blog/web-journal

On vacation in the resort area and need to check your e-mail or just go online other than from your villa, condo or townhome? 

Have your own notebook/laptop PC and do not have internet service where you are staying?  So, where do you go?

Perhaps the best way to do it is to visit a restaurant, bar or library offering free WIFI service. Enjoy the ambiance and use their facilities in return for giving them your business.

While we are sure there may be more, here is a short list of locations offering free internet access that may be of help:

Gators Dockside – Cagan Crossings on South US27 (across From Walmart).

Devenny’s Irish Pub – intersection of west US192 and US27.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – intersection of US27 and Ronald Reagan Parkway.

TGI Fridays – west US192, close to Formosa Gardens.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Formosa Boulevard on west US192.

Smokey Bones Restaurant – intersection of US192 and SR535.

Frankie Farrell’s Irish Pub & Grille – Reebok Outlet Mall, SR 535.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Cross Roads Shopping Center, Lake Buena Vista.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii – across From Café Tu Tu Tango, International Drive.

Corona Cigar Company – Plaza Venezia, Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips.

Barnes & Noble – Plaza Venezia, Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips.

Cagan Crossings Library – on south US27.

Kissimmee Library – East Dakin Avenue, downtown Kissimmee.

Under the gun to modify, rather than foreclose on delinquent mortgages, companies handling this sector of the  business are beginning to make headway; though certainly not as quickly, nor in the manner many necessarily might hope.  However, progress is being made.

“More than half of the 390,000 mortgages permanently modified through the federal government’s Making Home Affordable Program have lengthened loan terms – in most cases from 30 years to 40 years, according to lenders and federal reports.

All of the modified loans have had their interest rates reduced.

Lenders participating in the federal foreclosure prevention programs are opting for interest rate reductions and longer loan terms before principal write-offs because the government called for that specific, stepped approach to modifying home loans.”

- Extract: Orlando Sentinel -  Aug 26, 2010 -

Construction now well out of the ground:

Nationwide, banks took over another 93,000 homes in July. This is a 9% increase over June, and nearly the same number taken over in May.

At this rate, the US will be on track to reach 1,000,000 foreclosures this year.

The implication for home value is clear; selling price points will continue to be under further eroding pressure.

– Data: RealtyTrac -

Just an example of the value of  having a strong Home Owner’s Association.

Home mortgage rates are currently near historic lows and have remained at these low levels for several months. As a result, many people are eager to refinance their current mortgage loan to lock in a low rate. For those in an adjustable rate mortgage, timing may never get any better to refinance out of your current mortgage and into a more conservative and consistent 15 or even 30 year mortgage loan.

When deciding to refinance a home mortgage, be sure to understand the refinancing costs associated with doing so and then try to limit them as much as possible.

Refinancing an existing mortgage is very similar to securing an initial mortgage. In fact, your new mortgage will be used to pay off your existing one, so it is just like buying your home all over again. As such, there are certain costs associated with a refinancing, just as there was when the original mortgage was secured.

Closing costs such as broker fees, appraisal fees, title search, inspections and various administrative fees are all part of the fee structure associated with a mortgage refinance.

To reduce your closing costs and any other mortgage-related fees, Howard Bunmore, owner and author of ConsumerLoansDirectory.com offers the following tips:

- Try to refinance with your existing lender. They will want to keep your business and if they know you are looking to refinance, they will be motivated to offer the lowest rate possible and reduce your fees to keep you onboard with them.

- Take a look at your credit report to ensure there are no issues you are unaware of that might detract from your score. A high score will help you secure the lowest possible interest rate and this could save you thousands over the term of your loan.

- Do not hesitate to negotiate your fees. Many mortgage-related fees are controlled by the mortgage company so they have the ability to lower them. Administration fees are especially easy to get waived or reduced.

- Avoid having your closing costs included in your loan balance. Sure, this is a great way to avoid them altogether but the reality is that you will be paying for them each month during the length of your loan and, with interest included, you will end up paying a lot more in the long-run than if you had just paid them out of pocket upfront.

Written by Paige Tepping. RISMEDIA, July 2010

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been five years since Hurricane Katrina devoured the Gulf Coast. While hurricanes are not preventable, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your property should disaster strike.

Here are four important steps to consider, according to the Insurance Information Institute:

STEP #1: Review Your Insurance Coverage

Be sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance, enough to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. Ask about flood insurance, which is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Learn more about flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov.

STEP #2: Create a Home Inventory

An up-to-date home inventory will speed up the claims process by substantiating losses and may provide documentation for tax purposes. It can also help you determine how much insurance to purchase. Visit www.knowyourstuff.org to download software to help make this process easier.

STEP #3: Protect Your Property

Keeping wind and water out of your home is critical. Invest in storm shutters and reinforced garage doors. Secure roof shingles and seal any openings, cracks and holes. Gable end walls and roof sheathing should be strongly attached and braced, and double doors should have heavy duty anchors at the top and bottom and a dead bolt at least 1” long.

STEP #4: Have an Evacuation Plan

Decide where you will go and how you will get there, and have more than one option. Keep a map, phone numbers and addresses handy. Think about what you’ll need to take with you — items like medicines, important documents, clothing and food — and have them ready to go.

Source: RIS Media July 2010. Written by Stephanie Andre. Published in  Lowes Daily Real Estate News.

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar on Formosa Boulevard is now fully open for business:

Two small simple tips that can be done in August are: 

• - Check rain sensor functionality by turning on the irrigation system. Then, spray water directly onto the rain sensor.
• - Plan a fall vegetable garden; request a free Planting Calendar from a Florida Extension Plant Clinic.

University of Florida – Florida Yards & Gardens, IFAS Extension