Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

I was just reading an article about foreign buyers literally invading the US to buy homes and I thought you’d like to see it if you haven’t already. It’s written by Steve Cook of Real Estate Economy Watch:

The number of American homes bought by foreign nationals has nearly doubled in the past year as falling property values and record numbers of distress sales encouraged immigrants and foreign investors to take advantage of affordable prices. With home purchases by American citizens plummeting in the wake of the tax credit, foreigners are now poised to gain an even larger ownership share of US properties.

Foreign purchases accounted for about four and a half percent of all USA sales between April 2009 and April 2010, according to a new study by the National Association of Realtors. For the twelve months ending April 2010, foreign purchases of U.S. residences totaled $64 billion. This is almost twice the $36 billion in foreign transactions that took place during the twelve months ending April 2009. The percent of dollar volume represented by foreign transactions increased from 4.3% in 2009 to 7.1% in 2010.

About half of foreign bought properties were purchased as primary residences, and the rest as vacation homes and investment properties.  Most bought properties in suburban locales and cities. Only 14 percent of foreign buyers bought in resort areas. Two factors important to international clients when purchasing property in the U.S. are proximity to their home country and the convenience of air transportation. Florida typically attracts European, Canadian and South American buyers while the East Coast draws Europeans. The West Coast brings Asian buyers and the Southwest attracts Mexicans.

The link to the original article is here.

It’s an interesting read and while it somewhat reflects what is happening here in Central Florida, the availability of money for loans and mortgages remains grim. Cash buyers are scoring some great deals at the moment and I expect that trend to continue for quite a while yet.

In my book “What You Must Know About Buying Your Vacation Home” I talk about why vacation properties are still great investments and it’s absolutely true about residential property still being a good way to build wealth providing you buy right.

The one thing I find  interesting is that most lenders have stopped lending to foreign nationals yet they still continue to buy in some volume. Imagine what might happen if one or two of lenders decided to lend again to foreigners instead of retreating into their Government sponsored safe hole. Maybe, just maybe, we’d see more distressed real estate purchased and that would then help values go up and the economy to recover faster? Just a thought.

Perhaps it was expecting too much with so much at stake but the World Cup Final was a disappointment. Niggling foul after niggling foul left us all disappointed and referee Howard Webb a very busy man. It seemed right from the outset that neither team was going to allow the other to play and it seemed a game where one opponent had a score to settle against another. In all 14 players ended up in the book including the second yellow and red card to Dutchman Heitinga and you really couldn’t complain at any of them.

It was such a shame that a final that promised so much ultimately degenerated into a war zone and that the assaults on opponents outweighed the chances either side created.  In the end Spainish midfielder Andres Iniesta’s nerveless finish in extra time delivered the knockout blow to the Netherlands and the bruising final ended in a 1-0 win and a first World Cup triumph for the Spanish.

To be honest, there’s not much else to say. So I won’t.

Well, it all comes to an end tomorrow… the month long soccer festival known as the World Cup has its final and it promises to be a mouthwatering match as Holland take on Spain. Neither team has won the cup before so we are assured of a new winner. For Spain this is their first final while the Dutch have been here before and lost on both previous occasions.

In 1974, a fantastic Holland side lost to Germany. It was a travesty. The side was coached by Rinus Michels, who pioneered “Total Football” at Ajax Amsterdam in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Johan Cruyff was part of that side and the duo teamed up again in 74 to lead the Dutch World Cup campaign in Germany. They played some fantastic football….fantasy football in a way,  and marched on to the final. It started well for them as Wolverhampton referee Jack Taylor gave the Dutch a penalty just seconds into the game,  as Cruyff was unfairly tackled and the fabulous Neeskens converted before the Germans even had chance to touch the ball. Unfortunately the Netherlands couldn’t hold onto the lead and the Germans came back to win 2-1.

Four years later, the World Cup was held in Argentina. It was a ticker tape affair as mountains of paper floated down to the pitch before every game but it didn’t stop the Dutch marching to the final where they met the hosts. The game ended up going to extra time after Mario Kempes had given Argentina the lead in the first half and Dick Nannings equalized on the 82nd minute mark. It ended up with a 3-1 scoreline favoring Argentina after the extra 30 minutes play.

