Donna Calhoun Realtor

JUST LISTED 🌴 2027 Black Lake Blvd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

🌴Listed for:$1,350,000

OPEN: Saturday & Sunday 11am-1pm
4 Bed | 4 Bath | 4,450 Sq Ft

💫Welcome to 2027 Black Lake Blvd,
a Mediterranean-style Lake home nestled within a secure guard-gated golf community with too many modern day amenities to list. ⛳️ Don't miss your chance to own this quintessential Florida home, where you can wake up everyday to stunning lake views and take a refreshing dip in your private pool.

📲+1（407) 329-6253
📧[email protected]

SL: 3480932

New Listing Price: $1,415,000
16189 JOHNS LAKE OVERLOOK DR, Winter Garden, FL 34787 is a fantastic property with 5 bedrooms and 6.0 bathrooms.
See more here: https://propertiesinorlando.com/d8qy9lg7

This is your sign to STOP ⚠️ using (inaccurate) online mortgage calculators!

They’re a great place to start, but relying on inaccurate (or incomplete) information may cause unnecessary frustration and confusion. It’s not just “interest rate” and “loan balance" that go into an estimate.

Here are just a few reasons why you should contact a trusted lender for an estimate rather than relying on the one you find online:

• Most Mortgage Calculators Assume You’re Putting 20% Down.
Fees/closing costs, and interest rates all change depending on your downpayment, and most buyers don't plan on putting down 20%.

• Most online estimates provide users with a best-case scenario estimate.
This means they don’t factor in every expense. You may have additional closing costs or fees, depending on your loan product, such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, escrow, and prepaids, along with mortgage insurance (if not already paid). You may also be responsible for an HOA or Condo fee. Every lender has different fees depending on loan type, loan term, and many other factors.

• Mortgage Calculators Can’t Predict Your Interest Rate.
Similar to how online calculators assume you’re going to put 20% down, they also automatically populate the best rate available. This is misleading. Your Interest rate will depend on your credit score, loan type / term, and downpayment.

It’s important to have a thorough understanding of what you can expect, this way you can put together a proper strategy to move forward with your dream home.

If you're interested in getting a reliable estimate, message me — I'd love to help!

If you're considering buying. a home, it's important to understand your credit score and credit report, because well, the better your credit score, the better your interest rate.

The two most important factors that determine your credit score, according to major credit scoring companies, are payment history and credit utilization.

✔️ Payment history.
Pay all bills on time! Paying bills late by 30 days or more can affect your scores — and the later you pay, the greater the damage. Pro tip: set up autopay or calendar reminders so you don't miss due dates, or pay all of your bills and credit cards on the 1st of every month. You can also ask creditors to move your due dates so that they better align with when you get paid.

✔️ Credit utilization.
The amount of your credit limit you use, expressed as a percentage, is called credit utilization. Experts recommend using no more than 30% of your available credit.

Other factors that affect your credit score are

• The length of time you have had credit — longer is better.
• The length of time since you last had your credit run or applied for new credit.
• The kinds of credit you have — this includes credit cards, car loans, and mortgages (it's favorable to have a mix).

Have questions about the mortgage process or other factors that influence getting pre-approved? Send me a message — I'd be happy to answer any questions or put you in touch with one of my trusted lenders.

So you're thinking about doing a renovation, but don't have the cash. Don't worry, there are various options to help finance home improvements and renovations!

→ Swipe to learn more about the most common financing options.

Friendly reminder that it is important to plan and know how much money you will need for the renovation. If you're hiring a contractor, get a bid for labor and materials, and add on 10% for surprises. If doing the work yourself, compile materials, quantities, and costs, to get a total. Be sure to include permit fees, and equipment rental.

If you're considering a renovation, I can provide lender recommendations, as well as contractors I trust, to help make your dream home a reality! Message me today with any questions you may have.

My heart skips a beat for every new listing I get. ♥️ Just in case you're stuck on what to get your real estate agent this Valentine's Day — I'd love the gift of helping you sell your home!

