Unlock the Potential: A Hidden Gem in Winter Garden's Bay Street Park Neighborhood

Are you ready to discover a diamond in the rough? Embrace the opportunity to own a hidden gem with tons of potential in Winter Garden's coveted Bay Street Park neighborhood! Located at 1085 Lincoln Terrace, this solid block home offers charm and a strong foundation for someone with the vision to make it truly shine.Priced at just $220,000, this property is ideally located for convenience. It's just moments from Downtown Winter Garden, SR 429, the Florida Turnpike, Downtown Orlando, Maitland, Disney, and more—making commuting and entertainment effortless. Whether you're heading to work or enjoying a day at the theme parks, you'll appreciate the easy access to all that Central Florida has to offer.The property has received recent upgrades, including a new A/C system and water heater within the past two years. The roof is approximately 12 years old, providing peace of mind for future homeowners. Multiple offers have already been received, and the seller is seeking a full-price offer. Please note that THIS IS NOT A DISTRESSED SALE.This home is perfect for investors looking to fix and hold or owner-occupants eager to create their dream home. With a little creativity and some sweat equity, you can transform this property into a stunning residence that reflects your personal style. If not sold at the current price, the seller plans to undertake a full rehab after the holidays and relist at a higher price—broadening its appeal for future buyers.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Whether you're an investor looking for your next project or an aspiring homeowner ready to put in some elbow grease, 1085 Lincoln Terrace is ready for your creative touch. Act now and unlock the potential of this hidden gem in Winter Garden's Bay Street Park neighborhood!

HOME SELLERS, HERE’S WHAT THE NAR SETTLEMENT MEANS FOR YOU

As a home seller, you have a wide range of choices when it comes to listing your home. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate this complex process and make the choices that work best for you. NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes related to broker commissions that benefit sellers, and we wanted to clearly lay them out for you.  What does the new rule about compensation offers mean for home sellers?  Starting August 17, 2024, compensation offers to buyer agents will no longer be included in MLS listings. Instead, agents will communicate directly with each other to determine the commission offering. However, you can still offer buyer concessions, such as covering closing costs, directly on the MLS.  How will these changes affect the home selling process?  You will need to discuss compensation with your listing agent, who will then communicate the terms to buyer agents directly. This change may require more direct negotiation, but it will not affect your ability to sell your home or offer concessions to buyers.  What is an MLS, and how does it work?  The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale. It helps facilitate cooperation between brokers, allowing them to present a wide range of listings to potential buyers.  Why are compensation offers no longer included on MLS listings?  This rule change is intended to increase transparency and encourage direct communication between agents regarding compensation. It also aims to reduce any potential conflicts of interest by requiring buyer agents to discuss compensation separately from the property listing.  What are buyer concessions, and how can I offer them?  Buyer concessions are incentives you can offer to help attract buyers, such as covering closing costs or providing a home warranty. These concessions can still be listed directly on the MLS, separate from agent compensation offers.  How do I discuss compensation with my listing agent?  Your listing agent will guide you through the process of setting the terms of compensation for buyer agents. These terms will then be communicated directly to buyer agents off-MLS, ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of the arrangement. Will these changes impact the price at which I can sell my home?  The changes do not inherently affect the selling price of your home. The price will still be determined by market conditions, buyer interest, and the negotiations between you and potential buyers.  What happens if I don't offer compensation to buyer agents?  While offering compensation to buyer agents is common practice, it is not mandatory.  However, not offering compensation may affect the interest level of buyer agents, as they typically expect to be compensated for their work.  Can I still offer compensation to buyer agents even if it's not listed on the MLS?  Yes, you can still offer compensation to buyer agents; it just won't be listed on the MLS.  Your listing agent will handle the communication of these terms directly with buyer agents.  Are there any exceptions to these new rules?  As of the implementation date, these rules will apply to all agents and their clients. It's advisable to consult with your real estate professional for any specific circumstances that may apply to your situation.

