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It’s Now Cheaper to Own, than Rent

Nov29
2011
Leave a Comment Written by Dan

With interest rates hovering around the 4% mark on a 30-year fixed mortgage, owning a home has become cheaper than renting in 12 metropolitan areas, including Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago.

The Wall Street Journal states, “Home prices and mortgage rates have fallen so far that the monthly cost of owning a home is more affordable than at any point in the past 15 years and is less expensive than renting in a growing number of cities.”

Inventories of existing homes have begun to drop. Miami alone saw a 50% drop in their available inventory. South Florida has become a focal point for Northerners who are looking for a warmer climate, or Canadian property investors looking for homes to rent season to season.

Other areas where renting is becoming more expensive than home ownership include Jacksonville, Phoenix, Tampa and Las Vegas. All these areas are primed to see an increase in property sales and real estate values.

Although finding a buyer may not be as simple as it was five years ago, the recent figures show that people are looking for properties. The more properties sell, the higher property values will go. Listing a property now may gain you a buyer quicker than you think.

Posted in Market News, Press - Tagged chicago, florida, miami, rent or own, rent vs own, tampa
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Orlando/Jacksonville Spring Events 2010

Apr20
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

Florida bursts into action in the springtime, as families travel on spring breaks, people sell their homes and move to new locations and tourists begin the summer vacation season early! For this reason, both Orlando and Jacksonville offer an overabundance of outdoor festivals, specialty events, concerts, live entertainment and more! With such a wide variety of themes, there is definitely something in this list for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor Events:

This April and May, visit SeaWorld Orlando for the annual 2010 Viva La Musica! This event celebrates Hispanic culture with live performances of Latin musicians and dancers, while serving up traditional Hispanic cuisine and showcasing original Hispanic exhibits. Performances begin at 4 p.m. daily in Seaworld’s Bayside Stadium. For more info, call 407-363-3359.

Plan to attend a Jacksonville Suns baseball game as an affordable day at the ballpark! The Jacksonville Suns are a minor-league team affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they play at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. For tickets, call 904-367-1423.

If you’re bummed that we have to wait a couple years for another Olympics, plan to attend the World of Nations Celebration from April 29 to May 2 in Jacksonville, where over 25 countries come together to showcase and celebrate cultural values and entertainment. For more information, call 904-630-3690.

From May 20 to May 31, attend the Orlando International Fringe Festival taking place in Loch Haven Park and other venues around downtown Orlando. This festival includes over 500 performers and 70 theater companies showcasing uncensored, cutting-edge musical performers and creative works of art. For more information, visit www.OrlandoFringe.org or call 407-648-0077.

Throughout the season of spring, the Jacksonville Riverfront comes alive with seafarers and landlubbers! Sail Jacksonville is an annual event that displays tall ships from around the world. Activities include the Pirate Battle for Treasure, seamanship demonstrations, live entertainment and more. For exact dates and continual updates, visit Coj.net.

From May 23 to May 23, May 28 to May 30, June 4 to June 6, and June 11 to June 13, visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort for the annual Star Wars Weekend 2010! Meet dozens of your favorite Star Wars characters while participating in a plethora of Star Wars activities, trivia contests, collectibles and pin trading, thrill rides and more! For more info, visit www.StarWars.com.

Visit the heart of downtown Jacksonville between May 27 and May 30 for the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival! This free event draws tons of jazz enthusiasts each year to experience live performances from renowned jazz performers and from locals! Special highlights include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, the ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam, Jazz Talk, Sunday jazz brunches and more! Visit Coj.net for more information.

For a small-town festival atmosphere, head out to Zellwood, located Northwest of Orlando, for the 2010 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival on May 28 through May 30. This festival has it all, from corn-eating contests and live country entertainment, to carnival rides, games, arts and crafts and more. For more info, visit www.ZellwoodCornFestival.com.

On May 31 at 10 a.m., plan to attend Memorial Day Observance at the Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 East Adams Street. Listen to keynote speakers and family tributes while watching the wreath presentation and hearing the 21-gun salute. There is no better way to honor the local heroes who have and are still protecting our country’s freedom. For more info, call 904-630-3680.

