LakeCountyHomePros Community Forum

Inspriational flight over Lake County Florida with beautiful aerial views of luxury homes!
August 2nd, 2010 7:41 AM

Fly over lakefront homes in Mount Dora and Tavares Florida 

Inspriational flight over Lake County Florida with beautiful aerial views of luxury homes!

Searching for a Great Florida Location ?



(See Video)The beauty of Lake county continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of its visitors. Lake county is unlike anywhere else in Florida; rolling hills, over 1,400 spacious lakes, picturesque golf courses, and spectacular scenery can be your everyday experience.

Only 25 miles from Orlando, Lake county's charm makes the big city seem far away.



Mount Dora is known as the New England of the South. The combination of Southern hospitality and New England charm are the main ingredients to the romantic lifestyle. It's no secret that Mount Dora has won numerous awards for being a great place to live.

  • Top Places to live by Money Magazine
  • 50 best places in the World to ride a bike by Bicycling Magazine
  • Best Antique Shopping in the state by Florida Living
  • Best Romantic Escape

The "Festival City" hosts numerous annual events including the Mount Dora Arts Festival. This event has been ranked among the top 10 arts and craft shows in the country.

Leesburg settled in 1857 rich in history and country lore continues to be a destination of new residents to Lake County.

Venetian Garden SunsetHere you will find the beautiful Venetian Gardens (1938) and Mote-Morris House (1892). Visitors enjoy events such as: Mardi-Gras, Bike Festival and Fine Arts Festival.

Tavares has numerous plans for expansion including new Luxury Waterfront Townhomes a Marina and Water Taxi service to Mount Dora. This year Tavares will host the Dragon Boat Races, Antique Boat show and other events. The waterfront in Tavares is a great place to fish, boat or just enjoy the view.

Eustis is ideally located along the eastern shore of Lake Eustis, the 7,000 acre lake provides a picturesque background for outdoor events. Eustis continues to retain its small town charm. Some of the best lakefront real estate can be found on Lake Eustis.

Living in Lake County nearly fifty years and loving the lifestyle, we have made it our business to know everything about the area. If you are considering relocating to our area we will gladly send you a relocation package.

In Mount Dora you will find a wide variety of shopping, antiquing and restaurants. Many of our guests enjoy boat excursions and sightseeing trips

As an alternative you can try a carriage ride. A Hitch 'N Time - Carriage Rides is located at the corner of Fourth Ave. & Alexander St.
in Mount Dora.

If you would like to learn more about our wonderful area you can visit our website at www.lakecountyhomepros.com.

If you would like to receive information in person or via US mail we please feel free to contact us directly.

Karen and Ray Levy CB Camelot Realty Mount Dora FL

Karen and Ray Levy

Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty

Mount Dora, FL

352-636-6579


Posted by Karen Levy on August 2nd, 2010 7:41 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
AVERAGE SALE PRICE OF A HOME IN LAKE COUNTY JUMPS NEARLY $10,000 IN JUNE TO $142,163
July 21st, 2010 7:17 AM

AVERAGE SALE PRICE OF A HOME IN LAKE COUNTY JUMPS NEARLY $10,000 IN JUNE TO $142,163

Date

Monthly Sales

Avg. Sales Price

Average Days On Market

Inventory

March 2010

410

$131,807

134

4930

April 2010

408

$141,333

132

5870

MAY 2010

418

$132,276

128

4678

Jun 2010

382

$142,163

119

4586

Source: My Florida Regional MLS

Our area is still experiencing new buyers entering the market due to affordability and attractive interest rates. Home buyers are enjoying 1940's interest rates and 1990's home prices.

Overall, inventory is stable with a slight decline in June.

Loan approvals are becoming more rigorous due to extensive underwriting requirements. Real estate professionals are reporting delays due to increased time periods for loan approval.

The luxury home market is softening this segment is experiencing a high percentage of defaults. (May 6 2010, Bloomberg News – Bob Ivry and Dan Levy) Look to see an expanding inventory of luxury homes available. Many of them to be marketed as a short sale or REO properties.

We have noticed an increase in new construction home sales and inquiries compared to June 2009.

Savvy cash buyers continue to enter market hoping to strike a deal with motivated sellers.

In our next article we will discuss the 3P’s of real estate marketing and the most important questions to ask any real estate agent before you list with them.



Ray Levy


Posted by Karen Levy on July 21st, 2010 7:17 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
6 Acre Lakefront Estate Reduced today $50,000 Tavares Florida on Lake Harris
July 21st, 2010 7:09 AM

CALL-352-978-8551 FOR DETAILS

THIS MAJESTIC GATED LAKEFRONT ESTATE IS A RARE FIND. Situated on 6 rolling acres with gorgeous views of Lake Harris. The main home has 4 Bedrooms and 4 Baths. As you enter this gated estate the circular driveway delivers you to the entrance of this well designed and quality constructed estate. This home boasts outstanding views of both the lake and the peaceful rolling countryside.

Homes and Land Cover Picture 11435 Lane park Tavares FL

11435 Lane Park Tavares FL Front

11435 Lane Park Tavares FL Lake View

  

 

 You can find serenity here. Entering the foyer you are greeted with water views from virtually every room. The picture windows and towering ceilings allow for an abundance of natural light. The master suite is located downstairs. Fireplaces are featured in the living room and master suite. The design of this home says comfortable luxury. A wet bar is located in the great room which opens to the exquisite pool area where you can entertain and relax. The kitchen boast an island, walk in pantry and quality appliances.  Also included on the property is a two bedroom detached in-law apartment with a separate two car garage. The dock leads you to a double boathouse with lift so you can fish, ski or just enjoy a boat ride on prestigious Lake Harris. There is an additional 5 acre parcel for sale with this property, which will only be sold with the home or after the home is sold. Make your appointment today to view this exquisite estate with dramatic elevation changes and million dollar views.

 

This Home professionally marketed by:

Ray and Karen Levy

www.picture-perfecthomes.com

352-978-8551

Lake County Home Pros

 

 


Posted by Karen Levy on July 21st, 2010 7:09 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
SOLD 2017 Castelli in the prestigious Loch Leven in Mount Dora Florida.
July 18th, 2010 11:03 AM

SOLD 2017 Castelli in the prestigious Loch Leven in Mount Dora Florida.

This beautiful 3946 S.F. pool home overlooking a lake with fountains is a great example of the exceptional homes available in Loch Leven.

This luxurious Mediterranean custom home is privately nestled in luxurious landscaping one of Loch Leven’s most prestigious streets.

The master suite offers two walk-in closets and sitting area. The French doors to the pool area.

Loch Leven is a very special gated community just minutes from the charm of Mount Dora.

In Mount Dora you will find a wide variety of shopping, antiquing and restaurants. Many of our guests enjoy boat excursions and sightseeing trips

It's located at 100 Alexander Street in Mount Dora.

As an alternative you can try a carriage ride. A Hitch 'N Time - Carriage Rides is located at the corner of Fourth Ave. & Alexander St.
in Mount Dora.

If you would like to learn more about our wonderful area you can visit our website at www.lakecountyhomepros.com.

If you would like to receive information in person or via US mail we please feel free to contact us directly.

Karen and Ray Levy

Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty

Mount Dora, FL

352-636-6579




Posted by Karen Levy on July 18th, 2010 11:03 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home
June 6th, 2010 12:38 PM

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

Most potential homebuyers are a smidge daunted by the fact that they’re about to agree to a hefty mortgage that they’ll be paying for the next few decades. The best way to relieve that anxiety is to be confident you’re purchasing the best home at a price you can afford with the most favorable financing. These seven steps will help you make smart decisions about your biggest purchase.

1. Decide how much home you can afford

Generally, you can afford a home priced 2 to 3 times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner must cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care if you plan to have children.

2. Develop your home wish list

Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Handicap accessibility for an aging parent or special needs child is a must. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are in the bonus category. Come up with your top-five must-haves and top-five wants to help you focus your search and make a logical, rather than emotional, choice when home shopping.

3. Select where you want to live

Make a list of your top-five community priorities, such as commute time, schools, and recreational facilities. Ask your REALTOR® to help you identify three to four target neighborhoods based on your priorities.

4. Start saving

Have you saved enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your downpayment? Ideally, you should have 20% of the purchase price set aside for a downpayment, but some lenders allow as little as 5% down. A small downpayment preserves your savings for emergencies.

However, the lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for, and if you still qualify, the higher your monthly payment. Your downpayment size can also influence your interest rate and the type of loan you can get.

Finally, if your downpayment is less than 20%, you’ll be required to purchase private mortgage insurance. Depending on the size of your loan, PMI can add hundreds to your monthly payment. Check with your state and local government for mortgage and downpayment assistance programs for first-time buyers.

5. Ask about all the costs before you sign

A downpayment is just one homebuying cost. Your REALTOR® can tell you what other costs buyers commonly pay in your area—including home inspections, attorneys’ fees, and transfer fees of 2% to 7% of the home price. Tally up the extras you’ll also want to buy after you move-in, such as window coverings and patio furniture for your new yard.

6. Get your credit in order

A credit report details your borrowing history, including any late payments and bad debts, and typically includes a credit score. Lenders lean heavily on your credit report and credit score in determining whether, how much, and at what interest rate to lend for a home. Most require a minimum credit score of 620 for a home mortgage.

