House Talk with Silvia Dukes

Yesterday, April 11, 2007, I was part of a delegation of 50 plus REALTORs from Hernando County, FL, visiting our State Capitol for the Great Amerian Realtor Days and joining hundreds more Realtors who came by the bus loads from counties all over the State. 

While the purpose of the trip was to bring awareness to our elected representatives about the concerns we as Realtors have regarding taxes and insurance issues, it was also a great opportunity to network with Realtors from all around the State. 

The day began with a informative briefing session by the Florida Association of Realtors covering issues from property taxes and insurance to affordable housing and industry regulation. 

Photo above:  Hernando County Realtors ready to meet their representatives.

After lunch, we had the opportunity to attend the ongoing sessions in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

We also met with two of our elected officials, Representative Robert Schenck and Senator Mike Fasano, who explained the current efforts that are under way to give Florida property owners relief from ever increasing tax burdens and find solutions to the insurance crisis.  We were able to share our concerns with our legislators and ask questions.  Resolving these issues fairly and satisfactorily is not an easy task but our legislators are working hard to give the citizens of Florida relief --- hopefully as early as Fall of this year.

The day ended with a fantastic reception hosted by the Tallahassee Board of Realtors!  You sure know how to throw a party!  Thank you!

                                                                      Photo:  Legislators welcome a crowd of Realtors during                                                                                              lunch time from the steps of the Capitol building.

Single Family Homes

Year               2003              2004            2005            2006

#Sales:        103             121           97             57

Avg $          $227,745   $285,477   $372,359   $396,143

Hernando Beach sales were strong in 2003 and 2004 and slowed with the overall market during 2005 and 2006.  Yet it is apparent that values have steadily increased.

(Data from County records, believed to be accurate but not guaranteed)

For more information about real estate in Hernando Beach please call or e-mail me.

Hernando County, Florida - Interesting Facts

Established in February 27, 1843, Hernando County encompasses 37 miles from East to West, 18 miles from North to South and contains 506 square miles or 323,700 acres (more or less). 

32% of the land is owned by government entities.

23% of the county land is agriculturally classified as Greenbelt.

There are two incorporated cities within the boundaries of Hernando County:

• Brooksville, which is also County Seat, and had an estimated population of 7,322 as of 2006, and
• Weeki Wachee, the City of Mermaids, with an estimated population of 8 (eight, this is not a mistake!) as of 2006.

Hernando County's population has changed dramatically over the last several decades and has changed from a sparsely populated rural area to a lively suburban environment.  Population growth in numbers:

• 1950:       6,652
• 1970:      17,000
• 1990:     101,115
• 2006:     164,263 (estimate)

If you are interested in more information about Hernando County, Florida's Nature Coast, and/or homes and land for sale in Hernando County please call or e-mail me!

HOMES:

Homes on Market:  4340

Sold March 2007:  187                       Range:  $35,000-765,000

Average Sales Price:  $181,928         Median Sales Price:  $170,000

Average Days on Market:  119

Currently under Contract:  297

Sales of existing homes continued to improve over February sales with average and median sales prices increasing as well while days on market remained stable.  Yet, the number of homes under contract decreased by about 15%.

VACANT LAND:

On Market:  3607

Sold March 2007:  32                    Range:  $15,000-$925,000

Average Sales Price:  $116,764     Median Sales Price:  $42,700

Average Days on Market:  191

Currently under Contract:  69

Vacant land sales did show mininmal improvement over February sales and with an increase in currently contracted properties.  Vacant land sales include properties of all sizes from smaller residential lots to acreage.

Data obtained from Hernando County MLS and believed accurate but not guaranteed.

For a more detailed update for your neighborhood, please contact me by e-mail or call me!