Written by Howard Chenoy, New Home Sales Associate.

Howard Chenoy’s experience in the real estate industry includes working with premier communities in South Florida such as Palm Beach Polo, Boca West, Broken Sound, and Weston. He currently lives in Ocala with his wife Amy and three kids. Howard enjoys helping people build their dream home by giving them all the information possible to make a wise decision. There is nothing more rewarding to him than seeing a community go from undeveloped dirt to a happy vibrant place to call home.

Predicting an Upward Trend

Photo Source: Flickr by FutUndBeidl

According to a forecast presentation at a residential forum during the 2013 Realtors® Conference & Expo in San Francisco on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, existing home sales are expected to retain the healthy gains already seen this year, while prices are expected to stay on an uptrend in 2014. On a national level, existing home sales have shown a 20 percent cumulative increase over the past two years, while prices have gained 18 percent.

In August, US home prices rose at their strongest annual pace in more than seven years, while monthly figures challenged expectations of a slowdown spurred by higher interest rates. The prices in August were pushed upward because homebuyers were competing for fewer properties and the number of distressed homes on the market had dropped.

How About Local Real Estate?

New numbers released in October show a significant rise in the number of homes sold throughout North Central Florida compared to a year ago. According to data released by the Florida Realtors association, the Gainesville area saw a 34 percent increase in the number of homes sold in the month of September compared to the same time period last year. That’s the third-highest increase in the state behind only Vero Beach and Ocala, which saw a 46 percent increase. Both are well above the 18 percent jump in home sales seen statewide. 

Good News!

While these are good numbers for anyone involved in real estate, economists say it’s good news for everyone living in the area. If you’re interested in living here in Ocala, the neighborhoods at Golden Ocala provide a vast array of options to fit your unique needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in living on a golf course, enjoying the privacy of a gated community, joining one of the best tennis programs in the state, enjoying a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, dining in some of the best restaurants in the area, or raising horses on property in the rolling hills of Central Florida, Golden Ocala has the luxury property for you.