What to Look for in a Rental Home

May 14th, 2012

The search for the perfect Central Florida rental home can be undeniably difficult—especially if you’ve never gone through the process before. Here’s a list of the top factors to consider when searching for the perfect rental home for you.

Neighborhoods. Determining the quality of the neighborhood you’re looking at is extremely important in the rental home search. Consider this: if you rent in a neighborhood near a university, you will likely find yourself surrounded by college students who may not necessarily care how loud or destructive they may be.

Schools. If you have children, you will undoubtedly want to be located in a reputable school district. Also, if the school has a bad reputation, prices will reflect upon your rental property poorly.

Crime. No one wants to live near a hot spot for criminal activity! You can go to the police or the public library to find accurate crime statistics for various neighborhoods you are interested in. Factors to consider include vandalism rates, serious crimes, petty crimes, and recent growth or decline of crime rates.

Jobs. This may be one of the most important factors to consider. To find out how a particular neighborhood rates in regards to job growth, check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Amenities. Check the neighborhood you’re looking at for current or projected parks, malls, gyms, movie theaters, public transport and other perks. City halls typically have literature that will give an idea of where the best public amenities can be found.

Amount of vacancies. This is something that many people do not typically consider. If there is a large amount of vacancies around a property, chances are that it is located in an undesirable neighborhood.

At Rental Home Management Services, we have dedicated ourselves to helping both beginning and experienced home renters find their perfect Central Florida rental home. To learn more about how our team of dedicated property management professionals can help you, please give us a call today at (407)261-5610.

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SeaWorld Adds New Technologies with TurtleTrek

May 1st, 2012

SeaWorld Orlando has just unveiled a new attraction in a format not yet seen anywhere else in the world. This attraction, adequately named TurtleTrek, will include a 3-D computer-generated film projected on the inside of a massive dome, thus giving visitors a 360-degree view of a virtual undersea environment.

In the movie, computer-generated elements such as a shark, a fishing boat with nets, and a threatening bird swarm above and around theme park guests, who stand on a round platform during the seven-minute show.

TurtleTrek is SeaWorld’s attempt at breaking away from the current stereotype of only showcasing organic attractions such as animals and other living things. SeaWorld Orlando also hopes that this attraction will help them break into the realm of technology, thus attracting a new audience. Interestingly, this technology is so new that SeaWorld San Diego did not have the chance to incorporate it when it opened a turtle-themed attraction last year.

SeaWorld Orlando will follow up the new TurtleTrek attraction with Antarctica, a new area of the park that will include a ride it advertises as “a first-of-its-kind family adventure ride that utilizes new technology for an experience that can change from visit to visit.”

If you are interested in visiting this great new attraction, be sure to visit the SeaWorld Orlando website. As always, Rental Home Management is here to keep you up-to-date on all the great attractions in Orlando. To learn more about how Rental Home Management can help you find your place in Central Florida through our management services, give us a call today at (407)262-5610.

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The Rich History of Casselberry, Florida

April 10th, 2012

Usually considered a suburb in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area, the city of Casselberry consists of 7.1 square miles rich with historical significance. In certain technical instances, “Casselberry” is actually known as Maitland, Winter Park, and Winter Springs. Casselberry features 30 lakes and ponds—the largest being Lake Howell, the Triplet Chain of Lakes, Lake Kathryn, and Lake Concord.

Lake Howell dock (SOURCE: ActiveRain)

Prior to European settlement in the 1800s, Native American groups inhabited the Seminole County area, including the land in present-day Casselberry. Annie E. Griffin of Georgia planned the area’s first subdivision in 1889 after inheriting the land from her deceased husband. Soon after, Gordon J. Barnett of New York came to Altamonte Springs and acquainted himself with all aspects of the local fern industry and soon began to operate his own fernery. Barnett then began a housing development called Fern Park Estates, comprised of small lots and including a fernery for individual owners.

Workers picking ferns (SOURCE: Wikipedia)

In 1926, Hibbard Casselberry of Illinois was visiting family in Winter Park when he met Barnett and signed on as his exclusive sales agent for Fern Park Estates. Casselberry and Barnett later split, but Casselberry purchased his own land surrounding Fern Park Estates and begin planning his own subdivision: Winter Park Ferneries. Casselberry continued to develop and expand his fernery and real estate business throughout the 1930s.

