by admin | Aug 4, 2016 | Uncategorized
Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? Yes, If You Do It Right..
Vinyl siding is a wildly popular exterior covering for a home for good reason: It’s inexpensive and durable, often coming with a lifetime warranty. So, it lasts and lasts … and lasts. Does this mean that you’re going to be stuck with the original color for the entire time you own your home? It comes in all sorts of colors—but what if you decide you want a different hue?
Relax. There’s no need to replace the exterior; you can paint the vinyl siding instead. You just need to know how to do it right. Here are the steps to take.
Step No. 1: Pick the right paint
In the past, painting vinyl siding wasn’t possible because the paint wouldn’t fully adhere to the siding; even if some did, it would eventually crack and flake as the siding expanded and contracted because of weather changes. But no more. Today, there are plenty of paints deemed “vinyl safe,” so be sure to home in on this variety and you should be in the clear.
Primer shouldn’t be necessary for vinyl siding, unless the surface is pitted or the original color has faded so much that the siding panels have become porous. In that case, be sure to find primer specifically made for vinyl siding.
And as with regular house paint, vinyl-safe paints come in different finishes. According to Scott Brown, a professional exterior painter, “the satin finish works better” for vinyl siding rather than matte or high gloss, because it mimics the vinyl’s original sheen.
Step No. 2: Pick the right day to paint
Wait for a day with moderate temperatures, low humidity, and little or no chance of rain—even if you’re using vinyl-safe paint, humidity and extreme temperature can affect how well it adheres.
Try to avoid unusually hot days; when the siding shrinks in cooler temperatures, it may expose the unpainted seams between your panels, warns Donald McKenna, founder of McKenna Exteriors. If this happens, you can touch up those gaps—or you can sidestep this chore by choosing a paint that’s extremely similar to the shade of the original vinyl.
Step No. 3: Prep your siding before you paint
Wash the siding first to ensure the paint adheres properly. This doesn’t require an extraordinary effort. You can clean the surface as you would for normal maintenance, with water and a little liquid soap, as well as a scrub brush for any areas caked with dirt or mildew. You can also use a pressure washer if you are careful not to force water behind the siding panels, which could cause water damage or even mold.
Once the siding is clean and dry, make minor repairs if necessary: Lightly sand peeling edges, replace missing or bent nails, and replace any vinyl siding panels that have warped or buckled over time.
Step No. 4: Use the right tools
Due to the ridges in vinyl siding, this is one paint job where a roller is not your friend, because it won’t be able to get paint into the gaps and overlaps between your siding panels. Instead, use a regular paint brush and apply paint from side to side, top to bottom (this will help cover up drips). A paint sprayer is another option, though inexperienced users might have to worry about drips and an even coat.
-Source: Realtor.com
by admin | Jul 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
London’s first $200M apartment? Property next to Buckingham Palace for sale
A vast Zuxury property in London’s Admiralty Arch, overlooking Buckingham Palace, could sell for up to £150 million ($197 million), theEvening Standard newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Four serviced apartments in the Admiralty Arch — a London landmark built in 1912 and commissioned by King Edward VII — went on sale this week and can be purchased either individually or as one huge property.
If sold as one residence, the property next to Buckingham Palace could fetch up to £150 million, both the Telegraph newspaper and the Evening Standard said, citing unnamed estate agents. This assumes the property would fetch £8,000-£9,000 per square foot and the buyer would pay stamp duty (a U.K. property purchase tax) of over £16 million.
If sold for £150 million, the apartment would set a new London and U.K. record, trumping the reported £140 million sale of One Hyde Park in 2014.
The team behind the Admiralty Arch issued no price estimate, but confirmed to CNBC the four apartments were on sale and could have residents within three years. Each apartment has between two and six bedrooms and spans between 1,700 and 7,100 square feet.
“Owners will enjoy an exclusive piece of British history, as well as prime property. The residences saw great political and naval leaders including Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Mountbatten, Lord Carrington and Lord Hailsham live and work. Each residence comprises several suites, 6-meter high ceilings, intricate crests, original fireplaces and fittings from the Edwardian era,” Admiralty Arch said in a media release.
Famous visitors to the Admiralty Arch have included Queen Elizabeth II, while James Bond-creator Ian Fleming once worked inside.
