Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Editor’s note: Part 4, the final installment of a series of media releases on Florida’s real estate market from the Florida Association of Realtors®.

Out-of-State Buyers Flock to Florida

ORLANDO, Fla., November, 2004 -- Gina Charpentier fell in love with Florida 15 years ago. After vacationing in Florida virtually every year for the past decade, Charpentier, her husband Richard and 11-year-old son Louis will soon be moving from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to the Sunshine State. 

“It’s always been my dream to move to Florida and now it’s finally going to happen,” says Charpentier, 37. Assisted by Anne-Marie Ferraro, a Realtor® with Watson Realty’s Longwood office, the Charpentiers selected the Poinciana subdivision in Kissimmee to put down roots. A local builder is finishing a new three-bedroom home for the family. 

“We came down to Orlando just before Hurricane Charley struck in August, and we’re still coming. After the hurricanes, everyone asked me, ‘Why go there?’ I told them that I don’t like the cold winters, and there are so many fun things to do in Florida.” 

Charpentier and her family are far from alone. More than 350,000 out-of-state migrants are expected to move to Florida in 2005, according to economist Hank Fishkind, president, Fishkind & Associates, Orlando. “We see continued strong growth in Florida’s housing markets,” Fishkind says. 

An attractive warm-weather climate is only one of the reasons buyers from throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America are attracted to Florida, according to Frank Kowalski, 2005 president of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). 

“Florida has a strong job market and a ready supply of housing in all price ranges,” Kowalski says. “Although sales prices are rising steadily, residences in Florida continue to offer great values for buyers worldwide.” 

Other out-of-state buyers like the financial advantages of living in Florida, which has no state income tax, and a significant  “homestead exemption” that reduces property taxes on primary residences. 

For Cliff and Barbara Reynolds, moving to Orlando from Baltimore was an easy decision. “When Southwest Airlines offered me an opportunity to relocate here, I took it,” says Cliff Reynolds. “In Maryland, it’s always snowing on my birthday in January. Down here I plan to spend the day playing golf in the sunshine.”

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 120,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2004 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS