A Move Towards Socialism - Should the Government be Buying Stocks

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson at the conclusion of the G7 conference of the major industrialized nations announced that the U. S. Government is going to be buying stocks of financial institutions. Granted, these will be non-voting shares giving the government an equity ownership interest in these financial institutions.

Theoretically the government will not have the ability or power to run these corporations. But I don’t believe for one minute that an organization as large as our government will not have influence over these institutions. Here’s a scenario. The government wants the institution to do something and they balk at it. All the government has to do is to say that they’ll dump the stock if they don’t follow through!

This is already in addition to the $700B package in which we’re already buying distressed assets to remove them off the financial institutions books. That process makes the firms appear healthier and better able to resume what they are calling a ‘normal’ lending operation.

One question is, should the government be getting into the business of purchasing stocks in financial institutions? What does this overall mean to us? We’re already sometimes equated to second class citizens with lobbyists and big business winning out over us. Will this further mean that the financial well-being of these industry giants outweigh that of Joe Schmoe on the street?

This is all happening too fast and it’s being pushed down our throats. We’re being told that this needs to be done and also has to be done quickly. Yes, we’re supposed to believe that our legislators are looking out for our best interest, but we’ve seen enough of big businesses and lobbyists influence on them and the ensuing corruption. I apologize if I appear cynical – I’m just very concerned for us and our well being. Neither do I have the answer either!

The more I learn of these matters, I keep on having the concept of Socialism roaming around in my head. I know, that’s a scary situation in and of itself. Yes, we are far away from such, but doesn’t this concept push us more and more closer to it?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

See you next time at Marc’s Corner…..

Winter Springs, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for September ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida for September 2008. Winter Springs is made up of the zip code 32708. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

24 homes sold during the month of September.

The average sales price is $234,112with 184 days on the market.

The median sales price is $227,500.

The sales to list price ratio is 95%.

The most expensive home sold for $459,000 in Howell Creek Reserve and was on the market 95 days

The least expensive home sold for $104,000 in Deersong after 71 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $328,517 with 272 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 96% on 23 sales, an increase of 4%.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 13.3% and an increase in the median sales price of 5.7%. Yet, there was a decrease in sales volume of 14.3% with a 2% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

3 homes sold

The average sales price was $196,359 with 72 days on the market.

The median sales price was $212,090.

The sales to list price ratio is 97%.

The most expensive condo sold for $242,987 in Harbor Winds and was new construction.

The least expensive condo sold for $134,000 in Highland Glen after 101 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $200,087 with 153 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95% on 6 sales, a decrease of 50%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 16% and an increase in the median sales price of 33%. Yet, there was a decrease in sales volume of 57% with a 3% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Winter Springs and Seminole County real estate and Winter Springs and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Winter Springs and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Winter Springs and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, FL – Market Sales Statistics for September ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for September 2008. Winter Park is made up of the zip codes of 32789 & 32792. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

25 homes sold during the month of September.

The average sales price is $298,320 with 142 days on the market.

The median sales price is $212,000.

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

The most expensive home sold for $835,000 in Dommerich Cove and was on the market 222 days

The least expensive home sold for $136,000 in Carver Town after 85 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $581,871 with 172 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 93% on 23 sales, an increase of 9%.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 11.5% and a decrease in the median sales price of 31.5%. There was also a decrease in sales volume of 32% with a 1% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

10 homes sold

The average sales price was $160,090 with 116 days on the market.

The median sales price was $125,000.

The sales to list price ratio is 93%.

The most expensive sold for $450,000 in Lake Virginia Condo and was on the market 64 days.

The least expensive condo sold for $66,000 in Hidden Oaks after 211 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $166,036 with 150 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95% on 22 sales, a decrease of 64%.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 24.3% and a decrease in the median sales price of 5.7%. Yet, there was an increase in sales volume of 25% with a 6% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County real estate and Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Windermere, Orange County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for September ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Windermere, Orange County, Florida for September 2008. Windermere is made up of the zip code 34786. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

30 homes sold during the month of September.

The average sales price is $616,813 with 114 days on the market.

The median sales price is $532,500.

The sales to list price ratio is 93%.

The most expensive home sold for $2.35M in Isleworth and was on the market 107 days

The least expensive home sold for $220,000 in Lakes of Windermere Peachtree after 618 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $981,438 with 176 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 17 sales, an increase of 77%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 30% and an increase in the median sales price of 37%. Yet, there was a decrease in sales volume of 19% with a 2% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

5 homes sold

The average sales price was $172,177 with 85 days on the market.

