Last month we started a series on why some homeowners turned to short sales due the foreclosure crises that took place during the recent recession. What we had originally planned to run as a once-a-month post is now going to be a series that we finish in July. While short sales are still happening in the market place, the number is decreasing, meaning you need this information now rather than later. 

In this series, we're breaking down the facts on why short selling your home in Central Florida might be necessary. We're giving the basics of what, why, how and when a short sale should be done so you can better understand the process. In part one of the series we answered the number one question, what is a short sale? In part two you learn why you might need to consider a short sale. 

When purchasing your next home, some land or a business, it’s always good to have an idea about the zoning codes, laws and ordinances within your county and city. Specific parcels can appear to be the prime place for usage but looks can sometimes be deceiving.   

Each jurisdiction at the city and county level will have established zoning regulations to help regulate the development and growth of their community’s needs in different areas. Each area may not be contiguously zoned and will more than likely vary in size. Within these zoning codes are a mix of alphabet and number code abbreviations to explain zoning maps. Each locality will have specific designations for zoning categories that don’t necessarily mean the same thing in the next county over so be sure you ask your local REALTOR® for help before proceeding.    

Read the following scenarios to see how “in the zone” you are and how a knowledgeable REALTOR® could have helped: 

To continue with our monthly neighborhood feature, we’ve got another Osceola County favorite—Harmony, Florida.

Harmony is located in rural west Osceola County, right off East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Their motto is, “Where nature calls you home” and their location is just one of the many reasons that motto speaks truth to their lifestyle. It was originally developed in cooperation with the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and it is a Green-certified community by the Florida Green Building Coalition.