The good news is that HVAC manufacturers are producing air conditioners with record-high levels of efficiency. That means they use less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s take a look at what’s available and how it can help you cool and heat your Orlando area home in a greener, cleaner and more cost-effective way.

Today’s Top Air Conditioners are Energy Misers

Just 15 years ago, the most efficient central air conditioners were 15-17 SEER units. SEER is a measurement of how efficiently the model turns electricity into cooling. Today’s most efficient models offer SEER ratings over 24. That’s a wonderful jump motivated by consumer demand for greener HVAC equipment that also reduces utility costs.

If you replace an older air conditioner with one in the 18-24 SEER range, you’ll likely reduce your energy use for cooling by 40 to 60 percent, a phenomenal boost in green living. These quality units also do a superior job of reducing humidity in your home during warm, muggy Orlando days.

Heat Pumps Save Energy All Year

Many Orlando homeowners still have a traditional HVAC system with a gas furnace for heat to complement their central air conditioner. However, heat pumps are the growing trend in warm regions across the country including ours.

Heat pumps are essentially air conditioners that do double duty. They cool by collecting heat inside using refrigerant and pumping it outside. They heat by collecting heat outside and releasing it indoors during cool weather. Their heating uses less energy than a gas furnace. Talk with your HVAC contractor about an efficient heat pump system that can reduce your carbon emissions throughout the year.

New Refrigerant is Environmentally Safe

The biggest environmental concern for years with air conditioning has been that R22 refrigerant and other formulas cause damage to the ozone which leads to warming. A new refrigerant, R-410A, is now used in the vast majority of central air conditioners and heat pumps. It DOES NOT damage the ozone layer, so won’t contribute to climate change. This important step forward is a great reason to consider replacing your current air conditioning system with one an energy efficient replacement.

If your heating and cooling system is more than 10 years old, an update might be in order. You’ll find very efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps that will reduce energy use while cutting your utility bills. If you are worried about cost, go here to get an idea what a new system will set you back. The added bonus is that they are environmentally safer than the models they replace.

- Built on 2009
- Square Footage: 9175 Total / 6239 Heated
- 5 Bedrooms / 7.5 Baths
- Plus Office, Media, Game & Fitness Rooms, and so much more!
- Sales Price: $1,590,000

This beautifully appointed Spanish-styled estate is located in the exclusive Tuscan-inspired luxury gated community of Bella Collina, on the beautiful rolling hills of Lake County in Central Florida.

The home sits on an oversized 1-acre lot with direct access to Lake Apopka. Enjoy the serene view of the lake the minute you walk in though the Foyer into the volume ceiling living area. The spacious kitchen features a large island, stainless steel appliances, wine cooler, walk-in pantry and built-in desk. Open the double doors to the welcoming screened patio complete with summer kitchen, to the inviting pool and spa. The master suite boasts its own private screened porch, and His & Hers bathrooms and closets. Comfortable bonus room provides enough space for the game and media rooms, while another bonus room makes the perfect fitness room. These are only a handful of the many outstanding features this luxury estate home offers.

The community showcases a stunning Clubhouse, on top of the hill, complete with restaurant, world-class spa & salon and surrounded by the Nick Faldo 18-hole Championship golf course. New amenities are underway and include a resort-styled pool, 3 clay tennis courts and a fitness center. The $40,000 Sports Club Membership Deposit is included.

>> Click here to read the Listing Details

>> Click here to view the Virtual Tour

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Please contact Irma Yapor for more information or to schedule a private showing at 407-909-8000 or info@yapor.com.

If you live outside of a high-risk flood zone and think you don’t need flood insurance, think again. Nearly 25% of all flood claims happen in low-moderate risk areas. For most of us our home is our most valuable investment, where we keep our most precious possessions. If a flood damages your home or contents don’t be left to pick up the financial pieces alone, protect your family with federal flood insurance.

Preferred Risk Policies offer lower premiums for homes, residential buildings and even condo unit owners located in the low to moderate risk flood zones (B, C, or X zones). The average flood claim amounts to $33,000 while the premium for a residential Preferred Risk Policy is not more than $458 a year.

