Insight Magazine presents our Third Annual “Who’s Who in East Orlando Real Estate?” special section to help you identify some of the top real estate professionals in the area. From buying or selling a home to obtaining a mortgage and even dealing with the closing, we’ve chosen some of the area’s most qualified experts based on customer service satisfaction ratings, various skill sets and local experience and knowledge. The listings below are in alphabetical order by last name and are not intended to indicate any type of numerical ranking.

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Tracy Canning

With a marketing degree from The Ohio State University and a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) specializing in short sales, Tracy Canning knows what it takes to get a job done right. Still, she is known more for her customer service than the numerous additional certifications and skill sets she possesses. “From the time we make initial contact my buyers/sellers will always feel like they’re my number one and only when working with me,” she says. “I like to be available as often as I can, answer calls, show up on time and get the job done right.” That’s why 98 percent of her customers are referrals and repeat customers.

She says that in this market, sellers must know it is a buyer’s market and buyers must realize with most homes being real estate owned (REO) or short sale properties, the properties are priced at the amount the house will sell for. “Sometimes they will even go for a bit over asking price, so it’s something the buyer has to be mindful of,” she says.

Name: Tracy Canning, PA, CDPE

Position: Realtor

Company: Thomas Lynne Properties, LLC

Yrs of Experience: 9

Phone: 407-484-7978

E-mail: Canning8@Comcast.net

Web site: www.TracyCanning.com

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Kathleen Carlson

Having helped relocate hundreds of families for Fortune 500 companies over the past 29 years, Kathleen Carlson knows what it takes to assist customers in the process of “Saying goodbye” and Saying hello”  to a new area. Utilizing her undergraduate and graduate education from Cornell University, Purdue, Memphis State and the University of Delaware, combined with her Corporate Relocation experience, Carlson helps clients strategically find and/or market their homes Worldwide using state-of-the-art  online exposure, print advertising, and television/radio ads.

Carlson specializes in helping customers buy and sell homes in the rapidly expanding “Medical City Corridor ” as well as the theme park community areas. She focuses on helping customers find a home - meaning a community and lifestyle they’re searching for, rather than just a house. “Because I listen and care about my clients, the friendships that have ensued over these 30 years are my biggest reward,” she says. “My father always emphasized that, ‘Service is the rent we pay to live on this earth.’  This ’servant’ attitude keeps things in perspective and allows me to listen and empathize with others’ stories, helping them transition to new opportunities.”

Name:  Kathleen Carlson

Position: Owner/Broker

Company: Imagination Realty Inc

Yrs of Experience: 29+

Phone: 407-361-7653

E-mail: KCarlson@ImaginationRealty.net

Web site: www.ImaginationRealty.net

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Victoria Dobbins

When it comes to an experienced home mortgage professional, no one in the area may be more qualified than Victoria Dobbins. Having lived in the Lake Nona area for 20 years, she and her husband have seen the region grow firsthand.

As such, she knows all too well about the changes and challenges in today’s local and national marketplace. “The challenges and restrictions over the past years have changed the way we do business, but we still close loans every day, even if it a takes a village ” she says. “After all these years in the business it’s still one of my greatest pleasures to tell someone that their dream of home ownership is now a reality.”

After meeting with a client and determining their needs and what program will be the best fit, it’s time for her to do what she does best: get them the loan they need. “I’ve been through it all and that experience sets me apart,” she says. “The business is a lot different than it used to be, and we continue to adapt and grow with it.”

Name: Victoria Dobbins

Position: Branch Manager

Company: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Yrs of Experience: 20

Phone: 407-659-6844

E-mail: victoria.dobbins@wellsfargo.com

Web site: themortgageteam4you.com

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Veronica Figueroa

How do you wind up in the top 5 percent of Realtors according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association? In addition to continuously producing for your clients, you have to go the extra mile to create something more than just a transaction, and that’s exactly what Veronica Figueroa does. Living and loving the community of Avalon Park with her family inspired her to open Avalon Town Center Realty, providing her expertise to the community. “I still find time to give back to the community as well and I am involved in local volunteer groups, like Kiwanis,” she says. “It’s all about making this a better place to call home.”

