Help Wanted in Ocala, Florida!       Officials negotiating to bring massive FedEx facility to Ocala Ocala Star-Banner February 1, 2013.   This is great news for Ocala!  With the collapse of the housing market in 2006-7 came the collapse of Ocala's job market. Unemployment shot up to 15% from a low of 2.8% in January of 2006. So FedEx Ground opening a new facilty will be a real shot in the arm.  And although it is only 165 employees  associated services will likely add more.   And all those people need homes to rent or live in! So here is our message to FedEx from the memories of Bob Barker:   "FedEx come on down!" 02/02/2013

Mary Beth works at a local health food store, she has made a huge effort to make healthy meals not only look good but taste good as well.  Below are just a few pictures of her delectable dainties. Mary Beth has a page on Facebook where she shares luscious and beautiful dishes and desserts that will make your mouth water.  Like her page! Sara Homan, Realtor ® Ocala Florida, 352-209-4044 01/11/2013

2012 Ocala & Marion County Market Report   1st Half 2012 Ocala & Marion County Market Report During the 1st half of 2012 the Ocala & Marion County real estate market started a big swing towards a normal market. Homes less than $100k went into a "sellers market" for the first time in almost 5 years Homes priced $100k-$200k swung to nearly a balanced market Homes priced over $200k are still a "buyers market"   2nd Half 2012 Ocala & Marion County Market Report   The 2nd half of 2012 the Ocala & Marion County real estate market saw mostly stabilization. The only major change was in the $150k-$200k with a move closer to a balanced market.   The bottom line is it is a great time to buy or sell in Ocala & Marion County. For a private consultation on buying or selling,  Call or email The Ruiz/M... 01/05/2013

Woo Hooo! Another Milestone!  Great Start for 2013!     We hit the 300,000 Aug 23, 2012.  But are really excited to get a new milestone as we start 2013!   It is doubly exciting because as the real estate market has recovered it has really been true here in Ocala & Marion County.   The Ruiz/Miller Team wishes everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2013! 12/31/2012

The World Did Not End, But Hell Froze Over in Ocala!  Friday forecast: 12 tons of snow downtown   "Snow kidding, there’ll be a snow day in Ocala on Friday — real snow suitable for snow angels, snowballs and dribbling down a friend’s back.   When: 4-9 p.m. Friday; ice sculpture demonstration at 6 p.m.Where: At the Christmas tree east of the downtown squareCost: Free Anyone who’s never lived through a good ol’ fashioned snow day up north, especially when they close the schools because the buses can’t get through, has missed a special rite of childhood. But on Friday, there will be 12 tons of snow on the Christmas Tree square downtown; it won’t be enough to close schools, mind you, but “you’ll definitely get the snow feel,” says Janie Pope, the central business district program manager for... 12/20/2012

We buy houses Ocala.  If you own a house anywhere in Central Florida including Ocala and Marion County, please give me a call.  I have been a Florida real estate investor for over 20 years now and would love to help you out. Regardless of your siutation, whether foreclosure, divorce, probate, relocating, fixer upper, or you just want to sell fast for cash without hiring a Realtor, I would be happy to discuss it with you.  I have been involved in literally hundreds upon hundreds of successful Florida home sales and can help you too.  I am your Ocala home buyer.  I pay all cash.  Close on the date of your choice - as fast as 10 days or on a date convenient to you.  I pay all the closing costs and there is never a commission due on a deal where I am the buyer.  Additionally me and my assoc... 12/16/2012

Travolta Brings It Home to Ocala in his new video with former Grease co-star Olivia Newton-John.  Almost 35 years ago John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sang sweet nothings to each other on film. They recently reunited in Ocala, Fl to produce a fun filled music video for the song "I Think You Might Like It. The video was filmed at Travolta's home in Anthony, his Jumbolair neighborhood and the Ocala International Airport. The video shows the two cavorting and driving off all cuddled up in Travolta's 1955 T-Bird.  It also features a few locals showing off their own dance moves, including Kelly Preston, Ella Bleu and Ben Travolta — Travolta's wife and children. It celebrates small-town America at Christmas and shows the Travoltas' concern for their adopted hometown of Ocala. "You know, ... 12/12/2012

