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Month: <span>June 2022</span>
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Live Performance Theatres near Solivita

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Central Florida,Live Local Theatre,Live Performance,Local

Although we love to play golf, tennis, pickleball, and go to the pool, we all need a change of pace, and it always nice to have a diversion.  Our local theatres have the solution.  It is Easy and fun to Visit and Enjoy local theatre.  Due to Disney and the amusement parks we have allot of talent waiting in the wings, so head to one of the local theatres and see a show.  

Recently the Winter Haven Theatre has undergone quite a few major renovations.  The theatre now has new entrances, a renovated and expanded lobby, new lighting, and newly renovated restrooms.   This Theatre is comfortable and is an easy drive from Solivita.  The Mainstage Theatre has 332 seats and currently mounts five shows.  If you subscribe to the five shows you are guaranteed a seat and five great evenings or weekend afternoons of entertainment at very reasonable prices.  In addition, the Theatre is featuring Three Professional Touring Productions this year.  It is always nice to have “tickets in the bank”, as it gives you an event to look forward to, the joy of a good show, and if you treat yourself to dinner or lunch, you have a great day. Season tickets and Touring Tickets are on sale now, and individual show tickets for the Mainstage go on sale in September.  https://www.theatrewinterhaven.com

Good Live Theatre at Osceola Arts with the new season’s tickets going on sale June  15th.  This season Osceola Play House will mount 8 shows on the Mainstage. With the purchase of one of the season ticket packages, you will experience Central Florida’s acclaimed Broadway style productions at a fraction of the cost.  The season ticket packages for 2022-2023 are available June 15th to October 2nd.  Plus, if you are a season ticket holder you can also add tickets for two Special Engagement Productions at a reduced rate.   https://www.osceolaarts.org

Do you enjoy Good Fun and Entertainment and have a hankering for an historic theater setting?  If so, visit the Historic Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven.  The Ritz has been downtown Winter Haven’s Stage since 1925 when it opened as a venue for silent movies and vaudeville. In years gone by the Ritz played “A” Movies with casts including Betty Grable, Errol Flynn and Shirley Temple.   Today the Ritz is back in business with Multi-Level Seating that can accommodate over 450 guests.  Tables and Chairs are set on each level of the theatre for very comfortable seating.  The sound and lighting systems are wonderful, and the live performances and stage shows are fun.    Visit the Ritz at :    https://ritzwinterhaven.com

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Mango, Corn, and Black Bean Salsa

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Food,Recipe

This is the perfect easy summer recipe, no cooking involved, yet you can serve this with chicken or pork, or serve in a taco, on a salad, or a fajita.  We enjoy this salsa on a slice of cucumber or a taco chip. Sour Cream on the side is a tasty accompaniment. 

3 Large Mangoes, diced

16 Oz of Frozen Corn defrosted and drained.

16 Oz Can of Black Beans, rinsed and drained

2 Limes Juiced, if you feel the salsa needs more juice add the juice from an additional lime

¼ Cup chopped fresh cilantro or if you do not like cilantro sub in parsley

½ Red Onion Finely Chopped

Toss all the items except Cilantro in a bowl and combine.  Add the Cilantro, serve and enjoy.

 

This Salsa is also good on chicken or fish and since we are all grill enthusiasts, this is a great accompaniment to whatever you are cooking up on your grill.

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Pizza in Florida

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Food,Pizza

When living in NY and NJ we could get great pizza with lots of flavor, sometimes we would order a thin crust, well done pie and sometimes we would order a Wood Fired Pizza with lots of crispy, burnt edges.  Living in Florida we almost forget the taste of a good pie, but recently we found a delicious pizza at a neighborhood place, unfortunately just not in our neighborhood.  We had pizza at Dimitri’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill in Sebring , Florida.  We were working with clients in Sebring who recommended we give this local “joint” a try.  We were glad we did.  The pizza was delicious and reminiscent of NY Pizza.  It was well done, served hot and bubbly and really hit “our pizza spot”.  In addition to Pizza, the 5’O’Clock Somewhere Bar has a full bar including Cold Beer on Tap, and how could you not love a beer with your pizza.  Casual, Comfortable and VERY LOCAL but Worth the trip in our book.

