Clermont, FL

Disclaimer: All examples used in this are fictional.

Any resemblance to you is coincidental. The purpose of this is to inform not insult!

1) Leave the lawn, after all its the house they are buying. No need to pick up all those little presents Fido has been leaving you all over the yard either.

2) Paint your walls in bright, vivid colors and patterns. After all everyone loves a red and purple room with green dots!

3) Leave out your dirty movies and magazines. No one will see them, its the house they are looking at.

4) What odors? My house doesn't stink. So what if I smoke cigars and Fido has an accident every now and then.

5) Leave dirty dishes in the sink and counter tops. I was in a hurry!

6) No need to fix that hole in the wall where your little ones threw that ball. After all they only broke the ceiling fan and left a 4 inch hole. Anyone with kids will understand.

7) No need to fix that leak under the kitchen sink. As long as I dump that bucket every two or three days, no harm done.

8) Leave those dirty, wet towels and clothes on the floors. The alarm clock didn't go off this morning and I' not expecting to show the house today.

9) Fido is such a sweet dog, he wouldn't hurt anyone. Let's leave him out of his crate today.

10) No need to clean that green slippery slime off the steps. It's only slippery when its wet and I haven't fell yet.

If any of these remarks resemble you, sorry! I hope you like your house.

As I continue to research communities throughout the day while performing area appraisals, I am finding some strength returning to certain communities.
The media would have us believe that the Florida housing market is still crashing - and it is in some areas.
However, there are also some communities which are picking up and are actually considered stable again!

I recently was appraising a home in Greater Pines in Clermont, FL. This is a subdivision situated just south of Highway 50 off of Hancock Rd in Clermont.
You can see a view of the community by clicking HERE.

This is the first time in the last 6 months where I have been able to write some positive comments about a neighborhood in Clermont!
Typically, the decline has continued in the region, and then when looking at the specific "micro market" - the sales were continuing down as well!

As you can see, the "boom" for this neighborhood actually began in 2001 and continued through the end of 2006!
But then the "bust" we have all experienced came in 2007. It would seem from this overview as well, that market prices are still declining.
However, when you look at the specific market data for the last quarter, a different view comes into focus:

Judging the data from 2007 to present, the trend shows "flattening" in the last 60 days, indicating that the decline has halted, and sales are now going to the point of being "stable". Not increasing again, but not losing value each month as well! In all of 2007, there were only 20 closed sales posted in the MLS. However, as of June 2008, there have been 7 closed sales and 10 pending. That is some good news on the horizon for activity in the community again!

If you are a homeowner in Greater Pines, then congratulations on sitting through this decline! Sit still long enough, and you may see values come back up again as well!

If you are a Realtor selling homes in Greater Pines, make sure you challenge the appraiser to look closely at the data! In reviewing appraisers I find some who are saying a market is stable when it is still declining, and some who are riding the declining bandwagon even when the data shows stable! As appraisers, we have to report the ACTUAL trends and data - not just what "everyone else" is reporting. Our job as an appraiser is to decipher the data and come to credible, relevant conclusions to assist our clients in making good decisions for lending, selling, or buying.

Take heart.....it's not ALL bad news!

Make it a productive day!

	AUTHOR: Richard D Ferris - AmcAppraisalsinc.com - Servicing all of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole Counties. Also servicing Deltona, Deland, and Orange City in Volusia County. - Phone 877-789-5249 or email me: richard@amcappraisalsinc.com

The housing market in the South Lake County is still in decline. Statistics are in for the 1st quarter of 2008. They are as follows:

Clermont: 2007*** 234 homes sold with a median price of $275,000

2008*** 183 homes sold with a median price of $229,000 a decline of 17%

Minneola: 2007*** 32 homes sold with a median price of $234,950

2008*** 23 homes sold with a median price of $199,523 a decline of 15%

Groveland: 2007*** 36 homes sold with a median price of $229,900

2008** 21 homes sold with a median price of $189,900 a decline of 17%

Mascotte: 2007 *** 17 homes sold with a median price of $189,900

2008*** 14 homes sold with a median price of $142,900 a decline of 15%

Overall South Lake County : 2007** 319 homes sold with a median price of $253,900

2008*** 241 homes sold with a median price of 214,899

an overall decline of 15% over the first quarter of 2007.

More than just the geographical center of Florida, Clermont boast of an incredible diversity of natural beauty and pleasant year around climate. Clermont is situated in Lake county with an abundance of beautiful lakes and gorgeous hills.

The service industries are bolstered by central Florida tourism because central Florida consistently continues to be one of the most popular destinations of travelers worldwide. Our great location and excellent climate also makes Clermont an ideal place to retire which explains why our migration rate from other states continues to be strong.

Quality of life attracts many, both young and not so young, too our close knit community. Come for a visit but be prepared to stay!

Just in case you didn't know, that building that they are building at the corner of HWY 50 and Hancock Rd. is going to be a Pollo Tropical. I believe it is the only one in Lake County.

So, what is Pollo Tropical? Well, as you have probably already guessed, it has to do with chicken...chicken on the grill that is. My personal favorite is the 1/2 chicken, black beans/rice, mac n cheese and a dinner roll. Wash it all down with a nice cold coke...or pepsi, whatever they serve.

I'll keep you posted as to when the Grand Opening is.

Until next time....

Johnny Davis

Platinum Professional Realty PLLC

www.iselllakecounty.com