You’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports annually from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Order and then pore over them to ensure the information is accurate, and try to correct any errors before you buy. If your credit score isn’t up to snuff, the easiest ways to improve it are to pay every bill on time and pay down high credit card debt.

7. Get prequalified

Meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter that says how much house you’re qualified to buy. Start gathering the paperwork your lender says it needs. Most want to see W-2 forms verifying your employment and income, copies of pay stubs, and two to four months of banking statements.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your current profit and loss statement, a current balance sheet, and personal and business income tax returns for the previous two years.

Consider your financing options. The longer the loan, the smaller your monthly payment. Fixed-rate mortgages offer payment certainty; an adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower monthly payment. However, an adjustable-rate mortgage may adjust dramatically. Be sure to calculate your affordability at both the lowest and highest possible ARM rate.

More from HouseLogic

Learn how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages can help you save on financing

Learn more about the costs of homeownership

Other web resources

Homebuyer counseling resources

Get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has thrice survived the homebuying process. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.


Posted by Karen Levy on June 6th, 2010 12:38 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
2010 4 Bedroom NEW home designed with Quality, Comfort and Energy savings in Mind!
June 6th, 2010 12:37 PM

This 2148 square foot NEW home is loaded with upgrades and features you would not normally find in this price range.  Buy from a well recognized local builder and support our local economy.

This special home was built by a local builder who has been a part of Lake County for many years and cares about quality in their product.  Showcase builders is known for their outstanding customer service and high quality construction.

Not only will you get an awesome value on this home, but you will be supporting A locally owned business and their families.

After the sale they will be here to answer any questions about this home.   

Call us today and step up to this Showcase Quality home!

 

 Front 13210 LAUREL CREST CT, GRAND ISLAND

The Sundancer II

13210 Laurel Crest Court

Grand Island, Florida 32735

FEATURES INCLUDE:

 

• CERAMIC TILE FLOORING IN KITCHEN, NOOK, LAUNDRY,

FOYER AND BATHS

• DISHWASHER, SMOOTH TOP RANGE, FOOD DISPOSAL

UNIT & MICROWAVE PRE-WIRE INCLUDED

• LEVEL III KITCHEN CABINETS W/ 42" UPPER'S AND

CROWN MOLDING

• LEVEL II CORIAN COUNTERTOPS IN KITCHEN

• LOW "E" INSULATED DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS

• CORIAN WINDOW SILLS

• FULLY SODDED LOT WITH STANDARD LANDSCAPE

PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 14 SEER HIGH EFFECIENCYA/C & HEATING SYSTEM

• SECURITY SYSTEM & STRUCTURED WARRANTY

• ARCHITECTURAL MILDEW RESISTANT SHINGLES

• BLOCK CONSTRUCTION W/ FOOTER STEMWALL &

STUCCO FINISH

• 3000 PSI SLAB, PATIO, WALKS & DRIVE

• LEVEL II WALL TILE IN MASTER BATH INCLUDING

LISTELLO TILE UPGRADE

• KNOCKDOWN CEILINGS

• DECORATIVE PANEL STEEL GARAGE DOOR

• ROUNDED DRYWALL CORNERS IN FORMAL AREAS

• RECESSED EYEBALL LIGHTING IN KITCHEN

• COVERED LANAI

 

Karen and Ray Levy

www.lakecountyhomepros.com

352-978-8551


Posted by Karen Levy on June 6th, 2010 12:37 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
Florida Realtors donating money to buy phone cards for our troops!
May 26th, 2010 8:25 AM

To honor our troops, Florida Realtors is donating money for phone calling cards that the USO will distribute to U.S. active duty troops.

Everybody want to come home and relax with their family after a long day at work.

 

Not everybody can come home after a long day at work.  This is why this donation for phone cards is being made.

Call Karen and I to learn about all of the ways Florida Realtors are helping the community!

Have an Outstanding Day!

 

Karen and Ray Levy

www.lakecountyhomepros.com

352-978-8551


Posted by Karen Levy on May 26th, 2010 8:25 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
Increase in Realtor-Assisted sales in Lake and Sumter County Florida!
March 30th, 2010 8:01 PM

According to the Realtors Association of Lake and Sumter Counties the number of Realtor Assisted homes sold rocketed to 310 compared to 258 in January.

Additionally, the average sales price increased by over $2,000.

Brokers in the area are reporting an increase in the number of homes under contract during the month of March when compared to February.

Based on that information it is likely the the number of closed sales reported in March will at least hold steady if not increase.

Some of the more experienced brokers in the area are not including short sales as part of their "Pending" contracts.  So that is icing on the cake when they do close...

