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Get to know more about The Four Corners area

Get to know more about The Four Corners area

Get to know more about The Four Corners area

Why move to the Four corners area 

 

Lake County

Location and Geography: Understand the town’s location, geography, and surroundings. Consider factors like proximity to major cities, access to natural amenities (e.g., mountains, beaches), and the local climate.

Housing Market: Investigate the town’s housing market, including rental and purchase prices. Determine the type of housing that suits your needs and budget. Check out properties for sell in the area  Resale Properties New construction 

Commute and Transportation: Calculate your daily commute time and transportation options. Determine if public transportation, walking, or biking is feasible, and assess the town’s traffic patterns

Community and Lifestyle: Explore the town’s culture, lifestyle, and community. Consider your interests, hobbies, and how well they align with what the town offers. Check out our Blog for future events 

Orange County

Location and Geography: The county seat is Orlando, which is also the largest city in Orange County. The county is known for its vibrant tourism industry, with popular attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Orange County is also home to a diverse population and offers a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Housing Market: It is a desirable location due to its proximity to popular attractions  and a range of amenities. These factors have contributed to a steady demand for housing in the area.

Commute and Transportation: Orange County has an extensive network of roads and highways, including Interstate 4 (I-4) and the Florida Turnpike, which provide convenient access to different parts of the county and beyond. Lynx is the public transportation system serving Orange County. It operates a network of buses that cover a wide range of routes throughout the county, including express routes to downtown Orlando. Lynx also offers a paratransit service for individuals with disabilities.

Community and Lifestyle: Orange County offers a vibrant community and a diverse lifestyle. The county is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous recreational opportunities such as a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports, golfing, hiking, and biking. Residents can enjoy exploring the county’s many parks, nature preserves, and lakes. Orange County is famous for its world-class theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These attractions draw visitors from around the globe and provide residents with endless entertainment options.

Osceola County

Location and Geography:  Osceola County is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas. It is part of the greater Orlando metropolitan area and is known for its proximity to popular tourist destinations. The county is bordered by Lake Tohopekaliga to the west and the Kissimmee River to the east. It also encompasses parts of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, which offers recreational opportunities for boating and fishing. Osceola County has a diverse landscape, including wetlands, forests, and agricultural areas. The county’s location in Central Florida provides a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.

Housing Market: Osceola county offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. The prices and availability of properties can vary depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. Osceola County has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as its strong job market. This growth has led to increased demand for housing in the area. 

Commute and Transporation: Major highways that pass through or near Osceola County include Interstate 4 (I-4), which runs east-west and connects the county to Orlando and Tampa. State Road 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay) is a toll road that provides a convenient route for traveling north-south through the county. State Road 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) is another major road that runs east-west and is known for its commercial areas and access to popular tourist destinations.

Community and Lifestyle: Osceola County offers a range of recreational activities and amenities. It is known for its natural beauty, with numerous lakes, parks, and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. The county also has a strong focus on sports and recreation, with facilities for golf, tennis, soccer, and more. Additionally, the county has a strong sense of community with various events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. The local school system strives to provide quality education, and there are also higher education institutions in the area.

Polk County

Location and Geography: It encompasses a mix of urban areas, suburban communities, and rural regions. The county is known for its numerous lakes, with over 550 lakes dotting its landscape. The largest lake in Polk County is Lake Kissimmee. The county’s terrain features a combination of flatlands, rolling hills, and wetlands. Polk County is also home to various natural attractions, including state parks, wildlife preserves, and recreational areas. It offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Housing Market: Polk County has had a diverse and competitive housing market. It is located in central Florida and offers a mix of urban and suburban areas. The county is known for its affordability compared to some neighboring counties, which can make it an attractive option for homebuyers.Factors such as population growth, economic conditions, and local amenities can influence the housing market in Polk County.

Commute and Transportation: Polk County is well-connected by a network of major highways, including Interstate 4 (I-4) that runs east-west through the county. Other important roadways include US Highway 27, US Highway 98, and State Road 60. Polk County offers public transportation services through the Citrus Connection. This includes fixed-route bus services that operate throughout the county, connecting various cities and communities. 

