Celebration Florida Real Estate-Celebration Florida Homes

Orlando Florida | Tips for Dealing with Lightening!

2010-04-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

Did you know Central Florida is considered the Lightening Capital of the Country?

From late spring until early fall, clouds gather, storms form, rain pours down and, a few minutes later, the sun comes out again. Beautiful, Florida sun!

Often you can look around quickly and see five or six different lightening strikes seeming to happen at the same time. Lightening is beautiful - but Beware! Lightening is very dangerous. The National Weather Service has prepared a page of lightening information of which you should be aware.

If you are outside and you hear thunder - get inside. Seek safe shelter. If you hear thunder you are within distance of a strike. Once the thunder quiets down - stay sheltered for the next 30 minutes. Lightening is still around.

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For more information about Celebration Florida, please contact:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(716) 650-0051

Celebration Florida | Celebration Post Office

2010-03-05T00:15:00.000-05:00

Celebration, Florida 34747

Post Office Hours of Operation Monday

Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

Saturday 8:30am-2:00pm

The Post Office is located at:

601 Market Street

Phone: (800) ASK-USPS

Fax: (407) 566-2008

The Celebration Post Office was designed by Michael Graves, who has designed other buildings on the Disney properties, including the Dolphin and Swan Hotels.

The design of the was based on St. Petersburg Florida’s historic landmark. The Celebration Post Office features a rotunda in the entrance and is a wood board-and-batten building with painted metal roof. Outside, the Post Office features an open-air loggia for the town's mailboxes. Inside the Celebration Post Office the rotunda is an exposed wood joist ceiling.

Call me today to start the process of
purchasing your Celebration Florida Area Home!
(716) 650-0051

Celebration Education | Stetson University Center

2010-02-17T05:28:00.000-05:00

Stetson University Center sits in the center of Downtown Celebration, across the street from Celebration School. Having the university in the center of town, just blocks from Market Street adds to the small town life here in Celebration! Stetson University is a semi-circular building that was designed by architects from the firm Deamer + Phillips which incorporated colors, shpaes and textures from the surrounding landscape. Each classroom has a spectacular view.

The University Center of Stetson at Celebration offers advanced degrees in Business, Educational Leadership and Counseling. Stetson University Center provides in-service training for teachers and other educators, and supports the Celebration School Professional Development School (PSD) relationship. Programs incorporate the latest educational research technology and theory.

They also offer state-of-the-art training in Microsoft and other certifications and a variety of Other Information Technology initiatives. State of Florida Real Estate School Training for new Realtors is also provided.

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This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(716) 650-0051

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

BLOG ROLL

2010-02-03T21:31:00.000-05:00

General Real Esatate Related:

Clear Bloggin TrumpBLOG

Paul Allen the Lesser Florida Real Estate News

Bloodhound Blog Sellsius Real Estate Blog

Building Bridges to the Future Real Estate Revealed

BlueRoofBlog Bawld Guy

Soapbox Appraisal Blog Pougue's Posts Bigger Pockets

Mortgage Realted:

The Mortgage Go To Guy!!

Marketing Related:

Diva Marketing Blog Seth Godin's BLOG Blogger's Blog
RSS Pieces Blog Future of Real Estate Marketing

General Busines Related:

How To Change The World Business is Best At The Top

Freakonomics BLOG

Specific Communities:

Long Beach Real Estate - Downtown Long Beach Condos

Kitsap WA Real Estate
Cleveland Real Estate and News
Real Estate Ramblings in New Hampshire & Maine

Small Town Life in Celebration Florida

2010-02-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

Celebration Florida is a new Florida town located just south of Orlando and was built with its old-fashioned look and feel by the Walt Disney Company! This planned community is spread over more that 4,900 acres saw residents moving in the fall of 1996.

Friendly neighborhoods on quaint streets and a mixture of homes, Townhomes and condos to the picturesque downtown area appeals to everyone! Painstaking efforts put in by distinguished landscape architects, called in to design a dream town with modern luxuries, parks, gathering places and amenities. The mixture of styles all blend together to create the feeling of home.

Orlando has a variety of internationally known entertainment attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and a number of other theme parks all on the doorstep to Celebration. Not only is Florida a year-round tourist haven, it also has excellent business prospects. If you are on the lookout for luxury houses near the theme parks and other attractions in Central Florida, then the neighborhood of Celebration will definitely interest you.

Celebration Market Street Shops offers a small town setting with all the modern amenities and conveniences. These include restaurants, cafes, shopping boutiques, a golf course and medical facilities, along with residential homes.

The town of Celebration is a popular 'second home' and retirement destination. All the architectural plans and designs of the homes have been carefully planned and developed for maximum enjoyment of the residents of Celebration. The educational and health facilities draw families from all over the country, making celebration real estate very desirable and attractive.

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(716) 650-0051

Celebration Florida | Columbia Restaurant

2010-01-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

There are several wonderful dining options in Celebration Florida. In the heart of Market Street just down the street from the Movie Theatre there is a great place to gather and enjoy great food! If you decide to have their world-famous "1905 Salad", but definately get the smaller salad, it is very generous!

Columbia Restaurant

649 Front Street Celebration Florida

Hours: Sunday - Saturday 11:30 am - 10:30 pm

Open 365 days of the year

Serving Lunch & Dinner daily

Reservations are suggested, call them at (407) 566-1505

Colleen writes about the Florida lifestyle on several locations
Celebration Florida Homes BLOG
Buffalo Real Estate
Marco Island Homes BLOG

Celebration Florida - Neighboring Communities

2010-01-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Davenport Florida

When you think of Orlando you think of all the tourist attractions and wonderful things to do. But there are some wonderful communities that surround all that excitement. Davenport is just one of these places.

Situated along US 17, and just east of US 27 in Polk County Davenport has rolling hills that provide a country setting formerly used for citrus production, have drawn dozens of new subdivisions to the area. Small in size with only two square miles, and with a population of less than 2,000, Davenport is in the center of a booming residential area.

Governed by a commission/ manager form of government Davenport provides a variety of recreational opportunities to its citizens, including a public swimming pool, four ball fields, two tennis courts and basketball complexes, and two children’s parks with playground equipment.

Happy New Year Celebration Florida!

2009-12-31T19:13:00.000-05:00

Celebration Florida | Lake Evalyn

2009-12-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

The Celebration community was designed to look at feel like a southern town pre-1940's. There is a strong sense of community with a pedestrian friendly emphasis. There is a mixture of single family homes, town homes and condominiums in Celebration Florida

Celebration Florida is organized into villages. Lake Evalyn is a sleepy lakeside community boardered on Lake Evalyn with 56 single family garden homes in Celebration Florida. The following streets are in Lake Evalyn in Celebration Florida: Lake Evalyn Drive, Rosa Court, Wisteria Court and Wisteria Lane.

Across the street from this small group of homes is the Celebration School and grounds. Downtown Celebraiton Florida is a short stroll from Lake Evalyn. It is no wonder Lake Evalyn is so popular with homeowners.

Designed by the Disney Company and is a planned community with residents first moving into the community in September 1996.

Call today to find out how you too can make Lake Evalyn your home!

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor

(716) 650-0051

Happy Christmas Celebration Florida!

2009-12-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Sellsius Top Women Bloggers of 2009!

2009-12-24T10:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Colleen Kulikowski of the Buffalo Real Estate News Blog was honored by Sellsius Real Estate Blog as being one of the top Women Real Estate Bloggers.

Sellsisus Real Estate posted:

1. Colleen Kulikowski. BuffaloRealEstateNews.
I love Colleen's blogging style. Her blog reads like a
newspaper/magazine. Her posts are easy on the eyes, extremely relevant
to her market, and display her sense of humor
. She writes appealing headlines and uses catchy images. Colleen is a
force on Active Rain. She is very tech savvy. She is using her SEO
skills to rule the Buffalo market- her blog is on page 1 of Google for
"Buffalo homes for sale"- ahead of Zillow and Realtor.com. Now that's
how Colleen rocks blogging. For those who think blogging has little
ROI, talk to Colleen and learn a thing or twenty-two.

The other women named were:

2. Mary Pope-Handy. Mary authors 3 blogs: The Valley of Heart's Delight; Live in Los Gatos; and the quite deadly Haunted Real Estate Blog.

3. Dru Bloomfield. AtHomeInScottsdale.

4. Diane Guercio. a/k/a HeyAmaretto.

5. Amy Chorew. The TechByte; TheDigitalRealtor/ActiveRain. Amy also writes for AgentGenius.

6. Kaye Thomas. ManhattanBeachRealty. Beach City Real Estate. Move2Manhattan Beach

7. Jessica Riffle Edwards. CarolinasFinest/HotPropertyBlog .

8. Susie Blackmon. Bucking The Real Estate Trend.

9. Elaine Reese. Central Ohio Real Estate News.

10. Genea (Gena) Riede. Sacramento Real Estate Voice.

11. Kim Wood. West of Philly Burbs. ActiveRain blog. Part of the TechByte team.

12. Monika McGillicuddy. New Hampshire Real Estate Blog. Monica also has a delightful photo blog, The New Hampshire View Finder.

Ladies Congratulations on being named on this incredible list of women! Past winners can be found here

2006

2007

2008

My other blog, www.BuffaloNiagaraRealEstateHomeSales.com was named in the post, but this site is quickly gaining in the search engines! Thanks again Sellsius Real Estate!

Book Suggestion: Celebration U.S.A Living in Disney's Brave New Town

2009-08-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Support Celebration Businesses, purchase the book at Reading Trout Books (321) 939-2665. Read the First Chapter of Celebration, U.S.A. Living in Disney's Brave New Town of this book for free. It is an interesting read about the beginnings of Celebration Florida.

Celebration, U.S.A.: Living in Disney's Brave New Town
Published by Henry Holt. Hardback, $25.00
ISBN: 0805055606

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For more information about Celebration Florida, please contact:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(716) 650-0051

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-24T21:55:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time to remember those that served this country and lost their lives. Most people think that Memorial Day is a three-day weekend with party and celebration with friends of family.

Do you really know the reason behind Memorial Day?

So as you enjoy the Indianapolis 500, BBQ picnics with friends and the official launch of summer, take a moment to remember the reason for the day. To remember those that served our country. So at three o'clock tomorrow, take a moment and pause and pay tribute to those that died in service of our freedom.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

"Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed this year on 2007-05-28). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911."

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T15:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T19:19:00.001-05:00

Photos of Celebration

2008-07-12T11:08:00.000-04:00

Vlad Zablotskyy -- It is all the talk on the Internet...

2008-06-18T12:49:00.001-04:00

I write on several BLOGS -- I would call myself an active Blogger. So when this whole controversy about Vlad Zablotskyy started up it got my attention. In the Real Estate Blogging world this is big news. It is also scary for those of us that are out there writing about real estate. Anyone can sue us it appears for speaking our mind.

What bothers me is the smear campaign against Vlad including posting blog entries all over the web about him being a criminal and the filing of a law suit against him!

So when I read this article, I stopped and paused for a few moments... And how I would feel if I were in Vlad's shoes. Not completely understanding the gravity of the situation I read this article. It is unsettling to think that the smear campaign can go on, so I am writing about it to share with my friends in the Greater Orlando area this story. Vlad you are in my thoughts... Those of you that want to support Vlad Zablotskyy's Defense Fund can do so here.

Interested in more of the back story? read here...

Vacation Rental Ownership - Is it for you?

2008-06-05T08:25:00.000-04:00

Owning an Orlando Florida vacation rental property is not something to be done by those that are faint at heart. It isn't as simple as purchasing an Orlando FL home or condo, furnishing it and booking rentals... That is the fun part of the process.

There is the management of the property that can be the stumbling block to a successful Orlando Florida Vacation Rental. I know because my son's father does this on Marco Island. He has several homes that they manage and it a lot of work. They have it down to a science. Their website not only allows potential renters to see the houses they have for rent, but they can book on-line and the back end of the system manages the process for them.

They are the exception. Most people are not prepared for the realities of owning a vacation rental home in the Orlando area. Read More about the considerations of What it Takes to Manage a Vacation Rental over at my website.

Celebration Florida - Neighboring Communities

2008-05-14T23:17:00.000-04:00

Kissimmee Florida

Popular community for vacation rentals, close to all that Orlando Florida has to offer! Located in Osceola County, Kissimmee Florida is a 1,506-square mile area south of the Greater Metropolitan Orlando area.

Some facts about Kissimmee:

The City of Kissimmee is 18 miles south of Orlando.
100,000+ acres of water and several recreational areas that are available to the public.
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes attracts people from all over the world with fishing and boating being very popular.
There are two large lakes suitable for boating and several smaller lakes for fishing.
Lake Tohopekaliga, the second largest lake in the Chain of Lakes, covering 22,700 acres in Osceola County, is the site of many fishing tournaments.
Being the closest city to Walt Disney World Kissimmee attracts many vacation-goers seeking short term vacation rental homes and condominiums.

Mona Lisa Ristorante | Longwood Florida | Italian Cuisine

2008-05-01T18:12:00.000-04:00

Mona Lisa Ristorante
135 West Jessup Avenue Longwood Florida 32750(407) 265-8246
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Friday 11:00am - 2:30pm & 5:00pm - 10:00pmSaturday - Sunday 5:00pm - 10:00pmClosed Mondays
Start to Finish ~ Lunch ~ Dinner
Classic family style Italian food served in this converted house in a place that can be hard to get to. Reservations suggested during peak dining times.

135 West Jessup Avenue Longwood Florida 32750

Photos of Celebration

2008-04-29T08:37:00.000-04:00

Short Sales - When you do NOT need one

2008-04-15T09:44:00.001-04:00

As a Florida Mortgage Professional, I get calls and emails all the time from worried homeowners wondering if they should start Short Sale Proceedings.

There are a few ways to decide whether it is worth it or not. You see... a Short Sale is a method for reducing your debt. It is NOT Free though. It has its costs and they are not all short term.

The most obvious negative effect is to your Credit. A Short Sale is a "derogatory". That means that you will have significant damage done to your credit.

Even though a Short Sale is not nearly as bad for your credit as a Foreclosure, it will nevertheless stay on your file for years and will affect:

The Interest Rate on your next house
The Finance Price or Lease Payment on your next car
Your ability to Rent an Apartment
Your ability to get a credit card
Your ability to get a Business Loan

This is why it is important to figure out whether you really, really, really need one... NEED ONE.

So how do you do that??

First, start by contacting your friendly neighborhood Mortgage Broker (that's me!!) and Realtor. Set up a coffee appointment and we three can go over your situation and lay out your options.

I can supply the financial advice and the Realtor can come with comps and market rental data and provide the real estate advice. The Realtor can also help you figure out how long it will take to sell your property in this market!

From there, we can provide referrals to other professionals to help you along the way.

For more information on Short Sales and to read the full text of this article, click on the links below

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy!!
Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

Florida Mortgage | Central Florida has a new HomeBuilder in town

2008-04-10T09:26:00.001-04:00

The Orlando Sentinel has an article this called Shea Homes is the new kid on region's building block about Shea Homes, the Orlando Florida area's newest homebuilder.

The California-based builder has acquired the Victoria Gardens community in Deland Florida from the St. Joe Co., which is no longer building homes in its developments.

Shea Homes comes to Florida with a long history of stability and internal growth as a privately held, family business.

Analysts believe that Shea Homes and Central Florida lack some of the "feeder markets" that have long supported Florida Real Estate Developers. The East Coast and South Florida have historically attracted people from the Northeast. The Gulf Coast has historically been where the snowbirds from the Midwest roost.

Vertical Real Estate Logistics, LLC specializes in helping Florida Real Estate Developers and Builders with their Marketing and Sales campaign to capture the right target buyers for their projects.

For more information on this and other new Real Estate Developments in Central Florida follow this link -o-> Central Florida has a new HomeBuilder in town

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy.com

Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

IRS Tax Deductions from your Mortgage

2008-04-05T11:15:00.001-04:00

As tax time is upon us and with all the talk about recession, politics and the housing market, most people are not focused on the fact that we are only ten days from tax day.

So if you are a procrastinator as is the American-way, remember to plan for some of your Mortgage and Real Estate related tax deductions to save some money this year.

Here are a few places to save:

1) Discount Points - Lender Discount Points are seen by the IRS as pre-paid interest charges.

2) Pre-paid Interest - your closing statement shows prepaid interest depending on how many days you will be in the property in the month you close.

3) Pro-rated Property Tax any property tax you pay at the closing table is deductible

4) Origination Points - Broker fees or Points are also considered pre-paid interest.

5) PMI/MIP - Mortgage Insurance on a loan that is over 80% Loan to Value (LTV) is deductible

Where to consult your Accountant for sure:

6) HELOC / Equity Line - interest on your 2nd Mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit may be deductible.

7) Second Home - this is a grey area. Your accountant knows the rules on deducting mortgage interest on 2nd home mortgages.

8) Depreciation - Investment properties only!! !

My Professional Advice:

You have your closing package from when you closed your property neatly filed away, right? (nudge nudge)

Get it out and take it with you when you visit your tax preparation specialist or CPA. Make sure to have your Accountant review your closing statement and IRS Form 1098 that you will receive from your lender in the mail.

Your accountant will then make sure you get credit for all your deductions.

To get the full article, follow this link -o-> Florida Mortgage | IRS Tax Savings on your HUD-1

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy!!
Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

Florida Mortgage | Foreign National Buyers shift Target Focus

2008-03-21T17:28:00.001-04:00

Due to the dwindling availability of loan products and lenders for Foreign Nationals to purchase property in Florida, many Foreign National Real Estate Buyers in the US are having to change their focus... both in property and investment type.

Foreign Nationals will soon see the targets of their purchases changing from the traditional Second Home or Vacation Property to different investment grade properties and other ventures in Real Estate.

Foreign Buyers may have to join forces and form Syndicates in order to purchase commercial properties with higher price tags. Higher prices coupled with higher cash flows will be attractive to Foreign Nationals who are investment minded.

Another option that exists for Foreign Nationals that are simply focused on the returns they could achieve in Real Estate Investments in the US might look to get involved with a Real Estate Developer.

Providing Equity and Operational Funds for a Developer looking to get a Residential or Commercial Real Estate Development Project off the ground would provide Foreign Investors with an investment term of typically 2-5 years during which time interest would be earned and a portion of the profits of the project would be shared.

Foreign Nationals may also buy wholesale pre-construction units to help a developer achieve their vital pre-sale requirements for a lender. These units would then be re-sold in the development's inventory with a premium paid back to the original purchaser.

For the full article with more choices for Foreign National Real Estate investors follow this link -o-> Foreign National Buyers shift Target Focus

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy!!

Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

Technorati Tags: real estate development, real estate syndicate, investment, mortgage, foreign national, florida, real estate, foreign exchange

Mary Poppins has some great advise for homesellers!

2008-03-09T16:15:00.001-04:00

Mary Poppins Showing Advice

Having your home for sale it can be tough, and keeping it in showing condition can be overwhelming. Some of the best advice I can give you comes from Mary Poppins, keep it up as you go along. And if you have a showing of your home, hum this Julie Andrews classic while you prepare for the showing. It might just relieve some of the stress as you get ready. How can you not smile singing “A Spoonful of Sugar”?

Quick Showing Checklist before you leave your home for a showing:

Freshen the bathroom and put the toilet seat down and close the shower curtain
Turn on soft music through the house
light a single sented candle in the home
Make sure all the window shades and curtains are open
All lights are on
Beds made, rooms tidy
All dishes put away, counters clear of clutter
Art Gallery on Fridge removed?
Get out of the house before the showing!

Got the Credit Score Blues?

2008-03-02T19:04:00.000-05:00

Published by your Real Estate Expert, Colleen Kulikowski

Recently we wrote an article entitled “Can I buy a home in Niagara Falls with bad Credit?“ And a question came up from a reader that caught me off guard “What is a Credit Score?” and then the next question that sprang up was “why is it so important?” Well I found this video from CreditDVD, which does an excellent job both explaining What is a Credit Score and why it is important to all consumers wishing to use credit to fund their purchase. The video is a bit cheeky, but it explains in very basic details how your credit score will affect your ability to purchase with credit.

Read More at: Do You have the Credit Score Blues?

Condo Hotel | 1768 Park Center Drive | Orlando Florida 32835

2008-02-10T18:08:00.000-05:00

Ravallo Resort & Conference Center is an exciting new option in the Orlando area with 900 luxury suites. A luxury condo hotel opening in the Orlando area in late 2008. Centrally located to all that is wonderful in Orlando Florida. Prices start from $600,000 with five floor plans to chose from. Ravallo Resort residences feature:

10' Ceilings
Concierge Service, housekeeping service
Wireless internet (high-speed)
Extrodinary room furnishings
Resort Amenities Include:
Garage parking
Room Service
Valet Service
Security
World class spa and salon
Rooftop pool
Grand lobby
140,000 sf of convention space
complimentary shuttle to area attractions

Florida Mortgage & Real Estate | "Market" talk...

2008-01-31T14:23:00.001-05:00

Listening to the News - Local in Florida or National on CNN, Headline News or MSNBC - you learn that there is a big chasm in the interpretation of "The Market" and what that actually refers to.

To some, "The Market" is a MacroEconomic entity that encompasses all the good and especially the bad from "Sea to Shining Sea". It also includes the downturn of housing prices in Florida, the Subprime Mortgage Meltdown, and all things in between.

Unfortunately, "The Market" should be viewed through a MicroEconomic looking glass if you are really strategizing and analyzing properly.

So when I hear someone say, "Well, due to this market..." I wonder what they're referring to?

Could it be just an ignorance of the difference between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics...

Comparing Daytona Beach Florida versus Sebring Florida is apples to oranges but too many people have been slinging mud about "The Market" without realizing how sweepingly generalities as such just prove their own susceptibility to myopia.

So when you hear someone say, "The Market"... figure out which one they are talking about. The national Morning News generality or the local real estate professional's local perspective.

Maybe you can tell me now which one is "in the know".

For more details on this phenomenon, read the full article by following this link -o-> Florida Real Estate & Mortgage | Prognosticating the Market(s)

More Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
The Mortgage Go To Guy!
Your Source for Residential and Commercial Mortgage Loans in Florida

Celebration Florida Mortgage Rates Report

2008-01-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

Celebration Florida Mortgage Rates Report: January 24, 2007

Mortgage rates are reversing course and headed higher in the next 7-10 days. Lock mortgage rates for all loans, purchases and refinances at application. Don't hold out to see if the Fed will cut rates farther; the mortgage lenders have already anticipated a January 30 Fed cut and priced it into the market. If the Fed doesn't cut rates, mortgage rates are going to skyrocket.

If you were planning on refinancing your mortgage rate, the train is starting to leave the station and will quickly pick up steam. The opportunity to get a 30 year fixed rate mortgage rate under 5.5% may quickly disappear as lenders try to slow down demand. The last three days have been hectic with past clients calling me looking to lock-in a low rate. You have a window of maybe 48 hours to get that great mortgage rate.

Please contact me:

Call me on my cell phone at 858-699-4590
E-mail me at brian (at) californialoanconnection (dot) com
Apply for a loan online at http://www.californialoanconnection.com/apply

Over 700 families trust me to help them with their mortgage so we are incredibly backed up. I will be checking my voice mail every couple of hours Be sure to leave specific contact information.

DO NOT RELY ON THE E-MAIL!

CALL TO BE SURE THAT I KNOW YOU NEED TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE.

_____________________________________________

This information provided by:

Brian Brady,Mortgage Planner
World Wide Credit Corp
Phone: (858) 503-2318 Fax: (858)-605-4230
bbrady@worldwidecredit.com
http://www.mortgageratesreport.com/

Mortgage Guideline Changes and You

2008-01-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a brief video lesson on how the Mortgage guidelines changes will affect Celebration Florida borrowers and how these guideline changes will affect you.

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Florida Real Estate & Mortgage | 2008 and $100 Barrels of Oil ~ The Year Ahead...

2008-01-08T14:35:00.001-05:00

This time of year, everyone wants to be a prognosticator of what lies ahead for the coming year in the world, the US, the economy and the Real Estate and Mortgage Industries. It is funny how many differing reports we get from so many different sources.

The hardest thing to swallow, though, are the reports from people who really have no clue what they are talking about - Jim Cramer - or who report on an entire Industry and panic the local markets!

Local markets are what I like to focus my efforts on... why? because you can really see how effective or how ineffective the national news really are!

It is important whether you are a Realtor, Buyer, Seller, Mortgage Broker, Banker, Investor, or Journalist to realize that there is "The Market" and there are sub-markets within each Region, State, County, City, Municipality, School District, Community, Developments, Neighborhood and even within neighborhoods themselves that will have their own individual ups and downs.

This means that while "The Market" may remain bleak or "bloody" as some luxury condo developers are saying to me... the sub-markets may be rosy!

So my advice to all lookers is to really observe each market and sub-market individually. Know the ins and outs...

Maybe the community where you want to buy/invest has hit bottom already.
Maybe you don't have a lot of time to keep watching because prices may start ticking up.
Perhaps rates are so favorable right now that you should not pass up a great opportunity
Perhaps a new development is popping up and it would be a great time for you to buy affordable pre-construction

Remember... the market is fickle...but the submarkets are even moreso. What one person thinks about their surroundings may not fit all surroundings. Working with Real Estate and Mortgage professionals that can help you sift through all the negativity and see the real picture is the only way to proceed in this market.

For the full article, click on the following link -o-> Florida Real Estate & Mortgage | 2008 and $100 Barrels of Oil ~ What lies ahead?

More Florida Mortgage and Real Estate News You Can Use From
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy.com
Your Source for Residential, Commercial, Investment and Relocation Mortgages in Florida

Year In Review

2007-12-31T12:06:00.000-05:00

Some readers here don't know I also write on ActiveRain, a real estate professional community and blog network with a devoted core of participants. Here's a review I published on ActiveRain:

ActiveRain Year In Review By Colleen Kulikowski
Wow what a year!
Significant ActiveRain Events 2007

"Year In Review" was a great idea by Jennifer Fivelsdal as a combined effort of several Active Rain Members. To find other posts in this series, please check out the ActiveRain 2007 Year In Review group.

Significant ActiveRain Events in 2007:

We end 2007 on a joyous note. Monkia McGillicuddy had a dream, the best things in life always start with a dream. She had a dream one night and woke up inspired to write a post right here on ActiveRain to her husband Jay's birth mother in an attempt to find her; and made that happen in just a few days. We here at ActiveRain are passing around the tissue box with joy at the best Christmas gift ever. Never underestimate the power of a woman on a mission or that of ActiveRain. A letter to my husband's birth mother...wherever you are We look forward to hearing the results - Finding my birth mother after 53 1/2 years .

