Embarking on a Journey Together
In this Issue:
Welcome, Avalon Park Current State of Real Estate, What's Growing On, Finding Balance
Welcome
written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village
TheSolonFamily@yahoo.com
Firstly, welcome to our very first issue, a newsletter conceptualized, developed, written, and published by Avalon Park Residents, Neighbors, and business associates. We have certainly evolved to this point as a network. Though Avalon Park is relatively young, from the beginning neighbors saw the vision and the opportunity that we have here to build community. This unique opportunity has inspired neighbors to really take ownership of their community which in turn fosters a safe environment to live, work, and play. Being one of the biggest cul de sacs on the east side of Orlando, we are uniquely placed. When we walk through our neighborhoods, it's completely a local affair. From Movies under the stars, to Top local restaurants, to building a healthier lifestyle at the Y, our neighbors, friends, and businesses all participate, knowingly or unknowingly, in the well-being of our community. And it is this intentional understanding of what is in front of us that really affords us the opportunity to continue to build community as envisioned. In the following months, these E Newsletter Issues will discuss all the great things that are going on in our community. Hence, if you are a neighbor and are interested in submitting an article, please feel free to do so to publishing@apgazette.com. Articles are due by the 3rd Thursday of each month by 12 pm. We are also looking for Birthdays for the next issue, so if you would like to submit one, please email it before next month's deadline.
The Pulse of the Market
written by Keller Williams Realtor, Brenda Kolbrich, Two River Haven Village
brenda@toporlandohomes.com
It’s definitely a seller’s market and has been for the past year in Avalon Park. The inventory of homes for sale is at the lowest in years. We have over 3800 homes and townhomes in Avalon Park and currently there are only 17 properties for sale in Avalon. Eight properties are “Active With Contract” (meaning the sellers can accept a back up offer on their home), 66 homes are Pending waiting to close (many of these are still short sales and these sales can take months to close). From June 1, 2012 to August 23 43 homes have sold and closed ranging from a townhome at $95,227 to a single family home at $335,000.
The median price per sq. ft. for a Townhome for this time period was $80.00 per sq. ft. with the high at $109.00. The average price per sq. ft. for Single family homes was $82.00 with the high being $112.00. The appraisals are still running behind the market as appraisers “look back” three to six months depending on the property. Eight foreclosures sold from June 1 to August 23 with 18 average days to contract and 60 days to close.
The home and townhome prices are definitely going up with multiple offers on many of the properties as the inventory is so low and buyers are still buying with the low interest rates. If a property is priced to the market and shows well whether a traditional or a short sale sellers in Avalon can expect an offer within two weeks or sooner.
There is New construction in Avalon going on which is something we haven’t seen in awhile. The newest project is UptownAvalon a three story townhome project with 35 townhomes total going right in downtown Avalon Park on Sweet Birch Drive.
Finding Balance
written by Licensed Psychologist and Avalon Park YMCA Yoga Instructor, Dr. Purvi Gandhi
www.drpurvigandhi.com.
Ahhh…..the days of summer. Long days and beautiful nights. Vacations and summer barbeques. Toes in the sand and casual Fridays. Summer can be filled with moments of fun and relaxation. But those moments don’t have to end when summer does. As summer winds down and the school year starts up, it can be easy to lose the feelings of those easy-going days. The demands of home, family, and work can cause anyone to feel stressed and not feel balanced in their lives. Here are a few tips to help keep you centered and a little saner:
1. Stroll. Yes, stroll. As in walk slowly. In other words: Slow Down. Take time to peruse through aisles and bookshelves. You may be thinking, “I don’t have time to do my To Do list slowly!” But it is a matter of changing the way you approach your list. Rather than rushing through the tasks, consider doing them a little slower. Even taking an extra minute to slow down your pace can reduce your frantic state of mind and improve your mood.
2. Tea time. In many countries, people take a break in the afternoon to enjoy a nice cup of tea. This is a wonderful way to break-up the routine of your day and to create a little time for yourself in the middle of the day. The activity doesn’t have to be limited to drinking a cup of tea or coffee. Think about stretching at your desk. Or maybe taking a short walk around the block. Just giving yourself a moment from the task at hand can be rejuvenating. As little as 5 to 10 minutes can produce the results of a more refreshed outlook on your day.
3. Burn, baby, burn. You know it. You’ve heard it before. But do you it?? For yourself? Exercise. It is an incredible stress reliever and another way to take time out for yourself. Working out a few times a week…as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day goes a long way. So, find time to feel the burn and know that you are developing a better you---both physically AND mentally.
4. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Creating a space that is filled with something that is beautiful to you can elicit a sense of peace and calmness in your world. Think about adding fresh flowers to a place in your office or home. Or hanging a painting that makes you feel serene. Find the things that bring these feelings out in you and then surround yourself with them.
5. LOL. Laugh out loud. But this time in person. Laugh with your friends or family. Tell a joke. Find the humor in things. Laughter is a great way to de-stress the mind and can lighten up a situation. Use it to help you keep a healthy perspective on your situation and reduce the amount of stress you feel in your daily life.
What's Growing On
written by Evelyn Peterson, Timbercreek Village
Evelyn@Myrtleglen.com
Hello Neighbors!
Welcome to the first ‘What’s growing on?’ in the very first edition of the Avalon Park Gazette. My name is Evelyn, my garden is named Myrtle Glen and it is located in the Timbercreek village here in Avalon Park.
Gardening is my passion, I have fun writing about it, and I want to spark my readers' interest in plants and wildlife. I plan on introducing one plant each month, give some tips on what to do in the yard, and answer your garden related questions to the best of my ability.
Now on to What’s growing on!
To Do’s in September:
Start your vegetables for fall, buying from the boxstores (Lowes, Home Depot) gets you off to a fast start. For reference:
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
For your bougainvilleas, September is the last month to prune off awkward growth. Do not water or feed them again until late spring next year, this promotes flower production next season.
Plant herbs such as Basil, Rosemary, Mexican Tarragon and Mint.
With summer rains coming to an end, check your sprinkler system and make sure the timer is set for the correct days also look for damaged spray heads.
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Keep your eyes open for insect damage in the lawn. Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets and Sod Webworms are still active this time of year.
Plant of the Month: Passion vine (Passiflora)
Pictured is the Passiflora incarnata, with large purple flowers throughout the growing season. This vine is a fast grower and will cover a fence or arbor in no time. Grow it in a large planter to prevent its spreading, since it sends out shoots from the roots.
Passion vines are perennials and host plants for several butterflies, such as the orange Gulf Fritillary or the Florida State butterfly the Zebra Longwing. Plant a Passion vine and the butterflies will come!
The Passiflora vitifolia has gorgeous red flowers, this large growing variety is better behaved, it does not send out shoots from the roots but it does not attract butterflies.Passion vines need partial to full sun, prefer well-drained soil and don’t mind pruning to control their size.
