The Definitive Guide to Moving to Oviedo, Florida 4 Add comment

Learn about Oviedo, the neighborhoods, schools, get realtor advice, and moving tips. This guide will step you through moving to your new city. Get started with your move below.

ovedio

About Oviedo, Florida

This small city in Seminole County, Florida is right outside Downtown Orlando. You get a very unique history as well as a location near the tourism but quiet enough to escape the mainstream attraction. Even though the population is nearing 40,000, it still continues to grow every year as it's becoming a place where people want to settle down. With that being said, here are some things to know about Oviedo.


Background History

This all started with needing a good post office to transfer letters to and from different places in the area near Lake Jesup. There were some settlers in the 1870s that requested this form of action to happen. A shop-owner named Andrew Aulin went to file paperwork so he can get a post office started in the area. He wanted a unique name that separated himself from the pack in Florida. He ended up being influenced from the city Oviedo in Spain. Also, he liked the way it sounded in the Spanish pronunciation rather than an Americanized version. So the town ended up being called Oviedo (fully incorporated in 1925)

Before this came about, there were new settlers in the area just after the Civil War. Many of them were former slaves and immigrants that came from Europe. At the time, this area was known as Lake Jesup. There was a Native American influence from the Timucua, but little remnants remained in the area after more Europeans settled. The thing that set Oviedo apart from other parts is the fertile land. If you know your history, a lot of Florida was swamped based. Heck, Disney World in Orlando, Florida (not too far from Oviedo) was pretty much a swamp and mosquito land before it was irrigated. Oviedo became known for its celery and citrus boom, which actually was the way it created a stable economy. Although, celery and citrus are no longer a mainstay, you can still find people planting them in their backyards.


Demographics/Schools

The city of Oviedo makes up White, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and a small percentage of Native American. In fact, you can still see and feel the Native American influence when you hike through certain parks near the area. The median age of the place is around 33 years old. It's a good place to raise your kids because there are some good schools in the area, not to mention the University of Central Florida (UCF) is nearby. 50% of children under the age of 18 live in the area, so it's very easy to raise your kids because they will have a ton of companions to actually grow within their more formative years. The area really emphasizes more of a family kind of vibe because there are typically 3 members per household on average.

The schools in the area range from K-12. Also, there is Seminole State College of Florida, located right near Oviedo. It's perfect if you want your kid to not have to worry about any out of state tuition fees and they can commute to and from school easily. UCF is not far away, either. Sometimes, the best commute is through the Toll route. This is a pretty big school with the second largest enrollment in the United States. It's a great school for technology and science. In fact, it provided personnel to support the U.S. Space Program at the Kennedy Space Center. It's in the top 90 schools for public universities by U.S. News & World Report. It continues to build its reputation through science, business administration, digital media, education, and other subjects. There are also some major private schools in the area in case you want your kid to get a more one-on-one education. From St. Luke's Lutheran School (Pre-K to 8th grade) and Tuskawilla Montessori Academy, you'll see that your child gets a well-rounded education.


Great Local Town Pride

There are still some places in historic downtown that show a bit of history in the city. A lot of these structures were built in the 19th and 20th century. For example, the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo, developed in the late 1800s. It continues to flourish in this time and was actually added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2007. You can check out the website of this church to see how active they are in the community and how you can get involved.

Even Oviedo Mall has paintings of old structures and settlers who've traveled the land. This mall has a big theater setting that's very clean and perfect for not running into huge crowds. It's on a single story but is continuing expansion well into 2016. This mall continues to be modernized without sacrificing the historic feel of the place. They are developing new spots like Oviedo on the Park to give great development in the area but still keeps its historical value in check.


Special Events

A Taste of Oviedo is a yearly event thrown in the spring. It's been going on for over 20 years and continues to grow as a great food festival with arts and crafts thrown into the mix as well. One of the most popular events in the festival is the "Citrus & Celery Cook-Off." As stated early, citrus and celery were two of the staple products that allowed Oviedo to sustain a good economy due to the fertile ground. Overall, this event is great for music, food, art, and even entertainment for your kids. It's certainly a weekend event that's expanded to nearly 40,000 guests over the 3-day festival. If you're a vendor, it's highly suggested to register as soon as possible for the next one so you can get all the details to promote your business. It's a great way to build your customer base and brand with other businesses.