Indoor Events:

From April 30 to May 16, visit the Mad Cow Theatre for the Orlando Cabaret Festival, which features 40 different shows in areas of jazz, pop, Broadway and more. Many notorious entertainers have performed at this event in the past, including Jaimie Roberts, Amy Baker, The Lascivious Biddies and more. For a listing of performers this year, visit www.OrlandoCabaret.com.

On a rainy day, head to a concert in Orlando or Jacksonville, both offering ample options, which include:

  • Uncle Kracker on April 26 at The Club at Firestone, Orlando
  • Goo Goo Dolls on April 27 at Hard Rock Live, Orlando
  • Elvis Costello on April 27 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
  • Ben Harper and Jack Johnson on April 29 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
  • Loudon Wainwright lii on May 1 at Plaza Theatre, Orlando
  • Flogging Molly on May 1 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
  • Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum on May 6 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
  • The Spill Canvas on May 11 at The Social, Orlando

A list of Broadway shows is also available for the Florida spring season:

  • Xanadu from April 27 to May 2 at the Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando
  • Grease from April 27 to May 2 at the Moran Theater-Times Union Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville
  • Chicago from May 21 to May 23 at the Moran Theater-Times Union Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville
  • Spring Awakening from May 18 to May 23 at the Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando
Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged florida, orlando, profiled communities, Regional Info
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Fall Events: Orlando/Jacksonville

Sep29
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

jax

The fall season is a great time to call Orlando and Jacksonville home! Theme parks are usually packed throughout the summer. And during the winter, you’ll often find lots of people coming in from cold, snowy states to enjoy some warmer weather. But come September, October and November, temperatures begin to drop off into the 70s, and the humidity levels are almost non-existent. It’s the perfect time of year to step in out, perhaps in a light jacket, and enjoy the sights sans the crowds of tourists.

FALL EVENTS abound within the Central Florida. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an entertainment festival, you’re sure to find something fun to do.

  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
    For a few days in September and throughout the month of October, Universal Studios is transformed into a “labyrinth of haunted houses” and other scary attractions ripped straight from the movies that have terrified people for years and years. The shows, exhibits and decorations are updated every year, as well, so the park always keeps your heart racing and your blood pumping. General admission is $69, but you could purchase a Frequent Fear Pass, giving you unlimited access Sundays through Thursdays, for the same price. For more info, visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
  • Oktoberfest in Celebration, Florida
    Just outside of Orlando, the aptly named town of Celebration hosts a yearly Oktoberfest. This year marks only the second time that the town is putting on the event, which takes place Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. There are hayrides, live music, tons of food and lots to drink… all boasting a German theme, of course. The best part of the event is that parking and admission is FREE!  For more info, visit CelebrationTownCenter.com.
  • Jacksonville Light Parade
    If you’re in Jacksonville for Thanksgiving, there is more to the holiday than turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Because the city is close to the water, Jacksonville created an annual parade boats to dazzle crowds during Thanksgiving weekend. Bots are decked out in thousands of twinkle lights and sail through the riverbank near Metropolitan Park and Jacksonville Landing. A spectacular fireworks display follows the parade. For more info, visit COJ.net.

ORLANDO/JACKSONVILLE SPORTING EVENTS are starting up again in the fall. You’ve got hockey and basketball coming back in October and sticking around all the way until spring!

  • Last year, the NBA Orlando Magic won the Eastern Conference title. And even though the team has been around for 20 years now, they have never won an NBA Championship. It’s been a long time since the days of Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee ‘Penny’ Hardaway, but the Magic hopes to go all the way this year behind the support of former NBA star, and now Orlando Assistant Coach, Patrick Ewing. The Magic takes on the Detroit Pistons, the team who ended their quest for the ring last year, at home on Friday, November 6. For more info, visit NBA.com/magic.
  • The NFL Jacksonville Jaguars began last season with high hopes, as they acquired some really good rookie players. However, the team finished 5-11, recording the worst record since 2003. Many of their key players suffered from injuries and were unable to compete throughout the season. This year, they hope to stay healthy and get a shot at playing in the coveted Super Bowl. The Jaguars open their season at home facing the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 20. For more info, visit Jaguars.com.