Although she works with about 70 percent foreclosures and short sales, Figueroa still creates a unique, custom profile for each client, detailing what they’re looking for before gathering her team and executing to deliver on their goals. “Communication is my main priority whether you’re a corporation or a family down the street,” she says. “I am assertive and I go after what my clients want. As long as it’s ethical, we’re always willing to go the extra mile.”

Name: Veronica Figueroa

Position: Broker/Owner

Company: Avalon Town Center Realty

Yrs of Experience: 10

Phone: 407-301-9574 Cell or 407-281-1053 Office

E-mail: Veronica@ATCRealty.com

Web site: www.AvalonTownCenterRealty.com or www.ATCRealty.com

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Brenda Kolbrich

Brenda Kolbrich has a proven track record of success, winning “Best in Client Satisfaction” awards two years in a row from Florida Home Buyer’s Magazine while recently obtaining her Council of Residential Specialists designation - an accolade only 4 percent of the real estate agents nationwide currently have.

She attributes her success to her unwavering dedication. “One transaction that stands out is when I brought a buyer and seller together in two different countries on Skype to negotiate at 4:00 a.m.,” she says. “We closed and both parties were happy and I went to sleep!”

It’s just one example of how she works tirelessly to keep her clients satisfied, whether they’re buying or selling a home. “I am a dedicated listing specialist and I have a top producing buyer’s agent who works with me,” she says. “If I am chosen to list their home, I get to work immediately on an intense marketing campaign and I usually sell my listings within 45 days.”

For Kolbrich, the day isn’t over until her clients are satisfied. “I’m only happy when they are,” she says.

Name: Brenda Kolbrich

Position: Licensed Realtor, CRS - Council of Residential Specialists

Company: Keller Williams Advantage Realty II

Yrs of Experience: 10

Phone: 407-963-6876

E-mail: Brenda@TopOrlandoHomes.com

Website: TopOrlandoHomes.com

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Amanda Ladd

After several years owning her own brokerage company in New York, Amanda Ladd decided to pursue her dream and move to Orlando. Since moving, she has become known for her communication and organization skills as a Realtor dedicating herself to working with clients from morning to evening.

She says that in today’s market it’s important to make sure buyers and sellers hire a good Realtor, home inspector and mortgage company and that the research is worth it in the long run. “Real estate at this rebirth and growth period can be an unknown territory for some, but with knowledgeable people behind you, you can rest assured you’re well taken care of,” says Ladd.

When asked what sets her apart from the competition, she answers candidly, saying that answering her phone makes all the difference in the world. “I believe communication is key,” she says. “I constantly hear clients complain that other Realtors either never answer their phone or take forever to call back,” she says. “With over 20 listings in East Orlando alone, it’s important to be responsive and accessible.”

Name: Amanda Ladd

Position: Realtor

Company: Mighty Realty

Yrs of Experience: 7

Phone: 315-243-6742

E-mail: AmandaLadd@live.com

Web site: www.CFLMedicalCityHomes.com

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Pam & Allyn Maycumber

With a combined 50 years of licensed real estate experience, Pam and Allyn Maycumber have created a seasoned, successful partnership based on keeping clients satisfied every step of the transaction. As a Certified Residential Broker, Pam represents the top 2 percent of Realtors nationwide, with her knowledge and passion for the area. “Upon our first meeting, I’ll provide you a questionnaire with all your wants and needs and then take that information and transform your options to the very best choices,” she says.

According to the Maycumbers, looking for a house in this market is incredibly beneficial. “After 30 months of declining values, prices appear to be stable or appreciating, especially in the Southeast Orlando corridor,” says Allyn. “Also, the current mortgage rates are amazingly low, which equates to home affordability.” In fact, adds Pam, “Freddie Mac says the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 4.55 percent from 4.60 percent recently. That’s a low for the year and makes now a perfect time to buy.”

When not working the couple can be found kayaking Lake Nona, volunteering or spending time with their two strapping young boys.

Name: Pam Maycumber

Position: Broker-Associate

Company: Keller Williams Realty Advantage III

Yrs of Experience:  26

Phone: 407-251-1314

E-mail: Pam@Maycumber.com

Web site: www.WeKnowNona.com

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Pamela Rehbein

Buying a house is rarely ever an “easy” process, but it helps when your realtor can empathize with the stress of moving like Pamela Rehbein, a veteran mover from her days as the wife of an NFL coach, can. “I feel my life’s experience sets me apart,” she says. “I know the feeling of moving my family cross country and a move within the same area. I have sold, bought and built homes, so I have been through it all.”

Now a six year resident and expert in the East Orlando area, Rehbein says she still feels relief and an immense pride every time she is able to help a family. “I’m so proud to have been an intimate part of their lives,” she says. “It’s a true blessing to be a part of the process.”

Known for going above and beyond or helping her clients in any way to find their dream home, Rehbein says the pride of a job well done keeps her motivated. “When I see the joy of my buyers in their home that lets me know I have done a great job,” she says.

Name: Pamela Rehbein

Position: Realtor, GRI Specializing with Buyers

Company: Keller Williams Advantage ll Realty

Yrs of Experience: 5 years

Phone: 407-488-4078

E-mail: Pamela@HomeforyourHeart.com

Web site: HomeforyourHeart.com

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Marshall Rice

Buying or selling a house can be stressful - but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun along the way. That’s the way that Marshall Rice approaches every one of his clients. “It’s a very serious undertaking, but it should be enjoyable as well,” he says. “My clients should expect straight talk. If I don’t know something, I will tell you and we will figure it out together.”

Rice does his best to go above and beyond for clients leaving no stone unturned, working 24/7 if he has to, ensuring his clients get the best deal possible. “I tell people whether it’s an auto mechanic, a mortgage broker or a realtor, there are only two things that really matter: they know what they’re doing and they’re honest. I am both,” he says. “I won’t try to talk clients into something. I always give them the same advice I would give someone in my own family.”

When not working with clients, he can be found fishing with his two sons or spending time with his wife and six grandchildren, all aged six and under.

Name: Marshall Rice

Position: Sales Associate

Company: Frank G. Canty Realty Inc.

Yrs of Experience:  6 Years

Phone: 321-438-5824

E-mail: Marshall@RealtyOrlando.com

Web site: www.OrlandosTopHomes.com

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Terry Sible

Having lived in East Orlando for over 25 years, it’s no wonder Terry Sible knows the real estate market here so well. “When working with buyers or sellers, it always gives you a good feeling knowing that you have helped your customer get the best deal possible,” he says.

With almost three decades of real estate experience, he understands the stress that goes into buying or selling a home and does everything in his power to make the process easy and stress free. He has even gone as far to help clients move, paint and repair if needed. “No one likes surprises when they are making an investment,” he says. “With me, the customer will be educated on the art of buying or selling.”

Sible says that working with people so much and helping them achieve their dreams continually keeps him motivated. “I try hard to coach, but not pressure, a customer to help them find the right solution. There are other good Realtors in the community to work with, but I know I can get the job done.”

Name: Terry Sible
Position: Broker/owner
Company: Krowne Realty, Inc
Yrs of Experience: 27
Phone: 407 823-8855
E-mail: Terry@MyAvalonPark.com
Website: www.MyAvalonPark.com

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Karen Spell

“If we close your transaction you will receive unparalleled service, experience, knowledge and I will personally perform the closing,” says Karen Spell, attorney and owner of her own law firm focusing on real estate. With more than 20 years in the industry and approximately 500 deals closed in the past two years alone, Spell has the credentials to back that statement up.

