Real Estate
The Ocala real estate industry is instrumental in Ocala’s rapid expansion. New inhabitants are flowing into our community and creating a growing demand for housing and infrastructure. Governmentsmust build roads and connect services to make more land habitable. Additionally, they must draw retail, dining and service businesses into our area to meet the demands of our growing population.
As Realtors we serve buyers and sellers in our community and focus on the Ocala market and surrounding communities. We know this market intimately and stive to provide the best client experience in our industry.
In blog posts assigned to this category, we will provide information about our local real estate market. We will also provide strategies which will help sellers gain a competitive edge so that they can sell quickly and maximize the market value of their homes. Additionally, we will provide advice to buyers which, when implemented, will make their offers more attractive to sellers and help them to find a home that fulfils their lifestyle dreams and fits into their budgets.
Ocala offers a wide range of lifestyle choices. We have communities that cater to the rich and famous and offer luxury homes with unique architectural innovations. The city also features communities which cater to retirees and offer a wide range of amenities and prices to fit any budget. Additionally, there are communities designed to attract first time buyers. In short, our city is a great place to fulfil your lifestyle dreams, whatever they may be.
So visit us weekly and learn why Ocala is the ideal place to call home.
The ever-evolving world of Ocala home styles is exciting indeed. 2024 is predicted to usher in a refreshing blend of bold statements and intimate, social settings. As we continue to tailor our homes to our post-pandemic lifestyles, we will see a resurgence of personal expression. Of course, this creativity will be coupled with a renewed …
Ocala Home Styles: 2024 Forecast Read More »
To make an Ocala winning offer, you must balance price and terms carefully. Our market is evolving and many factors are interacting to make Ocala a great place to invest in real estate. Some of these are two edged swords. For example, while interest rates have stabilized, they are significantly higher than a year or …
Ocala Winning Offer – Price & Terms Read More »
Create the Ocala spa bathroom you dream of. Follow these tips to add value to your home by making your bathroom a luxury escape.1 Ahhh, the spa. For some of us, it’s been too long since we’ve gone to a real spa. We miss the luxury of a hot tub soak and the power of …
Ocala Spa Bathroom – 10 Design Suggestions Read More »
With interest rates significantly higher than in the recent past, here are some interest rate hack strategies that will help you to bridge the gap. If you were ready to buy before rates increased, don’t give up on your dreams. Employing one or more of these strategies may allow you to make them a reality! …
Interest Rate Hack Strategy: Buying An Ocala Home Read More »
The Ocala spring housing market is upon us. Of course, once upon a time, we lived in a dream real estate market. Homes were appreciating quickly, jobs were plentiful and both inflation and interest rates were at record lows. In short, the economy was thriving and homeowners were building wealth at an unsustainable pace. But …
Spring Housing Market – Prepare To Compete Read More »
The Ocala real estate market is surging. Actually, that statement speaks more to the future and the immediate past than to today. But there is no doubt in my mind that the future of our real estate market is exceptionally bright. Fortunately, people like Larry Roberts are betting with me. Mr. Roberts is the logistics …
Ocala Real Estate Surging – Nationally, Mansion Sales Plummeting Read More »
Does holding an Ocala open house have value? Imagine this scenario: Since you decided to sell your home, you have quickly become inundated with advice. To be sure, family, friends and neighbors all want to have their input. Your favorite aunt says, “make sure your Realtor holds an open house every weekend!” But the banker …
An Ocala Open House: Whom Does It Benefit? Read More »
So you feel like it’s time to move. But you keep asking yourself, should I sell my Ocala house now? After all, there is so much family history in your home. There are so many memories packed within its four walls, not to mention all of your stuff. Here are a few thoughts you may …
Sell My Ocala House Now? Read More »
Our Ocala real estate investment forecast points to this area being at the vortex of a perfect storm. The economic forces generated by the amazing efforts of our Chamber & Economic Partnership and the opening of the World Equestrian Center create extraordinary opportunities for real estate investors. We have reported on the effects of these …
Ocala Real Estate Investment Forecast: Update 02/2023 Read More »
Over the past few years the focus of Ocala home decor has changed. Many of us have spent more time than usual in our “castles”. Therefore, we have learned to appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable. As a result, many of us have adapted our dwellings to our needs …
