Buying a fixer upper is not for everyone, in fact, if you do not love a good challenge or project, it is more than likely not for you. The people who love old homes tend to love them because they can work on them. On top of the project, you are snagging a great deal on a home. It is probably a rundown place in a decent neighborhood for way below the market price. Essentially, the money you are saving on the home can be money used to fix up the home. All you need is time and energy, and you can turn this investment into the home of your dreams. It sounds like a great plan for those who like the idea of a project, but it is work and with that comes a lot of decision making and we are here to give you a clear and realistic vision of what you would be getting yourself into.

Be realistic with what you are willing to take on

Really think about what you are willing to do and not do. Fixer uppers come in all types, sizes, and workloads. Before exploring fixer uppers, because it will be overwhelming to look at, think about what you are comfortable with. There are minor projects that consist of repainting and laying tile down, and then there are major projects that consist of serious structural work. The magnitude of the project you are willing to take on will set the tone when looking for homes and will help make the process not as stressful. If you cannot commit the time, money, or effort, then maybe rethink the kind of fixer upper you are willing to take on or rethink the whole investment; the price may be appealing, but at the end of the day, more than that matters.

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              Minor                                                                 Major 

Think about location

A big thing to thing to think about when buying a fixer upper is location. You will want to pick a good location as you would buying a regular and ready home. you will want to avoid fixer uppers situated next to busy intersections, next to schools, or near landfills. Seek out ones in up and coming neighborhoods or more appealing/desirable neighborhoods. That will also set the tone for the type of work the home will needs. You will want to look at the homes surrounding your fixer upper; are they maintained? Are they taken care of?

Set a budget

You want to be realistic about how much money you intend to invest on the home and on renovations when tackling a fixer upper. For one thing, you want to think about the type of fixer upper you want, and prices will differ. Then, you will want to think about how much money will go into renovating. Renovating pricing also differs depending on what work goes into it. Include costs like your rent for an alternative living situation while it is happening and at least a 10-percent cushion for going over budget (in case that does happen). Even things like heat or AC, which your contractors will need while they are working and could add up to hundreds, and even thousands of dollars. Sit down and look at all the angles; some things may not cross your mind.

Lake Nona is a modern city always focusing on the future. As you step foot into the Lake Nona area, everything feels brand new and advanced, because that is exactly the goal here. A lot of places are proud of their rich history, but Lake Nona is proud of its future. Lake Nona is a modern mecca for technology, innovation, and community. “From its transformative Lake Nona Medical City, where research facilities work together with the country’s leading hospitals and educational institutions, to the United States Tennis Association’s National Campus, where current and future tennis professionals hone their skills, Lake Nona is a place where no dream is out of reach.”

Discover:

Autonomous Vehicle Shuttles: Lake Nona has recently welcomed its first-of-its-kind transportation solution for Central Florida – autonomous vehicles. Beep, a Lake Nona based company provided autonomous mobility solutions that operates the autonomous mobility platform including route planning and on-board interactive services.

Lake Nona Impact Forum: The Lake Nona Impact Forum is committed to leading the conversation for building the Wellbeing Ecosystem of the Future, by exploring the intersections of health, wellness, medical and scientific innovation, and strategies to optimize human performance. Here leaders can learn about the latest thought-provoking advances in science and technology; exchange ideas and engage in collaborative conversations that directly lead to action and innovation that impact individuals, companies, and communities across the world.

Play:

Boxi Park: Boxi Park at Lake Nona is a 30,000-square-foot, family and dog friendly outdoor district offers a diverse mix of restaurants and bars, beach volleyball courts, and a live entertainment venue. Boxi Park is among the first-of-its-kind on the East Coast and integrates restaurants, an outdoor stage, and beach volleyball to create an open-air entertainment destination built using 12 containers arranged in one- and two-story configurations. The park’s design allows guests to explore different food and beverage options layered throughout the space including ample shaded seating, playground, and fenced dog park. Boxi Park’s stage hosts a variety of local performers with regular programming scheduled for weekdays and weekends. The park also includes beach volleyball courts open to the public.

Lake Nona Town Center: Lake Nona Town Center is the heart of the Lake Nona community. As a regional shopping and entertainment destination, Lake Nona Town Center houses restaurants, boutiques, hotels, public art, and event venues that welcome thousands of visitors each week. The Lake Nona Town Center will be the region’s defining retail experience with 4 million square feet of premium shopping, dining, and entertainment. Phase I includes a four-story office building with ground-level restaurants, a 200-room, dual-branded Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn, a parking garage defined by iconic art installations, Boxi Park at Lake Nona, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, Park Pizza & Brewing Co., Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, Jacq & Jack, Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott.

Ivanhoe Village is like taking a stroll down Orlando’s indie side. Ivanhoe Village is one of Orlando’s most historic and cultural districts. Most buildings display Art Deco styles. “Its offbeat, authentic, crave-able, bikeable side—the culturally casual side that weaves together art museums and renegade retro retailers.” You will find antique stores, wine garden tastings, art galleries, restaurants, record shops, and bike shops. The district is home to Florida Hospital, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, The Orlando Ballet, and The Ronald McDonald House. 

Here are some must go to places in the Ivanhoe Village that you will want to check out!

Vintage/Antique Side of Ivanhoe Village

• Rock & Roll Heaven

This is the biggest record store in all of Orlando. They have the largest selection of CD's, DVD's, Cassettes, VHS Laserdiscs, and vinyl LPs in almost all of the United States, ranging from rock to pop to soul to country to folk! They are also Jukebox specialists.   http://www.rock-n-rollheaven.com/home.html

2. Deja Vu Vintage Clothing & Accessories

This is for all the thrifters out there. Originally opened in 1986, Deja Vu Vintage Clothing & Accessories is still going strong today. Customers can purchase slightly-worn and used vintage clothing such as hats, jackets, purses, costume jewelry, and more. While you can go in to buy, you can also sell your used vintage clothing if in good condition and get your bargaining skills with you!        https://dejavuvintage.com/

Cuisine

1. Two Chefs Seafood Oyster Bar

If you’re looking for classy, fine dining food then you’ll want to go to Two Chefs Seafood Oyster Bar. It is a little restaurant right in the heart of Ivanhoe Village. The front is a bar and, in the back, is the seating for diners. They are best known for their seafood, Two Chefs also has plenty of other menu items, from roasted bone marrow to fried chicken.

2. The Hammered Lamb

Their food is pub-style and casual but some of the best pub food you will get in the area is from their menu. Popular dishes include lamb quesadilla, buffalo chicken dip, and flat bread pizzas. It is also a popular place for brunch on the weekends! For all you dog lovers, you can sit outside with your pup and enjoy a nice meal and watch the game on the flatscreen tvs set up outside. 

Family fun

3. Gaston Edwards Park      

Gaston Edwards Park is one of the nicest parks in Orlando. It has got plenty of paths to ride a bike, jog, roller blade, and much more. There are volleyball nets and picnic tables. It also has a lake for visitors to take a small boat out on, or to paddleboard. You will find exercise stations and a playground; there is something for all to enjoy!

3. Lake Ivanhoe Park                  

Lake Ivanhoe Park is the original park of Ivanhoe Village. It is a beautiful way to get back to nature and to relax in the Florida sun. It is a popular spot for dog walkers, families, and joggers. There’s a boat ramp for visitors who want to take their boats out on the lake. There is room got biking, roller blading, and running

Orlando has lots to do and we are always here to tell you about all the exciting things and places to do in this great big city. Orlando’s nightlife is just as vibrant as the daytime. There is so much to do from comedy clubs to speakeasies to clubs, you name it. You will find things appropriate for all ages. We have mentioned several things throughout some other posts like our weekly Neighborhood Spotlight, so we tried to give you a taste of some things you did not even know existed, because we did not for a while! Here are a few favorites we recommend!

• The Imperial Wine Bar and Beer Garden: Have you ever thought to yourself: I would love to go furniture shopping with a bar inhouse? I mean the question cannot be farfetched because who does not love a glass of wine while doing anything, even furniture shopping? The Imperial Bar is a furniture store by day and wine and beer bar by night. It makes you want to come back for more. “The lighting is dim and you are at once lost in a maze of four poster beds, Balinese coffee tables, Indian treasure trunks, and Rajasthani door frames.” At night, the pieces transform into intimate corners for bar enjoyment and good conversation with some friends. So, if you are looking for a quiet yet interesting night out with a drink or two, then this might be the place for you.

• Next up is Enzian. Enzian is Central Florida’s only full-time alternative cinema. It is home of Eden Bar and the Florida Film Festival. Enzian’s mission is to educate and connect Orlando’s community to film. Since it is a nonprofit membership/organization, all proceeds whether be from tickets or food and beverage go towards the mission. It is a single screen cinema café that offers independent and foreign films with two unique dining options offered at the theater. This is a bit different than your regular night at the movie theater.

• Next is Sak Comedy Lab. Sak Comedy Lab has been alive since 1991, and its goal is to make people laugh through improvised comedy. They take suggestions and make up characters, scenes, and songs on the spot. It is fun and edgy for adults, but also widely enjoyed by the younger crowd as well. This was the starting place for the careers of writers/actors/producers of shows we all have enjoyed through the years, like “The Office”, “Saturday Night Live”, and “Mad TV”. Here is a promo video of what it would look and feel like at the Sak Comedy Lab!

• Last on the list is Hanson’s Shoe Repair. Yes, it is exactly what is sounds like, kind of. Andrew Hanson acquired this building in 1894 for his "Hanson Shoe Repair Shop" which had Orlando's first electric sign. It is generally thought that this building may be the oldest building still standing in downtown Orlando. Now, it is a rooftop speakeasy. Quite a transformation, right? This small and intimate bar serves craft cocktails curated by world-class bartenders. In true speakeasy style, a password is required for entry. Find it on Twitter or call 407-476-9446 and ask for it—just make sure to mention how many “shoes” you need repaired (code for how many people are in your party).