If you are one of the many first time homebuyers out house hunting then you are probably hoping to cash in on that 8k dollar tax credit, right?

The good news is that almost everyone can qualify! The tax credit is basically FREE money the government is giving away just to get you into a home! The most important thing you need in order to qualify, is to not have owned a home (or had interest in a home) in the past 3 years.

The even better news is that there is still time for you to cash in!! Buyers have until April 30, 2010 to be under contract on a home (the home must close by June 30, 2010). So if don’t want to miss out on all this cash then it’s time to get serious about the house hunt! But how do you get started? What do you need to know before house hunting? Despite the vast information available online it can get quite overwhelming for today’s first time home buyers, not only in Orlando. Therefore we have decided to provide help for Orlando’s first time home buyers:

Together with Watson Realty in Lake Mary we will offer two FREE first time home buyer seminars on Thursday April 1st and Saturday, April 3rd. During the seminar we will cover important topics and answer important questions such as:

• How can I claim my $8,000 from the government?
• How can I find and save $$$ on Bank Owned Homes and Foreclosures (Free Foreclosure lists will be available upon request)?
• How can I buy with only 3.5% down?
• Where in Orlando can I still buy a home with Zero down?
• What can I expect at the closing of my first home?

Refreshments and cookies will be served. Reserve your spot today and invite your friends/family.

After the presentation, break out sessions will be held on the specific subjects so you can ask detailed questions, set appointments with our mortgage lender to get pre-qualified (same day if you wish) or meet with one of our neighborhood experts to determine the neighborhood of your choice and set up a search. We will also show you how to best utilize your free private home search page so you won’t miss out on the market’s hottest real estate deals.

First Time Home Buyer Planning Tip:

Remember that from the start of the house hunt to date of closing can take up to two months and that is for a “traditional” sale. Unfortunately the majority of homes on the market right now, are “short sales”. Despite the name, these types of sales are anything but short! A short sale can take anywhere from 2 – 5 months to close (sometimes even longer or not at all!).

So right now it is important to figure out if you want to take advantage of the tax credit and only consider bank owned homes and regular listings that can close by June 30, or if you want to take your time and consider any home in the market, including short sales. You may even find that there simply is not a single home out there right now that fits your needs. We have had customers deciding that they will wait on a short sale right now rather than looking any further because they feel that they finally found their dream home. That is completely understandable if you absolutely love the home you put a bid on – and if you can live with the consequences of the risk you are taking. Worst-case scenario is that you miss out on both your dream home and the tax credit. Therefore our advice: only move forward with a short sale right now if you can live with the worst-case scenario!

There are still lots of homes available that can be under contract by April 30th, and close by June 30. If you can’t make it to our seminar but are interested in obtaining a list of these homes, feel free to contact us at 407-340-6458 or email us at info@realestatewall.com. We have helped many first time home buyers find their first home and walk away 8k dollars richer, now it’s your turn!

PS: In case you are not a first time home buyer (as defined above), you may qualify for the $6,500 move up credit. Contact us today to find out if you do!

Are you looking for bank owned properties in the Orlando area? Then you should take advantage of our free Orlando Bank Owned Property Alert Service.

As you may have noticed, bank owned homes sell quickly and the only way to beat your competition (meaning other buyers waiting to “snatch” a bank owned home) is to stay ahead of the game by being instantly informed when a new property enters the market.

We service Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola and West Volusia County.

Sign up today to receive free updates of new bank owned properties the minute they hit the market.

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Complete the form below and you will receive your first foreclosure list within 1 business day.

Wondering if the the Orlando real estate market has stabilized? Watch the Central Florida Market Update Video provided by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association and learn more:

Here is a quick summary of the Orlando real estate market video:

• Sales in January 2010 are up 66% compared to January 2009.
• January 2010 was the 17th consecutive month where we have seen more sales than the year ago.
• 54% of homes sold were below $140,000 (due to first time home buyer and investor demand).
• The overall median sales price was down 30% compared to 2009 from $148,274 to $103,000. This has improved affordability which means new opportunities for buyers.
• Even though homes are more affordable there are less homes to choose from. Inventory has dropped dramatically from the last year from 22,613 to 15,911 homes in the Orlando real estate market. That is an almost 30% drop! This amounts to about 9 months of supply as opposed to the 21 months supply of homes the year before.
• Decline in inventory and increase in sales means it is taking much less time to sell a home than it used to, making it 90 days in today’s market, a drop of 12% compared to the average days on market a year ago.

So altogether, not bad news for Orlando’s real estate market! Let’s see how the soon expiration of the first time home buyer tax credit affects market activity. What we have noticed lately is: there really are not many homes to chose from in the market! It is becoming very hard to find a home in the $200,000 – $300,000 price range in the Sanford/Lake Mary area. So if you are a home owner and have been thinking about selling, now may be the time! And obviously, if you are a first time home buyer, buyer (who qualifies for the $6,500 expanded tax credit) or investor in the Orlando area: now is the time to buy!

