web-journal

RIDGEWOOD LAKES

For those that many have missed this small show, there’s ever the chance Ridgewood Lakes will hold their annual Garage Sale event in the spring and some of these craft items may be on sale then.  This vendor provides an idea of what the community center held to offer this past Saturday morning.  A good time was certainly had by all that attended.

Located at the end of the drive in what has now become to be known as La Cresta, High Vista offers attractive living for residents over 55.

ASHEBROOK

Seeing is believing…

Look back at our post on October 18, 2007.  Builder pricing at the time, the mid $200’s.

This is a perfectly positioned subdivision for the future.  Certainly something to consider.

What’s this you wonder?

It’s the postal code in which the fourth fastest selling market in the United States can be found: Fisher Island, Florida. (…it is an island, no bridge…)

Median sales price is $3.85 million, up $500,000 from 2007.  Year to year change: + 53.57%.

Not bad… Clearly shows one segment of the market going against the trend.

SAWGRASS BAY

Here again is an example of new buyers desiring to own an ‘off plan’ home in a new upscale subdivision rather than purchase a pre-existing property.  The Engle phase of Sawgrass Bay has a number of new starts coming out of the ground, of which this is just one.

Sawgrass Bay is on east side of Hwy #27 north of US #192 approximately four miles.

LAKE WILSON APARTMENTS

This is just a small phase of the large project going in on the southeast corner of Old Lake Wilson Road at CR 52 just across the street from the Ovation Shopping Plaza.

This is in what might be considered to be the epicenter of one of the hottest developing areas within fifteen minutes of Walt Disney World.  Work on this project will begin to complete in the Spring of 2009.

WESTSIDE K-6

Once completed, this new elementary school will handle the student population on the western side of Osceola County.  Located on Westside Boulevard at Florence Villa Grove Road it will be in a prime location for the new growth on the Western side of Walt Disney World.

AQUATIC ADVENTURES

Ever wonder what the nine mile Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee really looks like?  This is the best way to see it. 

And the name you wonder?  The Indians called the lake “Sleeping Tiger” due to the sudden summer storms that pop up with no warning.

Scattered around the state are a number of airboat operators that have access to areas others can not reach.  Enjoy one of these rides while on holiday.

Two things have happened over the last 120 hours that indicate change is on the way.

The first was the passing of the Rescue Plan designed to eliminate the bad paper many lenders are holding.  The results of this bill will begin to be felt early in 2009.

The second, flying somewhat under the radar for moment, is that several large banks have initiated loan mitigation programs intended to be on a large scale.  This interaction with mortgage holders should enable many property owners across the United States who are on the edge, to be able to stay in their homes rather than lose them to foreclosure.

These two small swirls in the slowing tide, provide the first glimpses of what, over time, may become part of  ’The Bottom’ in this housing market decline.

Interesting to note:

The net cost to originate a loan was $2,655 in 2007, a 7 percent rise from the $2,476 reported in 2006. The net cost to originate includes all operating costs and commissions minus all fee income, but excludes secondary marketing gains, capitalized servicing, servicing released premiums and warehouse interest spread.

Even with the increase, suprisingly enough,  U.S. mortgage companies nationwide are reported to have lost an average of $560 on every loan they originated in 2007.

- Mortgage Bankers Association, 2008 -

Old Lake Wison Road and CR #52

For those who may still be unaware, the new Publix in the Ovation Shopping Center is now open for business.  Watch how quickly stores open up around it. 

Publix now has supermarkets that are very close on both sides of the Reunion Resort main entrance.