Feb. 26, 2010 – Florida ’s existing home sales rose in January, marking 17 months that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Existing home sales increased 24 percent last month with a total of 10,465 homes sold statewide compared to 8,444 homes sold in January 2009, according to Florida Realtors. January’s statewide sales of existing condos rose 81 percent compared to the previous year’s sales figure. Sixteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales in January; all MSAs had higher condo sales. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for 19 consecutive months. “Now is the time for anyone thinking of buying a home in Florida to make that decision,” said 2010 Florida Realtors President Wendell Davis, a broker and regional vice president with Watson Realty Corp. in Jacksonville. “Markets across the state are seeing inc

Xena Vallone Realty Agent Earns SFR Designation

Chaim Gleitmann of Xena Vallone Realty has earned the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resources (SFR) certification, announced Broker/Owner Xena Vallone, who also holds the SFR designation. Gleitmann recently completed the SFR certification program offered by the National Association of Realtors , which includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales , negotiate with lenders, protect buyers and limit risk. The SFR program also provides resources to help Realtors stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. “Chaim’s proficiency in short sales and foreclosures , as well as his expertise in facilitating international real estate transactions, brings unique qualifications to the area’s home buyers and sellers,” said Vallone. Gleitmann also holds the Transnational Referral Certification (TRC), earned by only a fraction of the nation’s Realtors, indicating he is qualified to make and receive cross-border

HOME AND CONDO SALES CONTINUE TO INCREASE STATEWIDE Fourth quarter 2009 sales of existing single-family homes in Sarasota -Bradenton rose 51 percent over the same period in 2008, with 2,468 homes sold at a median price of $160,600, according to the Florida Realtors. Condominium sales rose 132 percent, with 798 sold through the MLS in Sarasota-Bradenton. The median condo price dropped to $148,600. Statewide, Florida has seen higher year-to-year existing home sales over six consecutive quarters. For information about the Sarasota Real Estate Market , visit PremiumPropertiesSarasota

WASHINGTON – Feb. 8, 2010 – Using $555 million in Recovery Act funds, the Department of Defense has expanded a program that can reimburse employees up to 90 percent of the price they paid for a primary residence to avoid a loss when they go to sell. The Department identified Florida as having the most home sellers who qualify for the program. The Pentagon’s Housing Assistance Program now applies to: • wounded service members relocating for treatment or medical retirement and survivors of those who have died while deployed • military personnel and Defense Department civilians affected by the 2005 round of base closings, as a result of the Base Realignment and Closing initiative • military personnel moving to a new base Previously, applicants had to demonstrate that the closing of their base contributed to the decline of the area’s real estate market and a resulting loss in sales. That requirement has been waived under the expanded program. As of Jan. 18, 2010, almost 4,0

>> “Take Control of Your Mortgage” will be the subject of a free seminar for homeowners facing foreclosure on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd. Panelists will include: Xena Vallone of Xena Vallone Realty; attorney Kenneth Chapman Jr. of Chapman, Chapman & Chapman and CPA Kelly Saba of Miles & Thirion, CPA, PA. The seminar is sponsored by Sarasota-Bradenton Attorneys Real Estate Council. Registration is not required, but would be appreciated. To pre-register online, go to www.sarasotarec.com. E-mail any questions to sbarec@gmail.com For information about the Sarasota Real Estate Market , visit PremiumPropertiesSarasota Related articles by Zemanta Lost your house? You still have to pay (money.cnn.com)