Real Estate Blog

Owner of the Orlando Magic, local billionaire Rich Devos is putting his mega-mansion and Lantana, Florida estate up for sale. Since gaining his majority ownership stake in 1991 (worth $85 million at the time), he's now ready to move on to a new home. Could he be moving on up to bigger and better? Or is the Forbes top 400 member down sizing from this 22,000+ square foot manor?

The detail that is clear however is that this excellent home will be going for the big bucks at easily over $20 millino on the open market, but it will certainly take some time at that large of an asking price. He does however have inventory on his side.

This excellent home will leave its new owner wanting very little else. It features vaulted ceilings, state of the art design…

Today's real estate market is flooded with foreclosed properties, and information suggests that there may be many more foreclosures to come in the next few months. So, for many buyers, foreclosed properties represent a way to get a really good deal on a new home.

Foreclosures can offer great value to home buyers, but they can come with hassles, delays and hidden costs. It's really important to work with a real estate professional whenever you're considering the purchase of a foreclosure.

There are three primary ways to purchase foreclosures. Here's a brief overview of how each works.

1. Presale- During a presale, you negotiate with the homeowners who are facing foreclosure. In some cases, the bank may have agreed to a short sale, which…

If you look at real estate statistics from any given local market, you will see that there are quite a few homes out there that sell relatively quickly – or at least under the "average days on market" figure for the area.

If you're putting your home on the market, it's important that you understand what sets these homes apart, so that you can make…

If you're not a parent, evaluating a potential home's school district may be the furthest thing from your mind when you begin house hunting. But, there are many good reasons why you should take a look at the neighborhood schools before you buy. And, there are some pretty good resources to help you make your evaluation, too.

Never Say Never

Even if you don't plan to have children, it's a good idea to buy a home in a good school district…..just in case. No couple wants to have to choose between moving or settling for a poor school district if the day comes when you are a parent. Even older couples could be in the position of having a grandchild living with them and might want to ensure that the local schools would be acceptable.

Consider Resale Value

Even…

Short sales can be good for all the parties involved. However, as a buyer there are a few things you should know before you begin the short sale process.

1. Many approvals may be required. If the homeowner has a second mortgage on the home, the second lender must also approve the short…

I’ve been there before when you've outgrown your rental. When it’s time to move because your lease went up 30% and it's not worth it. I’ve blessed a sneezing neighbor when we were both in our appartments, and I’ve been welcomed with a thank you for my consideration. I’ve been there when the neighbor above you vacuums their entire apartment while blaring the weather channel at the crack of dawn. I even been there when the kids next-door play video games all night while you stare wildly at the alarm clock in disbelief that it’s four hours before you’re due at work. I’ve walked my groceries upstairs hoping the bags don’t break while waiting on others to move out of your way.

I’ve been there before. I know the feeling when it's…

Robert Sabrkhani was featured in the June 2011 feature of Orlando Magazine's Hot 100 Realtors for Central Florida. His selection is an acknowledgement of the tireless work he does in managing a stacked listing portfolio, and by treating his colleagues the same way he treats his customers. He prides himself on the interaction he has with his buyer side agents, and he acknowledges that it's not always normal for a bank owned properties, or REO's (Real Estate Owned) as they're called in the business, to be easy to talk to, and eager to remedy issues. Robert said that, "Agents tell me regularly that they like dealing with me because I always try hard to treat them fairly, I always stay in contact, and I want their offers accepted. I…

Throughout the year the Orlando area's biggest parks will see new renovations and major new attractions going up. Three in particular of special note are Sea World, Busch Gardens (in Tampa, FL), and Walt Disney World. One name you don't see on the list is Universal that this year saw the addition of the wildly popular Harry Potter ride which is expected to keep up it's torrid pace of boosting its visitor numbers, posting especially high numbers with International tourists.

The most significant change will be with Busch Gardens who looks to maintain it's mark as Florida's number 1 roller coaster park.  Their new ride "Cheetah Hunt" is their response to growing competition by sticking with it's thrill ride roots. Being 4,429 ft long will make it the…

If you're planning on purchasing investment property, you're in great company because that's why many realtors have started their career in the real estate industry, myself included. Don't let this list scare you, because I will help you understand the investment you're about to make.

As many much as 25% of all real estate sold is a purchase for investment purposes. If you're planning to "flip" a property however, there are at least 4 quick things (there are others, but that's more than one article) you need to be extremely cautious of that could ruin your real estate mogul fantasy.

1. Budget Your Renovation Expenses.
You may have purchased your "handy man special" at a discount rate, but make sure you can follow through on what…

Moving to an Orlando area home can be exciting or stressful, and it usually depends on planning and follow through. So make your plan and follow it as best you can. Remember that by hiring a moving company, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have to worry about details. Your belongings are special to you, but don’t assume that others will take the same pride in their safety.

Start Planning Your Home Move Early.

If you’re moving in the winter, you can pack up the beach toys, summer clothes, etc. early on. Non essential and non-daily use items like knick-knacks, decorations, old books and photographs can be packed early on. Think about what you really need, and begin the packing things very early on so that you’re less…