Central Florida Real Estate Blog

Here’s a look at free fireworks displays in the Greater Orlando Central Florida area. Hope everyone has a safe and fun 4^th of July!

RED, HOT & BOOM

What: outdoor concerts with Simple Plan, Kate Vonegele, etc.

When: July 3 – 4 - 11pm

Where: Cranes Roost Park

Altamonte Springs Drive

Altamonte Springs

Contact: 407-571-8180

FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN

What: entertainment, food & activities for children

When: July 4 – 4 - 10pm

Where: Lake Eola Park

101 N. Rosalind Ave

Orlando

Contact: 407-246-31040

FLASHBACK 4^TH OF JULY

What: music by Michael Andrew and The Atomic Swing Band

When: July 4 – 5 - 11pm

Where: Celebration Town Center

610 Sycamore St.

Celebration

Contact: 407-566-4007

SANFORD’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

What: music by Orleans and friends

When: July 4 – 5:30 - 10:30pm

Where: Fort Mellon Park

East 1^st St.

Sanford

Contact: 407-330-5697

HERBERT L. SHUMAN MEMORIAL POPS CONCERT - CANCELLED!

What: music by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra

When: July 4 – 8pm

Where: Riverfront Park

603 Brevard Ave.

Cocoa

Contact: 321-242-2024

KISSIMMEE 4^TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

What: music by Pocket Change & Glenn Cumming and the Session Hounds

When: July 5 – 5 - 9:30pm

Where: Lakefront Park

100 Lakeshore Blvd.

Kissimmee

Contact: 407-518-2501

AVALON PARK’S 4^TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

What: all day event of food, rides, entertainment, contests, etc.

When: July 4

Where: Founders Square

13001 Avalon Park Blvd.

Orlando

Contact: 407-658-6565

RED, WHITE & BOOM AT DAYTONA BEACH

What: music by Poco & Last Call

When: July 4 – 5 - 10pm

Where: Daytona Beach Bandshell

250 N. Atlantic Ave.

Daytona Beach

Contact: 386-671-3421

RED, WHITE & BOOM OVER NORTH BREVARD

What: music, food, entertainment, vintage aircraft show, etc.

When: July 4 – 5 - 8pm

Where: Space Coast Regional Airport

660 Rico Road

Titusville

Contact: 407-321-1941

For information on Seminole County real estate and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Orlando Central Florida area.  The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Etc, On-Going and Plan Ahead.  There is surely something for everyone. 

 

ART

 

SUMMER FAMILY TOURS:  QUEST OF BEAUTY – LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY

            What:             for elementary school children and their parents or guardians

            When:            Tuesday’s in June and July – 45 min. tour

            Where:          Morse Museum of American Art

                                    445 N. Park Ave.

                                    Winter Park

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-645-5311 x 117

 

INFORMED VISIONS

            What:             art of Jamie Baldridge

            When:            through Aug 1

            Where:          Millenia Fine Art

                                    555 Lake Destiny Drive

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-304-8100

 

THIRD THURSDAY’S

            What:             art in downtown Orlando at various locations from 6-9pm

            Where:          City Arts Factory (Orange & Pine)

                                    The Office Gallery (47 E. Robinson)

                                    A.K.A. Lounge (68 E. Pine)

                                    Gallery at Avalon Island & Guinevere’s (Magnolia & Pine)

            Cost:              Free

           

THEATER

 

DIE MOMMIE DIE

            What:             comic melodrama by Charles Busch

            When:            July 11 through Aug 2

            Where:          Theatre Downtown

                                    2113 N. Orange Ave.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              $18 adults; $15 seniors and students

            Contact:        407-841-0083

 

MUSIC

 

TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS

            What:             the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

            When:            June  28 – 8pm

            Where:          OIA

                                    1 Airport Blvd.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-825-2055

 

AUTHOR

 

THOMAS CAVANAGH

            What:             author of the Prodigal Son

            When:            July 11 – 7pm

            Where:          Barnes & Noble

                                    2418 E. Colonial Drive

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-894-6024

 

ETC

 

NATIVE PLANTS

            What:             landscape restoration of the Genius Reserve in Winter Park

            When:            July 1 – 7pm

            Where:          Harry P. Leu Gardens

                                    1920 N. Forest Ave.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-647-5233

 

ON-GOING

 

JUSTICE ILLUMINATED:  THE ART OF ARTHUR SZYK

            When:            M-Th – 9am – 4pm

                                    Fri – 9am – 1pm

                                    Sun – 1pm – 4pm

            Where:          Holocaust Memorial Research and Education Center of CF

                                    851 N. Maitland Ave.

                                    Maitland

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-628-0555

 

