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Do Millennials Want To Be Homeowners?

There is a perception that millennials are breaking the habits of their parents and grandparents when it comes to home buying today. It seems as though those born between 1981 and 1997 are renting longer, living with parents and may even be weighed down with student loan debt with a lack of interest in buying a home for themselves.

However, a NerdWallet analysis examined a number of data and surveys from government agencies and private organizations that found many of these common assumptions about millennials to be false. The research showed that a majority of millennials would prefer owning a home to renting, but appear to be postponing due to real, as well as perceived difficulties in affording a home.

The Millennial Market

66 Million individuals in 24 million independent households make up the U.S. millennials. (1)
The median income for a millennial over 25 years old is $38,220. (2)
The median age of a first-time home buyer in 2015 was 31 years old. (3)
Two-thirds of millennials haven’t yet reached the age of 31 and 22% are under 25. (4)
Millennials are expected to form 20 million new households by 2025. (5)
The median rental period in 1980 was 5 years, as opposed to 6 years today. (6)

Truth: Millennials Want to Buy Homes

In a 2014 survey by Fannie Mae, it was discovered that a majority of millennials consider owning a home
to make more sense than renting- for both financial reasons as well as lifestyle reasons. Some reasons included control over their living space, flexibility in future decisions,
security, privacy and taking pride in having a nice home. In this survey, 49% said their next movie would likely be to own a home.

Overall, the Fannie Mae survey painted a picture of a positive outlook on buying a home. Even experiencing the housing market collapse in the recent recession, two-thirds of current millennial renters said that now was a good time to buy a home.

“There’s a strong indication that millennials do want to become homeowners, which is quite different from what we’ve heard.” – Chris LingMortgage Manager at NerdWallet

Resources to Help Millennial Homebuyers:

There are some realities that are undoubtedly restricting to new homebuyers. However, we don’t believe that a lack of access to knowledge and resources should be one! Here are our picks to help you get on the path to home ownership:

Less-than-excellent credit options: Federal Housing Administration loans. They work with applicants who have lower credit scores and small down payments. With anticipated demand from millennials some are offering conventional loans with 97% financing.

A mortgage calculator can help you research monthly payments, while a real-life affordability tool can help you determine how much house you can afford.

If you are struggling with student loan debt, you may qualify for income-based repayment options or even refinance your loan(s) for a lower debt-to-income ratio.

Good Luck!

Whatever your challenge is, the wall to get over may not be as high as many millennials perceive them to be. Low savings or poor credit might seem impossible to overcome, but there are a variety of resources available to help today’s millennials get on the path to a new home.

If you are looking to buy a home and need some help navigating the process, get in touch with us at The Core Group.

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Footnotes:
1. Population and household counts are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent American Community Survey and American Housing Survey. Independent households include homeowners and renters.
2. Based on median weekly earnings in 2015 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Data on first-time homebuyers are from the 2015 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Historical median ages are from Zillow.
4. This is based on the percentage of millennials who were younger than 30 years old as of the last American Community Survey.
5. Housing projections calculated by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies in the State of the Nation’s Housing 2015.
6. Data are from a 2015 Zillow report on first-time homebuyers.

Featured Neighborhood: Winter Park

Conveniently located near all of Orlando and home to some of the area’s best shopping and dining, Winter Park has become a very desired area to live. Winter Park offers residents plenty of green spaces, parks, great shopping, fine dining, local events and entertainment. It is one of the shining gems of Central Florida and has some of the most affluent neighborhoods of the greater Orlando area. Located just Northeast of Downtown Orlando, Winter Park is a suburban city with lots of wonderful features and plenty of desirable areas to call home.

Winter Park home — Winter Park Brewer House

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Winter Park was established as a resort community. In 1880, a South Florida Railroad track connected the strip of land between Sanford and Orlando, laying the foundation for what is now known as Winter Park. Two wealthy landowners, Loring Chase and Oliver E. Chapman, purchased the land that is now the serene and picturesque Winter Park.

Park Avenue is by and large one of the biggest attractions in Winter Park and draws visitors from across the nation to its vast offerings of fine dining, unique retailers and entertainment. Winter Park is also the site of the annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, a nationally recognized outdoor art festival that draws thousands of artisans, vendors, and visitors each year which is now celebrating 50 years.

