats after September 11th (Disney World was reported to be a target for trouble), Florida residents and businesses are looking to the future.

In addition to mild weather and plenty to do, Orlando also boasts a wide range of housing, which is coming out of a temporary slump.

"From trendy downtown Thornton Park (with it's refurbished old homes looking like something out of Thomas Kincade's studio), to big waterfront mansions sitting right next to I-4, to starter homes funded by the City, it's all right here," says Realtor Wallace M. Wilson.

"The city itself covers quite a bit of territory," explains Wilson. "Start in the southern end at the junction of Hwy 436 and Airport Blvd (which, by the way, enters the absolutely best and most modern airport in the United States) and run 10 miles east to the University of Central Florida and it's rapidly growing Research Park. Then go North towards Maitland up the I-4 corridor where it seems like every office for every business in the world is located, and then another 10 miles to the Southwest to Windermere -- home to movie stars, world famous athletes, and lottery winners that couldn't take the Northern weather anymore."

April, 2002 closed sales for the Metro Orlando area are up 5.57% over the same month of the previous year, with the average list price in the Metro Orlando area at $167,071 and the average sale price at $161,898, offers Realtor Jean White. "The average home was on the market for 57 days and sold for 96.9% of list price."

Says Realtor Luis J. Garcia, "The Central Florida market is continuing to be very active, primarily helped by the low interest rates of the moment.

"First-time buyers are among the most active as well as the relocation market. In some areas it has been noticed that buyers looking for a second home have slowed down. At the same time some investors have been interested in selling some of their property due to the economy, and this will bring the stock of listings up a bit. There are still enough buyers to continue to make the area a seller's market," he says.

Source : http://www.newhomesource.com/

Orlando : City at a Glance

2007-11-16T17:16:00.000+05:30

The city of Orlando is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 185,951 (metropolitan area 1,644,561). A 2005 U.S. Census Estimates population count gave the city population was 213,233 (metropolitan area over 1.8 million). It is the sixth-largest city in Florida, and its largest inland city. It is also at the head of the state's third-largest metropolitan area, behind Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. Additionally, Orlando is home to the second largest university in Florida, the University of Central Florida.

The city is well known for the tourist attractions in the area, particularly the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, which is in the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Other area attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort. Despite being far from the main tourist attractions, downtown Orlando has recently seen much redevelopment, with many more projects currently under construction or planned. One of the oldest attractions in this area is Gatorland. Orlando sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year. Orlando is the 2nd largest city in the country for number of hotel rooms. It is a leader in medical care and research, especially at Orlando Regional Medical Center, the only statutory teaching hospital in Central Florida.

Source : http://www.preconstructionprograms.com/

Orlando Florida (FL) Condo Rentals

2007-11-16T09:36:00.000+05:30

Orlando Florida (FL) condo rentals by owner are private vacation rental homes, villas, condos, apartments, chalets, cabins, and lodgings all available to you at a tremendous value.Orlando is located in the middle of Florida and is easy to get to via its own international airport. This large city serves as a gateway to some of the most popular destinations in the world such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, Sea World and Universal Studios. However, there is much more to do in Orlando than visit these hot spots. Every Sunday you can go to downtown Orlando and enjoy the Eola Sunday Market. Here you will find dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to hand made woodcarvings. There are a good handful of museums to visit while you are here as well including the Orlando Museum of Art. One thing many people associate with Orlando is its nightlife. There are a wide variety of dinner theaters in the area that will provide you with wonderful entertainment and food. Historic and other tours are also available in the downtown area. Around town you will find some wonderful golf courses and tennis facilities as well as excellent shopping and dining. In short, Orlando has everything you need to enjoy a great vacation.

Source : http://www.valuevacationrentals.com/