Today, 2/9/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.87%, unchanged from last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.16%, up slightly from 3.14% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 5.05%!

Strong employment figures in January 2012 tended to push up many mortgage interest rates, However, the 30 year fixed-rate average interest was unchanged from last week and remains at historically low levels for a second week.

According to reports, our economy gained 243,000 jobs last month (January 2012). That was certainly good news since unemployment has been like an anchor on our recovery. Unemployment fell to 8.3%, the lowest since February of 2009. More good news!

So even though these positive reports are putting upward pressure on interest rates, they also could be signs that we are slowly finding our way out of the economic troubles that have plagued us for several years.

In the end we hope to find a nice balance where everything is in harmony and we return to the prosperity that we had in the 1990's. Let's hope that happens sooner rather than later. We sure have waited long enough in my book!

Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.

If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.

If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com  Licensed in Florida.

This year the Zephyrhills, Florida Founders Day Celebration will take place in downtown Zephyrhills on March 10th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the day's parade starting at 10:00 AM. This will be the 102nd time that this event has taken place here. So there is some history behind it!

This year's theme is: Unsung Heroes of Zephyrhills: Past and Present. The organizers of the day define an "unsung hero" as "a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution. Or an unsung hero is a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged."

If you like, you can simply participate as an observer. But if you or your organization would like to play a larger part in this celebration, you can! Download the following pages that contain important information about ways in which you can take part in the festivities. Just click here: Download Zephyrhills Founder's Day Information

We have great weather during this time of year and I am sure that everyone will enjoy this annual event here in Zephyrhills, Florida. Come, take part, and enjoy yourselves on Saturday, March 10, 2012.

For more information, you can also call: Mainstreet Zephyrhills at 813-780-1414 or visit their webpage at: www.mainstreetzephyrhills.org/

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-784-4444. Licensed in Florida.

This very nice 2 bedroom mobile home is located in popular Oaks Royal I & II subdivision, just a little west of Zephyrhills, Florida. This is not a rental park and you own the land under the homes here. Oaks Royal I & II is also on the state's list of registered 55+ subdivisions at the time that this item was posted.

From window replacements & a roof-over in 2008 to a remodeled bathroom, just to mention three, it has many great updates that make it more modern than many of its "younger cousins".

On the back of the home there is a comfortable deck, and on the other side is a pleasant screened lanai for you to enjoy. And adjacent to this area is an extremely roomy storage/laundry area.

Even though the yearly homeowner association fees are low in Oaks Royal I & II, it has great amenities. A large clubhouse, a community swimming pool, and shuffleboard courts. 

The subdivision's central location puts supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, parks, medical facilities, etc within a few minutes drive. Even Tampa is not faraway. Very convenient indeed.

One pet is permitted in Oaks Royal I & II, with some weight and breed restrictions.

Could this be just the little piece of sub-tropical paradise that you have been looking for? Come and enjoy all that Florida and this comfortable residence have to offer at an extremely affordable price. Only $39,900!

For more information or to arrange a tour, call: JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444. Licensed in Florida.

Click on any image below to see a larger version

My February 2012 Real Estate Newsletter is now available for download as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file that all computers should be able to open. Just click on the following link: Download February 2012 Newsletter  I hope that you will find this month's articles interesting and helpful.

If you would like to receive these newsletters automatically each month in the future, just send me an e-mail and let me know. I would be glad to add you to my e-mailing list. You can e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com or call me at: 813-783-4444

I also invite you to visit my my website where I think you will find a lot of useful information and links to other real estate resources. To get there just click on the following link: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com

JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. Licensed in Florida.

Today, 2/2/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.87%, down sharply from 3.98% last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.14%, down from 3.24% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.81%!

After taking a big jump last week, interest rates settled down to about the same levels they were at two weeks ago. Record lows. Lower than expected growth in the economy for the 4th quarter of 2011 was the cause of the drop. Consumer spending in December was also "flat".

Freddie Mac did report one bright spot. Residential construction spending was up 0.7% in December and "fixed residential investment increased for a third consecutive month".

Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.

If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.

If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com  Licensed in Florida.

Today, 1/26/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.98%, up sharply from 3.88% last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.24%, up from 3.17% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.80%!

Even though rates did go up for both 30 year and 15 year fixed-rate mortgages, the fact is that the rates have stayed below 4% for quite a while. That is good for buyers who want to keep short-term and long-term costs down, and also for sellers who want motivated buyers.

 A Freddie Mac spokesperson said that the rates went up this week because the housing markets in the United States ended 2011 on a positive note compared to previous years. New construction rose in December 2011 by 4.4%, a 470,000 annualized rate. That was the best rate since April of 2010! Existing home sales have also been increasing on a regular basis. At the end of 2011 they had increased by 5.5% for a total of 4.61 million homes sold during last year! That is a lot of residences. Pending home sales were also up in November AND December averaging the highest levels since the spring of 2010.

All of this good news is what pushed the mortgage interest a bit higher. I always find it interesting that bad news makes rates go lower and good new pushes them higher. Oh well, they are still very low and there are some good deals to be had for those who are ready to buy.

Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.

If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.

If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com  Licensed in Florida.

When I lived back in the Finger Lakes area of New York State, I had to wait until June for nice tasty strawberry shortcakes. Many of you who live in northern climes will also have to wait for these treats. However, here in Florida we will be way ahead of you. We get these delicious desserts in the winter while y'all are still shoveling that white stuff off your sidewalks.