CONCERTS in Central Florida suit every music taste from adult contemporary to teen pop. Here is a little something for everyone, regardless of age or taste in music:

  • Brad Paisley: Thursday, October 15, JAX Veterans Memorial Arena
  • Shinedown: Wednesday, October 21, House of Blues Orlando
  • Metalocalypse: Saturday, November 7, Hard Rock Live Orlando
  • So You Think You Can Dance, Saturday, October 24, Leon County Civic Center

For other acts, as well as scheduling and ticket info, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged Celebration, fall events, Halloween Horror Nights, Jaguars, Light Parade, Magic, NBA, NFL, Oktoberfest, orlando, Universal Studios
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Summer Events: Orlando/Jacksonville

Aug04
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

palm

Sunny days and mild nights make summers in Orlando and Jacksonville most enjoyable. With temperatures reaching the low 90s in the afternoon and descending into the low 70s by the early evening, you will be able to participate in tons of Central Florida events all day and night. Here are a few stand-out activities we think you might enjoy:

• SUMMER EVENTS near the Atlantic Coast of Florida attract many visitors from around the globe. Here are some of the best events taking place this season:

  • Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot
    This annual event at Epcot, the worldly Disney theme park, invites many different tribute bands to come out to the park each summer to recreate the top hits of legendary music icons. The series runs through August 9, with tributes to Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, The Supremes, U2 and Tom Petty taking place throughout the month of July and into the first week of August. Shows are in the evening at 5:45, 7:00 and 8:15. Special showtimes on July 4 include 5:15, 6:30, 7:15 and 9:00. For more info, visit DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com.
  • Anime Festival Orlando
    Florida’s favorite anime convention is at the Wyndham Orlando Resort from July 30 to August 2. As three-day online registration ended June 30, single day registration is still available at the door each of the three days. There will be lots of music/video/gameshow-related events, several special guest panelists and tons of merch booths at the convention. For more info, visit AnimeFestivalOrlando.com.
  • North Florida Fishing with Captain Ron Schurr
    Have you ever sat on a row boat for hours just waiting for one little nip at your fishing pole? Let a Jacksonville native (and fishing expert) help you catch a heaping helping of fish. Captain Ron Schurr offers fishing tours along the Intracoastal Waterway, where it is very likely you will catch a 40-pound Redfish, some speckled trout or even flounder. For more info, visit FishingNorthFlorida.com or call Captain Ron at 904-707-8328/904-346-3868.

• ORLANDO SPORTING EVENTS take a break for most of the summer, as basketball ends in the spring and football doesn’t start up until early August.

  • If you are looking to see something really amusing, you should definitely check out the 17th Annual Celebrity Mascot Games! This is the only event of its kind—in the world—where 30 mascots from various professional and college sports teams come to Central Florida to raise money for a non-profit organization called New Hope for Kids. It all starts the weekend of July 16 at Stetson University. The event then moves to the Amway Arena on Saturday and Sunday. Since its inception in 1992, the Mascot Games has raised over $250,000 for children under the age of 18 who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses. For more info, visit MascotGames.org.
  • The NFL Jacksonville Jaguars begin Training Camp on August 3 at the practice fields near Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Twenty practices are open to the public through August 13 with FREE ADMISSION. Brand-new seating allows for 1400 fans to get a much closer view of the players during the practices. For more info, visit Jaguars.com or call the training camp hotline at 904-633-6525.

• CONCERTS all across Central Florida vary from rock to pop to heavy metal. Here are a few concerts worth scoping out:

  • L.F.O., July 24, House of Blues Orlando
  • Tori Amos, July 28, Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando
  • Kenny Chesney, August 7, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
  • Judas Priest and Whitensake, August 15, St. Augustine Amphitheatre

For other acts, as well as scheduling and ticket info, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Posted in Buying Tips - Tagged florida, orlando, summer, summer events
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Spring Events: Orlando/Jacksonville

Apr07
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

florida-winter

Spring in Florida means preparing yards for fresh summer flowers, heading to the beach and, possibly, getting ready to buy or sell a home! Loads of tourists swarm Central Florida for spring break, possibly steering you away from the area’s main attractions. But have no fear! Ample festivals and free events for locals are occurring in both Orlando and Jacksonville to fill up your spring calendars.

Get outside and enjoy the weather in this sunshine state! Here are some ideas:

In this economy, everybody should jump on the chance to enjoy outdoor fun with family and friends at the fair free price that these events offer!

