As I was having my coffee this morning and reading the paper, I saw good news for a change. Our economy in Hernando County is improving. As a realtor, I have been very busy, but there are so many negative people who say, "no" it's not. I thought maybe it was a fluke and my business partner and I were just having a good year.

However, the proof is in the pudding or the numbers, whichever you like. Home sales, foreclosures filings and building permits issued for single family homes, all moved in a positive direction this first quarter. The University of Central Florida economist Sean Smith did a report and predicted that the worst of the recession is behind us, but it may take some time before things return to normal. It is a start out of the recession.

Hernando County comprises Spring Hill, Brooksville and Weeki Wachee. We are the home of the mermaid show at the beautiful Weeki Wachee Springs. We are located on the Gulf Coast and have a small beautiful beach called Pine Island. If you want all the amenities on a smaller scale without all the congestion, Hernando County is a wonderful place to live. I moved from Long Island, New York about six years ago and love every day. Even though I am working, I feel like I am on vacation. The pace is slower, the people friendly, and it is a very pretty place to live.

Hernando County which suffered because we did count on the building industry for jobs and went that tanked,we had a high unemployment rate. That is slowly starting to recover. Single family home sales according to Hernando County Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service increased by 14 percent the first quarter of 2010, and 34 percent since the first quarter of 2008. As a realtor, I know that a lot of people were taking advantage of the first time homebuyer credit which expires April 30th (you still have time to get into a contract). However, we have quite a few buyers who are smart enough to know they will not see home prices this low again, and whether they are a first time homebuyer or not, they are taking advantage of the prices and low interest rates. Sellers also need to know that there are many buyers out there and if they are motivated to sell, this is actually a good time to get a buyer. Call a realtor to get a home evaluation; most realtors don't charge for this service.

As we all know, real estate is a roller coaster but we are on our way up again. Let's stay positive.

Have a good day and enjoy!

We will always keep you posted.