There were many great events that happened here at ActiveRain in 2007. The most significant event in 2007 is the connection we made with each other. The resulting ActiveRain gatherings around the country which followed are very memorable; we flew all over the country just to meet each other! It was my pleasure to be part of the get together in Celebration Florida, Lunch in Atlanta and the AR 1st Birthday Party in Orlando. What an experience to finally meet new found friends and really get to know them one-on-one, it was wonderful. Many members feel that these get togethers were the most significant events of 2007. Which post to select? Can't do it! There are so many wonderful gathering posts. Go see for yourself at ActiveRain Gatherings.

Can we ever forget the Predictions from Carnac for 2007? We wait with baited breathe for the 2008 predictions.... Each month the membership pounds their collective feet waiting as Linda Davis "Carnac" review the blunders in the Rain. Always guaranteed to entertain...and make us laugh out loud!

The next significant Active Rain Event was the introduction of the Moderators. Mark Flanders, Laurie Manny, Rich Jacobson and myself all known to everyone here on ActiveRain as The Moderators. I think Linda Davis still has a stash of dart boards, voodoo dolls and the like if anyone is interested. I would share the names of the Hidden Moderators, but I like breathing too much to disclose here. Anyone wonder why? Matt Heaton, gentleman that he is, decided to thank the Moderators personally - each and every one of us! Somebody forgot to tell him we were a secret. A truly lovely gesture.......so much for the secret.

When considering the Significant ActiveRain Events of 2007, it was just not possible to narrow it down to a short list of posts for any of these events. Groups became a very important aspect of life around ActiveRain in 2007; so it seems fitting that the groups are highlighted.

Many of these events involved an array of posts from a wide variety of writers, it made more sense to highlight the many groups (and in some instances the TAG we used to identify it) for these significant events:

Active Rain Newbies and the friendly Welcome Wagon – A newbie manual to Active Rain post that every new member should read. As one of the first 1,000 members (Member 691 Welcomes the 20,000th Member) one of the most wonderful things to witness was watching members "Pay it Forward" to the next set of new members. In the early days there were, on a busy day, 10 new posts; we were a smaller more intimate group where everyone had the opportunity to get to know each other. At times it was intimidating. Here I am discussing how scary it was with a mere 1,000 members -- we are now at over 63,000 members, can you even imagine being a new member today? Early on Blanca Cholewczynski, and Karen Hurst started the Welcome Wagon and helped new members feel welcome around the Rain. ActiveRain Newbies is one of the most active groups in AR.

WEEK IN REVIEW - It was overwhelming Moderating and trying to keep the Week In Review going at the same time; not able to do it all, Neal Bloom gladly agreed to take over the responsibility of recruiting volunteer writers of the week in Review. Neal has done a phenomenal job, this one's not easy folks! Thank you Neal!

Laurie Manny Challenge- Folks there are times that writers just get in a rut. At the time of this challenge, the Network was in a HUGE rut, the boys were pressuring us to find real estate related posts to feature and they just weren't there. Sometimes we just need to explore to find inspiration and fresh material. This challenge inspired the membership to do just that.

Fraiche Aire - ever need a positive uplift -- just visit this group! Lola Audu has done an amazing job here!

Meme's! - They actually started in 2006, continued into 2007 and have become a part of our culture. As each new group of members join ActiveRain, Meme's continue on providing us with a source to find out a little bit more about each other! Our own Lucky Lang's classic post, Meme tutorial and alphabetical index of all Memes on Active Rain, is a dedicated work in progress containing links to every known Meme on ActiveRain. Thank you Lucky!

Project Blogger -- ActiveRain took on a challenge and created a contest, Project Blogger. Take 12 New Bloggers, team them with experienced Bloggers and watch their development over a 12 week period. Give them challenges, have the Coaches write about their experiences and everyone benefited from the experience. All for a good cause, the winning team's favorite charity got a check for $5,000. Winning Blogger Mary Pope-Handy, PopeHandy.com and Coach Frances Flynn Thorsen, theRealtyGram.

Blog Tour USA - "The Summer of Love!" Joe & Rudy from the Sellsius Blog, rented a bus and took a little tour around the country meeting many ActiveRain members along the way. What a great networking experience. Read Also: Top 12 Women Real Estate Bloggers - 2007 Edition

Active Rain Flat Stanley Project - The "Flat Gods" were created and sent around the RAIN in an effort to get the members to start writing about their local areas. By using the "Flat Gods" members were suddenly freed of their fears and could comfortably write about their areas, by way of the Flat's adventures. Some of the posts are hysterical. Flat Ben and Flat Laurie's time's with Broker Bryant and TLW are legendary, and a bit frightening! That TLW has got some wild imagination going on!

Social Networking would not be complete without the countless Carnivals, Contests & Blogging Events that you can read up on!

Merry Christmas Celebration Florida!

2007-12-24T03:28:00.000-05:00

May you, your family and friends have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy new Year!

Florida Foreign National Investors | Short Term Rental Permits increase the value of your investment property

2007-12-20T21:50:00.001-05:00

Foreign Nationals looking to purchase 2nd home and investment properties in Florida need to look no further than the availability for Short Term Rental Permits if they want to have the ability to rent out their condominium, single family house, or townhouse when they are not using it much like they would find in a Condo-Hotel/Condotel.

Many cities have created a licensure process for property owners and developers that will allow a property to be rented more than once within a year and with rental commitments/leases as short as a few days to a few months.

For instance, in Clearwater Florida, all short term rentals must be registered and licensed with the city. The purpose of licensure is to ensure a safe community and to enforce minimum housing and development standards. The property is also required to maintain an occupational license, thus paying additional taxes to the city.

The information about the Clearwater Florida code is available at www.MyClearwater.com or directly by following this link -o-> LINK.

For more information about Foreign National Investments in Florida follow this link -o-> Florida Foreign National Investors | Short Term Rental Permits are Key

Florida Mortgage | Financial Advice ~ Own your home outright - Good or Bad Advice??

2007-12-18T15:03:00.001-05:00

Diversify Diversify Diversify... that's the mantra of today's Financial Planner. Many people disagree with that quote - big notable investors like Trump, Buffett etc...

But that's what we're taught... diversification reduces risk and increases return over the long term.

But ... when we're talking about our Primary Residences and diversification, are traditional Financial Advisors barking up the wrong tree??

Most traditional Financial Advisors are eager to get you on the path to owning your house outright. They have all sorts of ways to teach you how to scrimp and save so that when you are in your 50's and 60's you have paid off your house.

But... what exactly is the advantage of paying off your house?

If their mantra is "Diversify Diversify Diversify" yet in another breath they say, "No Mortgage, No Mortgage, No Mortgage" then aren't they contradicting themselves??

Let me tell you why they are!

Because they are essentially telling you that you need to take a large portion of your potential retirement funds... your nest egg... and sink those funds into an illiquid asset.

These are funds that should be there for you in retirement...but instead this large sum of money is funneled into your house where you cannot use it.

Think of it...sometime in the future when you need money for something big - like an emergency or to finally replace that old car that just passed away right before you could pass it on to your grandson... and you have worked a long time to make that money. Then you have to call someone like me and I have to tell you how much it will COST YOU to access your money!

To read the entire article, follow this link -o--> Florida Mortgage | Real Estate, Investment and your Primary Residence

Technorati Tags: mortgage, mortgage acceleration, equity, separation of equity, home loan, heloc, equity line, investment, financial advisor, florida, depression era economics

Mortgage Fraud 101

2007-12-15T23:41:00.000-05:00

Are you in trouble? Do you need information regarding foreclosure? Freddie Mac just put out this video about Mortgage Fraud. They also has a webpage for Avoiding Mortgage Fraud.

Borrowers Get Year-End Gift from Fed

2007-12-11T18:17:00.000-05:00

Borrowers Get Year-End Gift from Fed

The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates today for the third straight meeting of the FOMC. What does this mean to Celebration Buyers? Well, if you're looking to capture the best Celebration home loan rates, you need to act now. For those with an application already in process, you should probably lock your rate as soon as possible. And, for anyone who has yet to begin a loan application, what are you waiting for?

Rate Hikes on the Horizon

Despite this latest cut from the Fed, rates for many borrowers could actually increase soon. Why? Because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have recently announced 2008 Loan Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs) that are already starting to show up on lenders' rate sheets. LLPAs are automatic “penalties” based on credit scores, which tack on costs in the form of points or higher rates for most anyone with a FICO less than 720. Call me, and I will give you all the details.

Back to The Fed

But, let's get back to the good news. The Fed cut the Federal Funds Rate, an overnight lending rate that banks charge each other and which influences the amount of interest consumers pay for various types of debt, such as credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and auto loans.

Since September 18th, the Federal Funds Rate has gone down 100 basis points. If you have a loan that is tied to the Prime Rate, this means your rates have been lowered a full point. But, for those seeking to obtain new financing, you must act now to take advantage.

No Time to Wait

Following each of the last two interest rate cuts by the Fed, home loan rates jumped higher a couple of weeks later. Remember, lower short-term rates are inflationary by nature, and cause consumers to spend more money. Because of this, long-term rates tend to increase as bond holders hate inflation and command higher rates as a result in order to protect their investments.

Because of these pressures and the upcoming Loan Level Price Adjustments, interest rates are going to rise. You need to call me now in order to secure the best deal you may see for some time in Celebration Florida. You'll be glad that you did.

_____________________________________________

This information provided by:

Brian Brady,Mortgage Planner
World Wide Credit Corp
Phone: (858) 503-2318
Fax:(858 -605-4230
bbrady@worldwidecredit.com
www.MortgageRatesReport.com

Holiday Home Safety Tips

2007-12-09T16:40:00.000-05:00

With the busy holiday season upon us in Celebration Florida, some people can become careless and vulnerable to theft. They don't mean to be, but it does happen. So what are some things that you can do to protect your Celebration Florida home during the holiday season?

Simply being aware of areas that make you vulnerable and taking some easy precautions to prevent becoming a victim of theft in Celebration Florida. Here are some simple things you can do to protect your Celebration Florida home:

Leaving for the Holidays? Ask a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Leave a light on when you leave your home at night
Put your lights (including Christmas lights) on an automatic timer.
Make sure your holiday gifts are not visible through the windows and doors of your home.

What Every Celebration Senior Needs to Know about Reverse Mortgages

2007-12-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

Until recently, seniors 62 years of age and older have not had the best choices when it came to getting cash from their homes. Traditional home loans only offered the option of either selling one’s house or borrowing against its equity.

With reverse mortgages coming on the scene, seniors now have some additional cash-flow alternatives. This type of loan allows mature borrowers to convert their home equity into tax-free income without leaving their current home or making mortgage payments - and they do not need an existing income to qualify.

What a Reverse Mortgage Involves

Here are some important points to know when considering a reverse mortgage:

Eligibility: To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years of age. All owners who are on the title deed must meet this age requirement. You must also have paid off all, or most, of your home mortgage. Lastly, the home you reside in must remain your principal place of residence.

Mandatory Counsel: In order to ensure that homeowners are fully aware of the financial ramifications of obtaining a reverse mortgage, you must undergo counseling with an unbiased third party before completing a loan. HUD and AARP oversee a network of counselors who can provide this service, and it should be offered for either a nominal fee or at no charge.
Tax-Free Income: One of the advantages of a reverse mortgage is that the money you receive will not be taxed. The amount you’ll obtain depends on several factors including the plan you select, the type of cash advances you choose, your age, and the value of your home. Typically, the older you are the larger the loan, as you will have more equity in the house.

Cost: The cost of a reverse mortgage varies considerably from one type to the next. However, you can typically use the money you receive to offset the loan fees. The costs will be added to the loan balance and must be repaid with interest once the loan terminates.

Repayment: Reverse mortgages do not require any payment as long as the borrower(s) remain in the home. Should the borrower(s) pass away, sell the home, or permanently relocate, then the loan would be due in full, along with interest and additional costs. If two borrowers are on the loan and one dies, the loan would not be due since one of them still occupies the home.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage - The Federally Insured Loan

The most common type of reverse mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, otherwise known as a HECM mortgage. This is the only reverse mortgage program that’s federally insured and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This type of reverse mortgage is popular for a few reasons:

Ability to choose your own interest rate.You can select one that changes annually or one that changes every month. You have several payment options.You may receive monthly loan advances for a fixed term or for as long as you live in the home. You may also choose to receive a line of credit or combine monthly loan advances with a line of credit.

The loan can be used for any purpose.With a HECM, you don't have to designate the loan to a specific use; you can apply the funds to anything you choose.
Protection.This is one of the most attractive features of a HECM. This plan protects you by guaranteeing continued loan advances even if your lender defaults.

Sell or Stay?

The main reason people choose a reverse mortgage is to gain financial independence and maintain an adequate standard of living without leaving their current home. The best way to decide if a reverse mortgage is right for you is to compare it to the other option of selling your house. To do this, ask yourself these three questions:

How much cash can I get by selling my home?
How much will it cost to buy or rent a new place?
Is it worth my moving now, or do I prefer to do something else with the money?

Perhaps you'll confirm what you knew all along, where you now live is the best place to be.