This past Saturday marked another great year for the Ocala Christmas Parade in Ocala, Florida.  A beautiful sunset and balmy temperatures made this a great night to get in the holiday spirit. There were many excited children's faces to be seen everywhere along the two mile parade route down Silver Springs Boulevard. This great event was marked with musical performances by area schools, street performers on stilts, festive holiday floats and much more. And of course, what's a Christmas parade without a Santa to "wrap" things up?!  I can't wait to see how much more this fun filled event grows along with our community next year! 12/10/2012

The Teets family of Ocala are hosting their annual christmas light show for your enjoyment.  The lights will dazzle your eyes while the music brings holiday cheer and joy to your heart. Along with the light show the family is collecting donations of food and toys for St. Theresa's so that everyone can have a happy holiday. This fantastic show sparkles with approximately 35,000 LED lights programmed to 24 different songs. Upgraded for 2012 from 16 to 32 Light O Rama Controlled terminals, and with the addition of several video presentations this Light O Rama controlled show will run through January 7th, 2013. Both Presentations will be looped and repeat themselves on an automated schedule. We look forward to seeing you at this favorite local event! 12/10/2012

 Ocala & Marion County 16th in NAHB/First American Most Improving Markets Index (IMI)   Dec - 2012                  NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI)                              Permits Growth Prices Growth Employment Growth     Trough From Trough From Trough From    MSA  Date Trough Date Trough Date Trough                 1 Phoenix, AZ 03/31/09 3.5% 06/30/11 24.6% 09/30/10 4.9% 2 Midland, TX 04/30/09 2.4% 01/31/10 21.1% 08/31/09 20.6% 3 Boise City, ID 03/31/09 4.4% 04/30/11 18.8% 06/30/10 5.0% 4 Bismarck, ND 03/31/09 23.1% 01/31/10 18.5% 12/31/07 13.2% 5 Ann Arbor, MI* 01/31/12 4.1% 01/31/12 16.4% 07/31/09 5.0% 6 Atlanta, GA* 05/31/09 3.1% 01/31/12 16.2% 02/28/10 3.8% 7 Detroit, MI 04/30/09 7.5% 02/28/11 15.9% 06/30/09 4.4% 8 Cape Coral, FL 03/31/09 5.5% 02/28/11 15.4%... 12/08/2012

How Does Santa Get Around in Florida Without Snow?   We grew up in Western New York before global warming.  So we almost always had snow for Christmas.  So if growing up in Florida you might wonder how Santa gets around on Christmas Eve without snow.  Or perhaps if he has a satellite workshop in Florida - where he might get his elves. Well our neighbor seems to answer both of these with his Christmas display. Well of course!  Santa has a tractor to deliver presents in Florida. And if he needs a few elves or helpers he just drops down to Disney World where Mickey and all his friends would be happy to help! Merry Christmas! 12/07/2012

Harley Owners Toy Run in Ocala, Florida   Ocala Harley owners carry on a tradition with their toys for childred run. But this year this worthy cause follows a slightly different route.   New route for Sunday toy run   "To participate in the run, each motorcycle driver and any passengers are asked to donate a new unwrapped toy or $5. The toys are dispersed first to youths involved with the Marion County Children's Alliance, Kimberly's Center for Child Protection and Camelot Community Care. Remaining toys and donations will be offered to agencies including the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff's Office and local fire departments and hospitals, Mongello said.   "It's all about the kids," he said."   12/01/2012

I love doing fun things for the holidays or special occasions; it makes it different and more fun.  One of my facebook friends posted this on her page and it looked so cool.  It looks like she used red leaf lettuce for the outside then celery sticks, baby carrots, asparagus, then 3 colors of sliced peppers, cherry tomatoes, a summer squash for the head with a slice of red pepper and black olive slices for eyes, cucumbers  and celery sticks for legs as well.  All for the artsy host or hostess in you.  Happy Thanksgiving to all and thank God for our Freedom! 11/21/2012

How Do You Get in the Christmas Spirit in Florida? You Light Up Ocala! We often have friends and relatives ask how do you get into the Christmas spirit in Florida. They find it hard to imagine without snow, in the midst of sandy beaches and palm trees. Well Ocala, Florida doesn't have sandy beaches but it does have a town square lined by palm tress. So Ocalans get in the spirit by an almost day long event and celebration.     This celebration caps off with a Light up Ocala spectacular. Light up the palm trees and celebrate like the 4th of July!     You welcome celebrities like John Travolta   Welcome to the start of the holiday season Ocala, Florida!   11/17/2012

