Windermere, Florida Homes for Sale

Windermere, FloridaThe only way to get more waterfront would be to live on the ocean. Windermere is central Florida’s answer to the beach communities on the Atlantic coast. Unlike the busy beaches on the coast, Windermere offers visitors and residents a more laid back experience, and a chance to unwind among the fabulous lakes, catch a round of golf, or take a leisurely bike ride along beautifully designed trails. For home buyers seeking Florida lakefront homes for sale, Windermere is the place to look. Although nearby Winter Gardens lays claims to the Chain of Lakes, Windermere has over a dozen named lakes within its boundaries.

Keene’s Pointe is a gated community centered around a 250 acre Jack Nicklaus signature course and the waterways of Windermere. Homes for sale in Keene’s Pointe enter the market in the high $300′s. Luxury homes can list for several million dollars. Community amenities include a spacious clubhouse, several tennis courts, and a quiet atmosphere just a short drive from the attractions of Orlando.

Summerport is a subdivision of Windermere found on the shores of Lake Speer. Bike trails, volleyball courts, and a large recreational center make this subdivision a great place for active couples and singles. In addition to the lake, the Summerport area is close to the West Orange Country Club and the Orange County national Golf Center. Generally, homes for sale in Summerport enter the market in the middle $300′s.

Tilden’s Grove lies across from the center of Windermere, on the western shore of Lake Butler. Homes for sale in Tilden’s Grove have great access to Summerport Beach, as well as being close to the amenities of the Summerport subdivision.

Central Florida is home to hundreds of resorts and golf communities, part of the multi-billion dollar tourist industry that has put the Orlando metro on the map as a the getaway destination for weather-weary northerners. However, Windermere has maintained a more residential feel, in part because of the extensive development planning involved in its creation.

Buyers are encouraged to consult a Windermere Real Estate Agent. Depending on current market conditions, a local REALTOR® may be able to point the buyer to a one of a kind bargain.


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Happy New Year from Homes & Land!

From Homes & Land of Florida to each of you – we wish you a Happy New Year!


12 Reasons to Use a REALTOR® When Buying or Selling

12 Reasons to Use a REALTOR® When Buying or SellingSmart 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


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