Windermere, Florida
Windermere is a town in Orange County, Florida, and is 9 miles W of Orlando, Florida (center to center) and 67 miles NE of Tampa, Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 estimates, the town had a population of 2,019. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area. Windermere is surrounded by sand bottom lakes. Lake Butler (the largest) is on the west, Lake Down on the east, and Lake Bessie on the southeast. By means of a system of canals, Butler, Down and six other lakes are connected to form what is known as the Butler Chain.
Windermere was established in 1889 and has been the residence of professional golfer Tiger Woods since 1997 as well as other professional sports figures. However, many celebrities such as Woods actually live in the Isleworth gated community/subdivision which is outside the town limits of Windermere, but utilize the Windermere mailing address. During late 2007, the Town of Windermere filed a proposal to annex Isleworth and Butler Bay, another wealthy subdivision. This was met with extensive debate from town residents and an objection from Orange County, which stood to lose millions of dollars of property tax revenue. After lengthy discussions, and battles with the county, Isleworth remained in the county, but Butler Bay was annexed into Windermere with over 90% of its residents approving annexation via a mail in ballot. Windermere is also home to famous cyclists, the Windermere Roadies, led by Sir Manny Otero of Winter Garden.
In Windermere, about 72% of adults are married. Many folks in Windermere are married and settled down. Families have pride of place in the town, and much of the housing seems designed with families in mind. In 2000, Windermere had a median family income of $105,737. Windermere has more than its share of wealthy families and people. The town has a large middle class. It’s worth mentioning that smart, educated people feel at home in the town. A tendency for its residents to work at home is one of the things that define the lifestyle in Windermere. The low crime rate is a boost to quality of living and housing values in Windermere. Approximately 87% of housing in Windermere is owner-occupied. Property taxes are a bit high in the town, which may indicate the community’s investment in its schools and infrastructure. In Windermere, 91% of commuters drive to work.
12 Reasons to Use a REALTOR® When Buying or Selling
Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise of a REALTOR® in pricing their home, attracting buyers, arranging open houses, marketing the property and coordinating with inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers, escrow officers and other professionals. The process of selling your home can be complicated, but your REALTOR® is there to make your life easier. They know the market, understand local conditions and are trained on the legal and disclosure requirements that come with selling a house.
1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices.
2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.
10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. They have mandatory training and are considered the best of the real estate profession
Property Showcase – Safety Harbor offered by Raymonda Abunassar
Today we re previewing this lovely Property offered by Raymonda Abunassar of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.
Here’s Waterfront Living At Its Best! Sweeping views of Tampa Bay await you at this magnificent custom built pool home in treasured Safety Harbor! Location is just North of historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, minutes to the marina, Safety Harbor downtown & Philippe Park, this 3-story 4 bedroom, 4 ½ bath mansion boasts nearly 6000SF of luxury & comes w/riparian rights along Tampa Bay where you can build your own dock!
The home sits on 1.5 Acres of tropical grounds & exotic landscape with spectacular views of the Bay! The interior features gleaming hardwood floors, towering ceilings, pillared columns, a handcrafted fireplace, elegant built-ins, 3rd floor study with cigar venting, plantation shutters, complete guest or in-law quarters, media or rec room w/kitchen/bar, soundproof music studio, state-of-the-art security system & interior cameras, indoor/outdoor stereo & surround sound & a chef’s dream kit with maple cabinetry, granite tops, center island, Viking range & Stainless Steel appliances. The outdoor living space is truly an oasis with nearly 3000SF of open balconies, a heated pool and spa with seamless waterfalls, fountain jet, outdoor grill, lots of covered lanai space & beautiful manicured fenced grounds. A valet garage for your boat too! Great home for entertaining. Located near Gulf Coast Beaches, emerald green fairways, prime yachting waters, shopping & Tampa Airport!
For a private showing call Raymonda Abunassar at (727) 504-1560.
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