The Florida Association of Realtors just published the sales stats for September and we continue to see sales up year on year compared to 2008.We are seeing some great momentum with 13 months straight of increased home sales and a 34% increase in September home sales alone.

Our condo sales were a little slower to improve but are finally starting to pick up and with some huge numbers.September Condos sales were up 77% over last September which blew away the 8.9% increase we saw in August.

Many of these sales were stimulated by the $8,000 tax credit offered to first time homebuyers but we are seeing a large number of people taking advantage of these low prices in the investment and second home market.I am hearing people say that if they don't buy their vacation home or retirement home now, they probably won't be able to afford it once prices start to increase.These are historic lows and people are looking ahead to take advantage while they still can.

With land and construction prices down we are starting to see some new construction and building take place.There are 3 large multi-million dollar oceanfront homes under construction in Ormond Beach and several large riverfront homes being built in Daytona Beach.

I believe that it can only get better from here.Our economy has a long way to go but most of real estate comes down to consumer confidence.I think people are starting to see some stabilization in prices.As the homes priced at the bottom sell off, prices will start to increase.We are already starting to see prices turn in PalmCoast.I have had numerous clients miss out in multiple offers and homes selling over list price in the lower price points.The news doesn't report that but it is happening every day.

We are on our way…

Ian Anderson