What is a Flood?

1. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:
   • overflow of inland or tidal waters;
   • unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
   • mudflow.
2. Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined in 1.A. above. (National Flood Insurance Program)

Know your flood risk:

• Flood risk for each building is set by FEMA on flood zone maps in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Flood insurance is required by lenders to protect homes in high risk flood zones. In low-moderate risk flood zones informed owners often choose to purchase flood insurance with preferred risk (discounted) rates.
• There remains a 1 in 4 chance your home may be damaged by flood, even if you are mapped into the low-moderate risk flood zone.
• Common causes of flooding include: tropical storms, rapid rainfall, spring snowmelt, changing weather patterns, clogged rainwater systems and new building development.

Two Types of Flood Insurance Coverage:

1. Building Property, up to $250,000
2. Personal Property (Contents), up to $100,000
   .

What is Covered by Flood Insurance?

What Every Floridian Should Know!

Florida has more sinkholes than any other state in the nation. Florida law requires authorized insurers to cover “catastrophic ground cover collapse,” but damage caused by a sinkhole may not be covered by your policy. That’s because the law defines catastrophic ground cover collapse differently from sinkholes.

Florida law defines a sinkhole as “a land form created by subsidence of soil, sediment, or rock as underlying strata are dissolved by groundwater. A sinkhole may form by collapse into subterranean voids created by dissolution (the dissolving) of limestone or dolostone or by the subsidence as these strata are dissolved.”

Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse

Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse is defined as a geological activity that results in all of the following:

1. The abrupt collapse of the ground cover;
2. A depression in the ground cover clearly visible to the naked eye;
3. Structural damage to the building including the foundation; and
4. The insured structure being condemned and ordered to be vacated by the government agency authorized by law to issue such an order for that structure.

This means that if your home is damaged by sinkhole activity, but does not meet all four criteria for catastrophic ground cover collapse – for instance, you may have foundation cracks, but the home is still livable – your insurance may not pay for the damage if you do not have sinkhole coverage.

All insurance companies licensed to do business must offer sinkhole coverage, usually as an addendum or rider to an existing policy, and for an additional premium charge.

•  Click here to learn How Sinkholes Form

Many loaning institutions allow homeowners to refinance their homes even if they have bad credit and are out of work provided they meet certain basic requirements. Lenders also offer to customers with previous mortgage new loans without appraisal, asset and income documents. Besides, the mortgage insurance fees may be significantly lower depending on the time when the existing loan was given.

Lender Guidelines

What are the guidelines of getting good streamline refinancing loans? Before considering any streamline deals, it is critical to find out if you meet the lender’s established guidelines. Most lenders will approve your refinancing application if you took the current loan with them, have made regular on-time and complete mortgage payments in the previous 12 months, your FICO credit score meets their minimum threshold, and you have not refinanced within the last four months prior to your application.

Shopping for a Streamline Refinance Loan

Great streamline refinancing deals can be obtained from your current mortgage lender. If your relationship with the lender has been exceptional, you will be offered an exciting deal. However, narrowing your options to the present mortgage lender may deny you the chance of getting better deals from other lenders. Try to shop around as widely as you can, getting rates and comparing fees: Different lenders will have different conditions. There are a list of approved lenders for the FHA and VA streamline refinance program.

Refinancing Costs

Streamline refinancing deals that would trim down your interest rates by big margins are better catches. You need not go for any offer that does not reduce interest by more than 50%. Using your payoff amount, the current loan, probability to skip certain payments, and the capacity of the refinancing loan to absorb closing costs, calculate the interest rate and see the margin of reduction you will get.

Choosing a refinancing deal that will require the least down payment is a great move. You will not be strained by the payment and will get ample time to prepare for other payments. The loan should however match your income limits.

Flexibility

Flexibility of the terms of the streamline refinancing loan should be considered. For instance, if you have financial problems, deals that require no minimum credit scores are available. The deal would be exciting if it allows you to make payments as high repayment sums as 65% of your gross income and finances at least 97% of the value of your home. The loan should also allow you to switch into a fixed rate loan.