Community and Lifestyle: The county is home to several cities and towns, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City, each with its own unique charm and amenities. The county also hosts various cultural events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year. Education is a priority in Polk County, with a number of public and private schools serving the community. The county is also home to several higher education institutions, including Polk State College.

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

    Existing-Home Sales report for April

    Existing-Home Sales report for April

    Existing-Home Sales Faded 3.4% in April

    WASHINGTON (May 18, 2023) – Existing-home sales decreased in April, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. All four major U.S. regions registered month-over-month and year-over-year sales declines.

    Total existing-home sales1 – completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – slid 3.4% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.28 million in April. Year-over-year, sales slumped 23.2% (down from 5.57 million in April 2022).

    “Home sales are bouncing back and forth but remain above recent cyclical lows,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “The combination of job gains, limited inventory and fluctuating mortgage rates over the last several months have created an environment of push-pull housing demand.”

    Total housing inventory2 registered at the end of April was 1.04 million units, up 7.2% from March and 1.0% from one year ago (1.03 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 2.9-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 2.6 months in March and 2.2 months in April 2022.

    The median existing-home price3 for all housing types in April was $388,800, a decline of 1.7% from April 2022 ($395,500). Prices rose in the Northeast and Midwest but retreated in the South and West.

    “Roughly half of the country is experiencing price gains,” Yun noted. “Even in markets with lower prices, primarily the expensive West region, multiple-offer situations have returned in the spring buying season following the calmer winter market. Distressed and forced property sales are virtually nonexistent.”

    Properties typically remained on the market for 22 days in April, down from 29 days in March but up from 17 days in April 2022. Seventy-three percent of homes sold in April were on the market for less than a month.

    First-time buyers were responsible for 29% of sales in April, up from 28% in both March 2023 and April 2022. NAR’s 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – released in November 20224 – found that the annual share of first-time buyers was 26%, the lowest since NAR began tracking the data.

    All-cash sales accounted for 28% of transactions in April, up from 27% in March and 26% the previous year.

    Individual investors or second-home buyers, who make up many cash sales, purchased 17% of homes in April, identical to March and one year ago.

    Distressed sales5 – foreclosures and short sales – represented 1% of sales in April, unchanged from last month and the prior year.

    According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage(link is external) averaged 6.35% as of May 11. That’s down from 6.39% the previous week but up from 5.30% one year ago.

    Single-family and Condo/Co-op Sales

    Single-family home sales waned to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.85 million in April, down 3.5% from 3.99 million in March and 22.4% from the previous year. The median existing single-family home price was $393,300 in April, down 2.1% from April 2022.

    Existing condominium and co-op sales were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 430,000 units in April, down 2.3% from March and 29.5% from one year ago. The median existing condo price was $348,000 in April, an annual increase of 0.7%.

    Regional Breakdown

    Existing-home sales in the Northeast receded 1.9% from March to an annual rate of 510,000 in April, down 23.9% from April 2022. The median price in the Northeast was $422,700, up 2.8% from the previous year.

    In the Midwest, existing-home sales declined 1.9% from one month ago to an annual rate of 1.02 million in April, dropping 21.5% from the prior year. The median price in the Midwest was $287,300, up 1.8% from April 2022.

    Existing-home sales in the South decreased 3.4% from March to an annual rate of 1.98 million in April, a 20.2% decline from one year ago. The median price in the South was $357,900, down 0.6% from April 2022.

    In the West, existing-home sales slipped 6.1% from the previous month to an annual rate of 770,000 in April, down 31.3% from the previous year. The median price in the West was $578,200, down 8.0% from April 2022.

    About NAR

    The National Association of REALTORS® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

    # # #

    For local information, please contact the local association of REALTORS® for data from local multiple listing services (MLS). Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology.

    NOTE: NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index for April is scheduled for release on May 25, and Existing-Home Sales for May will be released on June 22. Release times are 10 a.m. Eastern.


    1 Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from Multiple Listing Services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. NAR benchmarks home sales periodically using other sources to assess overall home sales trends, including sales not reported by MLSs.

    Existing-home sales, based on closings, differ from the U.S. Census Bureau’s series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90% of total home sales, are based on a much larger data sample – about 40% of multiple listing service data each month – and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions.

