Existing home sales rose a whopping 7.2% in July to 5.24 million units. In June, there were 4.89 million units sold. This increase was the largest month-to-month gain in over 2 years! The percentage increase was the largest since 1999. This also marks 4 straight months that we have seen sales increases. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, "The housing market has decisively turned for the better. A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales." Remember that the $8000 stimulus tax credit runs through November so act NOW!
Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website at www.GateArty.com for all your real estate needs!
We have all heard that the demand for new home construction has shrunk due to home buyers targeting foreclosures & short sales rather than building new homes. Did you know, however, that the actual size of new homes is shrinking as well? I mean literally. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median size of new homes has dropped to 2,065 square feet. This represents a 7% drop in size compared with this time last year. Most industry professionals attribute the reduction in home size to the economic downturn. "Home size gains flatten out or decline during recessions, and we're in the midst of the most serious housing recession in decades," said Kermit Baker, the chief economist for the American Institute of Architects.
Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website at www.GateArty.com for all your Lakeland Real Estate needs!
TODAY, is August's version of First Friday & this month's theme is once again, the popular "Dog Days of Summer." For those of you that resemble your pooches, there is a dog/owner look-a-like contest. This contest will be held at FastFrame on South Kentucky Avenue. There will also be dog obedience skills competitions & training throughout the Downtown area.
Other First Friday events:
See you there!
Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website at www.GateArty.com for all your real estate needs!
This month, our monthly First Friday celebration coincides with "Red, White & Kaboom!" So as usual, go to Munn Park and the adjoining areas for Downtown Lakeland's First Friday celebration beginning at 4 p.m., but make sure you stay for the fireworks . . . literally. Beginning around 6 p.m. you should make your way down to Lake Mirror & the Promenade. The popular local band, MillHopper will be playing music up until 9 p.m. when the fireworks are scheduled to begin. You can park in the city garages, as they will be open. There will be food & drink vendors during the festivities as well. See you there!
Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website at www.GateArty.com for all your real estate needs!
When real estate is discussed nowadays, it seems as if the topics foreclosures & short sales are never far behind. Government and Bank-owned foreclosures offer tremendous home-buying opportunities for investors of all types. These foreclosures are called REO (Real Estate Owned) properties. These distress sales have the savvy investors licking their chops as property values are once again affordable, & instant equity is attainable on a large scale. Now the only challenge investors have is actually finding & identifying great values underneath the mountains of available homes for sale. Well, if you are searching for homes in Central Florida, a new website, midfloridareo.com, has made it easy. If you are considering buying an investment property, or simply looking for a good bargain, I suggest checking out this site.
Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website at www.GateArty.com for all your real estate needs!
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different people. different needs. one solution. imagine the possibilities . . . Real Estate Brokers for Lakeland & Polk County, Florida.
Gate Arty & the Group understands that the business of real estate is founded on strong personal relationships. These relationships are fortified with the professionalism, integrity, & sheer determination we will bring to every single transaction. We want to best understand your needs so we can find the choices you require. Buying or selling real estate is a major financial and personal undertaking. We will never lose sight of the person, or personalities within any given transaction. Taking the time to be empathetic to our client's wants & needs is what firmly sets us apart.
Finding the right mix of real estate professionals can be the difference between a seamless real estate buying or selling experience and a stressful transaction. Gate Arty & the Group is a team of dynamic individuals that, together, form the most progressive, innovative, dynamic, & proactive sales force in the industry today. Every member, a full-time professional, will align his or her interests with those of you . . . the client.
In the end, every real estate transaction involves many choices. A choice of which home, mortgage, and which REALTOR. Thank you for considering Gate Arty & the Group at Keller Williams Realty as your real estate advisor.
Contact us at info@gatearty.com or 863.680.9988. Your Lakeland Real Estate experts.
different people. different needs.
one solution.
imagine the possibilities . . .
gatearty.com Lakeland Real Estate
Gate Arty & the Group pride themselves on being experts on not only real estate in Lakeland & its surrounding areas, but also its culture, lifestyle, and especially its residents. We want to go above and beyond marketing & advertising a home. We want to market the entire community in which your home is located as well.
Meet The Group: Gate Arty
I have been a resident of Lakeland since childhood, & I am still very proud to call this quaint town, "home." Originally born in Bangkok, Thailand, my family & I immigrated to the United States in 1978. I graduated Lake Gibson High School in 1992. Go Braves!
Growing up an avid sports fan, I enjoy basketball, tennis & especially football. You'll find me watching the Miami Dolphins game every weekend, willing them to a hopeful victory & with any luck, an eventual Super Bowl Championship.
I went on to complete my studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where I resided for a short time, earning a BS in Business Administration - Finance. Go Bulls! Ultimately finding my way back home to Lakeland, I now enjoy an exciting career in real estate where I can help friends with their real estate needs & meet new people everyday.
I believe that cultivating true relationships & forming strong bonds is critical to happiness and success in business and in life. If you would like to talk about real estate, & require an individual that is passionate about what they do, I believe I can be your real estate advisor.
As long-standing industry professionals, our goal is ultimate client satisfaction. We strive to build lasting relationships and bonds that will endure beyond a singular transaction. It's always rewarding to learn how you helped someone, and all of us at Gate Arty & the Group believe in setting a new standard for honesty and integrity in real estate. With that said, we present to you the unembellished words of past clients who have given us their feedback.
Below are comments from families that have utilized our services. These are real people who were in a position of buying and selling a home and trusted Gate Arty & the Group to handle their transaction.
"Gate is especially professional.."
I purchase distressed properties, remodel them, and eventually sell. Gate Arty has been a great part of my success. He responds quickly to all of my questions, and has always been on the mark with his advice. Gate listens to my needs & follows thru. He really hustles and maneuvers to make things work. I have purchased many properties thru Gate Arty & the Group and all have been winners. Gate is especially professional, and I highly recommend his services.
- Carolyn Lee
"He went off of "nothing," ...turned it into something!"
Gate sold our house so quickly! We had no idea of what we really wanted in our next home, but Gate was able to find exactly what we needed and after a few short weeks, we moved into our new dream home. He went off of "nothing," and after listening to our needs, turned it into something! We truly appreciate his hard work & dedication.
- Justin & Heather Sparks
"within a couple of months the home was sold"
Our home had been on the market for over one year and it was right in the beginning of the slow season for selling. Gate Arty came in and took over the job, and with in a couple of months the home was sold and we were able to move on. We are thankful for Gate Arty & the Group, and we have recommended their services to anyone who needs a good caring agency. Thank you again!
- Ester & Ronald Shultz
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