Oviedo is a great place with its own culture and way of doing things. Although, it's a city, it does have a nice town vibe to the place that clearly doesn't abandon its roots despite recent new developments. This is one of the best spots to get away from the tourist-like structure of a city such as Orlando but still be in the loop.

Why Move to Oviedo, Florida

Yes, there are other cities and towns in Florida which may be a bit more popular, but Oviedo is a hidden gem. For that point alone, there are many reasons to move to Oviedo. The beautiful scenery, the getaway from the real tourist traps, the fact that you can raise kids in this area and they can go to a reputable school are all good hints to move into the area. Oviedo is continuing to grow rapidly year by year. Additionally, it's becoming more diverse with creating a good bridge between the traditional and the modern style. Here are some good reasons why should move to Oviedo, Florida.


It's a Great Place to Raise Kids

If you're coming from a bigger city or elsewhere, you want a place to raise kids in more tight knit community. Oviedo isn't a small or big city - it's a good size to raise kids. Most families in the area have kids due to it's scale of 3.3 members per household. The schools aren't very far from the home and the grade start at Pre-K to 12. You'll have find that most schools in Oviedo are really good (public and private) and give kids a well-rounded education and encourages creativity as well as athletics. University of Central Florida is located near Oviedo, and continues to build a reputation as a top-notch university especially in technology, science, business, education, etc. You don't have to worry about your child staying at a dormitory or an apartment when they can stay at home. It'll certainly save a lot of money on room and board. However, if they do want to venture to an apartment, it'll be more cost effective to a dorm. Kennedy Space Center isn't too far from the area either, so it's a good idea to get them an internship in case there's any programs they are interested in before and after college.


Housing is Relatively Affordable

Real estate is pretty good in the area. If you are looking to buy or sell property, you should win on both fronts. Of course, there are particular areas like Brighton Park, Preserve at Black Hammock, and Cardinal Glen, which are more gated community based homes. The costs can range from $300,000 to $500,000. However, there are other places like Aloma Woods and Carillon that range from $160,000 to $270,000 starting out. A lot of the neighborhoods are close to elementary, middle, and high schools. Also, they feature great playgrounds and even a community swimming pool/volleyball court. This way your child doesn't have to go well out of his way to get some great exercise outdoors. Also, it's a good meeting ground to build friendships with kids in the neighborhood.

These areas promote safety especially the gated communities because you have to be buzzed in to even get through the gate. Raising your family in a safe community is very important because you want to ensure you are protected. Also, it feels better to be in a more private sector because you can get to know the neighbors more personality in a more tight-knit space. Think about this before you decide to move anywhere.


A Taste of Down South Home Cooking Mixed with Asian Culture

Of course, you can expect some Southern style foods (it's Florida), but you won't necessarily expect exotic areas that fuse Japanese and Korean tastes together. If you're tired of cooking for an afternoon, there are some great restaurants in the Oviedo area that won't charge you an arm and a leg. However, you can experience some unique things that not too many states have in place. This is more of the modern feel of the town.

One restaurant you should spending an evening in is the Sushi Pop Restaurant of Oviedo. You can expect cold seafood dishes like sushi, hamachi, and tataki. However, they also make great hot dishes like udon noodles, ravioli, pepper steak, etc. The dessert menu is also a hit with Chinese style apple fritters, and even a dirty south inspired dessert with Japanese style sweet potato bread pudding that's sure to put your stomach in a whole other level of satisfaction. You can watch some good anime or Japanese/K-pop sitcoms while you enjoy your evening meal.


Random Adventures in the Local Area

Have you ever wanted to ride an airboat out while eating gator and sipping a drink? Well, you can check out Black Hammock Adventures for a great evening of fun on the water. The menu has your typical barbecue friendly meals, but it has the delicacy of Florida (fresh gator). There's a fully stocked bar at the restaurant where you can check out local bands in the area or other events. If you just moved to the area, this is a good place to take a few friends to enjoy a bit of the local culture.

Additionally, you can attend "A Taste of Oviedo" each year to get a small bite of all the different restaurants in the area. If you're creative with celery and citrus, it's a good idea to join the cook-off. Maybe you can make a mean chili using some fresh oranges and good celery you've grown right in your backyard. This is tradition that's gone on since 1995 and continues to grow rapidly.