Education is of the utmost importance when buying or selling a home, that’s why Spell offers complimentary consultations to anyone who needs to know their options. “My office goes the extra mile every day in every closing to make sure whatever it takes is done to ensure a smooth transaction,” she says.

In fact, her office has a complete division dedicated to the facilitation of short sales since 70 percent of the homes in her area are listed as such. “Most realtors don’t have the time or experience to facilitate their own short sales, which is where we step in,” she says. “I have many grateful clients who appreciate my willingness to speak to them personally about their situation with straight talk and honest answers.”

Name: Karen R. Spell

Position: Attorney/Owner

Company: Karen R. Spell, P.A.

Yrs of Experience: 20+

Phone: 407-306-0454

E-mail: Karen@krenrspellpa.com

Web site: karenspellattorney.com or myshortsalerescue.com

Small steps can add up to big savings when it comes to reducing energy consumption and ultimately your utility bill. In fact, this past year OUC-The Reliable One partnered with the City of Orlando to complete the Green Neighborhood Program, which provided 1,138 homeowners in some of Orlando’s least efficient neighborhoods with free energy-efficient upgrades and repairs.

The program, which targeted one neighborhood in each of the City’s six commission districts, was funded by the City of Orlando receiving a Conservation and Energy Efficiency Block Grant (EECBG) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and OUC. In total, more than two million kilowatt-hours (kWh) were saved because of upgrades and repairs. On average, this equals about $230 in annual energy savings for each customer who participated.

But you didn’t need to be a part of the program to start saving. OUC provides rebates and resources to homeowners so they can make home improvements and upgrades that result in reduced energy consumption. The following are some simple tips to remember this summer to help lower your utility bill:

Set Your A/C at 78. Air conditioning accounts for more than 50 percent of your electric bill. To keep cool, set your thermostat at 78 degrees. When you leave your house, turn it up a few notches to around 82 and plan on a savings of six to eight percent on the cooling portion of your bill for each degree you raise the setting. Installing ceiling fans throughout your home also will help you stay cool and comfortable. Just make sure you turn off fans in unoccupied areas.

Watch the Hot Water. Another energy hog is hot water, so try to use the cold or warm setting on your washing machine. Lowering your water heater to around 125 degrees is adequate (most water heaters come pre-set at 140 degrees). If you’re leaving for a couple of days, turn off your water heater. Otherwise, it will continue to use energy keeping the water heated even when you’re not there.

Good, Clean Savings. Dirty filters put an unnecessary strain on appliances and can increase operating costs. So change or clean air-conditioning filters monthly. In addition, your refrigerator accounts for about five to eight percent of your power costs, so clean the coils a couple times a year and keep the temperature at 37 degrees and zero for the freezer. Also, don’t forget to dust light bulbs to improve brightness and switch to compact fluorescents, which consume about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

Tweak Those Leaks. Check the air handler and ductwork for leaks, and weatherstrip or caulk around windows, doors, plumbing and other gaps so that energy won’t escape. These quick fixes are easy to do and inexpensive but make a substantial difference.

Go Low Flow. Toilets account for the most water usage in your home, so low-flow toilets are worth the investment. Low-flow showerheads are also a good idea and you don’t have to sacrifice water pressure and you’ll save about 2.5 gallons per minute.

Water Wisely. Water your lawn before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to minimize evaporation and follow your water management district guidelines for what days you’re allowed to irrigate. You can save water and keep a healthy lawn.

In addition, Energy Star^® certified appliances can help lower monthly power bills. If you’re deciding which appliance is worth investing in first, I recommend a refrigerator since most new refrigerators are 30-50 percent more efficient than five- to 10-year-old models. Remember, small conservation efforts can add up to big savings. For more conservation tips or to learn about OUC’s efficiency rebates, visit www.OUC.com.

Article by Cameron Saulsby, Conservation Administrator for OUC

After years of surplus supply and thousands of short sales and foreclosures following the real estate fallout, is the light at the end of the residential real estate tunnel finally visible for Central Florida? In short, yes and no.

