Frankly Speaking Blog




Ferrell Realty cares about our Greater Orlando communities, especially our residents who have the most vulnerability during this unprecedented crisis. This page includes county by county resources for those affected by COVID-19 for accessing rental assistance, emergency assistance, food and financial assistance, utility assistance, help with housing, safety supports, bill pay assistance, senior services and more.


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Marion County





Volusia County






Posted by Frank Ferrell on April 9th, 2020 4:05 PM

If you purchased a home as your primary residence in 2018, then you have between January 1st and March 1st to file your residential homestead exemption. It saves you money, so take a few minutes to file! Learn More



Posted by Frank Ferrell on January 21st, 2019 11:52 AM
Posted by Frank Ferrell on November 2nd, 2018 5:49 AM

Tiles play an important role in interior design, setting the look and feel of the house. Tiles are used to create the desired ambience and can be used innovatively. Aesthetically, tiles can help create a unique look offering significant creative scope in design. Designers are now getting extravagant with mesmerizing aesthetic prints inspired by nature, fabrics and cultural cues to accent the home interiors.

 


Posted by Frank Ferrell on July 29th, 2017 6:34 PM



There is something awesome about buying a fixer upper and doing the renovations yourself. Some people fix them up a bit at a time, using cash as they have it available. If you want to make a big impact by doing small things, here are 10 things you need to include.

1. Change Out the Lighting

Nothing says outdated like an old-fashioned gold chandelier. Lighting is something that can be updated easily and won’t cost a bunch of money. It is one of the smallest things you can do that will have the biggest impact.

2. Paint

There is an old saying that states “if a barn needs to be painted, slap some paint on it.” You will be amazed at what some paint can do to your home. A new hue can cover imperfections and give the room the blast of color it needs. Forget drab, white walls that are lackluster. Give your home a color makeover.

3. New Fixtures

Just like the lighting, the fixtures in the home become outdated quickly. Startwith the kitchen faucet and then move on to the bathroom. You can update and upgrade a fixer upper by just adding these small touches.

4. Paint Cabinets/Add New Hardware

If you have new cabinets in the budget, then you should go for it. However, if your budget is limited, then you may want to try to paint them. Painting old cabinets and installing new hardware will give the kitchen a facelift. If the cabinets are old but sturdy, then you can bring them back to life. Painting is inexpensive and has a huge impact.

5. Rip Out Old Carpeting

Carpet is great when it is new; however, when it is old and dingy, it can really have a negative impact on a space. Hardwoods are the best option, followed by laminate floors. However, if you are stretched for money, you may try a bag floor or a penny style one. There are creative options online that allow you to do great things with your floors for less.

6. Add Curb Appeal

The curb appeal of the home is everything. It does not matter how great the inside looks if the outside is in shambles. Clean up any dead plants and add some new. Be sure to pick flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times. This will allow you to have color year-round. Add some shutters and a fresh coat of paint to the porch. Use decorative numbers to display the address. Finally, replace the mailbox if necessary.

7. Repaint Ceilings

Ceilings are often overlooked. They are usually white and the color is reserved for the walls. However, people do not realize how dirty these ceilings can be. A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling can really enhance the whole room. The walls are not the only thing that needs to be painted.

8. Upgrade the Exterior Façade

The biggest impact you can have on the outside of a home is to replace or paint siding. If you have it in the budget, you can add brick and stone accents. Most fixer upper homes have chipping paint and worn out siding. Splurge for some nice siding or paint a great color to update the home’s look.

9. Replace the Windows

New windows are expensive, but they are important. If you have old windows in your home, you need to spend the money to upgrade them. Windows are great for keeping the elements at bay. You will save yourself money in the long run by sealing off old-drafty openings.

10. Update the Heating and Cooling Unit

To help the process of heating and cooling a home, you need to make sure the home has an updated HVAC unit. The air filters are just as important as the unit. Filters with a rating of Merv 11, have "astro pleating" to help ensure no dirt or dust gets into your system. Extend the livelihood of your unit by selecting quality air filters.


Originally Posted on 
March 22, 2017 
RISMedia's Housecall by Cary Teller

Posted by Frank Ferrell on March 29th, 2017 11:29 AM
At Ferrell Realty, Inc. we are always ready to assist you with the right steps necessary to sell your home. We see selling real estate as a partnership between us and you the homeowner. Let us assist you with our forty-plus years of experience and extensive marketing plan to get the best sale price possible for your home.


Posted by Frank Ferrell on March 1st, 2017 10:37 AM

Ensure your Independence Day weekend is filled with celebration and not regret with these 10 fire safety tips, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

  1. Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them.
  2. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers alone account for one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
  3. If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
  4. If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away.
  5. Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.
  6. Use your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under branches or overhangs.
  7. Open your gas grill before lighting.
  8. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your gas or propane grill so it cannot be ignited.
  9. Declare a three-foot "kid and pet-free zone" around the grill to keep them safe.
  10. Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire when cooking on the grill.

