Ocala is situated in the midst of one of the largest horse breeding and training areas in the world, but local Realtors say there is something for everyone.

"You don't have to be a horse enthusiast to fall in love with Ocala," says Realtor Patty Loebel. "There is something for everybody. Just to mention a few diverse recreational activities Ocala has are museums, festivals of all kinds, antiques, great fishing (salt and freshwater), golf, tennis, swimming, hiking, biking, shopping, and communities with everything you could want to do at your own home. Average temperatures of 70 degrees. Monthly rainfall 3.7 inches, but most of that is in the summer."

Advises Loebel, "Lower interest rates should support strong home sales. While the economy is expected to improve gradually this year, mortgage rates should remain favorable and help to sustain strong levels of home sales."

"Ocala is located in the heart of Florida between the Gulf of Mexico to the West by 90 minutes and the Atlantic Ocean to the east by 90 minutes," says Realtor Vickie Whitaker. "There is no better time to sell your existing home and move up to a larger home or leave the rental market and buy a new home than right now. Long-term interest rates continue on the decrease over the past few weeks - after falling to the lowest levels."

Whitaker explains, "Fannie Mae will offer more than $10 billion over the next five years to finance affordable housing for 100,000 Florida families. Florida home sales were boosted 10 percent in the first quarter of 2003. Statewide 38,745 homes were sold at a median sales price of $145,500 reports the FAR. 30 year fixed-rate mortgage 5.54 percent down from 5.62 percent. In Freddie Mac's survey, long-term rates have remained below 6 percent for the past 21 months."

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Published: July 4, 2003

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