Stone Ridge, Central Florida’s Premier Solar Gated Community

Come Discover StoneRidge Central Florida’s Premier Solar Community. Single Family Homes starting at $179,900, spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1 car garage home with lot included. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a private master planned gated community. Experience the benefits of lower utility bills with solar power electricity and natural gas utilities. Homes are made from precast solid concrete walls that can within stand winds up to 265mph, double thermopane windows, tankless hotwater heaters & high efficiency air conditioner with heat pump. Live with the convenience of maintenance free lawn service, wireless internet & digital cable, all included in your low monthly homeowners association fee. Another benefit is city water, sewer & underground utilities. 9 floor plans to choose from, with something for everyone’s different lifestyle. Conveniently located within city of Sebring City Limit’s and all shopping and lakes. You’ll have time to rest, relax and enjoy the community clubhouse and pool coming in 2009, featuring a beach walkin pool, with lap lanes and a spa. State of the art fitness room, locker rooms with saunas. Billard room, card room, entertainment area with dance floor, event style kitchen, tennis courts, kiddie play ground and so much more. Come today and pick your lot at StoneRidge Sebring’s Gated community. Located from US 27 and Sebring Parkway North (Close to Walmart), go east on Sebring Parkway to right on Ben Eastman and you will see the brickpaver gated entrance. Offered by Kristin Matthews and Phil Rupert, Sales Associates with Dell Realty, models open daily, call for details, 863-386-5550 or visit their website at www.sebringbuilders.com , communities we represent and click on StoneRidge.

Central Florida Real Estate

Here in Central Florida we have a different situation than most of Florida. Here are just some of the reasons why:

 

-We are south of the freeze line for all general purposes; meaning, we usually do not see much cold weather and northern Fl. is prone to that in the winter.

-We have a low crime factor.

-We still have plenty of land that is rural and undeveloped, for potential growth and maybe for State to purchase for future parks etc…

-Our taxes for the most part are generally lower than the rest of the state.

-Our insurance rates are also considerably lower, especially lower than the coastal areas.

-Hardly no traffic at all!!!!! You can drive down the main highway 27 on Friday night at 7pm and WOW, no traffic!

-Decent resturants, shopping, things to do outside, generally a family atmosphere and a laid back way of life.

-Several great golf courses.

-Mainly a senior/retirement community.

-Beautiful lakes for recreation & fishing.

-And last but definitely not least, where else in the world can you go 1 hr and 45 min to the east coast and watch the sun rise, and then drive across the state to west (from Sebring again approx 1 hr 45 min) and watch the sun set?

 

When I first moved back to Sebring in Nov of 1994 as a single mom from Washington, DC that was one of the first things I did with my daughter.  We drove over to the Atlantic Ocean and watched the sun rise, played a while in the surf, showered on the beach, got in our little red Honda Civic and drove back to Sebring, had a lunch at our home, and then drove over to the west coast and played in the Gulf of Mexico (2 totally different types of beaches, sand, water and generally almost night and day difference) and watched the sunset. This is an incredible experience and I know it is one of the most memorable experiences I ever had.

 

Centrally located in the state of Florida, 1 hr from Orlando, from each coast 1 hr 45 min, 2 hr 30 min to Ft Lauderdale & Miami (another whole lifetime away from Sebring) but one tank trip. We have Florida’s best kept secret! And our home prices are getting back to normal with 2004 pricing I am seeing again, and sellers that are now becoming realistic.

 

If you would like to experience this laid back lifestyle (because yes I sell homes, but it is a lifestyle I am selling, too) give me a call at Dell Realty 863-381-0400 and I will show you what Florida is really all about! I am a native, from Hollywood (located between Miami and Ft Lauderdale) and I can really relate to what most people are looking for.!!!  Again, to buy or sell call Dawn Dell and I will treat you like Family!

 

Happy Selling!
Dawn Dell, Dell Realty
Broker/Owner
863-381-0400
www.sebringfloridarealtor.com

Terrorist! If we were not there …..

First off, let me state I am an ex-military veteran, USN. I served during the Persian Gulf Conflict in 1990-1991. (back when we should of taken care of this problem) So, I am speaking from somewhat experience.

 

9-11, I know we all remember this sad day, (and does everybody remember the nation rising together and praying and displaying our patriotism?). That lasted for what seemed like a brief moment in history. Now we are going into another election year and the candidates like to use the Iraq War as a forum of discussion. Well, here is my 2 cents…if we were not over there right now, we as Americans would not be able to attend football games, concerts, go to amusement parks or attend any function without worry about them attacking us. If we were not over there, they (meaning terrorist) would be here!!!

