| The city of Ocala prides itself with being in the | | | | slight increase from the recorded price of $169,500 for |
| crossroads of Florida. The city is known for its lush | | | | the same period last year. The National Association of |
| rolling green fields, and the large concentration of | | | | Realtors also noted a U.S. median home price of |
| equine horse arms, which gives it the title of being the | | | | $223,800 for the second quarter of 2007, as |
| "Thoroughbred Capital of The world." | | | | compared to $227,100 for he same period last year. |
| Aside from having a lush green natural setting, the | | | | For the state of Florida, the median price for the period |
| area is also famous for offering residents and | | | | was $221,200, which was down from $243,300 for the |
| newcomers a healthy array of real estate choices to | | | | same period last year. According to some local |
| choose from, ranging from affordable bungalows, | | | | property observers, the area's housing market is still |
| single-family homes, apartments, town homes, condos | | | | being relatively seen as a buyers market. Sales are |
| and even sprawling estates. The city as well as Marion | | | | off quite a lot when compared to the figures in March |
| County also offers residents and visitors many | | | | 2006, when 614 homes were sold. |
| outdoor recreational activities and amenities, with its | | | | There is still a a glut of newly-completed but vacant |
| wide array of parks and recreational facilities. | | | | homes, as these were bought by investors who |
| The County Has A Large Number of Parks And | | | | intended to flip them but have now been caught with |
| Recreational Centers | | | | houses they can't sell. According to industry watchers |
| Marion County's parks and recreation system has | | | | there are around 6,869 homes listed on the Ocala |
| around 45 facilities to offer tourists and outdoor | | | | Marion County MLS as of the last quarter of 2007. |
| enthusiasts, ranging from boat ramps to softball fields, | | | | Homes here that are selling, are at present priced and |
| beaches, nature and conservation areas and even dog | | | | in the mid to lower price range, and well-priced |
| parks. | | | | residences are selling close to their asking prices. |
| Some of the county's recreational facilities offer free | | | | So would this be a great time to buy a home here? |
| entrance, while some charge a small entrance fee, and | | | | Some say yes, while some say that it's still too |
| many offer annual passes. The Rainbow Springs | | | | cautious to say yes. It would all depend on you to |
| State Park in Dunnellon has the state's fourth largest | | | | decide, however be on the lookout for some excellent |
| spring, and is headwaters are popular destinations for | | | | and wonderful deals out there, since at the moment, |
| canoing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking on the | | | | interest rates are near historical lows. |
| Rainbow River. | | | | Currently, the median price for homes in his city and |
| Is It A Buyer's Market Here Today? | | | | county are already the 2nd lowest in Florida, therefore |
| According to real estate industry observers, the | | | | there's tremendous potential for home value |
| median price of homes for the second quarter of | | | | appreciation over the next several years. |
| 2007 was pegged at $170,900, and this represents a | | | | |