Ocala Home Decor: 6 Trends To Watch in 2023 Read More »
Many have voiced concern about the rapid development of Ocala residential projects. Some have even sought to turn the clock back and return to city and county development plans of the past. However, clearly that ship has sailed. When planners approved the building of the World Equestrian Center, they committed to an expanded rate of …
Ocala Residential Projects & Infrastructure Read More »
The Ocala real estate forecast is for strength in intermediate and long terms. Of course, last year one factor drove the real estate market more than any other, rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to tamp down inflation.1 Then mortgage interest rates reacted …
Ocala Real Estate Forecast 2023 Read More »
While no-one likes to think about disasters we may encounter, an Ocala homeowners’ insurance policy offers protection, and with it peace of mind. Severe weather, fire, theft, or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe, can wreak havoc. As a result, you may be exposed to thousands of dollars in damages. Is there …
Ocala Homeowners’ Insurance Guide Read More »
Ocala living is about enjoying the holiday season with family, friends and neighbors. Be proud, of our town. But you don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style, even in these inflationary times. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of …
Ocala Living: Advice In A Season of Inflation Read More »
An Evolving Real Estate Market & Ocala Home Prices Ocala home prices have reached new heights. Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. 1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to …
Ocala Home Prices Read More »
Deciding whether and when buy a home can be daunting if you are first time homebuyers. But in today’s whirlwind market you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership. The real estate boom spawned by the pandemic has pushed home prices to an all-time high.1 Additionally, higher mortgage …
First Time Homebuyers: Timing The Housing Market Read More »
Ocala real estate news is not just about where you live. It is also about how you live. No matter what wets your whistle, you are sure to find an exciting way to enjoy your weekend in our town. We all know about the many equestrian events featured here throughout the year. Among them are …
Ocala Real Estate News: What’s Happening? Read More »
You May Be Pleasantly Surprised By Your Current Home Value! It’s easy to verify how much money you have in your savings account or the real-time value of your stock investments. But determining the dollar value of a home is a far more complex endeavor. As a seller, knowing your home’s value helps you to …
Home Value: What’s Your Ocala Home Really Worth? Read More »
Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Unfortunately, even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next.1 This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward qualifying …
Lower Mortgage Rates: 8 Strategies to Secure Them! Read More »
Ocala home inspections serve a vital purpose in the homebuying process. You may be easily swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Then, once you’ve had an offer accepted, you’ll probably be anxious to move in. However, when proceeding along the route to making a significant financial commitment, it’s best to act prudently …
Ocala Home Inspections: Avoid Common Mistakes Read More »
Ocala real estate is about to benefit from economic growth never before imagined in North Central Florida. Thanks go to the projected more than tripling of the contribution the equestrian industry makes to our community. The annual inflation rate in the United States is higher than we would like. But actions taken by the Fed …
Ocala Real Estate – Three Hedges Against Inflation Read More »
While we all want to be good neighbors, serious home sellers must do more. It’s not just about keeping up with the Joneses or pleasing your neighbors. It’s about outshining them at every opportunity! If you are serious about selling your home fast and at the highest possible price, you’ll need a strategy to set …
Serious Home Sellers Understand The Importance of A 1st Impression Read More »
Are instant cash offers the future of the real estate market? Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and real estate transactions are no exception. In fact, a new crop of tech companies wants to revolutionize the way we buy and sell homes. iBuyer startups like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Properly are rapidly expanding …
Instant Cash Offers – Are They A Viable Option? Read More »
The process of buying a home can be both exhilarating and exhausting and our Ocala home buying tips are designed to mitigate the latter. Of course, the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have much to do before you are settled into your new home. Fortunately, you …
Ocala Home Buying Tips: 10 Ways To Ensure a Smooth Move Read More »
In this volatile market, what will it take to submit a winning offer? Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers unable to fulfill their dreams of home ownership. But now, with interest rates climbing, many are also feeling …