_____________________________________________
This information provided by:
Brian Brady,Mortgage Planner
World Wide Credit Corp
Phone: (858) 503-2318 Fax:(858 -605-4230
bbrady@worldwidecredit.com
www.MortgageRatesReport.com

Celebration Florida Affordable Housing | great choice for your College Student instead of the dorm or apartment

2007-12-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

Trying to figure out where your college student will live while he/she is at school?

Dorm is reserved for freshman?
Frat house is only for parties?
Off campus apartments are in terrible condition and expensive?

Consider buying an affordable housing condominium for your student instead!

Using FHA loans, you can qualify as a non-occupant co-borrower and have your child on the loan to purchase a great condominium or townhouse near campus.

Why would you consider it?

First of all, Credit. This is a great credit builder.

Secondly, most students prefer living with a roommate, who pay rent to your child which can go to paying the mortgage.

Third, responsibility... owning as opposed to renting means your students have to learn to take care of the place.

Fourth, the tax benefits of having more mortgage interest deductions (consult your CPA)

Fifth, there's a better market to resell an affordable house/condo than a run down duplex near campus. Believe it or not!

For more information, visit the full article at -o-> Florida Affordable Housing College Students’ perfect place to live

Happy Chanukah Celebration Florida!

2007-12-04T16:05:00.000-05:00

Chanukah – Festival of Lights

December 04, 2007* - December 12, 2007
25 Kislev - 2 Tevet

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. Many Celebration families are celebrating Chanukah this week. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for 8 days. Because it usually falls in December, Chanukah has been compared to Christmas, even though the two holy days are vastly different within their religions. Yes there is much focus on Christmas in Celebration, but don't forget this important Family Tradition.

Not familiar with this Jewish Holiday? Here are some basics of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.

This is an 8-day holiday and is celebrated with a series of rituals, some are family based and others are community related.

First things First – Spelling of the Holiday

There are a number of spellings of this holiday:

Chanuka, Chanukah, Chanukkah, Channukah

Hanukah, Hannukah, Hanukkah, Hanuka, Hanukka, Hanaka, Haneka, Hanika

Khanukkah

The Chanukah Menorah – Hanukiyah

The Hanukiyah has nine candle holders. There are eight candles to symbolize the 8 days and the 9th candle called The Shamash is lit first and then used to light the other candles. Tradition states that the candles are added to the menorah right to left, but lit left to right. There is a blessing said over the candles.

Dreidel

The dreidel is one of the best known symbols of Chanukah. The dreidel is a four sided top with Hebrew letters on each side. The four letters are:

SHIN, HEY, GIMEL, NUN

These letters mean “A Great Miracle Happened There” In Israel the letters mean “A Miracle Happened HERE!” Children play a popular game with the dreidel, players use chocolate coins (Gelt) as tokens or chips.

Traditional Chanukah Foods

There are many traditional foods served during Chanukah. Many of the foods that served are foods fried or baked in oil including:

· Potato pancakes or latkes
· Cheese Blintzes with Broiled Pineapple
· Fruit Filled Donuts - Hanukkah Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)
· Carmel Applesauce
· Brisket or Roast Lamb With Lamb Sausage Crust And Fresh Grape Pan Sauce
· Rugelach
· Fried Zucchini
· Macaroons

Happy Chanukah Celebration Florida!

Florida Mortgage | Subprime Bailout ~ Preliminary views of the plan

2007-12-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

I had to at least make a mention of the new plan to bail out the Subprime Mess and I was in a Clint Eastwood Western sort of mentality. So, I will relate my feelings to the Good the Bad and The Ugly.

I think that in all, it will help some people... but I just don't believe the way that things are being carried out are in the best interest of the masses for more than one reason.

The Good - There are a lot of loans that are about to jump, some even double. This Congressional Bailout of these borrowers will help those people who are about to get a shock... a BIG shock.

The Bad - OK... so these borrowers have some relief.

Now the big test is will they learn their lesson from the scare and start a financial plan to get themselves on track for the big three issues for a loan application so that they can refinance in the future.

They need to work on:

Credit
Income
Assets
Also - Equity

The Ugly - now this is where I'm going to be bordering on ranting.

Congressman Barney Frank - are you reading this??

This plan is by far one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation in US History. This was bred from ignorance and arrogance.

I do not care how bad this problem is or will become...

The Mortgage Industry is built upon the freely moving, market driven Mortgage Backed Securities Market. Rates, programs, etc are all based on this FREE market that is without government interference!

The US Government has NO business regulating this market and industry in anyway.

YES! The Homeowners are hurting... but they have been in this position for at least a year and have heard enough news that this storm was coming. Ohh... now I'm unpopular...

But... there are investors around the world who bought into these investments. They made the decision to back risky mortgages and who's right is it to tell them that they do not deserve the returns that they signed up for??

No ones! Especially not the Federal Government of the United States.

For the FULL ARTICLE follow this link to -o-> Florida Mortgage Subprime Bailout ~ Preliminary views of the plan

Celebration Florida - Central Florida Melting Pot Community

2007-12-01T19:18:00.001-05:00

It is always interesting to see what other's think of your area. Celebration Florida is definitely a different place, and not all people will fall in love with it. So while I was searching around the Internet I discovered this interesting site called Tacky Fabulous - A guide to everything about Central Florida that is Tacky.

Citizens of Celebration do not worry, the writer is rather kind about our unique community. You must check this site out though! What a great look at everything Central Florida. Some great reading there!

Entries about Celebration Include:

http://tackyfabulousorlando.blogspot.com/2007/11/do-not-eat-this-snow.html
http://tackyfabulousorlando.blogspot.com/2007/11/central-floridas-melting-pot-community.html

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Celebration Residents Can Call Upon Nanny Poppinz

2007-11-27T06:59:00.000-05:00

Disney created Mary Poppins. Celebration Florida is also creation of the Walt Disney Company. Many families make Celebration Florida home. Celebration Florida is made for families, with pedestrian friendly sidewalks and every aspect planned to be a community that people love.

Every kid dreams of having Mary Poppins come into their homess and I think a few parents do too! You remember Mary Poppins. Mary Poppins is a kind of Super-nanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical powers before flying off again!

There isn't really a Mary Poppins in Celebration Florida but there is a new service that hopes to ease the needs of parents and children in the Celebration area. Celebration Residents can now call Upon Nanny Poppinz in a pinch when they need temporary care of their children. Those vacationing in the Orlando area can too now that Nanny Poppinz is open in West Orlando.

Visit Nanny Poppinz website for more information. Their number is (407) 965-5024.

About Nanny Poppinz™ has grown from the love of one woman in 1999 into a dedicated group of people in a now expanding Nanny Childcare Services Organization from coast to coast.

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Celebration Florida Real Estate - Celebration Florida Homes Thanksgiving Greeting

2007-11-22T00:40:00.000-05:00

Expansion Plans Announced for Celebration Health

2007-11-18T18:11:00.000-05:00

Florida Hospital Celebration Health's plans for the next decade include a second patient tower, a surgery expansion and a new obesity program. The 112-bed hospital, one of seven facilities in the Florida Hospital system, specializes in minimally-invasive surgery.

The Expansion of Celebration Health is to help meet the growing needs of Celebration Florida and the surrounding area. In the planning stages at this time:

Celebration Health will be expanding the surgical area with a $16 million expansion to include four new Operating Rooms, bringing the total to 11
Hospital officials hope to break ground on a second patient tower, with 120 beds and 120,000 square feet. The $125 million expansion, along with a parking addition, could be complete by 2011 if the money is raised next year, a hospital official said.
In the next decade, the hospital plans a $35 million complex to house its surgical training center. Officials expect the Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement will train as many as 20,000 doctors annually, up from 6,000 to 7,000.The Celebration facility also will begin offering radiation and oncology services.

This is in addition to enhancements that happened earlier this year with Celebration Health added:

10-bed Rapid-in-and-Out Unit, to move people from the Emergency Department into Admitting in the Hospital
six additional emergency-department beds
Expanded the waiting area.

With all this growth, will come more professionals that will want to live in Celebration. Celebration Health Center is located:

Celebration Health Website

400 Celebration Place
Celebration, FL 34747

(407) 303-4000

Make Your Plans for New Years Eve in Celebration

2007-11-13T04:08:00.000-05:00

Celebration Florida is a wonderful family community and there is always great things to do. One wonderful thing is how Celebration celebrates holidays. They are always done well. Snow falls daily in December, the houses in Celebration are decorated for the holidays. If you are in Central Florida this December, you should definately check it out!

It is not too early to make your plans for New Year's in Celebration. In fact you might want to start making your plans now!

New Year's Eve is no different. Some of the events that are planned for New Year's Eve this year in Celebration Florida include:

Last snowfall in Celebration
Fireworks
Performances by the Reflections and JR Richards of Dishwalla

Don't forget to make your dinner reservations early at one of your favorite Celebration Restaurants! Celebration Florida has several dining options for you with all the great restaurants in the Market Street area of Celebration.

The restaurants in Celebration and their contact information is here in case you want to make dinner reservations or see what they have planned for the New Year's Celebration this year:

Cafe D'Antonio 407-566-2233
Celebration Town Tavern 407-566-2526
Columbia Restaurant 407-566-1505
Kilwin's (Chocolatier) 407-566-8555
Market Street Cafe 407-566-1144
On a Roll Deli 407-566-0291
Seito Japanese Restaurant 407-566-1889
Sherlocks ( Wines/Teas) 407-566-1866
Starbuck's (Coffee) 321-939-3200
Upper Crust (Pizza) 407-566-1221

Celebration Florida Climate

2007-11-05T04:53:00.000-05:00

Celebration Florida is centrally located in Orlando Florida with a mild winter climate. Many in the Greater Orlando area call Celebration Florida home. Part of the reason so many people love Celebration is the weather enjoyed by Central Florida residents.
.

Warm winters with plenty to do makes Celebration a very popular destination. It also makes for a great place to call home!

October - May the temperatures range:

Days - Low 70s F (22 C) to mid 80s F (27 C)

Nights - Low 50s F (10 C) to mid 60s F (16 C)

June - September the temperatures range:

Days - Upper 80s F (27 C) to mid 90s F (32 C)

Nights - Upper 60s F (16 C) to mid 70s F (22 C)

Want to Play Volleyball in Celebration?

2007-11-01T23:50:00.000-04:00

Volleyball Anyone?

Celebration Florida is a great place to call home. There is a wonderful sense of community in Celebration. Some people find it a little too perfect, but for many it is just right. There is always something going on in Celebration Florida. One fun event is Volleyball in the North Village. Check it out! Make a few new friends in Celebration, get some exercise and have some fun!

Every Sunday, 4 – 6 pm

North Village Courts

For more information contact Monica at (407) 566-8852. For more information on ideas about things happening in Celebration check out the Front Porch.

Celebration Florida Real Estate - Celebration Florida Homes

2007-10-31T19:46:00.000-04:00

Over the past year I have written a lot about Celebration Florida. Here are a few of my favorite and informative articles regarding life in Celebration Floirda.

About Celebration Florida:

Buyer Articles:

Real Estate Articles by Colleen Kulikowski

Reasons why your Celebration Homes does not sell

2007-10-27T11:18:00.000-04:00

If you have had your Celebration home on the market for several months and haven’t seen much activity or any offers, chances are that one or more of the reasons below are to blame.

Your price is too high

The biggest problem for Celebration Florida home sellers is is that the asking price has been set too high. The reasons for setting your price too high to begin with are many.

Ranging from over enthusiastic listing agents
Unrealistic seller expectations
Change in the market

Price your home too high, you’ve set yourself up for a number of obstacles to selling your home. Even if you do get an offer for the overly high asking price, the deal may fall apart before closing because the buyer may have problems financing.

Look at other homes for sale, ones as similar and as close to yours as possible. If they are going for less than you are asking, you may be priced too high. The fact is, your Celebration home is competing against those other homes in Celebration Florida, and what Celebration buyers are willing to pay is what will determine final sales prices.

The condition of your home

There is a lot of competition out there to sell homes in Celebration Florida. Your home has to compete against other similar homes for sale, as well as competing against shiny brand new homes. The more you can do to make your Celebration home look appealing to a buyer, the better your chances for a quick sale. Look at your Celebration home with a critical eye – put yourself in the Celebration Florida buyers position. A buyer doesn’t want to have to do anything except move in. Your best “bang for the buck” in improving the condition of your home are paint and flooring. Make sure that all of the paint is in great condition, both inside and out. Repainting doesn’t cost too much, and will usually make the biggest impact on buyers. Make sure all of the flooring looks good too. You may want to consider putting in new carpet. Again, it’s not that expensive but it sure does make an impact on buyers coming to look at your home.

Location, location, location

It’s the oldest cliché in the world, but it’s true. When it comes to real estate, it’s all about location! When it comes to homes, things like how good the schools are, crime rates, visual appeal of the neighborhood and noise or the smell of pollution can all effect how desirable the location is. If you’re in a bad location, a good real estate agent may help to minimize some of the impact by suggesting improvements to the house. But the only really reliable way to overcome a bad location is with a lower price. Simply put, an identical home in a bad location won’t sell for as much as the same home in a better location.

Your marketing campaign is out of steam

The best listing agents all use an aggressive marketing plan to market their listings. If your listing agent isn’t making sure your home can be found easily on the internet, isn’t actively touting his or her listings to other agents in the area, isn’t running ads in the local newspapers and real estate publications, then it might be time to change agents. The best agents might even run radio or television ads for their listings. If all your agent has done is put a sign in your front yard and add your home to the local MLS, then that agent isn’t coming close to doing all that can be done to effectively market your home.