    The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns.

    Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos.

    2 Total inventory and month’s supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month’s supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90% of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis).

    3 The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical of market conditions than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if additional data is received.

    The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR’s quarterly metro area price reports.

    4 Survey results represent owner-occupants and differ from separately reported monthly findings from NAR’s REALTORS® Confidence Index, which include all types of buyers. The annual study only represents primary residence purchases, and does not include investor and vacation home buyers. Results include both new and existing homes.

    5 Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR’s REALTORS® Confidence Index, posted at nar.realtor.

    salesmarket report
    January Real Estate Sales Report

    January Real Estate Sales Report

    January Real Estate Sales Report

    WASHINGTON (February 21, 2023) – Existing-home sales fell for the twelfth straight month in January, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Month-over-month sales were mixed among the four major U.S. regions, as the South and West registered increases, while the East and Midwest experienced declines. All regions recorded year-over-year declines.

    Total existing-home sales,1 https://www.nar.realtor/existing-home-sales – completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – slid 0.7% from December 2022 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.00 million in January. Year-over-year, sales retreated 36.9% (down from 6.34 million in January 2022).

    “Home sales are bottoming out,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Prices vary depending on a market’s affordability, with lower-priced regions witnessing modest growth and more expensive regions experiencing declines.”

    Total housing inventory2 registered at the end of January was 980,000 units, up 2.1% from December and 15.3% from one year ago (850,000). Unsold inventory sits at a 2.9-month supply at the current sales pace, unchanged from December but up from 1.6 months in January 2022.

    “Inventory remains low, but buyers are beginning to have better negotiating power,” Yun added. “Homes sitting on the market for more than 60 days can be purchased for around 10% less than the original list price.”

    The median existing-home price3 for all housing types in January was $359,000, an increase of 1.3% from January 2022 ($354,300), as prices climbed in three out of four U.S. regions while falling in the West. This marks 131 consecutive months of year-over-year increases, the longest-running streak on record.

    Properties typically remained on the market for 33 days in January, up from 26 days in December and 19 days in January 2022. Fifty-four percent of homes sold in January were on the market for less than a month.

    First-time buyers were responsible for 31% of sales in January, identical to December but up from 27% in January 2022. NAR’s 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – released in November 20224 – found that the annual share of first-time buyers was 26%, the lowest since NAR began tracking the data.

    All-cash sales accounted for 29% of transactions in January, up from 28% in December and 27% in January 2022.

    Individual investors or second-home buyers, who make up many cash sales, purchased 16% of homes in January, unchanged from December but down from 22% in January 2022.

    Distressed sales5 – foreclosures and short sales – represented 1% of sales in January, identical to last month and one year ago.

    According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage(link is external) averaged 6.32% as of February 16. That’s up from 6.12% from the previous week and 3.92% one year ago.

    Single-family and Condo/Co-op Sales

    Single-family home sales declined to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.59 million in January, down 0.8% from 3.62 million in December and 36.1% from one year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $363,100 in January, up 0.7% from January 2022.

    Existing condominium and co-op sales were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 410,000 units in January, unchanged from December but down 43.1% from the previous year. The median existing condo price was $320,000 in January, an annual increase of 5.2%.

    “Realtors® help consumers realize the American dream of property ownership, both residential and commercial,” said NAR President Kenny Parcell, a Realtor® from Spanish Fork, Utah, and broker-owner of Equity Real Estate Utah. “A Realtor® possesses trusted expertise and a thorough understanding of local market conditions that prove valuable throughout the entire real estate transaction.”

    Regional Breakdown

    Existing-home sales in the Northeast retracted 3.8% from December to an annual rate of 500,000 in January, down 35.9% from January 2022. The median price in the Northeast was $383,000, up 0.3% from the previous year.

    In the Midwest, existing-home sales slid 5.0% from the previous month to an annual rate of 960,000 in January, declining 33.3% from one year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $252,300, up 2.7% from January 2022.

    Existing-home sales in the South rose 1.1% in January from December to an annual rate of 1.82 million, a 36.6% decrease from the prior year. The median price in the South was $332,500, an increase of 3.4% from one year ago.