A Winning Offer: 5 Steps To Home Buying Success Read More »
Most common mistakes sellers make can be easily avoided, and the benefits of doing so are great. Learn the statistics and we are sure you will agree that it’s worth the effort. No matter what challenges the housing market presents, the process of selling a home can be daunting. Some sellers have a hard time …
Mistakes Sellers Make: 7 COMMON AVOIDABLE ISSUES Read More »
Today our real estate market faces rising rates which make the cost of mortgage financing more expensive. However, homes are still in short supply and demand is brisk. So where are we headed? The last two years caught many of us off guard, and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the …
Rising Rates, Short Supply: Housing In 2022 Read More »
The Mindset of Top Ocala Realtors What separates top Ocala Realtors from their fellow professionals? How do you select the one who will serve your needs best? How do you decide who will best deliver on the promise to sell your home quickly and at top value? The hypothesis I will lay before you is …
Top Ocala Realtors: Compassionate Problem Solvers Read More »
Ocala ultra luxury living was redefined, if not invented, by developer Ralph L. Roberts. Half a century earlier, Ralph and his partner, Robert Campbell, opened a small freight company in Ohio. When the two purchased a single truck, R&L Trucking was born. Robert and Larry, as Ralph preferred to be called, dreamed of very different …
Ocala Ultra Luxury Living – The Larry Roberts Story Read More »
Ocala home staging is a valued tool in the quiver of today’s home seller, but has it got universal applications or just case specific ones? A new Realtor recently posted the following question on a real estate forum. “Is staging really important to the home selling process?” Realtors responded in various ways. One suggested that …
Ocala Home Staging – What You Need To Know Read More »
This is the story of how Ocala evolved into a city attracting real estate investment by giants of the industry. Once upon a time, many years ago, we lived in the focal point of North Central Florida’s tourism industry, Ocala. Ours was a town surrounded by amazing forests, fresh water springs and hundreds of streams, …
Real Estate Investment Mecca – Ocala Read More »
Many fear that a real estate bubble is upon us, a bubble sure to burst soon. But are such fears justified? According to OMCAR, our local board of Realtors, Ocala housing saw astounding appreciation year over year as of February, 2022. In fact, appreciation exceeded 40% during that time interval. As a result, rents also …
Real Estate Bubble 2022? Read More »
Ocala residential real estate is appreciating at historic speed and affordable housing is becoming scarce. Our city is in the midst of a real estate boom that is likely to be with us for a while. Low inventories of homes listed for sale and high demand have created an aggressive seller’s market. Of course, as …
Affordable Housing In Ocala, Florida 2022 Read More »
Real estate investments are ideal wealth building tools. As Mark Twain said, “Invest in land. They are not making any more of it”. Of course, the safest real estate investment is your own home. You and your family need a roof over your heads, a place to feel safe and secure. Therefore, your choice is between owning …
Real Estate Investments & Building Wealth Read More »
Today Ocala housing demand is off the charts. However, opportunity almost passed us by. Many years ago, an entertainment industry giant imagined a new Ocala. He could see into our future, and what he saw was truly visionary. Marion County would be the second coming of Disneyland, albeit on a much grander scale. Surrounded by …
Ocala Housing – The Economy Takes Off Read More »
Ocala model homes feature trendy interior designs created to increase value and attract sales. However, such designs also enhance lifestyle. Additionally, you may find it easier than you imagine to create the atmosphere you desire in your own home. Let me demonstrate with an anecdote. A landlord walked into his tenant’s home. He had just …
Ocala Model Homes – Trendy Designs Read More »
If there is one thing certain, it’s that Ocala’s sellers’ market is showing no signs of moderating. Undoubtedly an old adage applies here. The best time to buy a home was yesterday. The second best is today. In our community price appreciation is brisk, while the days competitively priced homes stay on the market are …
Ocala’s Sellers’ Market – Scorching! Read More »
The Ocala housing market continues to show robust appreciation. Rising prices are fueled by several factors. The historically low inventory of homes for sale is a prime cause. However, demand excelerated by historically low interests rates and economic conditions has a major impact as well. To be sure, the opening of the World Equestrian Center …
Ocala Housing Market Trends Read More »
With the advent of the pandemic, you may have experienced a shift from office centric employment to working from home. Initially most viewed such a shift as being temporary. To be sure, they expected that once the threat of COVID-19 was over, they would return to their normal work routines. However, we now see that …