 

Face it, it is true. I hate the fact we are still there and this is like Vietnam, a war we can not win. They are an army without uniform. They attack and run and hide behind women and children and when we go after our attackers and kill the innocent they hide behind, then we look like War Mongers. I do not necessarily agree that what we have done is right, but we did need to respond to what happened to us on our soil.

 

So for these politicians that want to withdrawal, what will happen? We must stand together and unite like we did, but not after a tragedy, but prior. And this is responsible for our current dollar situation, which is hurting our market. Again, let’s unite and go back to basics. Our country needs it!

 

Dawn Dell
2006 REALTOR OF THE YEAR
863-381-0400
www.sebringfloridarealtor.com

Downtown at Sundown, Sebring, Florida, Satrurday Night Cruise

Downtown at Sundown

Saturday Night Cruise on the Circle

By Dawn Dell, Dell Realty    

                                          

April 12, 2008, Saturday Night Cruise

 

I often hear in Highlands County that “there’s nothing to do around here”, well I beg to differ. You just have to be in the know, since I am a business owner in downtown Sebring I have really started getting involved in what activities are actually occurring downtown. Last night was the April Saturday Night Cruise. First off I must admit I am somewhat a car buff, I really like the old muscle cars and of course the 57 Chevy’s and Chrysler’s also are very appealing to me, so I may be somewhat bias, but… there was music going on, a 50/50 drawing, and people just getting out walking and enjoying what Florida is all about, outdoor living. The entertainment is provided by the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, RJ the DJ, he and his wife Tania are somewhat a fixture with these car cruises, I asked RJ, what is a “cruiser” he said, “it is not a membership or club, we are just people with cars that cruise together”. Having the circle to display the cars seems like a perfect mix to me. One of the misconceptions of downtown is that there are no parking spots available, but Dawn Hamilton at the Wine Merchant informed me that there are over 1500 available public parking spots available within walking distance. The City does not close off the circle, but a courtesy is given to the cars on display. Last night in front of the Samich Shoppe the corvettes where in fine display. At each of these events, that occur every second Saturday of the month on the circle from 5pm to 8pm, there are several winners. No judging just winners picked by a different individual each month and they get a plaque and their name announced at the end of the evening. I had the pleasure of getting to take the pictures of several of these winners and their prized possessions. Each entry also has a chance of winning one of many other prizes, donated by a downtown business owner and other Highlands County Merchants who wants to keep this event going. The 50/50 drawing is for everyone attending the event, this helps the Chamber with the funding of paying RJ the DJ, half of it goes to him and the other half to the lucky winner. While downtown you can visit the Wine Merchant, there was live entertainment, they are open every Saturday Night from 6-9pm with live entertainment and great “tapest” appetizers, we had spinach puffs and bacon wrapped scallops and of course some great wine. The Samich Shoppe was also open for the event and had their famous over stuffed sandwiches and even beer for sale. While at the Wine Merchant John & Erin Sowards & Kendra Hall enjoyed some wine and the live music and said “We love coming here with the great ambiance and experience, there needs to be more places like this. It feels like Sebring is growing up!” While there are stores closed and many for rent signs in the windows, I look at it as a time of evolution. After speaking with Dawn Hamilton at the Wine Merchant I hear her ideas and what she envisions what downtown can be, and I have to agree whole-hearted. If you are a business owner and are thinking out of the box you can see there is opportunity right in front of you. As a local Realtor one of the many things I hear, is what is happening downtown? Why are so many businesses closing? Well I do not have the answer, but I do know that we have a charming circle with great potential just waiting to be discovered. My father, Pat Dell, did a commercial for our company Dell Realty, and we used a Disney theme “It’s a small town after all” and we had the camera cruise the downtown area with all the people smiling and waving, also did a radio campaign with the same theme. Those commercials have not ran for over 3 years, but people still tell me they remember them. It is a small town and we have a great little historic district that is in need of some CPR. Being the fact that I work downtown I can also say this. With gas prices soaring and the downturn in the economy you may want to consider these facts, I can drive to my office, park and walk to my dry cleaners, see my accountant, banker, get my prescriptions filled, visit my stock investment broker, eat at several different places, go to the court house, close a transaction with a local attorney, take a jewelry class, buy supplies for scrap-booking, get my hair done, have a pedicure, visit one of many speciality clothing shops and learn pottery by Gene Brenner or buy a special something for a special someone from his great shop (jewelry too!), have my photos taken professionally, get a look at some of the latest designs in eye wear at VeyeP, go to Scota Supply and help a client redecorate their home or make improvements while visiting their impressive showroom, take my pet to Arcade Grooming and have it cleaned, clipped and smelling good, go to the library and still have a after work happy hour business meeting at either Charlie’s or Wine Merchant and never have to get back into my car. With gas prices going up, you may want to consider these facts and visit downtown Sebring and see what is available and look at those vacant stores with open eyes of opportunity.

Pigs Get Fed….. Hogs Get Slaughtered!

Wow! What a headline! It should bring some kind of attention from some of you. No, this is not a recipe. I guess you can tell I am from the south with this headline also. Someone told me this back probably 2 years ago. He is wiser than his years and yet I did not listen to him.

Now, let’s discuss the meaning. This is about GREED!!!!!! Pigs get fed, Hogs get slaughtered. Well, if you are selling your home and are expecting a huge profit in today’s market, then you are a HOG. Offensive you think? No, I do not intend to be. Let me break it down. Normally, in a real estate transaction, earning a profit of $15k-$30k was the norm. Operative word there WAS. Now we have heard of these huge profits ($70k +) that are to be gained and we also feel we need to earn these huge profits.

We (meaning all of us) have been using our homes as ATM cash machines to finance things we want; improvements to this home and to pay off our bills. Therefore, this increases your mortgage, line of credit or equity line that needs to be paid off in a sale. Therefore, this decreases your “bottom-line”. But keep in mind, you have been fed all along by this home and you need to really factor all of the benefits your home has provided you. Now those of you who really want to sell, you are probably a pig and realize earning any profit in today’s market is huge. And you get fed, move on with your life. Many hogs end up slaughtered! They get offers on their home and continue to decline them. They start off at $250k, get offers of $200k, turn them down and a year later that very same listing is $170k. Imagine if they only would have taken that offer 8 months or so ago. They would be done with the stress of trying to sell their home, they would of been fed and continued on. Then, there’s the monthly payment factor. Whatever offer you get Mr.Seller, always take into account your monthly expenses on that property and times it by 7 (for 7 months, average time on market) and then take that amount minus it from the lowest fair amount you will consider to take for your property and list it at that price. Either you want to sell and get fed, or put your property on the market and be a hog and make these monthly payments, etc… and get slaughtered at the end of the day because you end up taking close to 20% lower than the number we just discussed. It is up to you.

Your Realtor can only advise you on listing price. You hold the key. Your professional should tell you the truth and give you facts on the comparative market analysis. But, if you direct that Realtor to list at an unreasonable price, do allow that Realtor (as long as they advised you of the true market value from the beginning) an opportunity to market your property until it does get sold. Remember, this is our profession. We do it to make money; so we invest a lot in order to try to sell your home. Give us an opportunity to do our job. And to Realtor hop, (go from one realtor to another) will only frustrate you. This is a partnership. You both are trying to go towards the same goal.

As in any relationship, COMMUNICATION is the key. Talk to your Realtor at least 2 times a month. Lowering your price is not a sign of weakness. It is the sign of the times and shows you’re looking to fed and not slaughtered.

Dawn Dell
2006 REALTOR OF THE YEAR
863-381-0400
www.sebringfloridarealtor.com

Expert Smxpert! Who are these so called people?

Well, the news continues to do it. These people get on the TV, Radio & Internet (or if a dinosaur) Newspaper and tell us about our economy, our livelyhood and everything else. They claim to be “EXPERTS”, just may I ask, “Where did they get their degrees of Experts????’ I am curious because I have yet to see that class being offered in my local college. Plus what are the criterias? If that is the case, then I am an expert. Of what you ask, all of it. Trust me, I can give you an opinion on anything and I guess I can claim to be an expert.

Where am I going with this you ask??? Well, here we go, Real Estate. They claim the bubble had to burst, how long did that take? Here in Central Florida, over 2 years and we never went to the ceiling cap, anyway. The bubble finally did BURST. But now it must hit rock bottom. The media will not be happy until all of us have hit rock bottom. These so-called experts are now telling us that the economy is still in for a rough haul. But they still want us to spend our money for Christmas and are speculating that the consumers will wait until the last moment and over spend to impress people we do not even care about but want to impress. This is the media’s way of controlling us.

It is time we took control of our own destiny, Stop listening to these so called Experts, turn the TV off, especially if they are telling about this doom and gloom. Remember this is job security for them. If they do not have bad news, they feel they have no news to report; so only bad news is good for them. So, if you really look at this from our perspective, then you may want to agree with me.

