Ocala area home buyers don't have many options in 2015 for $0 down home mortgage financing.   The good news is the USDA Rural Housing loan still offers 100% financing in selected parts of Marion and Alachua county.  There ARE still plenty of locations just outside of Gainesville /  Ocala where you can purchase a home with no money down thanks to the USDA home loan!   For those buyers that qualify, 100% financing is available bringing the dream of home ownership within reach. With low fixed 30 year interest rates and flexible guidelines a USDA mortgage could help you achieve your dream of homeownership. There are certain eligibility criteria that must be met for both the borrower and the property. Borrowers must meet certain income, credit and employment requirements. The home to be purc... 04/25/2015

Highland Homes is expanding its presence in Ocala, Florida by adding 43 additional home sites at the Meadow Glenn community. These home sites offer brand new opportunities for buyers to build their perfect Florida home in this widely popular community.  Meadow Glenn is an all-ages, gated community in the beautiful city of Ocala, Florida. Located to the west of Interstate 75 and a few miles south of the FL-200/SW College Road, this community provides convenient access to major roadways. With shopping, dining, outdoor activities and grocery stores within a few miles, homeowners will never be far away from anything they need. Buyers wishing to build a home at Meadow Glenn can choose from more than 10 stylish floor plans ranging from 1,250 to 3,315 square feet of living space, including ope... 03/30/2015

Absolutley! The Cal Ripken Major/60 World Series, for players 10 to 12 years old, will be returning to Ocala, Fl. in the Summer of 2016. Officials with Babe Ruth League Inc. and Rotary Sportsplex of Marion County signed a deal this week to host this event in either late July or early August, 2016. The event will run a 7 day course with a minimum of 10 teams from across North America competing in the tournament. Each team is expected to bring between 12 to 14 players, plus family members who are expected to give a healthy boost to our local economy during the event.    Prior reports show the economic impact in Marion County of last year’s Babe Ruth World Series was $1.9 million.   Looks like a HOME run for all of us!   03/18/2015

I Went to the Podiatrist for Brain Surgery… If you needed brain surgery, would you go to the Doctor who happens to be a podiatrist just because you know someone who works there? A Medical Doctor after all is a Medical Doctor and they can all help people with any ailment, right? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Now that’s just silly and we all know that to not be the case. Yet people think a mortgage company is a mortgage company and can offer all kinds of mortgages, and this couldn’t be farther from the truth. This is the story about a client who experienced this contrast first hand, but first let’s learn about the differences between the types of mortgages. Reverse Mortgages and Forward Mortgages (conventional, FHA, VA, etc. that all require payments) are, simply, polar opposites. When a Mortgage Loan ... 02/23/2015

The Ocala, FL Horse Industry Started with a Rose?  Yes, it is true.  We have a gentleman by the name of Carl Rose to thank for our thriving equine industry in Marion County, Florida.  In 1939, Carl Rose built Rosemere Farm on land that would eventually become home to the College of Central Florida and Paddock Mall. I wonder he had a crystal ball to envision just how much the horse industry would mean to our area three-quarters of a century later? $2.62 Billion Dollars- The yearly amount of  monetary impact the horse industry has on our "Horse Capital of the World": HITS (Horses In The Sun)- The HITS 500-acre horse park hosts an array of competitive equine events, drawing international riders to the grounds off County Road 475. OBS- The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. conducts thoroughbred auc... 02/19/2015

HITS announced exciting news for our local economy this Wednesday with plans to offer new private Barns for the 2015-2016 show season. These new barns will be offered at the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, as well as HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. The custom barns can be used either permanently or semi-permanently by exhibitors and trainers and give them an opportunity to have a "home away from home".    Some of the fantastic features these barns will offer include:   ~ Center aisle barns with doors ~ Rubber paver aisles ~ 12 x 12 foot stalls with rubber mats ~ 40 by 80 foot paddocks with four-board fencing ~ 12 x 12 foot tack rooms ~ Bathroom, laundry room, feed room ~ Insect misting system.   Way to go Ocala- We look forward to the opportunity to visit with our... 02/18/2015

