Boeing new deal brings jobs to Space Coast

Boeing has announced plans to lease the hangar that housed the space shuttles to build commercial crafts that will bring people and cargo to space at the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida.

Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency of the state of Florida, is leasing the Orbiter Processing Facility-3 to the Boeing Company to manufacture and test the company's Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) spacecraft. This will create hundreds of jobs along the Space Coast. The 15-year use permit deal is the latest step Kennedy is making as the center transitions from its government-only launch complex to a multi-user spaceport. The deal is expected to create 140 jobs in the next 18 months, and up to 550 jobs by 2015.  More on Boeing at KSC.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween

Sunday Brunch, Food and Fun

 

White Wolf Cafe - $3 Bloody Mary & Mimosas ~ 8:00am-3:00pm.

Terrace 390 - $15 Unlimited Bloody Mary & Mimosa bar or $4 a glass. 10:00-2:00pm.

310 Lakeside - $3Mimosa's, Bloody Mary's & Sangria. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Dexter's Thornton Park -$2.95 Mimosas & $4.50 Bloody Marys. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Ethos Vegan Kitchen - $3.50 Mimosas 10:00am-3:00pm.

Jack's Steakhouse - $3 Mimosa $6 Bloody Mary Bar ~ 10:30am-2:00pm.

Mi Tomatina - $1 Mimosas 10:30-3:00pm.

Hamburger Mary's -$2 Mimosas & $5 Bloody Marys 11:00-3:00pm.

Park Plaza Gardens - A la Carte Brunch with $5 mimosas or $30 brunch with unlimited mimosas. 11:00am

OLV Café - $19.95 includes all you can drink mimosas. 12:00-5:00pm.*See Below

The Boheme - Sunday Jazz Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm.

The House of Blues - Gospel Brunch. $33.50 10:30am & 1:00pm

Paris Bistro - Brunch with Unlimited Sparking Wine $15.95. 11:00am-4:30pm

Bananas a Modern American Diner - Gospel Brunch ~ 11:30am & 1:00pm.

Eola Wine Company $5 Strawberry,Raspberry,.Peach or Banana Mimosas-12:00-4:00pm.

Fannie, Freddie could stop losing money by 2014

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could start returning bailout money to taxpayers by 2014. Both are required to pay 10 percent dividends on the government money they receive and things are looking up. More

Leu Gardens-Ghost Stories





Edvard Munch- The Scream

Harry P. Leu Gardens and Project Imagination present a haunting story telling event for Central Floridians. Hear eerie stories of strange and mysterious encounters that will send shivers down your spine. The theme this year is Something Wicked This Way Comes. Creaky gates open at 6:00 pm and the haunting stories will begin at 7:30 pm. Bring a blanket or chairs – this is an outdoor event, weather permitting. Hotdogs, sausages, drinks and “treats” available for purchase. Warning: due to the nature of the stories, this event is not recommended for young children. Children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are purchased at the door: $10 adult, $5 member/child, 4 years and under are free.

Gardens will close at 4:00 pm
Gardens will reopen at 6:00 pm for Ghost Stories
Friday, October 28   7:30 – 9:30 pm

Winter Park Fall Sidewalk Sale

Fall Sidewalk Sale

• When: Friday, October 28, 9 a.m.
• Where: Park Avenue retailers
• Cost: Free
• Age limit: All ages

Due to the rainy weather earlier this month, the Park Avenue Area Association’s Fall Sidewalk Sale has been rescheduled to Oct. 28 – 30. Discounts up to 70% at participating stores. Visit http://www.parkave-winterpark.com/ for more information.

Additional dates

• Saturday, October 29
• Sunday, October 30

Renters spend 5% more than homeowners

Rising rents are forcing renters to outspend homeowners on housing costs, according to a new study. In the last 26 years, homeowners have increased the amount they spend on household expenses by 12 percent while renters have increased it by 22 percent, according to the study.

