Sherry Armstrong's Blog

Florida's existing home sales rose in February, which means that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison for the past year and a half (18 months), according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.Existing home sales increased 21 percent last month with a tota...

A recent article in RisMedia indicates Florida sellers, especially in south and central Florida, are reducing list prices in a serious attempt to attract buyers. In Orlando, not far from my market area, 47.7% of homes listed for sale in February included at least one price reduction, with sellers...

If you are a Florida seller, or want to be, but wonder how to compete with the bank-owned and short sale properties flooding the market, try a twist on the Buyer Makes the Offer pardigm.  Recently, I read an article in NewsGeni.us suggesting the seller make the buyer an offer. Where does it say t...

Charming 1 bedroom 1 bath condo with short term or long term possibilities.  Loft could be office or 2nd bedroom.  Central air, central heat, and ceiling fans for year-round comfort.  All appliances included. Community pool. Across Atlantic Avenue from beach. HOA covers cable/satellite.  Overview...

Around 37% of all borrowers with 30-year conforming fixed-rate mortgages -- who collectively hold about $1.2 trillion of home loans -- have mortgage rates of 6% or higher, according to investment bank Credit Suisse. They also report that many could reduce their rates by a full percentage point if...

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), has released statistics showing Florida's existing home sales rose in January, marking 17 months that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison.  Existing home sales increased 24 percent last month with a total of 10,465 homes sold stat...

Pres. Obama has announced a new fund to help homeowners facing foreclosure in these states:  Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, and California.  In each of these states, the average price for all homeowners has fallen more than 20% from the peak.  As the President explained, "The legacy of price...

Volusia County Economic Development Director Phil Ehlinger expressed cautious optimism in presenting the County Council with his Q4 report on the economy.  Here are the key points.1.  UnemploymentThe countywide unemployment rate was 12.2 percent in December, a marked increase over the 8.1-percent...

Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 44 percent in fourth quarter 2009 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the latest housing statistics from Florida Realtors. A total of 43,926 existing homes sold statewide in 4Q 2009; during the same period the year before,...

The economic problems and challenges facing most US citizens are forcing changes in real estate buying habits, and one with a great impact is the trend away from the traditional view of retirement in a golf community.  Downsizing is taking hold among all housing consumers, but it is particularly ...