Trick or Treat! Halloween Fun in and around Orlando Florida!

If your family, friends and neighbors are looking for some spooky fun be sure to check out some of these events!

Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs is hosting their 18th Annual Halloween event October 31st from 5-9pm. Local businesses sponsor trick or treat booths to provide a safe Halloween experience complete with LIVE entertainment and Costume Contests. Be sure to stop by with your little ones!

For the older crowd be sure to check out the Petrified Forrest in Altamonte Springs! Caution this event is Rated PG-13 and is not for the Faint of Heart!!!

http://www.apetrifiedforest.com/index.html

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Celebrate Halloween in the Happiest Place on Earth! If you haven't been before I definitely suggest you bring your kiddos trick or treating with their favorite characters! This event takes place at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando Florida through November 1st! Follow the link for more information and tickets!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/

Whatever you decide to do this evening I hope you have a Safe and Happy Halloween!!

Isabel Ward, Realtor an Oviedo Florida Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

Isabel Ward

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What's Going on this Weekend in Oviedo?

If you are looking for some family fun in the Oviedo area be sure to check out the "Movie in the Park" at the Oviedo Riverside Park. Bring your family, friends and some blankets and enjoy the outdoors while you watch a movie. This month's featured film is "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". The event will also include local food trucks and the Fun Bus for the kiddos! And did I mention this event is free! So what are the details:
Location: Riverside Park 1600 Lockwood Boulevard, Oviedo, FL
Time: Saturday, October 19th - Activities and Food Trucks at 6:00PM and the movie starts at Dusk
Cost: Free to Attend!

Isabel Ward, Realtor an Oviedo Florida Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

Isabel Ward

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Move-In Ready Short Sale in Avalon Lakes

 I have just listed this beautiful and spacious town home in the gated "Avalon Lakes" community.  This 3 bed/2.5 bath home features newly installed tile downstairs and is freshly painted throughout.

Lovely kitchen has white cabinetry and an upgraded deep porcelain kitchen sink.

 All Bedrooms are upstairs and have California Closets.  Master bedroom has tray ceiling. His and hers porcelain sinks in the master bath with new glass shower doors. Upstairs has a built-in computer station.

 Enjoy the outdoors on the screened patio. This community features a tot-lot, basketball court, tennis courts and community pools. Situated within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. 

Contact me for more information!

Isabel Ward, Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

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Isabel Ward

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The most Bang for your Buck in Waterford Lakes?

This home is a short sale with a bank approved price - the lowest priced 3/2 single family home in all of 32828!

12227 Upstream Ct. Orlando, Fl 32828

This beautiful home in the sought after Huckleberry Fields neighborhood is upgraded with new cabinetry and granite counters in the kitchen and master bath, tile floors and newer carpeting in bedrooms. Enjoy your next bar-b-que out on the screened porch. New A/C Unit! Located in A-Rated school zone.

Or if you are looking to invest, this home will rent FAST!

Contact me for more information!

Isabel Ward, Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

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Isabel Ward

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6 Signs you are Ready to Own your First Home!

As a short sale and distressed property expert, I encounter many people who were first time home buyers pre-housing crisis. These people were duped into bad loan terms or purchased a home only to be upside down on their mortgage a year later. Now that the market is in recovery, I think it is important to learn from this situation. Home ownership is still the American Dream and if these 6 signs apply, you very well may be ready to purchase your first home!

You have a Budget - and you use it!
The cornerstone to financial success is knowing where your money comes from and where it is going each month. This is the first step in deciding if you can buy a home. Many people hear that it is cheaper to own a home than to rent a home.  While it may be true that a mortgage payment costs you less per month, you also have to budget for the additional expenses. You have to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowner association dues, and any unexpected maintenance. If your current budget can cover these costs, you’re off to a good start!

Debt doesn't control your life
Before a lender gives you a mortgage, they will look over you debt ratio; this is the amount of debt over your income. Your monthly housing costs should not exceed 33% of your gross monthly income. This includes you mortgage payment, interest, taxes, and insurance. Your debt payments from things like credit cards, car payments and student loans should be less than 38% of your monthly income. It is a good idea to avoid taking on large purchases in the year leading up to buying a home – avoid buying a car or charging that cruise to Cozumel to your credit card.

You have a Reliable Source of Income
Buying a home is a long-term commitment which means you need to have a long-term, consistent source of cash flow to cover the monthly expenses. As a short sale specialist, I deal with many clients who took on home-ownership after starting a new job. While this may seem like a good time to buy, what happens if you find this new job is not a good fit? Many people also decide they must buy a home when they are starting a family. However, they do not fully anticipate the expenses - or the loss of income if one spouse decides to leave the work force. It is important to be sure your financial situation will not experience any radical changes in the next few years.

You have a Sizable Emergency Fund
          You should have enough to cover your expenses for at least 6 months - 9 months would be even better. This would sustain you in the event of a job loss, illness or other emergency that causes you to lose part or all of your income. All of the clients I represent that are facing foreclosure have what is called a “hardship” – that is, an unforeseen loss of income from things like unemployment, illness, divorce or sadly death. In the event of such an unexpected and distressing event, you need to have a safety net to get you through it.  

You have a Sizable Down Payment 
You have been dreaming of home-ownership and have saved a portion of each paycheck each month. To be competitive will need to put 20% of the home price down. That means for a $200,000 home you should have $40,000 to put as a down payment. There are ways to have a lower down payment, such as an FHA loan, but they are not as competitive in the current market. 

You are ready to be your own landlord
Are you ready to renovate, repair, and maintain a home? One of the biggest adjustments when buying your first home is realizing that if the air conditioner is broken or a pipe bursts under a sink, it is up to you to fix it – on your dime. Not only is purchasing a home a financial commitment, it takes your time and energy too. In order to retain equity in your home you need to maintain it- this means repairing the roof, landscaping, cleaning the gutters, painting the exterior etc. Now, it is not as scary as it sounds. Owning your own home is a labor of love. The pride of ownership, of having your own private sanctuary is greatly satisfying.


If you think you may be ready to buy your first home, or if you have questions about your current situation, I would love to help you!

Isabel Ward, Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

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Listing Alert! Country Living in West Palm Beach!

I just listed this home in a rural area of West Palm Beach. Short Sale. 3 bedroom 2 bath near Royal Palm Beach area. This home has a huge 1.25 acre lot - space and privacy! 

Isabel Ward, Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

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Isabel Ward
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Cleaning Tips: How to Get Ready to Show your Home!

Homes that are clean and clutter-free spend fewer days on the market. However, sellers often feel overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning their house.You may be reluctant to remove personal items or don't believe you can keep up with the toys and messes your children make. You may think to yourself "My home is cozy and lived in." It is important to put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Would you think positively of a cluttered home, or would you think it feels too small? If you dedicate a weekend to deep clean your house and start a few daily habits, you can be confident that your home is show ready at any moment. You don't have to do it alone! Invite your friends over for a pizza and paint party. Ask a relative to help you clear out your garage. If you are thinking about selling your home, follow these steps to have it ready to show!

Isabel Ward, Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

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Looking for a Water Front Condo in Florida?

Are you looking to buy a water front Florida Condo? Check out the Gorgeous Banana River Views from this 4th Floor Condo in Port Canaveral, Florida!! Community has water access and pool! 

Isabel Ward, Realtor

Keller Williams Advantage 2 Realty

Orlando, FL

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