The article is quoted as saying "The average home sold in that month lost 0.8% of its value, compared with a month earlier, and prices were down 3.8% from 12 months earlier, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index of 20 major markets. Home prices have fallen a whopping 34.4% from the peak set in July 2006."
Read the entire article at: http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/27/real_estate/home-prices/index.htm?hpt=hp_t1
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Florida continues to be the most popular destination among foreign home buyers, but other states are attracting more foreign interest as well. More than half--58 percent--of international sales in 2011 came from these four states alone: Florida (31 percent), California (12 percent), Texas (9 percent), and Arizona (6 percent), according to National Association of REALTORS® data.
Inman News recently identified the individual markets where foreign buyers make up the biggest share of home buyers. Among the top markets to make the list:
1. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
2. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla.
3. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fla.
4. North Point-Bradenton-Sarasota, Fla.
5. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Fla.
6. Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, Ariz.
7. New York County, N.Y. (Manhattan)
8. Honolulu
See which other real estate markets topped the list, along with more information about the study, at Inman News.
Source: "10 Hot Spots for Global Homebuyers," Inman News (March 2012)
The first wave of baby boomers—men and women born in 1946—will reach retirement age next year. More than 3 million Americans will turn 65 in 2011, the largest group to become eligible for Social Security in a single year.
Most of these prospective retirees are expected to remain in their current homes. Only 4 percent of the nation's 36.8 million senior citizens (65 or older) moved to a new residence in 2008, the latest year analyzed by the U.S. Census Bureau.
But that's still a significant number—1.4 million seniors searching for the ideal place to spend their golden years. Which communities do these retirees find most attractive?
Their No. 1 choice, according to a new study by Portfolio.com, is Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida, which earns the designation as America's most popular retirement destination.
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Your entryway to this custom estate home begins with a decorative lighted motor court leading up to the two-story Arthur Rutenburg design on one of Serenoa Lake's premier lots. This property is almost 1 acre (40,395sf) situated on a Cul de Sac of only 3 homes. Panoramic views of the golf course, lake, and preserve are captured from your upstairs balcony while your downstairs leisure area offers scenic lake and golf course vistas. A fine quality home featuring: 4453sf living area / 5853sf total area; 4 bedrooms; 4 full baths; 3 car side entry garage; den; living room; family room with direct vent gas fireplace; crown moldings, trim, and tray ceilings; spacious kitchen with walk-in pantry and island; pool and heated Spa with screen enclosure. The upstairs bonus room is generously sized at 31'x21' with vaulted ceiling, wet bar, and balcony. Serenoa Lakes is a luxury gated community of 92 homes on half acre and larger size lots. Ideally located with an easy 15 minute drive to Siesta Key, 15 minute drive to Lakewood Ranch, and 20 minute drive to downtown Sarasota. School District is Lakeview Elementary, Sarasota Middle School, Riverview High School. Serenoa Golf Course (next door) is optional to join.
See the details at: http://mfr.mlxchange.com/DotNet/Pub/EmailView.aspx?r=412430761&s=MFR&t=MFR
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