Since 2005, homeowners’ housing expenses have climbed from 31.9 percent of their household budget to 33.2 percent. In that same time period, renters’ expenses have jumped from 35.6 percent to 38.4 percent, according to the October CoreLogic U.S. Housing and Mortgage Trends.

Earlier this month, Capital Economics economists noted that for the first time in 30 years the median monthly mortgage payment is about the same  or less  than the median rental payment.


Source: “Renters Outspend Owners on Housing” RISMedia

Baldwin Park Homes for Sale

Baldwin Park has been carefully planned to create the definite feel of community of the traditional American neighborhood. With its pedestrian friendly wide sidewalks, homes are within easy walking distance of stores, offices and restaurants in the Village Center. Parks, lakes, playgrounds and common areas are other places to meet and socialize, making Baldwin Park one of the friendliest communities in Orlando. Available property types for sale within the Baldwin Park community include condos, town homes, and single family homes. This is just a sample of home for sale listed by Greg Martinez Realty LLC and Sissy Demuth Realty.

	1314 FERN AVE, Orlando, FL 32814 $499,900 Request Showing Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Sq. Feet Lot Sq. Feet | MLS # 3 2 2689 7198 O5043582 Without question the most sought after location in Baldwin Park. Very rare opportunity to purchase a one story home with plenty of room for a pool directly facing stunning Virginia Park. Well established section of Baldwin Park. 180 degree sweeping views. Brames floor plan, one of David Weekley's most popular. Wide open single story home. This home is absolutely flooded with natural light. Huge granite kitchen island with built-in downdraft cooktop make it an entertainer's dream. Granite countertops and plenty of kitchen cabinetry. Breakfast nook overlooks tranquil backyard and lanai. Family room features wood burning fireplace, built-ins, and surround sound. Spacious walk-in master closet and bath. Sit on the front porch of this home and take in what is one of the most beautiful views in the entire community. Easy walk to Village Center restaurants, shops,Publix and CVS. Just 10 minute drive to downtown Orlando and Winter Park's famed Park Avenue. Courtesy Of: Greg Martinez Realty LLC
	3838 HAWS LN, Orlando, FL 32814 $484,900 Request Showing Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Sq. Feet Lot Sq. Feet | MLS # 3 2 2731 5400 O5047436 Like brand new! This traditional home has separate den/office on first floor as well as separate family room with formal dining and living rooms! Kitchen has eat in area overlooking the courtyard. Granite counters and elegant cherry finish cabinets as wel ll as butler bar off of kitchen for entertaining. First floor laundry room has a utility sink and extra storage. AND brand new carpet throughout the first floor. Second floor boasts huge flexible bonus room, porch from two bedrooms and separate computer desk/study area in hallway. Master bath has shower with separate garden tub. Double porches: First and second floors to enjoy the outdoors. Lot's of windows brings the outdoors inside. Perfect Northern exposure keeps the house bright without the hot glaring light. Mature landscaping makes the home very private.G orgeous courtyard area for entertaining. Built by Cambridge homes, the Raleigh floor plan. READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. Courtesy Of: Sissy Demuth Realty
	1119 FERN AVE, Orlando, FL 32814 $479,000 Request Showing Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Sq. Feet Lot Sq. Feet | MLS # 3 2 2679 8106 O5067658 One of the most sought after floor plans in Baldwin Park. David Weekley Brames with 3 bedroom 2.5 baths plus bonus space, formal dining and living area. Generous kitchen opens to large family room with views to screen enclosed lanai.Room for a pool. Granite counters and large granite kitchen island.Plantation shutters. Master suite features large walk-in closet,separate tub and shower. Very well established section of Baldwin Park. 3 blocks from community pool, fitness and parks.10 minutes walk to village center restaurants and shops. Courtesy Of: Greg Martinez Realty LLC Florida Regional MLS, Information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. All the listings are pulled from the Mid-Florida Listings and are represented by the respective Listing Brokers, not Realty Cafe LLC nor Orlando Neighborhoods and Real Estate Blog.