Ocala Has Gone To The Dogs with Charlie the Skye terrier.  Charlie took the Reserve Best in Show honors this Tuesday at the 139th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Not bad, considering that there are over 2,700 dogs competing in this prestigious event. Our very own Charlie, owned by Voctor Malzoni Jr. and trained locally by Craigsmoor Kennels, was one of the favorites to win the top dog spot at the show. Sadly, Charlie lost first place to a beagle by the name of Miss P but Charlie didn't seem to mind...... I bet he has a pretty good idea that his trainers have something special in mind just for him!   Oh, to have the life of a dog....   02/18/2015

We are "hatching" some great things in Marion County, Florida!Marion County 4-H members recently competed at the nationallevel for poultry and livestock judging in Louisville, KY, earningMarion two top distinctions in the poultry judging competitions.Marion County’s Chris Candreva placed first in the nation,surpassing 74 contenders, while the Florida team (represented by MarionCounty) ranked third overall out of 20 competing teams in the National 4-HPoultry and Egg Conference.Florida teams have earned their way to the podium 12 out of the past 22years, with five additional first, second or third-place finishes since the firstcompetition in 1965, in which Florida placed first.Founded in 1902, 4-H was incorporated into the Extension Service in 1914 asa non-formal, education program teachi... 02/02/2015

Teed Off with Success For the first time in more than a decade, the LPGA Tour began its season close to home at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala. Florida.The 2015 LPGA Tour teed off with overwhelming success with the Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers in Ocala, Fla., January 28-31, 2015.  Large crowds of golf enthusiasts were on hand to witness one of the more thrilling finishes in recent LPGA history.  The title sponsor of the LPGA’s most recent tournament is Coates Golf, a new company in the golf industry that will be headquartered in Ocala, Fla.     02/02/2015

LOOKING FOR SOME MUSIC TO MAKE YOUR WEEKEND A BIT MORE FUN?  LOOK NO FURTHER THAN MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA WHERE MANY LOCAL BANDS SET UP SHOP TO GET YOUR TOES TAPPING! HERE ARE SOME OF THE MUSICAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND: CHARLIE HORSE:  One Flite Up, classic rock, 7-11 p.m. Friday; Heirborne, classic rock, 7-11 p.m. Saturday; Mike and Al from Aunt Jackie, classic rock, 2-6 p.m. Sunday; blues jam hosted by the Adams brothers, Monday; JR Riech, classic rock, 6-10 p.m. Tuesday; 4-Play, classic rock, 7-11 p.m. Wednesday; karaoke seven nights a week, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (622-4050) HILTON OCALA: Usual Suspects, jazz quartet, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, 3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala. (854-1400) GOOD TIME LOUNGE BAR & GRILL:  Aunt Jackie, classic rock, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday and ... 01/30/2015

GET READY TO EXPERIENCE THE WATER WONDERS OF ITALY!   Don’t miss out on this 100% original water circus this Friday, January 30th- Sunday, February 2nd at the Ocala Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Get ready for an experience of the wonders of Italy. Cirque Italia brings performers with unique talent such as Coco the Clown, the optical Illusion Verticali Act, Air dancers Twin Sailors, the Mermaid act and more.   We look forward to “catching” you there! For showtimes and ticket information, Click Here 01/30/2015

Ocala HITS has raised the bar!!!!! The Ocala Winter 2015 Horse Shows in the Sun kicked off to a great start yesterday on 450 lush acres at the HITS Post Time Farm in northwest Marion county.  This equestrian event is open to all levels and kinds competitors, from short stirrup to Olympic athletes, national champion campaigners, to up and coming local hopefuls. This year, the show has added its first ever national competition to this event that runs through March 23rd.  International show jumping teams from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Germany, and more will compete for the chance to qualify for the Nations Cup finals in Barcelona, Spain and their piece of a $200,000 purse.  Show participants will also get a chance at Triple Crown of Show Jumping fame, when the Great American $1 Million Gr... 01/14/2015

Looking for a good cause to donate to this holiday season? Look no further than the “PJs and Books for Bedtime” campaign. This campaign provides new pajamas and books for homeless and at-risk children in Marion County through a partnership effort among United Way of Marion County. Take a moment to give children the gift of sweet dreams this holiday season by donating warm pajamas and a book to the campaign, through Dec. 10, at any Marion County Public Library System location. Pajamas are needed for both girls and boys, from toddler to teenage. All pajamas must be new and books should be new or very gently used.  All donated items will be distributed to children and teens in homeless shelters and transitional homes, and to social service agencies prior to the holidays. For more informat... 12/05/2014