OPEN MIKE POETRY

            When:            Wednesdays – 8pm

            Where:          Cup O Soul

                                    906 W. Fairbanks Ave

                                    Winter Park

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-647-7685

 

PLAN AHEAD

 

 

 

For information on Seminole County real estate and  Seminole County homes for sale in addition to  Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your  Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

It appears that this morning, I'm in Op-Ed mode as I've written a piece for the Orlando Sentinel and am sharing this one in response to an op-ed that was played out on the CBS Sunday Morning Show yesterday, June 22, 2008. Watch the video to better understand my letter to the editor below:

Wow!! I was originally incensed by Gil Schwartz’, aka Stanly Bing’s, rebuttal of Andrew Cohen’s op ed piece. His list of ‘liars’ amazed me when he threw in Realtors® in the #1 position. How dare he!?!

Yes, as with any industry, we have our black sheep. But, as a Realtor® and a member of NAR (the National Association of Realtors®), we also have a very strict and comprehensive Code of Ethics which must be followed. And is followed by the majority in this industry. It forces us to be accountable for our actions. The public relations industry does not have any such accountability.

Yes, the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) also has a Code of Ethics, but the Preamble simply states, that the “Emphasis on enforcement of the Code has been eliminated.” Yep, I see accountability here!

So, how can he describe Realtors® as in the #1 group of “really big prevaricators”?

And lets look at the public relations industry. Hmmm, lobbyists – oh no you won’t find any prevaricators there, will you? Mr. Schwartz was talking about ‘hacks.’ How about Spin Doctors? Oh yes, they only selectively present information to support their position. I guess since it’s only a partial truth, that is alright because they didn’t lie. Didn’t tell the whole truth either, but hey – that’s OK!

As a public relations person, I think you should think more clearly before you speak, Mr Schwartz. You are representing your industry just as I, as a Realtor®, am representing mine.

Marc Grossman

Apopka, FL

I think this sums it up!  What more can one say!

The title sums up what I have to say on this topic.  Additionally, this is quite unusual for me to touch upon politics except when it pretty much immediately relates to real estate.  Part of my writing this article is two-fold.  Firstly, because the idea itself is abhorrent to me.  And secondly, because here our government goes again selling out to big business.  Seriously now, they are the only ones that are going to profit from this. 

With that said, I’m quite disturbed with the notion of our ending a 27 year moratorium on offshore drilling that was actually signed by Pres. Bush’s father and he is currently asking for congress to end.  But before we go on with this part of the tale, let’s look at the implications of Offshore Drilling.

Gas prices are high and it’s affecting all of us.  Unfortunately, those with less income are affected the most.  But the fact of the matter is that gas prices are high and will remain so for a very long time.  That’s just a simple fact.  Even with Saudi Arabia stepping up their production, it will have little effect on the price of crude oil in the overall scheme of things. 

For arguments sake, let’s say that we allow offshore drilling.  Actually, let’s stop for one second for a further explanation, we are not just talking about offshore drilling, but that of also drilling in the wilderness.  OK, with that said, if we were to drill, it would take 7-10 years before we’d see any results.  On top of that the oil that can be uncovered will most likely not have much effect on prices anyway. 

Now granted, we do have a major stockpile of crude.  So much so, that at today’s consumption it would last us 2½ years.  Maybe the government should consider tapping into that as opposed to our environment?  Just a thought!  I’m not suggesting depleting all of the reserves, but… 

The purpose here is not to sway anyone from one party to another.  It is not intended to be a political debate.  It seems the two prospective presidential candidates are both on opposite sides of this issue.  Sen. McCain is following in the President’s footsteps.

What really bugs the bejesus (see I said a nicer word that I really would have liked to say) out of me, is that I hear the Governor of Florida, Charlie Crist, doing a complete turnaround in an apparent political pandering to Sen. McCain because he’s looking for a place on his ticket or in his cabinet.  Oh yes another, our illustrious Senator, Mel Martinez, has also supposedly changed his mind and is backing the removal of this moratorium.  But we won’t go into his background and his abysmal stay at HUD.

It appears that a good part of this election will be putting the fear in people, just as we’ve seen in previous ones where they utilized so-called ‘terrorism.’  We know that a good part of that turned out to be a bunch of bunk, but by then it was too late.  I hope again that history won’t be repeating itself as it so often has. 

In his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln stated that we will have a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”  The sad thing is that in this day and age we need to change the word ‘people’ to ‘big business’ and the saying will have a more accurate meaning.  It doesn’t matter how this drilling will affect the general population.  That’s of little or no consequence.  Is it any surprise that we’re consistently widening the wealth disparity gap in this country?