In 1885, Rollins College was officially founded and remains Florida’s oldest post-secondary institution. Nestled on the shores of Lake Virginia, Rollins College has consistently been ranked as the number one university in the South according to U.S. News and World Report. The private liberal arts college offers a variety of educational programs, including Arts and Sciences, Business and Preforming Arts.

In 1980, the Ohio-based Full Sail Recording Workshop relocated to Florida and opened a campus for students pursuing careers in recording, video and film production with 49-degree program choices. In the early 2000’s, Full Sail was recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as offering “one of the five best music programs in the country.” To this day, Full Sail continues to draw students from all over the world and continues to garner critical acclaim throughout the recording arts industry.

Winter Park has a population of over 29,000 residents and an estimated median house value of around $300,000- almost double the Florida median house value.

If you enjoy historically rich cities, Winter Park should be on your short list. If you are looking for a beautiful place to live, Winter Park offers homeowners a scenic, family-friendly and safe environment.

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Cool Treats In and Around Orlando

It’s no secret that Central Florida boasts a lengthy and often intense summer season. Temperatures regularly peak in the upper 90’s, making perfect weather for beach trips, boat outings, and other outdoor water activities. But as the summer heats up each year, we are rewarded for the heat by cooling off with some seriously delicious frozen treats.

Here’s a breakdown of some of our most loved frozen treat hot spots around Orlando:

1. The Pop Parlour

The Pop Parlor specializes in gourmet popsicles that are seriously delicious. They offer a rotating menu of creative flavor creations that are the perfect antidote to the unrelenting summer afternoons in Central Florida. They are an Orlando based shop who’s mission is to delight customers with delicious pops made from local, all-natural and organic ingredients. Champagne Mango, Lavender Lemonade, Strawberry Balsamic, and Sweet Tea are just some of the unique flavors they have offered.

2. The Soda Fountain

Nestled in the pedestrian friendly neighborhood of College Park, The Soda Fountain is a retro styled ice cream shop with lots of character and a great mix of beloved classics and tasty new flavors. Get your favorite flavors served up in a cone or cup, or spun into a rich, creamy smooth milkshake. And if you’re looking for some tasty treats for your next BBQ, they rent out an Ice Cream cart with over 200 servings of sweet scoops.

3. Kelley’s Homemade Ice Cream

Kelley’s Homemade Ice Cream is a local shop and a beloved staple in Audubon Park. Located just a couple doors down from the infamous Blue Bird Bake Shop, they offer handcrafted ice cream treats. It’s a family favorite with tasty flavors including Cake Batter n’ Sprinkles, Key Lime, Mexican Chocolate, Fire Ball and more. They also have an Ice Cream food truck that travels the Central Florida area and they may be coming to a neighborhood near you.

4. Simka’s Sweets

Proudly operating as the only Kosher ice cream parlor in the Greater Orlando Area, Simka’s Sweets serves up some cool confections in Clermont’s Cagan Crossings. Featuring premium ice cream, gourmet coffee, homemade waffle cones and other decadent desserts, this is a must eat for nearby residents. They offer 12 Blue Bunny Ice Cream flavors and a rewards program for frequent diners – buy 10 items and receive a free cone.

5. Twisted Bliss Ice Cream

Just across the street from scenic Lake Formosa, Twisted Bliss Ice Cream is an Italian Ice, Gelati and Ice Cream shop in Ivanhoe Village. Visit their colorful storefront to grab a tasty treat and enjoy their funky atmosphere and complimentary wifi.

If you’re looking for a way to cool down this summer and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time, the Central Florida area has plenty of tasty treats to choose from. But don’t just take our word for it, go and try them out for yourself!

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Featured Neighborhood: Lake Nona On The Rise

Lake Nona is a planned community that sits behind the Orlando International Airport, just a few miles southeast of downtown Orlando. It is home to the large, picturesque lake of the same name and has become a fast-growing, innovative community in Central Florida.