The market is slow

You’ll hear it described as a slow market, or a buyers market, or maybe a cold market. But it all means the same thing. That home sales in the local area, or market, are slow. That there are too many homes for sale and not enough active buyers. There are several things you can do to combat a slow market. The most effective strategy is to sell at a lower price. Buyers are expecting to find bargains during a slow market. You can also help yourself by offering to pay some concessions to help a buyer that might not have a lot of cash. The ultimate way to beat a slow market is to simply wait it out. But that’s not always an option for many sellers.

Your home isn’t easily accessible

To get your home sold quickly, it’s important that other agents in the area show it to as many potential buyers as possible. When a busy agent is compiling a list of homes to show a buyer, the agent will naturally tend to show those houses that are easiest to gain access to first. Many homes on the market have “lock boxes” on them. The lock box is a device which holds a key to the home, that only qualified local agents can access. Homes that are listed as being “lock box, no appointment needed” will get shown more often than homes listed as “agent has key, call for appointment”. If at all possible, you should let your agent put a lock box on your home for easier showing. If not, you should do anything else you can to make it as convenient as possible for agents to show your home.

You have an agent nobody likes

Sounds almost silly, but it’s very true. If your listing agent isn’t liked or respected by other agents in your area, it could slow down the sale of your home. When an agent prepares to show properties to prospective buyers, the agent begins by talking to the buyer to find out what kind of home they are looking for. Then the agent searches the local MLS and other sources for homes that fit the buyer. If there are a number of good matches to choose from, and one of them has been listed by an agent that is hard to get along with, or arrogant, or has otherwise made himself unpopular, well… It’s just human nature to tend to skip over someone you don’t like.

Honoring our Wounded Veteran's

2007-10-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

While you are filling out your Christmas Cards this Christmas, why not add one more to the list -- A Recovering American Soldier. Mail to:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue,NW

Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

With the holidays fast approaching a care package from home gives them the knowledge that people are thinking about them - that's a huge pick-me-up. There are also several organizations that send care packages and send support to our troops overseas:

Military Care Packages
Operation Military Pride
Operation Uplink
Any Soldier
Operation Phone Home
Treats for Troops
Books for Soldiers

Do I need Title Insurance on my Celebration Florida home?

2007-10-19T03:31:00.000-04:00

What I could lose my Celebration Florida Real Estate due to a title issue? Yes it is possible, according to First American Title there are some 70 ways you could lose your property.

So what can you do to protect yourself? Purchase a Title Insurance Policy.

Ok what exactly is Title Insurance?

Title Insurance Coverage ends on the day the policy is issued and extends backward in time for an indefinite period. This is in marked contrast to property or life insurance, which protect against losses resulting from events that occur after the policy is issued, for a specified period into the future.

Title Search Basics:

Title searches start with the most recent deed, searching the grantee's name (the person now holding title) backwards in time, until the deed when the grantee acquired the property is located.
That grantor's name is then searched backwards in time in the grantee's book to find when the grantor acquired title as a grantee.
This process continues, and over time, the property description involves larger and larger parcels of land.
Eventually, the searcher finds the U. S. Patent.

Other Factors Affecting Title:

Deeds establish chain-of-title, but sometimes those chains are broken.
In addition, title searchers also look for proof that the encumbrances are paid off
they look for easements, rights-of-way, CC&Rs, other elements affecting title to the property.

Here are more records that are searched to piece title together:

Marriage records
Death certificates
Tax sales
Title Insurance Coverage

Depending on the title company, consumers can choose among a variety of options, but the top three choices are Owners, Lender's and Extended Coverage.

Basic Owner's Title Policy Coverage:

Clear title to the property
Incorrect signatures on documents
Forgery, fraud
Defective recordation
Restrictive covenants
Encumbrances or judgments

Basic Lender's Title Policy Coverage:

Mechanic's liens and unrecorded liens
Unrecorded easements and access rights
Defects and other unrecorded documents

Extended Owner's Coverage:

Building permit violations from previous owners
Subdivision maps
Covenant violations from previous owners
Living trusts
Structure damage from mineral extractions
Variety of encroachments and forgeries after title insurance is issued

Facts about Title Insurance:

Florida sets title insurance premiums but not other title-related charges, which can vary.
Who pays for Title Insurance depends on your local custom. It can differ from county to county, but it is also negotiable in the purchase offer. Sometimes sellers and buyers split the fee for the owner's policy.

Typically, the buyer pays for the lender's coverage.

Title Insurance Policies are paid once. The fee is due when you buy. You will never pay it again. Title policy insurance is the best insurance policy you can ever buy.

Hopefully this information will help you understand the Title process better and why you should have Title Insurance. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me.

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(407) 288-0017

Is Exposure an Important factor in purchasing a home in Florida?

2007-10-17T07:09:00.000-04:00

So what is the best exposure for your Florida home?

Well that is entirely up to you. Here is a brief breakdown of the exposures and their pros and cons:

Southern Exposure - Southern Exposure is the most popular exposure in Florida, which gives you sunlight on you pool deck all day long. Another benefit of southern exposure is that the sun never shines directly into your home always right across your lanai.
Eastern Exposure - Eastern exposure gives you sunlight on your deck until around 2:00pm afterwards your lanai cools down making it a great place to relax and possible even sit down for drinks. The negative of Eastern Exposure is that the sunlight comes directly into your home in the morning heating your home and causing glare.
Western Exposure - Western exposure gives you sunlight on you pool deck from around 2:00pm on. The downfall with western exposure homes is that the sun heats home around 5:00 when most are getting home for work or in Florida the Golf Course or Beach.
Northern Exposure - Northern exposure is the least preferred exposure. The pool decks tents to be shaded all day and the sun heats your home from the front all day long. However if the lanai goes out far enough there can be sunlight on the back of the lanai all day and the front on the lanai will stay cool.

When looking at Florida homes, the best thing to do is go to the home you are interested in at different times of the day. You very well could find that one exposure works much better for you than another.

BLOG Action Day - Celebration Florida

2007-10-15T13:31:00.001-04:00

My thought for Celebration Florida on this BLOG Action Day, switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

If an entire country (Australia) can do it, then you can do it too.

Yes, CFL bulbs are more expensive, but even the cheapest energy saving CFLs will typically last for 5,000 hours compared to only just over 1,000 hours on average for the best conventional bulbs. And, the light is different, so you’ll need to make some mental adjustments to the change.

But, the effort is very green both for the earth and for your wallet in the long run. You can save $30 or more in energy costs over each CFL bulb’s lifetime.

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(407) 288-0017

Thinking of Celebration Florida home?

2007-10-11T20:28:00.000-04:00

Celebration Florida is the most successful planned community in America. It is no wonder why so many people want to call Celebration Florida home!

Celebration was designed by the best architects in the World, who studied a variety of urban development throughout the United States before designing Celebration’s plan. Situated in Osceola County, Florida just next door to Walt Disney World Resort, Celebration is close to everything Orlando Florida has to offer!

Celebration Florida was one of the most ambitious projects developed by the Walt Disney Comapny. Celebration was a community of the future based on the best principles from the past. In typical Disney fashion there isn't a detail that was missed.

Celebration was designed to look and feel like a southern town, pre-1940's. Celebration homes are a mixture of architectural styles including Craftsman, Victorian, French, Classical, Mede terrain, and Coastal.

There is something here in Celebration that appeals to everyone due to the strict guidelines set forth by Disney. It just feels familiar and so much like home.

Attractions Close to Celebration Florida!

2007-10-08T19:38:00.000-04:00

Celebration Florida provides an ideal location, which is what Real Estate is all about.

Celebration Florida is a destination location. Many people come here for vacation and then decide to purchase a vacation home here. Who can blame them? Celebration Florida is centrally located in Florida and close to all of the amusement parks and everything that is special and wonderful in Florida.

Orlando area attractions are just minutes from the quiet splendor of Celebration FL:

Walt Disney World Resort - 4 miles

Discovery Cove - 7 miles
Orange County Convention Center - 9 miles
Orlando International Airport - 16 miles
Sea World Orlando - 7 miles
Universal CityWALK - 11 Miles
Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure - 11 miles
Downtown Orlando Florida - 17 Miles

I Want A Great Real Estate Deal In Celebration!

2007-10-05T20:55:00.000-04:00

I hear it on a regular basis from Celebration Florida Buyers: "I want a Great Real Estate deal!"

Each time I hear it, I immediately think back to the popular TV game show "Let's Make A Deal" There sometimes you left with a flashy sports car, and sometimes you left with his and her bicycles or worse. Much like the For Sale by Owners, Celebration Floirda Buyers that try to go it alone without the assistance of a Realtor have a difficult time.

It is happening across the country Realtors are reading it in their emails from buyers, hearing it while we are at Open Houses, and just about every phone call they receive. "Can you get me a great Real Estate deal?" Celebration Florida Buyers and those around the country are telling their neighbors and friends. It is what everyone is talking about.

Realtors hear it over and over. "I want a deal!" Ok! We get it! You want a deal! But I have something for you to think about...

Do you deserve a Deal?

If there is a Celebration buyer out there not demanding they get a deal I would be very surprised! And why not?

The Celebration Real Estate Market favors the Celebration Florida buyers right now. Inventory is up and many Celebration Florida Sellers are anxious. Now with the increase in foreclosure or short sale opportunities Celebration Florida Buyers seem to think they are entitled to the BEST DEAL!

There are a lot of wonderful Real Estate Opportunities in Celebration Florida. The problem is even though EVERYONE wants a deal, not everyone can get the BEST deals. The BEST deals will to those that are prepared and ready to act. Are you?

Best Deals are Short Sales and Foreclosures! - think again. There always seem to be many competing offers because everyone wants the same great deal

The banks want market value
You may have to buy "as is." So is this REALLY a deal?

Just Make Low Ball Offers! - A better strategy is to make solid offers on properties that are priced correctly.

Value of a Property is a Personal Factor - Are you getting an Celebration Florida home you love or just dealing with?

Pre-Qualification is Key! - If you aren't, no deal. Loan programs are changing daily, with so much competition in looking for deals you will need to be looking good on paper!

There is lots of competition - Surprise! You are not the only one sitting on the fence waiting for a great deal! Well priced Celebration homes in great condition are going to disappear quickly. Do you really want to be in the position saying "I should have acted faster?"
Be Ready to Act Quickly With:

Few if any contingencies
Pre-approval letter with a Mortgage Professional with a stellar reputation
Prepared to put a large down pament
The ability to have a quick closing

No one wants to overpay and you are right to want a Good Deal.

Today's Celebration Florida Real Estate market has a lot of inventory, with lots of options for the Celebration Buyers to choose from. Your competition for the really good buys may be tougher than you think.

There is no reason to go it alone working with a knowledgeable Celebration Realtor will ensure that based on your criteria we can find you the best deal at that time!

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(407) 288-0017

Attention Celebration Florida Buyers and Sellers!

2007-10-03T17:41:00.000-04:00

Yes you the guy sitting on the fence! And You with the overpriced listing sitting in the corner!

There are some general rules that if you follow when making a decision to buy or sell Real Estate in Celebration Florida that you use to ensure that you make a sound decision.

What do we mean by this? These are things to think about when you are trying to decide if now is a good time to purchase a Celebration Florida home or sell your Celebration Florida home:

Get with the times!

Celebration Florida Seller's tend to be 6 months behind what is going on in the market. So make sure that you always look at where the Celebration Florida market is headed, not where it has been.

SOLD Highest Price LEAST Amount of Days on the Market

Take off the rose colored glasses! You need to look at what is really going on in the market. Not what you think is going on, but what really is! Look at what has sold recently and what is on the market. Make sure that you are the best property in the bottom 25% of those listed.

Get off the Fence!

Buyers stop waiting for the market "to hit bottom"! Well think about the possibility that you could end up having to purchase less of a house because interest rates go up when you perceive that the market has hit the bottom. If you are qualified, ready and able, plan on keeping your home 4 or more years – it is time to get off the fence and purchase that Celebration Florida home!

Reality Check For Celebration Florida Real Estate!

Been on the market for 3 months with no activity? Cut your asking price and get your Celebration Florida home SOLD!

Have a Plan!

It doesn't matter if you are buying or selling Real Estate in the Celebration Florida area, make sure that you plan for the worst case scenario. Can you really afford to purchase a Celebration Florida home now? Are you stretching beyond your means?

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Notes from BLOGORLANDO

2007-09-29T21:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I attended BLOG ORLANDO at Rollins College. There was a full schedule of events! They proudly called this an unconference. What is an unconference? Well it was about the structure of the day. The presenters did not present as much kept the dialogue going.

Here are some of the highlights:

Bloggers Don't Always Make the Best Presenters -- but they do it with great passion!
Shel Isreal (Naked Conversations) Keynote speaker
Social media is about the conversation and building trust
Social media is building a generosity cult -- You get the most influence, by giving the most.
Business is Personal Again as a result of Social media -It is messy, by connection with one another, we build trust
Participation in the community -- give without expecting a return
50% of all advertising does not work. Neither does the other 50%.
Blogging is beginning to normalize, this is just the beginning
Humanizing the Process
Language is very important. Want to change some-one's perception on a topic, you must change their language
Help people save time, make money, get more done, be happy, find meaning, connect with others and find greater satisfaction.