This well priced retirement or investment home located in an amenity filled 55+ community offering a clubhouse, pool, and plenty of activities sold in just 20 days! The lucky buyer is enjoying this home set in a  convenient location just minutes to shopping, dining, entertainment opportunities and more.  And most importantly....... this buyer is also relaxing in our balmy 80 degree weather by the community pool.   Missed out on this one?  Don't worry....we have others!   12/05/2014

    Let’s Bring the Harvest Home! Local residents are urged to help out with this year’s Let’s Bring the Harvest Home food drive.  Sometimes we forget about those in need in the middle of the Holiday rush.  Please take a moment to give thanks and give to those around you. Bring canned goods and toiletries to help restock area food pantries before the holidays. This year's effort will culminate with a Dec. 12 Holiday Food Drive on the Square in downtown Ocala from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Here is a list of items that our local organizations are in most urgent need of:   Dry goods/foods and canned meats Canned vegetables and fruit. Baby items (e.g., baby cereal, diapers and lotion). Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and toilet paper are also always needed.     If... 12/03/2014

Pedestrian Tales From the Middle of the Road, #74 Pedestrian Tales From the Middle of the Road, #74   http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-charles-davis-jr-dead-bus-20141108-story.html   This is a story from the Ocala area that would be somewhat amusing were it not for the tragic ending- guy leaves strip club and walks backwards into the path of a bus...   This incident falls under the watch of Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham and Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair.   Man killed by bus after walking into street while arguing with strip club staff   An Ocala man arguing with staff outside a strip club walked into the street backwards and was killed by a bus early Saturday, a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman said. Charles Davis Jr., 52, was outside the Body Shots gentlemen's club on Sout... 11/25/2014

  On the Defense in Ocala, FL?  Yes, we are, but in a good way. As local real estate agents, we love to hear news like this. ......     Lockheed Martin announced on Friday that the Ocala plant has doubled the number of workers at the facility in the last five years. The Ocala Operations is a system assembly and high-rate production facility. It manufactures electronic assemblies for commercial, defense and space applications. Additionally, Ocala performs assembly and testing for various Missiles and Fire Control programs.     Hopefully, these extra dollars in our local economy will mean great things for home sales in Marion County!   11/24/2014

Ocala's "Big Daddy" Don Garlits will be shopping for some new duds soon.  This local legend has been given the honor of being inducted into the British Drag Racing hall of Fame on November 22, 2014 at the Savill Court Hotel in Windsor, England.  In a recent statement to the press, Garlits indicated that "I don't think they'll let me wear my T-shirt and jeans". During his visit to the UK, Garlits will have the chance to revisit the site where he got the idea for his Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Marion County, FL. Garlits is frequently credited with being the greatest drag racer in history.  With 144 national event wins and 17 championships the statistics are undeniable.  Hats off to this local favorite, we'll see you at the races! 11/17/2014

Don't miss the FAFO fun!   Many Marion County residents wait with anticipation year round for the fall art festival held by FAFO.  This festival will take place in Downtown Ocala on October 25 and 26th and it it surely the  place to be. FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival is where a person can experience art on every level and experience family fun with lots of great activities. Enjoy a beautiful fall day strolling through the festival featuring 155 fine artists from all parts of the country proudly displaying their art for sale. There will be live music and dancing....   Children's art activities.....     And great food..... This is THE place to get started on your holiday shopping, purchase for your own collection, or simply browse and appreciate the art!   10/23/2014

Age is an Increasingly Important Factor in Retirement Planning More than ever, age is quickly becoming an important factor in long term retirement planning. Baby boomers are living longer currently than any other generation that came before (and that's without getting into generations that plan to retire 30+ years from now. The ideal retirement age is no longer 62 but 65 and is poised to become 70 in the next decade. By 2050, the number of Americans that will be 65 years of age and older is projected to be 88.5million, more than double the 2010 population of 40.2 million. According to an article in Reverse Mortgage Daily, Raymond James Financial launched a new retirement planning initiative that will give advisors the tools to help them respond appropriately and effectively to older cli... 08/19/2014