In Plant City, Florida we have the yearly Strawberry Festival which will take place this year from March 1st to the 11th. This year will be the 77th Anniversary of this event. It is no small-town get-together. We are talking of about a major undertaking here, with numerous activities, top-notch entertainment, displays, thrill rides, food delights, etc for all to enjoy. Some of these include:

• Free entertainment like: Dennis Lee, Jay Taylor Band, Ron Diamond, The Gothard Sisters, the Kandu Magic Show and others.
• Star Headliners like: The Oakridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, The Gatlin Brothers, Air Supply, Hank Williams, Jr., and other well-known performers. Visit the festival's site link below for schedules and prices for the headline concerts.
• The Neighborhood Village which is dedicated to displaying the handicrafts and homemade items from our local craftsmen and women. Baking, cake decorating, food preservation, jewelry & beading, knitting, needlepoint, home decorations, etc.
• There is also a Kiddie Corral for the younger crowd. It includes: Kiddie Rides, Shoebox Float Contest, a Baby Parade, Kid Shows, Racing Pigs, a Baby Contest, and more.
• A great Midway full of attractions to delight you. 

• And a lot more.

Add to this the wonderful food that will be available like the mandatory Strawberry Shortcake, and you have many opportunities to enjoy yourself at this year's Strawberry Festival. With our excellent weather here in February, what better way is there to spend a day or evening.

Check under the ABOUT US menu item at the top lefthand side of the home page for special price days for kids, seniors, and others. You will also find information about directions, location, and contact numbers. They even have a map to help you find the festival easily. If you have questions, you can call the festival office at: 813-752-9194

For more information about the festival, visit its homepage by clicking on the following link: 77th Strawberry Festival

Have a Great Time!!

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc., Zephyrhills, Florida Tel. 813-783-4444.

Licensed in Florida.

Photo Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Today, 1/19/2012, Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.88%, down from 3.89% last week. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 3.17%, up from 3.16% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 4.74%!

Even though the drop was minimal and the average rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages inched upward, the fact that the rates have stayed below 4% for so long is good for buyers who want to keep short-term and long-term costs down, and also for sellers who want motivated buyers.

 A Freddie Mac spokesperson said, "Mortgage rates were nearly unchanged this holiday week in lieu of a mixed bag of economic data reports. On the consumer front, retail sales edged up only 0.1 percent in December, but the Reuters/University of Michigan sentiment index continued to climb in January to the highest reading since February 2011. On the business side, industrial production rose 0.4 percent in December, slightly below the market consensus forecast, and the core producer price index rose faster than market expectations. Finally, on the home construction front, builder confidence rose for the fourth consecutive month in January to the highest level since June 2007."

Do keep in mind that we are a very large country, So figures that come out for the entire nation, may have little or no relevance for your particular area. In the end, it is best if you speak with a local REALTOR or financing expert to see what the situation is for your part of the United States. Florida is not Michigan, nor is Maine the same as California. Market conditions can be very different from place-to-place. Also, your own credit history, the property you want to buy, etc. will effect your specific loan options and interest rates. Your mortgage broker or bank loan officer can give you more specific information.

If you want to learn more about Freddie Mac or see the details of their survey, go to: www.freddiemac.com and click on the link for "Current Weekly Survey". They break down the survey by specific regions in the United States so you can see how your state compares to other parts of the country. They also explain the mission of Freddie Mac and offer a lot of useful information for consumers.

If you would like to speak with a lender you can find some at my website: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com . You can also speak with your own bank, credit union, or mortgage broker to see what your particular interest rate would be, should you decide to finance a home purchase.

I would also be happy to assist you in any way that I can. Just call JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. : 813-783-4444 or e-mail me at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com You are also welcome at my webpage: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com  Licensed in Florida.

When I lived back in New York, our state fair always took place in August when the weather was hot and the kids were all out of school. Here, our Florida State Fair occurs in February when our weather is pleasantly mild and during the week the kids are in school leaving the fairgrounds less crowded. Students get their chance to enjoy in the evenings and on the weekends.

This year the fair will be held from February 9th to the 20th at the fairgrounds located just east of the City of Tampa, Florida along US 301.

This year promises to be just as fun-packed as those of the past. Some of the scheduled activities and performers are:

• Cracker Country
• The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour
• Circus Hollywood
• Strolling Entertainment
• Motorcycle Training
• Home & Garden Show
• Golf Show
• Racing Pigs
• Petting Zoo
• Lumberjack
• Rodeo
• Lots of Thrill Rides
• A great midway
• Competitions for: Photography, Baking, Preserves, China Painting, Sewing, Needlework, Crafts, Wood Carving, Horticulture, and many MORE!
• And lots of tasty fair food that we all remember from when we were kids.
• Too many other fun activities to list here. Visit the official website to see them all.


There are SPECIAL PRICEs for students and seniors. To see pricing: CLICK HERE

To find out more about prices, dates, hours of operation, all scheduled events, a map of the fair's location, driving instructions, and contact information, just click on the following link: FLORIDA STATE FAIR INFORMATION  You can also call: 813-621-7821 or toll free 1-800-345-FAIR (3247)

The fairgrounds are located at: 4800 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610

Posted by John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444. Licensed in Florida.

The first Saturday Night Cruise of 2012 will take place in Zephyrhills, Florida on January 28th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the downtown area of the city. The intersection of 5th Avenue and US 301.

These events are always popular and are even more so, now that our weather is temperate and we have alll of our winter visitors in residence. Why not stop by and enjoy yourselves with family, friends, and neighbors. Zephyrhills is a very friendly city and this is a perfect time to take advantage of that atmosphere. So please come jon in!

If you would like to see a complete schedule of Main Street Zephyrhills' 2012 events, click on the following link: 2012 EVENTS

Posted by JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc.  813-783-4444. Your "full-time, full-service" real estate professional in Zephyrhills, Florida. Licensed in Florida.