RISMEDIA, July 17, 2009-A few years back a Harris Poll survey found that Realtors were named among the “Top 12 Most Trusted Professionals in America.” How do American home buyers and sellers feel today? In this month’s NAR Power Broker Roundtable, industry leaders weigh in on what real estate professionals need to focus on now to restore consumer confidence and help turn the struggling markets around.

Today 7/16/09 Freddie Mac reported that the average mortgage interest rate for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages was 5.14% (5.11% in the southeast), down from 5.20% a week ago. The average interest rate for 15 year fixed-rate mortgages was 4.63%, down from 4.69% last week. A year ago the 30 year rate was 6.26%. A Freddie Mac spokesperson said that the reduction in rates since the start of June 2009 would mean that a person with a $200,000 30 year, fixed-rate loan would pay $56 less each month with the current lower rates.Even though energy costs were up slightly, compared to the same time last year they were down quite a bit.

From holiday homes in Spain, vacation rental properties in Florida, beachside villas in Barbados, Antigua and Tobago, luxurious villas in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, beautiful apartments in Tenerife and Lanzarote, idyllic country cottages in England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales, rural holiday homes in France, Italy and Portugal, Cyprus or Turkey, not forgetting the picture perfect ski chalets in the French Alps, Italian Dolomites or Austrian Tyrol- people from all over the world have taken advantage of the increased economic prosperity over the last few decades to invest their hard earned savings in some form of bricks and mortar.

WAS LISTED WITH REALTOR AT $235,000 ….. NOW ASKING ONLY $209,000. http://www.byowner247.com/295 Large Inside corner lot on a very desirable street. Modern/Contemporary Style Built in 1955. 1600 Sq/Ft. *New Roof in 2006 with 10 Year Warranty *New Energy Efficient -AC/Heater 2005 *New Energy Efficient, Double Paned Windows Rated for 170 MPH – 2005 *New LG Washer and Dryer, Stainless Steel, Double Door Refrigerator and Dishwasher *New Floors in 2006 (Berber Carpet in bedrooms, wood

In the last couple of weeks we have seen quite a few properties have their status changed from, For Sale, to Sold… The buyer demographic has also been quite ample, from people aiming to re-locate to the DR to investors buying up large expanses of farm land to the traditional vacation property buyer.  Several nationalities have been represented, however US citizens are the strongest buyer contingent.

CommunityWalk Map – Lakeland FL New Home Listings 06/28 to 07/12 Full Size Map: Lakeland FL New Home Listings 06/28 to 07/12 The Lakeland new home report by Realtor Petra Norris from the Lakeland Real Estate Blog : The most important factor happening with the Lakeland real estate market is the supply. Currently, there are 1981 homes for sale in Lakeland. The last time I saw our inventory drop below 2000 was July 2006 – wow exactly 3 years ago.

Selling Guide for your home in SE Florida – 2articles.com 07/16/2009 If you plan to sell your home, there are a few things you can do that will certainly help your realtor sell your home quickly. You may notice in your neighbor that some homes sell fast while others are still sitting there after a year. What is the difference between the two homes that make this occur. read more Convert Your Car Using Gas4Free Water-Fuel Conversion System.

Selling Guide for your home in SE Florida – 2articles.com 07/16/2009 If you plan to sell your home, there are a few things you can do that will certainly help your realtor sell your home quickly. You may notice in your neighbor that some homes sell fast while others are still sitting there after a year. What is the difference between the two homes that make this occur. read more Convert Your Car Using Gas4Free Water-Fuel Conversion System.