When World War II began, the ferneries in the area were declared non-essential and Hibbard Casselberry secured government contracts for the manufacturing of bandoliers, bomb parachutes, and hospital tent liners. The city returned to the fern industry after the war, and also continued work in other industries; Johnson Electronics became a major employer for the city in the 1950s.

Casselberry City Hall (SOURCE: Wikipedia)

The United States Postal Service refused to grant Casselberry its own post office due to a policy that prohibited the naming of post offices after living persons. As a result, the city established a contract post office in 1957 at its own expense. The town was finally granted an official post office in 1959, although Hibbard Casselberry lived another 10 years after its establishment. The city of Casselberry was incorporated on July 25, 1965, and its first city hall was dedicated in 1970.

As of the 2012 United States Census, there were 26,241 people, 11,430 households, and 6,393 families residing in the city of Casselberry. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.92. The median income for a household in the city was $44,807, and the median income for a family was $51,371.

Education within the city of Casselberry includes schools such as Sterling Park Elementary School, Red Bug Elementary School, and South Seminole Middle School. This city is permeated with parks including Anniversary Park, Lake Hodge Park, Pawmosa Dog Park, Sunset Park, and Veterans Memorial Park.

At Rental Home Management, we know that the city of Casselberry is a great place to live. If you’re looking to relocate to a city rich in history and recreational locations, be sure to check out our rental home properties in Casselberry. To learn more about how Rental Home Management can help you find your dream Casselberry rental home, please give us a call today at (407)262-5610.

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The Small Town of Maitland, Florida

March 30th, 2012

The city of Maitland is a wonderful community located in the Greater Metro Orlando area. This town is home to the nationally recognized Enzian Theater, Central Florida’s only full-time independent movie theater that is also the host to the Florida Film Festival each year. Maitland is also home to the various art and history museums, such as Maitland Art Center (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Maitland Historical Museum, the Telephone Museum, the William H. Waterhouse House Museum, and the Carpentry Shop Museum. In August 2005, the Maitland Little League team made it to the semifinals of the 2005 Little League World Series.

Maitland is one of the oldest incorporated suburban municipalities in Central Florida. The area was previously inhabited by the Native Americans and was named after Fort Maitland, which was built in 1838 on the western shore of Lake Fumecheliga (today known as Lake Maitland) during the Second Seminole Indian War. After the war, the fort was torn down and the settlement remained and came to be known as Maitland. After the war, the area was put into extensive citrus production.

Figure 1: Maitland Age Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Maitland consists of a total area of 5.7 square miles. This small town is home to 12,019 people, 4,825 households, and 3,242 families. Of the 4,825 households, 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples living together, and 32.8% were non-families. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01. 22.5% of the population was under 18, 5.2% from 18-24, 29.1% from 25-44, 24% from 45-64, and 16.2% were 65 years and older (see Figure 1). The median income for a household was $62,500, and the median income for a family was $69,504.

Local employers in Maitland include EA Tiburon, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, Fidelity Integrated Financial Solutions, Charles Schwab, and SunGard Higher Education. Local schools include Dommerich Elementary School, Maitland Middle School, and Orangewood Christian School. Maitland is also home to institutions of higher learning such as University of Phoenix—Orlando and ITT Technical Institute.

If you are looking for a rental home relocation in a town known for its rich history, distinguished museums, and famous independent venues, be sure to check out the small town of Maitland. Our mission at Rental Home Management is to minimize your stress while maximizing your return on investment. If you’d like to learn more about how Rental Home Management can help you find your dream Maitland rental home, please give us a call today at (407)262-5610.

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It’s Jack Hanna Weekend at SeaWorld!

March 22nd, 2012

Famous wildlife expert Jack Hanna will be making a return visit to SeaWorld Orlando this weekend, March 24th-25th. Hanna, nicknamed “Jungle Jack”, is known for his khaki safari outfit, deep tan, Southern accent, and his position as host on Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures.