The Grade I-listed building is being restored by Prime Investors Capital, a real estate investment vehicle established by Spanish developer Rafael Serrano. Serrano has a 250-year lease to convert the building into a 100-bedroom hotel, health spa, private members’ club, as well as private residences.
Twelve hotel groups have shown interest in running the Admiralty Arch, highlighting the resilience of the London ultra-luxury property market since the U.K.’s vote to leave the European Union last month.
However, the proximity of the Admiralty Arch to Buckingham Palace has attracted controversy, with detractors suggesting Serrano’s project could risk national security.
by admin | Jul 28, 2016 | Uncategorized
What is Coming to Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld in 2016 and Beyond!
Here is a running list of all the attractions and experiences headed to the Orlando theme parks for the last few years. While 2013 and 2014 were major growth years, for Disney World and Universal in particular, 2015was relatively tamer. There was plenty of construction, though, for attractions and experiences that will see their debuts this year and in coming years.
Let’s take a look at what is coming to Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and the other parks in 2016 and see what else is coming this year and 2017. Be sure to check periodically as you get closer to your trip, because we’ll be adding to this list!
What is Coming to Disney World & Universal in 2016
- LEGOLAND Water Park added a new Build-A-Boat attraction inside Creative Cove, where kids can create and race watercraft through swift-moving “rivers.” This is the first of five coming attractions and expansions for the Winter Haven, Fl., resort within the next year.
- On May 27th, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park became a nighttime destination with the debut of Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris, Tree of Life “awakenings” (similar to the castle projections in Celebrate the Magic at Magic Kingdom), more nighttime entertainment and rides (Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and DINOSAUR). Guests on the after-dark trek across the savanna will encounter two new species—African wild dogs and hyenas. Guests who want a premium savanna experience can book the “Savor the Savanna” two-hour private tour through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve, which includes dinner.
- Discovery River Theater became the setting for the limited-time engagement of a “The Jungle Book” live stage show that started May 28 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” features singers, musicians, dancers and performers.
- Opening along with the nighttime hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was Tiffins restaurant near Pizzafari on Discovery Island. This signature restaurant offers a diverse menu, inspired by the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating.
- Live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” will offer live vignettes with BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Darth Maul. It debuted April 4.
- The Town Center opened at Disney Springs on May 15 with a ton of new retailers and restaurants, including The Savannah Bee Company, which sells honey and all-natural beauty products, and Filthy Rich, a celeb-inspired, affordable jewelry line, will join retailers such as ZARA and Under Armour Brand House.
- “Turtle Talk with Crush” in Epcot’s The Seas added new characters from Disney Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” including Dory and some new friends, in mid-May.
- At Epcot, Norway was expanded to include the new Frozen meet-and-greet and attraction that replaces Maelstrom. The Frozen Ever After boat ride submerses guests in the world of Arendelle and allows them to experience different scenes from the popular film. Guests can then meet Anna and Elsa at the Royal Summerhus cabin that takes its inspiration from Norwegian culture. Both opened June 21. Readmore here on our strategies for meeting Elsa and Anna with the shortest wait.
- A third theater and new 4K projection system was added to Soarin’ at Epcot on June 17. Even better, though, is Soarin’ Around the World. The new ride experience takes guests to some of the world’s most unique man-made and natural landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the plains of Africa and Monument Valley.
- A new castle stage show, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, debuted June 17, replacing the long-running Dream Along With Mickey. The new show brings together characters from “Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” and “Frozen” along with classic characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy.
- A Star Wars-themed fireworks show using lasers, video projections and other special effects debuted June 17. “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” includes characters and scenes from the complete saga.
- Although the date of Toy Story Land’s debut is unknown, Toy Story Mania got a third track in May. This has helped lower wait times and provide more FastPass+ availability for Hollywood Studios’ most popular ride!
- Modern steakhouse STK and Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina opened in June at Disney Springs. While STK offers fine dining and entertainment (a DJ plays nightly) inside The Landing, Frontera Cocina showcases gourmet Mexican cuisine at Town Center.
- SeaWorld Orlando debuted a 73-mph coaster, Mako, on June 10. This hyper coaster—Orlando’s longest, fastest and tallest—is based on the world’s fastest shark, and includes nine hills and one drop from 200 feet in the air.Over at Universal Orlando, Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in July, after soft openings throughout June. This multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience takes guests on a 1930s expedition into the jungle, where they’ll encounter prehistoric predators and a savage beast who may be friend or foe! Thetrackless all-terrain vehicle is 40-feet-long, uses a positioning system to navigate the jungle road and can accommodate up to 72 guests. The front and back axles allow the wheels to be steered individually for sharp turns and complicated maneuvers. The vehicles will have their own drivers, each with distinct personalities that will make riding multiple times a must.