As a realtor, helping people find their perfect home is not just my job, it's my passion. I am dedicated to using my expertise and knowledge of the local market to help you sell your home quickly and at the best possible price. So if anyone is thinking of shopping for me this Valentine's Day, just know that all I want is more listings to sell and the opportunity to help more people find their dream home.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨

Discomfort is what happens when we are on the precipice of change. Remember that discomfort is just a sign that you're pushing yourself to new heights and reaching for something you've never had before. Embrace the discomfort and remember that it's a necessary part of the growth process. Without discomfort, we would never challenge ourselves to improve, learn and achieve more.

Big things can only happen when you put yourself out there to make them happen. If you have been waiting for the right moment to do something big, or have been sitting quietly on the sidelines because of the fear of being uncomfortable, it's time to get in the game. Whether it's your job, your relationship or personal life, or even your home, choose to get uncomfortable today in pursuit of something big. So, when you feel uncomfortable, don't shy away from it, embrace it! It's a sign that you're making progress and that you're on the path to something great.

Find comfort in the discomfort, because in the uncomfortable is where growth is achieved.

Realtors know how to sell a home, but sometimes the listing descriptions can be a little...creative. It's important to read between the lines and ask questions. But hey, it's all part of the fun of house hunting! Always make sure to ask your agent to clarify any terms you're unsure of, and to do your own research. Remember, a good realtor will be transparent and honest with you, so don't be afraid to ask!

Are there any terms you've seen in a listing description that have given you a laugh?

As rates have been inching higher, buyers and lenders have been adapting their strategies to help make mortgage payments more manageable.

→ Swipe to see a few strategies for getting the best rate and a payment that works for your budget.

The good news is that last month we saw a slight drop in rates, however, it’s impossible to know with certainty where home prices or mortgage rates will be in the coming months. Unfortunately, there is no way to time the market, but investing in a home to call yours is always a good option. Friendly reminder: when the time is right for you to purchase a home, purchase a home. Don’t let scary headlines or peer pressure influence that. Instead, buy a home when you can afford the payments, regardless of interest rates and home prices.

Want to run the numbers to see what you can afford with our current interest rates, or have other questions about buying? Send me a message, and let's discuss your dream of homeownership.

Who is ready to look and feel their best this year?

At-home workouts are pretty much the way of life now, but I still love the accountability and atmosphere of going to a gym.

Is there a local gym or fitness studio that you love?

Share in the comments — I am always looking to try something new!

As a "modern" real estate agent, I take pride in doing things a little differently than most. I understand that every client's needs are unique, and I strive to provide a personalized service that caters to those needs, and am dedicated to providing an efficient, stress-free, and enjoyable buying or selling experience.

Here is how I add value as a modern agent when you buy or sell with me:

⓵ Top-notch customer service: Providing incredible service is a non-negotiable for me. My ultimate goal is to ensure that my clients are satisfied with my service, and I will go above and beyond to make sure they are.

⓶ Utilization of advanced technologies: I use the latest technologies and tools to better serve my clients and make the process of buying or selling a home a smooth and successful experience. From virtual property tours to digital documents, I use the latest tools to streamline the process and make it more efficient for you.

⓷ Revolutionized Marketing Strategies: I use a combination of techniques designed specifically for each property to get the most exposure. This can include a combination of strategies such as home staging, professional photography & videography to showcase your home's best features, targeting specific demographics through online advertising, unparalleled digital marketing strategies on social media, and a more modern approach to open houses to help generate interest and create a sense of urgency among potential buyers.

⓸ Market expertise: I have a deep understanding of the local market trends, property prices, and neighborhood developments, allowing me to provide you with accurate information and advice on how to price, market, and negotiate the sale or purchase of your home, and help you make informed decisions to ensure that you get the best deal possible.

I want my clients to walk away from closing not just happy they have a new home, but thrilled that they have an agent for life that they know they can always count on.

MONDAY MINDSET ✨

Dream big, but don't forget to match your aspirations with the right mindset. Achieving your goals requires a combination of both. Your aspirations will give you direction and purpose, while the right mindset will give you the determination and perseverance to see them through.

