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Holiday Time in Solivita

Holidays in Solivita and in Florida are always fun. Not the typical fun I experienced growing up.  I must admit it is hard to skate on one of our ponds or take a sleigh ride in Kissimmee, but between the decorated golf carts, the beautiful spirit of our neighbors, the Fantastic Holiday Display on Lemon Grove, and the Christmas Tree, Menorah and the Holiday Decorations downtown, the season shines brightly in Solivita.

Our friends and neighbors seem glad to see winter arrive as it heralds in months of beautiful weather as well as the Holidays. Very different from the winter darkness and dread I experienced while living in colder climates. Sure, it was fun to ski, skate, and have an occasional snowball fight, but now that I have arrived at 55+, I am glad to have traded in my Parka for a Sundress. Now the scarf I wrap around my neck can be silk instead of wool and my boots have heels and are perfect for kicking up my feet instead of kicking snow out of my path.

The Holidays in Florida are not so focused on gift giving, but rather on sharing time with friends, neighbors and family. Adopt some new traditions, decorate your lanai, enjoy some egg nog while watering your tropical plantings, or spend a day at the beach.  Having enjoyed the holidays in the cold as well as the warmth of Florida I am enjoying the time of my life in Solivita.

Hope your Holidays are Bright and Beautiful and that you have made some new Holiday Traditions of your own. Enjoy the Blessings of the Season.

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What will we do with all this time: Laura and Steve

Dear Lorraine,
Lived in Massachusetts most of our life. Like most folks, worked 49 weeks a year, had weekends off, and three weeks a year we vacationed.
Now we were finally at the point in our life that we could put work behind us and enjoy our retirement. What will we do with all this time? Well the first thing we did was google homes in central Florida so that we could escape the inclement weather up north. Luckily your name came up as a top realtor. One phone call and a plane trip and you hooked up with us and “hooked us up” with a great home and community. Thank you.
We have found plenty to do in our neighborhood, as well as, in Florida. We have been busy since we got here. We love our new home, it is spacious and the weather is beautiful. We are members of a few clubs, are actively playing golf and swimming a. few times a week. Have played tennis a couple of times, but must say, it does not seem to be a good fit for us, or perhaps, we are not fit enough for tennis? Anyway, we are open to all our new life has to offer and are planning on exploring all the possibilities.
As far as our experiences in Central Florida, we have gone gator hunting in the swamps of Boggy Creek, hiking, biking, have picked oranges and strawberries, found some antiques in Lake Wales, Haines City and Dundee. Twice a month we enjoy a Wine Flight Night in downtown Kissimmee, as well as, a delicious Pizza at Broadway Pizza. We have taken a train ride and have enjoyed a fun afternoon at an Olive Oil Tasting in Mount Dora. Gone to a bailgame in Tampa, enjoyed lakeside dining at the Port and in Sebring, Florida. We have been to Palm Beach, rubbed elbows with the rich and famous at the Breakers, and have enjoyed PB&J sandwiches on the beach in Melbourne. We still have a list of dozens of places and things to do and plan to do them all.
Bottom line is, we are glad we are here, we love our home and we are not letting a moment pass us by. Florida has been good for us and so have you. Thank you for making it so. Laura and Steve

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Retiring In Central Florida: Pickleball In Solivita

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Imagine taking badminton, ping-pong, and tennis and put them in a bag and shake it up. What you get is pickleball. Solivita Pickleball is fun, great exercise, and a wonderful way to make friends.
Why is the game called Pickleball? In 1965 Bill Bell and Congressman Joel Pritchard invented the game in Joel’s backyard. Rumor has it, the game was named after Joel’s family dog Pickles, who would run away with the ball.
The more people that became introduced to the game the more people began playing the game. By 1972 a corporation was created around the sport and in 1976 the first world tournament was played in the state of Washington. Now Pickleball is played in all 50 states.
Solivita has a strong and active Pickleball Club. The Solivita Smashers Pickleball Club seeks to provide an opportunity for social interaction through sport and recreational activities. The annual picnic and themed games are just a small part of all that the Smashers have going on. The club travels and plays against other pickleball clubs; the game has really caught on in Florida and is one of the most popular sports to play!

Never played pickleball? No worries! When you choose to spend the best years of your life by purchasing a retirement home at Solivita, you get the benefit of having a community of wonderful people to learn from. The Smashers Pickleball Club offers clinics for newbies!
All in all, pickleball is just one of the many activities available at Solivita. The fun is waiting. Will you be joining in?
 

