2023 Local Favorites

This is my third year sharing my local favorite businesses (the BEST in Orlando!) and I'm so excited to share some new additions to the list.

First and foremost, I want to say a HUGE thank you to the small businesses that chose to partner with me again this year. These local owners work hard to bring excellent service and unique goods to all of us here in central Florida.

With over $250 in offers from 16 local businesses this year's list is the best of the best! If you're one of my customers, you should have already received your list in the mail. If you're local and would like a copy - I have a few extra! Please message me and I'll be happy to send one your way!

Check out these amazing businesses and their offers below!

Lindsey's Local Christmas Lights Guide

'Tis the season! I have created a list of holiday events happening in the greater Orlando area this month, some that my family enjoys every year and some that we'll be visiting for the first time. Let me know if you have any favorites I missed!

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort - Featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas this year. Ice sculptures and interactive play for the kids. Now through Jan 3

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens - Now through Jan 6 enjoy a walk through holiday decor with millions of lights and beautiful displays.

Life Size Gingerbread Display - Each year the Grand Floridian Resort bakes up a life size gingerbread house with hundreds of pounds of candy and ingredients. Worth seeing if you haven't yet!

Winter Park Boat Parade - December 9 at 6pm. Gather at Dinky Dock to watch!

Sanford Parade of Lights - December 9 at 6pm. This parade is neat because it's one of the only ones in town that is at night!

We love the Winter Park Christmas Parade as well but that was last weekend! :)

Also, below is a map of some of my favorite Christmas lights in the area (starting at Lake Eola). Let me know if you go check these out :)

Lake Eola

Clemwood Street - 2811 Clemwood St Orlando

Cross Christmas - 4241 N Econlockhatchee Trl Orlando

Johanessen Lights - 7849 Georgeann St Winter Park

Garden Grove Circle in Winter Park

Bivona Christmas Lights Show - 1601 N Wind Ct Winter Springs

I hope you are having a great start to the holiday season, and as always, if I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to reach out.

As always, thanks for being here!

-Lindsey

Low Inventory, Stable Home Values and Rising Interest Rates - What should you do?

We had some big news this week in the mortgage world and, unfortunately, it's not what we'd like to hear. 'Mortgage Rates Top 7%, Hitting 21 Year High' was one of many headlines.

The swing in rates over the past 18 months has created a challenging market for home buyers (especially those buying for the first time!), up against crazy low inventory and prices that aren't falling enough (if at all) to help affordability. Below are a few of my thoughts for those shopping right now...

1. Buy what you can afford today, and that may not be your dream home. The equity you build in this home will be used for your next home, and the one after that, and so on. 'Trading up' in Real Estate has long been known as a practical and safe investment.

2. If you're holding off buying because of the current rate remember that if you do buy a home today there are two possible outcomes for your interest rate in the future - 1) Rates go up, and you're happy you locked in now. 2) Rates go down and you have the option to refinance but will be glad you locked in today's sales price. If the 2020/2021 markets taught us anything about rates, it was that as soon as they drop, the bidding wars begin and home prices rapidly increase.

3. Make sure you have a great Realtor and Lender working for you. They both should fully understand your goals and be advocating for you whether that's negotiating the winning offer in a bidding war or comparing loan products and options like buying down the rate, ARMs, and more. If there is one thing I hear most from my customers after they talk with my husband, Ryan, (Mortgage Broker/Owner at Hudson Mortgage Solutions) it's that they had no idea there were so many financing options. No home purchase or loan approval process will be the same as another, and in this market, you can't afford to settle for a one size fits all service.

If you have questions about whether or not you could make the move you've been wanting to please don't hesitate to reach out. I would love to strategize with you and help you reach your goals!

As always, thanks for being here!

- Lindsey