Want More Information about BLOGORLANDO? Here is what others are writing about it:

BlogOrlando BLOG
Off to BLOG ORLANDO
Photos of BLOGORLANDO
Real Estate Blog - Orlando Florida BlogOrlando Friday!!!!
Twitter / blogorlando
BlogOrlando at Marketing Begins At Home
Get Ready for BlogOrlando » The Buzz Bin
BlogOrlando07: Blogs, Photos, Videos and more on Technorati
hyku blog - BlogOrlando at Kennedy Space Center - by business ...
Posts tagged Blogorlando at alexrudloff.com
Gretchen and the Pentaho Nation: BlogOrlando Un-conference: Just a ...
blogorlando : Business Blog Consulting
BlogOrlando ‘Blogging Basics' Session Topics
videoblogging : Message: VideoBlogging session at BlogOrlando

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

The Celebration Hotel

2007-09-24T16:54:00.000-04:00

If you live in Celebration it is almost a guarantee that you will have visitors from around the country come and visit you. What are you going to do with all of these wonderful visitors? For some reason people think that you live down here that you are always on vacation and that you can play while they are visiting.

What if your Celebration home can't accomodate your latest guests? What can you do? Suggest a local hotel! That way they can come and go as they please, you don't have to be the perfect host 24 hours a day and everyone wins! You get to catch up with old friends and family and still like them after the visit!

The Celebration Hotel is a charming small boutique hotel in the heart of Celebration. This Walt Disney Good Neighbor hotel provides complimentary shuttle to the Disney theme parks features 115 guest rooms and suites. Amenities for the Celebration Hotel include:

In-room safe and mini-bar
Nightly turndown of thrile-sheeted beds
Complimentary daily newspaper
High-speed Internet access, dual-line telephones
Bathrobes in your room
Lakeside heated outdoor pool
In-room massage service
Full Service Concierge
Dining at the Plantation Room
Evening entertainment

Siena at Celebration

2007-09-17T06:51:00.000-04:00

Siena at Celebration Condominiums are located in South Village of Celebration Florida. Like all of Celebration, Siena offers a mix of architectural styles. There is a clubhouse, pool and playground which offers convenient recreation to condo owners.

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team

Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida Open House | September 15th 1-3pm

2007-09-14T10:46:00.000-04:00

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida | Condo Hotels

2007-09-04T13:45:00.000-04:00

Rising in popularity is an alternative to timeshares - Condo Hotels. Condo Hotel are rising in popularity, especially in areas like ours! With the draw of such popular vacation destinations with Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure in the area.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) view is that selling condo hotel units combined with a rental arrangement or similar service constitutes the offering of a security. We know you want to know about these things, but because of that there are some questions the Orlando Avenue Top Team cannot answer for you:

Will I break even?
Will the condo hotel appreciate?
Is this a good Investment?
What will my condo hotel be worth in a month/year?
What will I receive as income?

The SEC law clearly prohibits these projections or guarantees. You will need to speak with your Financial Advisor to find these answers.

Each Condo hotel unit is sold as a condominium, but they are managed by a hotel. Condo hotels are most times luxury hotels in popular destinations where each room is sold to individual investors who can use them as a vacation home whenever they like. Major hotel chains include the Four Seasons, Starwood, Clarion, Marriott International and Ritz-Carlton are in the condo hotel market.

Financing for a condo hotel unit is possible, but because of lending requirements it is recommended that you work with a trusted Mortgage Professional. Several reasons that Condo Hotels are appealing include:

Having the option of taking part in the property's rental program
Incredible amenities including spas, fine dining, concierge, housekeeping and fitness enters.
Hassle-free vacation home ownership with on-site management

Aspects of a Successful Condo Hotel:

Location! Location! Location!
Amenities of the facility
Strong Managment company
A respected developer

Celebration Florida Condo Hotel Projects that you might want to investigate:

Mona Lisa at Celebration
Icon Celebration

If you would like more information on Condo Hotels, please call us today at (407) 288-0017.

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski

Celebration Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Buy Your Celebration Home Now!

2007-09-03T09:03:00.000-04:00

Find Your Celebration Home

Search the Celebration Florida Area MLS

Our free system gives you the functionality to save searches to come back to, email listings you like to others and gives you the ability explore the area from the comfort of your home.

Start your home search now!

Thinking of Selling?

Are You Selling Your Home For Sale By Owner?

Memorial Park at Celebration

2007-09-01T23:47:00.000-04:00

Memorial Park at Celebration is situated just before the entry to Artisan Park. This is a quiet place for reflection and where residents of Celebration can honor those that pass away. Memorial Park was started after the community was being built, since in the planning there was no plan for a cemetary in Celebration.

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
(407) 288-0017

Let Me Take you There...

2007-09-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

Celebration Florida is organized into villages. The Villages are:
North Village - There are 367 homes as well as townhouses and condos with a neighborhood pool with a pavilion area.

Lake Evalyn - Garden homes in this 59 home area.
South Village - Fifth Village with 552 homes with clubhouse, neighborhood pool and playground.
Aquila Reserve - Surrounded by wooded areas, this is the last village to be developed by The Celebration Company. There are 78 homes in this village.

Artisan Park - Developed by Arvida with 300 single family homes, 50 townhouses and 300 condos, featuring an exclusive clubhouse just for Artisan Park residents.
West Village - Second village built boarded by Celebration Golf Course and elementary school with 95 homes.
Roseville Corner - Surrounded by roses, this small community of 99 homes mostly consisting of free-standing and attached Bungalow homes.

Celebration Village - Original village consisting of 351 homes, mixture of condos and shops also referred to as the Main Village.
East Village - A brief walk from downtown, features 387 homes including townhouses & condos.

Celebration Condos:

Condominiums at Market Street
Carlyle Residences at Celebration
Mirasol at Celebration
Siena at Celebration
Terraces at Celebration
Georgetown at Celebration

Investment Homes - Currently under Construction are the following Condo Hotels in Celebration:

What Makes An Excellent Vacation Rental?

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski

Celebration Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

10 Least Expensive Townhomes in Celebration Florida

2007-08-30T05:08:00.000-04:00

As of today on the Mid Florida Regional MLS, here are the 10 lowest list price townhomes in Celebration Florida:

Townhome 1 has 1449 sf with 2/2 was built in 2001with a list price of $ 239,900
and has been on the market for 142 CDOM

Townhome 2 has 1264 sf with 2/2 was built in 2001with a list price of $ 284,900
and has been on the market for 337 CDOM

Townhome 3 has 1214 sf with 2/2 was built in 2001with a list price of $289,000
and has been on the market for 122 CDOM

Townhome 4 has 1465 sf with 2/2 was built in 2001with a list price of $315,000
and has been on the market for 171 CDOM

Townhome 5 has 1440 sf with 2/2.5 was built in 2002with a list price of $319,900
and has been on the market for 224 CDOM

Townhome 6 has 1428 sf with 3/2 was built in 2001with a list price of $319,900
and has been on the market for 361 CDOM

Townhome 7 has 1440 sf with 2/2.5 was built in 2002 with a list price of $329,000
and has been on the market for 78 CDOM

Townhome 8 has 1423 sf with 3/2 was built in 2001 with a list price of $330,000
and has been on the market for 165 CDOM

Townhome 9 has 1423 sf with 3/2 was built in 2001 with a list price of $339,000
and has been on the market for 92 CDOM

Townhome 10 has 1897 sf with 3/2.5 was built in 1998 with a list price of $369,000
and has been on the market for 289 CDOM

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Keller Williams at Celebration
Orlando Avenue Top Team

(407) 288-0017

10 Least Expensive 1-bedroom Condos Available in Celebration

2007-08-30T04:23:00.000-04:00

As of today, here are the 10 leaste expensive 1 bedroom Condos in Celebration according to the Mid Florida Regional MLS:

Condo 1 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 396 CDOM has 528sq ft, and is listed for $169,900

Condo 2 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 43 CDOM has 552sq ft, and is listed for $172,900

Condo 3 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 162 CDOM has 528sq ft, and is listed for $174,900

Condo 4 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 173 CDOM has 952sq ft, and is listed for $179,000

Condo 5 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 118 CDOM has 792sq ft, and is listed for $184,500

Condo 6 was built in 1998, has been on the market

for 442 CDOM has 830sq ft, and is listed for $184,900

Condo 7 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 43 CDOM has 792sq ft, and is listed for $189,000

Condo 8 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 80 CDOM has 528sq ft, and is listed for $189,900

Condo 9 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 101 CDOM has 792sq ft, and is listed for $195,000

Condo 10 was built in 2001, has been on the market

for 402 CDOM has 860sq ft, and is listed for $198,000

Don't want a 1 bedroom?

There are two-bedrooms condos, townhomes and single family homes available in Celebration Florida as well!

_________________________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

The 10 Least Expensive Single Family Homes in Celebration Florida

2007-08-28T19:25:00.000-04:00

As of today, on the Mid Florida Regional MLS the 10 Least Expensive Single Family Homes in Celebration Florida are:

Home 1 - 3/2 1388sf, Built in 1999Listed for $ 320,000

has been on the market for 384 CDOM

Home 2 - 3/2.5 1648sf, Built in 1998Listed for $ 336,000

has been on the market for 12 CDOM

Home 3 - 3/2.5 1636sf, Built in 1998Listed for $ 355,000

has been on the market for 42 CDOM

Home 4 - 3/2 1416sf, Built in 2003Listed for $ 375,000

has been on the market for 393 CDOM

Home 5 - 3/2 1289sf, Built in 2003Listed for $ 379,000

has been on the market for 111 CDOM

Home 6 - 3/2.5 2056sf, Built in 1997Listed for $ 379,900

has been on the market for 128 CDOM

Home 7 - 4/2.5 1924sf, Built in 1998Listed for $ 382,000

has been on the market for 104 CDOM

Home 8 - 3/2.5 1720sf, Built in 1999Listed for $ 389,900

has been on the market for 163 CDOM

Home 9 - 3/2 1416sf, Built in 2000Listed for $ 399,000

has been on the market for 96 CDOM

Home 10 - 3/2 1416sf, Built in 2000Listed for $ 405,000
has been on the market for 131 CDOM

Photos of Celebration Florida

2007-08-26T08:45:00.000-04:00

I take lots of photos of Celebration Florida. It is so easy. There is so many wonderful things to photograph here in Celebration Florida! Here is a collection of some of my favorite photos that I have taken over the past 6 months here in Celebration Florida!

Come home to Celebration Florida....

Home in Celebration Florida.

Preview Center in Celebration Florida.

Market Street Cafe a popular outdoor dining option in Celebration Florida.

Market Street Shops in Celebration Florida.

Celebration Florida Post Office.

Celebration Florida Town Hall.

Celebration Florida Move Theatre.

Lake Evalyn of Celebration Florida

Fountain in the Center of Downtown Celebration Florida.

Celebration High School

Celebration School
Celebration Health Center

Looking for your Dream Celebration Home?

2007-08-21T04:05:00.000-04:00

Call me!

I know that I can find the right home in Celebration Florida for you!

Let's go to the Movies in Celebration Florida!

2007-08-17T09:24:00.000-04:00

Every aspect of life was thought about in the planning of Celebration Florida! There is even a movie theatre in the heart of Celebration! What a wonderful date night! With all the fine restaurants here in Celebration Florida, you can then walk down to the movies!

Architect Cesar Pelli & Associates designed the Googie cinema in Celebration, Florida. The two spires are playful reminders of futuristic architecture from the 1950s.

Why wouldn't you want to make Celebration Florida home? Not only do you live in an idealic setting with parks and natural beauty surrounding you but you have all the wonderful conviences of a modern city!

AMC Celebration
2651 Front St., Celebration, FL, USA
(407) 566-1403
Map

_______________________________________
This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida Internet -- How Secure is your Password?

2007-08-15T22:18:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia " A password is a form of secret authentication data that is used to control access to a resource. The password is kept secret from those not allowed access, and those wishing to gain access are tested on whether or not they know the password and are granted or denied access accordingly."

In a past life I was part of a team that managed the entire network security for Nabisco Foods. That was back in the days before the Internet really took off. Google wasn't even born yet!

I know Computer Security. Here are a few things to think about:

When was the last time you changed your password?
Is is one that some could easily guess?
How many sites do you use the same login id and password combination?
How many sites are you using different logins, but yet the same password?
Does your Facebook, Website, Email, Banking and other accounts all using the same password?

The most important question I have for you -- How safe are your passwords that you are using?

Sorry, I have a feeling that there is more than one person out there that is completely terrorized. If you have been bad at passwords, there is good news for you! You can correct the situation before it becomes a problem.

What Makes a good Password?

One that has a combination of letters (and a combination of upper and lower case), numbers and special characters (*&^%$#@)
Use a password that you can type quickly, without having to look at the keyboard. This makes it harder for someone to steal your password by watching over your shoulder
One that does not make sense
Don't use your Social Security Number, License number or Telephone number in your password
Must not have more than 2 characters repeated in a row - thus "ABCaaa" should not be used
One that contains at least 8 characters
Don't use any form of your Login Name as part of your password, or your first or last name for that matter
Definitely not things like your name, your birthday, 12345, ABCDE, Password
A password that is changed at least every 30 days, 14 days is better
Don't put it under your keyboard, mouse pad, telephone, store it in your Rolodex under P, or worse yet on a post-it note on your monitor, and don't carry it in your wallet! What if it were stolen?

