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    <title>The Gate Arty Blog - Lakeland Real Estate &amp; Information</title>
    <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/</link>
    <description>The premiere Real Estate Authority in Lakeland Florida.</description>
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      <title>The Gate Arty Blog - Lakeland Real Estate &amp; Information</title>
			<url>http://www.gatearty.com/images/gate_signature.jpg</url>
			<link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/</link>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosure Report - 1st Quarter 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FReport%5F%2D%5F1st%5FQuarter%5F2010/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FReport%5F%2D%5F1st%5FQuarter%5F2010/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[RealtyTrac reports that in the 1st quarter of 2010, foreclosure filings rose 7% compared with the previous quarter, to more than 930,000. That represents a 16% increase over the same period in 2009. Foreclosures spiked drastically in March to a record 367,000 filings. Approximately 258,000 of those filings were for bank repossessions, the highest quarterly total RealtyTrac has ever.&nbsp;&nbsp;No surprise which state led the way . . . Nevada, of course. One in every 33 homes received a foreclosure filing during this time period. Nevada has been #1 for 13 straight quarters now! Arizona was seco..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FReport%5F%2D%5F1st%5FQuarter%5F2010/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Buffet speaks . . . We listen!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Buffet%5Fspeaks%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5FWe%5Flisten%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Buffet%5Fspeaks%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5FWe%5Flisten%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Warren Buffet, widely considered an investment genius, believes that “within a year or so, residential housing problems should be largely behind us. Prices will remain far below ‘bubble’ levels, of course, but for every seller or lender hurt by this there will be a buyer who benefits.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Buffet’s belief is that the supply of homes is still far greater than demand, and that it will take another year before demand catches supply. Let’s hope that the ‘Oracle of Omaha’ has this one right!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Buffet%5Fspeaks%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5FWe%5Flisten%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Home Ownership Declines]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FOwnership%5FDeclines/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FOwnership%5FDeclines/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[According to the United States Census Bureau, home ownership has reached it lowest rate since 2000. The current rate of home ownership is 67.2% Regionally, The biggest drop was in the South, where the rate declined to 69.1% from 69.7%. The West declined to 62.3% from 62.7%. Homeownership in the Midwest decreased to 71.3% from 71.6%. In the Northeast, homeownership declined to 63.9% from 64%.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FOwnership%5FDeclines/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[National Home Sales Report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FHome%5FSales%5FReport/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FHome%5FSales%5FReport/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[According to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales increased from the third quarter in 48 states. Of those states, 32 realized double-digit gains. Existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 13.9 percent to a adjusted annual rate of 6.03 million in the fourth quarter from 5.29 million in the third quarter, and are 27.2% above the 4.74 million-unit level in the fourth quarter of 2008. It is believed that distressed properties accounted for 32% of fourth quarter transactions. This is a decrease from the 37% a year earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FHome%5FSales%5FReport/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[January 2010 Foreclosure Report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/January%5F2010%5FForeclosure%5FReport/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/January%5F2010%5FForeclosure%5FReport/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[RealtyTrac reports that foreclosure rates fell in January compared to December, but remained sharply higher than a year ago. This is thought to be a temporary incident most likely a product of the holiday season &amp; office closings. The number of Americans receiving foreclosure notices was down 9.7 percent in January from December 2009, but 15 percent higher than last January. All told, 315,716 properties generated a foreclosure notice. That means one in every 409 homes in America received a foreclosure notice. The top five states in foreclosures respectively are: Nevada, Arizona, California..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/January%5F2010%5FForeclosure%5FReport/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[90 Day FHA Rule is Waived]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/90%5FDay%5FFHA%5FRule%5Fis%5FWaived/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/90%5FDay%5FFHA%5FRule%5Fis%5FWaived/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[HUD has taken a major step to stabilize the real estate market by waiving the “90 day flip rule” effective February 1st, 2010. Currently, FHA prohibits insuring a mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days. Originally the 90 day rule was put in place to protect FHA borrowers against predatory practices of &quot;flipping&quot; where properties are quickly resold at INFLATED prices to unsuspecting borrowers. This act will give FHA borrowers access to a broader array of recently foreclosed properties. The policy change will permit buyers to use FHA-insured financing to purchase ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/90%5FDay%5FFHA%5FRule%5Fis%5FWaived/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Home Price Reductions]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FPrice%5FReductions/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FPrice%5FReductions/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Trulia.com has reported that 21% of the existing housing inventory has had a least one price reduction during its time on the market. The good news is that figure has decreased 2 straight months now. The South leads the nation with 20% of homes seeing price reductions. The luxury home market has been affected the most. Luxury homes are defined as homes listed over $2 million (by Trulia). The average price cut on these homes is 15%. In comparison, homes under $2 million, have been reduced an average of 10%.&nbsp;&nbsp;While luxury homes make up just 2% of the total listings currently, they make..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FPrice%5FReductions/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Growing Number of Foreclosures]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Growing%5FNumber%5Fof%5FForeclosures/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Growing%5FNumber%5Fof%5FForeclosures/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Statistics from Lender Processing Services indicate that as of November 30th 2009, one in every 7.5 homeowners either fell into delinquency or foreclosure. The total number of delinquencies reached a record high of 9.97%, a 5.46% increase from the previous month and a 21.29% increase from November 2008. Loans falling into more severe delinquent categories reached 5.01% through November, compared to 1.52% of loans improved toward a current status.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's compared to November’s mortgage monitor report, when 4.02% of current mortgages through December 2008 fell into delinquency by Octo..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Growing%5FNumber%5Fof%5FForeclosures/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Vacancies Increase in 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Vacancies%5FIncrease%5Fin%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Vacancies%5FIncrease%5Fin%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The apartment vacancy rate ended the year at 8%, the highest level since 1980. This according to Reis Inc., a New York research firm that tracks vacancies and rents in the top 79 U.S. markets. Rents fell 3% last year, according to Reis. Led by major metropolitan cities that experienced brisk growth until the recession.&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective rents -- which include concessions such as one month of free rent -- fell 5.6% in New York last year, the worst since Reis began tracking the data in 1990.&nbsp;&nbsp;Very few markets have been spared. During the fourth quarter, vacancies increased in 52 mar..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Vacancies%5FIncrease%5Fin%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Improving Energy Efficiency]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Improving%5FEnergy%5FEfficiency/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Improving%5FEnergy%5FEfficiency/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The government is expected to unveil a new program in the next couple of months that if approved may reimburse homeowners for up to half the cost of making their homes more efficient.&nbsp;&nbsp;Homeowners will get the most return for the money in simple upgrades like caulking the windows, putting insulation in the attic, and changing the light bulbs - not new windows, refrigerators or dishwashers. A complete energy retrofit - which could include caulking and insulation as well as new windows, appliances and boiler, could slice a home's energy consumption in half, according to Lane Burt, manag..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Improving%5FEnergy%5FEfficiency/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - November 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FNovember%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FNovember%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Friday November 6th, 2009 marks Downtown Lakeland's monthly clebration.&nbsp;&nbsp;November's First Friday themed &quot;Honoring Service&quot; will begin at 6 pm. On the corner of Pine Street &amp; Kentucky&nbsp;&nbsp;(in front of Brooke Pottery) a string quartet from The Harrison School of Performing Arts will perform.&nbsp;&nbsp;After this, the color guard &amp; ROTC drill teams from local schools will perform. Schools represented include: Lake Gibson, Lake Region and George Jenkins High Schools. 


There will be cloggers &amp; nutcracker dancers along Kentucky Avenue. Senator Paula Docke..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FNovember%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Pops by the Lake - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Pops%5Fby%5Fthe%5FLake%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Pops%5Fby%5Fthe%5FLake%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[A great event will be held at the Lake Mirror Amphitheatre and Promenade. Beginning at 8 pm, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s “Pops By The Lake” will perform. The ISO Guild Silent Auction offers opportunities to bid on great items such as vacation getaways, dining, golf, sports packages, concerts, arts and cultural events, family fun and more in the Magnolia Building from 6:30pm through intermission. 


There will also be plenty to eat &amp; drink at the event so make a picnic out of it! Leroy Sutton’s Fried Chicken will cater. Beer, wine, sodas and other beverages will be available at the..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Pops%5Fby%5Fthe%5FLake%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[High-Water Mark for Foreclosures]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/High%2DWater%5FMark%5Ffor%5FForeclosures/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/High%2DWater%5FMark%5Ffor%5FForeclosures/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Foreclosures are at an ALL-TIME HIGH. In the 3rd quarter of this year 937,84 homes received a foreclosure letter. How do you put this in perspective? Well, that means that 1 in every 136 homes were in foreclosure. That’s a 5% increase from the 2nd quarter. It’s also a whopping 24% leap from this point in 2008! These numbers represent the worst 3 month stretch in terms of foreclosures ever. The foreclosure toll this year is reported to be 623,852 &amp; climbing. Perhaps with these numbers on the rise, banks will begin being more cooperative with short-sales? Wouldn't that be rational? Either wa..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/High%2DWater%5FMark%5Ffor%5FForeclosures/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[High-End Mortgage Foreclosures]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/High%2DEnd%5FMortgage%5FForeclosures/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/High%2DEnd%5FMortgage%5FForeclosures/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Recent statistics have shown that the trend of foreclosures is now hitting the top-tier of mortgages. In June 30% of foreclosures involved homes that were in the top 1/3 of local residential values. When the foreclosure crisis began 3 years ago, this figure was around 16%.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, the bottom 1/3 of the residential market only accounts for 35% of foreclosures now. This figure is way down from 55% in 2006. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/High%2DEnd%5FMortgage%5FForeclosures/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Effect of the $8000 Tax Credit]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5FEffect%5Fof%5Fthe%5F%248000%5FTax%5FCredit/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5FEffect%5Fof%5Fthe%5F%248000%5FTax%5FCredit/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Has the $8000 home-buyer tax credit increased real estate activity? Well, based on a report from the Internal Revenue Service, over 1.4 million buyers have already claimed the new tax credit. The $8000 tax credit is available to home buyers that purchase a home between January thru December 1st, 2009 and you could not have owned a home for the three consecutive years prior to the purchase. .  Unlike the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit that could be applied to sales made between April 2008 and July 1 2009, this refund actually puts money DIRECTLY into consumers' pockets. 1.8 million peop..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5FEffect%5Fof%5Fthe%5F%248000%5FTax%5FCredit/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New Homes Sales in July 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FHomes%5FSales%5Fin%5FJuly%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FHomes%5FSales%5Fin%5FJuly%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The United States Commerce Department announced that sales of new construction homes rose 9.6% in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the highest increase in 4 years. The housing sector appears to be showing some signs of stabilization. Regionally, the Northeast saw a 32% rise in sales, while the South saw a 16% rise, and the West saw a 1% rise. Sales did drop 7.6% in the Midwest. With inventory finally beginning to decrease, demand appears to be gaining some momentum. There were 271,000 houses on the market last month, down 35% from July 2008 and the fewest since March 1993. At the current sales pace, i..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FHomes%5FSales%5Fin%5FJuly%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Sale Increase 4 Straight Months!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sale%5FIncrease%5F4%5FStraight%5FMonths%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sale%5FIncrease%5F4%5FStraight%5FMonths%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Existing home sales rose a whopping 7.2% in July to 5.24 million units. In June, there were 4.89 million units sold. This increase was the largest month-to-month gain in over 2 years! The percentage increase was the largest since 1999. This also marks 4 straight months that we have seen sales increases. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “The housing market has decisively turned for the better. A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales.” Remember that the $8000 stim..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sale%5FIncrease%5F4%5FStraight%5FMonths%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mortgage Deliquency Rises]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FDeliquency%5FRises/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FDeliquency%5FRises/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The mortgage delinquency rate, which is defined as the percentage of mortgage holders who are over 60 days or more late on their payments, rose for the tenth consecutive quarter (thru 2nd QTR, 2009). It is now at an all-time high of 5.81%. How should we put this figure in perspective? Well, that is an increase of 65% from the same time period last year. Nevada, Florida, California, &amp; Arizona led the way with the highest foreclosure rates. North &amp; South Dakota and Alaska had the lowest rates.  
Don't forget to visit Central Florida's premier real estate website for all your Lakeland Re..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FDeliquency%5FRises/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosure News - 2nd Quarter 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FNews%5F%2D%5F2nd%5FQuarter%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FNews%5F%2D%5F2nd%5FQuarter%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Foreclosures continue to be the driving force in today’s real estate market. In the 2nd quarter, foreclosures &amp; distressed sales accounted for over a third of all sales! According to recent statistics, the rate of foreclosures jumped another 7% in July from June. This also represents a 32% increase from the same time period last year. More than 360,000 homes with mortgages received foreclosure filings in July. This was the highest point since January 2005. California, Florida, Arizona, &amp; Nevada accounted for an astounding 57% of July foreclosures nationwide! Many factors contribute to ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FNews%5F%2D%5F2nd%5FQuarter%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Homes Sales Increase Again]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FSales%5FIncrease%5FAgain/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FSales%5FIncrease%5FAgain/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Homes sales increased 3.8% in the 2nd quarter of 2009 from the 1st quarter. The annual adjusted rate was 4.76 million in the 2nd quarter &amp; 4.58 million in the first quarter. What is accounting for this rise in activity? No doubt, the great values in the housing market are beginning to capture the attention of prospective home buyers. The $8000 tax credit that will expire on November 30th is also a major motivation. The median sales price in the first quarter was $174,100, which represents a decrease of 16% below this time one year ago. “With low interest rates, lower home prices and a firs..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FSales%5FIncrease%5FAgain/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Homes Getting Smaller]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FGetting%5FSmaller/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FGetting%5FSmaller/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[We have all heard that the demand for new home construction has shrunk due to home buyers targeting foreclosures &amp; short sales rather than building new homes. Did you know, however, that the actual size of new homes is shrinking as well? I mean literally. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median size of new homes has dropped to 2,065 square feet. This represents a 7% drop in size compared with this time last year. Most industry professionals attribute the reduction in home size to the economic downturn. “Home size gains flatten out or decline during recessions, and we're in the midst..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FGetting%5FSmaller/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - August 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FAugust%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FAugust%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[TODAY, is August’s version of First Friday &amp; this month’s theme is once again, the popular “Dog Days of Summer.” For those of you that resemble your pooches, there is a dog/owner look-a-like contest. This contest will be held at FastFrame on South Kentucky Avenue. There will also be dog obedience skills competitions &amp; training throughout the Downtown area.&nbsp;&nbsp;


