Orlando has been my home for the past 28 years. There are many reasons I chose to live in Orlando, such as the weather, job opportunities, theme parks, and the beaches, but what has kept me in Orlando is the family friendly environment! Orlando is a vacation destination and hospitality is what makes living in Orlando unique. The Gay community has flourished because of this attention to making people feel welcome. Orlando’s culture is ever growing and changing, as evidence […]

In recent years, millions of homeowners have taken advantage of low rates and refinanced their mortgages. This article describes the advantages and possible pitfalls associated with a “refi.” Before You Start: Remember that refinancing to reduce debt can be a smart move, but refinancing in order to borrow more for consumer purchases (car, vacation, etc.) could set you back significantly. Read the fine print on your current mortgage to learn whether you’ll be assessed penalties or fees for “getting out” […]

Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to other purchase option, etc. By attending to details that can have a positive impact on the value, sellers can significantly increase their chance of attracting qualified buyers willing to pay the asking price. Some tips to […]

“Whether buying or selling, we pride ourselves on getting you the most value for your money. It is a responsibility that we take seriously, and a commitment we make personally.” RE/MAX Excalibur, HomeTeamAZ – One of Arizona’s premier multimillion dollar Real Estate teams specializing in Arizona Real Estate. With over 25 years of experience, HomeTeamAZ has developed a reputation of both attentiveness and responsiveness in assisting both buyers and sellers. Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real […]

If you’re like many first-time homebuyers, chances are you’ve been spending your weekends driving around visiting      open houses and new model homes. This is a great way to get a feel for what you want. The problem is that what you want isn’t always what you should get. Before you start touring homes for sale, it’s important to start off with a budget so you know how much you can afford to spend. Knowing what mortgage payment you can handle […]

With New York’s recent gay marriage headlines bursting at the seams of every major newspaper. The National Association of REALTORS® is also making a difference toward equality. The National Association of REALTORS® recently added language to its code of ethics banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. Article 10 of NAR’s REALTORS® Code of Ethics previously prohibited the “denial of its professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.” Coming ahead […]

Finding the right first home starts with a price range and a short list of desirable neighborhoods. But there are many other factors you’ll need to consider before investing in what may be your biggest asset. Before You Start: Grab your current household budget so you can consider your financial situation and your ability to make mortgage payments. Ask family and friends if they can recommend experts, like a lawyer and an inspector, who can help with the home buying […]

From Harrison Ford to Sean “Diddy” Combs to the late Elizabeth Taylor, there are true mega-star homes on the market right now, and these incredible properties reflect the success of their owners. Interestingly, when it comes to the most famous celebrities, real estate may be one of the few non-inflated things you can buy. You can buy a mid-1970s Rolex Submariner 55XX series for under $5000, but the same watch, except that it was worn by actor Steve McQueen, went […]

Many second-home owners make very little use of their properties. The exchange service gives members variety and flexibility. If there is one drawback above all others about owning a vacation home, it’s that you’re stuck going to the same place year after year. Well, “stuck” may be too strong a word. But you are limited. Unless you have the wherewithal to travel at will anywhere you like, you are pretty much restricted to that one spot. Or at least you […]

Before the bust, rising prices fueled the housing market, enabling buyers to start small and climb the ladder. Now that promise of upward mobility has been all but shattered, gumming up the market. Back in the frothy days of 2007, Luciano Mor needed only a weekend and a Craigslist ad to find a buyer for his two-bedroom starter home. The split-level house, on a quiet Silver Lake street, sold for $749,000, commanding nearly twice what he paid in 2002 and […]