Orlando is Close By

Even though you are a bit away from all the tourist events, you can still go to places like Universal Studios, DisneyWorld, and SeaWorld because they are right in your backyard. You won't have to take a huge family trip and drive so many hours down south when it's literally less than an hour away. Maybe you have some friends and family in town and they've never had the opportunity to go these places. It's a great weekend treat and you'll have a lot of fun. Also, you won't be too tired to make the trip back after your day is done.


Moving to Oviedo can be a great thing for your family and your career. With gated communities and nice homes, you'll feel much more comfortable living in your new spot. Take a look at what Oviedo has to offer and you'll see why this growing city is becoming a prime place to inhabit.

Oviedo Neighborhoods

The Oviedo area is a solid place for schools, real estate, and just overall a great spot to raise children. It's primarily a safe city that's not too far away from your main attractions in Orlando. If you are planning a move to the area, there are some great neighborhoods to buy your home. You'll get a small listing below of some of the premiere areas in this city. Don't worry about falling into a tourist attraction when you can live a bit away from the circus. Here are 10 neighborhoods for your choosing.

Aloma Woods

This partially gated community is a convenience for any worker out there especially ones that have employment near the University of Central Florida. There are 200+ homes in the area ranging from prices $160,000-$425,000 in the estates section. There's a great community vibe with a pool available for residents in Phase 1 and 2. Aloma Woods is conveniently located near the 417 beltway in case you need to go Downtown Orlando.

Here are some key things you need to know about the area:

Years Home Built in the Area: 1995-2004
Distance to Downtown Orlando: 20 minutes via (417) toll
Association Fees Per Year: Range from $320-$680 (upscale)
Schools: Evans Elementary (ES), Tuscawilla Middle School (MS), Lake Howell High School (HS)

Overall, this custom home development has turned into a partially gated community located to major transportation hubs and job centers. It's a good community that's close to all of your major needs.

Bentley Woods

This area is mainly a Centex-built subdivision located on the north side of Oviedo. It's more of a comfortable area because there are only 200+ homes and they range from $250,000 to $375,000. It's close to the Cross Seminole trail, which is perfect for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian purposes. Additionally, there are parks around the area for you to hike at in case you want to get a bit out of the neighborhood. This is certainly a treat you'll get living in the area to reduce your stress or take a bit of a breather. If you plan on living in the area, here are a few items you should know:

Schools in the area: Lawton (ES), Jackson Heights (MS), Oviedo (HS)
Year Homes Built in the Area: 1990-1995
Time Taken to Get to Orlando from Oviedo: 20 minutes away
Association Fees Need to be Paid Per Year: $250

Overall, a good neighborhood with medium priced homes and pools as a treat. It's a good area to relax and you aren't too far away from Orlando in case you want to go to some of the main attractions.

Brighton Park

This is one of the more upscale portions of Oviedo with a bunch of amenities for your entertainment. There are 300 custom homes in this area and the cost ranges from $325,000 to $425,000. This is the perfect area to raise your kids because the schools are good. In fact, Brighton Park is just north of the University of Central Florida (UCF). This is perfect if you want to save money and your kid can stay close to home by commuting. A lot of the lots in the area have a greenbelt feel, so you can expect tennis courts, volleyball courts, etc. It's an excellent way to stay in shape without leaving too far away from your home to go to a gym. Additionally, the job centers are nice ranging from UCF, Central Florida Research Park, Lockheed Martin, and Westinghouse.

Before you move into the area, here are a few things you should know:

Year Homes Built in the Area: 1990-1998
Time Taken to Get to Orlando from Oviedo: 20 minutes away
Schools in the area: Carillon (ES), Jackson Heights (MS), Hagerty (HS)
Association Fees Paid Per Year: $576

Overall, this is a great area that's a bit upscale. You have good schools located within walking distance, UCF just south of the area, and the community has great tennis and volleyball courts for your kids to stay in shape.