Free events

During April and May, an abundance of parks in Orlando and Jacksonville provide free family-friendly movies in the park! Pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy this outdoor experience! Some of the parks that offer this include Enzian Theater in Central Park and City Hall in Lake Mary on every second Thursday of the month, and Treaty Oak at Jessie Ball DuPont Park on April 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8.

Every first Wednesday of the month, downtown Jacksonville presents the Art Walk! Jacksonville streets fill up with all types of appreciative art forms. This includes an array of performing artists, such as Jazz trio performers, and visual arts with paintings and photography!

Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., head to Hemming Plaza Market for some midday entertainment and lunch! Shop around for just about anything, from baked goods and fresh produce to flowers and jewelry! Live music is performed while you look.

Every Friday evening through the month of April, take advantage of free admission that Morse Museum of American Art provides from 4 to 8 p.m. While appreciating art, you can also enjoy an array of live music. On April 10, for example, Beautiful Music Muse Trio will perform for your viewing pleasure!

Every Friday evening, enjoy a different assortment of live entertainment at Uptown Altamonte from 7-9 p.m. Friday Night Live changes it up every week, providing a variety of jazz, pop, contemporary and more! Each week is a new experience.

Always wished you were a surfer? Wish that you visited the beach more often? From April 10-12, head to Cocoa Beach to view the Ron Jon Surf Festival! Championship surfers from the ages 12 to 80 compete and show off their incredible surfing skills!

Start watering your lawns and gardens before April 11, so you are prepared for the annual rose and hibiscus sale at Leu Gardens! On May 9, enjoy a night of Florida’s top jazz and blues musicians! To attract gardening lovers year-round, Leu Gardens provides storytelling for kids on the third Monday of the month, three times a day.

On April 25, stargaze through telescopes from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Dark Sky Festival at Harmony in St. Cloud! While you search for constellations or shooting stars, guides will inform you of what you’re seeing and what it means! Live entertainment and a variety of informative speakers are also included.

Though these events and festivals aren’t free, they only come once a year! Pencil these into your schedule for a special, unique experience:

Specialty Events/Fests

Missed the opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras? No worry! Universal Studios is celebrating through April 18. Find some colorful beads and a vibrant mask and pretend the holiday is everyday!

From April 16 to 26, enjoy a traditional, old-fashioned festival at the annual Central Florida Fair at Central Florida Fairgrounds. Here you can check out arts and crafts, spin and flip on the rides, listen to live music, devour festival foods and so much more!

For all you car lovers, come view a collection of the most exotic, extreme cars at the Celebration Exotic Car Festival from April 17-19 at the Celebration waterfront. The Ferrari Club of America hosts the event and only displays the most impressive styles!

If you enjoy wine and live music, the Blues at the Winery allows you to enjoy them together from April 25-26. Visit Lakeridge Winery and taste an assortment of foods and wines while appreciating the sounds of blues music.

From May 9 to 10, enjoy food and wine varieties while appreciating the sounds of jazz!

During the last week of April, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all over again at the Jacksonville Irish Festival! Whether you’re Irish or not, you will still enjoy the Irish musicians and dancers while savoring Irish food favorites and admiring Irish crafts.

Last chance to value the sounds of jazz! From May 21-24, attend the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and listen to the unique tunes of jazz piano competitions! Even if jazz doesn’t interest you, you can still enjoy wine tasting and art displays.

Through May 31, Disney’s Epcot hosts the International Flower & Garden Festival! While you enjoy live entertainment and delicious food, you also receive education on all the types of lush, gorgeous flowers that exist!

For a rainy day, head to an indoor Broadway performance anytime you like!

Broadway

Upcoming shows at the Performing Arts Centre include the longtime favorite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, from April 14 to 19, and a new favorite about The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys, from May 6 to 14.

At Moran Theatre, learn the history of the Wizard of Oz witches during Wicked, performed from April 23 to May 10.

For a different approach, appreciate the talent of Shakespeare at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Through April, you can catch “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The Merchant of Venice.”

Sports

Though sports are sparse this time of year in central Florida, you can still catch an Orlando Magic game before the basketball season ends! The last home games at RDV Sportsplex are on April 8, 10 and 15. Visit their website for ticket information.

Posted in Regional Info, Tips and Ideas - Tagged central florida, events, florida, orlando, spring events
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