You can find more information and tips on being fire safe this Fourth of July, by visiting www.usfa.fema.gov.



Posted by Frank Ferrell on July 2nd, 2016 12:11 PM
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Listings Photo
$175,000.00
616 VALENCIA PLACE CIR

Orlando, FL 32825



Beds: 3 Rooms: 6
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1316
Garage: 2 Built: 1994
 

Renovated 3-Bed/2-Bath, 2-Car Garage home in Valencia Place in East Orlando.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on September 1st, 2015 8:41 PM

Paper house in green grass over blue sky. Concept of constructioIt’s almost summer! With the weather getting better outside, maybe it’s time to start making a list of weekend projects to complete. While you might not be able to tackle some of the hard, long-term projects -- kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, deck additions -- you can do some easy improvements that will make your house more appealing and functional. To help put the list together, here are some common weekend summer projects to consider:

#1 Repaint the interior and/or exterior

If your walls are starting to look chipped, cracked or particularly worn down, now is a good time to refresh them with a coat of paint. Look at the local home improvement store for neutral colors that will make your home easier to sell down the road. You can have one accent wall that’s brightly colored, but you run the risk of detracting from buyer appeal.

For your exterior, it’s probably best to stick with the original color -- unless it’s really unappealing. Then go with neutral colors as well. You should never have more than five major colors going on throughout your home interior and exterior.
Consult a painter if you need help deciding what best fits into your home color scheme.

#2 Remove debris from gutters

Now that it’s nice outside, you should start cleaning out your gutters. They’ve gathered a lot of debris from the fall and winter -- leaves, branches, dirt, etc. -- so get ahead of any rainfall. If they’re near a lot of tree branches, there’s a good chance they’ll gather more before summer is over. So get up on a ladder, use a rake or your hands, and start cleaning them out immediately. If you don’t, the gutters will clog up, which prevents moisture from draining through the downspouts and to the sidewalk. This could lead to potential siding and roof damage. Don’t wait!

#3 Power wash and seal the deck

If you have a deck, there’s a good chance it was worn down by the snow, ice and wind over the winter. To revitalize it for the spring and summer, remove all of the debris with a power washer. You can use a power washer yourself or hire a professional to do it for $200 to $400. Professionals have the experience to safely handle a power washer, and they can do it quickly too. Then you can reapply the sealer. It will shine anew under the sun and be ready for anything the climate throws at it in the months ahead.


Photo courtesy of CD Lawn Care in Baraga, MI


#4 Mulch garden beds

By applying a new layer of mulch in the summer, you can prevent weed growth and give your plants -- old or new -- some new nutrients. Mulch prevents weeds by keeping out oxygen and light. At the same time, it holds in soil’s moisture so that when you water, less evaporates into the air. Be sure to apply only 1-3 inches deep and give trunks or stems 3-5 inches of space so as not to deprive them of oxygen.

You can either invest in organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulch includes leaves, grass clippings, tree bark pieces or hay/straw. It breaks down over time and adds nutrients to the soil. Inorganic mulch options include rocks, gravel or plastic pieces.


#5 Caulk or weather strip around doors and windows

To keep your home’s indoor temperature consistent and prevent any pests from getting in, think about recaulking or weather stripping your doors and windows. There’s a chance that, over time, the caulk or original weather stripping around these areas has broken down from inclement weather or repeated use. If you don’t do it now, your A/C will turn on more often because air is escaping through leaks around the windows and doors. This is a good preventative measure that pays back in the winter with your heating system too. Recaulking your windows, in particular, also prevents rot and mildew growth.

#6 Clean out the HVAC

Now is a good time to clean out your HVAC system before you start using your central A/C a lot. You need to clean out your A/C unit, including the filter and any components that might have debris or dust buildup. If you have an A/C unit separate from your heating system, then consult your manual for how to clean out the system. This includes parts like the:

Condenser coil

Fan motor
Compressor
Blower compartments (might need a pro’s help)

For those who have an outdoor A/C unit, you need to think about any preventative measures for debris buildup. You don’t want to spend hundreds on A/C repair because you didn’t perform the proper maintenance.


These are only some of the projects you might consider pursuing on the weekends. If you have other areas of your house that need work -- the kitchen, bathroom, den, bedroom or backyard area, for example -- then tend to those areas. What you focus on depends on what’s been hit the hardest over time and how much money you want to spend.

This blog was contributed by HomeAdvisor. Posted on Jun 16 2015 by Andrea Davis.