We still have a great deal of inventory to work through.  The impact of inventory from REO and traditional sellers waiting for market stabilization has not yet reached the inventory pipeline. 

It appears as though there will be a fairly healthy selection of quality homes for cash and qualified buyers throughout the summer.

The other piece of the puzzle will be what happens to interest rates now that the government is pulling back from it's massive investment in the mortgage industry.

Gerry Suarez of Thomas Financial noted an increase in rates late last week with some stabilization this week. The overall feeling is we have to see how the financial markets will respond.

With nearly 3 million closed this year we do see an increase in business.  We remain positive and realistic at the same time.

Our Broker is predicting over 6 million in new sales for the month of March.

For more information about us we can be found at www.lakecountyhomepros.com

 

Ray Levy

Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty

352-978-8551


Posted by Karen Levy on March 30th, 2010 8:01 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
LUXURY LAKE FRONT POOL HOME WITH DETACHED GUEST SUITE 11435 LANE PARK RD, TAVARES
January 31st, 2010 10:30 AM

THIS MAJESTIC GATED LAKEFRONT ESTATE IS A RARE FIND. Situated on 6 rolling acres with gorgeous views of Lake Harris. The main home has 4 Bedrooms and 4 Baths. As you enter this gated estate the circular driveway delivers you to the entrance of this well designed and quality constructed estate. This home boasts outstanding views of both the lake and the peaceful rolling countryside.

Homes and Land Cover Picture 11435 Lane park Tavares FL

11435 Lane Park Tavares FL Front

11435 Lane Park Tavares FL Lake View

  

 

 You can find serenity here. Entering the foyer you are greeted with water views from virtually every room. The picture windows and towering ceilings allow for an abundance of natural light. The master suite is located downstairs. Fireplaces are featured in the living room and master suite. The design of this home says comfortable luxury. A wet bar is located in the great room which opens to the exquisite pool area where you can entertain and relax. The kitchen boast an island, walk in pantry and quality appliances.  Also included on the property is a two bedroom detached in-law apartment with a separate two car garage. The dock leads you to a double boathouse with lift so you can fish, ski or just enjoy a boat ride on prestigious Lake Harris. There is an additional 5 acre parcel for sale with this property, which will only be sold with the home or after the home is sold. Make your appointment today to view this exquisite estate with dramatic elevation changes and million dollar views.

 

This Home professionally marketed by:

Ray and Karen Levy

www.picture-perfecthomes.com

352-978-8551

Lake County Home Pros


Posted by Karen Levy on January 31st, 2010 10:30 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
Don't Forget About $6500 Tax Credit!
January 31st, 2010 9:39 AM

"Existing Homeowners Taking Advantage of $6,500 Tax Credit"

Many Existing Homeowners are eligible for a credit up to $6,500 when they purchase a home.

 

 

It's no secret that Florida is a great place to live and for a short time you may receive a $6500 gift when you purchase a home!

One fact that surprises many purchasers is that they do not have to sell their currenthome to receive the credit. Of course, the home must become their primary residence.

Qualifi ed first time purchasers still receive a credit of up to $8000. Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be fi nal by June 30th.

The best way to learn how to take advantage of this historic tax credit is to contact any Realtor.  Here is just one example of how this credit is stimulating the economy. One gentleman who purchased a fixer-upper for $52,000 was pleased to learn he will receive a $5,200 credit. The money will be used to update the kitchen with new appliances and flooring. 

Previously the fi xer-upper had been on the market and abandoned for over one year.  Clearly the incentives are having a positive effect on home sales. The monthly number sales by Realtors® in Lake and Sumter counties climbed over 60% from 204 to 335 when compared to December 2008. The market is responding to increased affordability coupled with appealing interest rates and the tax credit.

Karen Lindeman-Bennett of Regions Bank in Lake County, FL said:" Stimulating the housing market is one of the best ways to accelerate the recovery of our local and national economy. The $8,000 tax credit has a powerful role in increasing home sales in Central Florida. With the expansion of the credit to include moveup buyers we expect this trend to continue."

Raphael "Ray" Levy

Lake County Home Pros

www.lakecountyhomepros.com

352-978-8551 


Posted by Karen Levy on January 31st, 2010 9:39 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog
Recent Posts:

Archive:

My Favorite Blogs:

Sites That Link to This Blog:

PICTURE-PERFECT HOMES
Finding your dream home and making it a Reality!

Cell:

Sell My Home Here | Lake County Events | First Time Buyers | Get Pre-qualified | Lake County BLOG

Copyright © 2010 Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty
Portions Copyright © 2010 a la mode, inc.
Another XSite by a la mode, inc. | Terms of UseSite Map
All rate, payment, and area information are estimates and approximations only.



 
State:
County:
City:
Zip: