Real Estate Market

Freddy Mac reports that mortgage rates staying low. Here are the national averages for mortgage rates during the week ending Oct. 6:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.42 percent, with an average 0.5 point, unchanged from last week. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 3.76 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.72 percent, with an average 0.5 point, also unchanged from last week’s average. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 2.99 percent.
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.80 percent, with an average 0.4 point, dropping slightly from last week’s 2.81 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.88 percent.

With rates like this, is it time for you to buy a home? If so, just hit reply to get started!

Take a look at how many folks bought homes in our market last month…

Orlando Real Estate Sales Statistics

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2016

Orange County home sales increased by 0.21%. Prices increased with the average sales price up 12.2% and the median price increased by 11.5%.  Market times decreased by 3 days compared to Sept 2015.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics - Sept 2016

Osceola County home sales decreased by 6.53%. Prices increased with the average sales price up 10.8% and the median price decreased by 12.12%.  Market times decreased by 2 days compared to Sept 2015.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2016

Seminole County home sales increased by 3.52%. Prices increased with the average sales price up 10.69% and the median price increased by 12.69%.  Market times decreased by 4 days compared to Sept 2015.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2016

Residential sales in Lake County home sales increased by 1.86%. Prices increased with the average sales price up 9.80% and the median price increased by 13.71%.  Market times decreased by 5 days compared to Sept 2015.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics - September 2016

Polk County home sales increased by 6.64%. Prices increased with the average sales price up 9.36% and the median price increased by 10.71%.  Market times decreased by 13 days compared to Sept 2015.

Search all Orlando area homes for sale here!

This month's real estate market update by Keller Williams for October 2016.

Planting a tree is an investment in the future, according to a Greek proverb: "A society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they never expect to sit." But did you know planting trees around your home is also an investment in your real estate value and the value of your neighborhood? Or, that it's one best made not in the season of new life, spring, but in the fall as winter approaches?

Most Americans say they would - and in fact do - pay more for a home with trees in the yard, according to a Wakefield Research survey sponsored by the Alliance for Community Trees, a program of the Arbor Day Foundation. On average, Americans pay 18 percent more for a house with trees in the yard, and 79 percent say they feel trees define their neighborhood's character. Nearly three quarters say they would never move to a neighborhood that didn't have trees.

"The presence of trees in a neighborhood is as important to homebuyers as proximity to good schools, accessibility to shopping and entertainment, and commutability to work," says Dana Karcher, Alliance for Community Trees program manager. "But the value of trees goes far beyond beautifying a neighborhood. Planting trees helps on a local and global scale by reducing air pollution, controlling storm water runoff and even mitigating climate change."

If you're considering planting a tree or two this fall, here are some things to keep in mind:

• While spring may be the best time to plant flowers and vegetables, fall is the optimum season for planting trees. In spring, trees don't have enough time to grow deep roots before summer heat hits. Fall means warm soil, wetter weather and cooler air that promote root growth, helping a newly planted tree get established before the weather turns cold and the ground freezes.
• Mid-August through mid-October is the best time to plant a tree in northern and cooler locations. In warmer areas, like the south, you may be able to plant well into November. Talk to your local nursery or an arborist to determine the best planting window where you live. Planting these types of trees in fall means they'll be well established when next spring's growing season arrives.
• Some types of trees need longer to become established, while others need less time. Look for trees that don't require a lengthy growing period before they can withstand harsher temperatures. Options include ash, crabapple, hawthorn, elm, linden, maple, sycamore, pines and spruces. Not sure what to plant? The Arbor Day Foundation offers an online tree selection tool to help you understand what trees will grow best in your region.
• Trees are prepared for planting in three ways - bare root, containerized and balled and burlap. The best methods for planting trees will be based on how the roots look. Bare root trees have completely exposed roots, and you'll need to soak the roots before planting. Bare root trees tend to grow faster than those in containers. Plants from nurseries often come in containers that need to be removed before you plant the tree. Root balls are typically wrapped in burlap, which must also be removed when you plant the tree.

To learn more about the benefits of planting trees and how to care for your trees, visit www.arborday.org. (BPT)