Day 311 – Gateway at Riverwalk Condos Sanford FL

Gateway at Riverwalk Condos Sanford FL

Sanford is not necessarily known to be a “condo city”. Even though there have been more town home developments recently (due to a lack of space and higher land prices), Sanford is a city of single family homes, some of them beautiful Victorian houses in the historic district. So it was a big surprise when the construction of the Gateway at Riverwalk Condo complex was announced. Many people were upset about it because, being a high rise building, this complex was going to block Lake Monroe with its spectacular views from the historic district. There was a big discussion and many tried to stop the construction. Nevertheless, the condos were built (finished in 2007).

Gateway at Riverwalk Condos Sanford FL

Whether it was bad timing (peak of market), the initial high prices (close to $1 million for penthouse) or just the fact that Sanford just isn’t a “condo city”, Gateway at Riverwalk has not been a real estate success. In fact phase 2, 3 and 4 of the project were stopped before they even started and to my knowledge only a dozen of the 63 units were sold. So now there is this huge condo building standing in a prime location right by the Riverwalk. Of course, that doesn’t mean that construction for the new phases won’t start at some point (I am assuming once all the units are sold).

To their defense though, I can see what the developers had envisioned. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy those breathtaking views of Lake Monroe and at the same time live in an urban setting in the middle of a cute, cozy and charming town that promises a wonderful future? I wish the plan had worked out because obviously this would have brought more people into Sanford, thereby strengthening current businesses and attracting new ones (including the ones that were meant to occupy the retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings). There is still hope though. As the market slowly recovers, so will Gateway at Riverwalk. With more reasonable prices (now starting in the 180s), this project can still be very attractive for home buyers in Sanford and a great alternative to Sanford’s historic city living (admittedly, despite those lake views I’d personally prefer the old charming houses under huge oak trees that still offer you the convenient urban lifestyle, I’m just not into condo living). Let’s see what the future holds for the Gateway at Riverwalk condos.

Want to check out whast’s currently for sale here? Click the link to browse condos for sale at Gateway at Riverwalk Condos Sanford FL.

Day 299 – Deer in Alaqua

Deer in Alaqua

While showing a home today in the Alaqua subdivision in Longwood I got to see this beautiful deer. We stopped the car to take some pictures and stood there for quite some time. The deer just quietly kept eating. Isn’t it amazing that there are still so many communities out there in Central Florida where you can see deer just running around in your front or backyard?

For those of you interested, here’s a bit more about the home and subdivision of Alaqua.

Day 272 – Fountain Parke Lake Mary

Fountain Parke Lake Mary

One of my favorite communities in Lake Mary is Fountain Parke. This Tuscan inspired community is located right off Rinehart Road. I just love the charm and Mediterranean flair of Fountain Parke. This shot was taken from the balcony of a townhome I showed here today. The tile roofs look great and they have done an awesome job with the landscaping in the community. I wish there were more Mediterranean style communities in the area.

Before I moved to Florida I thought the majority of homes would have tile roofs and be surrounded by palm trees. In South Florida you really do find more of those but the further North you go the less tile roofs and palm trees you will find. I guess that is what makes Fountain Parke even more special to me

Community Pool at Fountain Parke Lake Mary

Day 214 – Bank Owned Historic Home for sale in Sanford FL

Bank Owned Historic Home

This is truly one of the cutest and best priced historic homes (asking $175,000 150,000) I have seen in a while in Sanford! We showed this home (sitting on a huge corner lot on Oak Ave) over the weekend and I took a couple of pictures of the outside because I thought the home had a unique and romantic touch to it. I especially love the little brick walk way that leads to the house. And isn’t the brick elevation, red shutters  blue wood and white trimming a gorgeous combination? I love homes with character and this one definitely has it!

Since I didn’t take pics of the inside etc., here’s a bit about that:

The total living square footage is 2,750 (3/2) which includes a detached 1/1 carriage home/garage apartment w/ kitchen (makes a great rental and obviously perfect when the in-laws come to town). The home has a 2 car block garage with workshop space. As most of the beautiful historic homes this home also features a fireplace and real wood floors. Last but not least there’s also a little brick patio perfect to enjoy those sunny days and warm Florida nights.

Needless to say, whoever buys this steal will be the proud owner of a true gem in historic Sanford. Email me in case you’d like to see the home or want to receive more info, who knows, you could be that new lucky owner

More info about this historic home for sale in Sanford FL

Charming inside and out!

Day 210 – Jackie Robinson lived in this Historic Home in Sanford FL

Jackie Robinson lived here!

Call it coincidence or not, today, on April 15th 2009, US Major League Baseball is honoring the 62nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson (the first African-American Major League Baseball player) breaking the “color barrier” on the baseball field. Therefore all major league players are supposed to wear Jackie Robinson’s number 42 shirt. Well, and today we happened to show a historic home in Sanford, FL where Jackie Robinson used to live during his time in Sanford. That is confirmed by the Sanford Museum.

Sadly though, Sanford wasn’t mentioned as a happy place for Jackie Robinson. The following is quoted from Wikipedia:

In 1946, Robinson arrived at Daytona Beach, Florida for spring training with the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League (the designation of “Triple-A” for the highest level of minor league baseball was first used in the 1946 season). Robinson’s presence was controversial in racially-charged Florida. Since the Dodger organization did not own its own spring training facility (the Dodger-controlled spring training compound in Vero Beach known as “Dodgertown” would not open until the spring of 1948) scheduling was subject to the whim of each locality, several of which refused to host games involving Robinson. In Sanford, Florida, the police chief threatened to stop the game if Robinson did not leave the field; in Jacksonville, the stadium was inexplicably padlocked shut on game day; in DeLand, the scheduled day game was called off on account of faulty electrical lighting.

