SoliVita. The place for active adults to enjoy all that Florida has to offer. Amenities include 2 par 72 golf courses at Stonegate Golf Club. The Riviera Spa and Fitness Center with full gym, indoor track, indoor aquatic center, 2 out door spas, heated pool, dance studio and much more.

Also enjoy the Village Center with its restaurants, 17,000 sq ft Starlight Ballroom, pool hall, ceramic and art studios and waterways for canoeing, boating and fishing. And as if that’s not enough there are 11 heated pools through out the community.

And the new Palms Amenity Complex with it’s state of the art fitness studio and 4,000 sg ft pool. Professional staff on site. Oops! I forgot to mention the tennis courts, pickle ball courts, horse shoe pits, dog park, softball fields and nature preserves. You really just need to come have a look. Houses from the low 100s to mid $500s.

Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your SoliVita  Home’s Exterior

Make your SoliVita home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.

2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Install new doorknobs on your SoliVita home front door.

5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.

8. Clear toys from the lawn.

9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade your outside lighting.

11. Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.

12. Clean your windows, inside and outside.

13. Polish or replace your house numbers.

14. Place a seasonal wreath on your SoliVita home door.

12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor For Your SoliVita  Home

1. Get at least three written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Repair After The Short Sale.

Here’s How To Restore Credit Score

Hi folks. Today I want to talk a little bit about Credit Restoration. As many of you may know TLW and I went through a very difficult time from 2008-2010. We ended up having to do Short Sales on two of our investment properties. This teamed with some other financial difficulties caused my credit score to plunge into the toilet!! I started in the mid 700s in 2008 and ended up with a FICO score of 561.

Ain’t that sweet?

So needless to say I needed to do something about this. I did my research and found Financial Education Services (FES).

I signed up about a month ago for their Credit Repair Plan to start Restoring My Credit Score Just this week I received my first batch of Credit Dispute Letters to send out to the credit bureaus. I’m looking forward to receiving my results and my new higher credit score.

Credit Bureaus Reporting Agencies Addresses and Phone Numbers

• Experian-1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com

P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013

• Equifax-1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com

P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374

• TransUnion- 1-800-916-8800 www.transunion.com

P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022

I’m very satisfied with the ease of use for this Credit Restoration Program.

Then I decided if this was good enough for me then it would be a good opportunity to help my Short Sellers restore their credit score after their Short Sale. This will help them get back into the position to purchase a home again. And of course a higher score means better rates on just about everything from credit cards to insurance. I owe it to my Short Sellers to offer them this opportinity.

Credit Score Restoration Testimonials

AND…..for the folks that may be struggling financially they now have the opportunity to turn this into their own Credit Repair Business. They can start generating income while going through the Credit Repair Program themselves.

It’s a true WIN/WIN

So do yourself a favor and check it out.

Credit Restoration Services.

Financial Education Services Business Opportunity.

Let me know if you have an interest and I’ll walk you through the process. Any questions?

Riviera Spa & Fitness Center Indoor Pool

The indoor pool at RSF will remain closed until Wednesday, June 12th. All water classes will be held at The Palms through Wednesday, June 12th and resume at the Riviera on Thursday, June 13th with the normal June schedule.

Stop…Look…and Do Not Cross

Work has been completed on the extension of the sidewalk from the Main Gate to the intersection at Cypress Parkway. A strong reminder that golf carts are not permitted by law to cross the roadway, nor are they allowed in the Solivita Marketplace.

Solivita Shred Day

Have a box or two of papers that need to be shredded? Bring them to Freedom Park on Friday, June 14th from 10am to 2pm. Your papers will be shredded, free of charge, by a professional company right here on the premises.

Trash Receptacles and Recycle Bins

Please remember that your trash container and recycle bin cannot be stored outside. They must kept in your garage. The only time they can be out is on Monday after 6pm, and Tuesday. After pickup, please put them back in your garage. Violation letters will be sent to homeowners that are not complying.

PROscape News

Our first named storm of the season was here. We placed our hurricane plan into action…turning off all reclaimed water in Solivita, and no mowing or trimming in the community as well. We had two emergency crews on standby just in case the storm moved our way. They were available to check for downed trees and keep the roadways clear. With the passage of the storm regular scheduled work resumed this Friday morning.