When you think about achieving your goals, do you think of hard work? Action? While these are paramount to becoming successful in reaching our goals, neither is possible without a positive mindset. The idea that achieving our goals comes down to our habits and actions is an idea that is missing a crucial point — that our mindset is, in fact, the determiner of our energy and what actions we take.

Here are a few simple ways you can create a success mindset:

• Eliminate negativity
• Look for the wins and the good every day
• Create a vision
• Stop expecting the worst of people
• Celebrate the little things
• Learn to let stuff go

As humans, we naturally tend to lean towards a negative outlook when it comes to our hopes and dreams, and limiting beliefs either from within ourselves or external forces. When you think of your goal or dream, instead of thinking “what if I fail?” try to instead think “failures happen but that doesn’t mean I won’t be successful.” Remember, it's not just about what you want to achieve, but also about how you approach it.

There’s a lot of power in changing your perspective and controlling your mindset.

Completing your own home improvement projects can be incredibly rewarding, and save a lot of money, not to mention that virtually every kind of repair or renovation is explained in full online, many times with step-by-step videos to go along with it. Although I am all for rolling up my sleeves for a DIY renovation project, there are certain tasks that should be left to the professionals.

→ Swipe to learn about a few situations in which you may want to consider hiring a professional.

In the end, there are far more factors to consider than just saving money, and there is value in knowing your limits. When or if something goes wrong, the best-case scenario is having to pay someone else to come out and fix it, but in the worst cases, it could mean property loss, serious injury, or worse. Protect yourself and your home, and know when to hire a professional to get the job done safely.

Are there any projects that you've regretted taking on?

Thinking of buying a home but don't know where to start? The homebuying process can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be!

I've put together a list of where to start your homebuying journey and a few things you should know before you start looking:

① Find a realtor you trust (and like spending a lot of time with). It's important to work with an agent who can help you navigate the market and find a home that meets your wants and needs. Your agent will be dedicated to finding you the right home and then negotiating all the terms of the transaction on your behalf. Remember — this is the largest investment you will likely ever make, and you want to work with someone you feel comfortable with and trust to guide you throughout the process.

② Find a reputable lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved BEFORE you start your home search is crucial because it helps you get an accurate idea of your budget and what you can afford. A mortgage lender will not only tell you what amount you can borrow, but also your projected monthly payment, your closing costs / downpayment needed, and what to expect throughout the mortgage approval process.

③ Come up with your non-negotiables list. Your agent can help you narrow down your search by having a clear idea of what you are looking for.

④ Start looking at homes! Once your agent has you set up on a search, you will be notified when anything new comes on the market, including any homes that may be "coming soon". From there, you can schedule showings to take a look at any of the homes that pique your interest and prepare to make an offer.

Remember, the homebuying process is a journey, and taking it one step at a time will make it less daunting. If you're thinking about taking the leap into homeownership, send me a message and I will send you a FREE copy of my homebuyer guide.

Reminder! Your monthly homeowner checklist 📋

February is the month of love and what better way to show your home some love than by giving it the care and maintenance it needs? From checking the furnace and changing the filter to deep cleaning your kitchen cabinets, give your home the love and attention it deserves. After all, a well-maintained home is a happy home.

Save this post for later and pick 1 or 2 off the list every weekend to keep your home fresh and functioning at its best! What are you tackling first?

Checking Zillow a hundred times a day isn’t the only way to stay on top of the newest homes hitting the market this year!

If you're constantly scrolling through Zillow, I have a better way. Whether you are "just looking", or thinking of buying six months from now, let me set you up on a search so you can receive an email the second a home that fits your criteria goes live. Send me a message and let's talk about what you're looking for in a home — I'll do the rest.

MONDAY MINDSET ✨

As humans, we have a tendency to hold ourselves to a ridiculously high standard: Perfection. Every moment we mess up is evidence that we are missing the mark.

But what if we flipped this script?

What if, instead of striving toward unrealistic goals, we simply loved our imperfect selves? When we can empathize with ourselves, we can empathize with others.

Embracing your imperfections and letting others see the less-than-perfect parts of you, allows you to connect more deeply — to love others and be loved fully.