So, the Dutch will be hoping for third time lucky. Unfortunately, it seems fate is conspiring against them, as an Octopus named Paul, of all things, has predicted a Spanish win. You may mock and laugh at the idea but so far the octopus has correctly predicted 6 games on the run.

The only real issue once the final is done is…what on earth am I going to do now? I suppose a return to normal work is called for… anyone know if there’s a tiddlywinks contest going on somewhere?

It took a little extra time thanks to a 90 minute rain delay and a 20 minute red flag for a 20 car crash, but Kevin Harvick was able to survive a wild NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 for victory around midnight last night at Daytona International Speedway.

Nineteen cars were involved in a late-lap wreck but Harvick held off Kasey Kahne on a green-white-checkered finish in to win by .092 seconds to score his fifth win at Daytona and his second of the season.

“This has been a great place for us,” said Harvick, who also became the eighth driver to win the race from the pole at Daytona.

“Daytona has been one of those magical places for us since we started coming here,” added Harvick who became the last driver to win on the current asphalt. Daytona International Speedway will be repaved for only the second time in history beginning Monday, July 5. “I don’t really care about the trophy. I want some of that pavement from the start/finish line out there. This is pretty cool.”

Rounding out the top five were Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Burton.

Happy 4th July !

It’s Independence Day and today, families will come together for good food and fellowship, folks will dress in red, white and blue, and all Americans will proudly wave their national flag and let off fireworks to celebrate their freedom.

Today is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress way back on July 4, 1776. The day they announced to the world that the 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain.

It’s a day all Americans look forward to as they consume over 150 million hot dogs and spend over $211 million on fireworks.

Here at Florida Leisure Vacation Homes we wish everyone a HAPPY & SAFE 4th July.

My new book, “What You Need To Know About Renting A Vacation Home“, should be appearing on Amazon.com and at other leading book sellers any day now. It was officially released yesterday and it goes into depth about how you can protect yourself when renting a vacation home. It covers hot topics like renting a vacation home directly from an owner and has several checklists to make sure you get that perfect vacation home for your next break.

The book comes out hot on the heals of two other books I’ve authored this year “What You Must Know About Buying Your Vacation Home” and “5 Big Mistakes To Avoid When Selecting A Property Management Company.”

After rave reviews from Disneyland, the classic 3-D film experience “Captain EO”  is returning  to Walt Disney World  this summer.  The 17-minute musical space-fantasy adventure film is scheduled to start at Epcot on July 2.

“Captain EO” saw its original run at Epcot from 1986 -1994, so this will be a new experience for many visitors. The film features Michael Jackson as “Captain EO” and a crew of Disney-created space characters. During their journey, the group uses the power of dance, light and music to turn a colorless planet into a world of color and happiness.

Visiting Orlando or Central Florida in July? It’s a wonderful month to be in Florida as there’s so much to do. Apart from everything going on at Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Orlando there’s all kinds of other events happening to capture your interest. Here’s a look at some of them:

1st July – 1st Thursdays.

The Orlando Museum of Art has a themed happy hour on the first Thursday of each month and July is no exception. There is an admission charge and the museum is open from 6pm – 9pm. Listen to the jazz and classical sounds of the Brian Petras Trio while enjoying tasty bistro fare from Harmoni Market, a handcrafted beer from Shipyard and Seadog Brewing Co. or wine poured by Premier Beverage Co, which will be available for purchase throughout the evening.For more info: 407-896-4231

2nd July – Rockin Lake Eola

There’s no admission fee to enjoy live music, great food, and cold drinks (don’t forget your ID) every Friday 3 – 11pm till Sept. 3, 2010 at Lake Eola.
More info: 330-653-8130

3rd July – Party in the Park

Bring your lawn chair or blanket to a fun filled afternoon of activities, live music, children’s crafts and fireworks at Newton Park, Winter Garden. More info: 407 656 4111

3rd July – Red Hot & Bloom

Celebrate Independence Day with live entertainment, children’s activities, vendor booths, great food and a 25 minute fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music at Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte. More Info: 407 571 8180

Free July 4th Fireworks in Orlando!

Fireworks at the Fountain

Downtown Orlando, July 4th – Entertainment, games and food from 4 pm to 10 pm with fireworks starting at 9:30 pm at Lake Eola Park.