Before taking any streamline refinancing, you must scrupulously examine the mortgage insurance terms. For instance, some refinances will require you to pay new upfront mortgage insurance, while others will compel borrowers with loan-to-value ratios of more than 78% to pay yearly mortgage insurance premiums. Such mortgage insurance payments would increase the loan balance and monthly payments significantly, and you should weigh those options carefully.

Closing cost requirements must also be evaluated meticulously. They usually vary massively depending on locations and some lenders will not allow borrowers to finance them in the loan balance. An ideal streamline refinancing loan should allow you to include the closing costs into the loan balance and come at low interest rates.

The March 2013 overall median price of $140,000 is 21.74 percent above that of March 2012 ($115,000) and 5.26 percent above that of February 2013 ($133,000). Orlando’s median price has risen almost 30 percent in the 15 months since January of 2012.

“Normal sales traditionally carry a higher price tag than foreclosures and short sales,” explains ORRA Chairman Steve Merchant, broker-owner of Global Realty International. “For example, in March the median price for normal sales is $173,590 while the median for foreclosures is $96,000 and for short sales is $110,000.”

In addition to the overall median increase, each individual sales type experienced a year-to-year median price increase in March, with foreclosures leading the way with a 15.73 percent jump. The median price of short sales increased 7.84 percent; normal sales increased 11.99 percent.

Completed Sales

Members of ORRA participated in the sales of 2,605 homes (all types combined) that closed in March 2013, an increase of 6.98 percent compared to March 2012 and an increase of 12.43 percent compared to February 2013.

Single-family home sales increased 9.20 percent in March 2013 compared to March 2012, while condo sales increased 4.29 percent.

Compared to March of 2012, the number of short sales (566) decreased 29.86 percent and the number of foreclosures (556) decreased 12.30 percent. The number of completed traditional sales (1,483), however, is a 49.20 percent increase compared to last year.

In March, short sales and foreclosures made up 43.07 percent of the entire sales pie, while normal sales made up 56.93 percent. Last year in March, those percentages were 59.18 percent and 40.82 percent, respectively.

Homes of all types spent an average of 80 days on the market before coming under contract in March 2013, and the average home sold for 95.96 percent of its listing price. In March 2012 those numbers were 97 days and 94.94 percent, respectively.

The average interest rate paid by Orlando homebuyers in March, 3.65 percent, marks the first increase since April 2012. Last month, homebuyers paid an average interest rate of 3.21 percent; this month last year, homebuyers paid an average interest rate of 3.65.

Pending Sales

Pending sales – those under contract and awaiting closing – are currently at 8,799. The number of pending sales in March 2013 is 9.74 percent lower than it was in March 2012 (9,748) and 0.29 percent lower than it was in February 2013 (8,825).

Short sales, which take much longer to process from contract to close, made up 60.67 percent of pending sales in March 2013. Normal properties accounted for 26.92 percent of pendings, while bank-owned properties accounted for 12.41 percent.

Inventory

The number of existing homes (all types combined) available for purchase in Orlando is continuing a steady tumble that began back in July 2010 at 16,563 and now rests at 6,937. In March 2013, inventory was 19.95 percent less than it was in March 2012.

The inventory of single-family homes is down by 22.53 percent when compared to March of 2012, while condo inventory has decreased by 7.29 percent.

Current inventory combined with the current pace of sales created a 2.66-month supply of homes in Orlando in March. There was a 3.56-month supply in March 2012 and a 3.10-month supply last month.

Affordability

The March affordability index is 223.58 percent, a decrease of 25 percentage points from February’s index of 248.38 that is attributed in part to this month’s jump in both the median price and the interest rate. (An affordability index of 99 percent means that buyers earning the state-reported median income are 1 percent short of the income necessary to purchase a median-priced home. Conversely, an affordability index that is over 100 means that median-income earners make more than is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home.)

Buyers who earn the reported median income of $54,986 can qualify to purchase one of 3,594 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $313,017 or less.

First-time homebuyer affordability in March decreased to 158.99 percent from last month’s 176.63 percent. First-time buyers who earn the reported median income of $37,390 can qualify to purchase one of the 2,529 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $189,202 or less.