Now is a great time to buy propertyl interest rates are low, the feds are asking banks to work with buyers to help them get into a home, and prices are really negotiable. Realtors are hungry and sellers are getting desperate. This is a great time to buy. Now I really have a unque situation. I am in Central Florida and the projections are in, (by these so called experts) that the first wave of the baby boomers will be retiring this year; and where do you think they want to be?? Florida? or Wisconsin? Let me just say this,,,, the sun is shining and we are desirable. Where I live, it is 1 1/2 hr from each coast, basically 2 hours(OR LESS) from Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Sarasota, Ft Myers, Pt St Lucie, and some of the best beaches in the world. We are south of the freeze line, we have many beautiful fresh water lakes, lots of agricultural land, and we are still under the average price.

We are Florida’s best kept secret. So… I am not letting these so called experts get me down. Instead I see light at the end of the tunnel. Highlands County is where we are and I know it is the best place right now. The experts have nothing on this. So … if you want a great deal, give me a call at 863-381-0400 and I can help you get on your way to living the good life. And remember when those so called experts start to tell you what is going on, remember what I am telling you; we are all experts and we can learn from our mistakes. But if you do not make mistakes, then your can not learn. So if you’er living a life and not just sitting there worried about what is happening next, then you are your best expert. Live, Love. Laugh and Learn.

Choosing a Realtor to List your Property!!!

Prior to listing your home you should do some home work yourself.

First, look around your neighborhood and see if a certain Realtor specializes in your area; if so definitely contact that Realtor (regardless if you use them or not) and see what they have to say.

Second, look at the local advertising and see who is going to aggressively market your property.

Thirdly, ask around and see if someone recommends a Realtor they have recently done business with and possibily hear their story.

Then you should get at least 2 opinions of price from your local professional Realtor. This will let you know if you are thinking in the same price range as what the real market value is. Remember, if these 2 professionals come in with a very different price range, you need to get a third opinion.

Some Realtors have to meet a “quota” of listings in order to stay at their office. So this would be a reason for a Realtor to over inflate a listing price, just to get the listing. This is called “Buying a Listing”, and this does no good for either the seller or the Realtor. Instead, the seller usually gets frustrated with the Realtor and Realtor is frustrated because they took the overpriced listing in hopes of catching a fish (another story) and then the realtor could possibly talk the seller into excepting a lower price; but in reality the seller could possibly have sold a lot earlier if they would of listened to the lower priced Realtor. Remember.. “don’t punish the honest Realtor for giving you fair market value”l they are only doing their job.

Sometimes Realtors offer “staging” services. This is done usually on a case by case basis. In some homes staging is needed. I know, I have found homes with minimal knick knacks and furniture do sell quicker. Most buyers do not have the imagnation to see themselves in a home that has too much of the sellers personality. De-clutter!!!!

Clean Clean Clean, and refresh the landscaping and a little paint goes along way. Ask the professional what you should do to make your home more appealing.

Of course in the old days, I am told LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION was the main 3 ingredients to real estate. Today it seems to be PRICE PRICE PRICE; so be smart and interview several professionals and price your property right!!! Happy Selling!!!

Correction Curve

The housing market is going to experience what I am calling the “Correction Curve”. Think about it, what the bank will finance is really what the market will bear unless we have a frenzy market again and CASH buyers inflating the market (that is a whole other subject coming soon).

If the property is being purchased with a mortgage, then the bank requires an appraisal. An appraisal is really only one opinion with a calculation of other factors. These main factors are other sales within the market area and homes that are close in comparison to square footage and actual year built.

Right now in this market there are foreclosures, investors getting out of a bad investment at any cost to save their credit, short sales and true sales at true market value. Once these properties close escrow and are recorded, these sales are then used in the calculation process of an appraisal for a loan.

If a purchase contract has been accepted by a buyer and seller at a price higher than the appraised value, the buyer has a “loop hole” out of the contract in the financing clause. Property must appraise at mortgaged value, so make sure when writing an offer on a property to consult with a professional Realtor on how to get you out of the contract if it does not appraise at full purchase price (again another subject for another time, coming soon).

Once several properties have closed at lower than market value, the values in general decline and in an inflated market this will create a correction of price therefore a “Correction Curve.”

What this can mean to you as a seller: you should absolutely consult with a professional in your market place and get a fair market value.

If you really want to sell, I am finding there are buyers at the right price, but if your intention is to “test the market” or “fish for a buyer” than now is not the time to put your home on the market (unless of course it is priced at fair market value). Marketing your home with a professional is only to your advantage. Use their expertise and also, it literally cost you nothing unless the home is sold.

Now for the buyers, I have mentioned this before, never has there been a better time to buy (of course except to prior to 2003), buyers are getting great interest rates, a huge inventory to pick from, and now the “Correction Curve” price is all in your favor - being able to buy a home at a better than fair market price.

So.. if your looking to buy or even do I dare say INVEST, go for it. Get with a Realtor and start looking at the market and making offers, you never know what might be accepted.

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