Continued Growth

In the last five years alone, the population of the Lake Nona community has nearly doubled and many estimates predict that by the year 2020, the population could be as high as 100,000. There are currently 20,000 homes under construction or planned in the area, as well as numerous high profile corporate, medical, and commercial projects in development. In fact, The United States Tennis Association is on track to finish their 63-acre national campus in Lake Nona later this year, a state-of-the-art facility that will house more than 100 tennis courts.

(Image Courtesy of orlandorelocationmagazine.com)

Lake Nona Medical City

One of the most significant catalysts to the growth of the Lake Nona area has been the implementation and expansion of the Lake Nona Medical City. This health and life sciences park consists of major medical facilities such as the University of Central Florida’s Health and Sciences Campus (including the university’s College of Medicine and Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences). In the future, this will grow to include UCF’s College of Nursing, College of Dental Medicine, and a university hospital. In addition, Lake Nona Medical City is home to Nemour’s Children’s Hospital, a University of Florida Academic and Research Center, a Valencia College satellite campus and a Veterans Administration Medical Center. This large medical center is a huge draw for students and professionals working in the medical field.

The Lake Nona Medical City has been in development since October of 2005 and has rapidly grown ever since – and with it came a surge in commercial, retail, and residential real estate. With projects such as the United States Tennis Association headquarters and the burgeoning medical city, Lake Nona is producing high-paying, competitive jobs while providing world class amenities and huge economic potential. The area is drawing many affluent, upper middle class homeowners. In the world of Central Florida/Orlando real estate, Lake Nona has become a shining star.

An Investment in Nature

Don’t write Lake Nona off as a cluttered mess of suburban sprawl, as plans also include a 334-acre city park, almost 50 miles of trails, and numerous other community parks and green spaces (not to mention a plethora of lakes and waterways). The intentional planning of this community, along with it’s proximity to MCO and Downtown Orlando, make it a convenient and desirable place to call home.

With unprecedented growth predicted for the area, Lake Nona is poised to be one of the most significant and influential communities shaping the economic landscape of Central Florida.

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Why It Saves To Use A Realtor

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MYTH: Selling or buying a home without a realtor can save you money.

FACT: Realtors are trained professionals with a great deal of tools and knowledge to buy/sell your home AND save you money or maximize your profit.

We recently covered some helpful resources for home buyers and sellers on the blog (see that post HERE). While it is important for clients to be informed on all the in’s and out’s of real estate, it’s also worth pointing out all of the great benefits you get to enjoy when you use a Realtor to buy or sell your home. Working with a professionally-trained agent can save you time, money and hassle throughout the process. So, while it is possible to buy or sell a home on your own, make sure to take full stock of the wonderful advantages of using a licensed professional.

Some people are under the impression that they can save money by buying or selling a home themselves. Foregoing the services of a realtor may seem like a surefire way to save money, but chances are it will cost you in the long run. Realtors are trained and licensed, meaning they are the experts in their field. They are armed with all the tools and knowledge needed to successfully buy and sell properties. Their expertise is often what saves homeowners time and money.

Having gone through the necessary training and education and received the required licensure, these professionals are the best equipped to negotiate deals, properly complete documentations, market your home, and take the guesswork out of buying and selling property. A good Realtor is knowledgable and savvy, excited to educate clients while making sure they find something that reasonably meets their needs, getting the best deal possible and all in the shortest amount of time possible. In fact, you could say that part of their job is to save the client time and money.

Buying and selling homes is a complicated process that involves a lot of technical and legal knowledge. This can make it difficult for individuals to successfully sell their homes on their own without running into major roadblocks. In fact, some buyers expect the price of a ‘sale-by-owner’ home to be adjusted and lowered accordingly. An agent has access to valuable resources and industry knowledge that can play an integral part in the home buying process.

A recent closing with great repeat customers!

Some of the reasons it saves to use a Realtor:

Realtors are licensed professionals, trained to deal with the process of selling/buying homes.
Realtors have access to valuable resources that can move properties quicker, saving you time.
Realtors are familiar with the legal aspects of property acquisition, working on your behalf to save you from the hassle.
A good Realtor is a good negotiator, which can save you a lot of money in a deal.
A good Realtor will keep in informed throughout the process, educate you on different topics, and work as your representative in the arena of real estate.