Cardinal Glen

This area is features a gated community lot with 40 lots and custom homes in the price range of $350,000 to half a million dollars. Some of the key places this spot is close to include the following: Oviedo, work centers in the northeast section,Central Florida's research park, and more. This is the kind of area that's not necessarily illusive, but you wouldn't find unless you actually do a search on it. In other words, it's definitely a good cut off from your normal neighborhood. It's a bit further off from your normal Oviedo neighborhood, which means schools can seem a little bit distant (yet not far) away.

Here are a few key elements you should know before moving into the area:

Association Fees Per Year: $1,060
Schools in the Area: Rainbow (ES), Tuscawilla (MS), Lake Howell (HS)
Years Home Built in the Community: 1996-2000
Time it Takes to Get to Orlando Area: About 20 minutes

If you want to feel safe in a gated community that's convenient to jobs and Orlando, this is a good ground to move to. There are custom homes in this particular subdivision and you have great things available within a manageable range.

Carillon

This is a bit of a neighborhood conglomerate in the sense it holds several subdivisions together such as: Brighton Park, Hunter's Stand, Redbridge, Westhampton, etc. There are 800 homes within the subdivisions ranging in price from $275,000 to $500,000. One of the perks to living in this area is how close residents are to northeast employment centers and transportation arteries. Residents can also enjoy tennis ball courts, tot lot playgrounds, community ball fields, and more without having to go to a particular gym or elsewhere. It's certainly convenient to have access to all of these amenities within the community.

Some information to know before moving into the area:

Association Fees Due Per Year: $576
Schools in the Area: Carillon (ES), Jackson Heights (MS), Hagerty(HS)
Years Home Built in the Area: 1990-2000
Distance Taken to Get to Orlando: 20 minutes

This is a very diverse spot ranging from more affordable homes to the more upscale. You have a choice between semi or fully gated communities within the subdivisions. With great schools, playgrounds, tennis courts, and even community pools, it's a great spot to retire or raise your children.

Chapman Lakes

This is a spot located off of Chapman Road (close to Alafaya Trail and Aloma Ave.). It's a gated subdivision with just around 101 homes in the price range of $300,000 to $500,000. The homes are built with quality materials and you'll certainly enjoy the convenience of being near northeastern employment centers. Not to mention, there are good schools in the area and a big playground for your kids. Your kids can grow up in an environment that's safe and not have to venture too far off to entertain themselves, which saves you the trouble of worrying about where they are going to play.

Here are some details to know about the general area before you make any purchase decisions:

Association Fees Per Year: $1,400
Schools in the Area: Evans (ES), Jackson Heights (MS), Oviedo (HS)
Time Taken to Get to Orlando from Oviedo: Roughly 25 minutes
Year Homes Built in the Area: 1997-2001

With employment centers near the area and good schools, this is a great place to raise a family. Also, your younger kids have a playground in the community, so they can keep entertained and make new friends.

Lafayette Forest

This 92 custom home lot just north of Red Bug Lake Rd is a subdivision ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. This is a spot that screams convenient for a few reasons: it's close to Oviedo Mall, the Greeneway, and northeastern employment centers. You aren't too far from any schools and you can start your weekend off right by going to the local mall.

Here are a few details to know about before you move into the area:

Year Homes Built in the Area: 1987-1990
How Long it Takes to Get to Orlando: About 25 minutes
Association Fees Per Year: $150
Schools in the Area: Rainbow (ES), Indian Trails (MS), Oviedo (HS)

This is a very convenient area to live in due to the close proximity to the mall, different employment places, great schools, and it's not too far from Orlando.

Preserve at Black Hammock

This has a unique and country feel to the place. There are 70 homes in this gated area ranging from prices $325,000-$550,000. The residents can take part in their local playground (perfect for children and a great place to enjoy the fresh air) and a gazebo. It's a safe area due to the electronic gate entry, so it's a bit of extra security in case of any problems. Also, it gives your visitors a chance to announce themselves before they come over. There's comfort in stability. This is a relatively new community due to the homes stemming from a custom feel. You'll notice the architect having nuances of old and new.

Here are a few details regarding the area:

Schools: Geneva(ES), Jackson Heights(MS), Oviedo (HS)
Year Homes Built in the Area: 2007-2011
Time Taken to Get to Orlando from Oviedo: Around 25 minutes
Association Fees Per Year: $1,200

This is a great area not only because it's gated with extra security, but it has a homely feel due to the country kind of vibe. The gazebo makes it personal especially on evenings you want to spend with family. The playground is a nice touch for your kids in the area. Also, it's a good place for your children's education.

