Tampa September Home Sales Statistics Are Encouraging

The following update on Tampa area real estate sales was recently issued as a news release by the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® (GTAR)

"With negative news emanating from virtually every area of the economy, September real estate statistics in Hillsborough County offer encouragement for the local market.

"In statistics released by the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® (GTAR) and the Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service, two important figures, total home sales and inventory of homes on the market, improved in September over the previous month. Sales rose to 1,345 last month, up slightly from the 1,327 sold in August. The number represents the highest monthly sales in the county since June, when 1,394 homes sold.

"The inventory of homes on the market in Hillsborough County dipped to 14.21 months, down from 14.68 months in August, the lowest inventory figure since June of this
year, but more significantly, the second lowest figure since December, 2006, when the
figure stood at 9.04 months.

“Most economists believe our recovery will be slow and steady,” says Carol Austin, CEO of GTAR, “and these latest figures, while not dramatic, reflect that forecast.” Deborah Farmer, President of the REALTOR® association, believes the latest statistics offer more hope for the real estate market in the future. “The fact that inventory levels are down significantly since the beginning of 2008 is a number that should not be overlooked,” she noted. “The January 2008 inventory stood at nearly 26 months. To see that figure at its current level is more than encouraging,” Farmer said."

My belief is in line with these thoughts. The Tampa and Tampa Bay real estate market is beginning to show real signs of life again. The $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit has helped drive this upturn and it seems likely to me that Congress will extend, and may even expand, that program in 2010.

As it starts getting colder up North, it's time to start looking for that primary or seasonal home you've been wanting here in warm, sunny and inviting Tampa Bay Florida. Don't miss out on the current very attrative price levels. Prices will inevitably start moving up again as the economy improves and the inventory of unsold homes on the market contiues to fall.

Outdoor fun in New Tampa

Bicycle Riding is great in Tampa Bay
In my opinion, there is no better exercise for kids and adults than biking. And, there are many opportunities for bicycle riding in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you are interested in riding on the road or off-road trail riding, you can ride year round in west -central Florida. Local clubs schedule organized rides ranging from rides with just a few to hundreds of riders. The Tampa Bay Freewheelers lists several weekly rides for different skill levels and have longer organized rides with hundreds of participants. The Tampa Bay Freewheelers is sponsoring their Hilly Hundred Ride on October 18 2009, with varying distances of up to 100 miles and several hundred riders. Team New Tampa and Team Grupetto are other Tampa area groups dedicated to road biking. The SWAMP Mountain Bike Club is “an Organization of off-road cycling enthusiasts who share in the fun and excitement of Florida Mountain Biking”.
New Tampa has a great places to ride called Flatwoods Park, a Hillsborough County Recreation maintained park with miles of off-road trails for mountain biking and a seven mile paved loop road for road biking, skating, walking and running. In the Tampa area, hills are something we do not have too much of. Tampa bike riders looking for hills can travel to nearby San Antonio, FL. A local bike shop (San Antonio Cyclery), put out this map San Antonio, FL showing several hilly routes (40, 50 and 60 mile options).
New to biking? you might want to read Bicycling Street Smarts by John C. Allen. Need to buy a bike? Bicycle Magazine has a review of entry level bikes.

Want more information on Tampa and Tampa Bay ? May I invite you to visit my Tampa real estate and lifestyle website.