Other First Friday events:

	Local radio personality, Seth Mela from WLKF’s Mayhem in the AM will be in Munn Park. 
	The SOFA KINGS will be jamming at the Garden Bistro between 6 pm – 8 pm. 
	Classic Car Show on ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FAugust%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Momentum for Home Sales]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Momentum%5Ffor%5FHome%5FSales/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Momentum%5Ffor%5FHome%5FSales/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Natiional Association of Realtors has reported that the pending home sales index rose again for the fifth consecutive month. It rose 3.6% (94.6 from 91.3) in June from May. The pending home sales index tracks signed home purchase contracts and is considered a leading indicator of activity. What is driving this upward momentum? Simply put, distress sales (like short-sales) &amp; foreclosures continue to drive real estate prices downward to levels where buyers can no longer ignore the values. Most people consider this a &quot;once in a lifetime&quot; buyer's market. Let's look at some of the..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Momentum%5Ffor%5FHome%5FSales/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosure Report - June 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FReport%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FReport%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[It appears that the wave of foreclosures is still building. Nationwide, there were 1.5 million foreclosures in the first half of 2009 alone. This represents an increase of 15% from last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreclosure filings increased an astounding 33% in June from the year prior. Nevada is still the clear leader in foreclosures. Their foreclosure rate for the first half of 2009 was well over 6%. Rounding out the top 5 were Arizona, Florida, California, and finally Utah. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FReport%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lake Mirror Fireworks & First Friday - July 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lake%5FMirror%5FFireworks%5F%26%5FFirst%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FJuly%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lake%5FMirror%5FFireworks%5F%26%5FFirst%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FJuly%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This month, our monthly First Friday celebration coincides with “Red, White &amp; Kaboom!” So as usual, go to Munn Park and the adjoining areas for Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday celebration beginning at 4 p.m., but make sure you stay for the fireworks . . . literally. Beginning around 6 p.m. you should make your way down to Lake Mirror &amp; the Promenade. The popular local band, MillHopper will be playing music up until 9 p.m. when the fireworks are scheduled to begin. You can park in the city garages, as they will be open. There will be food &amp; drink vendors during the festivities as w..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lake%5FMirror%5FFireworks%5F%26%5FFirst%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FJuly%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New Construction Sales Down]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FConstruction%5FSales%5FDown/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FConstruction%5FSales%5FDown/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Sales of new construction homes fell 0.6% in May from April. The median home sales price was $212,600 in April, but rose to $221,600 in May. Meanwhile inventories of these new homes continue to fall to 292,000 units for the month of May. If sales were to hold at their current pace, it would take approximately 10 months to completely clear out the inventory of unsold homes. Builders have experienced intense competition &amp; pressure from the sale of distressed properties &amp; foreclosure that drive prices down, overall. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FConstruction%5FSales%5FDown/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Neighborhood Stabilization Program]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Neighborhood%5FStabilization%5FProgram/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Neighborhood%5FStabilization%5FProgram/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Obama administration has made up to $6 billion available for redevelopment of foreclosed homes &amp; distressed properties. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is intended to help communities that have suffered from foreclosures &amp; abandonment, &amp; the hope is that it will facilitate purchases &amp; neighborhood revitalization. Nearly $4 billion of the proposed NSP funding will come from the Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Funds will be used for activities including: redevelopment of foreclosed residential properties, purchase of abandoned properties, demolition of properties, &amp;..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Neighborhood%5FStabilization%5FProgram/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Home Sales Rise in May 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FSales%5FRise%5Fin%5FMay%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FSales%5FRise%5Fin%5FMay%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The National Association of Realtors announced that existing home sales rose to 4.77 million units in May 2009. This represents a rise of 2.4% over from April. This is promising because it’s the second straight month that sales have risen, undoubtedly spurred by attractive mortgage interest rates. The NAR announced that this is the first month-on-month increase since August/September 2005. The total hosing inventory stood at 3.80 million units, which represents nearly a 9.6 month supply, down from 10.1 in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Home%5FSales%5FRise%5Fin%5FMay%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosures in May 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5Fin%5FMay%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5Fin%5FMay%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Foreclosure filings dip for the month of May. RealtyTrac, a national leader of foreclosure data, announced that filings fell over 6% from April to May.  Although a total of 321,480 properties received default notifications, which represents am 18% increase from a year ago, it is the smallest annual gain since mid-2006. There is a silver lining! Florida is still in the Top 3 nationally in foreclosures. Nevada has the most, followed by California. To put it in perspective, on average there is 1 foreclosure per 398 households nationally. In Nevada, that number is 1 in 64. That is 6 times the nati..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5Fin%5FMay%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosure Property Search Made Easy]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FProperty%5FSearch%5FMade%5FEasy/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FProperty%5FSearch%5FMade%5FEasy/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[When real estate is discussed nowadays, it seems as if the topics foreclosures &amp; short sales are never far behind. Government and Bank-owned foreclosures offer tremendous home-buying opportunities for investors of all types. These foreclosures are called REO (Real Estate Owned) properties. These distress sales have the savvy investors licking their chops as property values are once again affordable, &amp; instant equity is attainable on a large scale. Now the only challenge investors have is actually finding &amp; identifying great values underneath the mountains of available homes for sal..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FProperty%5FSearch%5FMade%5FEasy/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - June 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The theme for this month’s First Friday event will be very familiar to fans of rock ‘n roll star, Alice Cooper.  June’s First Friday will be titled, “School’s Out for Summer.” If you have children I probably didn’t need to tell you that though, right? As per usual, shops &amp; restaurants open late. Music and entertainment along the streets and a Classic Car Show will be on Tennessee Avenue.


All along Kentucky Avenue you will found countless fun activities for the kids! Bubble-gum blowing contests, hula-hoop contests, water gun games, &amp; an art contest. If the kids still have energy to..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Strongman Contest - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FStrongman%5FContest%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FStrongman%5FContest%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Downtown Lakeland will host its 2nd Annual Strongman Competition on Saturday June 6th. The event runs from 11 AM – 6 PM. The contest will include an event where competitors will pull a 45-foot long, 14-foot tall, 62,600 pound luxury Fun Bike Center Bus the farthest down Kentucky Ave. There will be special appearances by Miss Florida, Mrs. Florida, &amp; Mojo Girls. The competition will be sponsored by local restaurant, The Chop Shop.  In addition to all the feats of strength, Tony Corbitt will be “speed painting.” 


See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FStrongman%5FContest%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Arts on the Park - June 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Arts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Arts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[On Friday June 5th, Arts on the Park will open a new art exhibit featuring multi-cultural works of art by regional artists. The exhibit features art styles from various cultures including the Caribbean, African, Latin, Folk, among others. The reception will be held at 115 North Kentucky Avenue in historic Downtown Lakeland between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 
n6egu9s3qn
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Arts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark%5F%2D%5FJune%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Heather's Hope Tiger Trot - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Heather%27s%5FHope%5FTiger%5FTrot%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Heather%27s%5FHope%5FTiger%5FTrot%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[A new local non-profit organization will be holding its inaugural fund-raiser on Saturday June 6th at Joker Marchant Stadium. Heather’s Hope Tiger Trot promotes awareness and prevention of domestic abuse through education &amp; community service.  The event is hosted by local baseball team, The Lakeland Flying Tigers. Activities will include a 5K run, Tigers baseball game, fireworks, teen dance, &amp; other children’s activities.  The foundation preserves the memory of Heather Rimmer. Online registration at www.active.com. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Heather%27s%5FHope%5FTiger%5FTrot%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Keller Williams Realty Cleans Up, Literally!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWilliams%5FRealty%5FCleans%5FUp%2C%5FLiterally%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWilliams%5FRealty%5FCleans%5FUp%2C%5FLiterally%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Keller Williams Realty office located in downtown Lakeland will be getting their hands dirty Saturday June 6th. As participants of the &quot;Adopt A Lake&quot; program, Keller Williams Realty will be cleaning up Lake Mirror. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. The City of Lakeland will be providing garbage bags, garbage grabbers, vests, gloves, &amp; nets. Refreshments will also be provided by Keller Williams Realty. Help keep our beautiful community clean! 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWilliams%5FRealty%5FCleans%5FUp%2C%5FLiterally%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[National Real Estate Sales Increase Overall]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales%5FIncrease%5FOverall/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales%5FIncrease%5FOverall/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The National Association of Realtors just announced that home sales rose a respectable 2.9% in the month of April from March. The increase can be attributed to the increased volume of sales in the “lower-end” market. I touched upon this in my last BLOG posting. The market for the “high-end” properties has been particularly slow. With the continued tightening of mortgage qualification standards, it is getting difficult to obtain “jumbo loans.” Jumbo loans are defined as those mortgages above $730,000. These loans accounted for over 17% of the mortgage market in 2007. Now they account for only 5..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales%5FIncrease%5FOverall/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Profiles - Hollis Gardens]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FHollis%5FGardens/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FHollis%5FGardens/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Hollis Garden is a formal 1.2 acre botanical garden donated to the City by the Hollis Family. The garden is located on historic Lake Mirror accessible from the Lake Mirror Promenade or Orange Street. The garden contains several water features and displays thousands of flowering plants, ornamental shrubs, historic trees, herbs and vegetables. The garden may be rented for weddings. Hollis Gardens was voted one of the Best of Class Gardens by the Gulfcoast Research and Education Center.


