I am proud to be a business professional and a strong, independent woman. I support a magazine called Brite Girl and a website called GalTime that I believe cater to the strong and independent businesswoman. I have shared them below. Please check them out!
It is a very exciting time for Downtown Orlando. Many new businesses have opened and there are four big drivers outlined below that are sure to create a bright future and strong economic boost for the city of Orlando.
Some of the new businesses include: Baby Grands Dueling Piano Bar, Mojo Cajun Bar and Grill, Heat Tandoor and Lounge, Boss Nightclub, Vain Nightclub, Stigma Tattoo Bar, Downtown Market and Cafe, Pine 22 Burger Bar, The Beacham Music Venue
And many more coming soon such as: a new middle eastern grill, a lounge where your table will also be a computer, and a Cuban cafe!
Downtown Orlando’s Economic Renaissance (source: downtownorlando.com):
The City of Orlando is in the midst of an unprecedented public-private initiative bringing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic development to the Downtown core. Here is a snapshot of the biggest projects:
Amway Center:
Project
• Sports, entertainment and events complex, opening Oct. 1, 2010.
Location
• West Church Street just west of Interstate 4 in Downtown Orlando (property bordered by Church and South streets and Division and Hughey avenues).
Highlights
• Venue for NBA and collegiate basketball, arena football, indoor soccer, hockey, concerts, stage shows and exhibits.
• $480 million total construction cost
• Seven levels, 875,000 square feet (nearly triple the size of the existing Amway Arena)
• 20,000 seat capacity
• 1,100 high-definition, digital monitors
• 60 suites
• 1,400 club seats
• 37 restrooms
• 1 concession point of sale for every 125 spectators
• Parking: Nearly 7,000 spaces within five-minute walk of center; enclosed bridge connecting to parking garage.
• NBA’s largest high-definition scoreboard
• Graphic wall facing Interstate 4
• Indoor-outdoor facilities
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts:
Project
• Multi-cultural center for artistic excellence and education.
Location
• Nine acres across from Orlando City Hall in Downtown Orlando (property bordered by Orange and Rosalind avenues and Anderson and South streets).
Highlights
• 2,700-seat Disney Theater for large, amplified productions, including Broadway shows and concerts.
• 1,700-seat multiform theater that can be adapted in layout and acoustics to accommodate performances, including the symphony, opera and ballet.
• 300-seat community venue for theater, dance, music and education, in partnership with the University of Central Florida.
• Outdoor plaza designed for local functions, performances, civic events and festivals accommodating up to 3,000 guests.
• Educational facility comprising 10,000 square feet of space for classrooms, performance areas in dance, music and theater, training seminars, school-day performances and workshops.
Economic benefit
(First year of operation)
• 4,000 jobs
• $240 million in economic impact
SunRail/High-Speed Rail:
Project
• Orlando will serve as a hub for SunRail, the region’s first commuter rail system, and a bullet train that will be America’s first true high-speed rail line.
Location
• SunRail will run 61.5 miles from DeLand in Volusia County, through Downtown Orlando (with multiple stops), and south to Poinciana (Kissimmee area) in Osceola County.
• High-speed rail will travel at speeds of up to 186 mph from Tampa to Orlando, with multiple stops, including Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center and Walt Disney World.
Highlights
• Orlando will serve as a transit hub for the SunRail and High-Speed Rail systems.
• Construction is scheduled to begin late 2010 on SunRail and in 2011 on High-Speed Rail.
• SunRail is funded through a partnership between the federal government (50 percent) and Florida (25 percent), with the balance from the City of Orlando and Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
• High-Speed Rail is funded entirely by the federal government.
Economic benefit
(Through 2035)
• 277,000 jobs
• $10.9 billion in economic impact
Creative Village:
Project
• A new urban neighborhood of digital-media and other high-tech businesses, supporting educational facilities and residential units, retail/commercial and hotel rooms.
Location
• Redevelopment of 68 acres at and surrounding the existing Amway Arena and Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, just west of Interstate 4 in Downtown Orlando.
Features
• 900,000 to 1 million square feet of office/creative space.
• 300,000 to 500,000 square feet of higher-education space.
• 25,000 square feet of K-12 education space.
• 1,200 to 1,500 residential units.
• 125,000 to 150,000 square feet of retail/commercial space.
• 150 to 200 hotel rooms.
Economic benefit
• 6,500 construction jobs
• 8,000 permanent jobs, $300 million in wages
Wondering why exactly you should use a Realtor? Think you can buy or sell a home on your own? Real Estate transactions are not as simple as you may think. Read about the 180 Steps of a Real Estate Transaction below to see all of the things that a Realtor can take care of for you so you do not have to! And buyers, remember it does not cost you anything to have a Realtor represent you!
