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Your Complete Guide to
Orlando Real Estate
Real estate and relocation is our specialty.
If you’re looking for homes in the Orlando area or for general information
on the local market and neighborhoods, you’ve come to the right place. Most
of the information on the internet generated by real estate people is
routine fluff. Either it’s “all-about-me” websites or pretty pictures with
very little useful information. You won’t find that here.
Instead, White Gate Realty is a fast and
friendly way to check out the real real estate
marketplace in the Orlando-area. We’ll actually teach you things that will
help you make informed decisions and improve your results. Information you
can really use, and it’s always up-to-date.
Orlando Real Estate and
“Best Neighborhood” Guide
When you buy a home, you buy the neighborhood
as well. And neighborhoods matter. We understand the towns, communities, and
neighborhoods that compose the Orlando real estate market, and we can help
you find the ideal one for you. White Gate Realty is here to help you
navigate these communities. Best of all, broker, Jon White provides his
own personal insight on each of the area's residential neighborhoods.
You’ll learn about such things as: neighborhood traffic conditions, commute
distances, nearby schools, general community info, and much more. Easy links
are provided for you to see each neighborhood’s homes listed for sale in the
Orlando MLS.
In a recent study by the Wadley-Donavan
Group, Seminole County
was found to have the best quality of life in the Orlando area. Seminole
County’s median income is the highest in the state of Florida and the
schools consistently rank as one of the top three in the state of Florida
and top 100 in the nation. Lake Mary, one of Seminole County’s cities, was
recently named the #4 best place to live in the U.S. by CNN/Money Magazine.
(See
article)
Information on neighborhoods and homes in Lake Mary and other Seminole
County communities such as Longwood, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Sanford, and
Altamonte Springs is right at your fingertips in our MLS neighborhood guide.
Need to be closer to the attractions or need
to be on the southwest side of Orlando? Then research neighborhoods and
homes for sale in the Dr. Phillips/Bay Hill or Windermere areas. If you
prefer quaint small-town life but with an air of sophistication and
proximity to downtown Orlando, then check out the Winter Park real estate
scene. It’s all here in one convenient place. Every home on the market in
the Orlando area can be found on this site.
Your Trusted Broker, Agent
And Advisor
As a former banker, business owner, radio
host and 8 year veteran of the Orlando real estate market, Jon White
knows all the ins and outs, ups and downs of the marketplace. From the
initial plan of finding your dream home to the technical and legal contract
details, he’ll help you manage your way through it all, always looking out
for you and your interests. Bottom line, we don’t sell homes. Our clients
buy their homes, they use the best information, they do it with confidence,
and they buy them right!
Real Service. Real
Results. Real Estate.
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Consider What You Should Know Before You
Buy:
FACT:
VIP Buyer Program
We will commit to finding you the best home for your needs, negotiated at
the lowest price and secured with the best financing available – and we’ll
do it free of charge to you, with your convenience and service satisfaction
as our priority.
(Click Here to Get Started).
FACT:
Mortgage Loan Pre-Approval
We’ll help you pre-qualify for your loan
and access special financing with a FREE Home Loan Pre-Approval. With this
process you will:
• You know exactly how much home you can
afford
• You get the best financing
• You can make a stronger, better positioned offer, even if another,
conditional offer comes in at the same or a higher price
(Click Here to Get
Started).
FACT:
The Closing Process
Once you have found the home you want to buy, there are several additional
steps you need to take to close the sale after the purchase and sale
agreements have been signed.
(Click
Here for Details).
FACT:
Glossary of Common Real Estate
Terms
Terms, phrases and other legalese to help
you understand the contracts and speech of those involved in your
transaction.
(Click
Here for Details).
FACT:
Mistakes NOT to make when buying a home
Our list shows categories of common mistakes buyers often made when looking
for a home.
(Click
Here for Details).
**We must have an E-mail or Phone to fulfill
your request. Thank you for your interest
in our services. We are here to help with all your real estate needs. Do not
hesitate to contact us with any question or concerns.
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Mortgage Application Checklist
Here is a list of information
and documents you will need when you apply for a home loan:
- Copy of the Purchase and
Sale Agreement
- Your present mortgage
information (or 12 months rental history)
- Two years’ history of
employment and verification of all income sources
- If self-employed, copies
of past two years’ income tax returns and year-to-date profit and loss
statement
- Two months’ checking,
savings and investment account information verifying your liquid
assets
- Name, account number and
outstanding balance of each of your debts
- Information regarding any
other income to be used
- Information regarding any
other assets that will be used as funds to close
- If you’re applying for a
VA loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility or DD-214 form
- If you are a relocating
employee, include relocation information and copy of offer, promissory
note and copy of check on bridge loan
- Two pieces of ID, such as
your driver’s license or passport and social security card
Give us a call or e-mail to get
started. |
Once you have found the home
you want to buy, there are several additional steps you need to take to
close the sale after the purchase and sale agreements have been signed.
Step 1
Contingency removal:
The most common contingencies are inspection, financing and the sale of
your current home. These conditions must be removed or waived in writing
before the sale on your new home can close.