Jack Hanna is recognized around the world for his endless enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation. His co-stars in past visits have included clouded leopards, chatty kookaburra birds, and all kinds of majestic eagles. Show times will be at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. each day in the Nautilus Theater. Please note: show times are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.

For inquisitive learners, SeaWorld Orlando is offering an exclusive pass member breakfast with the man himself. Start your day with this fun-filled breakfast buffet with Jungle Jack and ask questions like “Do bugs have bones?” and “Do anteaters really eat ants?” This is an experience not to be missed and will surely delight kids and parents alike. Breakfast with Jack Hanna offers a delicious buffet, some “wild” entertainment, and special reserved seats at his first show. Children under 3 are free but require a reservation. This opportunity is available exclusively to SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members. If you would like to learn more about Breakfast with Jack Hanna, be sure to visit the SeaWorld Orlando website.

SeaWorld Orlando is one of many exciting places available for you to visit in the wonderful city of Orlando. If you are interested in exploring your options for your next Central Florida rental home, please give Rental Home Management a call today at (407)261-5610.

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The Exciting World of La Nouba

March 13th, 2012

In 1998, Cirque du Soleil, in a partnership with Disney’s former CEO Michael Eisner, built its first permanent freestanding theater in Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida. It is in this Orlando theater that La Nouba is performed practically every night of the week. Enter the attic of make-believe, where the mundane meets the marvelous.

La Nouba is an unforgettable journey into a world that is threatening and exhilarating, frightening and familiar. This show is a metaphor for the meeting of two worlds completely opposite of one another: the fantastic world of the circus artists (the Cirques) who sport bright, fluorescent colors, and that of the Urbains (urbanities), who wear dark, monochromatic outfits. When these two worlds make contact, the magic and awe-inspiring feats of one set fire to the pale mundanity of the other.

Florida Today raves: “Dazzling costumes, dramatic lighting, bizarre choreography, and music sets the stage for clownish observes, a human puppet, Rene Magritte-inspired scenery, and a host of amazing acrobatic acts.”

Performances of La Nouba are held Tuesday through Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. There are no performances on Sundays and Mondays, and reservations can be made up to six months in advance. For more information and ticket prices, be sure to check out the official Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba webite.

Orlando is a great place to live because no matter what part of Central Florida you travel to, there is always something to do. At Rental Home Management, we realize how wonderful of a place Orlando is. If you are interested in Central Florida rental properties, contact the professionals at Rental Home Management to find your new home today.

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Soar the Skies with the Thrilling Skycoaster!

March 6th, 2012

Are you looking to get out of your new Orlando rental home and explore the various attractions around the area? Are you a thrill seeker? If you’ve answered yes to the above questions, seek no further: the Skycoaster at Fun Spot, Orlando may be your perfect match.

Skycoaster is an amusement park ride produced and managed by Skycoaster, Inc. On the ride, riders in groups of one to three are winched to the top of a launch tower and then dropped towards the ground, swinging from a cable tether back and forth until brought to rest. Skycoasters can range in height, but the Skycoaster at Fun Spot, Orlando is the tallest in the world at 300 feet and can achieve speeds of 85 miles-per-hour. The actual ride only lasts about a minute and a half, but expect it to be the most exciting minute and a half you’ve ever spent screaming until your throat is hoarse.

If safety is an issue for you, don’t worry! The flight cables used are made of galvanized steel, which can support over 9,000 pounds. The three-ring release system is the same kind used on parachutes, and the flight suits worn are incredibly similar to hang-gliding suits, and are made by a parachute company to support the weight of up to 10,000 pounds.

So if you’re looking to feel the thrills of skydiving and hang gliding in one action-packed ride, check out the Skycoaster at Fun Spot in Orlando. Prices may vary, so be sure to check out the Fun Spot website before visiting.

Orlando is an incredibly exciting place to live and is continuously changing. If you are looking to relocate to a Central Florida rental home, you can trust Rental Home Management to make your transition as smooth as possible and keep you updated on new ways to explore the area. Please give us a call today at (407)261-5610.

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Welcome to the Busy City of Union Park, Florida!

February 28th, 2012

Do you currently live in a rental home in Central Florida that is quiet and calm, but desire something a little more upbeat? Look no further—Union Park is just around the corner! Union Park, Florida is a census-designated place (CDP), meaning that this area is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. In other words, this city lacks its own individual government, but otherwise resembles an incorporated city.

