Third Quarter 2009 Real Estate Assessment

Foreclosures have yet to show any signs of decreasing despite the government intervening to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. The commercial sector is starting to really feel the effects of the recession with many small businesses failing and unable to pay rent or mortgages. We expect there will be an abundance of commercial foreclosures to come in 2010. Distressed properties are still the majority of all real estate sales and will continue to be throughout next year. Many investors who have positioned themselves well in this market by liquidating during the real estate boom are anxious to get their money back into real estate due to low interest rates banks are giving them on their cash. However, these investors are still being patient realizing this market will probably not increase within the next couple of years and interest rates may soon be on the rise to avoid inflation.

The overall economy has shown signs of life in the 3rd quarter with retail sales slightly increasing but lenders are still very tight with money and the unemployment rate continues to increase. Some are fearful that there has been a small bump in the economy due to the stimulus money that has been trickling down and the economic rise is not sustainable after the federal money dries up. Real estate still seems to be the best investment in this economy and there will continue to be ample opportunities in the real estate industry during 2010.

Even though there is an abundance of property on the market right now, keep in mind we have yet to find a way to reproduce or manufacture real estate. Call us today at (863) 382-3887 or visit www.HeartlandRE.net for more real estate information.

HREC Welcomes New Agent Mikey Colding

Heartland Real Estate Corp. (HREC) is pleased to announce our newest agent, Mikey Colding.
Born and raised in the Hardee County, Colding began his real estate career five years ago. During that time he has generated more than $16 million in real estate sales while also operating a citrus caretaking business. His knowledge of agricultural and recreational properties compliments HREC’s experience and expertise in this area.
Whether your interest is in agriculture, commercial, conservation, recreation, residential or development real estate, we have the background and knowledge to help you. Please join us in welcoming Mikey to our terrific team. You can contact Mikey at (863) 781-1698 or MikeyC@HeartlandRE.net.

Marty Wohl Launches Marmer Construction

Marmer Construction & Development, Inc. is a newly formed company by Heartlands Real Estate Corp.s' Marty Wohl who has more than seven years experience in construction and land development. Brian Radonksi, who has more than six years experience in management for commercial and residential construction, serves as Marmer’s construction manager.

Based in Sebring, FL, Marmer has the expertise and capacity to meet every customer’s specific needs, including bonding capabilities. We offer more than typical construction firms because we want to be involved from the projects inception and see it through to the completion.

We can assist our customers throughout the entire development and construction process, such as:
*Site selection to ensure development
*Assistance in the permitting process with the engineering firm
*Assistance in design of the structure with the Architect of Draftsmen
*Provide value engineering ensuring customer meets budget parameters

With more than 13 years of combined experience in construction, Marmer takes pride in offering high quality construction at affordable prices and will completely stand behind our work. We look forward to helping you construct your next project, and feel confident we will build a relationship for future endeavors.

Contact Marty today at (863) 314-9851 for all your building, construction and development needs.

Family Lakefront Living at Its Best

Lake Lotela Home (Avon Park, FL)
Plenty of storage for all the water toys! Large Sandy Beach, custom cabinetry throughout, wood floors and Berber carpet. Enclosed entertaining porch complete with summer kitchen, spa, and lake views. Thermal pane windows and a great workshop/recreation area. Many more extras at a great price! Come and see for yourself! Priced at $389,000. Contact Jeri Wohl (863-381-8595) or JeriW@HeartlandRE.net for more information.

Obituary: HREC Agent Susan Jones

Susan Jones, our friend and business associate, lived her 48 year life with purpose, values, and all the gusto humanly possible. After a fast and furious battle with cancer, she left us on the evening of August 18, 2009.
Friends and family gave their farewells at the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home after which her parents, Sam and Maxine, took her back home to New York for interment. The legacy she left behind included beloved children Stefan Jones, Renee Michaud, Mark Greenhauer and all the memories enjoyed by those who knew her.

Heartlands Real Estate Increases Marketing While Others Stop

When other real estate companies cut back on their marketing budgets, HREC increases its efforts with heavy print advertising in local newspaper and trade publications, social media marketing, new website and a blog. When you are ready to list your property, contact HREC for the most comprehensive marketing program you’ll find in a local realtor. There is a reason why we were the #1 real estate sales agency in 2008.

Call us today at (863) 382-3887 or visit our website http://www.heartlandre.net/ to see how we can help you with you real estate needs.

Martin County Investment Property

498+/- acres of excellent row crop farmland in Martin County. Farm rental income generates approximately $250,000 per year. This property is very well located with 2,925 +/- feet of road frontage on SR 76 (Kanner Hwy) which is only 5 minutes from the exit on I-95 and the Turnpike, 741+/- feet of road frontage on SR 76A and 700+/- feet of water frontage on the St. Lucie River {a navigable waterway from Stuart to Ft. Myers}. Owners are now in process of pursuing mixed use development entitlements. Contact Marty Wohl at (863) 381-2179 or MartyW@HeartlandRe.net for pricing and more information.

2009 Second Quarter Real Estate Update

It seems as though the commercial and agricultural markets are still in the correction stages without many sales, with the exception of distressed property sales. Sellers are starting to ask less and less about prices; however, it is still not enough to entice potential buyers. Buyers are being very patient in this market, not wanting to tie up cash reserves too early and have the market continue to decline. The income-producing properties still seem to have a demand; however, owners wanting to sell good cash-flowing properties are few and far between.