4th July Celebration at the Lakefront, St. Cloud – The Chamber of Commerce presents an all day celebration on the 4th of July. Festivities run from the opening ceremony at noon.  Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm.  This annual event that started in the 1930’s represents a community get-together culminating with a dynamic fireworks display. Festivities include local bands, games, contests, patriotic singing, and arts and craft displays.

July 4th Celebration at Avalon Park – Activities, bike parade, rides and much more! The celebration goes from 5 – 9 pm with fireworks starting at 9 pm.

A Flashback 4th of July – Celebration Town Center – Travel back in time for a Rockin’ July 4th celebration. The events start at 5:30 with fireworks beginning at 9:30pm.

July 4th Celebration – City of Kissimmee – From 5:00pm till 9:30 pm at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park. A free concert starts the festivities. Coolers are permitted into the park, but no alcoholic beverages are allowed in. Food and Beverages can be purchased at the park. Call 407-518-2501 for more information.

July 10-11 – 13th Annual The Villages Craft Festival

A great opportunity to browse arts and crafts can be found at the Spanish Springs Town Square. For more information visit www.artfestival.com or call 954-472-3755.

July 15 – August 1 – Splash

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater presents a summer fun tale. Showing Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.orlandoshakes.org or call 407-447-1700.

July 16, 2010 – Cinema in the Park

Family movies on the third Friday of each month at 9th Street and Park Avenue in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for free admission to the 7:00pm showing of this month’s movie. More info: 407-688-5004

July 16, 2010 – Friday Night Live

Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy free admission to outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly. More info: 407-571-8180

July 16 – 25 – Joesph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical sensation in a brand new production of this timeless Old Testament story at Broward County Main Library Auditorium. www.flct.org or call: 954-566-7628

July 17 – 18 – 8th Annual Elvis Festival – Tampa

Come for all the Elvis fun, including Elvis tribute artists, Elvis memorabilia, food vendors, Elvis performances and shows throughout the day. Visit www.Elvistampatcb.com or call: 813-977-6011

July 25, 2010 – “Music at the Casa”

Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park, open house and live music on Sundays from 12 – 3pm.
More info: 407-628-8200

Here’s the World Cup Quarter Final line up… not sure what I’m going to do for a couple of days now!

Netherlands vs. Brazil  – 2 July  10.00am (ET) on ESPN

Uruguay vs. Ghana  – 2 July 2.30pm (ET) on ESPN

Argentina vs. Germany – 3 July  10.00am (ET) on ABC

Paraguay vs. Spain  – 3 July  2.30pm (ET) on ABC

Walt Disney World has announced that it has started to accept reservations for its new kennel, Best Friends Pet Care Resort, which opens on 27 August and replaces other Disney kennels.

The facility is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and will house as many as 270 dogs and 30 cats for daytime and overnight boarding. Dog owners can choose from air-conditioned indoor rooms, 48-square-foot indoor-outdoor suites, and four expansive VIP (very important pet) suites with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yards. Feline guests will spend their visit in the separate “Kitty City” pavilion, away from the dogs, in two and four room condos.

The resort’s exclusive dog park features a fenced walking trail bordering the natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, guests can choose from a variety of different play areas, including a 3,300 square-foot area covered in artificial turf, a 4,500 square-foot area with shade trees and a 1,300 square-foot “canines only” water park. There are several large areas for owners to sit, relax and watch their dogs play. The entire park is secured from outsiders and is illuminated for use after dark.

Other features of the resort include: a grooming salon, which will provide go-home-fresh baths and haircuts for pets; two 1,100-square-foot “camp rooms” for play group and doggy day camp, each opening onto an outdoor play yard; and a special facility for the boarding of “pocket pets,” such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.

Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Additional amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium/orthopedic bedding.  Feline guests can also enjoy private playtimes, activity toys in their suites and treats such as cookies and milk or tuna on a ritz.

Dog stays begin at $37 per night ($34 for resort guests), which includes indoor boarding with two potty walks. At the high end, the VIP suites go for $76 per night ($69 for resort guests). Cat owners will pay $23 ($21 for a resort guest) for a two-level condo and $32 ($30 for a resort guest) for a four-level condo per night.

Prices are less for daytime boarding, and discounts are given for pets sharing suites. You can get more details at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or 877-4-WDW-PETS.