HARP to help homeowners refinance and avoid foreclosure

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). FHFA hopes to help more borrowers benefit from a program that refinances home mortgages.

 HARP is the only refinance program that enables borrowers who owe more than their home is worth to take advantage of low interest rates and other refinancing benefits. The program is offered to borrowers whose loans were sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009, with current loan-to-value (LTV) ratios above 80 percent.

New program enhancements change several aspects of HARP including:

• Eliminating certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term mortgages, and lowering fees for other borrowers.

• Removing the current 125 percent LTV ceiling for fixed-rate mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

• Waiving certain representations and warranties for lenders that make loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

• Eliminating a new property appraisal if there is a reliable AVM (automated valuation model) estimate provided by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

• Extending the end date for HARP until Dec. 31, 2013, for loans originally sold on or before May 31, 2009.

Mortgage lenders should have more information about the HARP program changes by Nov. 15, 2011. Since participation isn’t mandatory, implementation schedules will vary.

Source: Florida Realtors
 

SunRail and Downtown Orlando- Plans unveiled

Mayor Buddy Dyer unveiled plans for SunRail this morning, involving downtown Orlando focusing on a well-known piece of undeveloped property.The property nicknamed "Caseytown," is the lot across Orange Avenue from the Orange County Courthouse was where the media was set up during the Casey Anthony trial. Mayor Buddy Dyer said he wants to transform the property into a central station for SunRail.

The 61-mile commuter rail line proposed to start from Deland and go to Poinciana, with 17 stops along the way, is still on scheduled for a 2014 launch date. The Orlando-downtown component is what Dyer spoke about today. The first phase of the $200 million proposal would build a hotel, seven- to 10-story apartment buildings and ground-floor shops and restaurants, all on the north side of the property across from the courthouse. The hope is when the office market improves, the second phase would begin and create primarily new office space for downtown.

"It will bring local jobs for construction and a nice, mixed-use development that is reliant on commuter rail for transportation," Mayor Dyer was quoted by Channel 13 News on Monday morning. According to Buddy Dyer, the Rida Development Corp. will pick up the $400 million price tag. Rida Development company also built Champions Gate and the Hilton Orlando resorts. Developers said the location would create easy access for apartment renters and downtown workers who take the train.

Dinner an' a Movie presents: Young Frankenstein

La Empanada and Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour are teaming up to bring you one of the most exciting events Monday night has ever seen: Dinner an'a Movie.

It's Orlando's favorite empanadas provided by La Empanada washed down with Redlight Redlight's terrific selection of craft beer, wine, mead, or sake while watching your favorite movies. There is no cover charge. It's the cheapest date night in town!

8:00 Young Frankenstein
10:00 Re-Animator

Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour
 745 Bennett Rd, Orlando, FL 32803

Orlando Eats-Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch:

White Wolf Cafe - $3 Bloody Mary & Mimosas ~ 8:00am-3:00pm.

Terrace 390 - $15 Unlimited Bloody Mary & Mimosa bar or $4 a glass. 10:00-2:00pm.

310 Lakeside - $3Mimosa's, Bloody Mary's & Sangria. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Dexter's Thornton Park -$2.95 Mimosas & $4.50 Bloody Marys. 10:00am-3:00pm.

Ethos Vegan Kitchen - $3.50 Mimosas 10:00am-3:00pm.

Mi Tomatina - $1 Mimosas 10:30-3:00pm.

Hamburger Mary's -$2 Mimosas & $5 Bloody Marys 11:00-3:00pm.

Park Plaza Gardens - A la Carte Brunch with $5 mimosas or $30 brunch with unlimited mimosas. 11:00am.

Bananas a Modern American Diner - Gospel Brunch ~ 11:30am & 1:00pm.

OLV Café - $19.95 includes all you can drink mimosas. 12:00-8:00pm.

The Boheme - Sunday Jazz Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm.

The House of Blues - Gospel Brunch. $33.50 10:30am & 1:00pm

Paris Bistro - Brunch with Unlimited Sparking Wine $15.95. 11:00am-4:30pm

Eola Wine Company $5 Strawberry,Raspberry,.Peach or Banana Mimosas-12:00-4:00pm.

