We`re working with a "short sale" where the Buyers agent seems confused.We`ve gone back and forth for several weeks on an offer in which the lender instructed us to inform the agent and buyer they will no longer counter. They`re firm on a sales price,where quite honestly,they`ve priced the home $55,000 below the appraised value.   The agent continues to call insisting we present her counter. We told her on Thursday, the lender instructed us they will no longer counter! It seems she`s having a problem educating the client, or she simply doesn`t understand she`s not involved in a regular transaction. Once the lender informs you they will no longer entertain an offer, it`s pretty much taken for granted! I realize the potential buyer seems eager to continue negotiating,but it`s now time to ... 10/28/2007

For three glorious days in November, horse enthusiasts from all over will be able to enjoy 300 Acres of events, shows, seminars and much more.  November 16-18, Ocala (Florida's horse capital) will host the Florida Equine Capital Expo.  For Parelli fans, Pat and Linda Parelli will be there the whole weekend and will be debuting their Horseanality Profile.  Josh Lyons will be there as well as many many other well know horse trainers, speakers and more.  Learn about trail riding, nutrition, natural horsemanship and more.Hotels are filling up fast and to help get around the 300 AC so you can make it to all of the seminars on time, you might seriously consider brining or renting a golf cart for the weekend.  Prices are very reasonable.There will be a gala dinner, "Dinner in the Dirt" one nig... 10/25/2007

   What happened to Ocala's red hot real estate market? Well in many ways we have returned to normal. For a couple of years Ocala was one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. We are now experiencing a much needed correction.  The reason for this real estate frenzy was two fold. Ocala was and still is the lowest priced city in Florida to buy a home. Additionally Ocala had and still has a lot of empty space. There are literally thousands on vacant house lots and large tracts of develop-able land. All this open space and low prices attracted big national builders and small time investors.   The problem was that neither of these groups realized that Ocala doesn't have the booming economy to support such a booming real estate market. Ocala has a low unemployment rate but wages ... 10/24/2007

   Well October isn't exactly fall here in Ocala Florida. We do however begin to cool down. The day time temperatures are now in the mid 80's and the nights in the 60's. Later in the month we can leave our doors and windows open for fresh air and to escape the cost of running the central air.  Once again we seem to have had a year without a single hurricane here in Florida. Despite a tremendous amount of gloom and doom predictions early in the year by experts who always seem to be wrong. Of course Ocala has never actually had a hurricane but seeing them out there in the ocean is a little worrisome.   If you ever wanted to visit Ocala this is the time of year to come.   10/16/2007

Rentals in Ocala Florida Newer 4/3/2 3009sf in Forest Glenn. Living/dining/family room all open w/ fireplace. Huge kitchen w/ island, breakfast bar, nook, and huge walk-in pantry. Master suite has his and her walk-in closets...  US $1,400.00 South Florida< 2 minutes ago Rentals in Ocala Florida Nice & big hard to find 4BR home in country setting yet only minutes to Lake Weir and Gator Joe's. Corner lot with big retention area in back. Plenty of room for the kids to play. New constructio...  US $1,100.00 South Florida< 3 minutes ago Rentals in Ocala Florida BRAND NEW HOUSE, NEVER LIVED IN!! RENT FOR LESS THAN OWNING. THIS 3 BED 2 BATH 2 CAR GARAGE HOUSE IS ON AN OVERSIZED LOT AND READY FOR YOU TO MOVE IN!! For more information please contact Flo...  US $1,200.00 South Florida< 6 minutes ... 10/16/2007

   Barkitecture is a combination of my two favorite subjects, dogs and of course houses. Barkitecture is an art exhibit of custom dog houses to support the Marion County Humane Society. It is another project of the Marion Cultural Alliance similar to their now famous Horse Fever exhibition.   The Horse Fever exhibition has given way to something new. Custom dog houses.      The 1891 Chambliss house located on SE Fort King street and home to Ocala magazine.Location Ocala Magazine 743 SE Fort King ST      The Animal Cracker House which is intended to return to a simpler place and time.Location: Ocala Style Magazine 1007 SE Fort King St      St Paw's CathedralLocation Koontz Furniture 3111 S Pine Ave       Fort DoggoneLocation Candler Hills golf Club8139 SW 90th Terr Rd            Taj Ma D... 10/08/2007

 OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT Homes Sold SEPTEMBER 2007 ..216*$100,000.00 or less..........................42$101 to $200,000.00......................110$201 to $300,000.00........................37$301 to $500,000.00........................20$500,000.00 Plus..............................6Active Listings as of 8/2/07.......7691*Vacant Houses as of 8/2/07........2337**This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS** Number may be revised due to late reports from board of Realtors. WHAT"S HOT IN OCALA REAL ESTATE· New homes around $150,000.00· Golf Course & 55+ communities.   · SE Ocala near the Historic district· Houses priced at or below $100.00 per sq ft of living areaContact me at ant time regarding your Ocala Real Estate needs.Search the Ocala Marion ... 10/08/2007