- Loews’ Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s 5th hotel, opened July 14 to its first guests. The resort is built around a tropical lagoon and towering waterfall.
- Busch Gardens Tampa added a new family spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse, on June 17, 2016. Riders ascend on a vertical lift before facing an 80-foot snake over the Serengeti Plain.
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster is set to roar back to life some time in late summer at Universal’s Islands of Adventure after a lengthy refurbishment. The coaster should be smooth as glass with an all new track, ride car, queue and even soundtrack!
- Princess Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first princess inspired by Latin cultures, will make our theme park debut at Magic Kingdom in August. The animated series, “Elena of Avalor,” made its Disney Channel debut in July.
- Pizza Planet is closing to make way for the Muppets-themed PizzaRizzo, opening this fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There will be hints of Rizzo hidden throughout the two-story, quick-service spot.After originally setting a April 22 debut for the “Rivers of Light,” the opening of the new nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was delayed. A new debut date has not been revealed. The show will combine live performers with floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. Two storytellers will summon four animal spirit guides—15 feet tall and 30 feet long lanterns in the shapes of a tiger, turtle, elephant and owl—that will lead guests on a mystical journey. Set on the Discovery River, the outdoor amphitheater will seat 2,500 people on each side. Music, along with fountains of light and color, will transport guests from the Asian jungles to African safaris and North American mountains. It’s the first of several changes that will make the park an after-dark destination.
- The AbracadaBar is set to open soon at Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment area. This cocktail lounge was once home to famous magicians, boardwalk illusionists and magician’s assistants of the Golden Age. Although they are gone, their magic lives on.
- Some time in 2016, Disney Springs will add The Edison, an “industrial gothic”-style restaurant and lounge that will include craft cocktails, classic American cuisine and even burlesque dancers.
- Also coming to Disney Springs in 2016 will be Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, which is known for its custom, artisanal pizzas.
- Universal Orlando is bringing a chocolate factory to CityWalk. The 19th-century-inspired Toothsome Chocolate Factory will open at the location inside the former NBA City restaurant.
What is Coming to Disney World & Universal in 2017
- LEGOLAND Florida is adding a new LEGO NINJAGO ride that will allow guests to blast animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves and ice in the dojos before moving on to a powerful villain. It’s the centerpiece of a new LEGO NINJAGO World.
- In mid-2017, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat will open, offering views of Lake Dexter. This village-style resort will be distinguished by a LEGO lighthouse and will feature 83 single-story duplex units that sleep up to five.
- James Cameron’s AVATAR-based land Pandora is set to open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom some time in 2017. The land will be the largest expansion in Animal Kingdom history with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. The main attraction will be AVATAR Flight of Passage, which will let guests take flight over an alien world aboard a Banshee. A boat ride will take guests through the bioluminescent forest.
- SeaWorld announced major news—that it’s ending its practice of keeping orcas in captivity. It will end its theatrical shows and will introduce “natural orca encounters.” SeaWorld’s last generation of killer whales will continue to live out their lives in the parks. The changes will start in San Diego in 2017, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019. SeaWorld also announced a new partnership with the Humane Society of the United States that will focus on the health of our oceans and the animals that make their homes in them.
- Universal Orlando will open its first water park, a water theme park, in 2017. Volcano Bay is being built on 53 acres south of Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Date Unknown
- At 14 acres, Star Wars Land will be the largest land at Disney World. It will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet, with two new attractions based around a secret mission aboard the Millennium Flacon and an epic Star Wars battle. No timetables have been revealed for the creation of the land. Read full details about Star Wars Land here.
- An 11-acre land will rise up around Toy Story Mania, offering a Buzz-sized perspective on Andy’s backyard. Look for oversized building blocks and game board pieces, plus a brand new family coaster aboard the Slinky Dog and an alien saucers spin based on the little green man — and the claw!