    In the West, existing-home sales elevated 2.9% in January to an annual rate of 720,000, down 42.4% from the previous year. The median price in the West was $525,200, down 4.6% from January 2022.

    The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

    # # #

    For local information, please contact the local association of Realtors® for data from local multiple listing services (MLS). Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology.

    NOTE: NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index for January is scheduled for release on February 27, and Existing-Home Sales for February will be released on March 21. Release times are 10 a.m. Eastern.


    1 Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from Multiple Listing Services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. NAR benchmarks home sales periodically using other sources to assess overall home sales trends, including sales not reported by MLSs.

    Existing-home sales, based on closings, differ from the U.S. Census Bureau’s series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90% of total home sales, are based on a much larger data sample – about 40% of multiple listing service data each month – and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions.

    The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns.

    Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos.

    2 Total inventory and month’s supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month’s supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90% of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis).

    3 The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical of market conditions than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if additional data is received.

    The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR’s quarterly metro area price reports.

    4 Survey results represent owner-occupants and differ from separately reported monthly findings from NAR’s Realtors® Confidence Index, which include all types of buyers. The annual study only represents primary residence purchases, and does not include investor and vacation home buyers. Results include both new and existing homes.

    5 Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR’s Realtors® Confidence Index, posted at nar.realtor.

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

    Winter Haven based i-Think Realty converts to RE/MAX Heritage

    Winter Haven based i-Think Realty converts to RE/MAX Heritage

    Winter Haven based i-Think Realty converts to RE/MAX Heritage

    Winter Haven based i-Think Realty converts to RE/MAX Heritage

    Winter Haven, March 1st, 2023— i-Think Realty Broker/Owner, Manny Quiros, is joining forces with Clermont based RE/MAX Heritage to bring the RE/MAX brand to Winter Haven. Operating under the RE/MAX Heritage brand – the location will remain the same, located at 264 W Central Avenue in downtown Winter Haven.

    Quiros established the i-Think brokerage in 2014 . “As an independent brokerage we built a strong reputation for service and dedication to our clients. Looking to the future I want to ensure our clients continue receiving the same high level of service so it’s essential that our Agents have access to the latest technology, strong brand awareness and support critical to their future success – RE/MAX delivers on all counts.”

    Steve Silcock, Broker /Owner of RE/MAX Heritage says, “Our business has been built on the traditions of honesty, integrity and respect – Manny and his team share those core values. RE/MAX Heritage will provide the technology, training and brokerage services key to supporting their continued expansion throughout central Florida and we are excited to welcome them to the RE/MAX Heritage family.”

    RE/MAX Heritage will continue to serve the Four Corners area of Polk, Lake, Orange and Osceola Counties and surrounding areas.

    About RE/MAX Heritage

    RE/MAX Heritage is affiliated with RE/MAX, LLC. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 in Denver, Colorado by Dave and Gail Liniger. It has grown to a global network of more than 120,000 Sales Associates in more than 100 countries. No one sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

    Media Contact

    Steve Silcock, Broker/Owner Manny Quiros, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Heritage RE/MAX Heritage Professionals (p) 863-424-2309 (e) steve.silcock@remax.net manny.quiros@remax.net

     

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

     

    New 55 Plus Community In St. Cloud

    New 55 Plus Community In St. Cloud

    New 55 Plus Community In St. Cloud

    Central Florida’s #1 Active Adult Lifestyle community is Twin Lakes! With its idyllic location on Live Oak Lake, Twin Lakes offers its residents an array of amenities. The community features an incredible clubhouse, a lakefront resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, several heated pools, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball courts, a putting green, a community boat dock, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and a full-time activities director, so residents can live life to the fullest! At the center of our amenities is our community clubhouse, which includes:

    • Spacious Gathering Room
    • Game Room with Billiard Tables
    • Poker Room with Card Tables
    • Art Room with Kiln
    • Commercial Kitchen with Class/Demo Area
    • Poolside Patio and so much more!

    This beautiful, gated community offers boating, kayaking, and amenities usually found only at resorts.  

    Twin lakes community

    Ready to make a Move?

    Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.