Century 21 Orlando Real Estate

Realogy Calls for White House Summit on Housing

2011-08-08T12:17:00.002-04:00

Earlier this morning our parent company, Realogy, issued a press release announcing the Company's formal request to President Obama calling for a White House Summit on Housing. Realogy asked the President and his Administration to seek recommendations from real estate business leaders to help stimulate a sustained housing recovery.

"Housing has an enormous impact on our nation's GDP and given its substantial influence on all aspects of the economy, we believe it warrants special attention from the White House," said Realogy CEO Richard A. Smith. "The key to the proposed White House Summit on Housing would be its emphasis on bringing together real estate business leaders to make actionable recommendations designed to stimulate the growth necessary for a sustained recovery in housing, which would have an ensuing positive effect on job creation and the broader U.S. economy."

"We believe that frontline business operators from the residential real estate industry would add a valuable perspective to the process, and this summit would give the Administration the benefit of unfiltered, real-time market feedback from business leaders who are residential brokerage operators, real estate franchisors, homebuilders, mortgage lenders and other related industry groups," added Smith.

In his letter to the President, Smith concluded by stating, "Your leadership on this issue would bring together the top business minds of the residential real estate industry at a time when practical business experience may very well offer the guidance necessary to stimulate housing, and thus, the U.S. economy."

CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals Grows Market Presence

2011-08-01T09:37:00.006-04:00

PRESS RELEASE:
Orlando, Florida – July 21, 2011 -- CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals is pleased to announce the Merger with Century 21 Premium Properties located in Celebration. The company will continue to operate under the CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals name and specialize in Residential, Luxury Homes, Relocation and Commercial business. CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals headquarters will remain at 564 N. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando.

“As respected and established real estate brokerage companies on their own, the coming together of these companies means a heightened level of service for area home buyers and sellers,” said John Huebner, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals. “We are thrilled with our expansion into the beautiful Celebration area and look forward to growing our presence in the luxury home market.”

Dane and Dana Bradley, past owners of Century 21 Premium Properties and established professionals in the Celebration area will continue their real estate careers as full-time sales agents at this location. “When we decided to take Premium Properties to the next level it was apparent that John’s company was the only choice to provide the best tools and technology for our agents to succeed. We would not have made the decision to merge with any other company.” said Dane.

This announcement comes shortly after two other major moves by Century 21 Real Estate Professionals, which remains the largest CENTURY 21 Company in Central Florida with 200 associates. In February 2011 Century 21 Real Estate Professionals also merged with Century Executive Team in South Orlando. In early July 2011 the former Executive Team office was relocated to a great location in the heart of Lake Nona in the Publix Plaza on the corner of Narcoossee Road and Moss Park Road. “The recent acquisitions by John Huebner has skyrocketed Century 21 Real Estate Professionals to the 3rd largest Century 21 Company in the state of Florida and may give the first and second place companies a run for their money,” said Joe Cremonese, CENTURY 21 Regional Broker Service Manager.

In addition to being a full-service real estate company offering everything our local clients may need under one roof, CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals is dedicated to providing world class service to relocation clients as an active member of the CARTUS® Global Relocation Network and as exclusive relocation partners with Florida Hospital.

About CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals
CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals (www.1stOrlandoRealEstate.com) began in 1999 and has grown to be Orlando’s largest Century 21 franchise with locations in Orlando, Winter Springs, Lake Nona and Longwood. A full-service approach includes an in-house mortgage company, Title Company, property management division, real estate licensing school, technology department, custom color magazine, LeadRouter® online lead generation and management system, transaction coordinators and a networking program of home service providers.

About CENTURY 21
Century 21 Real Estate LLC (www.century21.com) is the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 8,300 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 58 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.
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Century 21 Convention Recap

2011-04-06T12:21:00.001-04:00

February 2011 Sales Board

2011-03-15T16:15:00.001-04:00

New home sales rebound, but growth remains slow

2011-01-11T12:20:00.000-05:00

Demand for newly built homes for sale increased during the month of November as the housing market, and the economy as a whole, continues to show slow improvements through the end of this year.

According to the Commerce Department, the pace of new home sales nationwide in November increased 5.5 percent compared to the previous month to an annual rate of 290,000. While that rate was also 21.2 percent below the pace from November 2009, the year-ago numbers were also likely inflated by the impact of the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which was originally scheduled to expire last November before it was extended at the last minute.

"While builders continue to face a great deal of competition from short-sale and foreclosure properties, the improvement registered in new-home sales in November is a good sign," said Bob Jones, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

As has been seen in previous reports, regional differences were widespread. Monthly sales increases of 37.3 and 5.8 percent were seen in the West and South regions of the country, respectively, while the Northeast and Midwest – areas with more severe winter weather – saw declining sales.

As sales increased, the prices of new homes for sale also showed significant monthly gains. According to the report, the median price of new homes sold during the month was $213,000, while the average was $268,700. Both of those figures were up significantly from the previous month, with the median price increasing more than 9 percent from its October levels.

"Builders in our latest surveys have indicated that they are starting to see more buyers who are seriously considering a new-home purchase, and today's numbers showing that sales headed in the right direction in November bode well for what the future may hold," said NAHB chief economist David Crowe.

That increase in sales, along with low construction numbers, helped drive down the nation's inventory of new homes for sale to 197,000 – the first time in more than 40 years that the number has fallen below 200,000. Despite the low raw number, it still amounts to an 8.2-month supply. However, if sales pick up, there could be a sudden shortage of available properties.

Economists have continued to say that a pickup in new home sales won't really take place until jobs numbers begin to show significant improvement, which should start to take place next year.

"The sales numbers should improve during 2011," said Patrick Newport, an economist with research firm IHS Global Insight. "The economy is starting to generate new jobs. New jobs will require that new homes be built nearby."

Other reports have also pointed towards a slow improvement in the jobs market. A report last week from the Department of Labor showed that the number of workers filing for unemployment has dropped by 3,000 last week to 420,000 – the second-lowest level of the year. In addition, the four-week moving average – a less volatile measurement – rose slightly to 426,000 during the week, but remained near low levels last seen in 2008.

"We have a labor market that is gradually on the mend," Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS, told Bloomberg. "It's still going to be a long haul."

The slow pace of that recovery can be seen in the national unemployment rate, which has grown over the past few months even though the number of actual jobs has increased. According to the Department of Labor, the national unemployment rate in November was 9.8 percent, up from 9.6 percent in each of the last three months.

New sales contracts on the increase; median price still holding steady

2011-01-04T13:50:00.002-05:00

(December 13, 2010 – Orlando, FL) Members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association reported an increase in the number of home-sale contracts they filed in November, with 3,243 newly filed contracts topping last November’s tally of 3,023 by 7.28 percent.

The area’s pending sales statistic — like new contracts — is also an indicator of future sales activity. A total of 8,998 homes are currently under contract and awaiting closing. This number is also an increase (of 4.23 percent) over the 8,633 homes that were under contract in November 2009.

Members of ORRA recorded completed sales on 1,848 homes in November, which is a 20.65 percent decrease over the November 2009 tally of 2,329 sales. To date, Orlando area home sales are up 21.55 percent over this time in 2009.

“Uneven sales patterns are to be expected over the next months,” explains ORRA Chairman of the Board Mike McGraw, McGraw Real Estate Services. “We are experiencing aftershocks from slowdowns caused by the homebuyer tax credit ending and the temporary foreclosure stoppage. But at the same time, buyers who are responding to record-low interest rates and enticingly low home prices are contributing to a push-pull effect on Orlando’s housing market.”

The median sales price of all homes sold in the Orlando area held steady at $105,000 during November, the third month in a row. According to ORRA the current median price remains 5.11 percent higher than the $99,900 median price recorded in August 2010 and is 14.63 percent below the median price of $123,000 recorded in November 2009.

The median price for “normal” existing homes – i.e., those that are neither a short sale nor a foreclosure – sold in November is $159,900. The median price for bank-owned sales is $78,101 and the median price for short sales is $99,950. The lower median prices of bank-owned and short sales, which accounted for 66.67 percent of all sales in November, exert a downward influence on the overall median price.

The Orlando affordability index decreased to 261.95 percent in November. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $53,390 can qualify to purchase one of 9,027 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $275,049 or less.

First-time homebuyer affordability in November decreased to 186.28 percent. First-time buyers who earn the reported median income of $36,305 can qualify to purchase one of 6,493 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $166,252 or less.

Homes of all types spent an average of 97 days on the market before coming under contract in November 2010, and the average home sold for 94.08 percent of its listing price. In November 2009 those numbers were 85 and 94.90 percent, respectively. The area’s average interest rate increased in November to 4.48 percent.

February 2010 Sales Board

2010-03-01T09:33:00.003-05:00

Orlando median price edges up

2010-01-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

Members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association closed 51.83% more homes in December of this year than last, bringing year-to-date Orlando area sales to 59.31% above 2008. In addition, pending sales finished out the year a whopping 150.02% above 2008. There were 2,194 closings in December, just about double the number of those that took place in December 2008 (1,455). Of those December sales, 67.37% of the homes were either bank-owned (961) or short sales (517). The remaining (716) normal sales made up 32.63%.

There is currently more than double the number of pending sales (8,163) than in December of last year (3,265). A total of 2,984 sales contracts were newly filed in the month of December, which is a jump of 59.49 percent compared to December 2008 (1,871). The median price of all existing homes combined sold in December 2009 increased 1.63 percent to $125,000 from the $123,000 recorded in November 2009. December 2009's median price is a decrease of 25.37 percent compared to December 2008's median of $167,500.

Eight Top Techniques to Retain Clients

2010-01-15T14:03:00.002-05:00

Agent-client relationships are more important today than they have ever been in the history of real estate. The internet has brought about the mass sharing of information which means that our clients no longer have to beg, borrow, or steal to get what they want from us. Buyers and sellers expect and deserve a level of service higher than ever before.