Features Include:


Grotto
Koi pond
Fountains, waterfalls &amp; lily pond
Tropical room
Two herb ro..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FHollis%5FGardens/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Market Activity Affected by Economy]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FActivity%5FAffected%5Fby%5FEconomy/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FActivity%5FAffected%5Fby%5FEconomy/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[As the unemployment rate hovers around 9%, most economists expect that the rate of foreclosures will account for approximately 60% of mortgage defaults this year alone. The next wave of foreclosures is expected to include not only the “sub-prime” mortgages, but also those who have been traditionally financially healthy, but have been affected by job-loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result of these foreclosures, housing prices are expected to decline overall. Do not expect to see price declines at ALL price points however. Many realtors have expressed that in some of the moderate price ranges, prices have..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FActivity%5FAffected%5Fby%5FEconomy/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Commercial Mortgages Down]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Commercial%5FMortgages%5FDown/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Commercial%5FMortgages%5FDown/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Quarterly Survey reports that commercial mortgage loan originations continued to drop in the first quarter of 2009. At this point, they are an astounding 70% lower than during the same period in 2008, and down 26% from the fourth quarter of 2008. The 70% overall decrease in commercial lending activity during the first quarter was driven by decreases in originations for all property types.&nbsp;&nbsp;When compared to the first quarter of 2008, the decrease included:


•	88% decrease in loans for hotel properties
•	80% decrease in loans for health car..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Commercial%5FMortgages%5FDown/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosures Jump in April]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5FJump%5Fin%5FApril/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5FJump%5Fin%5FApril/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[April was a huge month for foreclosures. RealtyTrac, an internet foreclosure marketing website, reported that 1 in every 374 homes in the United States received foreclosure filings in April. Foreclosures spiked an overwhelming 32% in April. An astounding 10 states accounted for 75% of all the foreclosure activity. What is your foreclosure top 10?


1. California with nearly 100,000 filings.
2. Florida
3. Nevada
4. Arizona
5. Illinois
6. Ohio
7. Michigan
8. Georgia
9. Texas
10. Virginia
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5FJump%5Fin%5FApril/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Profiles - Lake Mirror Promenade]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FLake%5FMirror%5FPromenade/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FLake%5FMirror%5FPromenade/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Lake Mirror &amp; its Promenade are considered the crown jewel of historic Downtown Lakeland. This community recreation area was the vision of Tom Appleyard, the manager of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in the early 1920s. Charles W. Leavitt, the noted New York landscape architect, eventually brought Appleyard's vision to reality. Its hallmark seawall, ornate loggias, and the wide palm-lined pedestrian pathways make this lake visually stunning and architecturally distinct.


The Promenade, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, has often been the hu..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FLake%5FMirror%5FPromenade/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Polk County Public Safety & Crime Reports]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Polk%5FCounty%5FPublic%5FSafety%5F%26%5FCrime%5FReports/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Polk%5FCounty%5FPublic%5FSafety%5F%26%5FCrime%5FReports/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Shopping for a home &amp; not familiar with how safe the neighborhood is for your family? Central Florida’s premier real estate website, gatearty.com, has unveiled a NEW feature. The new Crime Tracker link offers up an overview map with records of criminal activity. This handy tool even allows you to enter an address to see if there has been any recent criminal activity in the area. 


Other features on the Public Safety tab of the page include:



	Animal Control
	Emergency Management
	Lakeland Fire Department
	Lakeland Police Department
	National Hurricane Center
	Polk County She..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Polk%5FCounty%5FPublic%5FSafety%5F%26%5FCrime%5FReports/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Profiles, Art - Swansation & Kaleidoscope Butterflies]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%2C%5FArt%5F%2D%5FSwansation%5F%26%5FKaleidoscope%5FButterflies/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%2C%5FArt%5F%2D%5FSwansation%5F%26%5FKaleidoscope%5FButterflies/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Lakeland has long been known for its appreciation of public art projects. Two such projects are the “Swansation Art Project” and the “Kaleidoscope Butterflies in Flight.” The intent of both projects were centered around civic awareness with the swan art benefiting local non-profits &amp; the kaleidoscope project benefiting the CommonGround Park. 


Swansation is a public art project in originating in downtown Lakeland responsible for bringing the community together to celebrate one of Lakeland's most well known celebrities, the swan. This unique charitable project benefits local nonprofit o..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%2C%5FArt%5F%2D%5FSwansation%5F%26%5FKaleidoscope%5FButterflies/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Profiles - Lake Morton]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FLake%5FMorton/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FLake%5FMorton/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 1 May 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[With Mayfaire by-the-Lake a mere week away, I thought I would blog about the site of this annual event. Picturesque Lake Morton is the beautiful backdrop of this event every Mother's Day weekend, but it's also a place to go to simply relax &amp; enjoy the scenery. Although it is named Lake Morton, for Kentucky native John P. Morton, Lakeland residents know it is really &quot;Swan Lake,&quot; where Lakeland's signature resident calls home. The majestic swans, the muse of many local artists, are found at this quaint locale on the southern edge of downtown Lakeland. Lake Morton is located between..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FProfiles%5F%2D%5FLake%5FMorton/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Hollywood in Lakeland Florida]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Hollywood%5Fin%5FLakeland%5FFlorida/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Hollywood%5Fin%5FLakeland%5FFlorida/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[If you have tried to drop by the Polk Museum of Art, Mister Fish restaurant, Lakeland Public Library, or anywhere near that spot around Lake Morton lately, you would have noticed a lot of hustle &amp; bustle. Well it seems like Hollywood has got its eyes firmly fixated on Lakeland &amp; its many picturesque backdrops. The movie, tentatively titled, “Endure,” is scheduled to be shooting in Lakeland through May 8th. The movie is based on a fictitious town named “Lakeridge, Florida.” Stars of the movie include Judd Nelson &amp; Devon Sawa. Many of you will remember Nelson from the many movies he ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Hollywood%5Fin%5FLakeland%5FFlorida/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Building Permits Down Locally & Nationally]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Building%5FPermits%5FDown%5FLocally%5F%26%5FNationally/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Building%5FPermits%5FDown%5FLocally%5F%26%5FNationally/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[It was a case of good news&nbsp;&nbsp;. . . bad news for local builders in Polk County when we review their March 2009 numbers. The good news? Well, the month of March marked their peak for the entire year. The total permits were 102 which was up from 89 in February and 80 in January. The 102 permits represent a 35% decrease from the previous year and marked the lowest March total since 1995. When you compare these numbers on a nationwide scale, they look quite healthy, though. Nationally, housing starts fell almost 50% in March year-on-year. They slid approximately 11% from February 2009. Bui..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Building%5FPermits%5FDown%5FLocally%5F%26%5FNationally/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - May 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FMay%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FMay%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Friday, May 1st mark’s the First Friday celebration in Downtown Lakeland. This month’s theme is Public Works. This week is National Public Works Week. Munn Park will be filled with displays from the various public works divisions: 


· Fleet Management
· Engineering
· Solid Waste
· Parking
· Traffic
· Construction &amp; Maintenance
· Facilities Management
· Lake &amp; Storm Water


There will be displays throughout Munn Park from the various divisions of the Public Works Department. 


Now to the fun part . . . on Kentucky Avenue you might feel like you stepped back in a time m..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FMay%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Sun 'n Fun Fly-In 2009 ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sun%5F%27n%5FFun%5FFly%2DIn%5F2009%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sun%5F%27n%5FFun%5FFly%2DIn%5F2009%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Lakeland’s  35th annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In wraps up this weekend on Sunday the 26th at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Sun 'n Fun brings people together from all over the world for a unique interactive aviation experience. Last year, it was reported that Sun 'n Fun hosted more than 1,300 international visitors from 73 countries! 


There are more than 450 educational forums, seminars and &quot;hands-on&quot; workshops that cover “all things aviation” . . . . from construction to maintenance. Additional topics are offered through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FastTeam Production..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sun%5F%27n%5FFun%5FFly%2DIn%5F2009%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[March 2009 Sales Figures are Mixed]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/March%5F2009%5FSales%5FFigures%5Fare%5FMixed/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/March%5F2009%5FSales%5FFigures%5Fare%5FMixed/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The sales reports for March offered up a mixed bag . . . . some negative &amp; a little positive.The National Association of Realtors announced that real estate sales fell 3 percent in March, to 4.57 million from 4.71 million in February. In an extraordinary turn of events that contradict the other numbers, the median sales price experienced a nice positive bump, increasing to $175,200 from $168,200 in February. Although this is an increase of 4%, it’s still down over 12% from this time last year. Rather unusual that prices would rise at a time when the demand drops, huh? These are unusual tim..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/March%5F2009%5FSales%5FFigures%5Fare%5FMixed/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mayfaire%5Fby%2Dthe%2DLake%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mayfaire%5Fby%2Dthe%2DLake%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Mayfaire by-the-Lake, Polk County’s largest cultural event, kicks off Friday May 8th, 2009. Mayfaire is an event where artists exhibit their original works of art along the shores of Lake Morton and on the streets opposite the lake which creates an open-air &quot;art market.&quot; This year’s event will feature over 180 artists. From painters, to jewelers, to clay artists, . . . . there is something for all artistic tastes. There will also be live entertainment by local musicians, dance troops, &amp; VSA arts of Florida will perform on the stage on the shady front lawn in front of the Lakeland..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mayfaire%5Fby%2Dthe%2DLake%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Derby - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FDerby%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FDerby%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, so that means the swans are ready to race as well! Watch these “birds” race a week before the horses gallop out of the gates. This Friday April 24th marks the 2nd annual Lakeland Derby. The event is staged on the shores of Lake Mirror. The “Derby-style” race features hand-crafted swan paddleboats manned by “jockeys” that will compete for the prestigious Lakeland Derby trophy. At 5:00 pm the festivities will begin with open concessions &amp; a VIP reception. Other opening events include the Call to Post, the Maiden Race, &amp; the hotly-anticipated..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FDerby%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[March 2009 Real Estate Sales Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/March%5F2009%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales%5FStatistics/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/March%5F2009%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales%5FStatistics/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Well not all real estate news has to be bad. The good thing about hitting bottom is there is only one way to go . . . &amp; that is UP! And for Polk County at east, things are beginning to trend positive. Robust recovery anyone? 