Remington Park

What started as a custom home subdivision has grown into a place of 230 homes in the price range of $270,000 to $400,000. This has a very relaxing kind of vibe to it because there's a lakefront with good fishing available, basketball, playground and tennis. This community is perfect for great spring and summer days, and you don't have to go to a gym to really get a good workout. It's a beautiful area that allows you to relax and take up some great recreation. You don't have to travel 20 minutes outside of your area for entertainment. Additionally, it's close to UCF, Research Park, and Siemens-Warehouse.

Schools in the Area: Evans (ES), Jackson Heights (MS), Hagerty (HS)
Years Home Built in the Area: 1987-1996
Travel Time from Oviedo to Orlando: About 25 minutes
Association Fees Per Year: $460

This place is great to raise kids or retire. There are great amenities available to relax from fishing, basketball, and tennis. Also, it's not too far from Downtown Orlando area if you're into more mainstream attractions.

River Walk

This is actually a pretty unique community that has the upscale gated community of only 124 homes, but it's close to a college town. The homes in this area range from $300,000 to $600,000. It's a great private sector in which residents have access to great tennis courts, playground for kids, and a private park. This makes things absolutely perfect for the spring and summer time. Not to mention, the Econlockhatchee River is close by so you can get a nice walk and take in some nice scenery. Very good for relieving stress or getting some fresh air before your day starts. There are different employment centers including UCF and Central Florida Research Park.

Here are a few details to help you make a better decision in buying a property in the area:

Association Fees Due Per Year: $950/yr
Years the Home Were Built: 1987-1996
Schools in the Area: Evans (ES), Jackson Heights (MS), Hagerty (HS)
Time Taken to get to Orlando: About 25 minutes

This is a nice wooded area that has that private feel a lot of residents can enjoy. One thing to note is there's a college town nearby. It would be the perfect place to raise your kids and let them commute to school.

Oviedo Schools

Lawton Elementary School

151 Graham Avenue,Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 320-6350
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 3 92% 83%
Grade 4 84% 87%
Grade 5 87% 85%

Evans Elementary

100 East Chapman Road, Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 320-9850
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 3 77% 74%
Grade 4 86% 84%
Grade 5 78% 80%

Carillon Elementary

3200 Lockwood Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 320-4650
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 3 76% 80%
Grade 4 83% 78%
Grade 5 77% 82%

Stenstrom Elementary

1800 Alafaya Woods Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 320-2450
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 3 74% 71%
Grade 4 74% 82%
Grade 5 79% 84%

Partin Elementary

1500 Twin Rivers Boulevard Oviedo, FL 32766
Website
(407) 320-4850
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 10/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 3 78% 83%
Grade 4 78% 82%
Grade 5 88% 88%

Jackson Heights Middle School

41 Academy Avenue Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 320-4550
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 10/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 6 72% 78%
Grade 7 80% 79%
Grade 8 80% 79%

Chiles Middle School

1240 Sanctuary Drive Oviedo, FL 32766
Website
(407) 871-7050
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 10/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 6 79% 82%
Grade 7 83% 75%
Grade 8 81% 81%

Oviedo High School

601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 320-4050
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 9 - 72%
Grade 10 92% 74%

Hagerty High School

3225 Lockwood Boulevard Oviedo, FL 32765
Website
(407) 871-0750
Facebook
GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
GreatSchools Profile

2014 Test Scores Math Reading
Grade 9 - 76%
Grade 10 - 76%

Realtor Advice

1. Ben Simanton – The Simanton Group at RE/MAX Optima

If you are moving to Oviedo and have the opportunity to visit I recommend touring the town with your Realtor. Someone that lives and works in the area. There is a certain "hometown" feel to Oviedo that is hard to explain until you are here. If you are too far away for that the city's website is also a great resource www.cityofoviedo.net. Also, I have found that all of our local elected officials as well as our school administrators are very open to spending time with you on the phone. Answering any questions you may have about Oviedo!