Enough, let’s get back to the original premise here.  The possible harm and destruction to the environment is too great a price to pay.  We need to seek other alternatives and learn to wean ourselves off of petroleum based products.  I am more concerned about global warming and the impact of fossil fuel on our lives and environment.

I have great concern that a major mistake will be made by opening up our shorelines and wilderness to the drilling for oil.  The impact to our environment and lives can be more costly than the price of fuel itself.  This is not something that should be taken lightly.  Granted, neither should what we are paying for the price of fuel, but this type of consumption has been the American Way.  Seriously, did we, as an overall society, learn a lesson from the embargos of the 70’s?  Obviously not! 

We need to wake up, if we haven’t already.  The ‘Me’ society is over with.  This idea of conspicuous consumption needs to be reigned in.  What kind of legacy are we going to leave to our children?  Yes, we as a society have progressed so very much, but at what cost?  Enough already, or there won’t be any roses to smell! 

 

This is a guide to a smattering of events occurring in the Orlando Central Florida area.  The sections are divided into Art, Music, Theater, Author, Etc, On-Going and Plan Ahead.  There is surely something for everyone. 

 

ART

 

THIRD THURSDAY’S

            What:             art in downtown Orlando at various locations from 6-9pm

            Where:          City Arts Factory (Orange & Pine)

                                    The Office Gallery (47 E. Robinson)

                                    A.K.A. Lounge (68 E. Pine)

                                    Gallery at Avalon Island & Guinevere’s (Magnolia & Pine)

            Cost:              Free

           

HARRIET LAKE:  THE CLOSET

            When:            through June 22

            Where:          Mennello Museum of American Art

                                    900 E. Princeton St.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              $8 adults, $7 senior, $5 students, children under 12 free

            Contact:        407-246-4278

 

THEATER

 

IT’S A GUY THING

            What:             musical cabaret

            When:            June 20 – 7:30pm

                                          21^st – 2 & 7:30pm

                                          22^nd – 2pm

            Where:          Winter Park Playhouse

                                    711 B. Orange Ave.

                                    Winter Park

            Cost:              $30 eves; 22 matinees; 28 seniors; 20 students

            Contact:        407-645-0145

 

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

            What:             Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber musical

            When:            June 20 – 8pm

                                          21^st – 2 & 8 pm

                                          22^nd – 1 & 6:30pm

            Where:          Carr Performing Arts Center

                                    401 W. Livingston St

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              $35 - 61

            Contact:        407-849-2577

 

AUTHOR

 

THOMAS CAVANAGH

            What:             author of the Prodigal Son

            When:            July 11 – 7pm

            Where:          Barnes & Noble

                                    2418 E. Colonial Drive

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-894-6024

 

ETC

 

GO DIEGO, GO LIVE:  THE GREAT JAGUAR RESCUE

            When:            June 21 – 11am, 2 & 5pm;

                                    June 22 – 2pm

            Where:          UCF Arena

                                    50 N. Gemini Blvd.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              $14 - 35

            Contact:        407-823-3070

 

CASINO NIGHT

            What:             benefits the Alzheimers Assn, Canine Companions & the

 Employee & Student Volunteer Scholarship Fund

            When:            June  21 – 7-10pm

            Where:          The Heritage at Lake Forest

                                    5433 W. SR 46

                                    Sanford

            Cost:              $20

            Contact:        407-322-2207

 

ALLISON’S TOURNAMENT OF HOPE

            What:             tourn, luncheon & auction to benefit the Greater Orlando

                                    Children’s Miracle Network

            When:            June  21 – 7:30am

            Where:          Celebration Golf Club

                                    701 Golf Park Drive

                                    Celebrationi

            Cost:              $85

            Contact:        407-346-4640

 

BABY LOVES DISCO

            What:             dance party for children and parents

            When:            June 22 – 2pm

            Where:          Club Firestone

                                    578 N. Orange Ave.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              $12 or Free if you can’t walk

            Contact:        407-872-0066

 

ON-GOING

 

OPEN MIKE POETRY

            When:            Wednesdays – 8pm

            Where:          Cup O Soul

                                    906 W. Fairbanks Ave

                                    Winter Park

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-647-7685

 

PLAN AHEAD

 

TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS

            What:             the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

            When:            June  28 – 8pm

            Where:          OIA

                                    1 Airport Blvd.

                                    Orlando

            Cost:              Free

            Contact:        407-825-2055

 

 

 

For information on Seminole County real estate and  Seminole County homes for sale in addition to  Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your  Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for May 2008.  Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.  It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

Single-Family Homes

25 homes sold during the month of May.

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $322,606 with 167 days on the market.

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $248,000.