A secure login password could be defined as one that does not fit into any would-be intruder's "universe" of intelligible words, or permutations thereof. In other words, an ideally secure password must appear as noise, totally random characters, devoid of any information. Do not incorporate into a password any information which is known to others, because this information can make life just that much easier for an intruder. Names of people, streets, dictionary words, new events, are all known by others and can be guessed.

What's Happening In Celebration?

2007-08-14T09:53:00.000-04:00

The Celebration News is full of information and is realeased each month. Here are some upcoming events in Celebration that you will want to mark down on your calendar:

September 18 - Celebration Annual Town Meeting

October 6 - Celebration Proch & Yard Sale

October 12 & 13 - Octoberfest

November 3 - Alfa Romeo Car Show

November 9-11 - Founder's Day Weekend

November 10 - Taste of Celebration

December 1-31 - Now Snowing Nightly

December 31 - New Year's Eve

Visit the community webiste for more information on each of these events!

_________________________________________________

This information about Celebration Florida is provided by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor

Orlando Avenue Top Team

Keller Williams at Celebration

(407) 288-0017

What are the Sales in Celebration in July 2007?

2007-08-13T09:51:00.000-04:00

According to the Mid Florida Regional MLS, in July 2007 here is a list of the sales in Celebration Florida:

Single Family Homes - 11 ranging in price $389,000 - $2,650,000
Artisan Park Condos - 1 sold for $638,950
Terraces at Celebration Condos - 1 sold for $292,500
Georgetown Condos - 2 Sold for $200,000 - $222,000

______________________________________________________
For more information about Celebration Florida, please contact:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
(407) 288-0017

Celebration School Historical Note

2007-08-08T08:15:00.000-04:00

Everyone is getting ready to get back to school right now. So here is a history lesson...

What happened in Celebration Florida on August 8, 1997?

This was the day that parents got their first look at the new $20 Million school. With great pomp and circumstance the school was unveiled to the public.

Celebration Florida is a master planned community designed by the Disney Company and was established in the 90's. This community is designed to maximize residential and commerical uses. Celebration Florida Residents can live, work and play in this community. There is a down-town area with movie theatre, dining and business, a health campus and schools in Celebration Florida.

Celebration School ~~ K - 8
510 Campus Street ~~ Celebration FL 34747(407) 566-2300

Celebration High School
1809 Celebration Blvd. Celebration FL 34747(321) 939-6600

Celebration Academy
607 Celebration Avenue Celebration FL 34747(407) 566-2223

Stetson University Center at Celebration
800 Celebration Avenue Celebration Florida 34747(321) 939-7600

Florida Department of Education

Osceola County Board of Education
Celebration Homeschool Group ~~ (407) 566-0914

Montessori School of Celebration ~~ (407) 566-1561

_____________________________________________
For more information about Celebration Florida, please contact:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
(407) 288-0017

Observations of For Sale By Owner

2007-08-01T15:22:00.000-04:00

Dangers of Working with a For Sale By Owner in the Orlando Florida area!!!!

I had a conversation with an owner of a For Sale By Owner recently that shocked me.

Like most FSBO homes, they are overpriced. Not a big surprise -- most For Sale By Owners are valuing their homes on emotion, what their neighbor's sold their Orlando home for two years ago or what they need to get out of the house.

First off, I have to say the property is special in every way, I fell absolutely in love. I want this Orlando home, it is my dream home. It is a lovely lakefront property with fruit trees and lovely garden in a highly desirable community nestled on a quiet street backing up on conservation land. This home has pluses and it has negatives. It is adorable, but the negatives will keep many from purchasing it at reasonable list price, so it is no wonder this For Sale By Owner home is still on the market.

I had great difficulty in achieving the value I assessed to the home by the For Sale By Owner for lack of compatible properties. I could not justify the price that they had it listed for, and I am in love with this Orlando FSBO home. This is the best house, on the best lot, with more upgrades than the average home in this community?

Anyone else see a potential problem?

Ok, I don't have rose colored glasses on. There are aspects of this Orlando home that detour most of today's Orlando Buyers! All the bedrooms are upstairs, small bedrooms, only a 1-car garage. Obviously these negatives are affecting the ability to sell this For Sale By Owner home.
After sharing what I thought the home was worth, and why I thought it should be priced at my number, the owner asked that I keep the information between us. They did not want anyone to know what I had come up with. They thanked me for my advice and tips for selling their Orlando home.

This made me stop and think. Why did they not want me to share my valuation? And who would I share this with? Perhaps I should take an advertisement out in the Orlando Newspapers sharing what I think all Orlando For Sale By Owner Homes are worth? What are they thinking? If I let the cat out of the bag they won't be able to sell? I just shook my head and went on my way...

I came up with a couple of thoughts on this particular For Sale By Owner and Buyers in the Orlando Area and the current state of the Real Estate Market in Orlando Florida:

The For Sale By Owner is stuck on how special the home is and not focused on the ultimate goal - the home SOLD!
These owners have gotten valuations from several other Realtors who are desperate for the listing (it is an amazing Open House location) so they have told them what they wanted to hear
Are sites like By Owner, Owners, FSBO, For Sale By Owner Advertising Services and For Sale By Owner helping these owners or taking money ad adding to the frustration to these vulnerable owners?
This home at this price has competition from larger homes, with more to offer than a special location and charm. Orlando Buyers want to purchase the best home for the least amount of money.
The FSBO believes everything I just told them, but would rather live in a fantasy world of what was not what is.
There are some incredible values, reasonably priced Orlando homes on the market. If you are waiting for the perfect time, this is the time to get off the bench and get into the game!

Moral of the Story for Realtors: Provide value to both Buyers and Sellers! If I, the experienced Orlando Realtor can figure this out, what is stopping another Realtor? Stop telling Sellers what they want to hear and get real with Sellers! Buyers and Sellers are using my services because of the value I bring to the table! If I suddenly have a buyer looking for this type of house, I am going to educate them fully as to what the value is.

Moral of the Story For Buyers: If you are shopping the For Sale By Owner market without an experienced Realtor you could overpay and not get the best home for you! Worse yet, you are purchasing on emotion and could be making a mistake unknowingly. An experienced Realtor can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Moral of the Story For Sale By Owners: If your home is listed FSBO it is important to know that you need an experienced Realtor to guide you through the process of selling your home. If one experienced Realtor came up with that valuation, others might come up with that analysis too! You can't hide the truth, it always comes out... So what is it? Do you really want to sell? Or are you having fun chasing the market down? Can you really afford to keep doing what you have been doing?

Orlando Florida | Tips for Walt Disney World

2007-07-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

For those of you thinking of planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in the near future... I have something that you have to check out! This is fun and informative resource for planning your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort! It is called Tour Guide Mike. Before moving to the Orlando Florida area, I used this site to plan trips with my son to Disney.

What sets this site apart is the amazing amount of information to maximize your Walt Disney World Resort experience! There is a cost involved, and well worth the $21.95 that you pay!
There are detailed reviews of every aspect of Walt Disney World Resort, when is the best time to ride certain rides and how to get the most out of your Disney Experience!

The site is the creation of Michael Hewell, a leading vacation planning expert in the Orlando Florida area and his site is independent of Walt Disney World Resort giving invaluable advice to thousands of visitors!

There are complete vacation articles, information regarding the parks, tickets and things to do and where to stay during your Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Take a tour today! We were very impressed with this site! Nicholas and I spent lots of days at the parks with an annual pass and there were so many wonderful adventures at the parks as a direct result of things I learned on the site. Some of my favorite tips include:

Hit Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning and get out by noon -- it is hot in the sun there!
Pin Trading is a great way to keep kids busy while standing in lines
When there are crowds in Magic Kingdom, you can quickly get down Main Street and to the exit through the shops on the right. It is a straight shot!
The best deal in the parks -- Kids hair cuts on Main Street! Served with a little magic...
Plan at least one meal with the characters! Kids enjoy it so much!
Stay in All Star Resorts? Stay in All Star Sports -- it is the first drop off point from the parks on the public bus system...
Let the kids collect auotgraphs... and get as many photos with the characters! Those photos become more special as the kids get older!

It is Michael Hewell's dedication to embracing technology that makes his site such a success! Like Michael, the Orlando Avenue Top Team is using the advances in technology to assist both buyers and sellers reach their Real Estate goals in the Orlando Florida area!

______________________________________________________________
This information is provided by Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor. Colleen writes about the Florida lifestyle on several locations:

Celebration Florida Homes BLOG
Marco Island Homes BLOG
Orlando Avenue Top Team BLOG

(407) 288-0017
mailto:colleen@paradisereport.com

Celebration Florida | Market Street Shops

2007-07-20T09:28:00.000-04:00

Town Center Hours
Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday - Noon - 6:00pm (Restaurants Vary)
Summer Hours Vary

Celebration Hotel (407) 566-6000
AMC Celebration 2 Theatre (407) 566-1405

Clothing:

Hopskotch (407) 566-2070
Soft As A Grape (407) 566-1103
Lollipop Cottage (321) 939-4130

Banks & Financial:

Bank of America/ATM (321) 939-7677
SunTrust Bank/ATM (407) 566-2265

Salon/Barber Shops:

Salon720 (321) 939-1100
Carrs Barbers Club (321) 939-6829

Celebration Florida Services:

The Dance Experience ( 321) 939-3213
Westwood Dry Cleaners (407) 566-1107
Town Hall (407) 566-1200
Celebration Foundation (407) 566-1234
US Post Office (407) 396-7001

Celebration Florida Retail:

Dog Bark Bakery (321) 939-1334
Celebration Eye Care (407) 566-2020
Jewel Box (321) 939-2915
Wheelz of Celebration (407) 566-0009
Day Dreams (407) 566-1231
Market Street Gallery (407) 566-1500
Go Travel (407) 566-1000
Village Mercantile (407) 566-0744
Past Present Gallery & Custom Frame Shop ( 407) 566-1899
Reading Trout Books (321) 939-2665

For all your Celebration Florida Real Estate Needs:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida | Places to Eat

2007-07-19T23:03:00.000-04:00

Celebration Florida has several dining options for you:

Cafe D'Antonio 407-566-2233
Celebration Town Tavern 407-566-2526
Columbia Restaurant 407-566-1505
Kilwin's (Chocolatier) 407-566-8555
Market Street Cafe 407-566-1144
On a Roll Deli 407-566-0291
Seito Japanese Restaurant 407-566-1889
Sherlocks ( Wines/Teas) 407-566-1866
Starbuck's (Coffee) 321-939-3200
Upper Crust (Pizza) 407-566-1221

This information is provided to you by:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida | Artisan Park | Market Report

2007-07-17T14:46:00.000-04:00

Artisan Park was developed by Arvida with 300 single family homes, 50 townhouses and 300 condos, featuring an exclusive clubhouse just for Artisan Park residents in addition to all that is available to Celebration Florida Residents. The Artisan Club is the social center of Artisan Park with a resort-style pool, Club Cafe', Billiard Room, state-of-art fitness, outdoor dining with grill area, fireplace where many of the scheduled social gatherings happen.

Artisan Park features parks, walks in the woods, bike trails, and a mixture of homes and condos to suit all tastes and budgets. The Artisan Park condominiums comprise six blocks with each condo full of luxurious features.

According to the Mid Florida Regional MLS there are currently there are:

40 Condos Ranging from $299,000 - $574,000
11 Town Homes ranging from $424,900 - $612,723
21 Single Family Homes ranging from $ 496,950 - $2,200,000

For More Information on Artisan Park in Celebration Florida, please call:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Keller Williams at Celebration
Orlando Avenue Top Team

(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida | Mirasol Condominium

2007-07-16T17:54:00.000-04:00

Walking distance to downtown Celebration Florida is a luxury condominium ~The Mirasol.
The Mirasol is a luxurious, resort-like condominium with 209 condos. Details in each condo include crown moldings, cultured marble vanities, French doors, spacious screened porch, high-speed Internet and Direct TV service. Mirasol at Celebration Amenities include: Library, Tennis Courts, Veranda Club Room, VIP Guest Suite, Walking Trail, Bocce Court, Business Center, Café Ole , Car Wash Area, Fitness Center, Heated Pool, Deck, and Spa.
To find out more about the Mirasol at Celebration, please call me today:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor

Keller Williams at Celebration

Orlando Avenue Top Team

(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida | IconCelebration

2007-07-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

Recently announced to the Real Estate Community is the latest addition to Celebration Florida ~ IconCelebration developed by The Related Group. Icon Celebration will be a 4 star Condominium Hotel in Celebration Florida, the other Condo Hotel in Celebration, is the Mona Lisa which is currently under construction. This will be the third hotel in Celebration Florida, joining the Celebration Hotel.

Ideally situated a mile from downtown Celebration Florida and 1.5 miles from the gates to Walt Disney World Resort this will be a destination to come to! Featuring 441 residences (one or two bedroom units ranging from 700sf to 1,350 sf) including a restaurant, full spa and conference facilities. Along with all the wonderful benefits of Celebration Florida, the Celebration Golf Club an 18-hole Championship Golf course and Celebration Health, a world-class hospital are just some of the benefits of Celebration. Greater Orlando Florida is at your doorstep!
The Related Group is the nation's leading builder of luxury condominiums and is the developer behind this project. The Related Group was founded by Chairman and CEO Jorge M. Pérez which has built and managed over 55,000 residential units.

