Ocala Real Estate – How The County’s Robust Economy Is Helping The Housing Market

lockheed martin jobs explained: For prospective home buyers who are looking at the Ocala area as a future destination, the city and the county as a whole offers home buyers a healthy array of housing options to choose from. Available housing options in Marion County range from traditional neighborhoods, gated villages, condominium developments and sprawling retirement communities.

Prospective home seekers in search of a home can truly find it all here. In districts like Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks, there are older, more established residential developments that are still experiencing robust growth, and there are also newer subdivision developments like Fore Ranch and Heath Brook.

The County’s Economy Remains Relatively Robust

Marion County’s economy has had its share of highs and lows over the recent years, however most analysts are optimistic that it will remain to be relatively strong. Two factors are noted to fuel the county’s continuing economic upswing: Technology and a stable manufacturing base were noted to be the major aspects in the Milken Institute’s recent move to rank Ocala as 2007’s top city in the nation for job growth.

Unlike many other Florida metropolitan areas, Ocala greatly depends on the manufacturing sector, where Lockheed Martin’s circuit-board facility is a major contributor, the institute reports. The city’s high-technology sector is growing too, and Lockheed Martin continues to build missile control systems in its local facility, and Intellon is expanding its line of integrated circuits into new products. The county also continues to attract new manufacturing jobs from other areas as well.

The Region Is a Favorite Spot For Setting-up Retirement Havens

The southern parts of the county are also home to a section of the large Villages retirement community, as well as other retirement villages that have sprung up recently in the area. Located west of the State Road 200 corridor, a retiree hub with On Top of the World, and Oak Run are situated here, along with other retirement destinations.

The county building department has indicated that housing growth in Marion County, like most of central and south Florida, is largely being driven by retiring baby boomers who are relocating from colder northern climates, and also the area’s growing employment opportunities. The county building department notes it appears that residential construction activity will return to steady levels by the fall of 2008.

Finding Better Ways To Offer Affordable Housing Programs

In order to effectively serve the needs of the low and middle income housing segments, the county has began to offer many innovative affordable housing programs for income eligible households.

These affordable home programs include the State Housing Initiative Partnership or SHIP, as well as the Community Development Block Grant or CDBG for home purchase or renovation outside of the city limits of Ocala. According to the county Property Appraiser, 6,812 residential units have been sold in Marion County so far this year. In comparison, 13,314 sales were processed in 2006.

For new and second home buyers, the city of Ocala offers a wide range of housing choices to choose from. Local property brokers here would be more than glad to give you a guided tour of existing and new developments in areas like Silver Springs Shores, Marion Oaks, Rainbow Lakes Estates, Rainbow Park, Woods and Lakes and others. Home options here include new Homes and estates, starter homes, luxury estates, and farms as well.

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Why Ocala’s Housing Market Draws Attention

Ocala sits within a region that has attracted new residents, employers, and investment. A growing economy can support housing demand, but it also puts pressure on prices, inventory, and infrastructure. Buyers should look at local employment, population trends, and new construction rather than relying on national headlines.

Talk to local agents, lenders, and employers about the neighborhoods you are considering. Ask about flood risk, insurance costs, school capacity, and commute times. A low listing price can hide expenses that appear only after ownership begins.

Preparing for a Purchase

Get pre-approved before you shop so you know your budget and can move quickly. Compare fixed and adjustable rates, closing costs, and the total cost of ownership. Keep an emergency fund for repairs, and do not stretch to the maximum the lender allows.

Visit at different times of day and speak to neighbors. The right home is not only a financial decision; it is a daily environment for your family.

If you are relocating for work, confirm the commute and the stability of the employer before committing. Local economic growth is helpful, but your own budget and timeline matter more than a forecast.

Ask someone with experience to review your thinking before you commit; a short conversation can reveal an easy correction.

Keep the process simple and repeatable, because consistency over several weeks beats a short burst of activity.

Review what worked at the end of the month and change one thing at a time rather than overhauling everything at once.

Protect time for the tasks that matter and let go of the ones that only feel urgent.

Save your notes in one place so you can compare options without relying on memory.

Talk to people who have already taken this path and ask what they would do differently.

Set a deadline for the decision and gather only the information that can change it.

Write down the next action and give it a date so the plan becomes something you can start this week.