Mount Dora, FL

This real estate market has become a unique opportunity for first time buyers, who aren't saddled with trying to sell a home, to take advantage of the long list of reasons to buy.

As a first time buyer in Mount Dora, FL now you can:

•· Take advantage of some of the best interest rates in history!

•· Buy homes in our market at prices that haven't been seen since 2002 or longer!

•· Move in with less money than you can rent, often with zero cash!

•· Get $7,500 back on this year's taxes to do with as you please!

•· Continue to get some of the most liberal common sense underwriting from FHA, VA and USDA loans!

Never before has this perfect storm existed for first time buyers, but the truth is we know it won't last forever. Interest rates may stay low but who knows how long. Prices appear to be stabilizing in many of the more desirable markets. Most importantly the $7,500 tax credit is only if take possession of your home by July 1, 2009. That offer may be extended but right now there is no indication it will be!

Do you want to take the chance, or do you want to strike while the iron is hot? I am happy to be improving the lives of so many first time buyers in these tumultuous times. Call us at Thomas Mortgage now and get qualified so you too can own your home!

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your FHA Loan Pro!

With the media implanting nothing but negative I wanted to share just a little about the market in Lake County, Florida. It is not all dread and doom and consumers are buying. Lake County is located in Central Florida and has over 1400 named lakes.

There are also numerous beautiful Golf Courses to enjoy and we are the next county over from Orlando....so it's a hop, skip and jump to visit Mickey and Minnie. The beaches are beautiful and there are many charming little towns such as Mt. Dora, where you can walk the streets, dine in fabulous cafe's and tea rooms and browse the many antique shops and boutiques.

So, here goes....

In the last 3 months (9/10/2008-12/10/2008), 116 residential homes priced at $100,000 or less were sold.

405 homes priced between $101,000-$200,000 were sold.

135 homes priced between $200,001-$300,000 were sold and 47 homes priced at $300,001 or higher were sold.

That is a total of 703 homes sold in 3 months which equates to approximately 8 per day. Now, 8 per day doesn't seem like a lot but it sounds better than what the media would let on.

For Commercial Real Estate there were 6 sales (all values) in the last 3 months.

26 Vacant Land deals within the last 3 months and 7 Income Producing deals.

I plan to watch the numbers and maybe not so much T.V. I think a more positive approach will take us farther than listening to the negative banter from the media.

Happy Holidays and Happy selling!!!

The most recent sales statistics for Lake County, Florida, including the Mount Dora area, confirm what we all know, that buying a home is getting much more affordable. With home prices declining better deals are being had by those willing to go after them. October sales increased 5.5% over September and of the single family homes sold a whopping 69.8% were under $200,000! When you include homes up to $250,000 number jumps to 83.5% of all sales!

It goes to show there are great deals happening out there when for the first time in many years cash sales outnumbered any other type of financing! That tells you investors are picking up the steals and is usually a good sign to buy. But what if you don't have the cash to buy?

Contrary to media misinformation mortgage money is still readily available. Great, safe and secure government backed programs like FHA, VA and USDA Rural Development (RD) loans are helping many people achieve their dream of homeownership. Rates are at historic lows which will help keep your payments affordable and VA and RD loans require NO DOWN PAYMENT! Coupled with the $7,500 first time buyers tax credit you can own your home and get money to help you weather emergencies by buying before July 1^st, 2009 (that's when the tax credit program is due to expire). For more information on the tax credit program or any of these loan programs please call, text or email me.

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your FHA Loan Pro!

FREE CHRISTMAS FUN FOR EVERYBODY IN MOUNT DORA FLORIDA December 12th and 13th 2008

Sing A Long with Santa on December 12th at the W.T. Bland Public Library on Donnelly Street 352-735-7180

Free movie in the park "The Polar Express" December 12th 7-10 p.m. 352-735-7183

Snow at Donnelly Park on December 13th from 4 to 9 p.m. What a great chance for the kids to go sledding in sunny Florida. Don't forget your camera. 352-735-7183

Click on the Donnelly house below to see more photos.

If you are a first time visitor to Mount Dora Florida be sure to make the trip here you'll be glad you did.

New residents have told me living here is "easy" and I certainly agree.

We look forward to seeing you here!

Have a special holiday season,

Karen and Ray Levy

352-978-8551

www.lakeocuntyhomepros.com

THE 2008 MOUNT DORA CHRISTMAS WALK WAS A GREAT FAMILY EXPERIENCE. I WANTED TO CAPTURE THE SIGHTS OF THE EVENT FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND.

The Donnelly House is rich with history and a great place to visit.

Entertainers can be found everywhere

The PIGLETS PANTRY IS A MOUNT DORA TRADITION. It's a great place to purchase treats for your pet

or pick up a gift for a friend. If you are looking for a very unique gift for a pet owner this is the best place to find it! Be sure to tell the Karen and Ray said hello. The people there are very friendly.

Entrance to the Mount Dora Community Center.

Family enjoying the Christmas walk.

We hope you enjoyed the pictures.

If you are new to the area we would love to help you learn everything you can about the Mount Dora area.

You can vist www.lakecountyhomepros.com or call us to learn more.

Happy Holidays,

Ray and Karen Levy

352-636-6579