Hojin’s Southwest Orlando Real Estate Scoop

I was out showing some properties to Joshua & Danielle Rouse this week and they told me they were off to SeaWorld to check out some new roller coaster called Manta. Apparently, you ride this sucker horizontally and not in a seat like traditional coasters so you really feel like you’re flying like Superman or [...]

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The University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economice Competitiveness recently released their quarterly forecast which surprisingly reveals some promising facts about the housing market. They predict a bottom to the housing market in the second quarter of 2009. Amazingly, housing starts are 87% below the peak levels we experienced just a few years ago. They [...]

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I’ve worked with quite a few buyers for lakefront properties over the years and invariably the question about the alligator population comes up, especially from those coming from up north. The answer is that there are alligators in every body of water in Central Florida, but populations vary quite a bit. Here in SW Orlando, [...]

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The first business at Dellagio on Sand Lake Road, Bravo Cucina Italiana, opened this week and were offering a free meal as a promotion. Being the frugal guy that I am, I was more than happy to take them up on their offer although I ended up running up my bar tab a bit. I [...]

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The Unicorp website says the Dellagio is scheduled to open in October 2008, but I don’t think they’re quite ready to open yet. They are getting close though and it’s definitely starting to take shape. It seems like the old world Mediterranean look is becoming real popular around here with Veranda Park being the first [...]

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Photo By Phelan M. Ebenhack A bar that opened last week on International Drive is giving a new meaning to having a drink on the rocks. Everything at the newly opened Icebar is completely made of ice and I mean everything including the couch, chairs, walls, bars, glasses, sculptures, and even the fireplace. It’s literally [...]

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The first business at the Rialto on Sand Lake Rd. to open is J Alexanders. It’s a fine addition to the Dr. Phillips  “Restaurant Row“. While there’s plenty of restaurants here, J Alexanders is the only restaurant with straight up American food with hardwood grilled steaks, prime rib, baby back ribs, burgers, fresh seafood and [...]

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I noticed a bunch of PODS in front of Yellow Dog Cafe in Gotha the other day and was starting to feel bummed out that one of my favorite places here in town has closed. I then noticed a signed that said there was a fire at the Yellow Dog and they’ll be back better [...]

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It looks like Publix is getting into the act with organic foods. They’re scheduled to open a natural foods store called Greenwise Market to compete with Fresh Market and Whole Foods on Dr. Phillips Blvd. where Albertsons is located. I love all the healthy choices at these place, but it is pricey. I hope Publix [...]

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My friends and I celebrated Labor Day as we and many others in SW Orlando have for years by hanging out at Bird Island on Lake Butler. The weather was beautiful and everyone was out having a good time. There were dogs running, kids playing, and adults drinking. There’s always a cast of characters out [...]

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