Area experts say that although affordability is high and sales are expected to rise, home sales are still being held back due to the restrictive loan underwriting standards, as well as the steady levels of low appraisals that result in contract cancellations. “Some buyers are still finding it too difficult to obtain a mortgage,” says Mike McGraw, vice president of communications and marketing for the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA). “For those fortunate enough to qualify for financing, monthly mortgage payments as a percent of income have been at record lows, however.”

Distressed property sales (those that are bank-owned or short sales) still made up more than 60 percent of sales in the area in May because of their lower price point when compared to a normal sale. Still, normal sales have risen for the fourth month in a row, making up 37.47 percent of all sales in May.

“The lower median price of foreclosures and short sales does continue to negatively influence the overall median price,” says McGraw. Statistics show that home prices in Orlando have been stabilizing, and normal homes have been increasing in price, a good sign for a troubled market. “The higher selling prices of ‘normal’ homes are helping to boost Orlando’s overall median price, which in May increased 4.76 percent to $110,000 from the $105,000 posted in April,” he says. In fact, the overall median price has increased each month since January 2011.

With the number of sales in Orlando and a decrease in the number of new listings, the inventory of homes available for purchase has again fallen in Orlando. Inventory declined by 511 homes, or 4.45 percent, during the month of May and now rests at 10,969. “Year to date, overall inventory is down 31.28 percent from this time last year,” says McGraw. He also notes that single family home inventory is down 24.99 percent and condo inventory is down 55.10 percent. Many of the homes in the lower price ranges have seen the greatest increase in sales. These types of homes are most popular with investors, cash buyers and first-time homebuyers.

So, what does it all mean? If you can qualify for a loan, now is a good time to purchase a home thanks to low prices and a sizable supply. “Our market indicators are pointing toward the existence of pent-up demand, which is caused in part by the current difficulties in securing a mortgage,” says McGraw. “Lenders and bank regulators need to be mindful of the historically low default rates among mortgage borrowers of the past two years. We simply have to get back to sound, common-sense lending standards to provide mortgages to creditworthy borrowers who are buying homes well within their means.”

The bottom line, according to industry leaders, is that recovery is here - it’s just not coming fast, or uniformly, for that matter. “Although housing affordability conditions are extremely favorable and pent-up demand exists in the market, slow job growth and ongoing credit constraints will lead to an uneven recovery,” says McGraw.

Article by Corey Gehrold

Sushi, medical and general office space, frozen yogurt and coffee shops are just some of the many upcoming commercial additions coming to a neighborhood near you in Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes and Lake Nona.

A recent boom in leasing has led Avalon Park commercial space to be roughly 98 percent leased as of this writing. Recent openings in the area include the Avalon Perks Coffee Shop, Avalon Pockets restaurant, and Avalon Park Urgent Care, just to name a few.

“Avalon Perks Coffee Shop has been especially popular with the community,” says Stephanie Hodson, marketing director for Avalon Park Group. “Providing quality coffee and activities such as Open Mic Night. They have also partnered with local non-profit organization, Just 1 Book, as a permanent donation site and in return, the organization has filled the bookshelves in Avalon Perks with books.”

According to Hodson, Downtown Avalon Park is a great environment for a variety of business types. “We see companies moving their headquarters here because they like the town center feel without the hassle of being in downtown Orlando,” she says.

Avalon Park’s summer business additions include: Avalon Park Jewelry, Yoga East, Yogurt Shop, Avalon Park Florist and Suhaag Garden Event Design. Then in the fall, Bayridge Sushi and Tropical Smoothie will open.

The Waterford Lakes area is also filling retail space this summer with the opening of Charley’s Grilled Subs, Bright Now! Dental, Deal$, Simply Fashion, Shoe Factory, rue21, and Medifast Weight-Loss Center in the Waterford Lakes Town Center.