In Lakeland for the month of March 2009, there were 188 homes that sold. Compare this to the 146 units that sold in February 2009, &amp; the paltry 126 that sold the month prior. Folks, those figures represent a whopping 22% spike in month over month sales! Looking into the numbers even further, Keller Williams Realty -  Lakeland office, accounted for nearly half..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/March%5F2009%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales%5FStatistics/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Housing Vacancy]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FVacancy/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FVacancy/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The United States Cencus Bureau has reported that one in every 9 homes in the nation is sitting vacant . Leading economists are predicting that this won't change for at least several more years. Take this math into consideration  . . . . between the years 2002 until 2007, the number of housing units increased by a whopping 8.65 million. By comparison, the number of households only increased by 6.7 million. Even if you factor in an estimate of 500,000 homes being torn down or lost, that still leaves over 1.3 million homes! Now those are scary numbers. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FVacancy/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Pets on Parade (2009) at Lake Hollingsworth]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Pets%5Fon%5FParade%5F%282009%29%5Fat%5FLake%5FHollingsworth/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Pets%5Fon%5FParade%5F%282009%29%5Fat%5FLake%5FHollingsworth/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Another of Lakeland’s annual events returns in the form of the SPCA’s 30th anniversary walk for animals, “Pets on Parade,” at scenic Lake Hollingsworth on Saturday, April 18th. Come enjoy a stroll to benefit Polk County’s local SPCA. There will be prizes, contests, demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, &amp; free refreshments for people &amp; their pets. The event begins at 8 a.m. &amp; will run until noon. Meet at the water fountain near Patten Heights &amp; Lake Hollingsworth Drive . . . . just a hop, skip, &amp; a jump away from Florida Southern College. Among the many activities &amp; enterta..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Pets%5Fon%5FParade%5F%282009%29%5Fat%5FLake%5FHollingsworth/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - April 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FApril%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FApril%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This week marks the monthly First Friday event in historic Downtown Lakeland. This month’s theme is “Bicycle Night.” Enjoy a beautiful bike ride thru the streets of Downtown Lakeland. Many bike clubs &amp; organizations are expected to be present. For the kids, there will be a fun bike parade around picturesque Munn Park beginning at 7 pm. All participants will win a ribbon! Go by Explorations V Children’s Museum first as they will provide decorating stations so the bikes may be properly detailed. FREE bike lights installed &amp; bike helmets fitted while supplies last on the corner of Bay Str..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FApril%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Farmers Curb Market Open Wednesday]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Farmers%5FCurb%5FMarket%5FOpen%5FWednesday/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Farmers%5FCurb%5FMarket%5FOpen%5FWednesday/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Farmers Curb Market alongside the corner of Pine Street &amp; Kentucky Avenue has decided to DOUBLE your fun! Not only will the market be open on Saturday mornings, but now you can visit the local marketplace on Wednesdays. Giving local patrons that work in the area the opportunity to visit during the workday. The Wednesday hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Farmers%5FCurb%5FMarket%5FOpen%5FWednesday/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Walk for Autism - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Walk%5Ffor%5FAutism%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Walk%5Ffor%5FAutism%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Put your walking shoes on the morning of Saturday April 11th, 2009 for a worthy cause. Picturesque Lake Hollingsworth will be the scenic backdrop of the sixth annual 5K “Walk for Autism.”  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on site. You may also register today at www.cfaii.org. See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Walk%5Ffor%5FAutism%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New Construction Homes Sales Increase]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FConstruction%5FHomes%5FSales%5FIncrease/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FConstruction%5FHomes%5FSales%5FIncrease/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[In February, new construction home sales increased to 337,000 units from 322,000 in January. This represents an increase of 4.7%. This was the first increase in new construction sales since July, 2008. Affordability undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the increase. The median sales price in February 2008 was $245,000 compared to a modest $200,900 this February. We must be near the trough of this economic landslide by now.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FConstruction%5FHomes%5FSales%5FIncrease/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mortgage Activity Strengthens]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FActivity%5FStrengthens/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FActivity%5FStrengthens/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Mortgage applications spiked last week as a result of the record low interest rates. This fueled demand for home refinance loans. Mortgage applications increased a whopping 32.2% for the week ending March 20th. Refinancing accounted for nearly 80% of all of these applications. Despite stricter lending guidelines, the majority of those that apply for a loan, still get approved. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported an approximate 60% approval rate. As a point of reference, in 2003 nearly 80% of applicants got their loans approved. OOPS!


At least activity is finally picking up . . .
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FActivity%5FStrengthens/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Homes Sales on the Uptick]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FSales%5Fon%5Fthe%5FUptick/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FSales%5Fon%5Fthe%5FUptick/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[For the month of February, the National Association of Realtors said that existing home sales rose  to 4.72 million units, up 5.1% from a rate of 4.49 million in January. Economists had expected existing home sales to decline to 4.45 million, so this is seen as great news indeed.  The national median existing-home price is down 15.5% from last year, from $195,800 to $165,400. What a great time to BUY!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FSales%5Fon%5Fthe%5FUptick/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Benefit Concert at Arts on the Park]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Benefit%5FConcert%5Fat%5FArts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Benefit%5FConcert%5Fat%5FArts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Local gallery, Arts on the Park, will be hosting a benefit concert this Friday, March 13th. The popular group, The Sofa Kings, are headlining the event that starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members of Arts on the Park &amp; $20 for non-members. This price includes 2 drinks. Arts on the Park is located at 115 North Kentucky Avenue in historic Downtown Lakeland. For more information, call 863 680 2787. See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Benefit%5FConcert%5Fat%5FArts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Fannie Mae Loosens Up]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Fannie%5FMae%5FLoosens%5FUp/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Fannie%5FMae%5FLoosens%5FUp/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Effective March 1st, Fannie Mae (which guarantees approximately half of the $12 TRILLION of the United State’s mortgage market) loosened loan restrictions on real estate investors &amp; secondary home buyers. This move is seen as a major coup for real estate investors that wanted back IN the real estate market, but were essentially locked out. The new guidelines allow these borrowers to obtain Fannie Mae-secured financing for up to 10 properties. Most recently the amended limit was only 4 properties. Meaning, if you had already four mortgages, you could not buy another property with Fannie-bac..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Fannie%5FMae%5FLoosens%5FUp/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosure Search]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FSearch/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FSearch/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Like searching the web for new property listings? Statistics indicate you are a part of a growing segment of consumers that make their initial property research online. Recent studies indicate that 97% of buyers search for real estate information on the internet first! That's even before they contact a licensed professional REALTOR for assistance.  Well here at gatearty.com, we have added a new feature that we are very excited about. With the overwhelming influx of foreclosures in today's market, there is increased demand for information on new foreclosures. Now you can find them! With our MAP..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5FSearch/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Citigroup Lowering Payments]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Citigroup%5FLowering%5FPayments/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Citigroup%5FLowering%5FPayments/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The national unemployment rate has climbed to 5.8%. Citigroup has announced however that it plans on lowering payments for those recently unemployed. The bank, which is now 36% owned by the federal government, established the Homeowner Unemployment Assist program, which will modify those who are unemployed and are 60 days behind on payments to an average payment of $500 for three months.  Customers must have a loan that is owned and serviced by CitiMortgage to participate in the program.  


..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Citigroup%5FLowering%5FPayments/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Houses More Affordable Than Ever]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Houses%5FMore%5FAffordable%5FThan%5FEver/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Houses%5FMore%5FAffordable%5FThan%5FEver/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The National Association of Realtors has reported that the Housing Affordability Index jumped 13.6% in January to a record high of 166.8. Another sign that buyers bold enough to jump into the market will be rewarded. Not to mention the tax benefit they will receive for doing so prior to the end of the year! The aforementioned index measures the relationship between home prices, income, &amp; mortgage interest rates. The index is the best it has ever been since monitoring of this relationship began back in 1970. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Houses%5FMore%5FAffordable%5FThan%5FEver/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[More Foreclosures]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/More%5FForeclosures/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/More%5FForeclosures/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[National filings of foreclosure exceeded 3 million in the 2008. Sound like a lot? Let's put this into some context. That figure represents a staggering 81% increase from the already trying year in 2007. What's even worse that that is it's an astonishing 225% increase over 2006. If you are an investor looking for the &quot;PERFECT&quot; time to jump into the market, that time is NOW! With mortgage rates as low as they are, it is the perfect storm for the savvy investor or entrepreneur. The bold buyers must seize the opportunity because markets like this only come around once in a great while.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/More%5FForeclosures/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[National Sales Fall in January]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FSales%5FFall%5Fin%5FJanuary/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FSales%5FFall%5Fin%5FJanuary/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 3 Mar 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[According to statistics released by the National Association of Realtors, The PENDING HOME SALES INDEX dropped to 80.4 in January from 87.1 in December. This represents a dip of nearly 8%. This is the lowest it has been since 2001. Although on a national level sales are still soft, as buyers are seemingly lurking on the &quot;sidelines&quot; waiting for the final results of the government stimulus package, it is expected that the new $8,000 tax credit is going to have a very positive effect on market conditions.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/National%5FSales%5FFall%5Fin%5FJanuary/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Real Estate mogul gets Trumped]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5Fmogul%5Fgets%5FTrumped/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5Fmogul%5Fgets%5FTrumped/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Well he didn't get fired, but mega-renowned real estate mogul Donald Trump is no longer a part of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. On Tuesday after &quot;the Donald&quot; resigned as chairman, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Trump has long been distancing himself from the troubled yet highly visible segment of his business, noting that the casino accounted for a mere 1% of his extensive empire &amp; went on to say, &quot;my investment in it is worthless to me now.&quot; Last December, the casino missed its $53.1 million bond payment. It has assets listed at 2.1 billion &amp; a to..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5Fmogul%5Fgets%5FTrumped/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The "NEW" housing tax CREDIT]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5F%22NEW%22%5Fhousing%5Ftax%5FCREDIT/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5F%22NEW%22%5Fhousing%5Ftax%5FCREDIT/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is now in effect. A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, that offered a $7500 deduction that had to be repaid, the new $8000 figure credit does NOT have to be repaid. The high points of the tax credit are as follows:

	It is for first-time home buyers only. A first-time home buyer is defined as as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year perio..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5F%22NEW%22%5Fhousing%5Ftax%5FCREDIT/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Detriot Tigers BBQ - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Detriot%5FTigers%5FBBQ%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Detriot%5FTigers%5FBBQ%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Lakeland's spring training baseball season kicks off  Thursday, February 19th with the &quot;Tiger BBQ.&quot; The menu for the barbeque consists of roast corn, shrimp, bbq ribs, char-broiled steaks, itilian sausage, &amp; baked beans. The location will be at Joker Marchant Stadium &amp; the gates will open at 6 p.m.The cost of admission will be $50 &amp; children 12 &amp; under can eat for $25. 


See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Detriot%5FTigers%5FBBQ%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Pancake Festival - 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FPancake%5FFestival%5F%2D%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FPancake%5FFestival%5F%2D%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kiwanis Club of Lakeland is hosting its 51st annual Pancake Festival this Saturday, February 14th. The event begins at 7 a.m. &amp; you can chow down until 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 &amp; that entitles you to all the pancakes &amp; sausages you can eat. Children's tickets are only $2. To avoid the crowds, you may want to go around lunch time or after. It's really crowded in the morning. See you at Hanger #2 at Tiger Town . . . adjacent to Joker Marchant Stadium. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FPancake%5FFestival%5F%2D%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Homes Are Now Affordable]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FAre%5FNow%5FAffordable/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FAre%5FNow%5FAffordable/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[I get asked all of the time . . . &quot;have we hit the bottom of the real estate market yet?&quot; In truth, I just don't know, but it seems that some buyers might think so. The National Association of Realtors reported today that the Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.3% to 87.7 in December from a revised reading of 82.5 in November.  What do these numbers signify? Quite simply, homes are becoming more affordable to the home-buying public. NAR's House Affordability index rose 10.9% in December to 158.8, the highest since NAR began tracking affordability in 1970.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Homes%5FAre%5FNow%5FAffordable/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Keller WIlliams Realty Continues to Grow]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWIlliams%5FRealty%5FContinues%5Fto%5FGrow/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWIlliams%5FRealty%5FContinues%5Fto%5FGrow/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 2 Feb 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[In an economic climate frought with foreclosures, credit crunch, bail-outs, &amp; other negative news, it is nice to see that a company is outpacing its competitors &amp; doing well. Keller Williams Realty, continues to outperform the market, remains debt-free, &amp; profit-sharing more than $30 million to it's agents. 


