Homes in in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach reduced list prices by an average of 15%, while prices of homes for sale in Orlando were reduced by around 13% and Jacksonville homes around 11%. These are areas that have been hit the hardest by foreclosures and bank closures, and many realtors are hoping to spur home sales in the next month and a half by further reducing the prices of homes.

It’s got a great chance to work, as home sales increased in January by 28% in 16 of the state’s 19 metropolitan areas. Ocala home sales were off the charts at 58% to lead the state. And home prices may continue to fall even more to help encourage those present homeowners to take advantage of the $6,500 tax credit to upgrade to newer homes.

Florida Housing Resources
Orlanda Fl Real Estate Market Update

Baldwin Park Neighborhood in Orlando, FL

Baldwin Park is an innovative planned community just minutes from Downtown Orlando, Florida. This community is suited to a whole variety of lifestyles, with housing options ranging from condos to large single family homes. Members of this community enjoy being able to walk to church, schools, shopping and recreation areas. In 2004, Baldwin Park was honored with the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence because of the area’s unique design for modern living. Baldwin Park is green oasis with its clear lakes and open spaces, and yet is accessible to all that the city of Orlando has to offer.

Mattamy Homes is now offering distinctive townhomes for sale in Baldwin Park. These three story townhomes are available in five different floor plans, all with over 2000 square feet of stylish living space. Prices start at just over $246,000 and include amenities that will delight the most sophisticated tastes. Townhomes have 3 bedrooms with an additional space that could be used as an office, perfect for the telecommuter who needs a private area within the home. All homes have a two car garage that is accessible from the rear of the property. Other features include covered outdoor spaces on multiple levels.

See more:
Baldwin Park Business District
Orlando New Home Builders
Hot Deals on Florida New Homes

Maronda Homes communities include amenities for all members of the family. Each community has its own distinctive features. The Crystal Manor neighborhood boasts lake access and one acre lots. The communities are well placed with convenient access to schools, shopping and recreational activities. All Maronda Homes come with a limited warranty to provide the homeowner with exceptional service even after the sale of the home.

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Tampa Home Builders
City of Tampa
Guide to Tampa

The Town of Ave Maria has much to offer including La Piazza with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. This area of town has become a meeting place for neighbors and friends old and new. It is also less than an hour’s drive from the busy cities and beautiful beaches found in Naples and Bonita Springs. The Hampton Village at Ave Maria community is near medical facilities, schools, shopping, local parks, worship centers and much more. Residents have access to a fitness center and a swimming pool within the community.

These new homes in Florida feature unique floor plans and beautiful lake views. Home buyers searching for a new home in this planned community in southwest Florida have five one and two-story homes to choose from priced from the mid $200s. These homes offer 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 4 bathrooms and range from 1,762 to 3,446 square feet of living space.

Fitness Center Features

* Indoor pool
* Aerobics studio
* Weights
* Cardio equipment
* Massage room

For more information about Hampton Village at Ave Maria, visit www.PulteHomes.com or call 877-750-7831 to speak with a Pulte Homes sales counselor.

The information above was gathered from Pulte Homes’ website and is considered accurate and reliable, however, please contact a Pulte Homes associate to ensure that you have the most up-to-date and accurate information about this master planned community in Southwest Florida.

Ashton Woods as a builder has always planned their communities with style, people’s lifestyles, location and value for the homeowner in mind. The builder makes their Tampa new homes energy efficient by providing proper sized HVAC systems for each home, more than adequate insulation systems, and tightly built construction. Ashton Woods: Fern Grove townhomes offer many comforts of easy and relaxed living conditions.

Sometimes selling your property will take more effort for you in the neighborhood, than just at your house. If you speak to your neighbor and still don’t get a positive response, you can see if they are breaking any codes or deed restrictions. Purchasing a home in a deed restricted neighborhood has its benefits. The homeowners association should be willing to work for you in getting the neighbor to clean up their property. They also generally have rules on the color of paint they can use, the parking of RV’s and boats on the property and general maintenance.

But it’s important to make sure you get the homeowner’s permission before fixing any problems on their property. Otherwise it’s trespassing, which means you’ll be breaking the law. Sometimes you’ll find by talking to the neighbor, they may have a good reason such as an injury, financial burden, or various reasons that they let their property go. They truly may appreciate the helping hand you’re willing to give to make their house appealing like the rest of the neighborhood.

Lastly, if you live in a community with an entrance, make sure it looks neat and tidy. Pulling weeds, planting fresh flowers, and repainting a sign can be quick fixes to spruce up what is often the first impression of a neighborhood. But be sure to make sure there isn’t a homeowner’s association or community contact you need to talk with first. Sometimes your neighbors will be willing to schedule a clean up day and work with you. A little hard work truly can make all the difference in the appearance of a neighborhood and bottom line of your sale.