Ocala Home Life – Optimizing Your Internet Read More »
Should you move forward with buying a home? Consider that rents are rising and mortgage rates are still hovering near historic lows. As a result, even with upward pressure on home prices, it may be more affordable to buy than rent. But what if you are financially tight, have limited resources and your credit score …
Buying A Home: Pre-Approval & Closing Read More »
Ocala home appreciation is a function of strong demand and the historically low inventory of homes for sale. Together they may impact affordability in the intermediate to long term. Today we live in times when interest rates are at levels that are unsustainably low as well. Additionally, GNMA estimates that builders must add 3,800,000 housing …
Ocala Home Appreciation & Affordability Read More »
The supply of Ocala area homes continues to be very tight. However, local sellers and buyers are caught in the teeth of a dilemma. We read stories about inflationary forces rearing their ugly heads. Therefore, some are beginning to talk of interest rates soon rising. As a result, we are beginning to see articles written …
Ocala Area Homes: Rebalancing Market? Read More »
Well designed Ocala home spaces create great first impressions and first impressions sell! However, such spaces make homes more livable as well. Therefore, you would be wise to create lounging areas for your own enjoyment. Don’t wait until you begin thinking of listing your home for sale. Last week we introduced a burgeoning trend, enhancing …
Ocala Home Spaces That Sell Read More »
Xeriscapes, Greenhouses and Gardens In Ocala Xeriscapes, greenhouses and gardens are trendy, but always in style. Gardening has been a favorite pastime since man began to change his focus from hunting and gathering to farming. In many cultures, including those of the British Isles, no home would be complete without a beautiful garden. We have …
Xeriscapes Greenhouses & Ocala’s Lifestyle Read More »
The Market for Ocala Single Family Homes Buying Ocala single family homes has become somewhat of an adventure. While we are in a blazing sellers market, we also see an unusual opportunity for homebuyers. Because interest rates continue to hover at historic lows, monthly payments are very affordable. Therefore, this is an extraordinary real estate …
Ocala Single Family Homes Read More »
Ocala homes for sale offer opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. But rarely is romance mentioned as a distinguishing factor of home ownership. However, is a home not a place to escape to? Do you not need sanctuary after a day of pursuing career objectives? Do you not need an escape from doing your …
Ocala Homes For Sale: Tickets To Romance Read More »
Upscaling in Ocala can be an exciting adventure. There are options to suit any lifestyle. However, to make the process a wonderful, stress free journey, you would be wise to plan and avoid common mistakes. You will find that the inventory of homes for sale in Ocala is at historic lows and demand is at …
Upscaling In Ocala: Prepare For The Journey Read More »
While festivals are a way of life for small towns and villages throughout the world, they are an important feature of the Ocala lifestyle as well. My wife and I have always taken to heart the admonition of St. Augustine, “Life is a book, and he who does not travel reads but one page.” Therefore, …
Ocala Lifestyle – Florida Festivals Read More »
Over the past year and a half, circumstances have refocused interest on Ocala home improvements that add value. People were forced to spend more of their time at home. Therefore, they began prioritizing home improvement projects they had dreamed of for years, but failed to actively pursue. However, putting dreams into action without adequate thought …
Ocala Home Improvements That Add Value Read More »
The Ocala community is our home. Since we arrived, my wife has enjoyed the services of a wonderful beautician. Not long ago the beautician left a national chain to work for a small local salon. But as has been the case with many small businesses in Ocala, the pandemic has brought great hardships upon this …
The Ocala Community – Helping The Needy Read More »
Ocala home sales are setting records year over year. Despite a market dominated by health concerns generated by a generational pandemic, demand has set a pace seldom seen before. Additionally, historically low inventories and interest rates have generated a whirlwind of repercussions. According to Realtor Magazine, the median sales price of an Ocala home has …
Ocala Home Sales Projections 2021 Read More »
The Ocala vacation home market is a reflection of trends in the United States as a whole. Additionally, it may be a reflection of global trends as well. As of September of 2020, national demand for second homes had climbed 118% year over year. However, by early this year, it had tapered off to a …
The Ocala Vacation Home Market Read More »
