Without a doubt 2020 was unprecedented. With all that has happened many are wondering how the real estate market will be impacted in 2021. Many predicted a market crash early last year, but instead experts reported a surge in home sales closing out 2020. Almost overnight The Four Corners Area went from a buyers market to a sellers market. With inventory rates at a low buyers are going to have to act quickly. In a sellers market buyers may have to sacrifice some of their wish list items and focus on their must haves. Now more than ever, it is important to have financing approved and all paperwork completed before beginning a home search so that you can act quickly when the perfect home hits the market. Buyers may have to branch out into a larger search area to find the right home. This is another reason why having the right agent who really knows the area is important. Sellers can take advantage of this market with low inventory rates equaling less competition and higher profits. Whether you are buying or selling you can take advantage of the current trends with the right real estate professional.

FEBRUARY WEATHER REPORT

fishing tournament:

Are you looking for something new and exciting to do that also allows for social distancing? The Friends of Lake Apopka are hosting the inaugural Hooked on Lake Apopka Fish Tag Challenge with, a top prize of $5,000 for the person who catches the “Jim Thomas” fish, a tagged largemouth bass. The competition began on January 15th and runs through May 31st. For more information, including details on how to register, visit The Friends of Lake Apopka website.

34714 Sales stats

In December of 2020 (January stats were not available at the time of press) we saw 65 houses close here in The Four Corners Area (up 14% from December 2019) and 47 new listings (up from 43 new listings in November). The average sales price was $279,995 (down slightly) and on average it took 15 days to get a new listing under contract. The data doesn’t lie. Houses are closing faster and at above the average sales price compared to this time last year.

Dates to Remember:

Every Thursday in February-Trivia Night at Friar Tucks in Cagan’s Crossings

Every Friday in February-Cagan’s Crossings Farmers Market

February 5th First Friday Family Food Trucks in Clermont

February 8th Lake County School Board Meeting

February 17th-21st First Annual Orange Blossom Festival and Chili Cookoff

February 20th Clermont Wine Stroll

February 22nd Lake County School Board Meeting

February 27th Clermont Home and Garden Show

Did you know?

Florida is the only state with an “embassy” in Washington, D.C. The Florida House opened in 1973 to serve as an education and information center and provides meeting, classroom, and reception space to all Floridians. For more information visit https://floridahousedc.org.

Business Spotlight

My husband is from Maine and loves good seafood. Driving home a couple of weeks ago we noticed the old produce stand located in front of Walmart looked different and we decided to stop in. We found the best seafood selection (with LIVE lobsters) in the Four Corners area. They also offer daily specials and will prepare a whole seafood feast for you! Check out their website crabs4you.com or their facebook page and read their rave reviews. If you are a northern, seafood loving transplant, this is the place for you!