I want to share with you eight techniques that will keep your buyers and sellers coming back again and again.

1. Provide personalized service: Technology has replaced and automated many of the things we do. Assistants and virtual assistants do extra tasks for us. It is awful easy to lose the personal interaction with our clients -- don't let it happen to you. Personal service always has been and always will be the heart and soul of our business.

2. You get by giving: Don't expect a client to be loyal to you and your brand if you are always demanding from them and giving nothing. Give to them first and set the stage for a great relationship. When you give enough, you ensure you get back what you need in your business and life.

3. Make your client’s number one goal your number one goal: Ask them, "What's your number one goal in making this move? I ask because I want to make that my most important goal." Your show of concern for what your clients want will knock out the competition who are often focused on what they believe to be most important and don't care enough to ask.

4. Deliver more than you promise: Today most people and businesses deliver less than they promise and we often accept that as standard practice. Choose to be different. At the minimum, do everything you promise to do -- then think of one thing more and do that as well. In doing so, you will stand head and shoulders above your competition.

5. Prepare your clients for the worst, not the best: When you prepare them for the best your reputation has no where to go but down. At best, they see you just delivering on your promise -- at worst they view you as incompetent. When things take less time or less money than they were prepared for, your clients will be pleasantly surprised and your reputation will grow positively.

6. Call often: Ring, ring. "Hello, Mr. Seller? This is _____. I was just calling just to thank you for being such a great client. Any new activity going on there that I didn't know about? Any questions I can answer for you? No? Well okay, let's stay in touch and thanks once again." Two minutes out of your day and your clients will remember you as an agent who cares.

7. Listen often: God created the perfect machine when he gave us two ears and one mouth. Make a practice of listening twice as much as you speak. Clients have complaints and they want to be heard. "Why isn't my house selling?" "What are you doing to help?" Quite often the ones complaining just want to be heard. If it stays bottled up inside them one day they will explode and you end up losing a client. Let them vent and don't defend what you do. Just ensure them that you are on their side.

8. After the sale, never lose touch: Statistically 89% of clients would use their same Realtor for repeat business but only 11% actually do. Why? Because they have short memories and lose touch with their agent. Make it easy for them to call you by mailing a post card once a month, calling them twice a year, and seeing them once a year. This is where an automated system can save you time AND show your clients that you care enough to stay in touch.

by: Floyd Wickman

Freezing in Florida!

2010-01-12T12:02:00.003-05:00

The car is still frozen at 8:15am!

Homebuyer Tax Credit to be Extended and Expanded

2009-11-09T10:49:00.002-05:00

The Senate has voted to extend and expand a popular tax credit for homebuyers that was scheduled to expire Nov. 30. The House is expected to schedule a quick vote on the bill, part of a package that also extends unemployment benefits for people out of work more than a year. How the homebuyer tax credit would work:

Tax credit: Ten percent of the purchase price of a primary residence, up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers. First-time homebuyers are defined as people who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Repeat buyers must have owned their current home at least five years. The credit cannot be used for houses costing more than $800,000.

Deadline for qualifying: Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30.

Military deadline: The deadline is extended by a year for members of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days from Jan. 1, 2009, to May 1, 2010.

Income limits: Individuals with annual incomes up to $125,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.

How to apply: Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.

By The Associated Press (AP)

End of October Sales Results

2009-11-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

Not a bad October! Let's keep it up in November!

Mortgage News

2009-10-12T16:42:00.000-04:00

A recent Wall Street Journal article about the first-time homebuyer tax credit cautions buyers under contract to wait until after closing before purchasing appliances, furniture or similar items on credit.1 The article notes that some mortgage lenders are running credit reports on closing day, and even an additional credit inquiry (let alone a purchase) may raise a red flag that could require additional documentation and potentially delay closing.

At Century 21 Mortgage®, we know how important it is to make the mortgage process easy for you and your customers, and to close on time. In keeping with that commitment, here are some insights you can share with your buyers regarding how lenders view credit to ensure a smoother mortgage experience.

Lenders need to know: can your customer afford the payment? Before offering a loan, the lender examines debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. If a buyer under contract takes on additional debt, then that could change the ratio—potentially making the mortgage unaffordable. That’s a situation that both lenders and buyers want to avoid.

Lenders make a loan offer based on 3 to 4 months banking history. By looking at your customer’s bank statements over several months, a lender has a pretty good idea where your customer’s money comes from and where it goes. An unusually large withdrawal or deposit before closing may require further documentation, so the lender knows the customer isn’t accumulating additional debt.

Lenders want to know the customer’s track record at paying their debts. That’s where the credit rating comes in. If a new credit report is pulled before closing, it suggests that the consumer may be looking to acquire more debt—and this could jeopardize the affordability of the mortgage.

In summary: For buyers under contract, credit purchases and credit inquiries can raise red flags, prompting a lender to ask for additional documentation. A buyer’s best bet is to work with a lender who will take the time to offer professional guidance and explain up front exactly what they need to do to close on time.

Beginning of October Comments

2009-10-05T16:39:00.001-04:00

The season is changing, another year is nearing an end and most would agree that we are beginning to see gradual and consistent signs of recovery in our real estate market and the economy in general. Some of these trends can be painfully slow to detect and difficult to translate depending on which media outlet has put their spin on newly released housing and economic data. The important thing to consider is that most experts agree we are headed in a positive direction. It is also important to not get disappointed during our typical holiday slowdown that is right around the corner and realize it is just a seasonal fluctuation and not a negative indication of the overall direction of our healing real estate market.

$8,000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit Ends November 30th

2009-09-15T09:16:00.001-04:00

Revolutionary Century 21 iPhone Application

2009-08-31T14:36:00.002-04:00

Consumers are changing the way they want to be communicated with by brands. There was a time when one way advertising – like radio and television – was compelling enough to drive home buyers to our doors. Today's savvy consumers want to engage interactively in brand communications. They also want information immediately.

CENTURY 21® Real Estate is delivering what consumers want! We are pleased to announce that we are launching a branded iPhone application for real estate consumers in October, 2009!

This iPhone app will be a highly functional tool that is Gold Standard, bringing CENTURY 21 innovation to life. It will deliver local listings and community information through GPS. With the touch of an iPhone button, consumers will be able to review all the listings and open houses in any neighborhood. Buyers researching local neighborhoods or pondering a cross-country move can enter any location nationwide and view neighborhood information, property values and school ratings.

With this new app, consumers can use the built-in camera to take photos of properties. They can also add personal notes and attach them to the saved listing.

Century 21 Real Estate Professionals Rental Website

2009-08-05T15:44:00.003-04:00

www.c21rep.com, the Property Management and Rental Website for Century 21 Real Estate Professionals, exceeded 750 customer leads this week. The site was launched in September 2007 and has seen a huge increase in traffic as of late.

Generational Communication Misperceptions

2009-08-04T15:44:00.001-04:00

Generational communication differences are the topic of the day! Maximize potential business opportunities by incorporating some generational insights. Potential clients want to feel that you really “get them", however beware there are some myths and misperceptions that might allow for misstep – here are a few to consider:

Misperception #1 – Gen Y has a very short attention span. Perhaps that is sometimes accurate, but consider their incessant exposure to everything instantaneous – who can blame them for wanting it “fast and now!” When communicating with Gen Y be prepared to give them what they need in a more condensed “to the point” fashion. When selling to them, they respond when things are simple, easy to follow, transparent and open.

Misperception #2 – Baby Boomers don’t like change. In today’s environment change is happening faster than ever and studies show it’s not going to slow down any time soon. Yes, many Boomers have struggled with change, but by and large have embraced change as it hits them. If you’re a Boomer selling to a Gen Y or Xer, don’t talk about “the good old days!”

Misperception #3 – Gen X gets along well with Gen Y because they are closer in age. According to a late-breaking study Gen X actually gets more frustrated with Gen Y than do the Boomers. Gen Xers describe Gen Y as too direct, self-absorbed and abrasive. So if you’re the Gen Yer, use more diplomacy, if you’re the Gen Xer, show more patience.

Misperception #4 – Gen Y is irresponsible. According to the most recent polls, Gen Y is on track to become the most civically and politically engaged generation ever! The recent election is a testament to that fact. So when selling to a Gen Y individual/family, appeal to their sense of community.

As life evolves each generation puts their stamp of growth and individuality on their era. Etiquette and courtesy has to catch up – we didn’t need e-mail, cell phone or texting etiquette in the 1980’s. Each generation has the responsibility to pass along their best practices by setting good examples from which to learn. Your greatest sales opportunities will come from clients who feel you really “get them!”

by Deborah Thomas-Nininger

New Foreclosure, Bank-Owned and Short-Sale Listings

2009-07-21T10:25:00.003-04:00

Tons of new Foreclosure, Bank-Owned and Short-Sale listings have been added to our main Website! The photos here are for a beautiful home in Mount Dora with 3 BR / 2.5 BA / 2,948 Sq. Ft. and water views. Offered for only $189,900. View all of the listings at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/foreclosures

Are You Ready for Some Business Planning?

2009-07-14T16:38:00.002-04:00

In hard times having a Plan B, is important to staying calm and staying afloat. Its often been said that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. There's definitely truth in this statement. Is your current business plan an underchiever or even worse, non existent? Below are 3 GREAT strategies for putting together a plan!

#1: Let Purpose Drive Your Plan:

As much as you may LOVE real estate, you can bet there’s going to be a day when you question whether there’s an easier way to make a living, especially with the extra challenges that come with today’s real estate market! Just ask some of the most experienced sales associates in your office.

Let’s say a close friend or your favorite client finally decides to buy a home, but happened to forget one very important thing, to call YOU! Or, the short sale that you’ve been working on for months falls apart just days before closing. What greater purpose is going to wake you up the next morning, motivated to start all over again? What desire or dream do you have in life that’s important enough to forget the pain of rejection or disappointment that can come with a real esate career?