For the first 11 months of 2008, existing home sales for the United States fell 17% when compared to the same period the year before. Keller Williams Realty, however, is poised to outdo those numbers by 10 percentage points, and in addition, the company experienced a much ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWIlliams%5FRealty%5FContinues%5Fto%5FGrow/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Freddie Mac . . . your landlord?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Freddie%5FMac%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5Fyour%5Flandlord%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Freddie%5FMac%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5Fyour%5Flandlord%3F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Freddie Mac announced today that it would permit homeowners who have lost their home to foreclosure to actually turn around and rent them back from Freddie Mac.  &quot;Keeping foreclosed properties occupied and in better repair will support local property values and promote a faster recovery in the housing market,&quot; said Freddie Mac CEO David Moffett.  
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Freddie%5FMac%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5Fyour%5Flandlord%3F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Housing Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FStatistics/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FStatistics/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales jumped 6.5% to 4.74 million units in December versus November's 4.45 million units.   These numbers are still 3.5% below the 4.91 million units in December 2007.   For all of 2008 there were 4,912,000 million existing home sales compared to 5,652,000 sales in 2007. This represents a decline of 13.1%.  


Housing inventory dropped 11.7 percent to 3.68 million existing homes, representing a 9.3 month supply, which is down from an 11.2 month supply in November.   The national median home price in December was 175,400, which..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FStatistics/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[State Farm to Leave Sunshine State]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/State%5FFarm%5Fto%5FLeave%5FSunshine%5FState/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/State%5FFarm%5Fto%5FLeave%5FSunshine%5FState/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[State Farm, the largest private property insurer operating in Florida, filed plans to stop selling property insurance in Florida.


The company's departure includes coverage for home owners, renters, personal liability, boats, and business. The company does plan on continuing to write auto policies, where it is the market leader.


Governor Charlie Crist was hardly affected by the announcement of the Insurance giant. &quot;They probably charge the highest rates in the state, anyway. Floridians will be much better off without them,&quot; he said. When asked if State Farm was &quot;posturi..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/State%5FFarm%5Fto%5FLeave%5FSunshine%5FState/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Pig Fest 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FPig%5FFest%5F2009/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FPig%5FFest%5F2009/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Are you ready to eat! Well, 2009's version of the annual Pig Fest has arrived. It is an annual Florida State Barbeque Championship. Its profits go to loca charitable organizations. This event began in 1997 as a small festival &amp; has now blossomed to an affair with over 300 BBQ &quot;teams&quot; and over 30,000 attendees. Since 1997, the event has generated over $100,000 for organizations within Polk County. The cooking will commence on January 25th from 5 pm to 11 pm &amp; the 26th from 8 am to 5 pm. There will also be live music courtesy of the music group Firefall on Friday night. 


C..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FPig%5FFest%5F2009/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Bok Tower turns 80!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Bok%5FTower%5Fturns%5F80%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Bok%5FTower%5Fturns%5F80%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[One of Polk County's great historic landmarks, Bok Tower Gardens, will celebrate its 80th birthday on January 31st. To recognize the occasion, the National Historic Landmark will offer free admission on that day.  Bok Tower was dedicated in 1929 from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Edward Bok. The theme of this event is “Sharing the Gift.” One of the Gardens’ most popular events, Crossing the Moat, allows visitors to walk across the moat that surrounds the tower. There will also be live music at this event. There will be carillon concerts at 1 &amp; 3 pm and Japanese drummers will perform a..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Bok%5FTower%5Fturns%5F80%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[December Real Estate Sales]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/December%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/December%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The month of December proved to be a nice rebound month in terms of sales in Polk County. In Lakeland, 140 properties sold compared to 114 in November. The Average list price was $149,748 down from $161,976. The average sales price was $140,039, down from $149,269 last month. The average days on market fell from 114 days to 106. The months of inventory dropped to 19 from 26 the previous month. The two price ranges that saw the most activity were $140,000 - $159,999 (which accounted for nearly 19%) and $120,000 - 139,999 (14%). 


In East Polk there were 130 homes closing versus the 99 closi..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/December%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[November Real Estate Sales]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/November%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/November%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Lakeland real estate sales took a dip for the month of November. In :Lakeland, 116 properties sold, which was down from 151 in Coctober. The average list price was 161,976, up a little from October, while the average sale price was $149,269 which is down from 151,946 last month and well below the prior year’s average of $180,973. Average days on market improved to 106 from 133 in October, but the months of inventory shot up to 25.97 versus 19.89 in October. 


For Lakeland, the two price range that dominated most sales was the $200,000 - $249,999 where 13.79% of homes sold and $120,000-$139..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/November%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[October Real Estate Sales]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/October%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/October%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The National Association of Realtors announced that real estate sales for the month of October dropped 3.1% to 4.98 million. This was down form 5.14 million in September. The median sales price dipped to $183,000. This was a decrease of 11.3% and the median figure has not been that low since March of 2004.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/October%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Business After Hours - November 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Business%5FAfter%5FHours%5F%2D%5FNovember%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Business%5FAfter%5FHours%5F%2D%5FNovember%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce presents its November Business After Hours event Thursday November 20th. The festivities begin at 5:30 pm ~ 7:30 pm. Commercial Design Services will be hosting the event at 4343 Frontage Road North. This event is a great opportunity to network with other professionals in the community. You can R.S.V.P online or call 863 688 8551 extension 301.


See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Business%5FAfter%5FHours%5F%2D%5FNovember%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[CarBQ 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/CarBQ%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/CarBQ%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Craving BBQ? Well you are in luck! The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2nd Annual CarBQ on Friday, November 21st! Food will be courtesy of Fred's Southern Kitchen &amp; the Rib Crib. The meal will include: pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, corn on the cob, pickle, &amp; cookies. All this for just $10! Preorder &amp; then drive thru the curbside pickup at Tigertown. However, if you order for the entire office (at least 25 meals) your meals will be delivered for FREE! What a great way to show your appreciation to your employees. For more information, or to place an order contac..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/CarBQ%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Keller Williams Realty merger with Coldwell Banker]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWilliams%5FRealty%5Fmerger%5Fwith%5FColdwell%5FBanker/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWilliams%5FRealty%5Fmerger%5Fwith%5FColdwell%5FBanker/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Keller Williams Realty has acquired Coldwell Banker - Plantation Realty. The Plantation office in North Lakeland adds 15 agents to the Lakeland-based Keller Williams roster. There are already well over 245 Keller Williams agents in Lakeland &amp; Winter Haven. The Plantation office will continue to stay open giving Keller Williams Realty a long-awaited presence in North Lakeland. The purchase of Plantation marks the fifth such deal this year. Other partnerships include: First Heritage Realty, Garden Grove Realty, Imperial Lakes Realty, &amp; NAI Realvest. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Keller%5FWilliams%5FRealty%5Fmerger%5Fwith%5FColdwell%5FBanker/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Exclusive Tour of Lofts on the Park]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Exclusive%5FTour%5Fof%5FLofts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Exclusive%5FTour%5Fof%5FLofts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[In conjunction with the festivities of First Friday, the Group at Keller Williams Realty will be hosting an Open House tour of The Lofts on the Park. Local residents know that this great building is located on Kentucky Avenue adjacent to Munn Park &amp; Lake Mirror. With the resounding turnout last month, there were requests made for an additional Open House tour. Friday November 7 beginning at 5:30 pm is your opportunity if you have always wanted to see the Lofts! Your hosts will be:


Cathy Oliver - 863 286 6732


Christy Gallant - 863 680 9988


Gate Arty - 863 529 3222


Here i..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Exclusive%5FTour%5Fof%5FLofts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Veteran's Day Parade 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FVeteran%27s%5FDay%5FParade%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FVeteran%27s%5FDay%5FParade%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This Saturday (November 8th), following the festivities of First Friday, Downtown Lakeland will have its annual Veteran's Day Parade. The parade will start at 11 a.m. on Lake Beulah Drive at Vetrans Park which is also adjacent to The Lakeland Center. It will conclude at Munn Park.  There will be additonal ceremonies at Munn Park after the conclusion of the parade. Most notably there will be a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington D.C. The &quot;Quilt of Tears&quot; will also be on display. 


There will be more fun at Munn Park where you can expect to find Jump..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FVeteran%27s%5FDay%5FParade%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Puerto Rico Discovery Day]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Puerto%5FRico%5FDiscovery%5FDay/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Puerto%5FRico%5FDiscovery%5FDay/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Sponsored by the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rico Discovery Day will be held Saturday November 22nd from 11 am to 6 pm in conjunction with the regular Farmers Curb Market in Downtown Lakeland. Some of the featured events include: salsa dance competition, dominos tournaments, &amp; specialty vendors. See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Puerto%5FRico%5FDiscovery%5FDay/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - November]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FNovember/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FNovember/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The theme for First Friday this month will be &quot;Honoring Service.&quot; A celebration of our honarable veterans. 
First Friday will honor veterans on the eve of the Veterans Day parade and celebration in Munn Park on Saturday. As usual, shops &amp; restaurants will stay open late with special discounts in the stores. There will also be music and entertainment along the streets and the always popular Classic Car Show on Tennessee Avenue. 


The opening reception of the Polk County High School art exhibition will also kick off this evening. Sponsored by Arts on the Park, the exhibit will..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FNovember/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New Home Sales INCREASE!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FHome%5FSales%5FINCREASE%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FHome%5FSales%5FINCREASE%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The U.S. Commerce Department reported today that month over month sales of new homes rose 2.7% to 464,000 units in September. This was a huge development, considering most analysts had expected a drop from August.  The decline on a year over year basis, however, was more significant as home sales were 33.1% below year ago levels.  Perhaps bargain hunters are responsible for the monthly increase.The median home price dropped by 9.1% to $218,400, a level not seen since September 2004.  There are BUYING opportunities out there folks! Contact you loocal REALTOR now!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/New%5FHome%5FSales%5FINCREASE%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Halloween Parties - 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FHalloween%5FParties%5F%2D%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FHalloween%5FParties%5F%2D%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Still haven't decided what Halloween party to attend? Well, the Polk Museum of Art is hosting a party on the 31st from 4 pm to 6 pm. You may register to attend by visiting the PMOA website. 


Kids of all ages can attend the Halloween Boo Bash from 10 am - 1 pm &amp; again from 4 pm to 8 pm. Explorations V Children's Museum will be hosting this festive event.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FHalloween%5FParties%5F%2D%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosures up Again]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5Fup%5FAgain/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5Fup%5FAgain/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[RealtyTrac announced today that foreclosure filings were up 71% nationwide, in the third quarter over the same period last year.  Astoundingly, approximately 766,000 homeowners had a sheriff show up at the door and with a foreclosure complaint in hand! Six states made up for nearly 60% of the list: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Nevada.  Most respected experts believe that this trend will continue well into 2010 as the market absorbs the inventory that is just now coming online. 