Licensed Realtors can be an invaluable tool throughout the home buying process. Do yourself a favor, and find a Realtor that you can trust with the task of finding your next home or selling your property. It could save you a great deal of time and money after all is said and done. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Central Florida area—from Oviedo to Longwood to Lake Mary—contact us today to talk to one of our agents: 407-930-4855 or [email protected]

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5 Resources For Home Buyers and Home Sellers

At The Core Group, we work with a lot of first time home buyers and sellers. We are passionate about making the process as streamlined and enjoyable as possible for our clients. While we aim to take every opportunity available to equip our clients with helpful and useful information so you’re not left in the dark, sometimes you want to do a little research on the side, too!

Below is a roundup of some immensely useful tools and resources that can help you as a home buyer or seller be as prepared as possible.

1. House Logic

Does your home need a little TLC before it feels like home or is ready to sell? House Logic, published by The National Association of Realtors, offers extensive resources from how to remove wallpaper to easy backyard upgrades.

www.houselogic.com

Oviedo House

2. The Core Group’s Real Estate Database

From Kissimmee to Winter Springs, search our database of Central Florida homes through our website (just scroll down to get there!). Search based on city, minimum/maximum price,

3. Doorsteps Swipe

Swipe and “like” from thousands of homes for sale or rent that are searchable by location. Whether you’re searching for your next home or looking to be inspired by what’s out there, Doorsteps Swipe will feed your curiosity.

www.doorstepsbuy.com/swipe

4. City Data

The City-Data.com website is a useful tool that offers city-specific demographics and statistics that would help when trying to get a better feel for an area. It offers such insights as median household income and median house values, information that could help you when choosing where to look for a home.

www.city-data.com

5. Walkscore

The Walkscore website is a fun and unique tool that actually gives cities a score based on how easily commuting can be by foot, bike and public transport. This can give you an idea of how ‘walkable’ a city is. It also tells you which neighborhoods in a city offer the most pedestrian accessible amenities.

www.walkscore.com

Whether you are buying or selling a home, don’t let the process overwhelm you. Although there are a lot of aspects to consider, there are so many great tools available to you to make sure you are informed and knowledgeable. Take advantage of these great resources, and know we are here for you through your journey buying or selling a home.

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Are You At Risk For Florida Homestead Exemption Fraud?

Many of our clients own one home in Florida and a second in another state, whether it be to visit grandchildren, to maintain work in another state or purely for enjoyment. If you own residential property in Florida and also in another state, we have news you’ll want to pay attention to.

Some Florida counties have been cracking down on Florida Homestead exemption fraud, and you might be surprised to find you owe tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest.

We are happy to feature this post from Arthur Baker at Baker Hosteler Law:

A Rise in Florida Homestead Exemption Fraud

Imagine that you own one home in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and another in Sarasota County, Florida. Although Ohio was at one time your principal residence, for the past seven years you have considered your Florida home to be your principal residence because you live in it eight months out of the year, have a Florida driver’s license, are registered to vote in Florida, maintain bank accounts in Florida, and have even filed an affidavit of domicile in Florida. As such, you claimed the Florida homestead exemption on your Florida home in your Florida filings, and for your Ohio state tax filings, filed as a “nonresident,” listing your Florida home as your principal address. However, during the seven-year period your principal residence has been in Florida, the real estate tax bills on your Ohio home continued to provide you with an Owner Occupancy Credit (formerly known as the 2½% Rollback Credit). The Owner Occupancy Credit is a form of homestead or residency-based tax credit that you, in all likelihood, obtained by indicating in a form you executed when you bought your Ohio home that it would be your principal residence. This Owner Occupancy Credit continues to be applied to real estate taxes on your Ohio home until you notify the Ohio taxing authority that your Ohio home is no longer your principal residence.

After seven years of believing you were dutifully paying taxes to Florida and, not realizing you continued to receive a form of residency-based tax credit in Ohio, you receive a notice from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser Office telling you that you owe them $24,436 for back taxes, penalties, and interest because your receipt of the Owner Occupancy Credit in Ohio precluded you from receiving the Florida homestead exemption. You and many other property owners have been faced with or may face this problematic situation.

