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.

1274 NE 70th Street, Ocala $399,000

  • 10 Acres. 
  • Fenced 
  • Paved Frontage
  • Well & Septic 

Prime land and hard to find location! Don’t miss this beautiful, cleared and fenced 10 acres with well and septic. Property is currently being used for cattle but would would make awesome new homesite or farm. Several live oak tress, wooded acreage to West and horse track to East, provide lots of privacy. Easy and quick access on 326 with short drive to I-75 or Hwy 40.

 

Please call/text (352) 572-1739 for more info

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

12500 NE 139th Place, Fort McCoy $114,900

  • 3 Bedrooms 
  • 2 Bathrooms 
  • 3+ Acres 
  • Fenced
  • Fixer Upper 

Priced to sell! Cash only sale! Don’t miss this 1994 manufactured home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1152 living square feet located on 3.23 acre lot close to downtown Ft. McCoy. Main bedroom is spacious and bathroom includes garden tub and separate shower. Cathedral ceiling in living room and kitchen with lots of cabinets, counter space and appliances are included. Front wood deck, fence and gate along the road and dead end road with very little traffic. Home need some work but priced accordingly. Located minutes to downtown Fort McCoy with grocery store, doctor office, pharmacy, hardware, gas station, pizza delivery and more. Close to Silver Springs which is great for kayaking, boating and outdoor activities. Ocala is just another 20 minutes away with Walmart, Lowes, Bealls, Outback and many more of your favorite shopping and restaurants. Gainesville(Home of Florida Gators) is only 50 minutes to downtown. If you’re a fisherman, hunter or simply love hiking, canoeing or kayaking you are in luck! Minutes to Ocklawaha River, Rodman Reservoir boat ramp, Ocala National Forest and many natural springs(Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs), horseback and walking trails, and off road vehicle trails awaits your explorations. One of a kind property and location! Ready for new owners!

Please call Duke Rountree at (352) 572-1739 for more info

23590 NE 124th Place Road, Salt Springs $

Stunning inside and outside! Kerr South is gated, deed restricted community with private Lake Kerr access lot, boat ramp and dock. Don’t miss this custom built 2017 home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2435 living square feet. Frame 2×6 construction on solid poured stem wall. Exterior is hardi board and stone exterior with architectural shingle roof, country style front porch and back covered patio with fenced in back yard. Upon entering the home you will see soaring vaulted 13′ ceilings, beautiful engineered wood floors, open floor plan and a stacked stone wood burning fireplace with custom wood mantle. Kitchen is stunning with tray ceiling, custom cabinetry, quartz counter tops, spacious island with farm sink, tray ceiling, recessed lighting and all stainless appliances are included. Dining area is located just off the kitchen with door leading to covered patio. Main bedroom is spacious in size with lots of natural light, 9’4′ ceiling height with tray ceilings, recessed lighting and door leading to the rear patio. Main bedroom hall leads to his and hers closets and custom bathroom with glass shower including double shower heads, bench seat, cast iron tub with double sinks w/ granite tops and privacy toilet as well. Plantation shutters throughout, real wood baseboards and crown molding in every room. Home has 9’4″ ceilings throughout the home. Bedroom 2 is spacious in size with walk in closet and bedroom 3 could be used as office or den as well. Guest bathroom includes tile surround with tub/shower combo, custom cabinet with granite top. Inside laundry with custom cabinets, folding table and wash basin. The property includes a 30×35′ metal workshop/storage building with concrete slab, water and electric beautiful, fenced back yard and beautiful landscaping on this .98 acre oversized lot. Located in the heart of the Ocala National Forest w/ beautiful Salt Springs swim area, boat launch and short ride to Lake George and the St. Johns River. Salt Springs is also home to miles and miles of ATV/SxS, Horseback and hiking trails. Great fishing year round in the many lakes, rivers and forest ponds, and don’t forget about the excellent hunting too. Close to local shopping including grocery store, Dollar General, hardware, gas station, great restaurants, entertainment and more. Only short 30 minute drive to Ocala or Palatka for all your needs.

Asking Price $535,000

  • 3 Bedrooms 
  • 2 Bathrooms 
  • 2,435 Living Sq. Ft.
  • .98 Acre Lot 
  • Lake Kerr Private Access(Boat Ramp & Dock)
  • 30’x35′ Metal Building w/ Concrete Pad 

 

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