Yesterday, we experienced what a desperate agent and company does in order get business.It`s too hard to satisfy their existing clients who they`re losing in bunches.The main reason is lack of "Customer Service". We started receiving calls from several of our landlords informing us the competition sent out letters to our "Rental" listings informing them of "Having Tenants" who are willing to rent their homes. False advertising is a FREC violation,which I`ll make sure to report to the State of Florida. The agent has a bad reputation in Ocala, Florida to begin with,and a habit of "False Promises".They are never available to their clients.Maybe if they spent time in the office instead of the local bars,it would be different. I don`t like to get involved with personal issues of my fellow pe... 10/03/2007

I realize the media has been exposing the demise of the Sub Prime lenders, there isn`t a day that goes by when we`re not bombard with a new mortgage lender who is affected by this turn of events. We`re seeing a new wave of "Renters" who have been the victims of this "Fall-out" throughout the state and the rest of the country, these people are now looking for rentals to move their families. Let`s be honest,many of these people weren`t astute to understand what an "ARM or 100% financing" really meant.They trusted their mortgage brokers who in some cases were either their family or friends to help them with the loan process. Many didn`t realize these so called friends were tacking on ridiculous "Back end Fee`s" which would effect their rate and monthly payments.   In Ocala,Florida the mark... 09/27/2007

   What's selling in Ocala?  What's HOT :       Houses under $100,000.00 are hot and accounted for 20% of sales in August. The $100-200,000.00 range is hot accounting for 56% of sales in August.  The 55+ communities are doing well especially south of Ocala. The area of Southeast Ocala adjacent to the Historic district.  Extremely Hot :New homes in the smaller square foot range priced under $150,000.00   What's not so HOT :Anything over $250,000.00Homes older than the mid 90's. Homes that are not very well priced.Homes with condition issues.   For the latest information on the Ocala real estatemarket visit my blog or web site.      09/24/2007

I spent the day in Ocala,Florida yesterday dealing with lenders who are beginning to release their portfolios on homes that will soon be foreclosed. These lenders have a vast portfolio of homes that range in price from $130-$500K. Many will be sold at 45-60% of their "Loan-to Value" ratio`s,which means there will be alot of bargains for home buyers and investors. You will be required to place a minimum of 5% in escrow in order to purchase.These homes are sold in "As Is" condition,so we suggest that you complete your inspections prior to writing an offer.  We looked at several homes yesterday in Rainbow Park,Silver Springs and Belleview, Florida. Many of these homes have been recently constructed and have never been lived in.These homes require no work at all and can be closed in 30 days... 09/20/2007

Currently, we`re marketing homes in Marion County Florida successfully by offering different alternatives to home sales. The "Lease Option and Lease to Purchase" have assisted our sellers. Both seem to attract potential buyers with the purchase of a home.The third option is rental and property management for those wish to wait out the market in hopes of seeing higher homes sales down the road. The most essential element to all three are to locate clients who are qualified to obtain loans,credit worthy or who need assistance in getting their financial affairs in order.  At Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. our experience in helping investors is crucial to their investment security. Locating a Realtor and Real Estate Office to help with your most important investment is crucial to insurin... 09/13/2007

   As you may know if you're read my previous weather posts, I don't actually predict the weather. After all no one gets paid so much to be wrong so often as a weatherman. Instead I give folks thinking about relocating to Ocala Florida a general idea of what the weather is like month to month. In September the major thing dominating the weatherr is if Florida will get hit by a hurricane or not. This is the height of hurricane season and although Ocala has never suffered a direct hit we are never the less concerned. We do get tropical storms in Ocala and they can do a lot of damage, like blowing down trees, loss of power and damage to mobile homes.  September is still summer in Ocala.The high's are in the low 90's and the low's at night are in the low 70's. The humidity is just beginning... 09/13/2007

 Price LocationPosted Homes For Rent in Ocala Florida at Fore Ranch. 4920 SW 45th CIr, Ocala FL 34474 Brand new 3/2/1 1539sf end unit townhome in gated section of FORE RANCH. Best view in all of Fore Ranch, feels like your sitting on top of a hill overlooking 100 ...  US $1,000.00 Ocala< 1 minute ago Homes For Rent in Ocala Florida 13240 SW 73rd Avenue Rd, Ocala FL 34473 New construction in popular unit 10 of Marion Oaks. Close to HWY 200, Walmart, shopping & medical. Split floor plan, with plenty of room, big kitchen, ...  US $970.00 Ocala< 2 minutes ago Ocala Florida Rental Properties 4235 SW 50th Cir, Ocala FL 34474. New condition 3/2/1 1541sf end unit townhome in gated section of FORE RANCH. Corian counters, tile in all wet areas, berber carpet, screened covered patio w/lake...  US ... 09/11/2007

 OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTHomes Sold AUGUST 2007 ............254*$100,000.00 or less........................50$101 to $200,000.00.....................141$201 to $300,000.00......................43$301 to $500,000.00......................12$500,000.00 Plus............................8Active Listings as of 8/2/07.........7574*Vacant Houses as of 8/2/07........2323*Months of Inventory (7574/254).....29*This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS.   We are now seeing a decline in prices. It started around April when 2 large builders decided to reduce their inventory of spec homes by offering steep discounts. In July I saw a number of investors jump on the band wagon and offer similar price reductions. The price of discounted new homes has brought down ... 09/06/2007

OCALA FLORIDA BANK OWNED AND FORECLOSED PROPERTIES NW 61 AVE, Ocala FL 34482 3BED,2BANice newer home in very good condition. Split bedroom plan, foyer, inside laundry, wood cabinets, open patio, concrete block and stucco. CONTACT FLORIDA LIST...  US $144,900.00 Ocala< 1 minute ago FORECLOSURES IN OCALA FLORIDA SW 116 PLACE RD, Ocala FL 34481 2BED,2BALots of Potential! Needs TLC. Walk-in closet in master, screened in patio and open patio. Large 2 car garage, cathedral ceilings, & split-plan. Make o...  US $118,500.00 Ocala< 3 minutes ago OCALA FLORIDA FORECLOSURES FOR SALE CEDAR TRC TERR, Ocala FL 34472 Nice home built in 2002, needs TLC! Cathedral Ceilings, Large - Great Room, Split Plan, Detached Storage Building, and fenced. Built with Hardee Board, Located...  US $137,500.00 Ocala< 6... 09/04/2007

Dan:  Hi this is Dan!Bad Banker:  Dan, this is ___________  _________  from ________ bank here in Ocala.Dan:  Great I am really glad you called.  I was trying to find out what was happening with the loan for Mr. _________.  As you know the property was supposed to close 60 days ago and the contract has been extended twice for 30 days each.  We are supposed to close on Friday, It is Wednesday today and the selling agent just told me you had asked for another 30 day extension. Bad Banker:  That's right.Dan:  When I asked the other agent why he gave me the name of Ms. ___________ at your bank.  I had called her this morning to ask about the delay and she just said your bank needed more time.Bad Banker:  That's Right.Dan:  I am sure you are aware that I told Ms. ___________ that the contrac... 09/04/2007

 Property values are declining, in fact, they will be in a free fall over the next few months - after we look at the numbers we will take a look at the storm on the horizon.  There are more options for the serious buyer than ever before.  Two years ago sellers faced competition from only a few other homes on the market in their subdivision.  Now, savvy buyers are re evaluating their options as builders have made major changes in their pricing, that have put major pressure on the resale market.  For an urgent update, please see my post NEWS-FLASH-OCALA-REAL ESTATE MARKET LOOSES 30% IN ONE DAY . . .Less closings.  Last year, there were 5487 closings in Marion County - or about 15 per day for the whole year. This year, through August 31 there were 2711 houses sold, or only 11 per day. Last... 09/01/2007

. . . AND MOST AGENTS DON'T KNOW IT!  Worse yet they probably won't figure it out until their listings begin to expire with no showings.My wife went into the office today and was greeted by some dramatic news:  Pulte Homes has cut the price of their Fore Ranch community by over 30% in one day!  One of the agents in our office who does a lot of work in that community received an advance email from someone in the Pulte sales office of a possible 25% reduction, but today as the news was made official that it was closer to 30%.  tHIS WAS IN BOTH THEIR FAMILY AND 55+ COMMUNITIES.  This move places many existing home owners in that subdivision with conventional mortgages - even those who had put 20% down - upside down in their mortgagesThis is going to devastate the entire Ocala resale market... 09/01/2007

Ocala Florida Homes For Rent at Fore Ranch SW 51ST TERRACE, OCALA FL 34474 THIS IS THE LARGEST HOME FORE RANCH HAS TO OFFER. THIS 2 STORY, 4 BED, 3.5 BATH WITH FAMILYROOM, LIBRARY/DEN, OPEN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND AND EAT-IN BAR, LARGE LIVING...  US $1,495.00 Ocala< 4 minutes ago Ocala Florida rental properties at fore ranch SW 42 PL, Ocala FL 34474 Newer 2/2/2 w/ den 1596sf in gated community in FORE RANCH. Living/dining room, breakfast bar, kitchen nook. Master has double sinks, walk-in closet, and shower. All app...  US $1,195.00 Ocala< 10 minutes ago Ocala Florida homes for rent in Fore Ranch SW 45th CIr, Ocala FL 34474. Brand new 3/2/1 1539sf end unit townhome in gated section of FORE RANCH. Best view in all of Fore Ranch, feels like your sitting on top of a hill overlooking 100 year..... 09/01/2007