Enzian -HAUNTED SWAMP: WALK OF TERROR

Enzian hosts its 3rd annual HAUNTED SWAMP: WALK OF TERROR, two thousand feet of the freaky characters you’ve come to know and fear along with a few new fellows to haunt your dreams. Walk the walk, but only if you dare. There will be plenty of sick drink specials to calm your nerves afterwards.
Come in costume and bring your friends – there’s plenty of terror to share.

Swamp Tour runs 8PM – MID | Eden Bar serving 11AM – 2AM
Saturday 10/22
Friday 10/28
Saturday 10/29
Halloween eve Swamp Tours run 8PM – 10PM
Monday 10/31

Visit the Enzian to find out more.

Buy a house and get a U.S. Visa?

According to the Wall Street Journal, Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have proposed a new type of resident visa for foreigners who spend at least $500,000 to purchase real estate in the United States. The proposal states for at least $250,000 to be spent on a residence, while the other $250,000 may be invested in other real estate--the entire amount must be a cash investment.

The provision, part of a larger package of immigration measures, would complement existing visa programs that allow foreigners to enter the country if they invest in new businesses that create jobs.  Foreigners immigrating to the U.S. with the new visa wouldn't be able to work here unless they obtained a regular work visa through the normal process. They'd be allowed to bring a spouse and any children under the age of 18 but they wouldn't be able to stay in the country legally on the new visa once they sold their properties.

The provision would create visas that are separate from current programs so as to not displace anyone waiting for other visas. There would be no cap on the home-buyer visa program

Over the past year, Canadians accounted for one quarter of foreign home buyers, and buyers from China, Mexico, Great Britain, and India accounted for another quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors. Supporters believe the initiative would help absorb a glut of housing supply – especially in markets like Arizona and South Florida, where foreign buyers have represented a rising share of home buying activity.  

Source: Wall Street Journal (10/20/11)  

When is a reverse mortgage a bad idea?

There are six situations when a reverse mortgage should not be used.

Short-term needs

If you only need the money for a short period of time and then can repay the full balance, a reverse mortgage is not a good fit. The minimum recommended amount of time is five years.

Spouse not on title

If the title to your home is only in your name but your spouse is still living with you, you should add your spouse onto the title.
A reverse mortgage must be repaid when the last person on the title moves out of the property permanently or passes away. So, if you were to pass away before your spouse and your spouse was not on title, the reverse mortgage would become due even though your spouse is still living in the property.

Don’t need the money

If you don’t need the money right away, don’t rush to take out a reverse mortgage. The interest on a reverse mortgage is low but it’s definitely not free money. If you have other funds that you can use such as CDs or savings accounts, use those before getting a reverse mortgage.

Risky investments

If you are being encouraged to get a reverse mortgage so that you can use the money to invest in stocks, start-up companies, real-estate, or any other type of investment, you should take a good hard look at what the person encouraging you stands to gain. Chances are they’re asking you to take big financial risks at a time in your life when you should be conservative. If your home is your only asset, don’t risk it.

Annuities

Unethical life insurance salesmen sometimes encourage homeowners to take out a reverse mortgage and then try to sell the homeowner an annuity. That is wasteful because the reverse mortgage has a built-in annuity feature called “term” or “tenure” payments that you can use to save yourself the commission that the insurance agent would like to make. If
the person encouraging you to get a reverse mortgage also brings up annuities, be suspicious.

Very low property value

On low-value homes, the closing costs will be a higher percentage of the home’s equity compared to the same loan on a higher-priced home. For example, if the miscellaneous closing costs such as appraisal, title, and notary are $1,000 on a $100,000 home then that represents 1% of the home’s value. However, on a $40,000 home that represents 2.5% of the home value. Consequently, seniors with low-value homes should look closely at the closing costs as a percentage of their home’s equity

Popcorn Flicks--Let's go to the Park for Movies!