..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosures%5Fup%5FAgain/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Terror on Pine Street - 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Terror%5Fon%5FPine%5FStreet%5F%2D%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Terror%5Fon%5FPine%5FStreet%5F%2D%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Ghost &amp; goblins will be appearing early this year on Pine Street in historic Downtown Lakeland. On October 24th, Keller Williams Realty will be hosting a FREE Halloween extravaganza  with spook-tacular festivities for the entire family.  Dress in your costumes for trick-or-treating in the Downtown shops between 5 pm to 7 pm. There will be music, pony rides, face painting, carnival snacks, &quot;jump houses&quot; &amp; a costume contest! There will be a Kids Zone with games, but the centerpiece of the event will be the Spooky Haunted House. Warning: This will not be for the faint at heart! ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Terror%5Fon%5FPine%5FStreet%5F%2D%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Commonground Park Construction]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Commonground%5FPark%5FConstruction/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Commonground%5FPark%5FConstruction/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Common Ground Park is currently under construction adjacent to the Beerman Tennis Courts in Veterans Park on Edgewood Drive. The park is also directly across from Cleveland Heights Golf Course and a short walk from Lake Hollingsworth. Common Ground Park will be Lakeland’s first “inclusive play experience.” The playground will have both traditional &amp; nontraditional play areas designed for children of varying abilities &amp; disabilities. It is estimated that there are approximately 15,000 special needs children in Polk County, so this is a welcome addition to the area’s numerous beautiful p..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Commonground%5FPark%5FConstruction/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[When Will Real Estate Values Rise? ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/When%5FWill%5FReal%5FEstate%5FValues%5FRise%3F%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/When%5FWill%5FReal%5FEstate%5FValues%5FRise%3F%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Historically-speaking, home values have ultimately risen after dramatic declines. No kidding, right? Although there isn't any widely known or accepted scientific methodology to pinpoint the top or bottom of any market, experts tend to agree that the following signs indicate an upswing: 


1. Real estate values stop declining and begin holding steady or selling side-ways. Although it may seem like commonsense, determining the sales price of a home isn't as easy as it may initially appear. It is important to evaluate sale prices across different segments of the market. For example, luxury hom..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/When%5FWill%5FReal%5FEstate%5FValues%5FRise%3F%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lofts on the Park Tours on First Friday]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lofts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark%5FTours%5Fon%5FFirst%5FFriday/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lofts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark%5FTours%5Fon%5FFirst%5FFriday/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 2 Oct 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This FIRST FRIDAY October 3rd, Gate Arty &amp; the Group at Keller Williams Realty will host an Open House at The Lofts on the Park on Kentucky Avenue across from Munn Park. Take this opportunity to view this great building in Historic Downtown Lakeland.  Cathy Oliver will be your hostess &amp; if you would like to RSVP, she may be contacted at CathyOliver@gatearty.com or 863.286.6732. Come enjoy all the art, culture, &amp; festivities Downtown Lakeland has to offer. It's truly a great environment to live, work, &amp; play in!


See you there! We'll be there between 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lofts%5Fon%5Fthe%5FPark%5FTours%5Fon%5FFirst%5FFriday/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lake%5FMirror%5FClassic%5FAuto%5FFestival/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lake%5FMirror%5FClassic%5FAuto%5FFestival/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[As you will see with the current slate of events (and another REALLY BIG upcoming event that I have yet to tell you about) October is choc’ full of fun &amp; activities! The weekend of October 17th thru the 19th offers up the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival. Festivities will be held in Historic Downtown Lakeland with picturesque Lake Mirror being the backdrop. 


The annual event revs up with a festive opening on Friday night October 17th with the Budweiser Hot Rod Rendezvous, which benefits Junior Achievement of Polk County. This kick-off to the weekend’s festivities i..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lake%5FMirror%5FClassic%5FAuto%5FFestival/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - October]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FOctober/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FOctober/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[October’s First Friday event in historic Downtown Lakeland occurs 10/03/2008. This month’s theme is “ART WALK.” There will be an art show, “Oncology on Canvas,” featuring artists from all over the world. The featured artists are cancer patients, their families, &amp; health care providers. Attendees can vote for their favorite sculptures along the Lemon Street Promenade, and there will be an opportunity to showcase your own artistic talents on a community canvas along Kentucky Avenue. Don’t miss shows &amp; performances in Munn Park, the classic car show along Tennessee Avenue, and the many sh..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FOctober/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Sightseeing and Segway Tours]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FSightseeing%5Fand%5FSegway%5FTours/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FSightseeing%5Fand%5FSegway%5FTours/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[If you would like to do some sight-seeing in Lakeland &amp; but want something with a bit more pace than the Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Lakeland? I have just the thing for you! How about combining a sight-seeing tour with the fun of zipping around on a SEGWAY scooter? Now we're talking!


“We have such a beautiful city,” says Luna. “Segway tours will be a big draw for folks from all over the state who are looking to ride Segways and take tours. “It takes about five minutes to get the hang of it. I’ve had all ages on Segways, from 16 to 85,” Says Dave Holzapfel owner of Segway of Cent..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FSightseeing%5Fand%5FSegway%5FTours/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Downtown Lakeland Historic Walking Tour]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Downtown%5FLakeland%5FHistoric%5FWalking%5FTour/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Downtown%5FLakeland%5FHistoric%5FWalking%5FTour/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Interested in learning more about Historic Downtown Lakeland? Historic Lakeland, Inc. &amp; the Downtown Lakeland Partnership offer FREE monthly Historic Walking Tours. Each tour is limited to approximately 30 people, so sign up early! Each month offers a different tour. Tours begin at Munn Park beneath “the arch.” See you there! To sign up click HERE.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Downtown%5FLakeland%5FHistoric%5FWalking%5FTour/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Chase acquires Washington Mutual]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Chase%5Facquires%5FWashington%5FMutual/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Chase%5Facquires%5FWashington%5FMutual/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[After months of speculation, Washington Mutual became the largest U.S. bank to collapse to date. Although WaMu shareholders have no reason to celebrate, those at JP Morgan Chase seized an opportunity. Chase bought WaMu’s $307 billion in assets and $188 billion in deposits for a mere $1.9 billion, which actually goes to the FDIC.  The bank will also re-capitalize by selling some of its stock to raise $8 billion. JP Morgan Chase will now have 5,400 branches in 23 states. Wall Street’s reaction was positive on news of the acquisition, while shares advanced 10%. Investors believe the company conti..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Chase%5Facquires%5FWashington%5FMutual/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Market Turmoil]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FTurmoil/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FTurmoil/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The recent turmoil in the financial markets has been nothing but staggering.  Storied institutions such as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers are essentially gone. Merrill Lynch was scooped up by Bank of America for a song. The US government has come into rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but it figured at some point there is a risk of doing too much bailout.


What does all this mean for the real estate industry?


Get ready for more wild rides.  Now that equity markets have proven an unsafe and risky investment, more and more real estate investors will be coming out to play.  And now th..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FTurmoil/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 & FHA]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5FHousing%5Fand%5FEconomic%5FRecovery%5FAct%5Fof%5F2008%5F%26%5FFHA/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5FHousing%5Fand%5FEconomic%5FRecovery%5FAct%5Fof%5F2008%5F%26%5FFHA/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) is beginning to be implemented by FHA.  As of October 1, 2008 HERA will mandate FHA to require a minimum of 3.5% in down payment, up from the current 2.25% down payment.  Accordingly, mortgages with new FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2009, will require a down payment of 3.5% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price, PLUS ANY CLOSING COSTS TO BE PAID BY THE BORROWER.  The seller will still be able to pay up to 6% of the sale price towards the borrowers closing costs and prepaids.  FHA does allow gifts from rela..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/The%5FHousing%5Fand%5FEconomic%5FRecovery%5FAct%5Fof%5F2008%5F%26%5FFHA/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Asset Protection & the FDIC]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Asset%5FProtection%5F%26%5Fthe%5FFDIC/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Asset%5FProtection%5F%26%5Fthe%5FFDIC/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[After the failure of  IndyMac Bank, many people have wondered how safe their accounts really are. While the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) guarantees most bank deposits, here are some important details to remember. 


What types of accounts are covered? 
The FDIC protects checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposits (CDs), Christmas club accounts, and money-market savings accounts. However, Stocks, Bonds, and mutual fund shares...even those purchased through an FDIC bank...are not protected. 


What are the limits of FDIC insurance? 
Bank accounts that have les..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Asset%5FProtection%5F%26%5Fthe%5FFDIC/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[PLATFORM Art Party]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/PLATFORM%5FArt%5FParty/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/PLATFORM%5FArt%5FParty/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Platform Art, Inc is a non-profit organization &quot;committed to cultivating an understanding and appreciation of art in its many forms through production of multiple art events yearly.  Platform Art events showcase new and exciting talent in the fields of the visual arts, film, fashion, music and performance, while providing a supportive and stimulating social atmosphere.  &quot;


The organization's next event is the Platform Art Party in Florida's Aviation Museum located at 4175 Medulla Road in Lakeland. Each attendee will be treated to free admission to the Air Museum, artwork by 20 Ce..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/PLATFORM%5FArt%5FParty/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[State of Downtown Luncheon & Silent Auction]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/State%5Fof%5FDowntown%5FLuncheon%5F%26%5FSilent%5FAuction/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/State%5Fof%5FDowntown%5FLuncheon%5F%26%5FSilent%5FAuction/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Downtown Lakeland Partnership will be hosting the 11th Annual &quot;State of Downtown&quot; Luncheon &amp; Silent Auction on Wednesday October 11th. It will be held at The Lakeland Center, Exhibit Hall West. This year's theme is:


&quot;Downtown Lakeland; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow&quot;


The guest speakers include:



	W.W. Wolfson, Lakeland native
	John Hutto, President, Downtown Lakeland Partnership
	Jim Studiale, Director of Community Development, City of Lakeland



There will be presentations announcing the winners of the:



	Dudley Uphoff Award
	Golden Swa..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/State%5Fof%5FDowntown%5FLuncheon%5F%26%5FSilent%5FAuction/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Red Carpet Event at Polk Theatre]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Red%5FCarpet%5FEvent%5Fat%5FPolk%5FTheatre/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Red%5FCarpet%5FEvent%5Fat%5FPolk%5FTheatre/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Polk Theatre celebrates its 80th Anniversary with an event being billed as: 
Red Carpet Night - A Community of Stars


Polk Theatre is rolling out the red carpet with a very special revue featuring local celebrities &amp; professional entertainers: vaudeville, burlesque, dance, satire! (choreographed by Florida Dance Theatre) featuring the inaugural debut of Opera Lakeland bringing world renown talent to our stage including:


Special guest appearance by America's Tenor, Daniel Rodriguez, New York's 9/11 singing policeman. 


Soloists include Won Cho, Kyoung Cho, Liana Valente an..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Red%5FCarpet%5FEvent%5Fat%5FPolk%5FTheatre/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland Art Festival]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FArt%5FFestival/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FArt%5FFestival/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 5 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[If you still have a taste for Downtown Lakeland after the festivities of First Friday, go to the Lakeland Art Festival on September 6th &amp; 7th. J Rowan Galleries will be hosting the event. It will be held on South Kentucky Avenue between Main Street &amp; Lemon Street. Event hours will be 10 am to 5 pm. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%5FArt%5FFestival/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - September]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FSeptember/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FSeptember/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This Friday - September 5th marks your monthly First Friday event in Downtown Lakeland. September's theme is &quot;Back to School.&quot; Designed as a tribute to educators, there will be special discounts from local stores &amp; restaurants for school employees with their employee ID card. Just a few of the promotions include:



	10% OFF your dinner bill at Harry's
	5% OFF permanent discount for school staff at Brooke Pottery 
	10% OFF Framing at FASTFRAME all year long 
	$5 OFF your $25 or more purchase at Lloyds of Lakeland plus other discounts up to 50% OFF 
	10% OFF any non-sale i..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FSeptember/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Disaster Preparation for Business Owners]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Disaster%5FPreparation%5Ffor%5FBusiness%5FOwners/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Disaster%5FPreparation%5Ffor%5FBusiness%5FOwners/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Central Florida Development Council has created the Disaster Preparation &amp; Business Continuity Planning Guide. The guide contains information relating to business preparation before a disaster and the CFDC’s recovery plan, after the disaster has struck. 