Ocala luxury homes feature architectural designs and craftsmanship to rival the finest our state has to offer. However, not long ago sellers of ultra luxury dream homes found their mansions languishing on the market. They discovered that supply far exceeded demand for such homes. Buyers were redefining their lifestyle choices. However, as the stock market …
Ocala Luxury Homes – Predicting Trends Read More »
Preparing Your Ocala home for sale: Selling your Ocala home? Of course, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression. Since a little foresight and a small investment may significantly increase your chance of selling quickly and at a good price, putting both into action is well worth the effort. Therefore, here are …
Selling Your Ocala Home Read More »
The perfect storm is about to influence Ocala real estate values and migration. However, the pandemic has already had an unexpected impact on the latter. In 2020, the number of baby boomers who retired increased by sixty percent year over year. Interestingly, the top eight destinations which attracted these newly retired people are located in …
Real Estate and Migration Read More »
Ocala design trends are evolving. For a little over a year, the world has been redefining what the ultimate lifestyle is. Plans have shifted from travel and adventure to maximizing aesthetics and functionality at home. When we talk about getting away today, many of us think of escaping to the safety of our own abodes. …
Ocala Design Trends Are Changing Read More »
Ocala features some of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the State of Florida. Many are professionally decorated and ready to be featured in home design magazines. However, even the largest home may have small spaces that can be redesigned to maximize utility and enhance livability. Therefore, whether you live in a spacious dream home, …
Small Spaces Can Enhance Ocala Homes Read More »
The Ocala economy will continue to rebound in 2021 and its long term prospects are certainly rosy. However, nationwide growth may be slower than forecast several months ago. In addition, the impact of the pandemic on small businesses is just now coming into clearer focus. It may be worse than initially projected. But despite the …
The Ocala Economy in 2021 Read More »
Ocala new construction homes offer many advantages over resales. However, the most significant given current market conditions is the availability of inventory. The Inventory of Homes For Sale In Ocala, as in most of our country, the inventory of resale houses is at a historic low. While the pandemic rages on, sellers are reluctant to …
Ocala New Construction Homes Read More »
How affordable home ownership is depends on several factors. However, the two that stand above the rest are the cost of housing and the cost of borrowing. Today we are living in a time when the inventory of homes for sale is extremely low, while record low interest rates are causing demand to surge. Therefore, …
Affordable Home Ownership Read More »
For Ocala home buyers, dreaming of a first home is an exciting adventure. However, making a lifestyle change poses challenges. Therefore, you would be wise to plan, do your research and make well thought out choices. Here are the three considerations we believe should be at the top of your list. The Advantages of Buying …
What Ocala home buyers should know Read More »
Selling your Ocala home can be a low stress, positive experience if you open your mind, ask questions and set realistic expectations. Therefore, you would be wise to do a little research in order to avoid common home selling mistakes and understand the market. Its a small price to pay for peace of mind. Keep …
Avoid home selling mistakes. Do it right! Read More »
You have decided to make a lifestyle change and the first step is to sell your home. But how do you prepare it to attract quality offers? Of course, you can begin with home improvements that sell. The simplest option is to stage your home by decluttering, depersonalizing and making it sparkle. A bright, well …
Home Improvements That Sell Read More »
You have decided to put your home on the market and want to optimize its value. But where do you begin? By enhancing its curb appeal of course. When selling your home, you must understand that the first impression it makes will often determine the number of showings you can expect. It will also be …
Selling Your Home – Curb Appeal Read More »
“If you are in your twenties and are not liberal, you have no heart. If are in your thirties and are not conservative, you have no brain.” – Sir Winston Churchill As we approach the 2020 presidential election, these thoughts of the great statesman and Prime Minister come to mind. He lead Great Britain during …
The 2020 Presidential Election in Ocala Read More »
The choices you make with respect to Ocala home design are very personal in nature. Undoubtedly, home decor is as personal as selecting your favorite cuisine or desired hairstyle. You may dream of a formal Victorian home featuring period antiques, an art deco nest featuring bold, striking colors or a high tech man cave featuring …
Ocala Home Design Trends Revisited Read More »
