Do you need a volunteer? Ask a home owner.

According to a U.S. government site, home owners are more likely to volunteer in their community than those who do not own their home.

Quoting the study; "There is a strong positive relationship between homeownership rates and metropolitan volunteer rates, indicating that where homeownership rates are high, volunteering is also high. "

The report further stated that in areas where there is a large percentage of apartment buildings, the volunteer rate is lower.

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The home inspection is one of the most important steps to home ownership


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

Your landscaping may protect your home from fire

Because wildfire is a year-round risk in Florida, the Division of Forestry is encouraging residents of the wildland-urban interface to protect their homes with “Firewise” landscaping.

As wildfire season heats up, homes built on the fringes of Florida’s wild areas don’t have to be sitting ducks. According to the Division of Forestry, homeowners can create a safety zone around their homes, an area that forestry professionals refer to as “defensible space.” Read the entire press release.

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- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255

June is National Homeownership Month

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today launched a month-long campaign to continue helping families avoid foreclosure. For the duration of National Home ownership Month, the Bush Administration will focus on how Americans can utilize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as a resource to keep their homes during this time of uncertainty in the housing market. Read full news release


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Speaking of home ownership


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

Puerto Rico has high home ownership rate

Residents of Puerto Rico had a higher home ownership rate, had more people per household and were less likely to move than U.S. stateside residents, according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from the 2006 Puerto Rico Community Survey.

Puerto Rico’s home ownership rate of 74.1 percent was lower than only two states —Minnesota (76.3 percent) and Michigan (75.2 percent).

You can read the full report here.

Holiday gifts for home owners.

Is there a new home owner in your family or circle of friends? Here are a few practical and fun suggestions for the perfect new home owner gift.

Welcome mats. I liked the one that reads “come back when you have a warrant.”

Doorbells. From dragonflies to Tibetan bowl doorbell chime.

Pink flamingos. Is it really a home if there is not a pink flamingo in the yard?

Tire swings. Hand crafted. Take a look at these recycled tire swings.

Mailbox. A huge selection if mailboxes to choose from

Happy Holidays!

Speaking of home ownership

According to statistics pulled from the Mid Florida mls today, 8755 homes have sold in Seminole, Orange, Volusia and Osceola counties combined thus far in 2007.

There are also over 30,000 homes currently on the market in those same 4 counties.

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Kissimmee housing statistics - 2007

Kissimmee real estate statistics for February


- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

June is homeownership month - 2007

According to this White House proclamation, June is the official National Home ownership month. According to the press release, 70% of Americans have taken part in the American dream.

If you would like to join this group, visit this home ownership web center.


Related Florida real estate views:

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- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255