“Waterford Lakes Town Center offers something for everyone with many of our specialty retailers offering moderate price points,” says Jamie Roy, director of mall marketing & business development for Waterford Lakes Town Center. “Apparel is always a big seller and our stores are seeing shopper demand for stylish and trendy fashions at a medium price.”

Lake Nona is also beginning to fill their available commercial space while preparing to build even more as the Medical City in the area begins to take shape. “As the hospitals open in the next 18 months, there will be an emerging demand for additional restaurant and retail space,” says Rob Adams, vice president of marketing for Lake Nona. “Just at Lake Nona Medical City, we will expand from having a few hundred employees onsite to well over 4,000 by the end of 2012.”

According to Adams, they have seen a spike in demand for commercial offerings recently as they continue to lease Lake Nona Village on Narcoossee Road as well as move forward on the design work for the first phase of the Lake Nona Town Center, which is adjacent to Lake Nona Medical City just south of SR 417.

Lake Nona’s 7,000-acre property in Southeast Orlando is looking forward to a future filled with growth from the combination of increased employment opportunities, a rotating and visiting patient base and new residents at Laureate Park.

“Lake Nona’s future includes the growth and evolution of Lake Nona Medical City, robust commercial offerings, and diverse residential choices,” says Adams. “When this is combined with our location, the existing transportation network, and the natural setting at Lake Nona, we look forward to seeing growth here for a long time.”

As storefronts begin to fill again, the only question is where will you spend your hard-earned dollars?

Trying to find the value of your home can leave you asking a lot of questions: Where do I find this information? How is property value determined? How does the value of my home compare to others in my neighborhood? All of these inquires can be answered with the ever-evolving Orange County Property Appraiser’s website, www.OCPAFL.org. The website receives a search every second and was visited by 4 million users last year.

Bill Donegan, Orange County Property Appraiser, says that the Property Map search function is one of the most used and helpful features the site has to offer. “It allows regular folks to search all of Orange County when deciding on the biggest purchase of a person’s life, which is buying a home,” he says.

The feature is built from Google’s search engine so the second you start typing, it is calculating what you want. Donegan says, “You don’t even have to know how to spell the name of the owner or the street, it predicts what you mean.” When a property is searched, users can see aerial photographs, recent sales information, future development, subdivision boundaries, zoning information and even area foreclosures. The users also have the option to see all of this information on the same map or to choose which information is illustrated using various filters.

A new feature that will be up and running within the next several weeks improves this already simple search even more. All of the information users want will be presented on one page. “There is a lot of data for both residential and commercial properties,” he says. “Everything will be tighter and only info pertaining to the type of property being searched for will be displayed.” Users won’t be confused with data that has nothing to do with the type of property they are looking up.

A common reason residents use the search feature is to determine the market value of their home. Home value is determining the price that most people would pay for a piece of property in its current condition based on the real estate market at this time. The number is established based on the price that other homes in the neighborhood sell for and the number of foreclosures in that area. “Neighborhoods that have high foreclosures actually negatively manipulate the value of surrounding homes,” Donegan says.

Due to the high number of foreclosures in Orlando, local home values are down 3.7 percent from last year and Avalon Park specifically has taken one of the hardest hits. “The Federal government decided that everyone should live in a house but didn’t take whether they could afford one into consideration,” he says.

In the past, selling foreclosed property took a long time because there was no way of knowing who owned the property or how to get in touch with them. But that’s not the case anymore as www.ocpafl.org has a foreclosure feature that provides users with owner information and the market value of the home. “This feature helped sell 7,600 of the 11,000 foreclosed homes in Orange County in an extremely short period of time,” Donegan says.

The website now allows users to file their tangible personal property tax return or their homestead exemption online, to see recent sales analysis reports, to view the information in 59 different languages and to fix and update their property cards without having to call in. Soon, users will even be able to update and upload new photographs of their property and get driving directions without having to leave the site.

The goal of every upgrade is to provide users with the most relevant and useful information, making it one of the most innovative sites of its kind across the country. It’s well on its way.

Article by Nikki Stephens