Best Tips to Finding the Perfect Realtor

Finding a good realtor is crucial to getting a good home. A realtor should be trustworthy, fair, and know the general market. It's important to also be on your Ps and Qs so you don't get mixed with the wrong person. You should think about the kind of home you're trying to buy or rent, the neighborhood you want to live in, and other things that take precedent before moving all together. It's a tough decision that takes time and you want someone who can guide you through the process. Here are some tips to finding the perfect realtor.


Do a General Background Check on the Realtor

Make sure you do your research before anything. If you have a realtor in the area that you want to do business with, you should certainly check online. Whether it's a site like Redfin, Realtor or Keller Williams, you should see the type of reputation this person's built. See how many houses were closed recently. Then you can take a look at customer reviews. Was the process easy? Did the realtor do his job at an optimal level? The experience is very important because you can deal with a great realtor, but it doesn't mean that you'll actually mesh in the right way.

If you see the realtor has only been around for a few months, it might not be a good idea because he's still green to the business. You want someone who's at least been a realtor for a few years to know how to navigate treacherous waters in case things may come up. It never hurts to see any local realtors because you might be able to meet on numerous occasions outside of just the office or working place. Keep this in mind when you are doing your preliminary search on a realtor.


Open Houses Are a Great Place to Find Realtors

One of the main purposes of an open house is to see any properties you're interested in and maybe set up a deal. However, the end result is usually the lost leader because most don't intend to buy the property spot on. This can be a great way to search for a realtor because they are already hot and heavy in the market. You'll find a great realtor or someone who can point you to a realtor in case you want to buy or sell a home. Of course, you can always find the home you want just by doing research online.

However, human connection is something that's tangible and real. Sometimes, you'll get the better deal just by speaking to someone in person. It's here you'll get to know the personality, the charm, and the genuineness of the person you may be dealing with a future home purchase or sale. Even if this house is not particularly your style, you may find something in the neighborhood that suits your needs. Don't underestimate the power of an open house.


Get a Family Member or Close Friend to Refer You to a Realtor

There's nothing like someone close to you having a positive experience with a realtor. While searching online for different stats and listings is a great thing, nothing compares to the in-person connection with someone whom you have potential business dealings. Just like your friend or relative would recommend a movie or a product, you should take this the same way. Usually, if they had a good experience with the realtor, you'll have the same outcome.

Besides, a good business person never wants his reputation tarnished from an unfavorable experience. They want as many good references as possible to amp their business. Also, this is an early way to know how this person operates. If your friend or relative can trust this person, 9 times out of 10 - you can as well. That's a sense of relief from all of the realtors who may have ulterior motives to get you to buy or sell a property that's not in your best interest. Ask your friend or relative about their experience with the realtor and any questions you should bring up in your meetup. This will help you be more prepared with meeting the realtor in-person.


It's a Good Idea to Ensure the Realtor is Licensed

You never want to run into a situation where you end up meeting a fraud who's out to take your money. You can look up different listings to see if particular realtors are authorized to buy and sell property. All of the information should be posted online regardless of the agency they represent. One of the main reasons why you should hire a realtor is they follow a certain code of ethics your typical agent won't.

Their primarily obligation is to protect their client. Within this obligation, the following things must be abided:

Realtors are responsible for not misleading the owner as to market value of a particular home. They need to submit offers and counter-offers as quickly as possible. They must also ensure they don't disclose confidential information even after the deal is done. There's a certain privacy agreement that must be followed accordingly. Also, realtors need to ensure everything about the property is stated even from damages. There should be no omission or exaggeration of important facts regarding the property.

With these things in place, you'll find it much easier to hire a reputable realtor.


Attend Different Seminars For Buying or Selling a Home

One of the most important things in any topic is knowledge. You can check online, newspapers, or radio to find any open seminars that can teach you about the housing market. See if there are any reputable realtors who will speak on the topic. This will let you get a good background on the realtors in your area. You'll be able to go to their profiles online and see the rate of success they've had in the real estate business. This is before you even attend the seminar.

When you actually go to the seminar, list a few realtors with whom you would like to either buy or sell from down the line. This kind of information is crucial because you can get their contact information, speak with them and get a gauge of how they act in-person. Maybe you have one realtor per area you intend to move. You can get some good insights and background right there before you do your first true meeting to check out a home. This is your time to ask questions, take notes, and write information on anything related to the topic. Building familiarity is key to developing a successful relationship with a realtor. It's always a good idea to attend a few of these to get an inside look into the market.


Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Remember, it's about buying or selling a home at the end of the day. You need to be absolutely thorough with the kinds of questions you ask to help you make progress in your recent engagement. From the jump, you should ask are you a full-time realtor and how long you've been practicing? There are a lot of part time realtors in the market, but you may need some undivided attention from an expert. That's why it's necessary for you to know from the start where their passion lies. Also, you want to know how they build their business. If it comes from mainly referrals, this means they've built up a solid reputation and other people can vouch for their services.

Another key is the length of time before each sale or buy. Time is something you can't get back and you want to make sure the process of buying or selling a property is as seamless as possible. If you find a realtor takes a long time for the process to go through, you may need to reconsider your choice. Sometimes, you don't have the convenience of waiting around for a sale or buy when you have things you need in order. Also, this might pose some questions in the way the realtor does business.


Any Qualifications You Must Know Before Acting

All realtors have some preliminary knowledge on the general landscape of real estate. For example, if there's a particular house you're going to buy - what's the average mortgage you might have to pay. Are there any damages that need to be fixed before you can actually move in the house? What are some codes you have to abide by before signing the final dotted line. These are all things you need to think about before moving in the home.

The realtor should also point you to go sources to help this process move faster. For example, let's say you were getting a federal loan to buy the home, you need your house to follow certain utility requirements. Then it needs to get appraised and reappraised to ensure it's liveable. A good realtor may be able to find the right people who can ensure your home is rehabilitated to the current standard. It can get quite pricey, but it also raises the market value of your home. Also, the realtor may know of the association fees such as protecting your house from torrential snow storm or other small things that come with living in a particular territory.

This makes the process of closing or selling so much easier. These are a few key things you should consider before you decide to hire the realtor throughout the buying and selling period of the property.


What Kind of Market The Housing Environment Plays

A good realtor can tell you what you should look for in the market due to trends. In certain times during the market, rates can fluctuate either up or down. Also, it depends on the time you intend to purchase the home. It might be a good idea to see the listings of the home as well as research on your own what seems fair for a buy in your market. A good realtor will not take advantage of you in any market you choose to buy or sell.

For example, if he knows that the market rates are up, that may affect the purchase decision. He should be upfront and tell you that the rates are high in the market, but this means that you'll take less longer to pay off the mortgage. Also, if the rates are low, he'll tell you that it's a good time to buy because you won't have to pay so much interest on your mortgage. These are little tricks you should always look out for.

When rates are high, it's also a good time to sell your property because you'll get a higher price for the property. Likewise, if it's low, you may not make the most profit on the home you sell. Of course, you should know some of this information yourself, but they can give you an extra valuable opinion on any moves you intend to make soon.


Where Does Your Realtor Live

This is absolutely crucial because a realtor that lives relatively close to the home you intend to buy or sell, has a lot more clout than an outsider. This means they've lived in the area for some time to know how to gauge when the market goes up and down. Also, they may have information both on a selling or buying tip that could make your next transaction most effective. They know how things operate and won't beat around the bush.

Also, it'll be a lot easier to stay in contact. If there's any emergency meeting or something that needs to be discussed in person, they aren't too far away. There's a certain level of convenience having a realtor close to the area of the property. You can build more of a personal relationship which exceeds just a business transaction.

These are just a few tips to help you make a great choice in finding a perfect realtor. Use this guide as a basic outline to help you sell or buy a home.

Tips to Help Make Moving Easier

The moving process can be quite long and tedious. Of course, you're moving into a brand new place and you have to tug along a lot of valuables and things that can't be replaced. However, you should never move at the last minute. You should make sure that you are prepared for this journey because it does take time to get things together. With a little help, preparation, and planning, this will be a lot easier done. Take a look below for some good tips to make this process more feasible. We will break this down in a matter of 8 weeks.

First Week

  • First of all, you should decide on a good moving company to work with as you begin the process of finding out how to move your stuff to another area.
  • Find a reputable company and learn the insurance policy they will have on your items. In a worst case scenario, something may need to be replaced or fixed due to damages.
  • Be clear to also set up new accounts in case you move out of state or further at least an hour or so away. Don't wait until the last minute.

