Starter Home market in Lake County, FL.

Heard from my dear friend Ray Levy from Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty today that pending sales from the past weekend (July 12 & 13) totaled 14 deals valued from just over $100k to $189k. If that isn't a clear picture of what's going on in the market, what is?

Personally I was involved in another $290k move up deal just over the County line in Orange Co., but the buyer had been looking in Lake all along. Although the size of the deal was "out of scope" the loan is VA with no down- again your typical scenario these days.

So Buyer's Agents, if you are not familiar with low down loan programs- FHA/VA/RD- and the various nuances associated with each, then you are missing the boat.

Seller's agents, if you aren't well versed in program requirements, seller funded buydowns and other incentives for this First Time Buyers market, then you are losing sales.

Now more than ever the team approach is succeeding. I credit the great working relationships I have with my Realtors, Builders, Appraisers, Title Agents, Surveyors and Home Inspectors with my good fortune in this market. All of us are gaining market share each day, what with all the "competition" exiting the business. Some of us are gaining more than others, though. Where do you stand?

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your HUD Loan Pro!