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New To Central Florida: Hurricane Matthew

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Warm days, small towns, lovely gardens, scenic lakes, walking trails, and great golf are just the beginning of the wonderful amenities of living in Central Florida. Since my family’s roots are not from the South, we don’t have much hurricane experience. When we heard a storm that was targeting Florida had been named a Hurricane, we wanted to be as prepared as possible.
We took the outdoor furniture off the lanai, rolled up the rug, and moved the potted plants from the front entrance to the garage. Then we hunted down two flashlights, checked the batteries, and stocked up on water. The hurricane preparation guide said to fill up the tub with water, just in case we lose power. We followed all the recommendations and then went to the grocery store; got some chips, bread, cheese and wine. Red wine, as it is good for the antioxidant value. Although we have spent time in England, we still have not developed an appreciation for warm beer.
We sat back satisfied that we were as ready as we could be. When Matthew hit, it rained some and the wind blew. We heard a few claps of thunder but all in all Central Florida was quite fortunate. Sadly, all of Florida was not so lucky. Hurricane Matthew hugged the coast and damaged countless homes, bridges, roads and the beautiful beaches along Florida’s east coast.  Much of the coast was without power for multiple days. Solivita and Central Florida did quite well. Our power lines are underground and we had no damage, nor did we lose electricity. A few branches fell, but Solivita Maintenance was out cleaning them up as quickly as the clouds cleared. We were out and about within a few hours after the storm blew through. In fact, we still have the wine to prove it!
Originally we had planned to move to one of Florida’s coasts, but after looking around and finding Solivita we changed our minds. While looking at property it is important to look at insurance and maintenance costs as these expenses need to be factored in to your future expenses, especially when purchasing a retirement home. These costs are much lower in central Florida than the costs to insure and maintain property on either coast. Our friends in Daytona and Jacksonville agree, as they are paying higher premiums and have had quite a few storms blow through causing concern, damage, and dollars. Dollars in retirement that should be spent on the golf course, spa, mall, or a vacation and not on storm repairs and storm insurance.
All roads point to Solivita!

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Orlando Tops List Of Best Places To Retire In 2016

If beautiful weather, breath-taking sunsets, and an extensive selection of recreational activities for adults 55 and better are part of your retirement wish list, look no further than Orlando.
WalletHub, a personal finance website which seeks to help it’s users make better financial decisions, conducted a study where it ranked the 150 largest U.S. cities based on its viability for retirees to live a blissful retirement. Several Florida cities made the top 5, but what’s most impressive is that my very own Orlando metro area ranked no. 1!
What exactly did WalletHub factor into its study? Important factors such as Affordability, Activities available in the area, Quality of Life, and Healthcare systems were key in determining rankings for each city.
The Orlando area is known for it’s extensive list of activities for all ages, but the activities available specifically for people 55 and better are difficult to compete with. Orlando retirees have plenty to keep entertained with all year, and even have plenty to keep the grand kids entertained when they do visit. The activities factor was key for earning the top spot on the List Of Best Places To Retire In 2016.
Orlando comes in first, followed by Tampa in second, Scottsdale in third, Miami in fourth, and Sioux Falls coming in fifth.
List Of Best Places To Retire In 2016
The Orlando area boasts some of the best active adult communities in the country such as the decoratively awarded Solivita. Solivita is a luxurious gated community located in the heart of central Florida. With a name that means “sun” and “life,” after a stroll down Solivita’s community streets, it’s easy to see why so many choose to call Solivita “home”. No matter where you live within this lush gated 55+ community in central Florida, you can easily walk, bike or drive your own golf cart to indoor and outdoor dining venues, state-of-the-art spa and fitness complexes and other facilities for sports and games.
Take advantage of all the perks of an Orlando area retirement, and explore what your retirement could look like in Florida today! I can help you find the perfect home so that you just worry about what exciting activities you will be indulging in.

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Relocating to Florida: Personal Paradise Begins With Realtor Lorraine Valdes

