The Orlando Regional Realtor Association produces a trade publication for it's members that is often filled with statistics related to the local real estate market. Here are a few that every Central Floridian needs to know about Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County and Seminole County:

Year over Year Decline of Median Sales Price by County~ (January 2008-January 2009)

• Osceola County experienced a decline of 35.99%
• Orange County experienced a decline of 34.70%
• Seminole County experienced a decline of 28.88%
• Lake County experienced a decline of 25.93%

First Time Home Buyers

• In 2005, only 33% of the purchases were made by first time home buyers
• In 2008, 41% of the purchases were made by first time home buyers

Foreclosures by County

With foreclosures on the rise, according to a search of the MLS (link to site is available here), the February 2009 statistics of active properties for sale indicate that:

• 29.98% of the properties in Osceola County are foreclosures
• 24.24% of the properties in Orange County are foreclosures
• 16.52% of the properties in Seminole County are foreclosures
• 13.00% of the properties in Lake County are foreclosures

Closed Sales for January 2009

54.57% of the 1,050 sales that closed were distressed and bank-owned properties. Sales by County were:

• 28.80% of the sales in Orange County were distressed or bank-owned
• 12.88% of the sales in Osceola County were distressed or bank-owned
• 8.5% of the sales in Lake County were distressed or bank-owned
• 4.38% of the sales in Seminole County were distressed or bank-owned

Sales of existing homes in Florida rose 27% in December 2008, which the 4th consecutive month of increased sales activity.

Median Sales Prices by County as of January 2009

• Lake County ~ $135,000
• Orange County ~ $150,000
• Osceola County ~ $125,450
• Seminole County ~ $165,00

As a full-time Real Estate professional in Central Florida, it's my job to not only know these statistics, but to share them with the Buyers and Sellers that I represent and advocate for. In today's market, it's more important that ever to hire a REALTOR who knows the market and how to best position you for success.

I'd welcome the opportunity to be yours.

For more information on local statistics, including the value of homes in your marketplace, text/call me at (321) 377-0157 or email me at LaShawn@LaShawnNorden.com for an objective & honest evaluation of your buying or selling needs.

LaShawn Norden, PA, REALTOR, (321) 377-0157, RE/MAX Central Realty, LaShawn@LaShawnNorden.com, www.LaShawnNorden.com

Advocate for Central Florida Buyers & Sellers