The median sales price was $160,888.

The sales to list price ratio is 89%.

The most expensive condo sold for $210,000 in Summerport and was on the market 307 days.

The least expensive condo sold for $150,000 in Lakeside at Lakes of Windermere after 64 days on the market.

A year earlier there was 1 sale for $252,894 with 213 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 86%.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 1.6% and ad decrease in the median sales price of 8%. Yet, there was also an increase in sales volume of 250% with a 5% decrease in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Windermere and Orange County real estate and Windermere and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Windermere and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Windermere and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Sanford, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for September ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Sanford, Seminole County, Florida for September 2008. Sanford is made up of the zip codes of 32773 & 32771. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

54 homes sold during the month of September.

The average sales price is $253,015 with 130 days on the market.

The median sales price is $210,000.

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

The most expensive home sold for $1,152,860 in Bella Foresta and was on the market 337 days

The least expensive home sold for $38,000 in Dreamworld after 275 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $214,122 with 108 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95% on 37 sales, an increase of 46%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 2.4% and an increase in the median sales price of 16.7%. There was also an increase in sales volume of 74% with a 2% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

10 homes sold

The average sales price was $128,209 with 71 days on the market.

The median sales price was $122,500.

The sales to list price ratio is 94%.

The most expensive townhome sold for $222,000 in Greystone and was on the market 26 days.

The least expensive condo sold for $70,000 in Sandlewood after 171 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $192,530 with 166 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 10 sales.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 11.2% and a decrease in the median sales price of 13.7%. Yet, there was an increase in sales volume of 43% with a 1% decrease in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Sanford and Seminole County real estate and Sanford and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Sanford and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Sanford and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Oviedo, Seminole County, FL – Market Sales Statistics for September ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Oviedo, Seminole County, Florida for September 2008. Oviedo is made up of the zip codes of 32765 & 32766, which is partly considered Chuluota. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

46 homes sold during the month of September.

The average sales price is $271,378 with 85 days on the market.

The median sales price is $241,500.

The sales to list price ratio is 97%.

The most expensive home sold for $580,000 in River Walk and was on the market 53 days

The least expensive home sold for $139,900 in Alafaya Woods with 53 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $310,762 with 172 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 42 sales, an increase of 9.5%.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 14.2% and a decrease in the median sales price of 16.7%. There was also a decrease in sales volume of 31.3% with a 2% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

3 homes sold

The average sales price was $164,383 with 35 days on the market.

The median sales price was $188,117.

The sales to list price ratio averages out to be 100%.

The most expensive condo sold for $225,032 in Clayton Crossing and was on the market 129 days.

The least expensive condo sold for $80,000 in Villas at Lakeside after 21 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $197,056 with a sales to list price ratio of 93% on 3 sales.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 23.5% and an increase in the median sales price of 56.8%. There was a decrease in sales volume of 50% with a 6% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Oviedo and Seminole County real estate and Oviedo and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Oviedo and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Oviedo and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

Maitland, Seminole and Orange Counties, FL – Market Sales Statistics for September ‘08

The following are the market sales statistics for Maitland, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for September 2008. Maitland is made up of the zip code 32751. For purposes of this analysis we will be splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

11 homes sold during the month of September.

The average sales price is $381,409 with 71 days on the market.

The median sales price is $315,000.

The sales to list price ratio is 92%.

The most expensive home sold for $850,000 in Hollieanna Shores and was on the market 118 days

The least expensive home sold for $94,500 in Calhouns Sub after 169 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $463,772 with 120 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95% on 11 sales.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 4.4% with no change in the median sales price. Yet, there was a decrease in sales volume of 15.4% with no change in the sales to list price ratio.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

4 homes sold

The average sales price was $127,925 with 99 days on the market.

The median sales price was $130,000.

The sales to list price ratio is 93%.

The most expensive townhome sold for $153,000 in Branch Tree and was on the market 189 days.

The least expensive condo sold for $98,700 in Sun Bay Club after 74 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $170,950 with a sales to list price ratio of 97% on 4 sales.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 28.7% and a decrease in the median sales price of 20.5%. There was also a decrease in sales volume of 33.4% with no change in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Maitland and Seminole and Orange County real estate and Maitland and Seminole and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Maitland and Seminole and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Maitland and Seminole and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!