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Florida has long held the reputation as the retirement capital of U.S. – but, not all 55+ communities are the same. It’s not just about home size, location, amenities, or the color of the walls. When you are looking to relocate to Florida, the active adult community you choose has to have the right balance: one that feels like home, and one that provides comfortable and safe environment to embrace your retirement years. This is where a like Realtor Lorraine Valdes can help.
Lorraine Valdes specializes in the Orlando, FL and Kissimmee, FL areas, so she can help you navigate through the many types of 55+ + “active adult” communities, and help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Communities like Solvita, Bella Lago, Bella Pointe, Champions Gate, Reunion, and Waterview are some of the most popular locations. For those who are not familiar with the Florida area, however, Lorraine is your perfect resource to help you find the ideal winter getaway, or get you established in a permanent residence. Either way, it’s important to note that Lorraine cares about her clients. She will walk you through the entire process, so buying a home becomes an uncomplicated, exciting escapade, rather than a stress-filled experience.
If you are looking for the premier community in Central Florida, the one who has received the most accolades is Solvita. Whether your preferences lie in outdoor activities like hiking, boating, bocce, tennis, or golf, or whether you are interested in yoga, clubs, chess or Zumba, there are so many pursuits to occupy your time, you may find your interests develop in so many new hobbies, that you find you’re busier in your retirement than you ever were before. The best part, however, is that they have affordable homes for people at every price point, with resale homes available in the ranges of $90,000 to $475,000, and long term rentals beginning at around $900 per month.
Tuscan-inspired, the ambience Solvita projects is reason enough to settle in, but it offers so much more. Complete with twin 18-hole championship golf courses, breathtaking wooded preserves, and spectacular sparkling lakes, its 4,300 acres offers everything you would expect in a Mediterranean village, including charming old-world streets, fully appointed clubhouses and a number of distinctive gathering spots to enhance the community’s charm. The exceptional planning and amenities available are some of the many reasons Lorraine has become the go-to Realtor of choice when it comes to Solvita real estate properties, and she can help you find your dream home, too.
Though it’s possible to find a home on your own — whether new construction or otherwise – tackling the job on your own can become a painstaking process. This is why having the right Realtor is essential, and it is particularly important for older couples who are either retired or close to retirement, as it is a major factor in finding the right property. But, how do you know who the “right” Realtor is for you?
The right Realtor to handle your real estate needs is easy to recognize when you know what you’re looking for, and Lorraine Valdes possesses every quality and element that a good Realtor should hold. She provides not just the exceptional knowledge and service you deserve, but her attention to detail and her ability to connect with her clients make her hands-down one of the top agents in all of the Kissimmee and Orlando areas. As your real estate professional, Lorraine knows the communities that support an active adult lifestyle like the back of her hand, but she also has spent years representing buyers and sellers of all types of property as well. This means that she understands that all her clients are different, and that whether you’re looking for your first home or your last, her vast real estate expertise makes her shine.
Given that she specializes in 55+ adult communities, whether you’re on the brink of retirement, or even if you’re already there, you should consider having realtor Lorraine Valdes assist you. Her website features an abundance of information to assist buyers and sellers of all kinds, it allows you to search the MLS for new listings, and you can even visit her blog for a free buyer’s guide. Lorraine Valdes takes the challenge out of buying a home, and turns it into an exciting adventure. Your own personal paradise is waiting, and she can help you find it.

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Top 5 reasons you should consider choosing one of Central FL's gated communities.

Have you ever considered living in a gated community? There are so many benefits to picking a luxury gated community over any other type of neighborhood. Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider choosing one of Central FL’s best gated communities.

1. Exclusivity
People are attracted to the exclusivity and prestige a gated community provides them. In order to enter a gated community, you need to enter a security code in a keypad or be allowed in through a security guard. Your gated community will not have everyone in Central FL driving around in your neighborhood for no reason. Most people see living in a gated community as a privilege. You should take pride in your home and your gated community.
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Safe Eye for the Aging Guy: Home Improvements to Promote Safety

As your favorite senior heads into his golden years, a home improvement  “makeover” may not be the first thing on your mind. But, I’m going to tell you why it should be.

I’m talking about making over his home to improve his safety. By improving his home, you help him age in place. You are not only upgrading a home, but you’re also improving a life.
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5 Things Everyone Over 55 Should Do In Orlando

Retirement demands the most comfortable location for living and relaxing. Orlando, Florida is considered one of the top places people 55+ tend to move to for their retirement. But what is it about Orlando that is so appealing to this group of people? The climate? Perhaps the attractions? Orlando offers so much for both retired and younger people to do to maintain an Active Lifestyle.
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5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Where to Retire

Are you facing retirement soon? Are you trying to decide between staying near family or choosing real estate in Central Florida, or elsewhere? Should you sell the home you are currently in to give yourself some freedom? You have a lot to consider when it comes to making a decision. The five questions below are great ones to ponder if you are considering a move.

First, how far are you willing to move?

Making a move of any kind is both exciting and challenging for any person, especially those past the age of retirement. It is important to consider just how far you are willing to move. Are you ready for a big change?

Second, where have you always wanted to live?

What’s your dream? Is the Florida sunshine where you have always wanted to spend your retirement? Or do you love the changing seasons? Do you want a home by the ocean? Or is a golf community the priority? How do you want to spend your days?

Third, how close do you want to be to your loved ones?

If you decide to make a long distance move, it might mean having a substantial distance between you and some of your loved ones. This can be refreshing! But it can also be a challenge. Are you willing to put distance between yourself and your children or grandchildren? Would you like to divide your year and live in two places?

Fourth, how much money are you able to spend?

Once you have decided where you want to live, it is time to determine just how much you can afford to spend. This needs to be decided before you can start to find a place to live. Work on your budget and determine just how much you will be able to use toward this move and toward your future home. If you are moving away from family, remember to include money in your budget for going back to visit them.

Fifth, do you want to own or rent?

This is something that needs to be considered carefully. When you move, do you want to get into a condo or apartment, or would you rather own a little home of your own? Do you want the responsibility and freedom of a home, or do you want to relax in a maintenance-free place?

Take your time to answer these questions, decide where to retire. Then take the leap and make every day count wherever you are!

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