Ocala Real Estate and Community News » Ocala Area Information

Ocala/Marion County Market Update November 2009

shultz — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:55:15 +0000

According to OMCAR (Ocala Marion County Board of Realtors) from the end of November of 2008 to November 30, 2010 the average sales price for residential homes fell from $122,690 to $106,149 for a decrease of13%. The average list price fell from $132,100 to 112,947 or a decline of 14% for the same 12 months period. The average price per square foot of living area for residential homes fell from $81 a year ago to $66 by the end of November, 2009, for a decrease of 19%. The median sales price fell from $118,500 to 84,500 for the same 1 year period for a decline of 29%.

Our MLS has 5674 active residential listings as of the December 29th, 2009, which shows that inventory is still holding steady. 243 residential homes sold through the Ocala Marion County MLS in November 09, this is an increase of 36% from a year ago. The absorption rate (how many months it would take to sell the inventory at present market levels) fell from 32 months a year ago to 18.5 months in November of 2009.

The Ocala/Marion County Real Estate Market will continue to absorb the many foreclosures and short sales. Sales volumes are up, but prices the approval of the extended and new tax credit are approximately 13% down from a year ago. With interest rates still at an all time low and we expect to see inventory continue to move at these low levels.

Want to get in on the great opportunities this buyer’s market has to offer? Check out our article on Tips For Buying Distressed Properties for great comprehensive information on what to look for when buying a foreclosed or short sale home.

Are you facing foreclosure and need to sell your home for a short sale (selling the property for less than what the current mortgage amount is)? The Shultz Team are experienced Short Sale Specialists and are more than happy to assist you in selling your property under stressful circumstances. With an aggressive marketing plan, great communication and fully staffed office, we are ready to help save your home and credit from foreclosure. Feel free to contact Art & Brigitte Shultz to discuss your situation and start a plan to save your credit TODAY – the clock is ticking and sooner we are able to assist you, the more likely we are to have a successful closing.

For more detailed statistics or a free market analysis, please call or e-mail us.
Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276

Art & Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL THROUGH THE SHULTZ TEAM! *

Ocala Real Estate, Where are We?

lheraty — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:12:41 +0000

It is a buyer's market

There seems to be a general sentiment in real estate of putting 2009 in the past and looking forward to a brighter 2010 – and Ocala, Florida is no different. Looking at where we are and where we are headed as far as real estate goes will take us from the present into the future. Taking a look at the market, home values are currently affordable, prices being at an uncommon low and interest rates bottoming out have made more homes available for more families than years before the real estate boom. Both of these low levels add up to the fact that it is a great time to be a buyer when it comes to real estate – the deals are out there!

One trend that will only be available for a limited time is that interest rates have been hovering at 5% or lower for the better part of the past year, which cannot be expected to continue. As the market stabilizes more and the economy gets better, interest rates will rise just as they have in the past. While home prices still may drop in many areas of the country (including some areas in Marion County, FL), they will not drop much more. Areas that are less affected by foreclosures, short sales and REO properties are likely to level out faster than other areas due to the lack of distressed sales in their inventories. A rise in interest rates may bring real estate prices down to sell but the days of 20% and 30% decreases appear to be unlikely. It is mostly hinged on distressed properties in an area which are competing with sellers who cannot compete with such low prices. Some homeowners may not be able to sell until the market shows this stabilization.

The low down is that now is a great time to buy if you have been waiting for the right time to plunge into the market. Take advantage of low interest rates, tax breaks and seller/bank incentives while they are here. Just as it was a seller’s market a few years ago – it is a buyer’s market now, but just like the seller’s market, it won’t last forever.

For an interesting analysis of the real estate conditions and a forecast of 2010, feel free to contact The Shultz Team.

If you are thinking about selling your home, or would just like to know what a buyer would be willing to pay for it in today’s market, feel free to get in touch with us to request a free market analysis, we are more than happy to assist you.

You can email us at Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276.

Oak Run Golf & Country Club – Ocala, FL

shultz — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:12:20 +0000

Oak Run Golf & Country Club, Ocala FL

Oak Run is a wonderful active adult golf community located in Southwest Ocala, Florida, a classy gated neighborhood with so much to offer. This place literally has it all and what a place to retire to – everything right in the community complete with 24-hour gated security, 18-hole championship golf course, 9-hole executive golf course, 6-acre training facility, two golf clubhouses, pro-shops, six recreational facilities with indoor & outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, Roman spa, fitness centers, tennis, shuffleboard, bocce ball, library, auditorium, restaurants and too many activities, hobby clubs & enthusiast clubs to mention!

Oak Run Community Pool

This beautiful subdivision has a variety of homes & lot sizes to meet your specific needs. You can’t beat these amenities and Oak Run boasts several different recreation areas convenient to all community members.