Condos and Town Homes/Duplexes/Villas

The sales of condos in the Orlando were up 4.29 percent in March, with 413 sales recorded in March 2013 compared to 396 in March 2012.

The most (115) condos in a single price category that changed hands in March were yet again in the $1 – $50,000 price range and accounted for 27.85 percent of all condo sales.

Orlando homebuyers purchased 234 duplexes, town homes, and villas in March 2013, which is a 4.88 percent decrease compared to March 2012. Most (31) fell within the $160,000 – $180,000 price range category.

MSA Numbers

Sales of existing homes within the entire Orlando MSA (Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) in March were up by 1.41 percent when compared to March of 2012. Throughout the MSA, 3,174 homes were sold in March 2013 compared with 3,130 in March 2012. To date, sales throughout the MSA are 7.59 percent above this time last year.

Each individual county’s monthly sales comparisons are as follows:

• Lake: 13.96 percent above March 2012 (506 homes sold in March 2013 compared to 444 in March 2012);
• Orange: 0.51 percent above March 2012 (1,589 homes sold in March 2013 compared to 1,581 in March 2012);
• Osceola: 14.36 percent below March 2012 (501 homes sold in March 2013 compared to 585 in March 2012); and
• Seminole: 11.15 percent above March 2012 (578 sold in March 2013 compared to 520 in March 2012).

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association and the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor MFRMLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or MFRMLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.

Research

The first step in a successful house hunt is to perform some research. Speak with established real estate agents who serve the area that is most desirable. Ask them if houses are overpriced or if they feel they are stable. Find comparable purchase prices for recently sold homes in the neighborhood. Recent comps of sold homes offer the buyer a vantage point of knowing what the homes in the area are currently worth. Contact Yapor Realty for up-to-date information on recent sale prices.

Web Search

Searching online for information about the neighborhood and schools will allow the prospective buyer the vantage point of knowing the good and bad of any neighborhood. One free resource available to buyers is Zillow. This site allows a person to obtain public records of a home from the original build date and to determine past tax assessments of the home.

Finances

A potential house buyer needs to be aware of how much they are able to afford before starting their search. People often fall in love with a home that is well out of their financial comfort zone which makes lowering expectations difficult. Most home buyers are able to comfortably spend 28 percent of their income on a mortgage payment. Determining how much house is affordable is simplified with a mortgage calculator.

Final Costs

Determine in advance what the final costs will be on the home purchase. Items such as closing costs or new appliances add to the total costs of purchasing a new home. Purchasing a home that needs some remodeling may break a budget. Have a contractor give an estimate on remodeling costs before finalizing a bid on the home. Deciding in advance, how much extra money is available for these types of costs will help the house hunter find a dream home within their preset budget. Something else to consider is purchasing a green efficient home which will reduce costs on regular utilities like heat and electric.

Look Long Term

Home buyers that are not able to spend at least five years in a home may lose money on the purchase. Many factors will determine how much a home really costs. Repairs and general maintenance add to the total yearly cost. Home ownership is more than just budgeting for the mortgage payment. An average home owner will need to spend between one and three percent of the home’s value on yearly upkeep. A maintenance checklist offers home owners a way to keep expenses in check and the home properly maintained.

Natural Resources

Check on the landscape of that specific areas as well as accessibility to infrastructure. Compare every resource there with any other that you saw elsewhere to settle on the best place. Also, consider the ease at which you can purchase a piece of land in the area; through the legal process.

Social Amenities

The area you are going to live in should be in close proximity to hospitals, shopping malls and should have security as well. You do not want your kids to walk for long distances when going to school, hospital or to church. Check that the schools have transport arrangements so that kids can be picked from home, dropped to school and vice versa.

House Designs

Check on the current housing styles and designs in the place and map what you have seen to your dream house. Check on the roofing styles, wall shaping, guest rooms, table rooms as well as kitchen designs. This way you are going to make the right decisions on what to put set up in future. Make sure you do not go beyond your financial ability. The home can have beautiful walkways and the lawn should have plants that can do well in the area.

