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From the Publisher

Parade Offers Real Opportunity
The biggest housing event in Orlando begins later this month: the 54th Annual Parade of Homes, held April 15-29.? The Parade showcases the best of the best, from condominiums to townhomes; from moderately priced single-family homes to seven-figure custom showplaces. There’s even a Remodelers Showcase and a Design Specialty Showcase tour on April 21 and 22.

Whether you’re a first-time, move-up, move-down or vacation-home buyer, there’s something for you in the Parade of Homes. More than 140 model homes and communities will be open to tour, so it’s a great opportunity to see the variety of housing styles available or to just get decorating ideas for your current home.

The time to buy a new home has never been better.? Interest rates are still near record lows, averaging just under 6 percent for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan. Buyers have loads of ready-to-occupy homes from which to choose and builders are offering some of the best incentives packages ever.
The experts all agree: Regardless of market fluctuations, over the long haul, the best way to build personal wealth is to own a home.?If you try to wait and time the market, you’re likely to lose out. Just as no one can accurately predict the peaks and valleys of the stock market—name one person who sold his or her tech portfolio in April of 2000—the same holds true for the housing market.

If you sit on the fence and wait for the absolute best deal, you could end up literally waiting for years. And most likely, your guess on market timing would be wrong. But if you choose to buy now, you’ll not only be in the driver’s seat during the buying process, you’ll also reap the gains of price appreciation once the market heats up again.

Remember, those who purchased homes in the early 1990s during the last big economic and housing downturn came out as big winners. You could, too.

So what are you waiting for?? Grab the kids and visit the Parade of Homes. You can visit the homes in person during the event or see them online anytime at www.paradeofhomesorlando.com. For more information on why now is the best time to buy a new home, visit www.realopportunitycfl.com.

Construction costs, interest rates and home prices are only going to increase over time, especially in a popular relocation destination like Orlando, so don’t wait a moment longer.? Buy that new home you’ve always dreamed of. You’ll be so glad you did.

—Mimi Briegel, Publisher
mimib@florida-homebuyer.com