Heather the Realtor - Orlando Area's Top Real Estate News

Ok we have all had issues with our A/C unit or plumbing and for one reason or another rather not call the professionals to come, whethers it's cause they are going to charge us for a simple answer or whatever.

Well here is the solution go visit ARS Blog site and ask the professionals for free. They are located all across the US and have experts in plumbing and HVAC systems waiting to answer your questions. I think this site is an invaluable resource for us and our clients. Wouldnt you look like a hero if you suggested this site to one of your clients.

I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman

Most Realtors have wondered how Homestead Portability works so I can only imagine most home owners would like to understand this as well. So I will do my best to explain how our local government is going to utilize this portability.

Portability is the ability to transfer the "Save our Homes Savings" you have accumulated on your homestead property to a newly designated homestead property. Below are some examples of how Portability is applied when upsizing and downsizing your property.

PRIOR HOME                                      UPSIZING                                    NEW HOME

Moving to a home of equal or greater value

Market Value:      $200,000                                                        Market Value:       $400,000

Assessed Value: - $125,000                                                        Portable Amount:   -$75,000

Portable Value:    $75,0000                                                         Assessed Value:    $325,000

PRIOR HOME                                  DOWNSIZING                                   NEW HOME

                                                Moving to a home of lesser market value

Market Value:            $300,000                                                Market Value:             $175,000

Assessed Value:      -  $180,000                                                Portable Amount:*    -   $70,000

Portable Amount*:      $120,000                                                 Assessed Value:          $105,000

*Portable benefit is 40% of market value                                  *Portable benefit is 40% of market value        

Hope that has helped everyone. If you are thinking about buying and selling your house in Seminole or Orange county give Heather Joubran a call. Your true Real Estate Specialist.

I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman

I am currently without a warm blooded companion. I have always had a cat since I was 5. It was my kindergarten graduation present. I was told that if I did really well in school my parents would let me get a cat. I still remember picking out my cat. I couldnt wait for the weekend after school. We went to the pet store I know really bad now but that was the early 80s. Anyways it was this cute little orange and white kitten scrunched all the way into the corner of the glass sleeping. Everyone else was playing but I wanted him. The worker had to climb into this huge glass case they had to get him out. He kept asking are you sure you dont want one of these other ones. I thought no I want the one that others might not want. Needless to say that cat turned out to be one of the best cats that I had. The day we let it out of it's box into its new home it flew into the basement and found it's litter box. He killed families of mice and even caught a snake. I lived in Michigan on 10 acres at the time. His name was Garfield. So jump forward about 23 years.

My boyfriend and I live in a urban loft in Downtown Orlando and granted we have 1600 sq ft and a large balcony we felt it inappropriate to have an animal. He loves dogs, I love cats, but want both. :) So we comprised and have a 125 gal salt water reef tank. So since Im prepping for the storm and the possibility of electrical outages I needed to make sure we had additional items for our tank. I stopped past Petsmart and ended up straight at the kitty adoption window. I wanted to take them all home. But alas couldnt do that. I wish people werent so ignorant on the importance of spaying and neutering animals. Honestly Im sure if you went to the vet and didnt have the money they would possibly do something. No one wants to see unwanted animals roaming around and ending up possibly euthanized.

I am against purchasing an animal there are too many wonderful pets out there looking for homes, even pure breeds. Honestly if you dont plan on showing your dog why do you need a pure breed dog? It's not a social status or something to show off. It's a member of your family.

Pet Rescue by Judy is one of my favorite local shelters. She does all that she can to rescue both cats and dogs in the Central Florida area. I often donate a portion of my sales commissions to her organization. I think if I didnt have to work I would volunteer my time helping with animals. My passion was to be a veterinarian but a few bad experiences with dogs sort of changed my mind. Here is how great they are: "Noor and her littermate were rescued from a high kill shelter in Georgia. It is a shelter that gasses their animals in mass. They start to whimper after a few seconds and die crying. It is horrible. When we found out that they had 50 scheduled for death on a Friday, we agreed to take a handful"

Today a high school friend of mine sent me a link of the pup he is thinking about adopting this week and I started looking around on some of the local adoption agency sites and saw that most of them do foster care. Foster care for animals? You bet. Most of these shelters just dont have the room so they ask for the kindness of others to take in 1 or as many pets as you can into your home and to care for them until they are adopted. I am going to try to convenience my boyfriend this week to do this. I think it's a great way for us to have a little guy for a little bit. I often hear little kids asking their parents for a dog or cat when out on our house searches and this could be a great way to see if your kids are ready for a pet. If they do a great job caring for the animal they could have the option of keeping it.

So if you are thinking about adding a new member to your family permentantely or on a temorary basis, think about your local adoption agencies here in Seminole and Orange County by going to Petfinder.com

If you are looking for a new home to house your family and new addition I would love to be your Realtor. Again each portion of my commission is donated to the Childrens Miracle Network and local animal adoptions agencies.

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I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman

Are you looking for a top rate butcher in Seminole County? How about in Lake Mary? Then look no further then B & P Meats. B&P Meats of Lake Mary opened on October 4, 2007.