Oak Run Swimming Pool

The Orchid Club is nestled in the middle of a 10-acre park-like setting – enjoy yourself indoors & out! Complete with fitness center, card game & meeting rooms, billiards, arts & crafts, ceramic studio and library. This great hot spot also sports an auditorium – sit with friends and enjoy movies, plays, musical performances, gala dances with live bands, bingo, etc… accommodates over 1,000 individuals, perfect for large gatherings & community events!

Oak Run Hot Tub

The Island Club is for all of you water-lovers out there – boasting three “specialty pools” that include a lap pool, an aquacizing pool and a lounge pool – not to mention the lovely elevated sundeck for you to soak up that gorgeous Florida sunshine. So, no matter what your level of swim intensity is, you’re sure to find it at the Island Club! We cannot forget to mention the luxurious Roman spa and inside the clubhouse is a convenient meeting room.

Oak Run Golf Course View

The Aquatic Sports Club is the place for year-round water enjoyment and exercise! Always in season, the indoor heated swimming pool not only has open swimming but there are also work-out sessions as well. Want to catch up on the latest buzz? You’ll hear it all on the large sundeck outside!

Oak Run Tennis Courts

The newest addition to Oak Run is the gorgeous Palm Grove Club – with 30,000 square feet of space and packed with special features – including dedicated health center, aerobic room & yoga room, multi-purpose center for social events, large stage for theater presentations, tropical pool area, Jacuzzi spa and lots of space to lounge.

Oak Run Fitness Center

Royal Oaks Golf Club is one of the most outstanding features of the Oak Run community. Luxurious lush golfing grounds in tune with nature make for a spectacular golfing experience! Part of the Audubon system, the preserved grounds, majestic granddaddy oaks, wild birds, manicured courses and pristine Florida ambiance make this a picturesque setting that will have you at the top of your game… Enjoy the 18-hole Champion golf course, or hit it up for a quick nine anytime at the Executive Golf Club with 3-9 courses. Ready to kick it up a notch? Sharpen your skills at the 6-acre 6-hole practice facility and get with a PGA pro for lessons and fittings to help get you that edge… Done with the game and ready for an elegant gourmet dining experience? Perhaps you need a great breakfast to get you going? You cannot miss the Royal Oaks Members’ Dining Room which serves breakfast, lunch & gourmet dinners. Enjoy panoramic views of the golf courses as you dine in style… If golfing is not your thing – but fine dining is, you can still enjoy good times with friends here with your social membership. Two pro-shops will have you geared up and ready to go on your golfing experience!

Oak Run Shuffleboard

Ready for a Virtual Tour of Oak Run? Let us show you around Oak Run right from your computer!

Oak Run Virtual Tour Video

Thinking about moving to Oak Run? Please feel free to fill out our Dream Home Finder and let us look FOR YOU, allow us to sort through all the active listings, send you property information and schedule showings. If you live in Oak Run and are thinking of selling, feel free to contact us for more detailed statistics or a free market analysis, please call or e-mail us.

You may email us directly at: Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us anytime at 800-243-4087.

History of Ocala featured Video by Grant Harriss

shultz — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:03:16 +0000

A local 11 year old boy Grant Harriss produced a video about Ocala’s colorful history. His video has become somewhat of YouTube sensation with over 9,300 viewings. I just wanted to share this excellent video production with you: History of Ocala.

Read the full story in the Ocala Star Banner Online

“Short Sales” Are Being Added To Housing Rescue Plan

lheraty — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:30:55 +0000

The newest addition to the government’s housing-rescue plan may be able to help homeowners having financial difficulties and are in fear of losing their homes to foreclosure. It includes initiating a standard process and incentives for a Short Sale in lieu of foreclosing. This will simplify their financial issues by starting a process for borrowers to transfer ownership of their home to the mortgage company through a “deed in lieu” of foreclosure. This will benefit the buyer because they avoid “foreclosure” and it will also benefit the lender because they will avoid the high foreclosure expenses and large amount of time it takes to complete the process. This year, Short Sales have increased to 20% of all home sales. Compared to foreclosure, a Short Sale is less costly to the lender, but for the buyer it must be approved and can take up to four months to complete. The government plans to pay mortgage-servicing companies up to $1,000 and borrowers up to $1,500 for completed Short Sales and “deed in lieu” of foreclosure. These incentives were created to help make this process go faster.

For more detailed statistics or a free market analysis, please call or e-mail us.

Info@TheShultzTeam.com or call us direct at 352-291-1276.

