Foreclosure Frenzy - Sunday September 20th, 2009 11:33am
Here in Orlando we are seeing foreclosure frenzy. Multiple offers the first day the home is on the market. Bidding wars.

First time home buyers are looking for homes to buy before the end of November. Investors are seeing prices creep up and realizing now is the time to buy those great rentals.

So if you are looking for a great deal with a foreclosure here is my advise.

1. Have your preapproval letter or proof of funds ready. Many of the offers out there are cash. The saying is "cash is king." However, if you have a strong offer the bank is still looking at the bottom line - how much money they can recoop from the home.

2. Be prepared to make a quick decision. Know what you want before you start looking. With multiple offers on a home you can easily lose out if you wait too long to submit your offer.

3. Have a reputable inspector lined up. The banks are typically allowing only 5 days to get the inspection done on the home. If you are not happy with the inspection report be sure to have your agent advise the bank immediately. You can lose your escrow deposit if you are beyond the inspection days permitted.

4. This is the most important point - Be Prepared To Offer Your Highest And Best Offer from the start. The bank is looking at all of the offers presented and will only work with the person with the best offer. Decide up front the most you are willing to pay for the home.

5. Work with a realtor that is working hard on your behalf. Like me. :)

Enjoy your house hunting! Find those great deals! Let this foreclosure frenzy work for you! Wende

Cheaper To Buy Than Rent! - Sunday September 13th, 2009 10:55am
Business Week just posted an article on the top 10 locations in the US that are cheaper to buy a home than rent. Orlando came up number 9 on the list. Call Wende today at 407-579-4864 to start looking at home today.

Go to http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/08/0820_rent_buy/index.htm to read the entire article.

Arnold Palmer - Wednesday September 9th, 2009 2:07pm
Tomorrow, Sept. 10th, Arnold Palmer will be celebrating his 80th birthday. This day also celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women.

Free Kids Meals - Tuesday September 8th, 2009 1:32pm
IKEA Orlando offers free kids meals on Wednesday nights. For kids 12 and younger, they can eat free from 5:30 pm to restaurant closing. Pretty good selections. The child may pick one item from each catagory.

Meals: organic penne pasta marinara, Swedish meatballs, mac&cheese, pb&j sandwich
Sides: mashed potatoes, organic apple sauce, baby carrots, mixed vegetables, cookies, yogurt
Drinks: apple juice, milk, fountain beverages

My kids love sitting in the family section and watching a show while they eat (something they don't get to do at home). Enjoy!