We forecast that Ocala is at the vortex of a perfect storm that creates a rare opportunity for real estate investing. The economic forces generated by the amazing efforts of our Chamber & Economic Partnership and the opening of the World Equestrian Center create extraordinary opportunities to profit. We have reported on the effects of these forces in prior posts, but comprehending their impact is vital to understanding the Ocala real estate market. Therefore, we feel beginning with a brief overview of each before we present new, relevant information is warranted.
Under the stewardship of Kevin Sheilley, the CEP is bringing large business enterprises to our community. Indubitably, Amazon and Lockheed Martin lead the pack. In the process, it is drawing high paying jobs to Ocala at a pace well ahead of all projections. Because of its success, the CEP became a finalist for the title Chamber of Commerce of the Year three times. Then, in 2020, it finally lay claim to the honor. But the CEP’s efforts are ongoing. It is now planning expanding our airport so that it may receive commercial flights within four years. Additionally, it continues to promote Ocala as the ideal locale for major corporations to be headquartered. Of course, the CEP is also strategizing the building of the infrastructure necessary to support the World Equestrian Center and ensure its success.
For its part, The World Equestrian Center is drawing competitors and spectators from far and wide. Just before its opening, I attended a presentation by Mr. Sheilley. In his speech, he estimated that demand for hotel rooms in Ocala exceeds supply by more than 4000 rooms. Additionally, during equestrian events we can clearly see that our road system is stressed by the volume of traffic.
While plans are under way to address these needs, much more infrastructure will have to be developed to meet the demands of our equestrian industry. To be sure, the “Horse Capital of the World” is in the throws of an expansion. We believe that, as a result, Ocala will evolve from a sleepy, bucolic village into a major Florida metropolis. It is the ideal place and time for real estate investing.
Becoming a real estate investor is an exciting experience, and for some it may seem intimidating as well. Be sure to prepare for this new venture by following key steps. They will reduce risk and maximize the probability of success. Below, Ocala Homes Online offers a guide to successful real estate investing. Assess Your Finances … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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, … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more