Step 2
Appraisal and title report:
Your lender requires a formal appraisal to confirm the value of the home
you’re buying, to use as collateral to secure the loan. The title report
ensures that the seller has clear title to the property and has the
right to transfer ownership to you.
Step 3
Prepare closing documents:
Escrow service companies or real estate attorneys prepare documents that
confirm the transaction, prorate funds, etc.
Step 4
Signing of closing documents:
Although both parties may have signed closing documents and deposited
funds, the sale actually closes when the deed is recorded and the
proceeds are available to the seller.
Step 5
Signed documents go to the lender for final review.
Step 6
The deed is recorded and funds disbursed.
Step 7
The seller receives the proceeds and the moving van arrives.
Step 8
You get the keys to your new home!
There are many
opportunities for surprises or delays in a transaction. Part of my
expertise is in troubleshooting problems that arise in the closing
process, and anticipating and preparing for potential problems before
they arise.
Please e-mail or
call me any time if you have questions or would like more information
about the closing process.
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Glossary of
Real Estate Terms
Addendum (Addenda): Written attachment(s)
to the Purchase & Sale Agreement.
Agency: The relationship that a real estate agent has with a
customer or client.
Buyer Broker: An agent who represents the buyer in a
transaction.
CMA: Comparable Market Analysis, or an informed opinion of a
home’s value.
Comps: Properties used as” comparables” on a CMA.
Disclosure: Verbal and/or written communication regarding
agency, property condition, etc.
Down payment: Initial investment on a home loan.
EM deposit: Earnest money deposit or good-faith deposit provided
as consideration when a buyer offers a contract to a seller.
FHA: A type of loan or financing that is insured by the
government.
Key box: MLS electronic key which allows agents access to listed
properties.
List (Listing): When a seller signs a listing agreement with a
broker to market their property.
Listing Agent: An agent who takes a listing on behalf of the
broker.
Lock-box: Another term for a key box.
Lock-in: A term to obtain or “lock in” the interest rate at the
current rate.
MLS: Multiple Listing Service. An organization that distributes
information on properties listed by MLS member brokers.
Property Profile: An informational/fact sheet about a property
on the market.
Purchase and Sale Agreement: A contract between a buyer and a
seller to purchase real property.
Transaction: A listing sold or the sale of real property.
VA: A type of loan or financing that is made available to
military veterans and guaranteed by the government.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are
many more terms, but these are many of the most common. |
Mistakes NOT to make when buying a home
Listed below are categories of common mistakes buyers
often made when looking for a home.
Not setting appropriate expectations or doing their homework...
Many buyers make the error of not doing enough research or setting
realistic expectations before they begin looking for a home. It’s
helpful if a buyer researches loan packages including percentage rates,
points, and estimated closing costs, to get an idea of the expense
they’ll be incurring.
But even when armed with a pre-approved loan, buyers must decide what
their family budget will allow,
taking into account their mortgage, maintenance on the house,
retirement plan, and other major family expenses. They should make sure
this budget is fair, balanced, and livable for their family.
Not choosing a home based on their needs... No
matter how beautiful a home is, if it doesn't fit their needs, they
won't be truly happy in it. Buyers should prepare a list of items their
new home (1) must have, (2) would be nice to have and (3) definitely
should not have. They should consider location, number of
bedrooms, bathrooms, size of yard, schools, parks, and proximity to
other important locations. Buyers can talk to other area residents,
check with the chamber of commerce, and visit the neighborhood several
times to assist them in discovering if the community or neighborhood is
right for their family.
Not considering resale potential... When looking
for a new home, buyers rarely consider its future resale potential.
Buyers should ask themselves, “How long will I likely live here?” “What
changes would I like to make versus those I know I’d need to make to
resell it?” "Will others enjoy the amenities this house has to offer
when I'm ready to sell?” This may be the buyer’s home, but it is also a
very big investment that can appreciate in value with practical
decisions.
Not requesting an independent home inspection... Buyers
should never take a seller's word that the home they are buying is
sound. Having a home inspection is essential to buying a home, even if
the home is newly built. Hiring a qualified professional allows buyers
to know what they are truly buying and will add to their peace of mind.
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Thank you for your interest
in our services. We are here to help with all your real estate needs. Do not
hesitate to contact us with any question or concerns.
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Weather you are searching for
homes for sale in Orlando, Buying a Home, Selling a Home or just want
Orlando home values, you have come to the right place.
Get access to Orlando real
estate listings, including the MLS, Orlando REALTORS, new homes and
foreclosures.
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feature all Orlando and Florida cities and suburbs.
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information, including elementary, middle and high school test scores,
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Discover the best realty
services for anyone looking to sell a home or buy a home in Orlando, FL.
   
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White Gate Realty / Jon White, GRI, Lic. Real Estate Broker / Orlando, FL 32835 |
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About Us
| Phone: 321-297-6572 |
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Welcome! White Gate Realty is now serving:
Southeast Orlando, Windermere, Orlando, Dr. Phillips, Celebration, Reunion,
Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Ocoee, Gotha, Winter Park, Saint Cloud, Maitland,
Davenport, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Altamonte
Springs, Winter Springs, Lakeland, Lake Nona and surrounding areas.
FREE Real Estate Information for
all your real estate needs. For Answers to Questions, please
contact us.
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