Can I make money on a short term rental townhome in the Regal Palms Resort in Davenport, Florida?

I specialize in Regal Palms among many others in the area.  Regal Palms is a nice community for the price point, however you shouldn't rely on a property manage to turn a strong ROI here.  What you're hoping for is to cover your running costs and use the property yourself for friends and family.  Depending on your budget, there may be better options for a stronger ROI in the short term rental zone of the area.  The best way to increase your ROI on any property is to be an active owner.  This means you book market and book the home yourself to colleagues, associates, etc as well as some websites such as www.homeaway.com and many others.  Social networking alone could really prove beneficial, if those you work or associate with know you have a vacation home in the Disney area, you could offer them wholesale rates during off season. These are times when the property manager typically will not be booking the home anyway.  Therefore, you'll increase your occupancy rate and income.  Not to mention, most property managers charge a much smaller booking fee or none at all for owner bookings.  There are several other important factors to understand in Regal Palms.  If you'd like more information or particular ROI statistics or other points to be aware of in Regal Palms, please call or email me directly.

Cathy Starkweather
Realtor & Vacation Home Specialist
LaRosa Realty & Jerry Barker Vacation Homes
01.407.274.8476
cathy@jerrybarker.com /

What do you think the real estate market will look like in 2015 in Kissimmee, for a townhome in the 34741 zip code?

The market is certainly trending upwards, seeing 15%+ increase in average listing and sale pricing from a year ago. There's less inventory in the Kissimmee, Davenport areas and more buyers.

Lenders are relaxing somewhat and writing loans on properties that a couple years ago couldn't be financed. This is of course, for well qualified buyers.  




If you're looking to buy, it's still a very good time and the consensus is that the market will continue to grow.  If you'd like a market analysis or more information on 34741 or other areas of Kissimmee, Florida, please call or email me.

 

Where can I find some of the best schools in Central Florida for special needs children?

There are several in the Orlando area that may fit your needs and interviewing with the schools is always best to ensure the development needs as well as what you expect personally from the school such as compassion and patience. 

Here are a couple to reach out to: 
Conductive Education Center of Orlando (CECO) 
3377 Forsyth Road, Winter Park, FL 
Phone: (407) 671-4687 
Website: http://www.cecfl.org 

Providence Academy 
7605 Conroy-Windermere Road 
Orlando, FL 32819 
Phone: (407) 298-8699 
Website: http://www.Providence-Foundation.org 

If looking for a Christian alternative: 
First Hope at The First Academy 
2667 Bruton Blvd, Orlando, FL 
Phone: (407) 206-8801 
Website: http://www.thefirstacademy.org 

If you'd like a list of more shcools that are specific to your childs needs and areas that may fit your criteria, please feel free to call or email - cathy@jerrybarker.com

Can a foreign national obtain a loan in the US to purchase a vacation home?

     Yes you can!  There are more lenders today working with foreign nationals than even a year ago.  With recovery of the housing market, several lenders have opened up to this market.  

      The pre-approval process is fairly simplistic.  Your pre-app is valid for 30-days, as time sensitive material a contract would need to quickly follow. The challenge begins when the lender begins asking for documents for the loan commitment. This happens once you are under contract for a home.  However, it's best to know some of the requirements before hand for a smoother transition and quicker commitment.

      Working closely with the loan officer and obtaining documents necessary prior to having a home in place is a proactive strategy.  There are requirements which vary from lender and also vary depending on what country you reside in.   The credit check in the United States is different than other countries and the US does not recognize foreign credit reports so the information has to come from the creditors themselves which you provide to the loan officer.  Some lenders require you open a checking account with the local branch, you may also be required to be physically at the closing table.  Some lenders will grant power of attorney so that you may assign some one local to handle the closing on your behalf.  For more information or if you're looking for a lender for a home in Florida, please email Cathy Starkweather.

Bahama Bay I Sand Beach

What's The Story Behind the Bahama Bay ll condos in Davenport, Florida?

There's pending litigation with Bahama Bay II.  It's in a holding pattern at this time.  Bahama Bay II would like ingress/egress via Bahama Bay I and the Bahama Bay I HOA is adamant that Bahama Bay II guests WILL NOT use the facilities of Bahama Bay I. As you can see the pictures in this blog offer some wonderful amenities with Bahama Bay I, not Bahama Bay II.





The lender sold Bahama Bay II to an investment group who is now renting some units long-term.  The units for sale seem to be those on Calypso Court, which is the street lacking access other than via Bahama Bay.  Bahama Bay II is not for the novice investor or an investor not willing to take a risk.  

For more info on Bahama Bay II and what is going on, click here. or email 
Cathy Starkweather, Realtor & Vacation Home Specialist, LaRosa Realty.

There are terrific property prices in Bahama Bay I and you'll be assured to have full use of the amenities.