CondoBlog: A Look at Houses in Orlando, Fla., The Top U.S. Second-Home Spot

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A Look at Houses in Orlando, Fla.,
The Top U.S. Second-Home Spot

By Lauren Baier Kim

Orlando, Fla., is the most popular second-home destination, according to the EscapeHomes Second Home Market Index, which tracks the homebuyer searches on its site. Real-estate agents in the Orlando area sold 29.3% more existing homes in October 2005 than in October 2004, with most houses selling in the $200,000 to $249,000 range, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. Below are three Orlando residences that could make for vacation retreats.

Orlando, Fla./$789,000
Orlando, Fla./$625,000
Rochester, N.Y./$504,900

PLACE/PRICE: Orlando, Fla./$789,000

PROPERTY TAX:* $6,500

THE PROPERTY: A heated pool and spa with views of a pond and conservation land are features of this home on .25 of an acre. The 3,425-square-foot residence has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths.

DEscriptION: The house has a wrought-iron entry gate and a covered front entrance. In the master-bedroom are a walk-in shower, large closets and a Jacuzzi tub, and the kitchen has Corian counters and a breakfast nook. The residence is in a gated community that has a clubhouse and restaurant, tennis and basketball courts and a lakeside jogging path.

NOTABLE: Central Florida Research Park, which is home to Lockheed Martin and several other high-tech companies, is a three- or four-mile drive away. As a result, professionals in high-tech fields are drawn to this area of Orlando, says listing agent Tom Wolfrey of Coldwell Banker Solomon of Orlando. Walt Disney World is 35 to 40 minutes away by car. Orlando homes comparable to this residence typically sell for $700,000 to $900,000. This house is on the lower end of the price range because it is relatively far from Walt Disney World -- homes closer to the amusement park sell at higher prices, he says.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES
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