Planning the sale of your home: Selling an Ocala home yourself requires a major commitment in time and effort. Of course there is also a risk that potential cost savings will be more than offset by other factors. It is a viable option, but you must dedicate yourself to do what is required. Is that …
Selling an Ocala Home Yourself Read More »
Homes come in all shapes and sizes. This holds true whether we are talking about lot size, square footage, fine detailed finishing touches or the budget required to live in a home. Therefore, as with all of life’s decisions, your choice requires considering many factors and blending them into your definition of a dream home. …
Your Next Home: Things to consider! Read More »
Ocala rural home sales are booming: In the face of the pandemic, Ocala continues to evolve into an exciting metropolitan area. As people reconsider the wisdom of living in large urban areas, our countryside is proving a desirable alternative. Therefore, many are drawn to rural communities where social distancing is a normal part of daily …
Focus on Ocala, Marion County’s Jewel Read More »
The Ocala art scene is growing and becoming a major factor in the evolution and growth our city, a great reason for calling Ocala home. But the story began many decades ago. In 1939, the Coca Cola Company built a bottling plant(photo above) in what was to become downtown Ocala. It featured a magnificent architectural …
Calling Ocala Home: The Art Scene Read More »
Here is another great reason to make Ocala your home. The Ocala National Forest serves as an area administered by the United States Forest Service. Since they so eloquently describe this national treasure, we have borrowed their words to introduce this magnificent forest to you. This nature reserve proudly wears the Congressional designation National Forest. …
The Ocala National Forest, a natural wonder Read More »
Ocala housing market trends are governed by supply, demand and the cost of borrowing, the same factors that influence all real estate markets. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the supply of homes listed for sale in North Central Florida is closely linked to the national trend. Fewer and fewer sellers are putting their …
Ocala Housing Market Trends Read More »
Ocala home trends offer surprises. We are living in uncertain times and intermediate housing market trends are unclear. For example, after an eight week period that saw year over year single family home sales drop by an average of 33.8% per month, June saw a huge and unexpected rebound with sales outperforming those of June, …
Ocala Home Trends: Sales & Design Read More »
All The Real Estate News That’s Fit To Print: Our Ocala real estate blog will present new ideas because life waits for no-one. Despite the pandemic, there are things to enjoy and be thankful for. Is this a good time to sell or buy an Ocala home? How is the economy impacted by the ravages …
Ocala Real Estate News & More Read More »
Follow The Leader and Win: Who wants to sell a home for more? I suspect everyone does and here’s a lesson to be learned. During the subprime crisis which began in late 2007, the market was flooded with distressed properties. As a result, lenders soon found themselves holding huge inventories of foreclosed homes. With the …
Who Wants To Sell A Home For More? Read More »
Synopsis – The Consequences of Selling Investment Property: Many considering selling investment property find four issues standing in the way of implementing their exit strategy: A Delaware Statutory Trust offers solutions to all four. Why Many Real Estate Investors Look To Exit Selling investment property requires careful consideration. Of course, real estate investing is an …
Selling Investment Property – The DST Read More »
Can a mortgage pre approval hurt you in negotiations? Buying an Ocala home involves delicate negotiations. Are you concerned that your pre approval will inform the seller that you can afford more than you are offering? If you are, you may be worried that by providing the pre approval, you will be inviting a counter …
Buying An Ocala Home – Pre-approval Read More »
The June World Bank Report and its Implications: The World Bank issued its report on the expected economic impact of the pandemic earlier in June. Unfortunately, the predictions are ominous. Bank economists project the worst economic contraction in decades. They forecast that world GDP faces a 5.2% contraction year over year in 2020. All countries …
The World Bank Report Offers Hope Read More »
(1) The marketing plan: Is it fair to ask a Realtor for a detailed marketing plan? The fact is that if you are interviewing an experienced professional, you shouldn’t have to ask. Certainly, if you are going give your Realtor the keys to selling your Ocala home, you are entitled to know what techniques he …
Questions Sellers Ask: 5 Key Issues Read More »
Why consider selling your second home? We are living in stressful times. Therefore, a getaway from the daily routine is essential to good health and to refocusing to remain productive. However, when most people think of a second home, they fixate on desired vacation destinations. For example, if you live and work in Ocala, your …
Questions Sellers Ask: Second Homes Read More »