- Universal has partnered with Nintendo to bring to life experiences based on Nintendo’s games, characters and worlds. While not much is yet known about this partnership and what it means for Universal Orlando, we do know it will include at least one major attraction.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at what’s coming to Disney World and Universal Orlando in 2016. If you’re planning an upcoming trip, make sure to come back to see what’s been added as you get closer to your visit.
– Source: Undercovertourist.com
by admin | Jul 26, 2016 | Uncategorized
13 BRUTALLY HONEST REASONS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO SELL YOUR HOUSE ON YOUR OWN
Thinking about selling your house without a real estate agent? It’s a choice some people make, mainly to try to save some money. But the number of people who list their home For Sale By Owner is in decline. “Eight percent of home sellers chose to list themselves – a record low of for-sale-by-owner transactions,” according to a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) survey.
Here at Bardell Real Estate Our Agents are Professional but also, have a great sense of humor! So here is a list of 13 Brutally Honest Reasons you Should Contact One of Our Experienced Agents to List your Home today! …
So why isn’t it a good idea to go it alone? Let us count the ways…
1. Because you’re not thinking with your head.
No matter how level-headed you think you are, selling your home is emotional. When someone comes in with a lowball offer or offends your decorating style, will you be able to remain professional, or are the cops going to have to get involved because you punched a guy?
2. Because you think your house looks fine as is.
And it may, for everyday living. But a “lived-in” house is not going to wow buyers. Beyond the obvious tips of making your house sparkling clean, a Realtor will help you declutter and depersonalize to get it in selling shape.
3. Because you clearly have no sense of smell.
If you did, you’d know your house smells like crap. Cat crap, to be exact. Or maybe it’s just musty, which could give potential buyers the idea that there are water issues (which there may very well be). A real estate agent would undoubtedly make you address any odor issues, along with a whole host of other staging stuff to make your place look – and smell – good.
4. Because Formica countertops went out in the ‘60s.
Actually, were they ever really in? A dated kitchen isn’t just going to affect your sales price. It may keep you from getting offers altogether. The rule about kitchens and bathrooms selling homes is still true; even small but impactful changes can help substantially, which Realtors are keenly aware of. Trying to save a buck by listing a home yourself and not making even small changes can hurt you in the end.
5. Because you have a view of the freeway.
Think it’s gonna be easy to distract from the eyesore down the street or the overwhelming noise in the backyard? Nope. But an agent will give it their all in ways you may not have thought of or be skilled in, using smart pricing and marketing strategies to deflect, downplay, or refocus attention on other, more attractive elements of the home.
6. Because you don’t know thousands of people. And you’re not connected to hundreds of agents.
That’s the difference an agent can make in using their network to market your home far and wide and getting it in front of potential buyers.
7. Because you need to come down $20k from your “dream” sales price.
Then come down another $10k. Then you might actually be close to market value. This goes back to that “emotional” process thing. Your home isn’t worth the memories you made there, or the work you put in. Market value is market value, and a real estate agent will have a much easier time establishing that and sticking to it.
8. Because what you call charming and eclectic may just be seen by buyers as tiny and outdated.
You may not be able to get real about the reality of your home. But your Realtor will.
9. Because the only offer you got was $30,000 below your asking price.
Know how to proceed? What if you play hardball and lose the only bite you’ve had? What if you agree and always regret the idea that you left money on the table?
10. Because the inspection report showed all kinds of unpleasant stuff, and now the buyer wants a big, fat credit.
It’s an agent’s job to handle the multiple unpleasant details that would make a regular person run toward a quiet space to roll up into the fetal position. The fact that you don’t have to do any of the negotiating – not on sales price to begin with, not on whether or not you can include your master bedroom furniture, set of luggage, lawn chairs, and collection of vintage cookbooks in the home sale, and not on who’s going to pay to fix the leaky roof and the cracked living room window – is well worth the commission you pay.
11. That overgrown mess you call a front yard
Curb appeal is critical to getting your home sold. A real estate agent will help you focus on the simple steps to get it in good shape. Fail to address this key area and those coming to see your home may just pass on by.
12. You
Yes, you. You could be the No. 1 deterrent to getting your house sold, starting with the house tour. Shadowing potential buyers while they check out the house, pestering them with questions about how they like it, interrupting their agent to add in inconsequential details – all of these things may turn off buyers and send them off to the next home.
Agents know what to emphasize and how to give potential buyers space. Crowding and/or annoying them may be enough to make them walk. After all, if dealing with you during the home tour is a drag, who’s going to want to deal with that during the escrow?
