Central Florida Real Estate

2011-08-18T22:18:00.000-04:00

Stop the Press! Hold the Phone!

You need to know that the Number One Realtor in your life (...that's me!) has just opened his very own real estate company!

You may have realized that the company name on my FaceBook page is different. My previous company was terrific, and I will miss working with that wonderful group of people.

But now I am simply better able to offer my clients a more personal and wider range of services than before, and my team here are also a wonderful group of professionals dedicated to getting results for our clients. Besides, it's a small industry (contrary to how it seems, not everyone older than 18 has a real estate license!), and I still see my old friends every day.

So please make note of my new company name - Legends Realty, my new email address- DanLopez@LegendsRE.com, and most importantly my new business address - 290 Waymont Ct., suite 100, Lake Mary, FL 32746 where I hope you will come by for a visit!

Dan Lopez

2010-03-04T23:12:00.001-05:00

Every day our office receives calls from property managers requesting that an eviction be stopped. Usually the request is because the resident paid. Paid what? Did they make a partial payment? Did they pay in full? Pay by check? We ask a number of questions and are often horrified to hear the answers. An eviction that is improperly stopped can result in the property manager having to file an eviction all over again and incurring additional attorneys fees and costs. A smart property manager knows when and how to properly stop an eviction, but in these desperate times serious mistakes happen.

Click here to learn how to properly stop an eviction.

Central Florida Real Estate: CDPE

2009-06-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

Central Florida Real Estate: CDPE

CDPE

2009-06-11T22:00:00.001-04:00

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
DATE: June 11, 2009 For more information, please contact: www.HomesInCentralFL.com

DAN LOPEZ EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Dan Lopez of RE/MAX Central Realty of Lake Mary, FL has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Orlando area, literally thousands homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

“This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said Lopez. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Dan with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

For more information about CDPE designation or to find a certified distressed Realtor in your area, please call 1-800-482-0335.

Central Florida Real Estate: A response to a buyers question about the dollar per square foot for townhomes and condos in Lake Mary, Florida.

2009-04-10T22:59:00.000-04:00

Central Florida Real Estate: A response to a buyers question about the dollar per square foot for townhomes and condos in Lake Mary, Florida.

A response to a buyers question about the dollar per square foot for townhomes and condos in Lake Mary, Florida.

2009-03-31T20:43:00.000-04:00

You know the old saying...you get what you pay for.

When comparing homes, first you should not lump townhomes and condos in the same category. It just doesn't work.

Next location is the most important item to consider when valuing property. If you have 2 identical townhomes for sale in the city of Lake Mary but are in separate communities or subdivisions, you can't expect the value to be the same. One community might offer a community pool, tennis courts and a gate. Another might be homes built and designed 10 years ago while others are brand new.

Finally, be very careful when comparing new or resale homes to bank owned or foreclosed properties. This is where condition plays a huge role. A few dollars saved on the price can cost you double in repairs and improvements if not placed in the proper context. Yes there is a lot to consider other than price per square foot which is why I would suggest you hire the services of a RE/MAX buyers agent. Someone who knows the area and understands the intricacies of a successful real estate purchase.

The good news is, you found one. Visit this web site at www.HomesInCentralFL.com and search the MLS right from here. Then let me know if I can be of assistance to you.

Here is an excellent resource to use when investigating recent and accurate sales prices in a Central Florida Community. Click the photo, register yourself as a Buyer and choose the criteria you are looking for.

Just so you know, this works for single family homes as well!

Should You Trust Zillow.com?

2009-03-30T14:54:00.000-04:00

Should you trust Zillow.com?

Many of my clients have been asking me recently where they can find information regarding the value of their home in this turbulent market. The website that is mentioned most often is Zillow.com and so I did some research to see just how accurate they are. You may be surprised to find out that over 50% of their Zestimates (the number on your roof when you type in your address) are more than 20% inaccurate. Click here for Zillows own disclosure on this matter. http://www.zillow.com/howto/DataCoverageZestimateAccuracyFL.htm.

I have found a new resource that deals specifically with our area and focuses the information on your specific neighborhood. Not taking into account areas like Las Vegas, New York, etc…areas that have no impact on your properties value the way that other websites like zillow.com do. Take a look at a sample analysis below and if you would like a detailed report for your home and all of the listings and sales that take place from this point forward, click the photo to sign up, be sure to check out the bird’s eye view!! As always if you have any questions always feel free to give me a call.

p.s. Don't just take my word for it. Listen to these other resources discrediting zillow.com.

IS ZILLOW ACCURATE??? The answer may surprise you!!

Alan Daltons take on Zillow.com

For additional information regarding this or any other areas of real estate, please feel free to contact me through my web site at www.HomesInCentralFL.com .