Historically, property appraiser offices combated Florida homestead exemption fraud through tips from residents that were later investigated by staff at the property appraiser offices themselves. However, the property appraiser offices in Sarasota County, Duval County, and Pinellas County recently hired a firm to crack down on Florida homestead exemption fraud. The firm does not receive an up-front fee and instead is paid a 30 percent commission on any back taxes, penalties, and interest it can recover – giving it a lucrative incentive to find any technical violations.

What To Do About It?

If you are in violation, you can owe thousands of dollars in back taxes, penalties and interest regardless of whether you are “receiving or claiming” another state’s exemption or credit knowingly and willfully, or purely by your own mistake. Even if you have not received a notice yet, you still could receive one in the near term, and having knowledge of this fact may better position you to address such a notice if and when it comes.

Learn more about the Florida homestead exemption and recommendations about what to do if you might be in violation over on the full blog post at Baker Hosteler Law.

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Orlando Day Trip Destinations!

Owning a home in the Central Florida area comes with a variety of benefits. Speak to anyone who lives in the area and you’ll hear rave reviews of the weather, fantastic locally owned business’, and friendly, world-class communities. And whether you decide to buy a home in Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, or Windimere – you’ll find yourself conveniently located to some top-notch destinations that make for ideal day-trips! Check out some of the outstanding local treasures within driving distance of Central Florida:

1. Mount Dora

Beautiful Downtown Mount Dora (Photo Courtesy of visitmountdora.com)

Mount Dora is a a little town located just north of Orlando that offers more than enough character and charm to fill a day-trip. You can park your car and walk up and down the streets of Downtown Mt. Dora, wandering in and out of little shops, eateries, and cafes. There’s also a handful of trails and natural sights to enjoy – and all it takes is less than an hour of drive time.

HIGHLIGHTS: If you set your sights on Mount Dora for your day trip destination, take advantage of the unique dining experiences such as the intimate, book-lined dining rooms of The Goblin Market. Mount Dora is also well known for it’s thriving Antique markets, such as Renningers which could fill a day-trip all on its own. And if you’re looking to enjoy some time outside, check out some prime Florida hiking trails such as Hidden Waters Preserve or the Trimble Park hiking trail.

2. Silver Springs State Park

Glass Bottom Boat at Silver Springs (Photo Courtesy of wesh.com)

Silver Springs State Park is 350 acres of natural Florida beauty. Ancient live oaks line the shores of crystal clear spring water filled with marine wild-life. Just an hour and a half north of Orlando, you can get your fill of pristine, beautiful nature.

HIGHLIGHTS: Get a front row seat to marine life in it’s natural habitat on the famed glass-bottomed boat tour. Adventure along trails and explore wildlife at the Silver Springs exhibits and botanical gardens. Enjoy live music as a part of the concert series or get an up close look into the life of bears at the World of Bears attraction. Silver Springs is a must for all nature lovers.

3. St. Augustine

Flagler College (image courtesy of tripadvisor.com)

Settled nearly 500 years ago and steeped in a rich and vibrant history, St. Augustine has plenty to offer visitors. You can spend the day wandering around historic landmarks, enjoying world-class cuisine or relaxing on the beach. Just short of a two hour drive away, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do with family and friends here.

HIGHLIGHTS: For the history buff, make sure to check out the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument or the stunning Flagler College Campus. If you’re a foodie, choose between some culinary gems such as gourmet waffles at Cousteau’s Waffle & Milkshake Bar, a refreshing summer salad at The Floridian, or a meticulously crafted cocktail at the factory turned restaurant The Ice Plant.

4. The Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay (Photo Courtesy of tampabay.org)

The Tampa Bay Area is home to Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. These three neighboring cities have plenty to offer in the realm of entertainment, food, and the arts.

HIGHLIGHTS: Head over to The Oxford Exchange in Tampa for the perfect meal, a cup of coffee, or the perfect souvenir, all conveniently available in one space. Explore your inner artist at the world-class Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, or relax for a day on one of the pristine stretches of beach in Clearwater. What more could you want for a day trip?

