Ocala Dream Living Newsletter

August 2009          .

 
In this Issue:
  • Location Is Key
  • Pending Homes Sales Up...
  • Scratching & Destruction
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Plant Supports To Ensure Healthy...

 

Ocala Homes

August Featured Property

$139,900 Marion Landing
 Ocala, Florida
 
Beautifully maintained home has had one owner. Value room is 20 x 12ft 11in and could be, 3rd BR/Family room/craft, etc. Expanded 2 car garage. Both BR's have walk-in closets. Inside laundry. Skylights in kitchen and solar tube in bath. Big enclosed lanai over looks private yard that is meticulously landscaped. New roof 2005, A/C in 2004.

Happy

Kids and Bikes Friendship Day
Friendship  Day !

(August 8th)

Ocala Dream Living
Featured Properties
Search MLS Listings
Buyer Resources
Seller Resources
Recommended Links
FSBO Homes
Local Events
Mortgage Calculators

What's My Home Worth

Thinking about selling your home? Wondering how much its worth? Receive an up-to-date analysis of your home's approximate value FREE. Just fill out a short form and we'll email you the results.

Price My Home

Looking for the perfect home?

Have listings automatically emailed to you for FREE. Just complete the short form and let our experts find the best matches for you.

Click Here

 Both Thumbs Up
 
Visit our site for free tips, reports and suggestions on buying or selling your home.
 
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Just click here, hit send and start receiving the Ocala Dream Living  Newsletter in your email every month. An email address is all that is required.

A Word from Carol

Location Is Key

Valuation of any home takes into account its size, features, condition and location. Of these factors, location is the one element that cannot be altered. A home in a high demand location will always represent a greater market value than a comparable home in a less desirable location. Buyers who can afford to pay top dollar for a select property usually choose homes priced in the top ten percent of the market in the finest locations.

Proximity to goods and services is important for home buyers who maintain an active social and professional life. These buyers want convenient access to shops, businesses and jobs, medical facilities and cultural activities. They want to live in well-maintained, safe

 

Pending Homes Sales Up For Fifth Consecutive Month (by Rismedia)

RISMEDIA, August 5, 2009-Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6% to 94.6 from an upwardly revised reading of 91.3 in May, and is 6.7% above June 2008 when it was 88.7. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was in July 2003.

  


Lupo's News (by CatAge & Dog Age )

Scratching and Destruction

Scratching is an instinctive normal feline behavior, albeit a destructive one. To minimize home destruction, redirect your cat's scratching onto acceptable objects. Survey your cat's preferred objects for scratching and provide a substitute cat toy or scratching post that offers a similar texture. If you provide a scratching post, make sure it is sturdy and tall enough for a full-length stretch. Place the post in your cat's favorite area or near the current object of attention. Cats use scratching as a territorial marker, so they like to leave a visible mark. Make your cat happy by choosing a post covered in material that easily frays or shreds.

Well-trimmed nails are also a quick remedy to problematic scratching. With a quality set of cat nail clippers and a quick lesson from your veterinarian, you can do this yourself.

 

Use Plant Supports To Ensure Healthy Growth (by Home Depot)

Give your plants a helping hand with proper supports so they can grow to their maximum height. Not only will plants be protected from toppling over in the wind but they’ll also add vertical interest. Using garden plant supports such as stakes, trellises and braces is an easy and affordable way to keep your maturing garden in great shape. You’ll find a wide variety of materials, including wooden and plastic stakes, trellises and ropes, at The Home Depot.

 




neighborhoods where home prices will continue to appreciate over time.

Locations that offer outstanding recreational opportunities in exquisite natural surroundings are another strong preference for home buyers. Properties in neighborhoods that offer breathtaking, expansive views of the most interesting local scenery are also in high demand. Second-home investments keep property values on the ascendant in many of these areas.

The best locations offer the best real estate investment potential.

 

 


Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a combination of positive market factors is fueling the gains. “Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and large selection are encouraging buyers who’ve been on the sidelines. Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes,” he said. ”Because it may take as long as two months to close on a home after signing a contract, first-time buyers must act fairly soon to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit because they must close on the sale by November 30.  (More)

  

 

 

Separation Anxiety

A dog that is destructive while you are away from home might be suffering from separation anxiety. Dogs who do not have self-confidence, are not comfortable being left alone, or whose daily routines have changed can develop separation anxiety. The fear of isolation often results in unfavorable behaviors inside the home while the dog is alone.

A dog treatment program by an animal behaviorist may help curb these undesirable actions. Keeping arrivals and departures low-key, and leaving your dog with a personal item such as a T-shirt that smells like you may ease his or her anxiety. If behavioral modifications are not enough, veterinarians may prescribe medications to help curb the behaviors.

Anxiety medications for dogs include diazepam and clomipramine. 

 

 

 

Support Smaller Perennials With a Plant Stake.

Single stakes can be used to brace perennials with few stems and large flowers such as delphiniums and dahlias. Decorative bamboo stakes from Gardener’s Blue Ribbon, available at The Home Depot, will complement the blooms. They should be added before flower buds blossom to avoid breakage. (More)

Hi, my name is Patti, I am Carol's Virtual Assistant.  If you have information related to Ocala or Real Estate please email me, and I will try and include it in the newsletter.

 

Archives

July 09 Newsletter

June 09 Newsletter

May 09 Newsletter

 

 

Sudoku The New Addiction!

Just in case you've never played before. The object of the game is to fit the numbers 1-9 in the correct orders.

You need to fill a number from 1 to 9 in every blank cell.  A number must appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

Sounds easy enough.

Don't give up. Once you get the hang of it, its very fun and challenges your brain.

(If you don't see the game on the left  please try refreshing your screen. You can use F5 or your refresh button.)

Carol J. Van Wagner, GRI, E-Pro, AHS, CeMS
Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty, Inc.
Cell: 352-572-4259
Office: 352-854-9717
Fax: 352-854-3189

Carol@OcalaDreamLiving.com