National Velvelt is playing Nov 3rd

The City of Winter Park and Enzian collaborate to produce a cinema series in Winter Park. The series is called "Popcorn Flicks" and features classic films for the whole family. Popcorn Flicks are usually held on the second Thursday of each month. The films are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends.

Popcorn Flicks are scheduled for 7PM, but may not start until sunset to provide an optimal viewing experience for our attending guests.They are momentarily halted for the Amtrack train while every one cheers and waves at the train's whistle. 

These outdoor screenings are dependent upon Florida's famously unpredictable weather conditions, so keep this in mind. In an effort to avoid cancelling an event, we may wait until 30 minutes prior to the set screening time to officially post a cancellation notice; which will be posted on this page.

Default rate falls for US companies.

The number of U.S. companies missing debt payments is steadily falling and dropped to just 1.9 percent of companies in the 12 months ended in September, down from 11.5 percent as of November 2009, according to Standard & Poor’s.  This is the lowest default rate since April 2008.

This   is an encouraging sign amid a challenging economy that companies, after going overboard on debt just a few years ago, have their finances in order.  And investors aren’t completely at ease; they have demanded higher interest rates from companies with low credit ratings, relative to U.S. Treasuries, since the end of August. More on USA companies managing debt...

Source: USA TODAY

Monday on Orlando Eats

Wayne Thiebaud 1961 Pancakes

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen- Monday Lobster Mania, $13.95 11/2lb Steamed Whole Maine Lobster.

Collage Park Food Truck Pod - 5:00-8:00pm. Enjoy street food culture. Bring a chair and eat, stand and eat or take it to go!

Dandelion Communitea Cafe- $5 Giddyup Mondays, 10:00-11:00pm. One block southwest of the Mills & Colonial intersection, right behind Colonial Photo & Hobby and Little Saigon in the Mills50 District.

Farris and Fosters's - Family Night- $29 lb Chocolate family of four.

Funky Monkey Wine Company - Sushi Monday, half off sushi rolls every Monday at Mills

Mitchell's Fish Market- Oyster Night Monday $1.50 each in the bar.
OLV Cafe- $5 Flatbreads 4:00pm-10:00pm.
Pine Twenty2 - $3hamburgers & $3 craft beers, 2:00-10:00pm.

Shipyard Brew Pub Winter Park- Live Maine Lobster Monday 5:00-8:00 pm. Join us for a whole lobster served with corn on the cob, and potatoes for $18.95!

The 30-year fixed loan rate rises

The 30-year fixed loan rate rose to 4.12 percent this Thursday. That’s up from 3.94 percent last week, the lowest rate ever according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.  Rates have been below 5 percent for all but two weeks in the past year. Just five years ago they were closer to 6.5 percent.

Super low rates haven’t been enough to lift the housing market, which has struggled in recent years with low sales and declining home prices.

While fixed rates rose this week, most mortgage industry experts (55%) polled by Bankrate.com expect another decline over the short term. Only 27% predict another increase while the remaining 18% foresee stability. More on loan rates and the real estate market.

Source: Florida Realtors

Florida foreclosures drop 57% year to year.

Florida foreclosures drop 57% year to year. However, the state foreclosure rate increased 15% compared to second quarter 2011. Overall, the state of Florida had 1 in 9 while the U.S. foreclosure rates are 1 in 130 homes affected. On average, it takes 749 days for the foreclosure process from start to finish in Florida.

Moreover, the rate of foreclosures nationwide is expected to increase again. According to RealtyTrac, the number of U.S. homes that received a first-time default notice during the third quarter increased 14 percent compared to the second quarter.  That increase signals banks are moving more aggressively now against borrowers who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments than they have since industry wide foreclosure processing problems emerged last fall.

A pickup in foreclosure activity could also mean a potentially faster turnaround for the U.S. housing market.  Experts say a recovery isn’t likely to occur as long as there remains a glut of potential foreclosures.  Still, the jump in initial third quarter defaults is significant because it is the first increase after five consecutive quarterly declines, suggesting banks are gradually addressing their backlog of homes in foreclosure.  More...

