blog/web-journal

Time has certainly slipped by since we have done one of our ”Just for Fun” segments.  Clearly didn’t mean for it to be this long though.

So, here is 2011’s only challenge…

The first current vacation home owners within 15 minutes of WDW to identify where this is, win the prize.  (Close will do, but it has to be very close…)

ANS: 1.13.2012 – The Canaveral National Seashore

WINNER: While there were a number of close guesses on the location, no one was able to name the location.  With as many of our audience being as knowledgeable of Florida as they are, we again were surprised no one got it.  The biggest clue should have been the total lack of development above the large dune line for as far as one can see.  There is virtually no readily accessible unspoiled undeveloped beach like this other than the Canaveral National Seashore close to Orlando.

*30 Day Contest – (Expired)

Who pays to fix roads and drainage defects in a community: HOA or developer?

The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to hear legal arguments on the question during the course of this week.  A lower court previously ruled it was the HOA’s responsibility.  However, last year Florida’s Fifth District court of Appeal ruled differently.   In the next several months there will be a defining decision rendered. 

Whichever way the decision goes, it will prove costly for one side or the other.

Home Affordable Refinance Program

Beginning today homeowners that are upside down in their properties have the opportunity to apply for a new updated version of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refinance program.  This will help a large number of home owners that are underwater with their mortgages, who stayed employed and continued making their payments.

Home owners that have missed mortgage payments in the past six months do not qualify.

This is one of the first new programs that will not require an appraisal for the purposes of valuing the property.

Expect the process to take some time though.  Since it is a start up program, the ‘window’ to approval could be up to 4-6 months.

How to apply?  Contact your mortgage lender, or any lender approved to do business with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and ask for an application.

Lot 64

Good progress is being made on this upscale ABD model  on Heritage Green Avenue in Providence.  There are still many nice home sites to choose from in the 171 lot Heritage Green community over looking water and the golf course.

Pool pump, faucet or bathroom fixture dripping?  Interesting to note how much water can be lost over the course of a year.

A drip a second will waste up to 1,661 gallons over the course of this period.

- Energy Star.gov -

Buyer Nationality

Recent data shows that 25% of all sales in Florida are foreign national.  Of those sales, nearly all are for cash.

- Osceola REVIEW, November 2011 -

Phase 1

Polk County’s new NE Regional park is scheduled to open Jan/Feb of next year with multi-purpose sports fields, tennis courts, and a boat dock.  Phase two will begin development in the near future.

This 81 acre gem is something that has been needed for a long time by the NE Polk County residents and is located on the US 27 corridor just south of  US 192.

Seems granite counter tops have some competition these days.

Many designers and homeowners are beginning to turn to glass, manufactured stone, metal and other materials that work well for people who actually cook in addition to those who see the kitchen as a decorative accessory.  Everyone has granite and apparently it is becoming tiresome.

When lighted from below, glass counter tops can add an appealing glow to the kitchen.  Plus, they add a hygienic quality as well.  Stainless steel, engineered quartz, soap stone, marble, lava stone and even wood is all becoming popular as an alternative material.

Contemplate a ’new look’ when considering a design change.

The Patient Gardener

This natural building will take 80 years to grow…

The structural frame for this project is ten Japanese cherry trees that were planted in a circle with a diameter of eight meters with a six meter high temporary wood structure in the center that is acting as a guidance tower for the growing structure.

To read ‘The Patient Gardener’ article in its entirety: CLICK HERE.

- Photo & Article: VisionDivision, October 2011 -

The Wall Street Journal seems to think so…

“Houses are more affordable than they’ve been in decades- and a comparison of prices to yearly rents suggests houses in many markets are a better investment than stocks and bonds.”

-The Wall Street Journal -