1. The median age of Florida buyers is 43. Among first time buyers the median age is 32.
2. The 2006 median household income of buyers was $67,500.
3. 64% of buyers reported that no children under 18 would be living in the home.
4. 59% of buyers were married couples, 21% single females, 12% single males, and 6% unmarried couples.
5. 18% of buyers reported they were born outside the U.S.
6. First time buyers accounted for 38% os sales in 2007.
7. 49% of first time buyers were between the ages of 25 & 34.
8. Median income of first time buyers is $58,400.

1. The median age of Florida homesellers is 48, and their median income is $83,900.
2. 69% of sellers are married, and 61% had no children under 18 living at home.
3. 51% of sellers are trading up to a larger home.
4. Typical sellers have owned the home for 6 years.
5. 53% of recent sellers reported that they had made improvements 3 months before putting the house on the market.
6. Recent sellers sold their houses for 96% of the listing price.
7. 79% of sellers used a sales associate or broker to help them sell.
8. 67% of sellers were very satisfied with the selling process.

Source: Florida Association of REALTORS

The 24th annual Hernando County Fine Arts, Crafts, Music Festival “ART IN THE PARK” is May 3rd and 4th.

Free admission and parking.

Don’t miss the fun!

Saturday 9 am - 5 Pm
Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

Tom Varn Park
S.R. 50
Brooksville

Art Centre Theatre
2644 N. Annapolis Ave.
Citrus County

Starts: Friday, April 25
Ends: Sunday, April 27

For additional info call: 352-341-1043

The Suncoast Crossing shopping plaza at the southeast corner of Spring Hill Dr. and the Suncoast Parkway has begun construction. In addition to the previous committment from Kohl’s, Target has slated to open in July 2009. Other businesses interested include a sporting goods store, electronics retailer, furniture outlet and a pet store.

An 11 year old Hernando County girl dies while digging a tunnel in a retention area. This tragic accident leads homeowners and county officals to question responsibilty for safety in such areas.

Hernando County Commission approved a RV Resort near Hernando Beach on the northwest corner of Osowaw and Shoal Line Blvd. If completed as planned it will include 100 RV sites, a general store, club house, swimming pool and much more.

The Federal Reserve proposed new regulations that would require, among other things, that homebuyers provide proof of income to ensure that they are not taking on more debt than they can handle. The proposal also requires mortgage companies to do more than advertise their low “teaser rates.”
The proposals already have drawn fire from Capitol Hill, where critics say the Fed has not gone far enough to protect consumers. Many of those critics want subprime mortgages banned. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said, however, the rules were crafted “with an eye toward deterring improper lending and advertising practices without unduly restricting mortgage credit availibility”.

With the dollar at historic lows against the euro and other currencies, real estate professionals, appraisers, and developers say overseas buyers are stepping up their purchases in the U.S.
Some are buying vacation homes in Florida, California, and Colorado that would previously been consisered out of reach.
Others are gambling that properties purchased now will translate into saavy investments down the road, when both the dollar and the US housing market rebound, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Since the passing of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has evolved into a leader in the promotion of equal housing opportunity - developing landmark education for members, seeding programs for minority homebuyers, and seeking out a more diverse membership.
In 1988 NAR led industry efforts to support important amendments to the Fair Housing Act.
NAR embraces the country’s racial and ethnic diversity and strives to make the benefits of real property ownership available to all.