Most of your hopes and dreams will require a commitment of your time, money or both to accomplish them! That leads you to the first step in the business planning cycle...the life budget, where you define the costs associated with creating this life you want to live, then you build a plan to fund it! THIS is where your reasons for doing this job and your business plan are connected!

#2 – Know Everything There Is to Know about Yourself!

Business planning, in its’ simplest format is a cycle of interrelated activity. Once you’ve completed the first step...finalizing your life budget, you’ll need to subtract any other income source you have in order to determine the specific amount of income that must come from real estate. You’re now ready to calculate the number of sales you’ll need, the sources you’ll target, and the marketing budget necessary to make your plan a success.

Keep in mind, having no marketing budget is like driving a car with no gas in it. Just accept the fact that it’s going to be a short trip to nowhere!

Statistical information is at the foundation of this business plan. It’s basically impossible to convert your income goal into the number of sales needed without knowing key statistics such as your average sales price or average commission per sale, and these are just the start!

#3 – Keep Focused on the End Result

I love this old adage: “No one really cares how often the captain of the ship weathers the storm. What really matters is whether he or she ultimately brings that ship into port.

What a great analogy to our daily lives in real estate and the importance of an effective business plan. Done correctly, it will serve as the compass that consistently realigns your course each time the latest crisis or problem in your business demands your time and distorts your focus.

Remember, making it into port is what really matters! And what part of the plan keeps you engaged in the process of getting back on track? Your Purpose ...those areas of your life that you’ve defined as your reasons “why” you’re doing this job in the first place....and that brings us full circle.

So, if you really want to win at the game of success, then define your purpose, know your stats, and keep focused on the end result.

Now you know I have to ask you an important question...“Are You Ready for Some Effective Business Planning?!”

by Pam Ermen

A Call to Action!

2009-06-30T11:02:00.001-04:00

There is a battle being fought and many in the real estate industry are losing. The morale of people who have worked so hard to make your company a success is being stolen from them, which makes it next to impossible to do their sales job with committed loyalty. You know, in the last few years I have been fortunate enough to work with many organizations, such as the National Association of REALTORS® and many of the national real estate brands. One common thread I have found during my time with them is their positive energy has diminished. What I mean by that, is the enthusiasm and excitement that was once palpable for those in real estate has now dwindled to a quiet whisper. Understand though, it’s not your fault and what’s more, it doesn’t have to be this way!

Please, take a moment and read over the overview attached below and think about getting help for those who make the Century 21 family the strong force that it is! Now, not next month or next year, is when your company must stand and lead their people in creating positive momentum, rather than just hoping things will change.

I challenge you to take this opportunity to take a step toward strengthening your Real Estate company, strengthening your people and yourself by learning the crucial process of "Rebuilding Morale" within your organization. Understand, rebuilding that morale is not something that can be done in the future when things are better; it must be done NOW so there will be a future to build on. Take the time to print and read the article attached.

by Richard Flint

Century 21 LeadRouter

2009-06-24T16:45:00.005-04:00

Nearly 87% of homebuyers begin their home search online and almost 50% of leads never get a response... The CENTURY 21® LeadRouter system makes sure that leads never get missed, giving you a competitive advantage over other real estate companies and agents in your area. It will automatically connect qualified buyers seeking information about a property directly to one of your agents.

Let's take a closer look at what LeadRouter® is exactly and the benefits that come with it:

1. LeadRouter is a unique system that captures leads, converts them into a voice call, routes it to your cell phone and provides online follow-up tools throughout – all at the speed of light! LeadRouter captures leads from many sources, including company web sites, REALTOR.COM, personal web pages and more. It even handles manually entered leads from calls, walk-ins and open-houses. Consumers simply inquire from the web and LeadRouter takes over to get the lead to you anywhere, anytime, directly on your cell phone!

2. LeadRouter uses a special "logic" system to match the lead with the right agent. It can match listing leads with the listing agent or find a Spanish-speaking agent for a Spanish-speaking consumer - according to each agent’s skill profile and rules established by your company.

3. LeadRouter sends leads to your cell phone and "reads" the lead out loud, using state of the art text-to-speech technology. Agents "hear" leads on their cell phone – then contact the consumer right away, without the need to check email. LeadRouter helps agents contact leads – and capture consumers – wherever they can receive a phone call.

4. After accepting the lead, LeadRouter records that lead in the Agent’s personal Lead Management System where they can incubate the lead until it becomes a sale. Once an agent accepts a lead, LeadRouter requires the agent to follow a system of "reporting stages" to update the lead in a timely and consistent manner. This helps the agents systematically incubate leads and turn them into sales – and provides your company with maximum awareness and control over every incubating lead.

5. Throughout the process, the company can monitor leads, providing support as necessary and helping convert the consumer into an active transaction. LeadRouter’s comprehensive reporting system also helps brokers track lead volume, sources of leads, conversion rates and office-level performance. Custom reports also help brokers identify skill areas and lead management opportunities on an agent-by-agent basis, making LeadRouter a powerful management – and recruiting – tool.

New Fine Homes & Estates Listings

2009-06-22T16:19:00.004-04:00

New listings have been added to the Fine Homes & Estates pages at the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals main Website. View them all at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/fhe.html

U.S. becoming more diverse

2009-06-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

The nation is becoming even more diverse: More than one third of its population belongs to a minority group, and Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment. The U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday that the minority population reached an estimated 104.6 million-or 34% of the nation's total population-on July 1, 2008, compared to 31% when the Census was taken in 2000. Nearly one in six residents, or 46.9 million people, are Hispanic, the agency reported.

Even more telling for the future: 44% of children under age 18 and 47% of children under the age of five are now from minority families. The quickly expanding Latino population is having a healthy impact on the economy, according to Ken Gronbach, author of "The Age Curve: How to Profit from the Growing Demographic Trend."

"Latinos have saved our country," he said. "They represent 14% of the population but 25% of the live births. The United States is the only western industrialized nation with a fertility rate above the 2.2 per new births per household family replacement rate." Growth of other minority groups is also outpacing that of the majority population. Asians, the second-fastest growing group, increased 2.7% year-over-year to 15.5 million. The African-American population rose 1.3% to 41.1 million.

They will also help to prop up the real-estate market once the economy begins to recover, according to Rakesh Kochhar, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center. During the housing boom, minorities closed much of the homeownership gap, although the bust has worked to widen that again.

Source: CNNMoney.com

New Home Festival & Trade Show

2009-06-18T09:10:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Century 21 Connections Summer New Home Festival and Trade Show a success! The event was held on June 4th at American Pools and Spas' indoor showroom on Narcoossee Road in Orlando. Look for us again next year, this may become an annual event!

A new CENTURY 21 Partnership With HomeFinder.com

2009-05-29T14:33:00.006-04:00

Maximizing exposure for your listings – It's what can make the difference between a closed side of business and another property in inventory. As a CENTURY 21® System member, exposure for your listings just got better! HomeFinder.com is the latest distribution partner – expanding our reach and getting your listings in front of even more consumers.

www.HomeFinder.com and their affiliate network of 130+ local newspaper Web sites will now showcase your listings to consumers who shop locally. For example, if your office has a listing in Pennsylvania, this listing will automatically be featured on Homefinder.com, as well as their local affiliate newspapers in Pennsylvania (The Morning Call and the Centre Daily Times). It's that simple!

This partnership is a terrific way to increase the visibility of CENTURY 21 listings online!

Organizational Announcement - Mike Miedler

2009-05-26T15:58:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce the following promotions in the CENTURY 21 Family.

Michael Miedler has assumed the role of Vice President for WREM (World Real Estate Marketing LLC). WREM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, was formerly referred to as LFRO (Limited Function Referral Organization). This new entity will allow us to work with licensed agents around the country that would rather refer business than list or sell business, and drive their prospective customers to CENTURY 21 Agents. This is a key part of our long term strategy of growing our market share. Mike will report directly to me in this key role.

Mike brings a vast wealth of experience to this new role. He started his career with us back in 1998 in the Franchise Administration Department and then advanced his career in the Franchise Sales Administration Department as the Vice President responsible for managing the sales administration process. In 2007, he took on the role of Managing Director for ONCOR International.

I would also like to share with you an organizational change; Adam Lerman, National Director of Recruiting, will report directly to me. I wish to emphasize the importance of recruiting as it is one of the core pillars in our long term growth strategy. Adam has been instrumental in creating a dynamic recruiting plan that recently debuted on 21Online.com. The Roadmap to Success provides our broker community with an easy to follow roadmap to follow in their pursuit of qualified, new talent.

Mike and Adam will be working together to help some existing agents migrate to WREM, while at the same time Adam, working with Jim Ramsay’s Field staff will help brokers more effectively recruit productive agents into the CENTURY 21 Family.

Please join me in welcoming Mike to the team. These changes continue to put our strength behind our people and our Brand.

Best Regards,

Craig Leonard
Chief Operating Officer
Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Summer New Home Festival and Trade Show June 4th

2009-05-22T12:36:00.004-04:00

New Bank-Owned, Foreclosure, Short-Sale and Preforeclosure Listings

2009-05-18T16:11:00.003-04:00

Several new listings have been added to the Foreclosure section of the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals main site. The sample home here is located in Winter Springs and features 3 BR, 2BA, 2 car garage, screened pool, wood laminate floors and a spacious split plan. Asking price is $179,000. View all of the listings at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/foreclosures/index.html

2009-05-11T12:01:00.003-04:00

Here comes Summer! Not only has the weather here in beautiful Central Florida reminded us that the warm Summer months are on the way, the real estate market is heating up too!

April was a promising month and we are looking forward to the market strengthening even more through the Summer as it usually does, while many families will again be looking for new homes during the school vacation...let’s be ready for them!

Please consider joining us for the Summer New Home Festival and Trade Show in early June it is shaping up to be a really great event!

New milestone for Century 21 Real Estate Property Management Website

2009-05-06T15:36:00.002-04:00

The main property management website of Century 21 Real Estate Professionals has reached another milestone this week. After beginning a new link exchange program earlier this year, the site has already reached 100 links exchanged with similar industry websites. If you would like to exchange links with us, please contact us at www.c21rep.com or find us in the link exchange directory at www.linkmarket.net

Reaching Out to First-Time Buyers

2009-04-28T08:57:00.003-04:00

Business Cards ... check. Web site up to date ... check. First Time Home Buyer Campaign in Full Throttle ...???? Wait ... Why not???

I often ask the following question in my seminars or when I'm talking to clients-- "Have you read the book, Who Moved My Cheese?" Almost every hand will go up. It's a great short book and really relevant for us right now. Here's the thing, in this market, YOUR CHEESE HAS MOVED!

I don't need to remind you that the business has changed--you get it. However, many sales associates have yet to adjust their strategies for getting more cheese. Last month, Move, Inc. reported more than half of all homebuyers (53.5%) who are planning to buy in the next five years will be first-time homebuyers. We also know that the government is offering a great $8000 tax credit for the first-time homebuyer who qualifies financially for this credit. So, let's not waste a minute more. Get to work on some new ideas to attract the first-time homebuyers.

(1) Talk to your past clients/centers of influence this weekend and ask the following question, "Who should I talk to about all of the great first-time buyer incentives out there?" If we want the economy to stabilize, we all have to be part of the solution, right? Talk to your them about your goals to help improve the economy with one buyer at a time!

(2) Offer seminars. Get out in the community and schedule homebuyer seminars that talk about the great opportunities for first-time buyers. Set up something at your local meeting hall, public library, school or a great restaurant you frequent.

(3) Partner with local banks and lenders for a combined program. Lenders are the experts on financing options and you are the expert and where the market is going and how to best service home owners. Offer legally sanctioned incentives when possible. Work on a combined marketing campaign. Consumers want to learn about their options.

(4) Market to Renters. Consider marketing to higher-end apartment buildings. Many renters are sick of paying the apartment owner's rent and living in close proximity to their neighbors. Target two or three large buildings in the area and market your service directly to them.

(5) Engage in Social Media. Through LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other social networking platforms. Send direct marketing materials to newlyweds or engaged couples or couples experiencing a "life transition." Also consider sending setting up shop at bridal fairs and bridal tradeshows. Someone in my company just recently got engaged and it was interesting to see the very specific, targeted marketing companies could create through Facebook. Have your ad linked to your Web site where you can connect to prospects.

Now is the perfect time when opportunity is all around. Go for it!

New home sales data show encouraging signs

2009-04-24T16:47:00.001-04:00

New reports raise hope slides in housing, manufacturing nearing end

WASHINGTON - New home sales and demand for big-ticket manufactured goods both were better than expected in March, raising some hopes that the long slides in housing and manufacturing are slowly coming to an end.

New home sales fell 0.6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 356,000 from an upwardly revised February rate of 358,000, the department said. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a sales pace of 340,000 units.

February’s results were 6 percent higher than originally reported, but home sales last month were down nearly 31 percent from March 2008.

The housing results fanned optimism that developers have slashed prices and construction enough that sales have finally hit bottom. Prices, however, are likely to remain weak for months as builders continue to clear out their stock of unsold homes.

Orlando Housing Trends Summary Q1 2009

2009-04-23T09:12:00.001-04:00

Home sales continue to rise as housing affordability hits record high

2009-04-16T16:38:00.004-04:00

(April 13, 2009 – Orlando, FL) Orlando area home sales have again experienced an increase in activity, with members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association involved in the sale of 47.59 percent more homes in March of this year than March of last year: 1,653 to 1,120.

In addition, Orlando REALTORS® filed 76.06 percent more contracts in the month of March (2,956) than in March 2008 (1,679). Overall, pending sales — considered by housing economists to be a reliable indicator of future sales — continued its upward trend in March to 4,906. There were more than twice as many homes under contract in March 2009 compared to March 2008 (2,398).

"Orlando homebuyers are getting back into the market and taking advantage of the improved affordability," says ORRA President Les Simmonds, L.G. Simmonds Real Estate Corp. "Lower prices, record low interest rates, and a vast selection of homes give homebuyers increased buying power, making it an excellent time to buy a home. This is especially true for first-time buyers who are eligible for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit."

The median price of all Orlando homes sold in March ($137,000) decreased by 37.73 percent compared to March 2008 while the area’s average interest rate dropped yet again to 4.67 percent, its lowest point on record.

Of the 1,653 homes sales in March, 49.06 percent of the homes were either bank-owned (700) or distressed (111) homes. The median price of the bank-owned homes sold in March was $95,000, while the median price of distressed homes was $143,500. The median price for the “normal” homes (842) sold in March was $174,995.

The decrease in median price drove the area’s affordability index to yet another record high of 192.17 percent. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $52,250 can qualify to purchase one of 12,185 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS) for $263,270 or less.

The first-time homebuyer affordability has increased to 136.65 percent. First-time buyers who earn the reported median income of $26,000 can qualify to purchase one of 7,366 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS) for $159,132 or less.
Homes of all types spent an average of 104 days on the market before being sold in March 2009, and the average home sold for 92.66 percent of its listing. In March 2008 those numbers were 128 and 93.12 percent, respectively.

The majority of single-family homes (181) that changed hands in March 2009 were sold in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range. Eight hundred twenty-four homes sold for less than $200,000 in November, and 144 sold for more than $300,000. On the far ends of the scale, 9 homes were sold for $1 million or more while 98 homes sold for less than $50,000.

Four Important Tax Credits

2009-04-14T08:55:00.002-04:00

Being a real estate professional is much more than just selling and listing homes; there's emotions involved, relationships are created and people look to you for advice and expertise. Being we're only a couple days away from the painful April 15th tax deadline... why not share some last minute tax tips with your customers; information on credits they might not be aware of!

So what's a tax credit? Essentially it's a dollar-for-dollar reduction of taxes owed. Some credits are even refundable. Listed below are four very popular credits you should consider before filing your 2008 Federal Income Tax Return. Share this great information with clients and build on your existing relationship.

(1) The Earned Income Tax CreditThis is a refundable credit for low-income working individuals/families. Income and family size will determine the credit. For more information, please see (IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Credit).

(2) The Child and Dependent Care CreditThis credit can be applied based on total expenses paid for the care of your qualifying children under age 13, or for a disabled spouse or dependent, to enable you to work or look for work. See (IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses).

(3) The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (aka Saver's Credit)This credit is designed to help low and moderate income workers save for retirement. Qualification is pending if income falls below a certain limit and you contribute to an IRA or workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k). See (IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements).

(4) Heath Coverage Tax CreditThis credit pertains to those individuals who are receiving certain Trade Adjustment Assistance or pension benefit payments. Look to see if you are eligible for the Health Coverage Credit when you file.

There are so many more credits available to taxpayers that are either not understood or we just never knew about. Since many qualifications and limitations apply to various credits, it is advisable to check tax form instructions, listed publications and additional information that is available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov.

10 Strategies to Improve Your Customer Service

2009-04-08T11:32:00.004-04:00

Almost all real estate agents want their clients to have a great customer service experience. The difference between good and great is often minor. If you want to upgrade the experience your clients have, here are ten suggestions...

(1) Connection is the name of the gameMore than anything else, your real estate clients want you to hear their needs and be responsive to those needs. This means asking questions about what matters to them, exploring how they live their lives, and never trying to run your own agenda. When it comes to a great customer experience, making your clients the center of your universe is a winning strategy.

(2) Start on time and end earlyPeople differ in their attitudes toward time. Some are more likely to feel they have limited time and are more likely to become angry when appointments run late. To address this difference, always tell your clients your appointment will take 20-30 minutes longer than you anticipate. By allowing extra time, you avoid having to apologize about traffic or other delays. You also seem more efficient. Best of all, your clients are delighted to finish early.

(3) Demonstrate you understand their smallest needsBefore taking buyers out to view property, determine what types of drinks and snacks they enjoy. Have these available. If they are Starbuck's fans, pick up their favorite coffee drink and have it waiting when they walk into your office. If your clients have children, give the kids a coloring book or some games to keep them occupied during your appointment.

(4) Be a conduit of informationWhether your sellers are relocating or you have out of area buyers, be a resource for neighborhood and Chamber of Commerce information. For relocating sellers, personally contact several relocation agents. Interview each agent to determine who is most competent. Send the other real estate agent digital pictures of the sellers' present property. For buyers, create a welcome kit packed with information about local vendors, schools, places of worship, recreational activities, etc. In either case, update your clients a minimum of once weekly in terms of new listings, sales, and changes in interest rates.

(5) Collect available virtual tours and burn them on a diskThis is a time saver for both you and your clients. Rather than taking your sellers out to see the comparable sales, give them a CD or travel drive that shows competing listings. For relocation buyers, sending them links to various virtual tours will dramatically reduce the number of homes you will have to show. It will also help you refine your search parameters more quickly.

(6) Dig for historyWhy is a seller moving? How long has the property been listed? Is there an urgent reason the buyer or seller must take action now? This information will help your negotiate more powerfully on behalf of your clients. The more you know, the more powerful you will be at the negotiation table. The better the price, the happier your clients will be with their customer experience.

(7) Be at your bestIf you're tired, stressed out, or feeling grumpy, your clients will not have a great customer experience. Clients enjoy working with positive, energetic, and knowledgeable agents. This also means you are well groomed, your car is sparkling clean, and that you always act professionally. Avoid chewing gum, using foul language, or referring to religion, politics, or other controversial topics. To the best of your ability, avoid too much caffeine, eat well, and make sure you have plenty of sleep.

(8) Give your clients a stellar office experienceIs the receptionist in your office pleasant to clients? Is the reception area clean and attractive? How does the rest of the office look? Are the other agents the high quality professionals you would want your clients to meet? If there are problems with your receptionist, route your calls directly to your phone. If the office is less than stellar, meet clients at their home, for coffee, or at your home office. If the agents and the office do not make you proud, consider finding an office that does.

(9) Outline options and then let your clients decideRather than telling your sellers the price where they should list their property, give them the best information about current market conditions, how long it takes to market the property at higher price points, and then let them decide. The same is true when negotiating offers. Outline options and let the clients decide their course of action.

(10) Focus on the customer experience, not the outcomeLet go of any attachment you have to the outcome. When your focus is on obtaining your goals rather those of your clients, you will not provide a stellar customer experience. In contrast, when clients realize you only want the very best for them, you create the type of experience that converts them into raving fans who will refer you business for years to come.

Surprise jump in home sales

2009-04-01T10:47:00.000-04:00

There was some decent news about the housing market today, which is helping pull stocks off their lows.

Pending-home sales rose a seasonally adjusted 2.1% in February to a reading of 82.1 from 80.4 in January, the National Association of Realtors reported this morning. Economists had expected pending sales to remain unchanged.

"Pending-home sales have a way to go for there to be a meaningful increase, but recent increases in shopping activity are hopeful indicators that we'll see additional sales gains," said Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist, in a statement.

The report is based on the number of contracts signed for sales for existing homes and is considered to be a leading indicator.

April is Century 21 Open House Month!

2009-03-30T16:10:00.002-04:00

One lucky consumer will win $221,000 towards the home of their dreams!

In a time when consumers are cautious about entering the market, we're paving the path for one person to earn $221,000 and eight others to win $5,000! Plus we have thousands of instant prizes. It's a way to show the public that our CENTURY 21 Agents are helping to re-build the dream of homeownership. The more consumers entered to win, the more leads generated for you!

Projects in Downtown Orlando

2009-03-27T15:24:00.003-04:00

Camden Orange Court: Four-story apartment complex with office and retail space, 600 block of North Orange Avenue. Under construction.

Capital Plaza III: Condominium and office complex with hotel, retail and restaurant space, southeast corner of Rosalind Avenue and Pine Street. Not yet started.

Dynetech Center: 31-story apartment complex with office and retail space, corner of Magnolia Avenue and Washington Street. Will house the international headquarters of Dynetech Corp. Under construction.

East on Park: 14-story condominium complex. Not yet started.

The Jackson: Nine-story condominium complex, 521 E. Jackson St. Recently completed.

Luxparque: 18-story condominium complex, 31 units. Not yet started.

Magnolia Circle: 30-story condominium complex with ground-floor retail, 90 E. Livingston St. Not yet started.

The Monarch: 23-story residential condominium building with ground-floor retail. 300 E. Jackson St. Not yet started.

Paramount on Lake Eola: 16-story residential condominium complex with Publix supermarket and office space, 400 block of East Central Boulevard. Under construction.

The Plaza: 21- and 16-story office complex, 29-story condominium complex with retail space and a movie theater, 101 S. Orange Ave. Recently completed.

Presidential Tower: 41-story condominium complex with retail space on the first floor, between Garland, Gertrude, Jefferson and Washington streets. Not yet started.

The Sanctuary: 18-story condominium complex with office and retail space, 100 S. Eola Drive. Complete.

Star Tower: 18-story condominium complex with office and retail space, 421 E. Jackson St. Under construction.

Tradition Towers: Twin 39-story towers with condominiums, office and retail space, 150 E. Central Blvd. A connecting “sky bridge” will house University Club. Not yet started.

Verde: Twin 35-story apartment towers with retail space, southeast corner of Orange Avenue and Marks Street. Not yet started.

The Vue at Lake Eola: 35-story condominium and retail complex, 150 E. Robinson St. Under construction.

+1: 27-story, mixed-use complex with residential, retail and office space, 385 N. Orange Ave. Not yet started.

55 West: 34-story condominium and retail center within Church Street Market entertainment complex, 55 W. Church St. Under construction.

101 S. Eola Drive: Twin 12-story condominium complex on two corners of Church Street and Eola Drive. Phase one under construction.

205/215 E. Central Blvd.: 24-story residential hotel development with ground floor retail. Not yet started.

421 Eola: 421 E. Robinson St., seven-story residential building. Not yet started.

Montage: 101 Lake Avenue, 19-story apartment complex. Not yet started

Source: Orlando Homebuyer Magazine

KB HOME RANKED #1 HOMEBUILDER ON FORTUNE® MAGAZINE'S 2009 "WORLD'S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES" LIST

2009-03-25T15:10:00.002-04:00

2009 marks second year in a row that KB Home is #1 among its peers

LOS ANGELES (March 2, 2009) -- FORTUNE announced today that KB Home has been ranked the #1 homebuilder on the magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" list. The full list and related stories appear in the March 16 issue of FORTUNE, available on newsstands on Monday, March 9th, and now at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2009. The new "World's Most Admired Companies" list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations.

"For the second year in a row, KB Home is proud to join such an elite group of companies across all industries in receiving this tremendous honor, which truly represents the ultimate recognition of corporate character," said Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home. "This is a tribute to our team's total dedication to quality, innovation and sustainability as we focus on meeting the needs of our customers, employees and shareholders. We know we must continue earning our reputation every day as we design and build affordable, beautiful and high-quality homes for families across the country."

FORTUNE's survey partners at Hay Group, a global management consulting firm, started with some 1,400 companies: the FORTUNE 1,000--the 1,000 largest U.S. companies ranked by revenue; non-U.S. companies in FORTUNE's Global 500 database with revenues of $10 billion or more; and the top foreign companies operating in the U.S. They then sorted the companies by industry and selected the 15 largest for each international industry and the ten largest for each U.S. industry.

The survey covers 64 industries: 25 international industries and 39 primarily U.S.-market industries. To create the 64 industry lists, Hay Group asked executives, directors, and analysts to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. This year only the best are listed: a company's score must rank in the top half of its industry survey.

About FORTUNE
FORTUNE is a global leader in business journalism with a worldwide circulation of more than 1 million and a readership of nearly 5 million, with major franchises including the FORTUNE 500 and the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For. FORTUNE Live Media extends the brand's mission into live settings, hosting a wide range of annual conferences, including the FORTUNE Global Forum. FORTUNE magazine's online home is CNNMoney.com, the most visited and utilized business destination website.

About KB Home
KB Home, one of the nation's leading homebuilders, has delivered hundreds of thousands of quality homes for families since its founding in 1957. The company is distinguished by its Built to Order!" homebuilding approach that puts a custom home experience within reach of its customers at an affordable price. KB Home's award-winning homes and communities meet the needs of first-time homebuyers with flexible designs that also appeal to move-up buyers and active adults. Los Angeles-based KB Home was named the #1 homebuilder in FORTUNE magazine's 2009 World's Most Admired Companies list. The company trades under the ticker symbol "KBH," and was the first homebuilder listed on the New York Stock Exchange. For more information about any of KB Home's new home communities call 888-KB-HOMES or visit www.kbhome.com.

Century 21 Real Estate Professionals in proud to have KB Home in our Connections Network as a Preferred Builder!

Existing-home sales unexpectedly jump

2009-03-23T10:49:00.003-04:00

People were buying homes last month.

Existing-home sales showed a surprising 5.1% jump in February, the National Association of Realtors said in a report today, the biggest percentage gain since July 2003.

The unexpected increase was partly due to "deep price discounts," the NAR said, and was well above economists' expectations of a 0.8% to 0.9% decline. The median sales price fell 15.5% to $165,400 from February 2008.

Inventories of unsold homes rose by 5.2% to 3.8 million, which represents a 9.7-month supply.

A Gold Standard Partnership has been created between Century 21 Real Estate and REALTOR.com®

2009-03-20T16:31:00.002-04:00

Did you know that over 87% of real estate shoppers begin their search online, browsing local and national real estate Web sites for their dream home? With such a vast percentage of customers looking to the Web first, maintaining the strongest possible Internet presence will lead to CENTURY 21® listings being seen before any others.

Well we have great news for you and your agents! A Gold Standard Partnership has been created between Century 21 Real Estate LLC and REALTOR.com® that goes beyond just property listings! REALTOR.com is the most visited real estate Web site in the industry today. While CENTURY 21 listings have always appeared on REALTOR.com, this partnership will now give you the opportunity to showcase your listings on the Web site.

What added benefits does this mean for you? Included in a showcased listing are:

•25 jumbo photos,
•Enhanced property descriptions,
•Free virtual tours and full motion videos,
•Agent photo,
•Agent contact information,
•Agent Web site,
•Company logo,
•Contact information,
•Multiple lead forms, and
•Much more!

This is a tremendous breakthrough for the entire CENTURY 21 System, and it is the next step in our continued effort to dominate the real estate industry on the Web.

Industrial park's expansion will give south Lake a boost

2009-03-19T16:36:00.004-04:00

When the economy revives, south Lake County will be better positioned to accommodate commercial growth with the recent expansion of Hunt Industrial Park. The recent completion of the park's second phase added more than 103,000 square feet of flex-use space, bringing total space in the park to nearly 157,000 square feet.

The park includes 12 buildings on more than 18 acres, secured with a card-access gate system. Because the entire park is less than 5 years old, the property has advanced features that not all parks offer, such as oversized bay doors, drive-in units, and loading docks and air-conditioned offices that are handicap accessible.

Hunt Industrial Park's first phase was built in 2004, with nearly 54,000 square feet, and added more land for expansion in 2006. Donnie Hunt, the park's owner and property manager, said the park can customize units to meet different needs, with office space starting at 900 square feet.

The park has 24 tenants representing a wide range of businesses and industries, including bio-diesel fuel production, aviation repair, computer service and repair, catering, custom machining, and commercial laundry equipment.

Hunt Industrial Park is in the Clermont-Groveland area, 1 mile west of downtown Clermont and 3 miles north of State Road 50, off County Road 565A. From: Century 21 Real Estate Corporation Grassroots PR Program

Impact on Real Estate Sales by the 2009 Stimulus Plan

2009-03-17T16:15:00.003-04:00

The 2009 Stimulus plan has been signed into law, and it can significantly benefit home buyers who purchase in the next 9 ½ months. The new $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers may help to jumpstart the real estate market nationally. Unlike a previous tax rebate for first time buyers, passed last year, this new tax credit will not have to be repaid unless the home is sold within the first three years.

A first time buyer will be allowed to take up to 10% of the home purchase price, or $8,000, whichever is less, off their taxes. In order to reinvigorate the stalled housing market, this program has a time limit. The home must be purchased prior to December 1st, 2009.

The original program, as written in July of 2008, allowed a first time home buyer to deduct up to $7,500 from their taxes (10% of the cost of the home up to $7500). The original program had an income restriction which limited this program to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $75,000 per year, or $150,000 for a couple.

There were phases out above those caps to $95,000 and $170,000 for a single or couple.One of the shortcomings of the original program was that there was a strong recapture of the tax break. The buyer would have to pay back 6.67% of the credit each year, or $500, each year to be repaid over 15 years. If the home were sold prior to the 15 years, the balance would have to be repaid.

Under the new program, the maximum credit has been raised to $8,000. The income restrictions are the same as the original plan, and it still only applies to first time home buyers. However, there is no repayment of the tax credit for any first time buyer purchasing a home between January 1st and December 1st, 2009. If the home is sold within three years of the purchase, the owner must repay the entire amount of the credit, but otherwise it doesn’t have to be repaid.

With interest rates being at historic lows, home prices significantly reduced from several years ago to more affordable levels, and the prospect of getting that huge check back from the IRS, there may never again be such a perfect time for first time home buyers.

Additionally, if first time buyers come back into the marketplace to take advantage of this program before it ends, they may drive multiple transactions. An increase in the number of first time homes sold will lead to home owners being able to move into second or move-up properties, and owners of move-up properties may move into larger homes. Theoretically, one first time buyer can drive the sale of two, three or more homes.

According to Marc Lucarelli, a real estate agent with Century 21 Keim Realtors in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, "There has not been a better time to buy than now." Marc points out that "Another benefit of the 2009 Home Buyer Tax Credit is that it allows the homebuyer to spread the tax credit over a two year period. Which means you can take $4,000 on your 2009 tax return, and the other $4,000 on your 2010 tax returns. That's like claiming two extra kids for two years without having to feed them.

"According to the National Association of Home Builders, the law defines a first time home buyer as a home "buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase." If the buyer is married, both spouses must meet the criteria. Owning a vacation home or a rental property that is not used as a principal residence may still allow a buyer to qualify for the purchase.

Other plans designed to improve the lagging housing market include the raising of loan limits to $727,000 in high cost areas and over $50 billion in foreclosure mitigation. It is expected that Geitner’s Treasury plan for the second half of the TARP and TALF funds will be used to slow down foreclosures through a government guarantee and drive down interest rates by buying billions of dollars of mortgage paper.

Loren Keim is the President of Century 21 Keim Realtors in Allentown, Pennsylvania and he is the author of several books including the best selling “How to Sell Your Home in Any Market”. To hear more from Loren, check our his promotional YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn8VNXpLsWg

New Residential Listings

2009-03-13T16:12:00.002-04:00

Multiple photos of several new resdiential listings have been added to http://1storlandorealestate.com/listings.html including this townhome in Vista Lakes Town Center. Features include 3 BR / 2 BA / 1,518 SF, corner / end unit, lots of upgrades, largest model available, screened patio. Sold in 2007 for $249,900, steal it now at short-sale pricing for only $124,900!

Orlando housing market experiences uptick in sales activity, spurred by decreases in median price and interest rates

2009-03-12T13:52:00.004-04:00

(March 10, 2009 – Orlando, FL - from orlrealtor.com) Orlando area home sales have again experienced an increase in activity, with members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association involved in the sale of 28.18 percent more homes in February of this year than February of last year: 1,219 to 951.

In addition, Orlando REALTORS® filed 58.36 percent more contracts in the month of February (2,434) than in February 2008 (1,537). Overall, pending sales — considered by housing economists to be a reliable indicator of future sales — continued its upward trend in February to 4,348. There are twice as many more homes under contract in February 2009 than compared to February 2008 (2,175).

“Conditions are aligning very favorably in Orlando for buyers,” says ORRA President Les Simmonds, L.G. Simmonds Real Estate Corp. “Local first-time buyers are particularly well positioned as a result of the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, record low interest rate, and decreasing median price.”

The median price of Orlando homes sold in February ($145,500) decreased by 34.75 percent compared to February 2008 while the area’s average interest rate dropped yet again to 5.25 percent, its lowest point since May of 2005.

The decrease in median price drove the area’s affordability index to yet another record high of 169.17 percent. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $52,193 can qualify to purchase one of 11,976 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS) for $246,140 or less.

The first-time homebuyer affordability has increased to 120.30 percent.

Homes of all types spent an average of 102 days on the market before being sold in February 2009, and the average home sold for 93.03 percent of its listing price (an increase from January 2009’s 92.63 percent). In February 2008 those numbers were 123 and 92.94 percent, respectively.

The majority of single-family homes (154) that changed hands in February 2009 were sold in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range; 97 homes sold in the $140,000 - $160,000 category and 81 homes sold in the $160,000 - $180,000 category. Five hundred seventy-nine homes sold for less than $200,000 in November, and 114 sold for more than $300,000. On the far ends of the scale, 10 homes were sold for $1 million or more while 64 homes sold for less than $50,000.

Local new-home builders reported 122 new-home sales for the month of February, with a median price of $234,950.

CENTURY 21: The Gold Standard

2009-03-09T16:42:00.002-04:00

Last year we took important steps to modernize, contemporize, and energize the CENTURY 21® Brand. We put renewed emphasis on our strengths in our communications to consumers, and we highlighted our appealing attributes. Happily, we positively influenced consumers' perception of our brand and the Professional Champion agents who represent our brand.What efforts do we have underway to continue to refresh our brand in 2009? Plenty!

1. New marketing collateral, brochures, folders, and postcards are now available at Merrill Marketing* – through 21Online.com! They'll deliver not just a new look and feel, but a new way to talk to customers that is fresh and more contemporary. The copy in our new materials articulates the advantages of CENTURY 21 Professional Champions helping guide buyers and sellers on the golden path to home ownership.

2. We've updated and refreshed many tools and templates on 21Online.com. Check out the Brand Matters section under the About CENTURY 21 section. In the coming weeks, we'll make Web Brand Guidelines available, so the consistency that we are achieving in printed material is easily translated to your Web site. You will have clear and understandable guidelines on how to implement a best-in-class Web site.

3. We have a national sweepstakes campaign during our Open House Month! Be sure to capitalize on our "Path to Your Dreams" sweepstakes from April 1 – May 16th. Go to 21Online.com/aprilopenhouse, where you'll find everything you'll need to deploy this national program in your local market.

In challenging times, those that exude the optimism, discipline, and strength necessary to lead, will reap great rewards for their efforts. The CENTURY 21 System helps you assure that your marketing materials, your Web site, and your face to the consumer are the best they can be!

New Connections Partners

2009-03-06T15:20:00.006-05:00

We have added more home service vendors to the Century 21 Connections network including Closet Factory of Orlando. A little about Closet Factory:

Closet Factory will custom design, manufacture and install custom closets for any closet in your home. So whether you have a small wardrobe closet or a large walkin closet, our closet storage design experts can create the ultimate custom closet design for you. We build custom closet organizers in a variety of woods and materials ensuring that the closets you choose match your personal style. Since 1983, when Closet Factory opened its doors in California, closets (or to be more precise) custom closets have become a very highly requested home improvement by consumers nationally.

Custom closets and closet organizers are not our only business - we also custom design, manufacture and install home office, entertainment center, garages, pantry closet organizers and more!

We invite you to browse our entire website and then contact us for your free in-home design consultation today!

Custom closets
Essentials Series
Design Series
Collections Series
Custom Home Office Furniture
Garage Organizers
Wall Units & Entertainment Centers
Family Room
Kids' Closets
Laundry Rooms
Masters of Organization

Remember, Closet Factory will design, manufacture and install custom closets for any closet in your home. We offer a FREE design consultation and FREE INSTALLATION with your purchase.

Check out all of the vendors at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/connections.html

What's Selling?

2009-03-04T16:45:00.004-05:00

This VillageWalk at Lake Nona home home was listed for $249,000 and sold on 2/27/2009 for $220,000 after being on the market for approximately 4 days. Features include 2BR/2BA/1,680 SF, new appliances, plantation shutters, Corian counters, built-in entertainment center, custom tile central vac, cabinets in garage, huge laundry room, two master suites, hurricane shutters and security system with monitoring included in HOA. Zero lot line home located in gated neighborhood with community pool. Wonder what your home is worth in today's market? Visit http://1storlandorealestate.com/cma.html to find out!

How the Stimulus Plan Benefits Homebuyers

2009-03-03T11:01:00.003-05:00

H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed the House on February 13, 2009, by a vote of 246 - 184. Later that day, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of 60 - 38. The President signed the bill on February 17, 2009. The bill is a $780 billion package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts (mostly for 2009) and the rest to spending intended to occur in 2009 and 2010.

The mix of provisions of interest to REALTORS® changed frequently throughout the legislative process, with changes continuing to be made just hours before the measure was released prior to the vote. In the end, the elements of NAR’s housing agenda were included. Congress and the President have announced that a finance and housing package (including tax provisions) will be the next “big” initiative, so Congress has by no means finished its work as it affects the housing industry and REALTORS®.

