October Newsletter

It is officially October and the start to a new month!

In the October issue of our newsletter you will find events this month, featured listings, a market update, and how to follow us on social media.

Click the attachment below to check it out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs.

October Newsletter

Florida Housing Market Update: August 2023

It’s important to have market updates that are local to your area. The latest home resale market statistics from Florida Realtors was just published. I’ve put together an overview of the most important points to know:

  • The amount of closed sales of existing single family homes was down by 8% compared to last year.
  • The amount of closed sales of townhomes/condos was down 7% compared to last year.
  • The median price of single family homes was up 2% compared to last year.
  • The median price of townhomes/condos was up 6% compared to last year.
  • Mortgage interest rates continue to be the most dominant factor in sales trends here in Florida as well as the rest of the U.S., so the continued year-over-year declines we’re seeing in closed sales are not surprising.
  • These elevated levels of home prices continue to offset the impact of lower levels of sales when it comes to dollar volume, which is calculated as the total combined same value of all home transactions closing each month.

For more information go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESBpyaXSB4E

Please never forget to reach out if you ever have any real estate questions. I’m always happy to help!

The Importance of Hometown Heroes

A study was recently done that showed the importance of the ‘hometown heroes’ program. According to a report from Redfin, the average U.S. teacher can afford just 12% of homes for sale within commuting distance of their school. That’s down from 17% last summer and 30% in 2019.

In Florida, the Hometown Heroes program – strongly backed by Florida Realtors® – aimed to help teachers and other lower-paying yet vital metro jobs, such as nurses, firefighters, first responders and more. This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program also offers a competitive first mortgage interest rate and additional special benefits to those who have served and continue to serve their country. The program now serves a wider audience after 2023 legislative changes.

Redfin’s study appears to reinforce the need for workforce housing programs in Florida and the nation.

I offer a 20% rebate on commission for teachers and first responders. If you’ve recently thought about buying, let me know help you through the process and get the most for your money.

September Newsletter

It is officially September and the start to a new month!

In the September issue of our newsletter you will find events this month, featured listings, market updates, and how to follow us on social media.

Click the attachment to check it out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs.

September Newsletter

August Newsletter

It is officially August and the start to a new month!

In the August issue of our newsletter you will find events this month, featured listings, a market update, and how to follow us on social media.

Click the attachment to check it out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs.

August Newsletter

July Newsletter

It is officially July and the start to a new month!

In the July issue of our newsletter you will find events this month, featured listings, market predictions for 2023, and how to follow us on social media.

Click the attachment to check it out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs.

July Newsletter

Summer Activities

Summer is here and we’re bringing you a list of the best activities for your kids!

  • Kid’s Film Series

Whether the day is a rainy one or you are looking for fun out of the sun, a movie at the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala is a great way to unwind with the kids. The Summer Kids Film series offers select shows at just $3 for children 12 and under! Adults are only $5. The $3 includes juice, popcorn and fruit snacks.

  • The Equestrian Center

Here’s an event for horse lovers! The horse show season is no longer limited to the cooler months. With multiple large, climate-controlled, indoor arenas, the World Equestrian Center – Ocala is changing the game and hosting equestrian events year-round, rain or shine. The Ocala Summer Series features 9 weeks of elite hunter/jumper competition.

Make the most of your visit to a horse show by dining at a local restaurant, shopping, renting a golf cart to explore the property, and getting a treat at the candy shop!

  • Citizens’ Circle Splash Pad

The splash pad, located at 151 SE Osceola Avenue, is free for the public to use and is open daily from sunrise to sunset (seasonally). Benches and picnic tables are available for parents to sit and enjoy watching their children.

  • Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is Ocala’s local children’s museum, and we’re here to help you make the most of your visit. We believe that kids should be able to learn in a fun, hands-on way—and that knowledge can be gained through exploration and discovery. Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to instill a passion for learning in your child, so they can grow up as curious and inquisitive adults who are always up for a challenge.

Our rotating exhibits change every few months and feature different themes, from dinosaurs to space travel. Our STEAM-centered classes are designed for kids of all ages, and there are also adult events like book clubs and lectures. There’s plenty of reasons to check out what’s new at Discovery Center!

  • Florida’s Springs

Enjoy your summer outside by splashing into one of our beautiful springs! Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs, Salt Springs and Rainbow Springs all make for great spots for enjoy the Florida sunshine while keeping cool in the natural springs.

Hope everyone has a great summer!

June Newsletter

It is officially June and the start to a new month!

In the June issue of our newsletter you will find events this month, featured listings, market predictions for 2023, and how to follow us on social media.

Click the attachment to check it out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs.

June Newsletter

May Newsletter

It is officially May and the start to a new month!

In the May issue of our newsletter you will find events this month, featured listings, market predictions for 2023, and how to follow us on social media.

Click the attachment to check it out!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your real estate needs.

May Newsletter

A Decrease in Mortgage Interest Rates

A mortgage rate is the rate of interest charged on a mortgage. Mortgage rates are determined by the lender and can be either fixed, staying the same for the term of the mortgage, or variable, fluctuating with a benchmark interest rate. Mortgage rates vary for borrowers based on their credit profile. Mortgage rate averages also rise and fall with interest rate cycles and can drastically affect the homebuyers’ market.

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate inched down for the fifth straight week, positive news for potential homebuyers and the real estate market. The average on the benchmark 30-year rate ticked down to 6.27% from 6.28% the previous week. The average rate last year at this time was 5%. The recent decline in mortgage rates is good news for prospective homebuyers, many of whom were pushed to the sidelines during the past year as the Federal Reserve raised its main lending rate nine straight times in a bid to beat back stubborn, four-decade high inflation. Though supply remains low, home prices are retreating slightly, another development that could lure buyers back into the market.

The Federal Reserve will likely have to cut its benchmark lending rate before summer,  as the fallout from the U.S. banking crisis triggers a potential credit crunch that could threaten broader economic growth. A full 25 basis point rate cut is expected in July, with the odds of a larger 50 basis point reduction rising to 53.2%. 

This could be great news for prospective homebuyers!

For more information, go to the links below:

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/04/mortgage-rates-down-5th-week-row

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/03/fed-interest-rate-decrease-summer