Happy New Year

The beginning of a new year is typically a time for reviewing what happened during the previous 12 months. But at Orlando Homebuyer, we're more interested in what the coming 12 months will hold.

That's why we've assembled a group of the most savvy local real estate professionals and asked them to put on their prognosticators' hats. We wanted to know what to expect in 2006 as it relates to homebuying. More specifically: Will the market continue its white-hot pace? Will price appreciation remain in double-digits? Where will the growth hot-spots be?

We get answers-or I guess you'd more rightly call them very educated guesses-in this issue with a story built around the theme of "real estate trends."

Also in this issue is a special feature on outdoor living-always a popular topic in Florida, where you can enjoy the sunshine virtually year-round. We'll look at pools, of course, as well as outdoor kitchens and increasingly elaborate outdoor living spaces.

We'll also take a trip to Osceola County. For longtime residents, that name may conjure up images of cattle ranches and rodeos. But although the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi is still held in Kissimmee, the cattle ranches are rapidly giving way to new master-planned communities.

In addition, we'll introduce you to Charlie Robertson, co-owner of Robertson Homes and new president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando. In fact, you'll meet Charlie's whole family, including his wife and business partner, Judy.

Charlie talks about his career and shares some insights into issues facing the homebuilding industry during the year to come. (By the way, if you're buying a home in Osceola County, Charlie and a handful of other builders have just saved you $1,800. You'll have to read the story to find out how they did it.)

And we'll go inside the New American Home, with interiors by Donnie Saxon of Saxon-Clark Home Furnishings and Design. This spectacular creation, built in Southwest Orange County for the recent International Builders Show, is beautiful to behold-and it's decked out with all the latest bells and whistles.

Congratulations are certainly in order for Alex Hannigan, builder of the New American Home, and all the subcontractors and suppliers who went above and beyond the call of duty to make this project such a success.

Finally, I'd like to thank the people who make Orlando Homebuyer possible-our readers and our advertisers-for a terrific year. In 2005, our publication increased its frequency from quarterly to bimonthly, moved to more spacious quarters and added new staffers.

None of that would have been possible unless the publication worked-for people buying homes as well as those selling. After all, Orlando Homebuyer still has the most comprehensive, detailed community directory you'll find in print, as well as lively, entertaining articles that give you a feel for our unique region in all its aspects.

So if 2006 is the year you're planning to buy a new home, then you've already started the year off right by picking up this magazine. As always, let me know if there's a way we can be even more helpful.

Happy New Year!