The bill includes the following provisions:

- Homebuyer Tax Credit
- FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits
- Neighborhood Stabilization
- Commercial Real Estate
- Rural Housing Service
- Low Income-Housing Grants
- Tax Exempt Housing Bonds
- Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants
- Transportation Investments
- Broadband Deployment

Homebuyer Tax Credit – The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits -The bill reinstates last year's 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750. For the few areas where the 2009 limits were higher, the higher limits will apply. In addition, the bill includes language providing the HUD Secretary with the discretion, if warranted, to increase the loan limit for any “sub-area”, i.e.an area smaller than a county. The Secretary's discretion is again limited by the $729,750 cap. These 2009 limits will expire December 31, 2009.

The inclusion of these loan limit provisions in the final bill is a victory for homeowners, buyers and Realtors. While these new limits were included in version of the original stimulus bill approved by the House, the bill first approved by the Senate did not. NAR's Call for Action to both the House and the Senate prior to the final vote advocated strongly for the provisions which were then included in the final bill approved by both Chambers.

Neighborhood Stabilization – Division A, Title XII of the bill provides $2,000,000,000 in additional funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The NSP was created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 (Public Law 110–289) to provide grants through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) to states and localities to address the problems that can be created when whole neighborhoods are decimated by foreclosures. The funds can be used to purchase, manage, repair and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties. In addition, the funds can also be used by states and localities to establish financing methods for the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed properties. After purchase the homes must be used to assist individuals and families with incomes at or below 120% of area median income. Twenty-five percent of funds must be used for households with incomes at or below 50% of area median income. By leveraging their expertise in partnership with others from both the public and private sector, Realtors® in many communities have been making important contributions to their local communities’ neighborhood stabilization programs.

Commercial Real Estate - Commercial real estate is impacted primarily through those provisions of the bill focused on green building and energy efficiency as well as business tax incentives. H.R. 1 provides significant funds for state energy programs, which could be used to support commerical property owners' investment in energy efficiency upgrades while commercial property owners seeking to invest in alternative energy systems for onsite power generation would benefit from the Department of Energy Renewable Energy Loan Guarantees Program. Of particular benefit to small businesses would be certain provisions of the bill that provide tax relief in the area of bonus depreciation and capital expenditures, as well as the 5-Year carryback of net operating losses for small businesses.

Rural Housing Service – The bill provides an additional $500 million to existing USDA Rural Housing programs. The RHS provides both a guaranteed loan program and a direct housing loan program for those meeting the program’s eligibility criteria. The direct loan program will receive $270 million while $230 million will be allocated for unsubsidized guaranteed loans. It has been reported that this level of funding would provide for an additional 192,000 homeowners.

Low Income Housing Grants - Allow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.

Tax-Exempt Housing Bonds - Tax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & Grants - To promote green jobs and energy independence, ARRA invests significantly in efforts to make homes and buildings more energy efficient. The bill provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives. Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation. Another $5 billion will be available to modernize the nation’s electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help to save consumers money. There is also $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (section 8) efficiency efforts.

Transportation Investments - The bill provides $46.7 billion to states and localities for capital investment for surface transportation projects including highways, bridges, transit, and rail projects. NAR policy supports increased spending on the types of transportation infrastructure addressed in the bill with the exception of Amtrak and high-speed inter-city rail where NAR has no policy. These investments will tend to moderate traffic congestion and support a variety of transportation alternatives which will improve the quality of life of American communities and bolster the value of real estate.

Broadband Deployment - The bill creates $7.2 billion in grants to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and for mapping the availability of broadband service in the U.S. Any entity is eligible to apply for a grant including municipalities, public/private partnerships and private companies as long as they comply with the grant conditions. The grants are subject to “network neutrality” requirements to ensure that broadband networks be free of restrictions on content, sites, or platforms, on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and on the modes of communication allowed.

The bill also charges the FCC is with developing a national broadband plan that shall seek to ensure that all Americans have access to broadband capability and shall establish benchmarks for meeting that goal.

These provisions are important victories for REALTORS because increased broadband access promotes economic growth and expands opportunities for home sales. A 2006 Commerce Department report determined that property values are 6% higher in communities where broadband is available.

Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-03-02T15:28:00.015-05:00

Enhanced Tax Credit Provides Outstanding Opportunity for Home Buyers! In its efforts to stimulate the economy and revive the housing market, Congress has enacted legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers. But time is of the essence for buyers who want to take advantage of this opportunity. Only homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible. Here is some basic information about the credit:

• The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only

• The tax credit does not have to be repaid

• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000

• The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009

• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit

Looking for a Bargain?

2009-02-26T16:26:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for a bargain on a bank-owned, foreclosure or short-sale home in Central Florida you have check out The Foreclosure List at http://1storlandorealestate.com/foreclosures/index.html
Several new listings were added today and many existing properties have been reduced in price. The photo posted here is just one example: 3 / 3 / 1,806 SF townhome on a corner lot in highly desirable Avalon Park Northwest offered for only $181,800! Stop by and take a look at all of the listings!

Sneak Preview!

2009-02-25T16:47:00.003-05:00

The Century 21 Connections Magazine for March-April 2009 is now being printed! Visit http://1storlandorealestate.com/connections.html for a sneak preview of what this edition will look like. The printed copies will be on shelves within the first week of March, hopefully by the 2nd or 3rd of the month.

Century 21 Real Estate Professionals Welcomes Lydia Pisano

2009-02-24T11:34:00.005-05:00

Lydia has been listing and selling real estate since 1995. She has always been top listing agent and selling agent. Lydia has won numerous awards for her contributions to the industry such as the Rising Star award in 1997, the Orlando Regional Realtor Association's Realtor of the Year in 2001, and 3 President's awards. Lydia has also been awarded Florida Magazine's prestigious Charlie Award in 2005, for her real estate articles submitted to local newspapers, and to the real estate magazines.

Lydia has served as President of ORRA in 2004/2005, after having served on every committee, in every capacity. Lydia also currently serves as a Director for the Florida Association and the National Association of Realtors. Lydia has been appointed Federal Political Coordinator to Congressman Grayson in 2009, by NAR. She is also chairing the Legislative Political Forum for FAR.

Lydia won her first public office election in 2006, when she became Belle Isle City Commissioner. She was recently re-elected by being unopposed, and has begun her 2nd term. She has also filed to run in 2010 for Orange County Commissioner - District 4, currently held by Commissioner Linda Stewart, who is term limited.

Lydia also serves on the Technical Transportation Committee for MetroPlan, chairs the crime committee for the Conway Community Council, has served on the Pine Castle Safe Community Council, and works with local HOA's and local organizations to promote smart growth, environmental issues, protecting wildlife corridors, avoid skimming off of the lakes for irrigation, protecting private property rights, etc. She is also working with different communities to help keep the schools on the chopping block open, and to keep sports in the high schools.

2009-02-20T15:53:00.005-05:00

Several new listings have been added to the Fine Homes and Estates section of http://www.1storlandorealestate.com/ today. There are great luxury properties to choose from in some of Central Florida's best communities. Lakefront, golf front, pool homes, access to chain-of-lakes, St. Johns River and much more to choose from. View all of the homes for sale at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/fhe.html

2009-02-19T16:45:00.002-05:00

1stOrlandoRealEstate.com has reached 500 links exchanged with other industry websites! The link exchange directory is updated daily, checked for accuracy and any dead links are removed immediately. If you would like to set-up a link exchange with us, please email to: info@1storlandorealestate.com

2009-02-18T16:24:00.005-05:00

The main website of Century 21 Real Estate Professionals saw a huge increase in popularity in January 2009! Traffic soared to an average of nearly 600 unique visitors per day, nearly 2,900 page views per day, and users browsed the site for an average of 6+ minutes each! Who says that people aren't out there looking for homes?! Stop by and see for yourself: http://www.1storlandorealestate.com/

2009-02-13T11:55:00.003-05:00

Several more great rental properties have been added to the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals Property Management and Rental website. The one shown here is in the desirable College Park area and has 2 BR / 1 BA / 866 SF. Features include wood floors, a spacious kitchen and a fenced backyard with mature landscaping and a wood deck. For more info visit: http://www.c21rep.com/ne_rentals/2611Musselwhite/index.html

Buzz Words

2009-02-11T16:34:00.004-05:00

As we continue into the new year it seems as if we are inundated with ‘buzz words’, or at least terms that the media has turned into buzz words. Words like short-sale, bank-owned, foreclosure and so on. If you stop and think...a year ago you couldn’t go five minutes without hearing someone mutter the phrase short-sale. But now, a year later, notice that the status of the majority of distressed properties is bank-owned, not short-sale. What does this mean? Just another sign that we have made it into the next phase on the road to the inevitable bottom and then recovery of our battered real estate market. It may seem like a long road, but we are on the right path! So, remain positive and motivated, and before you know it we’ll be on the good side of the housing cycle again!

Realtors® Welcome Renewed Efforts Toward Housing Stabilization

2009-02-06T14:42:00.004-05:00

WASHINGTON, February 03, 2009

Congress and the U.S. Department of the Treasury must enact legislative and regulatory priorities to stabilize the housing market and help stop the U.S. financial market’s rapid deterioration, and on Friday, five freshman U.S. senators took decisive action toward this goal.

“For months the National Association of Realtors® has urged the importance of stabilizing the housing market to help the nation’s economic future,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “Although steps have been taken, the focus has not been on housing in the way it needs to be. We thank and congratulate five of our country’s newest senators for their leadership in pushing for decisive action to, in their words, ‘restore vigor to our nation’s slumping housing industry.’”