Only a year later, on April 15 1947 Jackie made his debut in front of over 26,000 people in Brooklyn New York making him the first player since 1887 to break the baseball color line.

To read more about Jackie Robinson and his moving story follow this link.

The home, by the way, was built in 1920 and is currently listed at $279,900. 5 bedrooms/3.5 baths with 3,063 square feet. It is located right off Sanford Avenue and can easily be converted into an office or any commercial purpose building. With this home you would truly own a piece of history!  Email me for more info and pictures.

Front Door

Back Alley

Day 205 – Best deal in Balwdin Park – Bank Owned town home for sale

Baldwin Park town home

We went to show this beautiful town home in Baldwin Park today. Baldwin Park is, as many of you may know, the beautiful urban lifestyle community in the heart of Orlando, close to Winter Park, downtown and arts/museums/parks. At only $209,000 this 3 story bank owned town home with over 2,000 square feet is truly a great deal! The home has 3 bedrooms, each with a bath, a 2 car garage and a beautiful deck overlooking the rooftops of Baldwin Park. The home does need work but guess what, it also means instant equity in one of Orlando’s most desirable and upscale areas!

Sorry to mix in “work” but it just happened that my daily shot was this town home and so I figured, why not promote it at the same time. Anyway, if you or anyone you know should have any interest in this home give us a call asap at 407-340-6458. At this price the home will certainly be gone soon…

Day 201 – Back at Watson Realty in Lake Mary

My office at Watson Realty in Lake Mary

So starting today I have officially moved my home office back to the main office at Watson Realty in Lake Mary. I had tried working from the house for the past months, but quite honestly, I don’t seem to be a good candidate for that (too many distractions! too tempting to stay in pajamas until noon – while working of course!).

So I decided to move all my work stuff out of the house, including my beloved Mac which will now stay overnights at the office (boohoo!). That will motivate me even more to rush to the office every morning. And you might find me here on weekends too

So if you have any real estate related question, need to sell your current home or want to buy a new home (yes, I am a Realtor and part of Watson Realty’s #1 team in Lake Mary/Sanford) or just want to stop by to say hi, you know where to find me now – at the Watson Realty Lake Mary office at Park Place at Heathrow (right next to Fishbones), pretty much every day, except Sundays.

[Now that we're talking real estate, check out our Sanford and Lake Mary real estate web site, of course, only if you have an interest for real estate.]

Here is the Watson Realty office address:

Watson Realty Lake Mary – Heathrow – Sanford, FL
Park Place at Heathrow
7015 C.R. 46 A
Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407)-340-6458

Day 182 – Diana and Mike’s New Home in Clermont

Diana and Mike in front of their new home

After looking at homes in Ocoee, Winter Garden and Clermont since January 2009, we finally found the perfect home for Diana and Mike! And best of all, it’s brand new!

Today we met for the first walk through with Pulte Homes, the builder. Diana and Mike were allowed to be real picky since this is a brand new home. So we walked through the home and looked into literally every corner and made the home inspector take plenty of notes so he can arrange to have things fixed.

Next week is the closing and then Diana and Mike will be proud owners of their very first home! On top of that they will qualify receive the free $8,000 from the government! How exciting is that??

We always enjoy working with First Time Home Buyers and even more when it is friends who we are helping! We look forward to the house warming party

Here’s a great web site for all you first time home buyers in Central Florida to get your home search started!

Day 172 – Lake Forest Fixer Upper looks like Sleeping Beautys Castle

Fixer Upper in Lake Forest Sanford FL

Sorry for the comparison but when we showed this fixer upper home today in Lake Forest I couldn’t help but think of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. With plants overgrowing the front and sides of this (once certainly very beautiful) Lake Forest home it was almost hard to get in through the doors. Nevertheless we made it…

The home is listed at $279,900 which is a remarkably low price for Lake Forest, a guard gated active lifestyle community in West Sanford.

For the handymen among us: More information about this home can be found here.

Day 145 – New Town Home Communities in Sanford FL

Terracina in Sanford FL

There are two new town home communities in West Sanford that I wanted to mention here:

Terracina
Savannah Park

Both communities are located in West Sanford (the part of Sanford to the West of I-4). Prices start in the mid 100s, in my opinion well priced because of what is offered: this is prime location in terms of convenience and highway access. The communities are only minutes from I-4 and 417 and the Seminole Town Center Mall as well as Colonial Towne Park with dining and entertainment are virtually next to those communities.

Of course, what you won’t have as close are the beautiful Victorian houses of Historic Sanford and the charme of the downtown area. West Sanford is a bit of a different lifestyle since it is a very new area. So, in the end that’s the decision you will have to make. The town homes though are really beautiful and have great upgrades inside! There are town home  floor plans available with the Master downstairs. Both communities will have a community pool and a gate.

Here are some of the major differences between Terracina and Savannah Park in Sanford:

Terracina

Terracina:

• All town homes have tile roofs
• Mediterranean Style (even though Savannah Park describes itself as Mediterranean I think Terracina is the one that reflects the style better, not only because of its name)
• Some town home models offer larger floor plans with 2,000+ square feet
• Garages are in the front of the homes

Savannah Park town homes

Savannah Park:

• All town homes have 2 car garages
• All town homes have courtyards
• None of the town homes is larger than 2,000 square feet at this point; there will be a second phase with larger floor plans though
• Garages are in the back of the homes and have a special rustic look

If you would like to learn more about these gorgeous town home communities in Sanford, please text to or call 407-340-6458. Likewise, you can also leave a comment here and I will forward your Email address so you can be contacted.

Savannah Park Townhomes