Barkitecture is a combination of my two favorite subjects, dogs and of course houses. Barkitecture is an art exhibit of custom dog houses to support the Marion County Humane Society. It is another project of the Marion Cultural Alliance similar to their now famous Horse Fever exhibition.   The Horse Fever exhibition has given way to something new. Custom dog houses.      The 1891 Chambliss house located on SE Fort King street and home to Ocala magazine.Location Ocala Magazine 743 SE Fort King ST      The Animal Cracker House which is intended to return to a simpler place and time.Location: Ocala Style Magazine 1007 SE Fort King St      St Paw's CathedralLocation Koontz Furniture 3111 S Pine Ave       Fort DoggoneLocation Candler Hills golf Club8139 SW 90th Terr Rd            Taj Ma D... 10/08/2007

 OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT Homes Sold SEPTEMBER 2007 ..216*$100,000.00 or less..........................42$101 to $200,000.00......................110$201 to $300,000.00........................37$301 to $500,000.00........................20$500,000.00 Plus..............................6Active Listings as of 8/2/07.......7691*Vacant Houses as of 8/2/07........2337**This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS** Number may be revised due to late reports from board of Realtors. WHAT"S HOT IN OCALA REAL ESTATE· New homes around $150,000.00· Golf Course & 55+ communities.   · SE Ocala near the Historic district· Houses priced at or below $100.00 per sq ft of living areaContact me at ant time regarding your Ocala Real Estate needs.Search the Ocala Marion ... 10/08/2007

Yesterday, we experienced what a desperate agent and company does in order get business.It`s too hard to satisfy their existing clients who they`re losing in bunches.The main reason is lack of "Customer Service". We started receiving calls from several of our landlords informing us the competition sent out letters to our "Rental" listings informing them of "Having Tenants" who are willing to rent their homes. False advertising is a FREC violation,which I`ll make sure to report to the State of Florida. The agent has a bad reputation in Ocala, Florida to begin with,and a habit of "False Promises".They are never available to their clients.Maybe if they spent time in the office instead of the local bars,it would be different. I don`t like to get involved with personal issues of my fellow pe... 10/03/2007

I realize the media has been exposing the demise of the Sub Prime lenders, there isn`t a day that goes by when we`re not bombard with a new mortgage lender who is affected by this turn of events. We`re seeing a new wave of "Renters" who have been the victims of this "Fall-out" throughout the state and the rest of the country, these people are now looking for rentals to move their families. Let`s be honest,many of these people weren`t astute to understand what an "ARM or 100% financing" really meant.They trusted their mortgage brokers who in some cases were either their family or friends to help them with the loan process. Many didn`t realize these so called friends were tacking on ridiculous "Back end Fee`s" which would effect their rate and monthly payments.   In Ocala,Florida the mark... 09/27/2007

   What's selling in Ocala?  What's HOT :       Houses under $100,000.00 are hot and accounted for 20% of sales in August. The $100-200,000.00 range is hot accounting for 56% of sales in August.  The 55+ communities are doing well especially south of Ocala. The area of Southeast Ocala adjacent to the Historic district.  Extremely Hot :New homes in the smaller square foot range priced under $150,000.00   What's not so HOT :Anything over $250,000.00Homes older than the mid 90's. Homes that are not very well priced.Homes with condition issues.   For the latest information on the Ocala real estatemarket visit my blog or web site.      09/24/2007

I spent the day in Ocala,Florida yesterday dealing with lenders who are beginning to release their portfolios on homes that will soon be foreclosed. These lenders have a vast portfolio of homes that range in price from $130-$500K. Many will be sold at 45-60% of their "Loan-to Value" ratio`s,which means there will be alot of bargains for home buyers and investors. You will be required to place a minimum of 5% in escrow in order to purchase.These homes are sold in "As Is" condition,so we suggest that you complete your inspections prior to writing an offer.  We looked at several homes yesterday in Rainbow Park,Silver Springs and Belleview, Florida. Many of these homes have been recently constructed and have never been lived in.These homes require no work at all and can be closed in 30 days... 09/20/2007

Currently, we`re marketing homes in Marion County Florida successfully by offering different alternatives to home sales. The "Lease Option and Lease to Purchase" have assisted our sellers. Both seem to attract potential buyers with the purchase of a home.The third option is rental and property management for those wish to wait out the market in hopes of seeing higher homes sales down the road. The most essential element to all three are to locate clients who are qualified to obtain loans,credit worthy or who need assistance in getting their financial affairs in order.  At Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. our experience in helping investors is crucial to their investment security. Locating a Realtor and Real Estate Office to help with your most important investment is crucial to insurin... 09/13/2007

   As you may know if you're read my previous weather posts, I don't actually predict the weather. After all no one gets paid so much to be wrong so often as a weatherman. Instead I give folks thinking about relocating to Ocala Florida a general idea of what the weather is like month to month. In September the major thing dominating the weatherr is if Florida will get hit by a hurricane or not. This is the height of hurricane season and although Ocala has never suffered a direct hit we are never the less concerned. We do get tropical storms in Ocala and they can do a lot of damage, like blowing down trees, loss of power and damage to mobile homes.  September is still summer in Ocala.The high's are in the low 90's and the low's at night are in the low 70's. The humidity is just beginning... 09/13/2007

 Price LocationPosted Homes For Rent in Ocala Florida at Fore Ranch. 4920 SW 45th CIr, Ocala FL 34474 Brand new 3/2/1 1539sf end unit townhome in gated section of FORE RANCH. Best view in all of Fore Ranch, feels like your sitting on top of a hill overlooking 100 ...  US $1,000.00 Ocala< 1 minute ago Homes For Rent in Ocala Florida 13240 SW 73rd Avenue Rd, Ocala FL 34473 New construction in popular unit 10 of Marion Oaks. Close to HWY 200, Walmart, shopping & medical. Split floor plan, with plenty of room, big kitchen, ...  US $970.00 Ocala< 2 minutes ago Ocala Florida Rental Properties 4235 SW 50th Cir, Ocala FL 34474. New condition 3/2/1 1541sf end unit townhome in gated section of FORE RANCH. Corian counters, tile in all wet areas, berber carpet, screened covered patio w/lake...  US ... 09/11/2007

 OCALA REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTHomes Sold AUGUST 2007 ............254*$100,000.00 or less........................50$101 to $200,000.00.....................141$201 to $300,000.00......................43$301 to $500,000.00......................12$500,000.00 Plus............................8Active Listings as of 8/2/07.........7574*Vacant Houses as of 8/2/07........2323*Months of Inventory (7574/254).....29*This does not count homes sold by builders that may not be listed on the MLS.   We are now seeing a decline in prices. It started around April when 2 large builders decided to reduce their inventory of spec homes by offering steep discounts. In July I saw a number of investors jump on the band wagon and offer similar price reductions. The price of discounted new homes has brought down ... 09/06/2007

OCALA FLORIDA BANK OWNED AND FORECLOSED PROPERTIES NW 61 AVE, Ocala FL 34482 3BED,2BANice newer home in very good condition. Split bedroom plan, foyer, inside laundry, wood cabinets, open patio, concrete block and stucco. CONTACT FLORIDA LIST...  US $144,900.00 Ocala< 1 minute ago FORECLOSURES IN OCALA FLORIDA SW 116 PLACE RD, Ocala FL 34481 2BED,2BALots of Potential! Needs TLC. Walk-in closet in master, screened in patio and open patio. Large 2 car garage, cathedral ceilings, & split-plan. Make o...  US $118,500.00 Ocala< 3 minutes ago OCALA FLORIDA FORECLOSURES FOR SALE CEDAR TRC TERR, Ocala FL 34472 Nice home built in 2002, needs TLC! Cathedral Ceilings, Large - Great Room, Split Plan, Detached Storage Building, and fenced. Built with Hardee Board, Located...  US $137,500.00 Ocala< 6... 09/04/2007

Dan:  Hi this is Dan!Bad Banker:  Dan, this is ___________  _________  from ________ bank here in Ocala.Dan:  Great I am really glad you called.  I was trying to find out what was happening with the loan for Mr. _________.  As you know the property was supposed to close 60 days ago and the contract has been extended twice for 30 days each.  We are supposed to close on Friday, It is Wednesday today and the selling agent just told me you had asked for another 30 day extension. Bad Banker:  That's right.Dan:  When I asked the other agent why he gave me the name of Ms. ___________ at your bank.  I had called her this morning to ask about the delay and she just said your bank needed more time.Bad Banker:  That's Right.Dan:  I am sure you are aware that I told Ms. ___________ that the contrac... 09/04/2007

 Property values are declining, in fact, they will be in a free fall over the next few months - after we look at the numbers we will take a look at the storm on the horizon.  There are more options for the serious buyer than ever before.  Two years ago sellers faced competition from only a few other homes on the market in their subdivision.  Now, savvy buyers are re evaluating their options as builders have made major changes in their pricing, that have put major pressure on the resale market.  For an urgent update, please see my post NEWS-FLASH-OCALA-REAL ESTATE MARKET LOOSES 30% IN ONE DAY . . .Less closings.  Last year, there were 5487 closings in Marion County - or about 15 per day for the whole year. This year, through August 31 there were 2711 houses sold, or only 11 per day. Last... 09/01/2007

. . . AND MOST AGENTS DON'T KNOW IT!  Worse yet they probably won't figure it out until their listings begin to expire with no showings.My wife went into the office today and was greeted by some dramatic news:  Pulte Homes has cut the price of their Fore Ranch community by over 30% in one day!  One of the agents in our office who does a lot of work in that community received an advance email from someone in the Pulte sales office of a possible 25% reduction, but today as the news was made official that it was closer to 30%.  tHIS WAS IN BOTH THEIR FAMILY AND 55+ COMMUNITIES.  This move places many existing home owners in that subdivision with conventional mortgages - even those who had put 20% down - upside down in their mortgagesThis is going to devastate the entire Ocala resale market... 09/01/2007

