Orlando, Florida, home prices have soared over the past year, say local Realtors, and a slight cooling of the market is only to homebuyers' advantage.

"Orlando is quite the town," exclaims Realtor Keith Cardin. "It's a little bit of 'new,' a little bit of history, and a whole lot of fun!"

Cardin suggests, "Large companies are relocating their employees here. High-rise condos are being built in downtown Orlando creating a whole new kind of town. Houses are being sold for top dollar, and they're going fast! This is a seller's market now, but don't be discouraged, buyers. Great shopping malls are within reach, too. Attractions, attractions, attractions! Got a season pass to any of the parks? Convenience is what Orlando is all about. Orlando is really the place to be. You have your old-time charm with modern-day living. No matter what your style is ... you'll find it in Orlando."

Says Realtor Frank Filippelli, "Orlando is a newer dynamic city that is family-oriented with many high tech businesses. 'City Beautiful' Orlando has had tremendous growth because of many factors -- great weather, great attractions, easy access to the ocean, many high-tech jobs and super home values compared to most other major cities. Orlando's employment base gets better every year. Orlando would be considered a newer city because of so much new construction both commercial and residential. It has a major airport for easy access to the world. Orlando has a huge convention center which brings millions of visitors each year. All this creates an extremely active market with strong appreciation due to a high demand and low supply of homes."

"Orlando is a destination with a character all its own, from local restaurants, theater, festivals, boutique hotels, historic inns, brick-lined streets and new communities, including a boom downtown development of high-rise condos, it truly is 'The City Beautiful' with a population of almost a million and growing," says Realtor June Moore. "Orlando inventory increased in April with more homes available for buyers, although the median home price increased to $218,000, a 33.74 percent increase over the median sales price in April 2004. This should be a busy season for the Orlando market with most families taking advantage of the summer months before school to look for a home."

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Published: July 5, 2005

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