Celebration Florida | Move With Kids

2007-07-09T14:35:00.000-04:00

When buying a new home usually it is the adults that make all the decisions. But are we really making the best decisions for our children? Home buying can be traumatic for the kids. Just ask my 12 year old, Nicholas. In fact he is sitting next to me helping me write this post.

From a Kid's standpoint these are the most important aspects of is a house good enough to be our home:

What are the neighbor like
Are there kids in the neighborhood to play with
This one surprised me -- is the view nice, especially if it is a waterfront home
Does it have a pool?
How about a game room or an area that I can gather with my friends
Is there enough room for me to have my own room!

Here are some things that Nicholas felt made a neighborhood nice:

Friendly people - as you drive down the street people wave
Are there dogs in the neighborhood
Safe neighborhood - can I ride my bike freely in the neighborhood
Clean neighborhood - no litter, yards are nice and mowed properly, flowers in the garden
Is there a community park area, tennis, pool and playground near by
Is the school nearby? (long bus ride - YUCK!)

If you are planning on moving with the kids anytime soon, you might want to ask them for their input and trust their gut reactions. Kids see things sometimes so clearly that they may just help you from making the wrong purchase for your family!

Happy Birthday Wall Street Journal!

2007-07-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

Today is my son's 12th birthday -- Happy Birthday Nicholas! So it is natural that other important milestones on this day interest me. Watching CBS News Sunday Morning today there was a little bit about the anniversary of the first edition of the Wall Street Journal. I always enjoy reading the Wall Street Journal, conservative in its nature, independent in it's editorial content and full of information that is important at the time it is published. As being part of the new media, it is interesting to reflect on another innovator in how people obtain information they need.

When I lived in the Metro New York area and commuted into the city, I made a friend with someone that introduced me to the Wall Street Journal. Initailly, I would pick up the NY Post and a friend of mine would pick up the Wall Street Journal. We would each read our paper and at the end of the train ride, we would swap papers. Most times suggesting the other to read one or two particular articles. After about a month of reading the Journal, I was picking a variety of publications that expanded my views of the world of business. It was after about a year that he mentioned how excited he was the day I picked up something other than the NY Post. The Wall Street Journal became a staple of my reading. It was a habit that I got out of moving to Florida. I shifted to reading news on the Internet, reading more local material.

Today is the anniversary of the first edition of the Wall Street Journal which is an institution in publishing. Published by the Dow Jones & Company in New York. The Wall Street Journal has a long history in publishing financial news of New York, the US and the World. That first edition hit the streets on July 8, 1889 was 4 pages long and it cost 2 cents. Adverting was 20 cents a line. Thanks to Charles Dow, Edward Jones and Charles Bergstresser journalism shifted. They have kept up with the times and started an online version in 1996.

In reviewing the history and how best to describe the Wall Street Journal, it is best described in the Encylopedia Britannica "Although perceived as favouring the interests of businesses, the Journal's opinion and editorial pages reflect a wide range of highly informed business, political, and economic opinion; readers' letters; and reviews of and comments on the arts. The long-established structure of the Journal includes complete tables reporting all financial and stock market activity for the preceding day as well as thorough reports and analyses of current business topics."

Happy Birthday Wall Street Journal -- Thank you for expanding my horizons...

Blog Tour USA Comes to Celebration Florida!

2007-07-07T09:04:00.000-04:00

Last night there was a call by the guys from Sellsius° for Local Bloggers in the Orlando Florida area to meet up with Blog Tour USA -- and we gathered in Celebration Florida.

Thanks to Maureen McCabe's email message alerting me to their early arrival, I jumped on the phone and called. I wanted to share Celebration with these guys, so I suggested the Columbia Restaurant. So I took them to the site of the First Florida ActiveRain Gathering.

Shaun Mclane author of the very popular Posh'd site and myself joined Sellsius° Co-Founders Joe Ferrara and Rudy Bachraty in an exchange of ideas. We were able to take advantage of this gathering to get to know these two terrific professionals and each other. And now what took an abstract knowledge of someone created reality for each of us.

Shaun and I are competitors in the Orlando Market, yet what came from our meeting is that our writing will draw us the customers we are best suited working with. Our writing sets us apart. And that is what Blogging is meant to do for those of us that take up the challenge. It is our way to connect with a whole new group of people. It is there to enhance what we already do in our daily business.

Blog Tour USA coming to your town? Open up your schedule and rush right over to the site they are headed! Today they are heading to Miami for a few days before heading on out of the state on their way to Inman News Real Estate Connect in San Francisco!

On their BLOG TOUR USA these guys are on a mission to make connections with fellow Real Estate Bloggers. Taking the mystery out and dealing with the real people! They are also documenting their entire trip. Finding out what people know about BLOGGING and bringing attention to the entire process!

It is fun to meet these people that you get to know via the Internet. The real surprise is the differences that you find in their real and on-line persona's. They are different and the same. And as you start to talk, really talk you come to understand so much more.

Selling Real Estate is a contact sport. No matter what we do on the Internet, there is still a very human element to it. Knowing the human behind the BLOG is what makes for a strong network and the connection that will draw others to us.

I knew that our Orlando Avenue Blog was an important part of our plan, but last night I had a huge aha moment. Blogging is a very powerful tool. Sitting in the Tour Bus chatting until 2am talking about Real Estate, the Internet and networking I realized I am part of something a lot bigger than I ever expected. I am part of it!

Thank you Joe and Rudy for coming to Celebration, and introducing me to Shaun -- may the rest of your trip be as much fun as our time in Celebration was last night!

Face Book - Interesting Video

2007-07-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

Facebook is growing in popularity... What exactly is it? It is another one of the growing Social Networks out there.

Where did it start and how did it come into being? Do I need to be on Facebook? As a Social Network, you are able to network with new people and get involved with them on a totally different level. The real question is do you want to be on Facebook?

Check it out, and definitely watch the video... It has some interesting history behind Facebook. The real question is do you want to be on Facebook? Only you can decide that...

Happy Independence Day!

2007-07-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

May you, your family and friends have a wonderful July 4th!

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Latest Real Estate Articles

2007-07-03T09:19:00.000-04:00

Here are a few articles that we think you might find of interest that were written on Orlando Avenue Top Team's main BLOG:

Celebration Florida Single Family Homes
Pending/Sold April 1 - July 1, 2007

Times might be uncertain, but that doesn't mean it is a bad thing.... There are some general rules that if you follow when making a decision to buy or sell Real Estate in Celebration Florida that you use to ensure that you make a sound decision.

Rental homes are a popular option here in the Orlando Florida area. People want to have their privacy with their own pool and not have to worry about being in a hotel and dealing with others. So what things do people want in their vacation home? Location! Location! Location! Did we mention location?

Are you ready to purchase a home or condo in Celebration Florida? Great! Here are some very important things to remember in the process of working with the Orlando Avenue Top Team. The most important thing you have to do is let us know ~~ Are you serious about purchasing an Celebration Florida home or condo or are you "just looking"?

There are a few things you don't want potential Celebration Florida buyers to see in your home on a showing. Why you ask? Each of these items evokes a strong reaction -- positive and negative. Can you really afford to lose the perfect buyer for your Celebration Florida home because someone saw something that they reacted negatively to?

You just closed on your Celebration Florida home and we want to congratulate you! All your hard work and planning has paid off you have a brand new Celebration Florida home! After you get the keys to your Celebration Florida home, the first first thing you must do before you move in -- Change those locks!

Call today for more information about buying or selling Real Estate in the Celebration Florida area:

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Creating Change in Celebration Florida Real Estate...

2007-07-02T05:29:00.000-04:00

Innovators are different. Do you want to work with the status quo? Apple is a company that creates change in business. It is all about creating change in the Real Estate business in Celebration Florida...

Call us today to find out how we can assist you in achieving your Real Estate goals in Celebration! Come make Celebration home with the Orlando Top Team!

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
Paradise Report
(407) 288-0017

Interesting Housing ~ What Have You Seen?

2007-07-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

I found this interesting home while searching for environmentally friendly housing options recently.

A Low Impact Woodland Home built by hand, using the surrounding nature to inspire and provide building materials. This home was built in Wales and you can see how it was built.

Interested in a new home in the Greater Orlando Area with a little more room? We can assist you!

Call Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor

Orlando Avenue Top Team ~ Keller Williams at Celebration

(407) 288-0017

Celebration Florida ~ 4th of July Events

2007-06-26T19:27:00.000-04:00

The annual 4th of July parade will begin at 9:00am and will work its way through the Town Center. The theme this year is "Rockin in the Yesteryears"! Come dressed in your best 80's clothes -- there is a costume contest!

Event opens at 5:00pm

5:00pm - 8:00pm Radio Disney Kids Zone

7:00pm - Rock 535 performs on the Kids Zone Stage

7:30pm - 80's Costume Contest

8:00pm - A Flock of Seagulls

9:00pm - Noteable Success (Lakeside Park)

9:30pm - 10:00pm - Fireworks

Orlando Florida | Home Sweet Home!

2007-06-21T22:06:00.000-04:00

Here are a few articles that you might have missed recently:

Are you aware of a simple thing that you can do to help the police if you are in an accident and cannot tell them who to call? READ MORE >>>>>
Owning a vacation rental is not something to be done by those that are faint at heart. It isn't as simple as purchasing a home, furnishing it and booking rentals... That is the fun part of the process. READ MORE >>>>>
Do you really want to be eliminated before they see the inside of the house? We didn't think so. So how can you improve the appeal of your home? Start at the Curb to build Curb Appeal. READ MORE >>>>>
Here is a quick link to popularAmusement Parks in the Orlando Area: Animal Kingdom Discovery Cove Epcot Florida Roller Coaster Holy Land Experience Magic Kingdom MGM Studios Sea World Orlando Universal CityWALK Universal CityWALK Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure Walt Disney World Resort Epcot Magic Kingdom Animal Kingdom MGM Studios Wet'nWild
Robert Kiyosaki was blessed to have two fathers, a rich dad and a poor dad. His birth dad, was a role model, educator and disciplinarian. The second, while not Robert's birth father, also played a key role in Robert's life. This "dad" was also a role model, educator and disciplinarian, but in addition, a mentor. READ MORE >>>>>
Condo Hotels are rising in popularity, especially in areas like our, popular vacation destinations of Orlando Florida with the likes of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure in the area. READ MORE >>>>>

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team ~~ Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

Celebration Florida | For Sale By Yourself?

2007-06-15T21:08:00.000-04:00

Selling your Celebration Florida home by yourself there are many things that you have to think about. Many of these things that the Orlando Avenue Top Team takes care of for our sellers in Celebration Florida:

Effective pricing of your Celebration Florida property. The market changes rapidly, a good Realtor is abreast of the changes and what will affect your listing price. These things can change daily in Celebration Florida.
Home Buyers in the Celebration Florida are well educated with access to public records. They do a considerable amount of research and will pass over an over priced listing.
Are you prepared to do the negotiating with the buyers? Sometimes there are personal emotions that get in the way - a good realtor is an excellent buffer for you.
Do you know where to advertise in Celebration? What advertising is most effective?
Are you prepared to miss potential Celebration Florida buyers by not being listed in the Multiple Listing Service.
Are you providing lots of photos and visual tours on your website for your Celebration Florida listing? What is the page rank of your website? In Google Searches is your website coming up on page one? 80% of buyers start their search on the Internet
What about your personal security? Strangers coming to your home going through and you have no idea who they are or if they are just looking for an easy target?
How are you going to handle showings? Especially those last moment. If you use a Realtor we have systems in place to ensure you won't miss a showing!
Qualifying potential buyers, handling paperwork, ensuring that deadlines are kept.

Call the Orlando Avenue Top Team today for more information on how we can assist you in getting your Celebration Florida home SOLD!

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
Orlando Avenue Top Team
Keller Williams at Celebration
(407) 288-0017

2007-06-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

Orlando Florida area is full of things to do, places to eat and wonderful places to live. The Orlando Avenue Top team has a wealth of information on their websites and our BLOG regarding the greater Orlando area!

Mona Lisa Ristorante

High Tide Harry's

Azteca's Mexican Restaurant

Disney World Resort Special Events
Orlando Florida Communities Windermere Florida 34876

Orlando Florida Ravallo Resort & Conference Center

Fur & Feathers Pet Resort Winter Garden Florida 34787

Orlando Florida Communities Knowles Place ~ Windsong at Winter Park

Orlando Florida Ikea
Celebration Florida Condos Mirasol

Celebration Florida Celebration Village Condo

Celebration Florida Schools

The Artisan Club Artisan Park Celebration Florida 34747

Celebration Florida Upcoming Events June 2007

What is Staging?

Curb Appeal! Do you have it?

Getting Ready to Sell Closets

Decorating Your New Home!

What Exactly Is Fair Housing?
How to win at Monopoly
Experience Orlando Richard Petty Driving Experience

Single Family Home Pros and Cons of Owning

Real Estate Contingencies

Call me today for more information regarding the Orlando Florida real estate market and to get the latest information about available homes or condos in the Orlando Florida area...

Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor

Orlando Avenue Top Team, Keller Williams Realty

(407) 288-0017

My Generation Video

2007-06-10T20:57:00.000-04:00

I saw this video and had to share it. These folks are in their 90's and they are singing a Rock Classic! It reminds me that there are many things that folks in their 90's still able to do. Working with older buyers and sellers brings their own challenges as they may not be as familiar with the changes in technology and the internet. This video reminds us to not count them out!