Source: Florida Association of Realtors

Winter Park homes for Sale

See more Winter Park Homes: $400K and below — $400K to $900K — Luxury Homes — Waterfront Homes

	3 ISLE OF SICILY, Winter Park, FL 32789 $3,750,000   Request Showing   Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Sq. Feet Lot Sq. Feet | MLS # 4 4 7531 52799 O4992176 Four Winds, the site of James Gamble Rogers' 1929 home on the Isle of Sicily, is available for purchase. This magnificent French Provincial Normandy style home underwent major renovation and additions in 1987 and 1993, and is situated on both the east and westerly shores of Lake Maitland. With its brick and weeping mortar exterior, slate roof, mahogany doors, heart pine floors, coffered and beamed ceilings, this character home is a true architectural masterpiece! The covered porches and balconies afford peaceful views and sunsets on Lake Maitland, and the location on the Isle of Sicily assures privacy for the owners. This is an elegant and exceptional lake front property on the Winter Park chain of lakes, and one of the area's premiere properties with history and charm. City of Winter Park has approved a variance to allow the construction of a swimming pool and deck located 20ft from water's edge. Courtesy Of: Coldwell Banker Residential RE
	110 OSCEOLA CT, Winter Park, FL 32789 $3,399,000   Request Showing   Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Sq. Feet Lot Sq. Feet | MLS # 5 4 6713 16500 O4853377 Sophisticated and stunning is this Winter Park Chain-of-Lakes estate. Only a short walk from Park Avenue, this five-bedroom pool home was custom built in 2004 with the finest materials and to the highest of standards and finishes. Brazilian Walnut and natural stone flooring is throughout the entire home. First floor amenities include a formal living room with fireplace, formal dining, a spectacular center-island kitchen overlooking the family room with stone fireplace, paneled library with fireplace and a gorgeous master suite with breath-taking views of Lake Osceola. The second floor features three large bedrooms, three full baths, and laundry. The fourth bedroom, also with a full bath, currently serves as a large children's playroom. The estate's lower level features large-screen media, billiards, wet bar, and private office. Windows throughout the lower level provide plenty of natural light! Outdoors is like you've never seen before. Gas lamps, a large pool, fountains, English gardens, motor court with three car garage and one of the longest and most beautiful views on the Winter Park Chain. Detailed Features List is available upon request. Courtesy Of: Kelly Price & Company LLC
	2211 AZALEA PL, Winter Park, FL 32789 $2,690,000   Request Showing   Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Sq. Feet Lot Sq. Feet | MLS # 5 6 6700 29893 O5042007 Brand New Spec Home On the Chain of Lakes. Mediterranean Style Home sits on over a Half Acre Lot with a Private Boat house for easy access to Lake Maitland.5 Bedrooms/ 6 full Baths/ 6700sqft will Accomadate a large family.Master & Guest Suites are on the first level with a Private Den that is Nestled between the 1st & 2nd Story . Kitchen is outfitted with Viking Appliances, Beautiful Granite and Solid wood Cabinets. Relax in comfort while you watch your favorite Movies on the HD projection screen in the cozy theater room. The Kids will love the office upstairs made for their own computers and school material. All the Spare bedrooms are large with walk in closets and full bathrooms. Huge Bonus room upstairs can be a great play area for the kids or pefect place for a Billards table. The outside pool area is perfect for entertaining with the Summer Kitchen and Cabana. The Boathouse has an Automatic lift for the Boat and 2 Jet Ski lifts. The oversized 4 car garage is perfect for any car enthusists who needs extra storage. REASONABLE OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE - Courtesy Of: The Titan Group, Inc. Florida Regional MLS, Information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. All the listings are pulled from the Mid-Florida Listings and are represented by the respective Listing Brokers, not Realty Cafe LLC nor Orlando Neighborhoods and Real Estate Blog.