The Guide offers:



	Checklist – Before, During, &amp; After a disaster




	Hotlines &amp; Websites for Business Emergencies




	Business Disaster Recovery forms




	Flood Zone Information




	CFDC’s Post Disaster Business Recover Plan



In order to access the Disaster Preparation &amp; Business C..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Disaster%5FPreparation%5Ffor%5FBusiness%5FOwners/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Customer Satisfaction Winner]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Customer%5FSatisfaction%5FWinner/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Customer%5FSatisfaction%5FWinner/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Keller Williams Realty ranks highest among real estate companies in satisfying home buyers according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study. The inaugural study measures customer satisfaction of home buyers and sellers with the largest national real estate firms. Overall satisfaction is determined by examining three factors for the home-buying experience: agent (65%); office (21%); and services (13%). In the home-buyer segment, Keller Williams achieves a score of 831 on a 1,000-point scale, and receives highest ratings from customers in all three factors.


The study ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Customer%5FSatisfaction%5FWinner/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Foreclosure vs. Short Sale]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5Fvs%2E%5FShort%5FSale/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5Fvs%2E%5FShort%5FSale/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[What follows is a brief synopsis of the differences between a FORECLOSURE and a SHORT SALE and their affects on certain issues. 


Fannie Mae Loan: A homeowner who loses a home to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years. Homeowners who successfully negotiate &amp; close a short sale will be eligible for A Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years. For investors that allow a property to go to foreclosure, a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage will be unattainable for 7 years!


On any future 1003 application, a prospective borrower will hav..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Foreclosure%5Fvs%2E%5FShort%5FSale/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Market Update - July Real Estate Sales]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FUpdate%5F%2D%5FJuly%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FUpdate%5F%2D%5FJuly%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The MidFlorida MLS reports that the Lakeland Association of Realtors closed 164 homes &amp; the East Polk board reported 120 sales in June. Overall there were 284 homes sold in Polk, up from 282 homes last month. A year ago in June 2007 there were 275 homes sold, so the news should be reported that Polk sales are up from last year! 


The average list price in Lakeland decreased to $180,303 from $183,672 last month, and the average sales price decreased to $169,351 from $171,773 last month. The average days on the market increased to 134 from 124 last month. In East Polk, the average list p..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FUpdate%5F%2D%5FJuly%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Insurance NOW]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Insurance%5FNOW/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Insurance%5FNOW/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Experience has shown me that many prospective home buyers shop for homes during the summer months for a variety of reasons. First off, there is more time. Many people take vacation time during the summer months. Other &quot;snowbird&quot; retirees elect to buy a summer home during their regular time here in sunny Florida. More often than not however, the reason involves children. Many parents have told me that they would prefer buying during the summer so they will not have to uproot &amp; disrupt their children's school year midway, in the event that a change of school is necessary. 


One..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Insurance%5FNOW/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Hurricane Tracking]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Hurricane%5FTracking/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Hurricane%5FTracking/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Hurricanes are a major part of life in the Southeast portion of the United States. If you would like to track the course of name storms during the Hurricane season, go to The National Hurricane Center website. Get up-to-date reports, and make sure you are prepared in the event you are in the path of a name storm or hurricane. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Hurricane%5FTracking/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Council approves CSX project]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Council%5Fapproves%5FCSX%5Fproject/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Council%5Fapproves%5FCSX%5Fproject/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Central Florida Regional Planning Council voted 10-1 to approve the controversial development of a proposed 318-acre rail terminal site in southern Winter Haven.  The terminal will be built on a 1,248-acre site. After the terminal is built, the plan is to build a major distribution center and office park Lakeland City Commissioner, Howard Wiggs, who serves on the planning council board, cast the lone dissenting vote. This approval has been forwarded to the City of Winter Haven. The project will be spearheaded by CSX subsidiary, Evansville Western Railway.


Minutes before the vote, Comm..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Council%5Fapproves%5FCSX%5Fproject/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lakeland's USA International Speedway SOLD!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%27s%5FUSA%5FInternational%5FSpeedway%5FSOLD%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%27s%5FUSA%5FInternational%5FSpeedway%5FSOLD%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Polk County's many avid NASCAR fans are mourning the loss of an important institution.The USA International Speedway, located at 3401 Old Polk City Road, has closed its doors after its final race On August 2nd and is now under new ownership. The site was previously owned by Bob Brooks, the founder of Hooters restaurants who died in July of 2006. The facility first opened in 1971 with a quarter-mile track under the name Lakeland Interstate Speedway. It was sold in 1995, and has operated as USA International Speedway since. The paved oval stock-car track is nationally renowned as a popular testi..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Lakeland%27s%5FUSA%5FInternational%5FSpeedway%5FSOLD%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Housing Stimulis Tax Credit]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FStimulis%5FTax%5FCredit/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FStimulis%5FTax%5FCredit/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[A major component of the recent housing stimulis legislation was the temporary first-time home buyer tax credit. According to Census data, first-time home buyers constitute about 40 percent of all buyers. It is thought that the tax credit will stimulate home buying &amp; selling, reduce the amount of inventory in the housing market, and as a result bolster the economy. This incentive is temporary, however. The temporary tax credit is good for a home purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Buyers can take the tax credit in their 2008 or 2009 tax return. If you purchased the..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5FStimulis%5FTax%5FCredit/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Downpayment Reform]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Downpayment%5FReform/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Downpayment%5FReform/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The new Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 contains a provision  that forbids FHA from insuring mortgages in which the downpayment comes directly, or indirectly, from an interested third party (such as the seller), beginning October 1, 2008.  


On Thursday, July 31, 2008, the FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6694) was introduced by several members of Congress.  Representatives Maxine Waters, Gary Miller, Al Green and Christopher Shays sponsored this bill that if passed and signed into law will allow downpayment assistance ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Downpayment%5FReform/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Strongman Championship]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Strongman%5FChampionship/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Strongman%5FChampionship/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Are you the strongest man in Central Florida? Well now is your chance to prove yourself toughguy! This Saturday August 9th in historic Downtown Lakeland, the Central Florida Strongman Championship begins at 11:00 a.m. on Kentucky Avenue. There are multiple divisions &amp; multiple weight classes. The events include:



	Log Press
	Deadlifts
	Farmers Walk
	Yoke Walk
	Tire Flip



The entry fee is $50.00 and is open to Men &amp; Women.  There will be awards for placing 1st, 2nd, &amp; 3rd in any division. Come enjoy another fun event in Downtown Lakeland. See you there!
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Strongman%5FChampionship/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5Fand%5FEconomic%5FRecovery%5FAct%5Fof%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5Fand%5FEconomic%5FRecovery%5FAct%5Fof%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[On July 30th, President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. All provision details are not yet available, but the major components included broad authority for the Treasury Department to safeguard the nation’s two largest mortgage finance giants (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) and a plan to help hundreds of thousands of troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure. 


As anticipated, all seller-funded DPA programs will be abolished October 1st, 2008. Meaning the minimum cash investment requirement will increase to 3.5% of the purchase price. 


More news to come on this as it..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Housing%5Fand%5FEconomic%5FRecovery%5FAct%5Fof%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Down-Payment Assistance Eliminated?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Down%2DPayment%5FAssistance%5FEliminated%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Down%2DPayment%5FAssistance%5FEliminated%3F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Mortgage programs that offer down-payment assistance (DPA) assisted nearly $80,000 people buy homes in the depressed market of 2007. The Senate and House of Representatives are fast-tracking legislation that would likely abolish DPA programs. The repercussions could be devastating to the already ultra-sensitive real estate market. 


DPA programs are operated by nonprofit organizations. These organizations provide buyers with money for their down-payment. In turn, home sellers reimburse the organizations and pay an administrative fee. These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administr..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Down%2DPayment%5FAssistance%5FEliminated%3F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Market Update - June Real Estate Sales]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FUpdate%5F%2D%5FJune%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FUpdate%5F%2D%5FJune%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The MidFlorida MLS reports that the Lakeland Association of Realtors (LAR) closed 172 homes in the month of June, up from 159 sales in May. To put this in perspective, there were only 114 homes sold in January. The East Polk Board of realtors posted 110 home sales, giving Polk County 282 homes sold for the month. 


In Lakeland, the average list price increased to $183.672 from $178,894. The percentage difference between sales price/list price increased slightly to 93.52% from 93.09%. The average days on the market dropped to 124 days on market (DOM) from 135 DOM last month. Again signifyin..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Market%5FUpdate%5F%2D%5FJune%5FReal%5FEstate%5FSales/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - August]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FAugust/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FAugust/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Friday August 1st will mark Downtown Lakeland's First Friday event. This month's theme is &quot;Dog Days of Summer.&quot; Like in years past, this year's event will also feature many 'dog-centric' activities like obedience training demonstrations, pet portraits, pet &amp; owner look-alike contests, and agility drills by the Lakeland Police Department K-9 unit.  Kids can also expect to see celebrity McGruff the Crime Dog make an appearance. 


As usual, Downtown restaurants &amp; retail stores stay open late on First Friday. Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating and, in most cases, do..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FAugust/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Record Sale for Trump & Apprentice]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Record%5FSale%5Ffor%5FTrump%5F%26%5FApprentice/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Record%5FSale%5Ffor%5FTrump%5F%26%5FApprentice/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Donald Trump 'fired' off another record sale this past Tuesday. The Maison de l'Amitié, a 60,000 square foot  estate in Palm Beach with 475 feet of beachfront property, sold for a record $95 M. Located at 515 North County Road, the cozy residence typifies Trump's tradmark over-the-top luxuries: a mammoth fountain at the front, a circular gallery boasts a series of trompe l'oeil reproductions of famous paintings, white marble columns, and formal gardens. Of course, the bathroom fixtures simply feature understated 24-carat gold. 


The buyer, Dmitry Rybolovlev, is number 59 on the Forbes list..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Record%5FSale%5Ffor%5FTrump%5F%26%5FApprentice/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Concerns]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Fannie%5FMae%5F%26%5FFreddie%5FMac%5FConcerns/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Fannie%5FMae%5F%26%5FFreddie%5FMac%5FConcerns/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Concerns about the solvency of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee over $5 trillion of the nation's $12 trillion in mortgage debt, sent the stocks of both companies into a tailspin this past week. Fannie Mae, open the day trading at $23.00 previously had a 52 week high of $41.65. Freddie Mac opened at $23.50 today with a 52-week high of $45.50. The Federal Reserve voted Sunday to allow Fannie and Freddie to borrow directly from the central bank. 


Add to this the announcement that IndyMac Bancorp shut its doors, which marks the first time in 15 years that a bank with over $10 ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Fannie%5FMae%5F%26%5FFreddie%5FMac%5FConcerns/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Real Estate Foreclosure Opportunities]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5FForeclosure%5FOpportunities/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5FForeclosure%5FOpportunities/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[A turbulent real estate market has presented opportunity for local investors. Polk County has never had as many real estate foreclosures as our present day market. In June alone there were 815 foreclosures. In June of 2007, there were only 381 filings . . . a whopping 114% increase! In all of 2007, there were 5132 foreclosures. Thru June there have already been 4,481. 


So what of this opportunity? Buyers, specifically investors, have a treasure trove of real estate inventory to select from. Banks are not in the business of owning real estate. Once a property is foreclosed &amp; in their o..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5FForeclosure%5FOpportunities/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Real Estate Values & Sales on the Rise]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5FValues%5F%26%5FSales%5Fon%5Fthe%5FRise/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5FValues%5F%26%5FSales%5Fon%5Fthe%5FRise/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[According to the latest report from the National Associaton of Realtors (NAR), real estate values &amp; sales volume appear to be trending upward, in spite of the recent credit crisis and barrage of negative real estate news reports. After reaching a relative low of $195,600 in February of 2008, the NAR reports the median sales price have increased 4 consecutive months. In the month of May (June’s value will be revised on July 24th) the median sales price was $208,600. This represents an increase of 6.6% from the February low! On an annualized basis, home sales volume has also risen. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Real%5FEstate%5FValues%5F%26%5FSales%5Fon%5Fthe%5FRise/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mortgage Insurance]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FInsurance/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FInsurance/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Three mortgage insurance (MI) companies filed for bankruptcy this week. Mortgage insurance is insurance to offset losses in the case where a mortgagor (borrower) is not able to repay the loan and the lender is not able to recover its costs after foreclosure and sale of the mortgaged property. Mortgage insurance is typically required on loans where the borrower has less than a 20% down payment. 


Remaining mortgage insurers have been tightening their standards and offering borrowers fewer ways to avoid purchasing mortgage insurance. The MI companies have begun categorizing more and more of ..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5FInsurance/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[100% Financing options?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/100%25%5FFinancing%5Foptions%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/100%25%5FFinancing%5Foptions%3F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[With the mortgage &amp; lending industries further tightening their lending requirements &amp; guidelines, it is becoming increasingly difficult for home buyers to qualify for homes. Are there still low down payment options available? The USDA / Rural Development program is certainly a very viable option for certain buyers in certain areas. The advantages of a USDA loan are:



	No down payment &amp; 100% financing
	Loan not limited by contract amount
	No PMI
	No need for &quot;seasoned funds&quot;
	No maximum purchase price
	Not limited to first-time buyers



The property does h..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/100%25%5FFinancing%5Foptions%3F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Central Florida Virtual Tours]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Central%5FFlorida%5FVirtual%5FTours/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Central%5FFlorida%5FVirtual%5FTours/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[If you are interested in viewing virtual tours of many of Lakeland's scenic destinations &amp; points of interest, visit LakelandPoints.com or MidFloridaPoints.com. This website features virtual tours of sites in and around the greater Lakeland area &amp; other &quot;hot spots&quot; in Central Florida. You can take virtual tours of The Polk Museum of Art, Polk Theatre, Lake Hollingsworth, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, Florida Southern College, Historic Downtown Lakeland, local parks, historic landmarks, &amp; so much more!


The site also features background information on each locale for reference..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Central%5FFlorida%5FVirtual%5FTours/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2008]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mayfaire%5Fby%2Dthe%2DLake%5F2008/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mayfaire%5Fby%2Dthe%2DLake%5F2008/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 7 May 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Another signature Lakeland event is on the horizon, and it's a BIG one! May 10th &amp; 11th, on the shores of Lake Morton, between 10 am - 5 pm will mark 2008's version of Mayfaire. No tickets are necessary &amp; there will be a hospitality tent at Sorosis Building with desserts, fruit, &amp; beverages.  


Considered Polk County's largest cultural &amp; artistic event, Mayfaire by the Lake is where artists exhibit their original works of art along the shores of Lake Morton and on the streets opposite the lake which creates more of an open &quot;art market&quot; feel. It also helps visitors..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mayfaire%5Fby%2Dthe%2DLake%5F2008/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[First Friday - May]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FMay/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FMay/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This Friday, May 2nd, is yet another signature local event. First Friday is a celebration of historic Downtown Lakeland that occurs . . . .you guessed it, the first Friday of every month.  Local artists &amp; musicians are featured along the local streets &amp; storefronts. All shops &amp; restaurants stay open late during the event. The streets are closed to thru-traffic, so get there early! A classic car show is held on Tennessee Avenue. Every month features new &amp; fresh feature events, so be sure to mark every First Friday on your calendar.


Also on the agenda is the Spring Art Festi..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/First%5FFriday%5F%2D%5FMay/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Swan Lake or Swan Derby?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Swan%5FLake%5For%5FSwan%5FDerby%3F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Swan%5FLake%5For%5FSwan%5FDerby%3F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[It looks like a new signature Lakeland event has been born. Friday the 25th of April will mark the inaugural Lakeland Derby! What is the The Lakeland Derby? Well, simply put it's a race. You may think that a &quot;derby&quot; held a week prior to the prestigious Kentucky Derby must involve horses. You would be wrong! This race involves our adopted mascot, the elegant Lakeland swan. Ten &quot;hand-crafted swans&quot; will race along the waters of Lake Mirror. The proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, a local charity that provides free primary health care to the working uninsure..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Swan%5FLake%5For%5FSwan%5FDerby%3F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Midnight train to . . . . Downtown Lakeland?? ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Midnight%5Ftrain%5Fto%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5FDowntown%5FLakeland%3F%3F%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Midnight%5Ftrain%5Fto%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5FDowntown%5FLakeland%3F%3F%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Today, about a stone's throw away from my office window, an anti-CSX demostration was held in Downtown Lakeland at Munn Park. The hotly-contested topic of increased rail traffic through downtown Lakeland is finally gaining increased momentum. The proposed 61-mile CSX commuter rail service east of Polk County will result in more and longer freight trains creeping through downtown - potentially bringing South Florida Avenue to periodic standstills. Although it would appear that local legislators have been out-manuvered at all levels of the legislative process, city officials believe that their f..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Midnight%5Ftrain%5Fto%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5F%2E%5FDowntown%5FLakeland%3F%3F%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Winner of the Parade of Homes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Winner%5Fof%5Fthe%5FParade%5Fof%5FHomes/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Winner%5Fof%5Fthe%5FParade%5Fof%5FHomes/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Tyler Homes and Gate Arty &amp; the Group are pleased to announce that their Parade of Homes entry, the Reno, won its category! The winners were chosen by a panel of professionals in the construction industry. The Reno is available for viewing in North Lakeland (off of Duff Road) in the Saratoga subdivision. Saratoga is a gated community adjacent to Huntington Hills Golf Course with prices starting in the 170's. There is also a Reno model available in South Lakeland (off of Shepherd Road) in Glenbrooke Chase. Prices in Glenbrooke Chase begin in the 150's. During the Spring Parade of Homes, the..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Winner%5Fof%5Fthe%5FParade%5Fof%5FHomes/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Spring Parade of Homes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Spring%5FParade%5Fof%5FHomes/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Spring%5FParade%5Fof%5FHomes/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Spring Parade of Homes, hosted by the Polk County Builder's Association, begins Saturday April 19th and runs thru April 27th. Entries of the Parade of Homes offer up a diverse price range, starting as low as $113,990 to as high as $2,000,000! Need a home with a 2-lane bowling alley &amp; basketball court? Well, perhaps the Grande Floridian is the type of home you require. Whether home shopping or simply browsing the Parade is a terrific opportunity to see the products of the premier builders in Central Florida. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Spring%5FParade%5Fof%5FHomes/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[What about taxes? ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/What%5Fabout%5Ftaxes%3F%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/What%5Fabout%5Ftaxes%3F%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Those of you that like to do your research on-line know that you can look up real estate tax information at the Polk County Property Appraiser website. Were you also aware that you could estimate taxes? For example, if you were considering purchasing a home for a value in excess of its current &quot;tax accessed value,&quot; you could input the property location &amp; new price &amp; thus arrive at an approximate tax range. This would be extremely helpful for those trying to stay on a tight budget. Knowing what taxes will be, will give you an idea of what to expect come tax time, or what you w..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/What%5Fabout%5Ftaxes%3F%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Debt Forgiveness]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Debt%5FForgiveness/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Debt%5FForgiveness/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[In my last post, I described the short sale process. Some have expressed concerns about the effect the resulting debt-forgiveness of a short sale has on your tax situation. In prior years, any form of debt-forgiveness on a mortgage was considered earned income. Now, however, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 allows a 3-year window for homeowners to refinance their mortgage with no tax penalty on any debt relief that is received. This act will increase the incentive for borrowers &amp; lenders to work together to refinance loans , and realtors to negotiate short sales to avoid fo..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Debt%5FForgiveness/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[What is a short sale? ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/What%5Fis%5Fa%5Fshort%5Fsale%3F%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/What%5Fis%5Fa%5Fshort%5Fsale%3F%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[A &quot;short sale&quot; or &quot;pre-foreclosure&quot; occurs when a bank (or lien-holder) agrees to accept a discounted pay-off of a mortgage. In other words, the bank(s) will release the lien(s) that is secured on the real estate, upon receipt of LESS money than is actually owed. Why would any bank accept less than what is owed? Well, it must make financial sense for this to occur. Here's a scenario . . .assuming there is an offer, of course!


First off, the mortgage(s) in question is typically in some stage of default. The bank, faced with a mortgage that is not being paid, must decide..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/What%5Fis%5Fa%5Fshort%5Fsale%3F%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Sun n' Fun Fly-In - 2008 ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sun%5Fn%27%5FFun%5FFly%2DIn%5F%2D%5F2008%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sun%5Fn%27%5FFun%5FFly%2DIn%5F%2D%5F2008%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The annual aerial extravaganza known as the Sun n' Fun Fly-In begins April 8thand runs thru the 13th. The major draw at this year's show will undoubtedly be the USAF Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds are a squadron of elite pilots that will demonstrate solo and formation flying routines. Their showcase runs approximately 75 minutes and will feature approximately 30 maneuvers that include both air and ground exhibitions. 


Sun 'n Fun, a non-profit organization, is best known for its annual Fly-In held each April. The Fly-In is the major source of funding for the operation of the Florida Air Mu..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sun%5Fn%27%5FFun%5FFly%2DIn%5F%2D%5F2008%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[USF Lakeland ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/USF%5FLakeland%5F/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/USF%5FLakeland%5F/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Florida Governor Charlie Crist said Monday morning that he supports the proposed new campus for the University of South Florida at Interstate 4 and the Polk Parkway. This is particularly noteworthy since last year, Crist himself vetoed funding for the very same campus. Crist announced his support at a meeting that included Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, and Sen. JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, both of whom have worked to create the campus. 
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/USF%5FLakeland%5F/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Polk County Growth Trend]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Polk%5FCounty%5FGrowth%5FTrend/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Polk%5FCounty%5FGrowth%5FTrend/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Polk County is in the top 20 of the fastest growing counties in Florida, according to county population figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The annual estimates indicate that on July 1, Polk County had 574,746 residents, an increase of 90,822 residents since 2000. Based on its population increase since the 2000 census, Polk was the 19th-fastest-growing county among Florida's 67 counties. From 2006 to 2007, the Census Bureau estimated that the population of Polk County grew by 16,723, a modest increase of 3 percent. Our neighbor, Osceola County, is the second-fastest-growing county in F..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Polk%5FCounty%5FGrowth%5FTrend/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Sales Increase!]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sales%5FIncrease%21/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sales%5FIncrease%21/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Sales of existing homes posted an unexpected increase in February. This follows six straight months of declining sales. The National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes rose by 2.9 % in February to 5.03 million units. It was the biggest increase in a year and caught most economists by surprise. Most had been expecting a small decline.


By region of the country, sales surged by 11.3 percent in the Northeast and were up 2.5 percent in the Midwest and 2.1 percent in the South. The only region of the country to see a decline in the sales was the West, where they dropped b..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Sales%5FIncrease%21/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mortgage rates]]></title>
      <link>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5Frates/</link>
      <guid>http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5Frates/</guid>
      <author>gate@gatearty.com (Gate Arty)</author>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00 EST</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Long-term mortgage interest rates were down again Monday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield sank to 3.31 percent. 


The 30-year fixed-rate average dropped to 5.74 percent, and the 15-year fixed rate fell to 5.09 percent. The 1-year adjustable rate dipped to 5.07 percent.
..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gatearty.com/blog/Entries/Mortgage%5Frates/">Read More</a>]]></description>
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