13. And the most important reason of all: the money.
“In reality, homes sold by the owner make less money overall,” according to the NAR.
By the numbers: “The median selling price for all FSBO homes was $210,000 last year. When the buyer knew the seller in FSBO sales, the number sinks to the median selling price of $151,900,” they said. “However, homes that were sold with the assistance of an agent had a median selling price of $249,000 — nearly $40,000 more for the typical home sale.”
Still want to do it on your own?
Contact One of Our Specialized Agents Here at Bardell to Get Your Selling Process Started and Make it Successful!
-RealtyTimes.Com
by admin | Jul 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
Looks like more development is on its way to Lake Nona to further grow a neighborhood and new sports district. New Lake Nona Offices, Homes, & More are Underway…
The city of Orlando on July 11 approved development plans in the southeast Orlando community for new homes, offices, showrooms, private athletic fields, mixed-use buildings, fitness centers and more. Lake Nona’s developer, Tavistock Development Co. LLC, now can move forward with its plans that’ll create new construction opportunities, further develop a high-end neighborhood and develop land near the future U.S. Tennis Association’s 63-acre, $100 million campus that’s opening by year-end.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Laureate Park Phase 7: Tavistock plans to expand its Laureate Park neighborhood by 54.8 acres that are between Tavistock Lakes Boulevard and Nemours Parkway. The property has 207 lots and will be used for more single-family homes and townhomes.
- Laureate Park Neighborhood Center Phase 1: Tavistock will develop a 6,300-square-foot, mixed-use building; a 2,300-square-foot, multi-purpose building; a 3,000-square-foot fitness center; two swimming pools and neighborhood green space on 10.77 acres north of Tavistock Lakes Boulevard and east of Sachs Avenue. Later phases of the Laureate Park Neighborhood Center call for 141 housing units, including townhomes, condos, single-family waterfront homes and boutique apartments.
- Sports Village at Lake Nona: Tavistock will develop 31.1 acres west of Performance Drive and south of the USTA facility where it plans to build up its 300-acre Sports & Performance District. An 18,877-square-foot office building, two 50,000-square-foot buildings with office and showroom space, six athletic fields with a 23,750-square-foot building for ancillary uses, and 700 parking spaces are planned for the property.
Tavistock announced last April it planned to develop a 50,000-square-foot office building in its sports hub. Orlando City Soccer also announced earlier this year it’s opening a new 23-acre training facility next to the USTA campus in 2017. It appears the new development plans line up with these prior announcements, but it is not confirmed if they are related.
Meanwhile, Tavistock also recently filed plans in preparation for a new hotel or resort in Lake Nona. Tavistock seeks to combine three parcels between Lake Nona Boulevard and the Lake Nona waterway into a single designation to streamline development plans for a future hotel or resort, sources previously told Orlando Business Journal. It’s not clear if these plans are related to the sports district, but Tavistock leaders previously said a luxury resort and spa is needed near the sports district to accommodate traveling athletes and their families.
Source: Bizjournals.com
by admin | Jul 15, 2016 | Homes, Villas and Condos, Property for Sale, Property for Sale in Orlando, Retirement / 55+, Uncategorized
Property in Orlando SOLD in the Popular 55+ Community of Outdoor Resorts
9000 US Highway 192 Lot # 833
Clermont, FL 34741
9000 US Highway 192 Lot # 833
$45,000
2 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom
2015 Taxes: $730.00 | 635 Sq. Ft.
Property in Orlando SOLD – Looking for a beautiful home in this delightful gated golf community? Then look no further! This well designed property has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Pride of ownership shows through as you pull onto the drive. A pretty covered porch overlooking the front of the property welcomes you. You enter the front door into a pretty living room which adjoins one of the bedrooms and also sits alongside the dining room area. The kitchen adjoins the dining area and sits next to the pretty bathroom and along the corridor which leads to the second of two bedrooms. Alongside this bedroom is the second bathroom which also doubles as a laundry room area. Need storage? Then, this home will work for you. Leading off from the dining area is one of the largest storage rooms seen in ORO. This well cared for property is located on the boulevard within walking distance of the clubhouse and amenities. This home will suit the most discerning buyer.
Florida Villa SOLD in the Popular 55+ Community of Outdoor Resorts
Click Here to See More Property in Davenport Lakes