Second Week-Third Week

  • Use this time to compare different estimates between moving companies. See what kinds of fees you'll have to pay and learn the price scales.
  • Put this important information in a folder that's visible and you can get to most easily. From that point, it's a good idea to go through your closets and see what items you don't need. This can be your first look into what you can sell or donate to charity.
  • Having well kempt clothing items can be a great tax write-off especially if you have a keen amount of items. This will help reduce clutter and make the moving process so much easier from the start.
  • It's also a good idea to learn the schools in the area you plan to move and start getting to know the school and how you can transfer your student there. It's a good idea to move during the summer time before the school year starts. This will complicate things much less.
  • Please be sure to go through your attic and basement where you find items you don't use very much. See if they are still of any use and also label them seasonal and miscellaneous items. In most cases, you'll have a mix between useless items and items that actually mean something. Do this in the beginning because it can really slow down the moving process as the weeks go by.

Fourth Week

  • Start clearing out your fridge for unwanted items. In the last month of living in your home, you should keep grocery shopping to a bare minimum. You should honestly focus on eating the last food items that are still good so you won't have to worry about a huge clean up job in your kitchen.
  • Send your friends an email regarding where you'll move and maybe even a move-out party to get them to help you make that transition.
  • Get all of your moving supplies together like boxes, tape, scissors, labels, and more to make things organized. It's a good idea to create an inventory list so you can keep track of all your items. Plus, it's not a bad idea to have special color coded strips or markers so you know what items belong in a certain place. You don't want anything to fall behind.
  • Start creating a schedule section by section of packing things. You'll get through packing one room or section at a time more efficiently.

Fifth Week

  • Make sure you fill out a change of address form with your postal service to set a date where the mail transfers to your new address. You can do this online at your convenience.
  • Be clear to ensure all the proper paperwork is put together for the moving service you intend to use.
  • Change the address for all the businesses/services you use that require a mailing service.
  • It's a good idea to set some vacation time for the last week or so before your move. This will make things less stressful as you begin to make the final transfers to your new home.

Sixth Week

  • If you have any newspaper deliveries, change them to your new address.
  • It's a good idea to pack up all of your important paperwork, jewelry, and small items in a special box. Please be sure to take photos or videos of these items.
  • If you have any furniture you plan to move, take a picture of all the damages to its current state. That way you can be covered in case any damages occur with the moving company you intend to use.
  • With the small items, you might want to put that in the car with you or have them specially shipped to the destination. You never know who you can trust with your special items. Always have that in mind before you begin the move into the new home.

Seventh Week

  • Keep moving all your items out in an orderly fashion.
  • Be clear in getting the final agreements together with the moving company to transport your stuff.
  • If you have any appliances like freezers or anything, unplug them and clean them out thoroughly.
  • Get your prescriptions filled if you have any medication. You won't have too much time to go to the store in your last couple of weeks at the place.

Eighth Week

  • Unplug all utilities in the home the day after you move out.
  • Make sure all items are packed and any items you don't want you should throw out or donate.
  • It's wise to pack a suitcase for a few weeks of clean clothes so you can actually unpack a lot of your things once you get to the new home.
  • When you have cleared everything out and moved the stuff in the home, go ahead and go back to the old place for any additional cleaning needed. By then, the spot will be absolutely ready for the new homeowners.
  • Take your last few moments to reminisce on old times as you go back to move into your new place.

Comments 4 Add comment

Lorraine Easter
May 05, 2018

I am moving from NH to Oviedo in 3 1/2 wks May 28, 2018....am excited....how many hurricanes actually happen a year...I don't own a home, I will be renting....

Benjamin Simanton
Apr 11, 2016

I would also look up the Oviedo Parks and Recreation website, especially Oviedo on the Park! http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/1465 http://www.cityofoviedo.net/node/2014

Mike Summers
Mar 25, 2016

This is great, I am thinking about moving to Oviedo. I am from Chicago and my job is moving me to Orlando. I heard the schools were great in Oviedo. Do have you have recommendation the best neighborhood? My budget is $400,000

James
Mar 25, 2016

Thanks for providing this guide