One of West Sanford’s most unique neighborhoods is The Preserve at Astor Farms. Built in the early 2000s by Engle Homes, Landstar, and later Toll Brothers (which bought Landstar Homes), this subdivision features some of the most unique home styles and architectural features in the entire Orlando area. Home lots on the Engle side of the subdivision are up to almost 1/2 acre large, however none of the Engle homes were built in Tudor style.

This post is part of our Best Neighborhoods of Sanford series.

As residents of The Preserve at Astor Farms we are very familiar with the neighborhood and have listed and sold more homes than any other Realtor in the subdivision since 2007. If you are interested in learning more about The Preserve at Astor Farms, feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to introduce you to our beautiful neighborhood.

Click here to receive updates on recent sales in Astor Farms Sanford

Below are the Top 5 reasons why home buyers choose Astor Farms above other communities of Sanford and Lake Mary and why this beautiful community is such a great place to live.

Top 5 Reasons to live in Preserve at Astor Farms in Sanford FL

1. Nature: The Preserve at Astor Farms is located inside a preserve providing its residents with the ultimate nature experience available in the area. The Black Bear Wilderness Area and the Lower Wekiva State Preserve are regions designated by the state as a protection area for wildlife and their habitat. So don’t be scared – you might see a bear every once in a while. Other than that, you will most likely see deer and all kinds of birds, including the American Bald Eagle. The picture in the gallery was provided by a home owner who was lucky enough to take a picture of this beautiful animal by one of the idyllic ponds.
2. Unique Home Styles: Astor Farms is the only subdivision in Seminole County and one of the few in the entire Central Florida area that features Tudor style homes. Many of the homes have beautiful details, inside and outside, which makes them resemble custom homes.
3. Location: Even though the neighborhood offers a secluded and private feel, you will be only within minutes of I-4, 417, the Seminole Town Center Mall and the bars and restaurants of Colonial Town Park.
4. Astor Farms Social Events: Take the Astor Farms Wine Club for example. At this monthly gathering organized by residents (rotating another home every month), you will get to meet your neighbors while sampling some great wine. The Wine Club tradition was started in 2007 and is still a big hit among residents. Other social events in the neighborhood include, the annual Halloween Parade in October and Santa Hayride in December.
5. Impressive community entry: When turning from Orange Boulevard into North Maryland you will be impressed with the drive that leads to beautiful Astor Farms. As you approach the rotunda with a beautiful palm, white fences on each side of the road create an atmosphere of country living. Upon entering through the gate you will be greeted by a pond with fountain. From here you can also already spot the preserve at surrounds Astor Farms.

Have another reason you want to add? Post your comment below and we’ll be happy to add it!

Visit the Astor Farms HOA Web site to learn a bit more about The Preserve at Astor Farms in Sanford FL.

Homes for Sale in The Preserve at Astor Farms Sanford FL:

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 10. See more Astor Farms.
(all data current as of 7/31/2010)

1. $245,000 : 1654 Swallowtail Ln, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Size: 2,278 sq ft

   Listed with KELLER WILLIAMS ADVANTAGE 2
2. $249,900 : 1670 Swallowtail Ln, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Size: 2,833 sq ft

   Listed with DAVE BREWER REALTY INC
3. $265,000 : 4827 Cains Wren Trl, Sanford
   
   5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 3,499 sq ft

   Listed with COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL RE
4. $275,000 : 1714 Astor Farms Pl, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Size: 2,833 sq ft

   Listed with JR KROLL REALTY
5. $275,000 : 1651 Swallowtail Ln, Sanford
   
   5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 3,082 sq ft

   Listed with KELLER WILLIAMS ADVANTAGE 2
6. $326,000 : MLS # O4963164 in Sanford
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 3,268 sq ft

   Listed with EXIT REALTY PREFERRED
7. $385,000 : 1695 Astor Farms Pl, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 3,135 sq ft

   Listed with WEICHERT REALTORS HALLMARK PR
8. $419,900 : 5072 Hawks Hammock Way, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 3,600 sq ft

   Listed with CUSTOM BUILDER REALTY LLC
9. $456,000 : MLS # O4967583 in Sanford
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Size: 3,499 sq ft

   Listed with PINELOCH INVESTMENT, INC
10. $599,900 : 4931 Cains Wren Trl, Sanford
    
    5 beds, 5 full baths

    Size: 3,300 sq ft

    Listed with RE/MAX 200 REALTY

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

One of the most charming areas within Sanford FL is without a doubt the historic residential district. Adjacent to the quaint boutiques, unique antique stores and charming restaurants of First Street you will find beautiful tree lined, brick paved streets with some of the most beautiful Victorian homes of Central Florida. Homebuyers have always been attracted to the uniqueness and history of these homes – and everyone who has ever lived in a historic home knows how special the experience and lifestyle is.