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Real Estate News

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Interest,news,Real Estate Market

Our housing market is highly competitive and has been for quite some time.  There are more folks looking to buy a home than folks looking to sell.  Housing prices, like all commodities, are based on Supply and Demand.  Many of our buyers have found themselves in situations with multiple offers, quick closing dates, and homes selling at unbelievable prices, making home buyers wonder if this is the right time to jump into the market.  If you purchase a home you love and plan to stay in the home for at least five years, you cannot go wrong.  Although interest rates are climbing, in five years interest rates are predicted to be even higher, therefore a home purchased now may be a bit overpriced, but your mortgage interest is still quite low, putting two x’s in the win column.  One X for the home you love, and one for the still favorable mortgage interest.  Historically home values rise, in this market it is possible for a year or two you may be underwater, but if you stay for a few years and enjoy your home you cannot lose.  Remember, in Real Estate the Mantra is Location, Location, Location and Solivita is an Award Winning Community in Central Florida, the perfect location and the Perfect Community.  You can always redo your kitchen, or change the paint color, but you cannot change your location and if you buy in Solivita your location is as good as “money in the bank”.

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Road Trippin

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Florida,Road Trip,Summer Trip

Time to Plan an End of the Summer Trip.  Awhile back, Lee and I enjoyed a trip to the “Sippin Safari “ held at  Zoo Atlanta on September 17th. The whole zoo becomes uncorked for everyone over 21.  This event is always fun and features wine sampling and delicious bites from the best Restaurants in Atlanta. 

VIP Hour: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. |    Main Event: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets go on sale in June. https://www.zooatlanta.org

Tickets go on sale in June, and although it seems that September is a long time away, we all know that time flies by when you are having fun in Solivita. 

The Sippin Safari is a great event to plan a road trip around.   Last time we attended this event we did a short but fun road trip.  Our first stop was Valdosta, GA where we enjoyed a delicious meal and wandered through the area before checking into a hotel for the night.  Well rested, the next morning, we were up and out on our way to Atlanta.  Atlanta is a great city with lots of interesting neighborhoods to enjoy.  Lee and I like to stay in Buckhead or in the Inman Park Neighborhoods of Atlanta, but there are lots of nice places to stay and great attractions to visit while in Atlanta.

If a few days in the city is not your thing, spend a few days out in Clearwater Beach.  Tons of great things to do beside hanging out at the beach or pool.  Take a boat cruise, watch the dolphins frolic in the sea, go fishing, go shelling or take a ride to Dunedin.  Dunedin is an out of the way, cool little town with nice dining, a few interesting stores to wander around in, plus there is a sheltered beach with a good vibe.  

Whatever you do in Florida you can count on the sun shining and nice weather.  We are heading into Hurricane Season so watch the weather before you take off for the beach.

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Cool Down with an Ice Cream Cone

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Adventure,Central Florida,Florida,Fun In The Sun,Ice Cream

Summer is here and a great way to cool off is with a delicious ice cream cone. A short road trip to Frostbite, Florida can solve your ice cream craving, and a car ride to Frostbite is an easy, traffic free trip. The location of Frostbite Ice Cream & More is not a location you would normally pass by, as it is on a country road nestled in the farmland of central Florida.  This spot was recommended to us by two separate clients, two weeks apart, so we thought we would give it a try.

Frostbite Ice Cream & More is a true throw-back to the “Happy Days” of poodle skirts and D.A.’s , a true retro feel. You can pick a table inside or choose a table outside under the awning and revisit the happy days when eating a cheeseburger, drinking a shake, or enjoying an Ice Cream Cone did not raise your cholesterol or your glucose.

Frostbite Ice Cream and More is located at 801 N. Scenic Highway, Frostproof. FL 33843 and is Mom approved. Mom and our family friend, Marilyn were the first ones hopping in the car to try out Frostbite Ice Cream & More, and they both loved it.