Posted by Frank Ferrell on June 27th, 2015 7:45 AM
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Listings Photo
$0.00
104 Northwood Drive

Longwood, FL 32779



Beds: 3 Rooms: 6
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1497
Garage: 2 Built: 1979
 

FOR RENT $1,450: Desirable Longwood/ Lk. Brantley/ Wekiva Area!! This comfortable 3-Bed/2-Bath, 1,500 Sq.Ft. attached home offers you plenty.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
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Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on June 20th, 2015 10:55 AM
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$1,195.00
3651 Atrium Drive
#U-5
Orlando, FL 32822



Beds: 2 Rooms: 5
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 820
Garage: 0 Built: 1984
 

For Rent: $1,195 Fully Furnished 2nd floor 2 BR 2 BA Condo at Ventura Country Club. First, last and $1,000 security. Available March 1, 2015.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on February 4th, 2015 10:25 AM

Did you buy a home in the Orlando area last year?

Now is the time for all buyers who bought a home in Florida last year to apply for the Homestead Exemption to help reduce the amount you pay on your property taxes.

If you purchased your primary residence in 2014, you are eligible for the exemption which can
reduce your taxable value on your home as much as $50,000, saving you approximately $750, annually in property taxes! You may also qualify for additional homestead exemptions if you are over 65 years old or have a disability.

The assessed value of your homestead property cannot increase more than 3% per year or the percent change in the Consumer Price Index. Often, this tax savings can now be transferred to a new Florida residence should you move.

In Florida
you need only apply for the exemption one time, and it will automatically renew each year thereafter as long as the home remains your primary residence. Depending on which county you reside in, you can file online, via fax, regular mail or in person at the Tax Appraiser’s office.

You may file for homestead exemption year round, but the deadline is March 1 to receive the exemption in the same tax year of your filing. Applications received after the deadline will be processed the following year.

To learn more about the Florida Homestead Exemption, Save Our Homes, and other property exemptions, call or visit your local county property appraiser or
see the links to property appraiser’s offices listed below by county.

Orange County

Seminole County

Osceola County

Lake County

Polk County

Volusia County

Posted by Frank Ferrell on January 28th, 2015 10:36 PM
The Orlando housing market overall median price for September was $167,500 (7.4% over September 2013) and a 2.3% increase over last month. Orlando’s overall median price has now recorded year-to-year gains for 39 consecutive months.


Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on October 16th, 2014 10:03 AM
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Listings Photo
$0.00
5555 Canteen Court

Oviedo, FL 32765



Beds: 3 Rooms: 7
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 2036
Garage: 2 Built: 2001
 

For Rent: Aloma Woods in Oviedo, 3/2, 2036 sq.ft. home on cul-de-sac with pond frontage.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on October 5th, 2014 8:07 AM
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$275,000.00
818 Wessex Place

Orlando, FL 32803



Beds: 4 Rooms: 8
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 1536
Garage: 1 Built: 1949
 

Remodeled and move-in ready 4/2, 1,536 sq.ft. home in Orlando Highlands/Lake Como neighborhood, situated on 1/4+ acre lot.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on September 26th, 2014 10:03 AM
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$0.00
1854 GRINNELL TER

Winter Park, FL 32789



Beds: 4 Rooms: 8
Full Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 1556
Garage: 1 Built: 1955
 

For Rent. Heart of Winter Park and one block from Windsong! 4-Bed/1.5 Bath 1,556 SF. Great Winter Park neighborhood and school district. Available July 15.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on September 21st, 2014 10:36 PM
The Orlando housing market overall median price for August was $165,000 (6.5% over August 2013) but a 3.5% decrease from last month. Orlando’s overall median price has now recorded year-to-year gains for 38 consecutive months.

Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on September 15th, 2014 5:26 PM
The latest Orlando housing market activity shows fewer homes selling at higher prices. Although number of sales in July decreased by nearly 14% compared to June, the market continues with increases in median prices. The overall median price for July was $165,000 (9% over July 2013) and 1.5% over last month, continuing 35 consecutive months of year-to-year gains.

Find out how the market is doing in
your neighborhood!


Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on August 18th, 2014 7:02 AM
Staged homes sell 78 percent faster than non-staged homes. Check out the tips in the infographic below for great home staging ideas. To find out more of what we do to get homes for the market, click HousePrep.

 
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on August 4th, 2014 10:40 AM
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Listings Photo
$25,000.00
262 W. Magnolia Street

Apopka, FL 32703



Beds: 0 Rooms: 0
Full Baths: 0 Sq. Ft.: 0
Garage: 0 Built: 0
 

Lot for sale in Apopka. Corner lot .43 acre
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Frank Ferrell
Ferrell Realty, Inc.
4076283200
www.ferrellrealtyinc.com



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Frank Ferrell on August 1st, 2014 6:19 AM

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