Located at 101 N. Country Club Rd. Suite 126 Lake Mary, FL Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM Sat 9AM-4pm Sun- 11AM-4PM

They specialize in fresh cuts of beef, pork, poultry, lamb, veal, lunch meats and cheeses. All of their steaks and chops are cut fresh daily. How about the best sausages ever, made in-house (Sweet Italian, Hot Italian, fresh Kielbasi, Breakfast Sausage, English Bangers). Thought about having a pig roast but have no idea where to get one from? Stop by B & P Meats in Lake Mary available sizes 25-100+ LBS.

Hormone free and gluten free products are sold here.

Client Testimonials:

"The 3 potato salad is totally addicting! Love it. The best jalapeno burgers ever."

"Hey everyone! B and P is the best place in town without a doubt. The Fire Dept won't go anywhere else!"

Today's Specials: Tuesday August 12, 2008

Tuesday 12 August 2008

Chicken leg quarters...$ .89lb Ground Chuck...$2.99lb Italian Sausages...$2.99lb Chicken Breast...$2.99lb

I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman

A new store is opening in the Altamonte mall. It's one of my favorite stores and all my electronics come from there. Can anyone guess what it is??? Give you a hint, it's a type of fruit and has the best computers and phone ever!!! It's an all new APPLE STORE. They are hosting their grand opening in the Altamonte Springs Mall on Saturday, August 16th at 10 am.

If you want to work with a realtor who understands you and our Generation then call Heather Joubran, 407.810.6304 better yet you can text or IM me. I understand you're busy and well lets face it rather not talk on the phone if you dont have to. Visit My First Real Estate to IM.

I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman

Well the new numbers for the Orlando area market have just been released. I know many people and agents are cursing this market but I love it. My buyers are obtaining amazing deals, down payment assistance and have loads of inventory to choose from. My sellers that arent short sales and price right are selling their homes in less then 4 months.

I am happy to see everything is pretty well hoovering for the most part. The only thing that has been really going up is the interest rate and we will see for August a jump too. While waiting for the perfect home you may save a little money on the purchase price, but you will pay more in monthly payments due to the increase in interest.

I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

I can help you purchase homes in Seminole County consisting of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman

Downtown Orlando One of  the Most Walkable Citie

With most people feeling the pinch at the pump, more and more people are moving into urban cities to be closer to work and well just about everything and forgoing their vehicles.

Most people move to the suburbs because they want A rates schools, more space to move around, this perceived notation that it can't be found downtown. So now that you live in the burbs you spend half your life fighting traffic and driving to and from work, not truly enjoying this paradise you think you purchased.

Did you know that while Downtown Orlando has many high rise condos, their are also numerous mid-range to luxury homes most of which that have at least 1/4 acre of land. Im pretty sure that's more then what most people have in the suburbs. Plus we have tons of A rated schools. Howard Middle school has the lowest teacher to student ratio then just about any public school with 16 students to 1 teacher or less and they are A rated. Boone High received an A grade as well and so did the plethera of elemantary schools.

So back to how walkable is your city? Let's face it people most of us could use a little bit of exercise each day and complain about how we cant fit it into our day. If you work downtown, living here might be a viable option. I live in the Thornton Park area and can bike to the church street area faster then I can drive. Less then a 5 minute commute or about 10 mins on foot. I can also grab my groceries, a bite to eat, pick up my laundry, get the mail, ship a package, visit the park and play ground, go to the gym, visit my doctor, dentist and eye doctor, stop by the library, the museum, take dance lessons, watch a play and soon be able to watch a movie, see a magic game, or a broadway play, go shopping at super target all within 2 miles of my house and never having to set foot in a car. Heck if I even wanted to I could bike to the hospital. Hows that for sticking it to the oil companies.

Don't get me wrong I grew up in Lake Mary, lived their for 18 years it's a beautiful area and one of my favorite choices outside the downtown area, but only received a score of 18 out of 100. So if you are tired of being a slave to the gas pump, traffic and your car. Come see what the downtown area has to offer.

Sorry got off on a tangent. So how walkable is Downtown Orlando on a scale of 100. Orlando is an 88 and that will soon go up once the movie theater and publix open. See for yourself....

Downtown Orlando 88 out of 100                          vs.                                 Heathrow/Lake Mary  5 out of 100

I hope that you continue to come back to my blog or click to subscribe to my RSS feed

For information on buying, selling, or auctions in Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County, new construction, bank owned, short sale and foreclosure properties and Relocation services contact your Lake Mary Real Estate Agent Heather Joubran @ 407-810-6304 or hjoubran@remax.net.

Seminole County consists of Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo. Orange County consists of Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Windermere, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland, Disney, UCF, East Orlando, Lake Nona.

I can help you with all your housing needs from Luxury Homes to First Time Home Buyers

"Always work with a Realtor when selling a home. Would you hire a Realtor who has never sold a house before, knows nothing about real estate law, contract negotiation, or sales? Of course not – but that describes you. Don’t hire yourself – hire a real estate sales professional." ~ Ric Edelman