5. The Space Coast

Kennedy Space Center (Photo Courtesy of space.com)

All it takes is an hour drive to experience the out of this world Cape Canaveral. Home to the Kennedy Space Center and a large stretch of stunning coastline, it’s a quintessential destination for Florida residents and tourists alike.

HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the Kennedy Space Center to get a first hand look at our nation’s human space program. Learn all about man’s voyages into space including visiting launch pads, examining actual space shuttles, and maybe even catching a launch. And if you manage to leave with any time to spare, visit the Canaveral National Seashore to enjoy almost 25 miles of undeveloped beaches that are home to over a thousand plant species and over 300 species of birds. The Space Coast will impress even the most seasoned day-trippers.

When you’re in need of a quick escape form the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you’ll be delighted to find all of these day-trip destinations and more. Are there any destinations you’d add to this list?

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7 Tips To Make Moving a Breeze

Oftentimes, the joy of settling into a new place is overshadowed by all of the stresses of moving. Packing and unpacking, traveling, cleaning, unexpected expenses – all while maintaining the responsibilities of everyday life can be immensely overwhelming. Thankfully, there are some rather simple steps you can take to make moving a bit more enjoyable. So, here are some tips to help make moving a breeze:

1. Packing

(Image Courtesy of phillyaptrentals.com)

By and large, packing can be the biggest task to complete when moving. It’s a good idea to begin collecting and purchasing packing supplies well before you move. The earlier you get started, the more time you’ll have to properly organize and safely pack all of your belongings. Consider labeling each box with a number and the name of the room it will eventually be unpacked in and creating a log to document which items are in each box (make sure to label the tops and sides so you can identify them even when stacked). Also, make sure to pack an overnight bag for moving day with a change of clothes and other essentials in case you find yourself without access to your belongings.

2. Change of Address

Changing your address can be a bit more time consuming than expected. Preferably six weeks before moving, make sure to begin the process of switching important accounts over to your new address. Contact the post office and your utility company to make the switch, and don’t forget sooner or later you’ll have to deal with the DMV to have your address changed on your license. A good rule of thumb is to have the power turned on at your new residence at least a day before you arrive. And don’t forget about the little things like magazine subscriptions, Amazon, and other online accounts that also need change of address!

3. Book the Moving Company

You should begin the task of securing the moving company at least a month before your move. The earlier the better! This will give you time to shop around, ensuring you find the best deal and a company with good reviews. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the contract so that you know whats expected of you. For instance, some moving companies will only move items packed in boxes (not trash bags or suitcases) and they may end up trying to charge you extra to re-pack your belongings into their boxes, which will undoubtedly be more expensive.

4. Cleaning House

Consider hiring a cleaning company to go and deep clean your new home. Starting off on the right foot and moving into a spotless home will make the transition much more comfortable. Also, the move is an opportunity to take stock of your belongings and decide what items you may have that could be sold, donated or thrown away. Moving to a new home is a fresh beginning and the perfect time to declutter. It may be time to purchase new things such as rugs, curtains, and linens – items that gather dirt, dust, and stains over time.

5. Children and Pets

Moving is no job for little children or pets. It will be safer for all to have arrangements made so neither are in harms way during the move. Consider hiring a babysitter if you have children and a pet-sitter and/or kennel if you have pets. This will make the moving day that much safer and stress free.

6. Get To Know The Neighbors

The quickest way to make a new place feel like home is to make new friends and get involved locally. Start by alerting your neighbors to the move so they won’t be surprised by all the moving trucks and noise. Make the effort of introducing yourself to your new neighbors and get acquainted with the area by attending things like Home Owner’s Association meetings or other community events. After all, your neighbors will already know the in’s and out’s of your new area and can give you the best tips on dining, schools, shopping, and more! It’s your fast track to being in the know.

7. Welcome to your new home!

Make sure to prioritize the unpacking process. Some things need to be done right aways, while others can wait. First and foremost, make sure you begin preparing areas to eat, sleep, and bathe. Things like the living room or offices can wait a little longer. Utilize spaces like closets to store boxes as your unpacking so you’re not tripping over them. Take your time unpacking so that everything is put in it’s rightful place in a neat and orderly fashion. Know that decorating can be done after all the boxes have been emptied and furniture has been assembled.

