Thanks to Todd for allowing me to sell his home in Stonebridge Lakes. I’m so happy we accepted an offer within 2 days of being on the market and for a price considerably greater than the highest sale price to date for the subdivision.

In the video, Todd provides a detailed account of his experience selling his home with me.

For Sale: 1018 Shady Maple Circle, Ocoee, FL  34761

Asking Price: $225,000

MLS# O5064005

I’ve just listed this property in the quaint community of custom built homes called the Hammocks in Ocoee with as many green features as I’ve seen in a property. Green features that dampen the impact on the environment and your wallet include: spray foam insulation, dual pane windows (darn rare in Florida), hands off Weathermatic sprinkler system, 80 gallon solar water heater, and more.

Soaring vaulted ceilings in the great room provide an open and spacious feel with the brick fireplace anchoring in the space with a cozy feel. Hardwood floors in the formal areas add a stately ambiance. The kitchen has been updated with new appliances, custom cabinetry, solid surface counters, and a huge eat in area for those who rarely use the formal dining room (most of us).

The pool is equipped with a hands free Aquacal system that provides the salt chlorination. It’s also been recently resurfaced and outfitted with hurricane proof screen enclosure.

Those of us who have experienced hurricane condition in Orlando know that a major inconvenience during such times is power outages, so the owners have thoughtfully installed a power generator to prepare this home to be comfortable in any condition.

This home truly offers something that’s not commonly found and green features you can boast about.

• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Baths
• 2,175 Square Feet
• Year Built: 1991
• 2 Car Garage
• Swimming Pool
• Spacious Yard with Zoiysia Grass (commonly found on golf courses)
• Formal Dining Room
• Split Plan
• Spacious Bedrooms

download pdf: MLS Printout of 1018 Shady Maple Circle

The most glaring statistic from the latest report from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association is the 15% increase in median price when compared to the same time last year and 21% since January 2011.

A closer look reveals the increase in median price is mainly due to the fact that bank owned properties accounted for half of all sales this time last year but now only accounts for only 25% of all the sales. In addition, the price of bank owned properties have increased 17% when compared to the same time last year.

The median price of a foreclosure property currently stands at $81,750 while the median price of a traditional sale stands at $155,000. Thus, a clear explanation of the increase in median price emerges.

At the same time, inventory of homes for sale has dropped 30% since January 2011. We haven’t seen these levels since 2005.

Now that we know the reasons for prices increasing, let’s just hope this trend becomes permanent rather than a temporary phenomenon.

While the end of summer and early fall months can often bring a bump to some local businesses through an increased amount of part time residents and tourists, the real estate industry is no exception. There are often more people available to show off properties and when that’s the case, usually numbers see the same positive influence. When you take a look at the recent real estate activity, it’s easy to see that Orlando could be in for a steady growth in trends in the area.

Through August and early September, the trends have been somewhat encouraging. The city and surrounding suburban areas are continuing to experience an active real estate market as it’s still a top 20 location for property acquisition. The Orlando Regional Realtor Association has pointed out that the average interest rates are at a low, while sale prices have gone up over 10 percent. The 4.26 rating for late August points out a .17 drop since the July figures were released.

Right now, the average sale price is $115,000. This price in itself shows about a 15 percent increase from last year, as well as a 21 percent increase from the beginning of 2011. There’s also been lower numbers of available properties in comparison to just a year ago. Orlando apartments and condominium sales look to be at the forefront of the numbers as there are 52 percent less openings this year. Contract sales have also seen an increase as there are nearly 1,000 more than there were in August 2010.

Even though buyers may be paying more, the income categories have also gone up in the past few months. The Florida Board of Realtors statistics from August 2011 show that while Orlando’s percentage of sales fails in comparison to other cities, the sale price continues to be significantly lower. Through this increase in marked sales and median costs, the Orlando market continues to reap some of the advantages of the lower interest rates throughout other areas of the United States.

The Orlando area is also experiencing a .3 percent increase in available inventory, as many other cities go through negative percentages. The percentage is the highest of all the cities in the state of Florida. Even thought the area and nation continues to climb back from hits to different markets, the steady gains in real estate are a telling sign of encouragement. The short term statistics may provide a great window into the future for the Orlando area, as it continues to be a prized destination for future residents.

I just sold another townhouse in Stonebridge Lakes after only 2 days on the market and for thousands more than the highest sales price so far in 2o11. The plan was to do a post that it was for sale but it never got that far.

In any case, Stonebridge Lakes is a lovely gated community in Metrowest featuring townhomes and single family homes with tile roofs and Mediterranean architecture originally built by Pulte Homes.

This list was $159,900 prior to it going pending.

I recently noticed that Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches are building out a space at the Rialto in Dr. Phillips. So soon, residents in nearby areas of Dr. Phillips will have the option of ordering a sandwich vs the normal pizza delivery.

I love their slogan, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Worries” cause they deliver.

Hopefully more details on an open date will become available soon. Love having options when stuck on the couch.