Stormy Weather

For landlocked locals unaccustomed to dealing with these awesome forces of nature, it was (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Indeed, the last time we were in the eye of a storm was in 1960, when Donna slashed through the state's midsection.

In fact, of Florida's major metro areas, Orlando and Jacksonville remain the least likely places for hurricanes to strike. Perhaps, then, we've gotten our quota for the next century or so.

But if you're reading this magazine, your concerns are more specific. You're probably in the process of relocating, or at least considering a move. So you want to know how our recent weather woes have impacted the real estate market.

The bottom line: Sales of existing homes in the metro area-which includes Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties-were down just 2.3 percent in August versus the same month last year. Since transactions came to a virtual standstill during part of the month, I'm amazed the drop wasn't steeper.

What's more, experts are certain that even the rain and wind from two hurricanes failed to extinguish what had been a red-hot market. By October, when this issue appears, industry insiders are expecting the record-setting pace will have resumed.

So, if you're considering a move to Orlando, come on down. As of today, it's 84 degrees and sunny outside, and hurricane season is officially over.

Incidentally, we've got some news entirely unrelated to the weather. As Orlando Homebuyer begins its second blockbuster year, we have a new managing editor, Bob Morris.

Bob is known throughout Florida for his work in newspapers, magazines and television. A former columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, Fort Myers News-Press and The New York Times regional newspapers, he also served as editor of Caribbean Travel & Life and regularly appears in National Geographic Traveler, Islands, The Robb Report, Men's Fitness, Bon Appetit and other publications.

I've known Bob for many years, and was eager for him to join us because he's an excellent writer and a dyed-in-the-wool Floridian. As an insider, he's uniquely qualified to tell newcomers about life in our part of the Sunshine State.

Bob is also a novelist, and has recently signed a three-book deal with St. Martin's Press for a series of Florida-based mysteries. The first installment, Bahamarama, is available in bookstores now.

That about covers it for now. I hope you enjoy this issue-but most of all I hope you find all the information you need to make a buying decision. If you don't, give me a call. Just don't let me bore you with my hurricane stories.

Randy Noles

Group Publisher