🥊 The Tale of 2 Housing Markets: East vs. West

What’s driving the news: In Sports or rivalries as old as time like UF vs. FSU, this is normal. However, real estate has never seen a divide where prices are falling in the West, while the East booms.

What happened: Western markets that have appreciated since the 1990s thanks to Tech are seeing more substantial declines. Whereas Florida and others are emerging thanks to the larger appeal of the suburbs, lifestyle, affordability, and tax benefits. Plus jobs & companies are continuing to move towards these newer areas.

Why this matters: Every local market is different, but the reason economists say the current housing slump isn't collapsing like 2008 is there's significantly lower-than-normal supply of homes.

Yes, but isn't the news saying there's homes not selling, foreclosures are rising, and more inventory is...

The details: Home prices only decline significantly when there's a major surplus of homes for sale. Currently, 

• Homeowners have way more equity than they know what to do with because they can't. The average homeowner has a historic high of nearly $300,000 in equity. So, foreclosures aren't running rampant. 
• 99% of borrowers have less than 6% mortgage rates, and most have a rate below 4%... so they aren't moving. 
• Homebuilders are so far behind due to supply chain, labor and rising costs that it would take them 2-3+ years to catch up the 6.5 million home shortage.

The big picture: The media only confuses and lives off fear. Homeowners are in a way better position now and if we zoom out, real estate has a 100-year, positive, track record.

Instead of trying to time the market, focus on time in the market. So don't wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.

🚧 Waterfront Amphitheater at Coachman Park on Track for Summer Opening

What's driving the news: Ruth Eckerd hall has officially named the $84 million Coachman Park redevelopment, The Sound. The 4,000 covered seat and additional 5,000 seated lawn amphitheater is expected to complete in June. And they have already announced its Summer lineup:

• The Sad Summer Festival on July 7
• Michael Franti & Spearhead on July 21
• Goo Goo Dolls with special guest O.A.R. on July 24
• Billy Currington with Jessie James Decker on September 9
• Kenny Loggins on September 16
• Chicago on October 7

Bottom Line: The transformation will include,

• 19.0 acres of park space
• 4.0 acres of flexible event use
• 0.3 miles of new pedestrian-friendly waterfront walkway
• 0.4 miles of new Bluff Walk
• 320-foot scenic lake overlook with solar-powered rentable pavilions
• Pirate-themed playground area with a splash pad
• Public Art Spaces and more.

📍 Why Dunedin is So Loved!

Why is everybody moving to Dunedin? Here's 7 reasons why Dunedin is so loved!

☀️ Spring Cleaning?️ Vital Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Inspect your roof
2. Service your air conditioning unit
3. Examine your windows and doors
4. Check your gutters and downspouts
5. Clean and seal your deck
6. Check for pest problems
7. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors