[macguy]

Originally Posted by cil

Isn't there going to be a wildlife park somewhere near or in Walton County?

In terms of industry, other than agriculture, seems like paper/lumber mills were about it, though we do have that yucky Arizona Chemical down the road (another pine-related industry).

I went by our storage facility today (where most of our worldly possessions patiently wait) to pay our bill for April. I had an interesting talk with the owner of the place. He himself lives in Georgia, but owns property here.
This area is where he was hoping to retire, but he's waiting to see how it goes; he can barely get by as it is now with taxes and insurance. He says most of his customers are in exactly the same position he is.
Me, I can't wait much longer. We probably should, it hasn't even been two years yet. But I'm having a tough time with the renting situation.

The wild life park is to be just south of Chipley I think in Washington county. It has been talked about to a while but seems to be for real. The other stuff I was talking about is also in the same I-10 area. A couple of votes on development have taken place and passed. It seems they are anxious for development up that way. They are tired of be nowhere and depressed.

I am sure long time locals who like things the way they are will not like it, but new comers will be happy. Jobs, nicer weather, nicer way of life, easy accessibility to the rest of the country, south Florida is like being on an island. As well as your investment won't be worthless, values will go up. This may be the new frontier of Florida, just as central Florida was 35 years ago and worth looking into for a young person.

[backtofla]

imo, prices will remain the same, and in a couple yrs or so, i expect them to increase, atleast where i am in east orlando. why not buy now when prices are cheaper? this is fla, ppl will move here, and the demand will remain high. just my opinion

[Jammie]

Coach, I have been keeping track of condos in a couple different areas of Fla. for several months now. Many of them are still on the market and some have dropped their prices. There are a couple who aren't listed anymore, but they're not on the site with a "SOLD" marking on them. They may have been pulled off the market for the present. Will it continue? I don't know and I'm not sure anyone truly knows for sure. The articles I've been reading indicate that the housing market will continue decreasing for the year 2007. I'm referencing articles in Florida online newspapers. National news also indicates that the prices will be on a downhill slide for this year. Many cities have at least an 18 month supply of houses and some even more. Guess it's actually a game of chance cause who knows what will happen by 2008.

[Muggy]

*IF* I buy a house it won't be until after hurricane season '08. I still believe we are at the beginning of a real estate crash.

[observer]

Even though many may not want to hear it, I agree with Muggy. From all the research that I've done, as well as the pattern which I am observing, I think up until Oct. or Nov. of 2008 prices will continue to go down. I think that we are now nearing the middle of the downward cycle which began last year. In 2006 it was more of stablilization period, where in 2007 is where we will probably see the biggest decrease in home values.

I think in 2008, barring any major hurricanes, home sales and maybe prices will stabilize again and may increase slightly towards the end of the year. Homeowners insurance as well as property tax issues will play a role and dictate the market as well.