Attention Residents of Mira Vista: After the last application of fertilizer we didn’t notice any major improvements. The plan is to have LawnWorx apply an additional liquid application of 21-0-0 fertilizer. This mix has a high content of nitrogen which should help develop the color of the turf. The work will begin on Monday, June 10th. In the meantime, please do not place any additional fertilizer on your property as this may damage the tur

Simple Tips for Better SoliVita Home Showings

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.

2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.

5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.

6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Add a touch of color in the living room.  A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.

10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.

11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.

12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.

13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.

14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.

16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.

17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

All Fitness Classes Cancelled

A reminder that there will be no group exercise classes on Monday, May 27th, Memorial Day at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and The Palms.

Riviera Spa & Fitness Center Closing

The building will be undergoing major renovations in June. During this process, the building will be closed beginning on Monday, June 3rd through Monday, June 10th. RSF will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, June 11th. A modified class schedule (please see attachment) will be in effect at The Palms to accommodate most of the fitness classes.

New Gate Security Program

Solivita Security Manager Joe Murphy will be at a special Coffee Talk on Tuesday, May 28th at 7pm in the Starlite Ballroom. He will present a hands-on demonstration on how to sign up for the new gate security program. If you are not able to attend the Coffee Talk and have a question, or are having difficulties logging in to the site, please email Joe Murphy at joseph.murphy@abm.com or Barbara Mash (Membership) at bmash@aamfl.com.

News from CGM: (A Clarification…)

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Michele Woods to Banquet Chef Supervisor. We are confident that Michele will be successful in her new role, as she has proven to be a great leader through her hard work and dedication. Michele will be working exclusively with Luann Arroyo the Banquet Manager to ensure the success of every event. Congratulations to Michele Woods on her promotion and we wish her the best of luck in her new position.

Solivita’s Security Contractor Launches New Product

Please come join Security Manager Joe Murphy on Monday, May 20th at 9am in the Starlite Ballroom. This will be your opportunity to learn about the new Gatehouse Solutions program and ask questions. During this special Coffee Talk you will be shown step by step on how to enter information into your resident profile. Please bring the letter that you received that contains your username and password. Monday, May 20th at 9am…Sheri’s buying the coffee!

An Important Message from Bright House Networks

Dear Valued Customer:

Bright House Networks would like to take this time to thank you for the opportunity to serve your community. As you know Bright House Networks is always improving our products and services. Please be advised that we will be realigning channels on our network effective May 20th.

This realignment necessitates the relocation of your Community Channel located on channel 9 to a new channel location of 97. This will impact all of SOLIVITA customers with Analog services. Customers that subscribe to Digital cable services will continue to access the Community Channel on channel 704. Only customers with Scientific Atlanta digital converters will be able to view the Community Channel. Customers that have Cisco or Samsung brand converters may ask to have them exchanged for Scientific Atlanta converters.

Within the next few days a BHN representative will be onsite to perform this channel relocation. If you have any further questions or concerns please contact the Bright House Networks Customer Service Line at 407-291-2500.

At Bright House Networks, we value your business relationship and thank you for the opportunity to service your community.

Sincerely,

Bright House Networks

Did You Paint Your Home?

If you received an extension to paint your residence until the end of March or April, please be sure to call Yolanda Santiago at 863-427-7022 or email her at ysantiago@aamfl.com with the date your home was painted.

Farmers Market Update

Have you seen how the Farmers Market is grown? Seafood is being sold on Mondays along with specialty desserts, kettle corn, and Italian specials. Elaine’s County Corner is now selling fresh breads. At the Farmers Market you can also find bagels, nutty snacks, herb plants, specialty foods, and even orchids. You can also get your knives sharpened on the spot. The citrus vendor will return later in the year when oranges are back in season. Lifestyles is asking that all clubs selling items or tickets set up beside the produce area (big yellow truck) in one of the parking spots. The Farmers Market is open every Monday and Friday from 9:30am until 3:30pm in Freedom Park.

