Mortgage rates post largest weekly increase in 25-years!

It's beginning to happen- Interest rates are up 1% over this time last year.  And that equates to $100's on your mortgage payment, but will also affect how much of a house you can afford.  Federal Reserve is now tapering off their stimulus program and we will beginning to continue to see increases until interest rates are what they used to be (between 7-8%). Don't miss the boat!  If you are thinking of buying, do it sooner than later.  The average interest rate today hovers around 4.5%.  Read the rest of the article for more disturbing information regarding where interest rates are going and how fast:
Mortgage rates post largest weekly increase in 25-years!

Market Conditions for Orlando Florida homes- April 2013

Curious about the market here in Orlando?  Below is a snapshot of the current market conditions for Orlando pertaining to single family home, townhomes and condos.  Basically the inventory is steady, comparatively - from the last few months. Which means- the market is still on FIRE!  If you are not in the mood to deal with the fierce competition, then new construction is always a GREAT way around that.  Check out my other blog:  Florida New Construction Rebate Program   In addition, I rebate 1% back to you on ANY new construction in the state of Florida.  Ask me how!

Money Magazine talks about how clueless buyers in today's market are. SCARY.

Did you know that you can get an FHA loan on new construction and pay as little as 3.5% down?  There are also new construction communities in 'rural' areas that qualify for USDA financing and 0% down!  Email me and I can send you a list.  ;-)  In addition, if you participate in my Rebate Program, you can get a large portion of your closing costs paid out of my commission. Don't wait to purchase, prices are going up everyday.

Read the full article here.

The Finished Product- KB Homes Vineyards at Windermere

Okay, so I love to look at new construction.  It's a weakness of mine.  And I think the most favorite thing about new construction for me is the trending decorative touches.  Professional decorators come in and stage each home with the latest and greatest ideas, colors, furnishings and finishes, with no concern for budgets.  So I thought it would be a neat idea to document it in photos and bring it to YOU.  I will also tell you my observations, along with what I like and what I don't like.  Of course, it's just my opinion, but I see hundreds of homes in a year, so I'm thinking my opinion might be good for something.    ;-)  Enjoy!  OH- and don't forget to look at my page on facebook:  New Construction in Orlando.  Thanks!

 The main entrance at the Vineyards.  It's not gated, but is very attractive.

One of three model homes.  The brick paver drive is standard.  This is a 53'  lot.

This is the master bedroom.  I love this color scheme: Gray, yellows, silvers and blacks.

 This is the loft area and hallway up stairs.  The loft is large and spacious.  Notice the 'stripes' painted on the wall.  This is a new trend I've been seeing.

This particular builder enjoys adding 'niches' around windows.  It fits well in this room, but in some areas it's distracting.  

 This is another secondary room.  Furniture placement in this room is difficult with the odd shaped corner area.  

This is a rear loading garage model.  OH- and I love that you have a mail box at each house in this community.

 This is the rear elevation.

 This model has a formal living and dining room decorated in grays and blues.  I love the different shapes and elements that the decorator used. 

 Round tables are in for dinettes. And dark wood with dark granite are still the norm.

 Okay, new doors and new handles.  Still brushed nickel tones, but the round handle and 3 panel design are different.  

 This is the formal dining room.  Notice the mirror on the wall- it creates an optical illusion by make the room look bigger- almost like it's a doorway. 

 Master bathroom.  All glass enclosures are the new hot thing.  And the oblong glass tile around the tub and shower are new, too.

 Love Love Love this tile in the bathroom, but some of my friends think that it has a commercial look to it. 

KB's Vineyards- the most affordable new construction in Windermere

The newest development in Windermere by KB Homes has so many nice surprises, starting with the starting price point.  You can get a NEW single family home with a Windermere address for under $250,000, PLUS they are allowing you to customize your interior, which is unusual in this price bracket.  KB Homes has pulled models from their Mabel and Summerport communities to try and appeal to the masses.  There are homes with front loading and rear loading garages, plus did I mention this community comes with lawn care maintenance included in the monthly maintenance fee?!  Some of the other little features I really like are the unusual niches inside the home and the double pane windows.  Below you will find the preliminary pricing sheets.  It's my understanding that these prices will be increasing very soon after opening.  I've also attached the models available and their elevations.  I will be posting photos of the finished product in my next blog. And don't forget if you are interested in any of these homes or any other new construction communities, I would love to help you! And like always- I will rebate 1% of the purchase price of the home back to you at closing!    See the details of the rebate here:
https://www.facebook.com/NewConstructionInOrlando

The entrance to the subdivision.