Through much of the past year, real estate agents and home builders have described existing and new housing markets in Volusia and Flagler counties as stabilizing and steadily improving. (more…)

A new, narrower style of house is emerging in Orlando's suburbs as builders think small. Not far from developments of estate homes with sprawling lawns in the Windermere area are several communities with houses that are just 24 feet wide and side yards of about 4 feet. (more…)

As 2013 draws to a close, it’s fairly clear that the real estate market has gained strength: home sales are up, prices have firmed, foreclosures are down and mortgage rates remain close to record lows. (more…)

Americans ramped up purchases of new homes in October after three months of soft sales, evidence that the housing recovery is improving fitfully. Sales of new homes grew 25.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 444,000, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. That was the largest monthly percentage increase…

Not everyone loves hitting the links. And, as relaxing as surf sounds can be, even they become commonplace after awhile. Active retirees and seniors, many blessed with longer life expectancies than their parents, want a combination of recreation, socialization and intellectual stimulation in their golden years. (more…)

Solar orientation. "My parents were looking at a lot on a pond in Florida," said Hirsch. "I told them if they bought on the other side of the pond, they could have the sun at their backs while they sat on their porch, instead of glare from the pond." Solar…

Although cheaper prices and record-low mortgage rates have made homebuying increasingly attractive, tight lending standards continue to keep consumers on the sidelines. And while a beefed-up FICO score and documentation requirements may have slowed the process, it's the pile of cash needed to secure financing that prevents many would-be buyers…

Home sales in May jumped more than 19 percent in Volusia County compared with a year ago, while sales dipped 3 percent in Flagler County. Both, area Realtors say, are signs the local housing market has heated up. Carole Keller, sales manager for Weichert Realtors Hallmark Properties in Palm Coast,…

Orlando-area home-resale prices have risen more in the past 12 months than they would typically increase during five years of steady appreciation. Existing-home prices in the core Orlando market during May hit a median of $148,000 — up 23 percent from a year ago and up 3.1 percent from just…

Many areas of Florida are showing signs of renewed housing demand. Builders are buying lots and land in order to position themselves for future growth. In our most recent Residential Land Survey, 78% of Florida builders noted that finished lot prices were increasing. (more…)