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What Inflation Means to the Housing Market

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Homeowners,Housing,inflation,Market Updates

Inflation is Up.  But since our last housing market crash in 2007 we have many protections in place to prevent a crash similar to the crash we experienced in 2007.  In the old days, “anyone with breath in their bodies could get a mortgage” but not so today.  Underwriting standards have been improved and lending laws are much stricter in 2022.  In fact, it is not easy to obtain a home loan due to the strict guidelines and the verifications all lenders apply to all loan applicants. Housing and interest rates are up due to the economy, but at this date, the market remains steady. 

The Plus side, all Homeowners have record amounts of equity this time around.  Even if prices were to drop, which is not expected, lots of equity has been built up to protect the homeowner.

So, what can we expect, well with inflation and rates rising, the housing market can expect a slow-down. 

If you are planning to buy a home and want to gauge how inflation and higher rates will influence your goals, reach out to a mortgage professional and they will crunch the numbers for you. 

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Planning for Retirement

Author: Bella Verde Realty
Categories: 2022,Retirement

While Most of our Clients look forward to the time they can officially stop working full time and change their work status to “Retired” we do have some clients that want to live in Solivita yet still work. It is all possible, Solivita is a great place to live, gated, private, peaceful, and surrounded by beauty. The bonus of our area is there are lots of jobs outside our gates. If you want to work at Disney, great, Disney has special work programs for seniors; and who doesn’t want to work in the “happiest place on earth.” Would you rather work at Publix, no worries, they are a great employer and have multiple stores near Solivita.

Solivita is near hospitals, medical offices, manufacturing plants, and stores offering lots of opportunities for employment while you ease into retirement. I have had many clients move to Solivita and work full time for a few years and many clients who move to Solivita and work part time while considering full time retirement. When you move to Solivita you will be assured of a beautiful home in a lovely, active community filled with life, lots of new opportunities and plenty of friends to make.

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I give Lorraine 10 stars!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 20, 2022

Lorraine was exceptional to work with. She was so diligent and responsible in handling a very stressful time in our lives in selling our home. I can only say the best about Lorraine Valdes and Bella Verde Realty, she was terrific to work with! I give Lorraine 10 stars!

Rose Rivera

I would highly recommend Lorraine and Debbie to anyone looking for the very best realtors for their home sale...!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 7, 2022

We could not have chosen better real estate agents than Lorraine & Debbie! From initial contact to the final closing, they were always available, responsive, thorough and professional! Since we were out of town throughout the listing and sales period, their experience, assistance with every detail and communication were invaluable, providing us a fast sale at the price we had hoped for! I would highly recommend Lorraine and Debbie to anyone looking for the very best realtors for their home sale or purchase!

Dave & Denise

You gave us an excellent service and we will certainly recommend you and Bella Verde Realty to any of our friends!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 4, 2022

Dear Lorraine,

We just wanted to thank you so much for all the help you gave us during our recent house sale. You were on the ball from start to finish, and we really appreciate that you made what could have been a difficult time in our lives, relatively easy. We are somewhat surprised that have still heard nothing from “Titlesmith” to inform us that the sale has gone through – but hey – maybe that is different in the USA. As we realized when money appeared in our bank this must have happened. Again you gave us an excellent service and we will certainly recommend you and Bella Verde Realty to any of our friends. With all best wishes for 2022.

Shirley & Simon Nicholls

Outstanding Service

Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 23, 2022

Lorraine Valdes just sold our house and I must say, that in all my years, I have never had a more knowledgeable, experienced and well prepared agent handle the sale of our home. Lorraine keeps you informed, responds promptly and handles all issues without hesitation. She is a skilled professional and I recommend her without reservation.

George Trim

Lorraine is very congenial, honest and experienced!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
December 2, 2021

Lorraine is very congenial, honest and experienced…She prepared me every step of the sale from day one to closing. I highly recommend Lorraine and her company to anybody. I really had a very satisfying experience with her, exceptional person and exceptional service.

Kang Kwon, Solivita

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