Memorial Day (Monday, May 27th) Closings & Cancellations

• Administration and Lifestyles will be closed
• All scheduled fitness classes at RSF and The Palms are cancelled

Stonegate Golf News

Night Owl Pass: Unlimited twilight golf every day after 4pm from now until September 30th for $499. Please inquire with the golf shop for further details or to purchase your Night Owl Pass today.

Annual Memorial Day Picnic

Come out and celebrate Memorial Day with the Solivita Veterans Club on Monday, May 27th beginning at 9am in Freedom Park.

• 0900 – Memorial Service held at the Veterans Memorial
• 1030 – Coed Softball Game
• 1200 – 1300 Old Fashioned Cookout featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, baked beans, and a drink.

Cookout tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased by calling Audrey at 427-9393 or Dick at 427-0452.

Moving Checklist for Florida Home Sellers

□    Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks ahead of the move.

□    Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of your change of address.

□    Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified about your move.

□    Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new home.

□    Cancel the newspaper, or change the address so it will arrive at your new home.

□    Check insurance coverage for the items you’re moving. Usually movers only cover what they pack.

□    Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

□    Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to
weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.

□    Check with your condo or co-op about any restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits for moving.

□    Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors,
hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you’re moving out of town, be sure to:

□    Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.

□    Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.

□    Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.

□    Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.

□    Let a friend or relative know your route.

□    Empty your safety deposit box.

□    Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold weather.

WASHINGTON – May 6, 2013 – For the second time this year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will sell thousands of severely delinquent mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

This summer, HUD will sell approximately 20,000 distressed loans through its expanded Distressed Asset Stabilization Program (DASP).

HUD’s offerings will be conducted through two auctions – on June 26, it will sell approximately 15,000 notes through “national pools,” and on July 10 it will offer approximately 5,000 notes through Neighborhood Stabilization Outcome (NSO) pools.

In the past, the smaller Neighborhood Stabilization pool sales included Florida properties, but this time HUD is focusing on Southern California, Chicago, southern Ohio (including Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton) and the entire state of North Carolina.

HUD is expanding the use of single-family loan sales through a competitive bidding process in which loan pools are sold to the highest bidder, including non-profit and community-based organizations.

“These auctions allow us to continue stabilizing hard-hit housing markets and to improve FHA’s overall financial position at the same time,” says FHA Commissioner Carol Galante.

Program mechanics
Under the loan sale program, severely delinquent FHA-insured loans are sold competitively at a market-determined price that’s generally below the outstanding principal balance. Once an investor purchases the loan, foreclosure is delayed for a minimum of six additional months.

During those six months, the investor (or servicer) can work with the borrower to find an affordable solution to avoid foreclosure. Since the investor buys the loans at market rate – which is generally below the outstanding principal balance – they’re in a position to offer the homeowner a loan modification. If the loan eventually goes to foreclosure anyway, the investor must do so, relieving HUD from the task.

HUD expects to sell more than 40,000 distressed loans this year through quarterly sales that reduce FHA’s total claims costs and increase recovery on losses.

Distressed Asset Stabilization Program
FHA’s note sales program was resumed in 2010 as a direct sale pilot program that allows qualified bidders to buy pools of risky mortgages – in many cases, HUD says, as a less expensive alternative to foreclosing and listing the homes as a real estate-owned (REO) property.

An FHA servicer can place a loan into the loan pool if the following criteria are met:

• The borrower is at least six months delinquent on their mortgage
• The servicer has exhausted all steps in the FHA loss mitigation process
• The servicer has initiated foreclosure proceedings

For more information on the HUD loan sale program, visit the department’s website.

© 2013 Florida Realtors®

Bella Viana Golf Cart Tunnel CLOSED

Effective immediately the golf cart tunnel to and from Bella Viana is closed due to flooding. There has been a pump failure. It is anticipated the tunnel will be closed for FOUR days for repairs and removal of debris. As soon as the tunnel is reopened, residents will be notified by email blast, and on SolivitaLive.com.

Solivita Logo for Mailbox

Creative Sign Solutions will no longer be selling the Solivita logo for the mailbox to homeowners. The HOA will purchase them in bulk, and you may purchase one for $3 at the Concierge Desk.