Getting ready to list: The most common question a homeowner asks when first contemplating listing a home for sale may well be, “how much is my home worth?”. But what considerations enter into the preparation of a home valuation? Look at value from a buyer’s perspective. You have decided to buy a home. Therefore, you …
Questions Sellers Ask: Home Valuation Read More »
The Nobel Laureate: Robert Shiller, the Sterling Professor of Economics at Yale, has an interesting take on economic recovery. Dr. Shiller won the Nobel Prize in economics in 2013 for research into the impact of perceptions on asset prices. Additionally, he is famous for publishing his index of home prices. He publishes the Shiller index …
Economic Recovery & Robert Shiller Read More »
Forces at work in the Ocala real estate market: Should you list your Ocala home for sale today? We are living in an environment of fear and uncertainly. However, calmly examining our economy and your financial situation will enable you to answer this question in a way that is best for you and your family. …
Listing Your Ocala Home For Sale Read More »
The CARES Act Offers Homeowners the Option of Forbearance Best intentions frequently have unintended consequences. The CARES Act is the third of four pieces of legislation passed thus far, to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. It has a forbearance provision designed to help homeowners to stay in their homes. Under this provision, borrowers with …
Forbearance: The CARES Act & You Read More »
Today we are living with life threatening health issues and uncertainty as to direction of the world economy. Of course, the Ocala economy is not exempt from the forces at work. The doomsday prophets among economists are predicting an economic contraction unseen since the Great Depression. However, Nobel laureate Paul Krugman is more optimistic. In …
The Ocala Economy and Paul Krugman Read More »
Is this a good time to sell or buy? We are living with an economic phase not seen in our lifetimes. Clearly, the Ocala real estate market is feeling the impact. Millions of people are out of work, while the world is grappling with a disease unlike any we have seen before. The COVID-19 infection …
The Ocala Real Estate Market Read More »
The Ocala Real Estate Market “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill Will economic problems triggered by COVID-19 cause a resurgence of short sales and foreclosures? We expect that they will. However, sometimes difficult situations bring with them opportunities to create win win …
Short Sales and Foreclosures: COVID-19 Read More »
The Dangers We Face: Economic hope is the thought for the day. Since the world fell under the grip of COVID-19, central banks began to drop interest rates to stimulate the world economy. In the United states our Federal Reserve took action quickly. Real estate buyers, not yet gripped by the fear we see today, …
Economic Hope on the Brink of Disaster Read More »
Focus on the future: We find ourselves in the grips of a deadly pandemic which threatens our lives and the world economy. Over thirteen hundred Americans passed on April 4th alone and things are likely to get worse before they get better. But amid the devastation, scientists are planting the seeds for a brighter future. …
The World Economy in Pandemic Mode Read More »
Rehab to sell is an enticing idea. A recent story published in Realtor Magazine tells of a couple in Cambridge, Massachusetts who wanted to sell their condo. The property, a rental, was in need of renovation. Its owners feared losing value by putting it on the market as is. But they were also reluctant to …
Rehab to Sell: Think Outside the Box Read More »
A Realtor’s Anecdote Several years ago, I was invited to give a listing presentation at a palatial home in very upscale neighborhood in South Florida. The finished part of the home boasted over five thousand square feel of living space. Yes, there was a large unfinished section comprising of an additional two thousand five hundred …
Staging A Home, An Easy Decision Read More »
Why do some sellers choose for sale by owner? (1) No listing commission! This is the most obvious reason sellers give for choosing the for sale by owner route. Pro: Con: (2) More control of the sale process: Pros: Cons: Share Your Thoughts Does this analysis make sense to you? Be sure to share your …
For Sale By Owner? Pros and Cons Read More »
“Uber-unique” is the new trend! Though home renovation shows paint fun fantasies, they do not intend to encourage the redesign of functional spaces. They do not suggest remodeling just to respond to the latest fads. Change in the way we respond to the shows is overdue. Good news. Moving forward, emulating the neighbors will no …
Home Renovation Shows Read More »
Welcome. Today we publish the first installment of our new Ocala Blog, your online source for information about all things Ocala. Since Ocala is a thriving, rapidly evolving community, there is always something interesting going on here. Although we will be emphasizing issues of interest to home sellers and buyers, we will also delve into …
The Ocala Blog: Life In Our Town! Read More »