Ocala Florida FREE Moving Truck

shultz — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:38:19 +0000

Buying a new appliance or looking to get that riding lawn mower? Well if you are, be sure to use our free moving truck to transport them home to save on delivery charges! Our truck is available for all of our clients both past and present and also for charity events anywhere in Marion County. Our free moving truck comes complete with loading ramp, dolly and furniture pads. Subject to availability so please call as far in advance as possible to reserve the time you will need it. Driver must be 21 years old with valid license and insurance. Just fill the gas tank when you are finished is all we ask! We have been offering this free service to our community for over 6 years. If you have ever been a client of ours you will always be a client of ours and we continue to offer this service to you and your family. Our truck is free for personal moving, charity events, donating furniture, picking up personal items for delivery, etc. Feel free to call or email us to request a time slot!

Ocala Florida Superstar – John Travolta’s Red Carpet Event for “Bolt”

shultz — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:04:00 +0000

RED CARPET EVENT IN OCALA

I had chills that were multiplying and I almost lost control. But even though it was cold outside, it was still “Friday Night Fever” in Ocala, Florida, on November 21, 2008.

The reason for all the excitement? John Travolta held his Ocala Premier for the new Disney animated film, “Bolt” in which J.T. is the voice of the lead character, a little dog by the same name. Miley Cyrus also voices a character in the movie and she and John recorded a song together for the soundtrack, which played throughout the evening to the crowd assembled outside the theater waiting to catch a glimpse of John. I was one of those diehard fans willing to brave the cold to get a chance to see John up close and shake his hand. This would be my second brush with the famous actor. I stood in the rain and cold in March 2007, when John and Kelly held their first Ocala red carpet affair for the premier of his movie, “Wild Hogs”, about middle-aged men on a motor cycle road trip.

This year it was a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County which raised $55,000. John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, added an additional $10,000 personally for a grand total of $65,000. There was a VIP reception at Easy Street Fun Center that included a “meet and greet” with John and Kelly. Those tickets sold out immediately at $250 each for the opportunity to rub elbows with this movie star couple who call Marion County home. The gourmet delight gala was catered by Felix’s Restaurant.

Photo by Paula Rae Montgomery

The crowd then walked the red carpet over to the Regal Hollywood 16 Theater for a private screening of the movie. Free tickets were handed out to 40 kids from the Boys and Girls Club. Two scooters donated by Ocala Harley Davidson, hand painted with the “Bolt” logo and personally autographed by John Travolta, were auctioned off. One went for $1,600 in the VIP tent while the other one was raffled off at $1.00 per ticket. I bought three tickets, but alas mine was not the chosen ticket.

When it was my turn to shake John’s hand, I looked into those beautiful blue eyes and said, “Hello Mr. Travolta, when are you going to appear on the cover of AARP magazine?” I have no idea where that stupid question came from. But to John’s credit, he merely said, “Well I don’t really know. I guess I’ve got another year to go.” Then I shook Kelly’s hand and said, “I think he should have been selected (People Magazine’s) ‘Sexiest Man Alive’, don’t you?” She smiled and nodded in agreement.

Then the Travoltas ascended the steps to a stage where the mayor of Ocala, Randy Ewers, presented them with a plaque honoring their service to the community amid the thunderous applause and cheers from their adoring fans. Cameras were flashing as the local media and news stations were covering the event.

I have it on very good authority that John intends to have another red carpet premier/fundraiser in Ocala when the weather will be warmer. He has an “action flick” co-starring Denzel Washington due to come out in summer of 2009. You can bet money that I will again be among the throng of worshipers lining the barricade to have my chance to see John Travolta up close and personal for the third time. I wouldn’t miss it!

Wendy Walters
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK! * – Contact for more details!

Real Estate Sales – Interactive Map

shultz — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:07:00 +0000

A fellow Cyberstar, Rob Levy, (a wonderful group I belong to and network with) sent this to me today and I thought it was very educational and fascinating.

Just by moving your mouse over the interactive map you can see what the median house prices are in different cities all over the USA and how much the market has changed from a year ago.

To view the interactive map just click on this link.

Please notice, even though we have been going through a very tough market in Ocala/Marion County, prices in other Florida Cities, like Miami, have dropped a lot more. Personally, our team has noticed a big increase in activity and sales for the last quarter of this year. There are lots of investment opportunities in Ocala, Florida now and local buyers and investors are noticing the great buys.

Look for my Ocala/Marion County market update for October shortly.

Have a great day,

Brigitte Shultz
The Shultz Team
#1 Team at Re/Max Premier Realty
Ocala, FL
Toll Free: 800-243-4087
Direct: 352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com
* FREE OCALA MOVING TRUCK! * – Contact for more details!

Belleview FL – Small Town Charm

shultz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Belleview, Florida

Belleview City Hall

The City with Small Town Charm
Incorporated in 1885, Belleview began as a settlement around Nine Mile Pond nine miles south of Fort King along the military trail that led to Fort Brooke in Tampa. Nine Mile Pond is now Lake Lillian, and the city of Belleview has grown from its original 350 residents to more than 3,800 today. Still, the city’s history can be seen in its core residences and public buildings, from City Hall, a Spanish mission-style structure built as a schoolhouse in 1926, to the Chamber of Commerce building and visitor center, a former railway station. Belleview’s library, founded in 1886, is the second oldest in the state.