The most expensive home sold for $999,999 and was on the market 378 days.  It was a 5 bedroom, 4½ bath, 4-car garage 5860sf conservation lot home in an equestrian community with a screen enclosed pool & spa built in 2006 on .71 acre of land, with a slate fireplace, electric gate with security cameras, painted ceiling in foyer, in-law suite upstairs, master w/Jacuzzi, and a generator for possible outages.  The HOA is $100/year.

The least expensive home sold for $126,000 after 139 days on the market.  It was a bank-owned 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2- car garage 1305sf home built in 1973 on .19 acre of land with no HOA.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $293,061 with 119 days on the market.

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

3 homes sold

The average sales price was $123,500 with 281 days on the market.

The median sales price was $123,500.

The most expensive condo sold for $164,000 and is new construction.  It was a 3 bedroom, 2½ bath 1428sf townhome in a gated community with 42” cabinets, corian countertops, smooth top range, and crown moulding.  The community offers a pool and playground with a maintenance fee of $290/month.

The least expensive sold for $83,000 and was on the market for 332 days.  It was a bank owned fixer upper 2 bedroom, 1½ bath 1130sf townhome built in 1989 with fenced courtyard.  The monthly maintenance fee is $203.

The average sales price a year earlier was $164,267 with 97 days on the market.

 

For information on Winter Springs and Seminole County real estate and Winter Springs and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Winter Springs and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Winter Springs and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for May 2008.  Winter Park is made up of the zip codes of 32789 & 32792.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.  It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

 

Single-Family Homes

40 homes sold during the month of May.

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $564,626 with 140 days on the market.

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $276,250.

The most expensive home sold for $5.8M and was on the market for 89 days.  It was a 6 bedroom, 7½ baths, lakefront home in 9040sf built in 1993 on 1.95 acres with a circular driveway and 2 garages that can house 6 cars, a boat house w/hoist and jet ski ramp, several fireplaces, aged heart of pine floors, 235’ lake frontage, verandas, etc. with no HOA. The home was listed as a 2-story Louisiana French Colonial.

The least expensive home sold for $124,000 after 113 days on the market.  It was a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in 754sf built in 1950 on .14 acre with no HOA and was being sold as-is. 

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $574,155 with 157 days on the market.

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

12 homes sold

The average sales price was $151,443 with 136 days on the market.

The median sales price was $167,495.

The most expensive sold for $300,000 after being on the market for 136 days.  It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in 1304sf built in 1981 with a fireplace in an elevator building and downtown Winter Park location.  The community offers a pool and tennis courts monthly maintenance is $370.

The least expensive sold for $58,250 and was on the market for 112 days.  It was a bank owned fixer upper 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in 1036sf built in 1974.  The community offers a pool and tennis courts and a monthly maintenance is $327.

The average sales price a year earlier was $195,407 with 132 days on the market.

 

For information on Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County real estate and Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

The following are the market sales statistics for Windermere, Orange County, Florida for May 2008.  Windermere is made up of the zip code 34786.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Additionally, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let's put it this way, what's happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.  It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

38 homes sold during the month of May.

The average sales price, which is the total sold volume divided by the number of homes sold is $916,394 with a 179 days on the market.

The median sales price, which means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less, is $693,500.

The most expensive home sold for $5.05M and was on the market for 697 days.  It was a 5 bedroom, 5 full baths, 3 half baths 8481sf lakefront home on a chain of lakes with a 4+-car garage, a swimming pool and spa built in 2003 on .93 acre lot in a gated golf community with a hand painted foyer ceiling, theater with concession stand, 2-story master closet, etc.  The HOA $1404/quarter.

The least expensive home sold for $217,000 after 120 days on the market and was a short sale.  It was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1694sf home with 2-car garage built in 2003 on .15 acre lot with a screen enclosed pool.  The HOA is $180/quarter.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $1,021,107 with 175 days on the market.

 

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

8 homes sold

The average sales price was $187,050 with 179 days on the market.

The median sales price was $182,000.

The most expensive sold for $224,000 and was new construction.  It was a 4 bedroom, 3½ bath, 2-car garage 2074sf townhome with tile on the 1^st floor, 42" cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.  This gated community offers a pool and clubhouse with a maintenance is $415/month.

The least expensive sold for $160,100 after being on the market 137 days and was a short sale.  It was a 2 bedroom, 2½ bath, 2-car garage 1380sf end-unit conservation lot townhome built in 2004 and with 2 master suites & fenced courtyard.  The community offers a swimming pool with a monthly maintenance $145.

The average sales price a year earlier was $241,598 with 102 days on the market.

 

For information on Windermere and Orange County real estate and Windermere and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Windermere and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Windermere and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website. 

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/  -  407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!