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

I have just found out that Wal-mart Stores Inc. has decided they would not pursue a new supercenter at Plaza Collina. Ya think? We already had one just a few miles down the street. When I first heard that Plaza Collina had landed Walmart as their "anchor", I was kind of surprised. I had always thought that Plaza Collina was supposed to be a bunch of upscale stores...Walmart just didn't seem to fit that bill.

Does losing Walmart change the landscape of the Plaza? Not sure, but developers of the Collina project have said they will continue moving forward despite losing Walmart.

So, what store will replace Walmart as the new anchor? I don't know, but here is a store that I think would do great in South Lake County...Bass Pro Shop. With all of the great lakes and fishing in this area, how do we not have one yet? Come on Plaza Collina Developers...make it happen!!!

What stores/restaurants would you like to see in Lake County? State your opinion, you never know who is reading!!!

Until next time...

Johnny Davis

Platinum Professional Realty PLLC

www.iselllakecounty.com

Clermont Christian Academy to Host a Basketballathon

What is a basketballathon? It is an opportunity for students, parents, and friends to help raise money for the school through pledges from the community. Donors can pledge a certain amount per basket made by the Chargers in their February 29th game with CHEF or simply make a flat donation. All the money raised will be used in the general operation needs of the academy to keep the tuition costs affordable to CCA's school families.

Meet the boys who will be shooting for your money!

Front Row: From Left: Coach Tom Edinger, Michael Pereira, Khustin Guadamuz, Bryan Howard, Christian Weidler, Sam Karp, Michael Mosquera.

Back Row: From Left: Mark Tait, Jesse, Pereira, Charles Green, BJ Williams, Jonathon Morgan, Brad Boswell.

Good Luck Fellas!! Go Chargers!!

Until next time....

Johnny Davis

Platinum Professional Realty PLLC

www.iselllakecounty.com

New to the Clermont, Florida area? Long time resident looking for a church? Look no further than Grand Highway Baptist Church.

Grand Highway Baptist Church is located at 100 North Grand Highway Clermont, Florida 34711.

Founded by Dr. Lloyd Meyer and his wife, Grand Highway Baptist Church is an Independent Baptist Church. The church is pastored by Joel Shackleford.

Grand Highway is small in stature, but large in heart. From the minute you walk in the door, you will feel the love of the people there. I have been to many churches and can honestly say that I have never felt as comfortable and at home as I do at Grand Highway.

As an Independent Baptist Church, Grand Highway has the following beliefs:

1.) You must be born again to get to heaven. What does that mean? You must confess you are a sinner and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins. You must believe that Jesus came to this earth, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life and not only died on the cross for your sins, but also rose from the grave on the third day.

2.) Baptism is a command from God after salvation, not a requirement.

3.) The Bible is the inherent Truth. Grand Highway believes that the King James version is the closet we have to the original.

4.) The Godhead. One triune God consisting of three persons: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

5.) Total Depravity of Man. Man was created in God's image but became alienated from God after Adam's sin.

6.) Eternal Security. Once you are Saved, you have that assurance, you can never lose your salvation.

7.) The Church. The Local church is made up of saved people and is the body and bride of Christ.

8.) The second advent of Christ. We believe in the imminent return of Christ who will rapture his church.

Grand Highway is very active in soul reaching. Currently, we have a local outreach every 1st Tuesday of the month to send flyers, cards and tracts to the community.

Grand Highway is very active in missions. We are proud to support 20 missionaries at this time.

So is Grand Highway just about preaching and praying? Not at all. We love the fellowship of one another. We have church activities planned every month. What do a bunch of Christians do for fun? Well, we have had bowling nights, movie nights and this summer we had a deep sea fishing trip. Come join us, we like to have fun!!

Church starts at 10:30 AM on Sunday Morning (usually over at 11:30...we beat everybody to the restraunts!!). We also have Sunday School at 9:30 AM.

Sunday evening starts at 6:00 pm. We have nursery and children's church available also.

If you are in Clermont ,Fl. feel free to drop by and say hi!!

Visit the church website at www.grandhwybaptist.org

Until next time...

Johnny Davis

Platinum Professional Realty PLLC

www.iselllakecounty.com