  These are hands, right?  Actually, no they are not! This is a picture of where hands were placed for A moment on a wall and then removed. What was left behind was the heat from the hands.                     It’s hot outside, but should it be hot inside? The insulation and the seals in your doors & windows often are the place where your hard earned money goes out the door.  This picture shows areas of thermal loss in the home.             This is NOT an A/C vent, it is a picture of a ceiling showing the air conditioning duct work in the attic your hard earned money escapes where duct work may not be properly sealed.                Thermography has many uses.  It can also be used for human and animal temperature variations that can indicate health challenges.  This is a picture of a v... 11/13/2012

Come Join our Spicy Saturday Shindigat the 31st annual Marion County Chili Cookoff!Where else can you have a chance to taste over a 1,000 gallons of chili cooked by 41 different competing Marion County teams?Try a traditional blend or go out on a limb and sample something different like venison and chicken chili.Not a chili fan?  No worries, the onsite food court also serves up hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and a large assortment of bake sale treats.Lots of live entertainment with a live band, belly dancers and local dance teams.The kids are sure to enjoy the area that includes bounce houses, a jumbo slide, carnival games and face painting.Best of all, it's not only great fun but for a good cause.  All funds raised from the event will benefit the Cornerstone School, their... 11/01/2012

FAFO Fun in Ocala, FL! The place to be in Ocala, FL. the last weekend in October is FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival where a person can experience art on every level!  Over 200 fine artists from all parts of the country descend upon Ocala to show off their wares. I consider this event to be my personal holiday shopping kickoff event for finding unique gifts for friends and family members. Not ready to start your holiday shopping? Then just come by to browse and appreciate the art! With our recent mild temperatures everyone is sure to enjoy a beautiful fall day strolling through the festival and having some good family fun. Kids will be entertained in the children’s art activity tent with activities focusing on some great American artists.  They will get a prize for completing all five activit... 10/24/2012

Take a peek at these Twenty Terrific Halloween Events in Ocala, FL! Who would have guessed that there is this much to do? NIGHTMARE ON PINE STREET: 2.5 acres of haunted attractions from 8-11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Wayne's World, 4841 S. Pine Ave., Ocala. $5. FRIGHT NIGHTS: Fright Nights featuring the Ocala Jaycees Annual Haunted House at 8 p.m. Fridays through Sunday at Silver Springs, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.  www.silversprings.com) MACABARET VIII: Halloween Teen Cabaret performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. www.ocalacivictheatre.com BOO BASH: A free Mini-Monster Boo Bash will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at American Legion Hall and Tuscawilla Park, N.E. Sanchez Ave., Ocala. www.ocal... 10/23/2012

Watch Ocala, FL Grow! The city of Ocala has negotiated a memorandum of understanding with the Jacksonville Port Authority to explore a partnership that could include Ocala in the container port supply chain.   Both the ports of Tampa and Jacksonville are seeking "agreements of understanding" with the city of Ocala to work together to accommodate what both describe as "significant growth in container traffic expected in the coming decades," largely because of the expansion of the Panama Canal. With Ocala’s central location and transportation assets, city officials believe it is an ideal location for an inland port, where goods could be distributed, warehoused or assembled after being unloaded at Florida’s seaports.     Other Great News on the Growth Front!       CSX railroad is building ... 10/23/2012

Marion County Flood Waters Are Receding! Earlier today we posted: Re-blogged by 0 agents The Flood Waters Are Receding! Now even better news, it is happening in Ocala & Marion County as well! Fewer mortgages underwater in Marion County "Following nearly two years of Marion County real estate drowning in "underwater" mortgages, the area continues to show modest improvement. During the second quarter of 2012, the percentage of Marion residential properties with mortgages that were in negative equity fell to 40.3 percent, down from 41.9 percent during the first quarter, according to CoreLogic, a California company that provides property and consumer information."   Original post: We are all hearing about increasing sales from around the country. And in many areas that is leading to increas... 09/12/2012