Find the ✨ beauty ✨in your imperfections, and remember that you are a work in progress.

→ Swipe for 5 sentences that will change the way you view homeownership (and may prompt you to jump on the homeownership bandwagon!)

If you’re considering selling your home this year, it may be time to weigh all your options. There are two ways that you can sell your home: publicly on the open market (MLS) or privately as an off-market sale.

In simple terms, selling a house off-market means putting your home up for sale without listing it on the MLS (multiple listing service).

Here are a few reasons why you might consider selling off-market:

• Avoid extensive repairs or prep work.
If your home needs a lot of repairs, and you would prefer to sell as-is, selling off-market could be a great option for you. You can potentially attract a buyer / investor who would be willing to buy the property as-is.

• Sell with fewer showings.
By selling off-market, your agent seeks out buyers who are serious and qualified to buy your home. Therefore, there are fewer chances of getting passersby or unqualified buyers who came across your listing online. This may be a great option if you are selling your home as tenant-occupied.

• You want to test the market.
Going off-market allows you to try and sell your home for the price you want, and get an idea of how the market will view your home and how your price point compares against similar homes that are selling. You may also be able to find buyers willing to pay a premium to avoid the competition of an on-market listing.

If you are pressed for time, want to keep your privacy, or don’t have the money to make repairs, then selling off-market may be the best option for you.

On the contrary, not listing on the MLS means you are missing out on a large pool of buyers who frequently scroll through online sites or have a search set up through their agent. Another risk of selling off-market is the likelihood of receiving a lower sold price than if you had advertised on the MLS.

Like with anything, selling your home off-market has its list of pros and cons. If you’re thinking of selling this year, send me a message – I would be happy to review your options!

Renovations have the ability to make us happier in the places we call home, so whether you are thinking about selling this year, or in ten years, I'm here to share the updates that will add the most value to your home.

→ Swipe to see what updates are worth investing in!

The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvement projects (especially if you’re planning to sell soon) is to talk to a real estate agent — that's me! I know the local trends and can give you advice on what upgrades would be best for your home.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨

Success isn't always a linear path. Life is a learning experience and each mistake or failure is a step toward success. Did you know that it took Thomas Edison 10,000 attempts to perfect the light bulb?

The most successful people in the world have failed, often. Struggles and failures can be valuable learning experiences, and help us achieve our end goal, it just might be in a slightly different way than planned.

Every lesson learned, every mistake, is a movement in the right direction.

A new year means a new start on home improvement projects. Whether it's something small like painting a room, or a larger project, such as tackling a bathroom or kitchen renovation, there's almost always something we want to change in our home.

Which of the following home improvements is on your list to take on this year?

If you ever have any questions about repairs, maintenance, and who you use, CALL ME anytime!

Not ready to get married, but ready to buy a home? While buying a house with your significant other can feel like an exciting next step, it’s important to know the laws in your state and dictate how the property is to be handled in the event of separation or death. The first step is to exchange personal finance information, including salaries, debt, and credit scores, so there are no surprises when applying for a mortgage.

Once you’ve created a budget and decided how to split the costs of buying & maintaining the house, you will need to decide how you want the title to be held — sole ownership, joint tenancy, or tenants in common (don’t worry, I’ll explain all three).

① One person can hold the title as "SOLE OWNER"
If you or your partner’s name is the only one on the deed, he or she is the only legal owner. This means that you (or your partner) can sell the home without the other's permission.

② Both people can hold title as “JOINT TENANTS”
This arrangement is suitable when you both own equal shares of the house. The biggest benefit of joint tenancy is that neither can sell the house without the other’s permission.

③ Both of you can share title as “TENANTS IN COMMON”
This is the most common way for unmarried couples to take title. This is because this arrangement allows you both to own an unequal share of the home, and if one person dies, that partner’s share can be left to whomever the person wishes.

Additionally, if you or your significant other have poor credit, your lender may advise you to only put one of you on the loan. It’s important to keep in mind that If you decide to leave one person off the mortgage but both parties are on the deed, the person who is on the mortgage holds the legal responsibility to repay the loan.