Homebuyers, HERE’s WHAT THE NAR SETTLEMENT MEANS FOR YOU

Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever undertake. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your home-buying journey and make the choices that work best for you. NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes that benefit homebuyers, and we wanted to lay them out for you with common questions and answers.  FAQs for Home Buyers with New Changes  What does the new rule about compensation offers mean for home buyers? ○ Starting August 17, 2024, offers of compensation will no longer be available on MLS listings for Realtors to review and agents will communicate directly to find out what the commission offering is. Sellers can still offer buyer concessions, such as covering closing costs, directly on the MLS.  How will these changes affect my home-buying process?  ○ You will need to discuss compensation with your real estate agent off-MLS. Additionally, you will be required to sign a written agreement with your agent before touring any homes.  What is an MLS, and how does it work?  ○ MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service, a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale. It helps facilitate cooperation between brokers and provides buyers with access to a wide range of listings.  Why are written agreements required before touring homes?  ○ The new rule aims to ensure transparency and clarify the terms of the relationship between buyers and their agents. It helps protect both parties and ensures that buyers understand the services their agents will provide. 5. What should I expect in a written agreement with my real estate agent? ○ A written agreement will outline the services your agent will provide, the terms of compensation, and any other relevant conditions. It ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.  Can I still receive concessions from sellers on the MLS?  ○ Yes, sellers can still offer buyer concessions, such as assistance with closing costs, directly on the MLS. These concessions are separate from  compensation offers. How do I negotiate compensation with my real estate agent off-MLS? ○ Discuss the terms of compensation directly with your agent. They can guide you through the process and help you understand what is standard in your market.  Will these changes increase my costs as a home buyer? ○ Not necessarily. While the process for negotiating compensation has changed, it doesn't inherently increase costs. The overall expense will depend on the terms you negotiate with your agent and any concessions offered by the seller.  What happens if I don't sign a written agreement with my agent? ○ Your agent will not be able to show you homes until a written agreement is in place. This rule is designed to ensure clarity and protect the interests of both buyers and agents.  Are there any exceptions to these new rules?  ○ As of the implementation date, these rules will apply universally to all MLS Participants and their clients. Always consult with your real estate professional for any specific circumstances that might apply to your situation.

Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring One

Navigating the wild ride of a real estate transaction? Buckle up, because whether you're buying or selling, it's a journey that can swing from thrilling to hair-pulling if you're not prepared. I get it. Been there, done that. This could be your biggest buy or sell yet, and getting it right matters.  So, before you commit, let's talk vetting—specifically, how to grill your potential real estate agent (LOL, politely, of course). Here are eight must-ask questions to separate the pros from the posers:  1. **What's Your Real Estate Experience Like?** We're not just asking how long they've been at it, but what they've they done? Residential? Rentals? Land? Condo? Knowing their specialty helps you gauge their fit for your needs. Plus, certifications—they’re like real estate black belts.  2. **Are You Locally Savvy?** They should know your area like the back of their hand—prices, trends, the works. Knowing the local scene isn't just a flex, it's crucial for nailing that deal.  3. **Can I Talk to Your Fan Club?** Don’t skip this part. References, please! Talking to past clients gives you the insider scoop on how they roll. It's like Yelp, but for real estate agents.  4. **How Do You Charm in Negotiations?** Negotiations are where the magic happens (or doesn't). So, get the lowdown on their style. Are they smooth talkers or hard-nosed hagglers? Knowing can save you stress later.  5. **What's the Damage, Money-Wise?** No surprises, please. Ask upfront about fees—what’s included, what’s extra. How much is the Brokerage compensation, marketing, and the whole enchilada? And hey, negotiation isn’t just for houses; see if they'll budge on their fees too. This has always been negotiable. This is the start of the skill test.  6. **Will You Keep Me in the Loop?** Communication is key, folks. How often will they update you? And how—calls, emails, carrier pigeons? Make sure it fits your style. After all, this is like dating too. Not everyone is a good fit.  7. **Do You Do More Than Just Sell?** Some agents go above and beyond—staging tips, home inspections, you name it. Ask about extras they offer. It could be the cherry on top of your real estate sundae.  8. **What Happens After the Dust Settles?**Closing day isn't the end of the story. What support will they provide afterward? Post-sale advice or just a pat on the back? Know what to expect.  In a nutshell, these questions aren't just for show. They're your ticket to finding the right agent. “THE ONE” who’ll ace your real estate mission with flair. Take your time, ask smart questions, and make your real estate dreams a reality. Happy house hunting or selling!