The 24th annual Hernando County Fine Arts, Crafts, Music Festival “ART IN THE PARK” is May 3rd and 4th.

Free admission and parking.

Don’t miss the fun!

Saturday 9 am - 5 Pm
Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

Tom Varn Park
S.R. 50
Brooksville

Art Centre Theatre
2644 N. Annapolis Ave.
Citrus County

Starts: Friday, April 25
Ends: Sunday, April 27

For additional info call: 352-341-1043

The Suncoast Crossing shopping plaza at the southeast corner of Spring Hill Dr. and the Suncoast Parkway has begun construction. In addition to the previous committment from Kohl’s, Target has slated to open in July 2009. Other businesses interested include a sporting goods store, electronics retailer, furniture outlet and a pet store.

An 11 year old Hernando County girl dies while digging a tunnel in a retention area. This tragic accident leads homeowners and county officals to question responsibilty for safety in such areas.

Hernando County Commission approved a RV Resort near Hernando Beach on the northwest corner of Osowaw and Shoal Line Blvd. If completed as planned it will include 100 RV sites, a general store, club house, swimming pool and much more.

The Federal Reserve proposed new regulations that would require, among other things, that homebuyers provide proof of income to ensure that they are not taking on more debt than they can handle. The proposal also requires mortgage companies to do more than advertise their low “teaser rates.”
The proposals already have drawn fire from Capitol Hill, where critics say the Fed has not gone far enough to protect consumers. Many of those critics want subprime mortgages banned. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said, however, the rules were crafted “with an eye toward deterring improper lending and advertising practices without unduly restricting mortgage credit availibility”.

With the dollar at historic lows against the euro and other currencies, real estate professionals, appraisers, and developers say overseas buyers are stepping up their purchases in the U.S.
Some are buying vacation homes in Florida, California, and Colorado that would previously been consisered out of reach.
Others are gambling that properties purchased now will translate into saavy investments down the road, when both the dollar and the US housing market rebound, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Since the passing of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has evolved into a leader in the promotion of equal housing opportunity - developing landmark education for members, seeding programs for minority homebuyers, and seeking out a more diverse membership.
In 1988 NAR led industry efforts to support important amendments to the Fair Housing Act.
NAR embraces the country’s racial and ethnic diversity and strives to make the benefits of real property ownership available to all.

Since NAR was founded in 1908 the organization and its members have influenced nearly every aspect of the real estate industry and our profession. REALTORS haved help raise the home ownership rate to nearly 70%, by advocating laws and policies that protect making housing more affordable and accessible.

NAR is committed to:
Supporting strong fair housing laws
Improving access to affordable housing, and
Increasing diversity in the real estate market

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent, or upgrade your existing home, timing is important. Upgrades to existing homes are best done during a “down” market, as tradespeople and suppliers can provide timely and cost efficient work and products. As the market begins improving, those upgrades can begin to pay off both in increased equity, and return of investment if selling. The most common signs of an improving market are:

Fewer ‘for sale’ signs
Job growth
Increased affordability
End of price reductions, concessions
More new construction
Look at your neighbors – Are they investing in renovations/upgrades?

We are currently seeing an increase in commercial construction, which results in job growth. Our local market prices have stabilized, allowing for increased affordability.
More homes are selling, resulting in less concessions and price reductions, and fewer homes for sale.
With these local factors in place, those waiting for the “bottom of the market” to buy should make their purchasing decisions soon, as the current “bargains” in our marketplace will begin to be absorbed.