Ocala Florida Homes For Rent at Fore Ranch SW 51ST TERRACE, OCALA FL 34474 THIS IS THE LARGEST HOME FORE RANCH HAS TO OFFER. THIS 2 STORY, 4 BED, 3.5 BATH WITH FAMILYROOM, LIBRARY/DEN, OPEN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND AND EAT-IN BAR, LARGE LIVING...  US $1,495.00 Ocala< 4 minutes ago Ocala Florida rental properties at fore ranch SW 42 PL, Ocala FL 34474 Newer 2/2/2 w/ den 1596sf in gated community in FORE RANCH. Living/dining room, breakfast bar, kitchen nook. Master has double sinks, walk-in closet, and shower. All app...  US $1,195.00 Ocala< 10 minutes ago Ocala Florida homes for rent in Fore Ranch SW 45th CIr, Ocala FL 34474. Brand new 3/2/1 1539sf end unit townhome in gated section of FORE RANCH. Best view in all of Fore Ranch, feels like your sitting on top of a hill overlooking 100 year..... 09/01/2007

Suddenly, it appears that many Lenders have called the "Bottom" of the market when it comes to foreclosure's. Their appraisals are going higher in comparison to the past 3 months,when it seemed they`d take any price on a Foreclosure. Twice this week, we sent offers for homes located in Pembroke Pines,and Ocala Florida, only to be told by the Bank our offers were too low!Only last month the "Loss Mitigation Departments" were making deals left and right in order to move inventory. It appears based on our experience the "Bottom" has hit and the lenders appraisals are moving higher.I consider this actually a good sign as the bottom is slowly moving higher many more individuals will be looking at buying again.   08/30/2007

ocala florida homes for rent 121 DOGWOOD DR LP, OCALA FL 34472 NEW 3/2 SFH IN BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY OF SILVER SPRINGS SHORES. HOME FEATURES LARGE BEDROOMS, WITH WALK-IN CLOSET IN MASTER BR, INSIDE LAUNDRY ROOM, AND A 2 CAR GAR...  US $900.00 Ocala< 5 minutes ago Homes for rent or lease with option to buy in ocala florida 8392 SW 139 LANE RD, Ocala FL 34472 3bed,2ba,2cg.New home in a quiet neighborhood and ready for occupancy Contact Florida List For Less Realty@ 1-866-268-2274. visit www.listfloridahom...  US $875.00 Ocala< 7 minutes ago Rented in 1 day.84 Hemlock Dr. Thinking of renting your home?At Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. our trained professionals can help! We have people standing be who are ready,willing and able to move in today! Contact Flori...  US $1,000.00 Ocala< 11 minu... 08/30/2007

   A great way to get to know an area that you're considering relocating to is to read the local newspaper. Newspapers are going the way of the horse and buggy but most are on-line now. The newspaper for Ocala and surrounding Marion County is the Ocala Star Banner. By reading it every day you can get an idea of the politics, culture, schools and see if there is a crime problem. The beauty of this method is that it gives you the opportunity to form your own opinion and not get the sanitized version from the chamber of commerce. If after doing your research you think you might like some information about the Ocala real estate market, then please give me a call. 08/28/2007

   A great way to get to know any area before moving there is to read the local newspaper or see if the city of your choice has a magazine. Ocala has two magazines, Ocala Style and Ocala Magazine. Both are surprisingly sophisticated for a small city like Ocala with only 45,000 people. They more on par with what you might expect from a city like Boston, where I once went to college. Ocala Magazine and Ocala Style are fairly interchangeable as far as I'm concerned. They both feature a large glossy format with fantastic photography, tons of beautifully done ads but a little light on content. Having said that, they are very pretty to look at and give you a feel for why so many people have moved to Ocala over the past few years. Both magazines are worth a look if you'd like to learn more abo... 08/27/2007

HOMES FOR LEASE IN MARION COUNTY FLORIDA 4733 SW 138TH LANE, OCALA FL 34473. BRAND NEW 4 BED 2 BATH ROYAL PALM MODEL. NICE SIZE HOME FOR THE PRICE. BRING OFFERS. LEASE OPTION AVAILABLE W/ 6 MONTHS GOOD RENTAL HISTORY. CONTACT FLOR...  US $995.00 Ocala< 1 minute ago OCALA FLORIDA HOMES RENT 16850 SW 20 CT RD, OCALA FL 34473 BRAND NEW ARMSTRONG HOME. MARGARETTE MODEL. THIS HOME HAS GREAT FLOOR PLAN WITH SPLIT BEDROOM PLAN. HAS LARGE FAMILYROOM JUST OFF KITCHEN AND GREAT FOR ENTERTAIN...  US $900.00 Ocala< 5 minutes ago ocala florida homes for rent 4816 SW 44 CIR, OCALA FL 34474 GREAT CORNER UNIT IN FORE RANCH. VERY NICE 2 BED, 2.5 BATH TOWNHOME IN THIS LUXURY STYLE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY OF FORE RANCH. LOCATION IS THE REASON FOR IT S DEMA...  US $850.00 Ocala< 11 minutes ago Ockalawaha F... 08/27/2007