Weather

It is a fact that situations will force one to stay in areas with harsh weather conditions. If it is the case, you should consider hiring professionals to advise you on the best building materials that will suit the area. For instance, wood might be an option but it could be affected by humid conditions. On the other hand, metal is durable but it is prone to rust. Professionals will be best placed to choose something that will work in these areas.

Cost

To build a home, it will require one to include the money factor in their plan. People have different financial abilities and this will determine the kind of home that one is going to own. Savings can be a good source of funds because you will not have to pay for taxes and other fees like it is the case when one opts for mortgage option. You can also ask friends and members of your family to contribute what they can to make your dream come true.

1. The Ponytail palm

In some cases also referred to as nolina recurvata, this is a unique plant. Though it has a palm name, it is a succulent plant with a swollen trunk at the base. It looks nice when placed inside a container that is slightly bigger than its trunk. Apart from its arching leaves that give it an astounding look, the succulent trunk can store moisture and hence survive for a long time without water.

2. The Boston fern

They always say do not judge a book by its cover. In this case, do not let the delicate and fragile look of this plant give you the wrong impression. The good thing about it is that with beautiful arching fronds, it is a perfect complement for interior dcor. All it requires is the right humidity, moisture and moderate light and it can last longer than you think.

3. The English ivy

If you have walked around in a number of gardens, you cannot help admitting that you came across this plant. In many homes, one of the common outdoor plants is definitely the English Ivy. It serves as a good ground cover with its variegated leaves beautifully decorating the place, it may also do well indoors. For commercial purposes, this plant will give you an upper hand, since with a good moist soil, in a matter of time it will grow.

4. The Dracaena

This plant is very attractive though people may confuse with same vegetable type of plant. One of the things that stand out in this plant is its variegated leaves with green-yellow stripes that are bright. That kind of brightness is enough to lighten you. It does well on moist soils and the right temperature. This is yet another good plant for commercial purposes as it comes in handy in indoor decoration.

5. The Fiddle leaf fig

When this plant grows, it forms an appealing shape. With violin shaped, leathery and soft dark green leaves that are rich in color intensity, the plant is definitely worth taking into account. It can put up with little light. However, note that the bottom leaves may be dim due to poor light. As a good commercial plant, it is easy to maintain under the conditions of a green house.

Begin by Understanding Your Home’s Needs

The first thing you should do when considering a home security system is to survey your home and property to determine the amount of entry points the home has, including its windows. Most homeowners arm both windows and doors, often on the first floor, where a robber would most likely force entry. When you install a sensor the area is then known as a zone, with typical security systems consisting of eight separate zones, allowing you to choose which windows and doors you prefer guarded. Customers who want added security may consider purchasing an expansion kit that can allow up to 32 zones to be activated at once.

Should I Choose Monitored Security or a Sensor Activated Security System?

The system you choose will depend on the level of security that you feel comfortable with as some prefer a 24-hour surveillance agreement, where the company agrees to monitor your home for a monthly fee, while others choose the sensor route that alerts police to your home using your phone line if the alarm is breached. Systems with sounding alarms can frighten an intruder and may have the ability to scare them off on its own before they even enter the premises.

Wireless Security Systems vs. Wired Systems

Wireless security systems are easily installed as an aftermarket feature to a home unlike complicated wired systems. When installing a wireless system you’ll need to know its range to ensure that your home is fully protected. Some of these systems use motion detectors as well, so be careful when considering this feature if you have pets or tend to wake often throughout the night since you may accidentally trip the alarm. Wired systems offer great protection as well but since they need to be wired properly throughout the home, they require drilling and other installation obstacles which are better off done when a home is still under construction.

Special Features to Include

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that your control panel for the system is easy to understand, operate, and locate in the event of an emergency. Ask your provider to include a panic button when possible, in case of a break-in while you’re at home, and consider keeping a control panel at your front door and in your bedroom for easy access. A high quality system will not only alert you of break ins but it will also include fire, carbon monoxide, water, and combustible gas detectors to keep your family safe when inside the home.

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