A 50 percent increase in home sales

OK, the latest housing market statistics are out.

And according to a story in the Sarasota Herald Tribune single family homes sales were up 50 percent in Sarasota and Manatee counties compared to last year.

The median home price fell 9 percent to $154,500 from $169,000 from a year ago. The October price declined 5.7 percent from $164,000 in September, according to the paper.

Condo sales were up 120 percent from the same time last year. The price was down compared to a year ago but increased compared to September. The median price last year was $212,500 and this year $152,800. In September the median price was $134,800.

All the best
Greg Owens P.A.
Keller Williams On The Water
Cell: 941.932.6343
Office: 941.729.7400
greg@teamworksfla.com
www.teamworkfla.com

To spring and beyond

There have been a couple of uplifting events for the real estate market in Sarasota/Manatee.

First, nationally the first time home buyer tax credit of $8,000 has been extended until next year. It also includes a $6,500 credit if you have owned your home for five years and are looking to move up in the market.

We are continuing to see a stabilization in the prices for single family homes. The murky bottom it appears is starting to become more solid.

Inventory levels continue to remain low in comparison to last year.

And as always the weather is warm and sunny.

All the best
Greg Owens P.A.
Keller Williams On The Water
941.932.6343
greg@teamworksfla.com

Beach dreams

Now you might think beach front would retain its value in any market.

We have clients who go around the world looking for beach front property.

The sugar white sand, the lap of the Gulf of Mexico or some other body of water is pretty alluring to a lot of people.

Interestingly enough I have seen beach front property drop from more than $1 million for close to or around 100 feet on the Gulf of Mexico to almost half that in price.

It is just sand but there is only so much of that sand you can even build on in our region.

All the best
Greg Owens P.A.
Keller Williams On The Water
941.932.6343
greg@teamworksfla.com

High end foreclosures

For discerning buyer there is a lot of opportunity in the higher end markets.

There are number of foreclosure homes in our region in the million plus range, think brand new 6,000 sq. ft. builder's models, on the water, never lived in.

Some of these come fully furnished. Others empty.

The lenders are pretty motivated to get rid of the high end homes they have foreclosed on. No you probably won't get a $4 million home for $1 million but you might get it for $2 million.

These are the time the bargain hunters will look back at a the glory days of home shopping.

All the best
Greg Owens P.A.
Keller Williams Realty On The Water
941.932.6343
greg@teamworksfla.com

Yachting dreams in paradise

Over the past week the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has been taking place.

You had everything from the small fishing boats to the more 200 foot luxury yachts.

The good news is that in our neck of the woods Sarasota/Manatee you can find a home, villa or condominium in most price ranges.

You have an opportunity to dock your boat behind your home, put on a trailer or have it at a local marina.

You can even buy docks to keep your dream boat at.

All the best
Greg Owens P.A.
Keller Williams On The Water
941.932.6343
greg@teamworksfla.com