One of the most visited areas of Tarpon Springs would be the Sponge Docks. It was discovered in the 1880’s that the waters had rich sponge beds which started a huge industry here. You can walk along the water and see the sponges and fishing boats, as well as enjoy great shopping, and authentic Greek cuisine. From restaurants to bakeries the food is aromatic and delicious! Quaint stores with everything from clothing, nautical jewelry and souvenirs line the streets, and can be fun to browse in.

Other stops in Tarpon Springs would be Downtown’s St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Downtown’s Cultural Center, and The Tarpon Springs Performing Art Center. All have beautiful architecture as well as lots of the cities charm and history. Lastly don’t miss the old vintage shops. From antique shops, art galleries and specialty shops this is where you can come to browse for hours!

Just driving down the quaint roads, you will see beautiful Victorian Homes and buildings which convey the warmth and charm this captivating city has to offer. This city is full of tradition and history and can be a great place to spend a day or weekend or a lifetime! Come view the terrific deals for sale in Tarpon Springs.

Shea Homes

The days of using new cars, landscaping, swimming pools, and other gimmicks to entice buyers to purchase a new home are all but over. Many builders are failing to realize what is truly important to their buyers, money, or lack there of. Buyers aren’t looking for anything other than a monetary incentive to buy, for example, the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that many builders are still sitting on large inventories. The good news, however, is that many of these homes have been reduced in price. Reduced to the point where they compete with foreclosed home pricing. Additional good news for buyers is that interest rates are at, or until just recently were at, all time lows. Still, very enticing rates can be found.

Many of the nation’s larger builders have geared away from offering material possessions as an incentive to purchase a home from them. In fact, builders such as Toll Brothers, Pulte, and Lennar, to name a few, are offering incentives which can really make a difference to a buyer. Builders have been following suit behind the auto manufacturers with offers such as employment insurance for qualified buyers.

According to the Arizona Republic, Toll Brothers has been offering a policy that will cover up to $2,500 a month in mortgage payments if you lose your job.

Enticements such as this, plus zero closing costs, and low interest rates are some of the incentives needed to get buyers to purchase a home in our current economic condition.

A couple years ago Shea Homes, was offering buyers of particular homes in select communities a free hybrid Toyota Prius with the purchase of their new home. But as the economy continued to worsen at a rapid pace, layoffs were escalating, and foreclosures were far more attractively priced, Shea and other builders started adding features that buyers truly wanted, including design features, upgraded materials, and high-end appliances.

The median price at the year end of 2008 for a new home was $214,397 in the Phoenix area. That is $28,000 less than it was in the end of 2007. These homes prices, interest rates, flexible finance plans and other financial incentives currently being offered by home builders could make buying a home an incredible opportunity if you are able to take advantage of it.

See more:
Prepare Your House for Sale
New Home Buying and Selling Tools
Home Buying & Selling Tips

New homes in Stoneybrook at Venice Manors are one and two-story single-family houses priced from the low $200s; these homes have 2-5 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms and 1,678 – 3,231 square feet of living space. Some standard features in these homes include maple cabinets with 42” uppers and crown molding, Corian countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, GE Profile multi-cycle dishwasher and side-by-side refrigerator, GE freestanding range and Spacemaker microwave oven and 8”x12” ceramic wall tile on tub and shower walls.

Floor Plans Available in Stoneybrook at Venice Manors

• Siesta 1678: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,678 sq. ft. – from $230,900 – $279,900
• Bonita 1866: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,866 sq. ft. – from $235,900 – $289,900
• Madiera 2047: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,047 sq. ft. – from $259,900 – $299,900
• Monte Carlo: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,231 sq. ft. – from $324,900

Neighborhood Overview

• Location: Venice, Florida
• Price Range: From the low $200s
• Builder: Lennar
• Home-type: Single-family
• Sq. Ft. Range: 1,678 – 3,231
• Beds: 2-5
• Baths: 2-3

For more information about this Lennar community in Venice, Florida, visit Stoneybrook at Venice Manors on www.Lennar.com

Welcome Home Center
11816 Breadfruit Lane Venice
(888) 212-2172

* From I-75 take exit 191 and travel west for 1.1 miles.
* Make a right into the Stoneybrook entrance and continue for approximately 1 mile.
* Turn right at Breadfruit Lane. The Welcome Home Center is on the right hand side at 11816 Breadfruit Lane, Venice, FL 34292.
* If you are entering from the Center road entrance to Stoneybrook, make a left on Breadfruit Lane

The above information was gathered from www.Lennar.com and is considered accurate and reliable. However, things change so please contact a sales associate at Stoneybrook at Venice Manors for the most up-to-date information about their new home community and homes for sale.

See Also:

Official City of Venice Website