Pre-Listing Activities
1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
3. Review pre-appointment questions
4. Research all comparable currently listed properties
5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases
6. Research “Average Days on Market” for this property of this type, price range and location
7. Download and review property tax roll information
8. Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value
9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out
10. Research property’s ownership & deed type
11. Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions
12. Research and verify legal description
13. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions
14. Research property’s current use and zoning
15. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records
16. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials and HomeTrackTM information
17. Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property
18. Compile and assemble formal file on property
19. Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value
20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed
Listing Appointment Presentation
21. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
22. Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market
23. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace
24. Present CMA Results To Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds
25. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
26. Discuss Goals With Seller To Market Effectively
27. Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service
28. Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com
29. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on
weekends
30. Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity
seekers
31. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan
32. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
33. Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature
Once Property is Under Listing Agreement
34. Review current title information
35. Measure overall and heated square footage
36. Measure interior room sizes
37. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available
38. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements
39. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
40. Review house plans and make copy
41. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file
42. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller
43. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
44. Verify current loan information with lender(s)
45. Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements
46. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
47. Review current appraisal if available
48. Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable
49. Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager – mandatory or optional and current annual fee
50. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable
51. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
52. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
53. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
54. Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills
55. Well Water: Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report
56. Natural Gas: Research/verify availability and supplier’s name and phone number
57. Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased
58. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond
59. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
60. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
61. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale”
62. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items
63. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant
64. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller
65. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application
66. When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale
67. Have extra key made for lockbox
68. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
69. * Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file
70. * Verify all rents & deposits
71. * Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
72. Arrange for installation of yard sign
73. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form
74. “New Listing Checklist” Completed
75. Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability
76. Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
77. Load listing into transaction management software program, Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database
78. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet — Agents is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data
79. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database
80. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – including proper placement in mapping function
81. Add property to company’s Active Listings list
82. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours
83. Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography
Marketing The Listing
84. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input
85. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls – weekends
included
86. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows
87. Prepare mailing and contact list
88. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list
89. Order “Just Listed” labels & reports
90. Prepare flyers & feedback faxes
91. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms,
conditions and availability
92. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review
93. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers
94. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes
95. Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable
96. Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents
97. Advise Network Referral Program of listing
98. Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks
99. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network
100. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable
101. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites
102. Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
103. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
104. Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required
105. Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings
106. Review weekly Market Study
107. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale
108. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing
109. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database
The Offer and Contract
109. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
110. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes
111. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
112. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer
113. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible
114. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
115. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
116. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date
117. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
118. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company
119. When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent
120. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.
121. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests
122. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller
123. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent; Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender
124. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file
125. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing
126. Change status in MLS to “Sale Pending”
127. Update transaction management program show “Sale Pending”
128. Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios
129. Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed
130. Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
131. Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates
132. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
133. Order septic system inspection, if applicable
134. Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale
135. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender & buyer
136. Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender & buyer and property listing file
137. Verify termite inspection ordered
138. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required
Tracking the Loan Process
139. Confirm Verifications Of Deposit & Buyer’s Employment Have Been Returned
140. Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter
141. Add lender and other vendors to HomeTrackTM so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of
sale
142. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
143. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller
Home Inspection
144. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller
145. Review home inspector’s report
146. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program
147. Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract
148. Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements
149. Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform
any required repairs
150. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed
The Appraisal
150. Schedule Appraisal
151. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser
152. Follow-Up On Appraisal
153. Enter completion into transaction management program
154. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low
Closing Preparations and Duties
154. Contract Is Signed By All Parties
155. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
156. Update closing forms & files
157. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
158. Select location where closing will be held
159. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties
160. Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates
161. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s Final Walk-Thru prior to closing
162. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
163. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company); Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
164. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent
165. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
166. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
167. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing
168. Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors
169. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
170. Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
171. Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent
173. Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems
174. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing
175. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable
176. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
177. Close out listing in HomeTrackTM
Follow Up After Closing
178. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested
179. Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
180. Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.
Source: The Orlando Regional Realtor Association
This flyer is from the National Association of Realtors and is something I truly believe in and wanted to share. Take a look below:
Why Home Ownership Matters:
TO PEOPLE…
*Home owners are happier and healthier and enjoy a greater feeling of control over their lives.
*Owning a home is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth. Historically, a homeowner’s net worth has ranged from 31 to 46 times that of a renter.
*Home owners are free to redecorate, renovate, and modify their homes as they wish.
*Most home owners enjoy stable housing costs—a fixed-rate mortgage payment might not change for 15 to 30 years while rent typically increases 3 % a year.
*Home owners can typically deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on their federal individual income tax return.
TO COMMUNITIES…
*People who own homes vote more, volunteer more and contribute more to their neighborhoods.
*Home owners do not move as frequently as renters, providing more neighborhood stability. In turn, this stability helps reduce crime and supports neighborhood upkeep.
*Children of home owners do better in school, stay in school longer, are more likely to participate in organized activities and spend less time in front of the television.
TO AMERICA…
*67% of American households are owner-occupied. America is a nation of home owners.
*Home owners pay 80 to 90% of federal individual income taxes, contributing to
federal programs that benefit all Americans.
*Every home purchased pumps $60,000 into the economy for furniture, home improvements and related items.
*Housing accounts for more than 15% of the national Gross Domestic Product, a key driver of our national economy.
For these reasons and more, home ownership is the American Dream!