The most important thing to avoid when moving is procrastinating. Get en early start on all these tasks and you’ll find the process to be much less stressful and much more streamlined. Things will inevitably go wrong, but if you have a little bit of wriggle room, you can iron out any wrinkles along the way. Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare!

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Orlando’s Finest: Farmers’ Markets

If you’ve recently moved to the Orlando area, or even if you’ve lived here for years, you might not know about some of the local events that happen in and around town. Getting involved in community events is a great way to get acquainted with a new area.

One of our favorite events to go to are the local Farmers’ Markets that happen all around the Orlando area. These events are a great way for you and your family to have some fun while making contacts with local business’ and vendors, supporting Orlando-based farms and artisans, all while stocking up on local produce, flowers, food, and other goods. That’s a whole lot of #local!

Winter Park Farmers’ Market

Located just off of Park Avenue, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 7a.m. to 1p.m. and is held in and around the old train depot, a historic Winter Park landmark. This Farmer’s Market boasts a number of vendors that range from produce to foliage to handmade goods. Bring your four-legged friends and enjoy the wonderful weather, sights, and sounds. And if you get a chance, definitely try the Kettle Corn!

BONUS: The proximity of The Winter Park Farmers’ Market to Park Avenue means there is a whole lot more to enjoy and explore. Enjoy a delicious brunch at The Briar Patch, grab some coffee at Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen, or do some shopping at William Sanoma. And That’s just the beginning!

Orlando Farmer’s Market

The Orlando Farmer’s Market happens every Sunday from 10a.m. to 4p.m. and is hosted at Lake Eola Park in the heart of Downtown Orlando. You can find a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, handmade jewelry, pottery, and soap, as well as locally sourced produce and live entertainment. This is another market that is pet friendly and it’s a beautiful way to spend a Sunday in the park with the City Beautiful as the backdrop.

BONUS: The Orlando Farmers’ Market is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Orlando which means there are plenty of additional places to check out. Brunch at Artisan’s Table never disappoints, you could catch an afternoon matinee movie at the Plaza Cinema Cafe, or just bring a blanket and lounge next to the Lake.

The Market at Winter Garden

Open every Saturday from 9a.m. to 2p.m. in Historic Downtown Winter Garden, The Market is a family and pet-friendly destination. Downtown Winter Garden is a quaint area with plenty of charm to spare. The Market has live music from 10a.m. until 2p.m. and is the perfect place to get your fill of locally grown flowers and produce as well as homemade soaps and baked goods.

BONUS: If you find yourself with extra time to spend, head over to the Plant Street Market in Downtown Winter Garden. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee at Auxum Coffee, a locally sourced farm to table meal at Five Thymes Five, or a fresh pressed juice from the Press’d Juice Bar & Kitchen.

Maitland Farmers’ Market

The City of Maitland also hosts a Farmers’ Market on Sunday from 9a.m. to 2p.m. It’s held weekly at Lake Lily Park at the intersection of Maitland Ave. and 17-92 and boasts an impressive array of vendors. Soy candles, Peruvian Baked Goods, homemade bath bombs, local honey, beautiful orchids… just to name a few. And if you’re bringing your dog along, there’s gourmet treats for them too! Oh, and don’t forget to check out the rotating lineup of live music.

Bonus: After the Farmers’ Market, you could go for a stroll around Lake Lily, catch an indie flick at the Iconic Enzian Theatre, or grab some pizza pie at Francescos Ristorante and Pizzeria.

It’s important to shop local and support local businesses and our Farmers’ Markets are a great way to shop small, all while getting outdoors, meeting new people, and having a good time. Have a favorite Farmers’ Market in the Orlando area? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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The Millennial Market

Truth: Millennials Want to Buy Homes

Top Reasons Why Millennials are Postponing

Resources to Help Millennial Homebuyers:

Good Luck!

1. The Pop Parlour

2. The Soda Fountain

3. Kelley’s Homemade Ice Cream

4. Simka’s Sweets

5. Twisted Bliss Ice Cream

Continued Growth

Lake Nona Medical City

An Investment in Nature

A Rise in Florida Homestead Exemption Fraud

What To Do About It?