New construction versus existing homes. One’s not necessarily better than the other, they're just different. Are you wondering if new construction is the right fit for you and your family? I’ve put together the pros and cons you should consider before building your dream home.

PROS:

• Customizable.
New construction allows you to customize your home to fit YOUR wants and needs, & it's one of the main reasons people decide to go the new construction route. It gives you the chance to design almost every inch of space to meet your needs.

• Brand New.
A new home means everything is brand-spanking-new. When you build or buy new construction, there's no need for updating, and it’s unlikely you’ll have to make costly repairs anytime soon.

• Energy Efficient.
Many new-construction homes use the latest energy-efficient building materials, which means you could save money on energy costs/utility bills.

CONS:

• Cost.
New homes tend to be more expensive not just in list price but in price per square foot as well. On average, it costs around 20% more to have a new home built than to buy an existing one.

• Limited options and hidden costs.
Unless you build a 100% custom home (which can be VERY costly), you may be limited in your design, floor plan, and upgrades/options. You’ll also want to be aware of features not included in the purchase price, especially if you are visiting a model home.

• Timeline.
Many people find buying an existing home is the best option because of the unpredictable home-building timeline. A new build could take anywhere from 4-12 months to complete, which can be a challenge for people who are in temporary housing or need to sell their home before buying.

Whether you buy an existing home or new construction, it’s always a good idea to have an agent on your side to guide you and ask questions you may overlook. Considering building your next home? I'd love to help! Send me a message, and let's put together a plan to get you into your dream home.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is a day to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.⁣ — a man who changed the world as we know it today.

As we strive for equality and unity, let's remember his message of love and peace for all. ♥️

Grateful

So, you feel like it’s time to move, but you keep asking yourself, is now the right time? After all, there’s so much history packed inside those four walls — not to mention all of your stuff. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider making a move this year...

➀ Your home no longer matches your lifestyle.

You’ve grown—but your home hasn’t. Outgrowing a home is a natural progression in life… are you expecting a child or even another relative? Do you feel cramped during the holidays, or wish you had space to entertain? Do you feel like you’re busting at the seams, or need more storage? Or, are you happy with your home, but wish it were in a different neighborhood or area closer to friends or family? Whatever your situation, if your home and/or neighborhood no longer fit your needs, the time is probably right to sell and find a new place that’s a better fit for your lifestyle.

➁ You have some equity in your home.

Having a strong understanding of your financial position will help you understand if it’s a good time for you to sell. As home values have risen over the past two years, most homeowners have built a lot of equity. If your home’s sale price would be enough to pay off your mortgage and related selling costs and give you enough money to afford a new place that would fit your needs, it could be a good time to put your home on the market.

➂ Your home’s upkeep is too much.

It may be time to consider downsizing if your to-do list seems too long, or you no longer use most of the rooms in your house. If you are looking for a more manageable home, or just want to have more freedom (and less house to maintain), you could benefit from selling and downsizing to a smaller place

➃ A remodel or addition won’t raise the value of your home.

You’re considering a renovation or adding an addition, but will it increase your value, or price you out of your current neighborhood? It’s always a good idea to determine your future resale value, even if it's down the road.

There's been a shift in the housing market... the volatility of interest rates has slowed down the market and created increased price sensitivity among many buyers. Paired with the low inventory, many buyers have questioned whether or not this is the year to buy a home. I'm here to tell you that this market is our new normal for the unforeseen future. Experts and economists are expecting interest rates to continue to fluctuate, and the inventory shortage to remain, as a result of the imbalance of supply and demand.

In this ever-evolving market, it's more important than ever to have a knowledgeable agent on your side to help guide you and educate you through the most important transaction of your life. If you're not happy with your current agent, you CAN break up with them. You shouldn't ever feel like you're stuck.

Remember, the media is NOT your local housing market expert. There’s no such thing as the “right” time to buy or sell. So the next time the media's "scare tactics" make you doubt if now is the right time to make a move, send me a message, and let's chat about your specific goals. I always have my finger on the pulse of what is going on in the market, and would love to help you achieve your dream of homeownership this year!