More about the Victorian Houses of Sanford:

Possibly one of the most beloved architectural home designs in the USA is the Victorian. With its brightly colored paint, and extravagant detailing, this style of home is reminiscent of what most would consider “the good ol’ days”. A time when life seemed to move just a bit more slowly, and chatting with the neighbors over a glass of lemonade was a typical way to spend an afternoon. Perhaps, it is this type of nostalgia that draws people to the Victorian home.

Victorian Homes where built during the reign of Queen Victoria or roughly between 1850-1915. Their design was largely inspired by the industrial revolution that brought with it great advancements in architecture and design. Due to these advancements home design was able to utilize more complex details, shapes and angles that previously would have been too complicated for the average homeowner to afford. It was during this period (1850-1915) that the Victorian home design became a popular choice.

Victorian Home design borrowed details from other famous design movements, resulting in at least 7 different types of Victorian homes.

• Victorian Gothic – Featuring pointed windows, gingerbread details and an asymmetrical floor plan.

• Victorian Italianate – Featuring a mostly square shape, balconies built on top of existing porches, and sometimes having up to 4 stories.

• Mansard Victorian – Inspired from the architecture of Paris during 1848-1870 these homes usually have a more flat roof line, Juliette balconies, and wrought iron detailing.

• Victorian Stick – Often pulling from medieval architectural designs these Victorians use half-timbering (Or stick work) for embellishment purposes only and almost always use wood siding.

• Folk Victorian – These are probably the most simplistic of the Victorian designs. Built by people who could not afford extravagant details, this square design utilizes mass produced trim work and spindled porches.

• Shingle Victorian – Mostly to help protect the home from coastal storms, this type of Victorian is covered from roof to floor in shingles.  Aside from the shingled siding, these homes are recognizable from their asymmetrical shapes, tall windows, and irregular rood lines.

• Victorian Queen Anne – The quintessential Victorian. This design utilized all of the features expected in a Victorian home. Elaborate trim work, steep roof lines, curved towers and large porches all are identifying characteristics of a Queen Anne Victorian. 

As mentioned above, in Central Florida, examples of these types of homes can be found in older established cities, such as Sanford, Winter Park, and Mount Dora. If you are interested in more information, please visit the web site of the Sanford Historical Society here.

Interested in Sanford FL? Visit Claudia’s Blog Sanford365 – Life in Sanford FL

Below is a list of Victorian Homes for Sale in Sanford FL:

Showing properties 1 - 7 of 8. See more Historic Homes Sanford.
(all data current as of 7/31/2010)

1. $110,000 : MLS # O4979985 in Sanford
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Size: 1,041 sq ft

   Listed with RE/MAX TOWN & COUNTRY REALTY
2. $159,000 : 1112 S Oak Ave, Sanford
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,257 sq ft

   Listed with SHREVE & COMPANY LLC
3. $150,000 : 801 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 2,280 sq ft

   Listed with SHREVE & COMPANY LLC
4. $220,000 : 612 S Sanford Ave, Sanford
   
   5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Size: 3,063 sq ft

   Listed with INVESTORS REALTY NETWORK
5. $129,000 : 1112 S Myrtle Ave, Sanford
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,904 sq ft

   Listed with INVESTORS REALTY NETWORK
6. $149,900 : MLS # V4623368 in Sanford
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 1,513 sq ft

   Listed with RE/MAX ASSOC, INC
7. $180,000 : 910 S Elm Ave, Sanford
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Size: 2,000 sq ft

   Listed with KELLER WILLIAMS HERITAGE RLTY

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Looking to buy your first home but don’t know where to start?

Check out our new web site for first time home buyers in the Orlando area: RealEstateWall.com

Feel free to visit and share the web site link with your friends and family!

Why is RealEstateWall.com such a great site for First Time Home Buyers? Here are some of the main reasons – once you visit the site you will see, there are many more!

• Privacy: You can search all Orlando area homes for sale and set up your own customized Email updates and RSS feeds without ever having to talk to an agent.
• Ease. Home shoppers can schedule showings of their favorite homes right from the web site. There is also a Chat button on every page in case you have immediate questions.
• Information: On our state of the art Orlando real estate listing search engine you will be able to search by many different variables, including bank-owned homes, short sales, days on market, school district and many more.
• Resources: You will be able to download a free Orlando First Time Home Buyer Guide and have access to over 100 articles written for the Orlando first time home buyer. This web site will answer all of your questions regarding the process of buying your first home, including financing and choosing the right neighborhood.

Are you a first time home buyer? Try the Orlando First Time Home Buyer Search Engine