As of the 2000 census, the population of Union Park, Florida was 10,191; in 1970, this number was only 2,827! Included in this population are 3,644 households and 2,507 families. Union Park is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area, and can be identified by two zip codes: 32817 and 32825. 24.9% of the population is under 18, and the majority of the population is between 25 and 44, accounting for 32.6% of the total percentage. The median household income was $44,174 in 2000, and the median income for a family was $45,191.

Union Park, Florida is defined by Econlockhatchee Trail to the West, Alafaya Trail to the East, University Boulevard to the North, and Lake Underhill Road to the South. Union Park is the home to many amenities, including Jay Blanchard Park. The paved 7.9-mile Little Econ Greenway Trail and the Little Econ River run through this park, making it perfect for canoeing and family events. Interestingly, Jay Blanchard Park is also the home to a surprisingly large YMCA of Central Florida.

So, if you are looking to move from a quiet area to one with a slightly younger crowd, then Union Park, Florida may be perfect for you. This area is the home to a vast majority of students at the University of Central Florida, so you can expect an exciting nightlife, while still maintaining a sense of community through beautiful parks and other recreation. If you are looking to relocate to a Central Florida rental home, you can trust Rental Home Management to make your transition as smooth as possible. Please give us a call today at (407)261-5610.

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Steel House Project Reflects Shift to One Bedroom Apartments in Orlando

February 7th, 2012

According to a recent article from the Orlando Sentinel, there seems to be a shift going on
with apartments in Downtown Orlando. A new generation of renters has begun to move in and
today’s Orlando rental homes and apartments are becoming much more contemporary. Steel
House Apartments, an ongoing project on Orange Avenue and Colonial Drive, represents an
incredible shift to single-bedroom units.

Steel House is a low-riser project developed by Pollack Shores Real Estate Group of Atlanta
scheduled to be completed next year. Shockingly, 75 percent of these apartments will be one-
bedroom spaces—one of the highest proportions of single bedrooms for a residential project in
Orlando’s urban downtown.

“That’s just the nature of the market where we are, with ‘echo boomers’ and the downtown
location of this site,” said Michael Blair, managing director for Pollack shores. These “echo
boomers” are looking less for extra living space, and more for outside amenities, such as pools
with decks, workout spaces, and other common areas.

Blair says that the demand for one-bedroom units in the downtown area is very likely to
increase, and is interested in exploring this market. Steel House will have one-bedroom units
starting around 600 square feet, and rent beginning at $900 a month. Amenities will include a
skyline-view lounge, a pool courtyard, fitness and business centers, and a gallery space.

If you are interested in exploring your options for your next Orlando rental home, please
contact the professionals at Rental Home Management Services today at (407)261-5610.

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The Captivating City of Oviedo, FL

January 26th, 2012

The story behind the name “Oviedo” is quite an interesting tale. In the late 1870s, individuals living close to Lake Jesup needed an easily accessible post office. Andrew Aulin, an early settler and shop-owner, was the one to file the paperwork for a post office. Fascinated by the Spanish language, he decided to name it after Oviedo University in northern Spain. However, citizens of Oviedo debate whether he visited the university, or if he simply just liked the sound of it.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers a small fifteen square miles, but holds over 32,000 citizens. An even thirty-two percent of the population is under the age of eighteen, and the median age is thirty-three years. The median income for a family in Oviedo is $66,288.

The city of Oviedo’s public schools are part of Seminole County Public Schools. Oviedo alone contains six public elementary schools, two public middle schools, and two public high schools. It is also the home to a regional location of Seminole State College of Florida and borders the University of Central Florida.

Amusingly, Oviedo is very well-known for its population of chickens that roam the downtown area. There are so many of them that traffic often has to stop as they attempt to cross the road! These chickens have been featured on Oviedo t-shirts, coffee mugs, and even posters!

Simply put, Oviedo is a fun place to live. If you are looking for a rental home in Oviedo—or anywhere in Central Florida—please visit our website for a list of rental properties or call our trained rental home professionals at (407)261-5610.

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