Last November, NAR presented a four-point plan developed to spur home sales and stem the rapid rise in foreclosures by lowering mortgage interest rates and unclogging the credit market, extending the home buyer tax credit, making the increased loan limits permanent, and increasing liquidity in the both the commercial and residential real estate market.

On Friday, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, N.H., Kay Hagan, N.C., Mark Udall, Colo., Tom Udall, N.M., and Mark Begich, Ark., called for their Senate colleagues to focus on housing in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, S. 1, and to expand the home buyer tax credit through the end of 2009. In a letter to their colleagues, the senators noted that the housing industry has long been the engine that drives our economy and recommended extending the tax credit until the end of 2009 to encourage aspiring and qualified home buyers to come off the sidelines and significantly reduce the nation’s high housing inventory.

NAR agrees with and supports the senators’ actions and vows to work with Congress and the administration to establish strong housing legislation that will help bring stability to home values, prevent foreclosures and put the U.S. economy on the road to recovery. From: http://www.realtor.org/

Inventory Comparison Dec 07 - Dec 08

2009-02-05T16:16:00.006-05:00

There are currently 22,524 homes available for purchase through the MLS. Inventory decreased by 1,884 homes from November, which means that 1,884 more homes left the market (either through sales or expired listings) than entered the market. Compared to last year, the December 2008 inventory level is 7.30 percent lower than it was in December 2007 (24,298).

The December 2008 inventory level reflects a 17.26-month supply at the current pace of sales, a nice drop from the 21.99-month supply recorded in November. By year’s end, inventory months-of-supply had declined 23.60 percent since December 2007.

There are 16,420 single-family homes currently listed in the MLS, a number that is 1,908 (10.41 percent) less than this time last year. As usual, most (2,445) are listed in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range. Condos currently make up 4,136 offerings in the MLS, while duplexes/town homes/villas make up the remaining 1,968. Most condos (413) are priced at $100,000 - $120,000. The majority of duplexes/town homes/villas (293) are listed in the $120,000 - $140,000 price category. From: http://www.orlrealtor.com

2009-02-04T16:48:00.004-05:00

This bank-owned, Avalon Lakes home was listed for $180,900 and sold on 1/27/2009 for $175,000 after being on the market for approximately 90 days. Features include 4BR/2BA/2,167 SF, island kitchen, ceramic tile and garden tub in master bathroom. Located in gated neighborhood with community pool. Wonder what your home is worth in today's market?
Visit http://1storlandorealestate.com/cma.html to find out!

Pending home sales rise

2009-02-03T16:27:00.007-05:00

Pending home sales rise A report about the housing industry offered a teeny glimmer of hope to the battered market. Slumping prices helped boost pending home sales up 6.3% in December to a reading of 87.7, up from a reading of 82.5 in November, according to the National Association of Realtors.

December's rise was the first monthly increase since August. Economists had expected pending home sales to remain unchanged in December. Pending resales rose 13% in the South and Midwest regions; signed purchase contracts fell 3.7% in the West and 1.7% in the NE.

The increase in sales "is not surprising given the recent increase in mortgage applications for home purchases, which followed the drop in mortgage rates," Miller Tabak analyst Tony Crescenzi wrote in a note to clients.

The NAR also released its Housing Affordability Index, which reached an all-time high in December, up 10.9% to 158.8. "For perspective, the HAI reached a 20-year low of 102.70 in June 2006, which was one of many red flags signaling trouble in the housing sector," Crescenzi added.
From: http://moneycentral.msn.com/

2009-02-02T12:08:00.003-05:00

There has been a major update to the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals Property Management and Rental website! Several price reductions and new listings have been added including this Winter Park pool home. Features of this 3/2/2/1,888 SF home include ceramic tile and laminate wood floors, renovated kitchen and baths, fireplace, large covered patio with ceiling fan and vinyl windows and fenced yard. All of this for only $1,450/month! More photos are available at: http://www.c21rep.com/ne_rentals/7525Waunatta/index.html

2009-01-29T15:52:00.006-05:00

Wonder what's selling in Central Florida? This home in Orlando's Waterford Lakes community was listed for $219,999 and sold on 1/16/2009 for $210,000 after being on the market for approximately 160 days. Features include 3BR/3BA/2,260 SF with a screened pool, large backyard, sliding doors, large lanai, updated kitchen cabinets and appliances, and a corner lot. Check back to see more homes that are selling around Central Florida!

Homes sales rise as affordability improves

2009-01-28T14:40:00.006-05:00

(January 2009 – Orlando, FL) Orlando’s housing marketing for the fourth month experienced a month-over-month increase in the number of home sales as buyers responded to improved affordability, according to statistics released by the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association.

"Lower interest rates and more affordable prices are attracting buyers who have been sitting on the fence about the decision to buy," said ORRA President Les Simmonds, broker of L.G. Simmonds Real Estate Corp.

Members of ORRA were involved in the sale of 21.28 percent more homes in December of this year than last: 1,305 to 1,076. The current number of pending sales (homes that are under contract to purchase but are awaiting completion of the transaction process) dropped slightly from last month, from 3,326 to 3,265. For the past nine months, the number of homes under contract has increased month-over-month, with 109.42 percent more homes under contract in December 2008 than compared to December 2007 (1,559).

December 2008’s median sales price of $169,900 is a 2.35 percent increase over November’s median sale price of $166,000; however it is 24.49 percent below the December 2007 median sales price of $225,000. “With approximately 40 percent of the transactions involving foreclosures or short sales, the median price is being pulled down by homes sold at discounted prices,” explained Simmonds.

First-time homebuyers still have the best conditions since March 2004 to purchase a home in the Orlando area, as the first-time homebuyers affordability index in December pushed up to 101.09 percent. In addition, inventory of houses on the market is stocked with more than 6,961 homes in the average first time buyer’s price range of $145,987 or less.

Even with the increase in median price, the area’s affordability index in December continued its upward march to a record 142.16 percent. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.) Buyers who earn the reported median income of $51,962 can qualify to purchase one of 11,806 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS) for $241,523 or less.

The area’s average interest rate was 5.40 percent in December 2008, down from 6.00 in November and the lowest for the entire year.

Homes of all types spent an average of 109 days on the market before being sold in December 2008, and the average home sold for 92.69 percent of its listing price (a decrease from November 2008’s 92.74 percent). In December 2007 those numbers were 113 and 92.75 percent, respectively.

The majority of single-family homes (182) that changed hands in December 2008 were sold in the $200,000 - $250,000 price range. On the far ends of the scale, 15 homes were sold for $1 million or more in December while 43 homes sold for less than $50,000 (a price category that saw an increased number of sales nearly every month in 2008).

From: http://www.orlrealtor.com/

2009-01-27T09:54:00.004-05:00

Did you know...that Century 21 Real Estate Professionals is the Corporate Relocation and Real Estate provider for Florida Hospital? It's true! We are thrilled to be working with all of the wonderful employees and future employees of Florida Hospital to help make their move to Central Florida easy and enjoyable. Visit the website dedicated to Florida Hospital employees at: http://www.fhmoves.com/

2009-01-26T09:51:00.004-05:00

Mortgage rates are at an all time low! Century 21 Real Estate Professionals is partnered with Premier Mortgage Capital to offer all types of purchase and refinance programs. To find out exactly what interest rates are and to inquire about our loan programs, please call Frank Cilento at: 407-770-6848 or apply online at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/mortgage_apply.html

2009-01-23T14:02:00.010-05:00

New listings with multiple photos each have been added to the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals main site including this Oviedo pool home. This is a one-of-a-kind 4BR/3.5 BA/3,004 SF luxury residence with office and loft. Property borders Little Econ River wetland and conservation area. Stainless steel appliances, fireplace, new roof in 2004. Low H.O.A. dues. Centrally located just two miles from the University of Central Florida. View all of the listings at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/listings.html

2009-01-22T09:57:00.006-05:00

New properties available for rent have been added to the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals property management and rental website. The listing displayed here is in Orlando's Cypress Pointe at Cypress Springs. Features include 4BR/3BA/2,780 SF, ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances, bonus room, covered back porch, huge backyard and garden tub. Only $1,695/month. View all of the new rental listings in Central Florida at: http://www.c21rep.com/

2009-01-21T10:46:00.003-05:00

The Real Estate Professionals Referral Group has added four new members to the team in December and the first part of January. The Referral Group is a real estate brokerage where you can place your active Florida real estate license and earn commissions by referring your buying and selling leads to our full-time associates. One of the main advantages of this program is that you can keep your license active without paying dues to the Board of Realtors and Multiple Listing. Check out the entire program at: http://www.referralgroup.net/

2009-01-20T09:01:00.003-05:00

Several new pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, bank-owned and short-sale listings have been added to the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals main site including this 2/2/864 SF condo in Orlando. Features include ceramic tile, new light fixtures, newer kitchen appliances and covered porch with walk-in storage closet. Community has swimming pool, fitness center and clubhouse. Great price at only $39,900. View all of the new listings at: http://1storlandorealestate.com/foreclosures/index.html

2009-01-19T09:23:00.007-05:00

Several new commercial property listings have been added to the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals commercial website such as the one listed here: 1+ acre with multiple buildings located on desirable Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Zoned C-1/C-2. Four units are rented with an income of $3,550 per month with an additional unit being used by the current owner. Appraised in September 2008 for $825,000. See all of the new listings at: http://www.commercialpropertyorlando.com/sales.html

2009-01-16T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Century 21 Real Estate Professionals Property Management and Rental website has reached a milestone this week. Launched in September of 2007, the site exceeded 500 leads from Owners and Tenants on January 15, 2009. Check out the site at: http://www.c21rep.com/

2009-01-15T10:38:00.002-05:00

The January-February 2009 edition of the Century 21 Real Estate Professionals Connections Magazine is now on the shelf! Look for the new publication in our offices and Publix stores.

http://1storlandorealestate.com/connections.html

2009-01-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

First post for Century 21 Orlando Real Estate!