Lake Lillian, Belleview FL

Belleview lies just 4 miles south of the Florida Trail crossing of US 441 at Santos, along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, and provides easy access to 6 major trailheads for day hiking and backpacking opportunities. Also close to Lake Weir – for water and recreational fun! Check it out on our Lake Weir Florida page at www.TheShultzTeam.com

Cross Florida Greenway

Officially dedicated in 2000, the Florida Trail along the Cross Florida Greenway includes more than 30 miles of continuous hiking between Dunnellon and Silver Springs, with the most popular trailheads for day hiking being Santos (just north of Belleview) and the CR 475A / Land Bridge Trailhead (just west of Belleview near I-75).

Florida Trailhead Map

Trailheads and access points

1. Baseline Trailhead. The Florida Trail crosses SR 35 (Baseline Road) at its intersection with CR 464 (Maricamp Road) to the northeast of Belleview. The trailhead entrance is located along SR 35 just north of the intersection, on the right. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, and a playground plus access to a paved biking trail leading northeast.

2. Historic Santos. The Florida Trail follows SE 41st Ct and SE 80th Ct through the historic African-American community of Santos that was displaced during construction on the Cross Florida Barge Canal.

3. Santos Trailhead. Located just west of US 441 on SW 80th Ct. The Florida Trail crosses US 441 just east of the trailhead behind the Santos Sheriff Station. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, and a campground plus access to the famed Santos mountain bike trails.

4. SW 25th Ave. Road crossing with trail access.

5. SW 95th St. Road crossing with trail access.

6. CR 475. Road crossing with trail access. Bench in the shade just to the east of the road.

7. CR 475B. Road crossing with trail access.

8. Land Bridge Trailhead. Located along CR 475A, 2 miles north of SR 484. Entrance on the west side of the road, trail crossing just north of the entrance. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, and access to equestrian trails. A loop trail along the Florida Trail – the Land Bridge Loop – provides an easy 2.7-mile day hike for you to visit the Land Bridge.

9. SW 49th Ave Trailhead. Located along SW 49th Avenue in Marion Oaks, north of CR 484. Trailhead is on the east side of the road. This trailhead provides a composting toilet and access to equestrian trails.

10. CR 484. Road crossing with trail access, east of SR 200 about 2 miles.

11. Ross Prairie Trailhead. Located along SR 200, 1 mile south of CR 484. Entrance on the east side of the road, trail crossing just 0.5 mile south of CR 484 and again just north of the trailhead entrance. This trailhead provides potable water, restrooms, shower facilities, camping, and access to equestrian trails as well as to access the Holly Hammock Trail at adjoining Ross Prairie State Forest. The trailhead sits on a 3-mile loop in the Florida Trail, the Ross Prairie Loop, which features blue blazes leading east and west to connect you with the main orange-blazed trail. The loop trail crosses SR 200 twice; use extreme caution in crossing this busy, high-speed highway.

12. Pruitt Trailhead. Located along CR 484, 8 miles west of SR 200 intersection. Trailhead has parking, composting toilet,potable water, and picnic tables, plus access to the equestrian trails as well as the Florida Trail. Wet conditions may be present along the first half mile of this trail.

Interesting Ocala Florida History

shultz — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Ocala (Indian village name meaning “Big Hammock” ) is the largest city within Marion County which is the fifth largest county in the state of Florida. Hernando de Soto passed through a Timucua village or province named Ocali or Ocale near the present site of Ocala during his famous expedition through what is today the southeastern United States in 1539. Greater Ocala is known as the “Kingdom of the Sun.” Rail service reached Ocala in June 1881, encouraging economic development. Two years later, much of the Ocala downtown area was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving Day, 1883. Buildings were rebuilt with brick, granite, and steel rather than lumber. By 1888, Ocala was known state-wide as “The Brick City.”

In December 1890, the Farmers’ Alliance and Industrial Union, a forerunner of the Populist Party held its national convention in Ocala. At the convention, the Alliance adopted a platform that would become known as the “Ocala Demands.” This platform included abolition of national banks, low interest government loans, free and unlimited coinage of silver, reclamation of excess railroad lands by the government, a graduated income tax, and direct election of United States Senators. Most of the “Ocala Demands” were to become part of the Populist Party platform. Ocala was an important center of citrus production until the “Big Freeze” of 1894-1895.

More Information about Ocala can be found at: Ocala Real Estate Links

The Shultz Team
Ocala Florida Real Estate Team
Re/Max Premier Realty
800-243-4087
352-291-1276
Info@OcalaVisualTours.com
www.OcalaVisualTours.com

* FREE MOVING TRUCK – Contact us for more details!