The Orlando Condo Blog

One of the advantages of a homeowner association is to keep the hood looking good by enforcing architectural and design standards. These appearance standards are designed to protect the HOA members’ property values. The theory is that if all homes follow the same basic theme, the average home buyer will be willing to pay more. [...]

After months of waiting, the Vue at Lake Eola Downtown Orlando is now FHA approved as of January 2011. What this means is that instead of needing 100% cash, government-backed loans and smaller down payments may be possible for qualified buyers. The only other downtown Orlando condo project that is currently FHA approved is 101 Eola Condominiums. Current [...]

Mediation is an effective way to resolve disputes. Florida Courts require the parties to a lawsuit to attempt to settle the dispute at mediation before the trial starts.  There are many benefits to mediation - it is private, the proceedings are confidential, if successful it reduces the costs to each side of the case and enables the parties to ”think outside the box”.  The mediator is a neutral third party [...]

Question: Our board enacted a resolution stating that all new owners must live in their unit for one year before renting. Is this legal or must the bylaws be amended? Answer: The board does not have the authority to enact this kind of resolution since it negates basic property rights. Typically, only an appropriate vote [...]

FHA Extends Approval Procedures – New Mortgagee Letter Issued The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) implemented a new approval process for condominium projects and insurance requirements for mortgages on individual units in November, 2009.  FHA also announced certain exceptions to its standard criteria.  Please note the following: The November 2009 guidelines temporarily increased the number of permitted FHA insured [...]

We receive a number of reader inquiries on a weekly basis.  In most cases a response to the inquiry is included in the comment field itself, after the relevant blog post.  Here are a few of the inquiries received in the last week, with our responses: QUESTION: How can I learn if my townhouse is FHA certified? [...]

Vista Cay condos Orlando has some great vacation condominiums – here’s a great 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom deal that’s bank owned! These condos can be rented for both long and short term. Investment strategy This 3-bedroom, 2-bath vacation condo is situated in the center of the highest-profile resort area of Orlando, Florida, adjacent to the newly expanded Orange County [...]

While it is important. serving on the association’s board is time consuming and can often become frustrating. You have a multitude of issues competing for your attention – whether its adopting the budget, monitoring performance and renewing service contracts, insurance renewals, supervision/hiring and retention of employees or collecting delinquent assessments. Board members are also faced [...]

Orlando’s Reunion resort is just a 30 minute drive south of downtown and plays host to 3 championship golf courses. Reunion also has its own water park and hotel. It is without a doubt one of the most exclusive condo resorts in Orlando. The montlly fees aren’t the lowest but when you see the place [...]

Well, here we are.  2011.  The packages have been torn open, enjoyed, and are now all but forgotten.  All of us are about 10 pounds heavier.  The hangover from New Years Eve has faded, but the shame of your actions remains.  And since we’re about a week into the year, about 50% of all New [...]