As we all expected, the financial crisis is starting to affect the commercial real estate market by: 1) making it very difficult for buyers to get loans and 2) existing owners are having trouble getting refinanced due to appraisals coming below their loan amounts. It will be interesting to see whether our government gets involved in the commercial market as they did in the residential sector. Unfortunately, not everyone will like where this market ends up, but it will undoubtedly create a lot of opportunity for investors with cash. We look for buyers to start taking advantage of the market towards the end of 2009 and early 2010.

For more information, contact the Heartland Real Estate Corp. office at (863) 382-3887 or online at www.HeartlandRE.net.

HREC Launches New & Improved Website

Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC) is pleased to launch its new and improved website found at http://www.heartlandre.net/. The goal of the website re-design was to improve the overall functionality of the site for visitors and update the site’s aesthetics.

“In today’s business world, a company’s website is often the first impression for clients and the general public,” said Jimmy Wohl, owner/broker of HREC. “We felt it was time for a new look with more user-friendly features for our current and future customers.”

The re-modeled site features a new section titled Areas of Expertise, which highlight the company’s vast experience in many forms of real estate including conservation easements, land development, property management and land preservation, in addition to both commercial and residential real estate sales.

Also included in the updated version are a direct link to the company’s blog; tools section complete with mortgage calculator, multiple listing service (MLS) search, CAP rate calculator and county maps; links to other entities, including the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission; news page with both print articles and video; and a listings page where visitors can search by type of property.

Lake Jackson Historic Home on Gorgreous Lot w/White Sandy Beach

Lake Jackson historic home on 1.5 acres!! Beautiful property, 180 ft of white sand beach, home needs updating but has magnificent Lake Jackson Estate potential!

Located at 2861 Lakeview Drive, Sebring, FL 33870. Priced to sell at $649,000. Contact Jeri Wohl at (863) 381-8595 or JeriW@HeartlandRE.net for more information and/or a showing.

Are Home Prices On The Rise?

A recent article by MarketWatch stated that the Federal Housing Finance Agency reports that U.S. home prices jumped 1.7% in January. While this is a very good sign, is it too soon to indicate a rebound in home prices? To read the full article, visit http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18758990&gt1=35000.

Jimmy Wohl Talks About FRESP

To listen to Jimmy Wohl's recent interview about the Florida Ranchlands Environmental Services Project (FRESP), click on http://southeastagnet.com/2009/03/04/fl-rancher-pleased-with-fresp/.

Over the past several decades, multi-billion dollar state and federal initiatives have been launched to restore the watershed. These programs use public funds to buy land to build large regional treatment and storage areas, capture rainwater and build deep storage wells. The plans also include regulations that will change agricultural and urban land use practices to reduce phosphorous runoff.
FRESP secured more than $5 million from state, federal and private sources to conduct a five-year pilot project that will identify and field test critical elements of a program to complement the existing restoration efforts by paying cattle ranchers to provide environmental services that will benefit the lake. The program will:
*Pay for measured and documented environmental services of water retention, phosphorus retention and wetland enhancement
*Be profitable for ranchers and help retain ranch land
*Spur innovation in the provision and creation of environmental services
*Be compatible with existing state and federal environmental and agricultural programs and regulatory requirements;
*Be cost-effective for taxpayers
*Be easily administered by state agencies

In Memory: Lee Campbell

HREC Real Estate Agent Lee Edwin Campbell, 63 of Sebring, Fla., passed away, Wednesday, March 18, 2009 in Orlando, Fla., following recent surgery. Lee was born in Bluffton, Ind., son of Forrest Dale and Kathleen Hite Campbell. Lee moved to Sebring in 1956 at the age of 10 from Warren, Ind., and graduated from Sebring High School, class of 1963. Lee was a tool and die maker owning and operating Perfection Tool and Mold for many years. Lee was a realtor in Highlands County and was associated with Heartland Realty. An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and was a member of Florida Sportsman Association. Lee was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Dale Campbell. He is survived by his loving family: mother, Kathleen Campbell and wife, Paulette Campbell, both of Sebring; daughter, Christi McGee, of Mustang, Okla.;; sister and her husband, Kay (Willie) Sager, of Port Allen, La.; brothers and their wives, Jack (Annette) Campbell of Avon Park, Joe (Edilia) Campbell of Sebring, FL; many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Grace Bible Church. The family suggest memorials contributions be sent to Baptist Children' s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39006 or Good Shepherd Hospice House, 4418 Sun n Lake Blvd, Sebring, FL 33872.

Florida Ranch & Citrus Grove Living

Ever dreamed of your very own Florida ranch and orange grove? Take a look at this 614-acre ranch, complete with 6,600-square-foot ranch style home; horse barn; 50-acre citrus grove; covered rodeo arena. The property is surrounded by commercial and residential development and has 1/3 mile frontage on US 98 across from Sebring Regional Airport. Call Marty Wohl at (863) 382-3887 or MartyW@HeartlandRE.net for price information.

58+ Acres of Highlands County Agriculture Land For Sale

Great opportunity! With 600+/- feet of road frontage on State Road 64 (which is designated to be four lane highway in the future), this 58.75 acres is agriculture zoned and located in Avon Park, FL. There is an additional 6,150 +/- feet of paved road bordering the property on three sides. Approximately 40 acres of parcel is able to be irrigated with 3/4" of water/hour and has sprinklers on 50 foot centers. Land used to house four 36'x145' greenhouses, two 72'x400' greenhouses and one 43,000 SF +/- of shade house. These houses were irrigated from a 12" well using a 25 hp submersible and pressure tank. A four-acre parcel seperated from the parent tract has the same medium denisty land use designation.

Asking $1.9 million ($32,340.43/acre). Call Jimmy Wohl at (863) 382-3887 for more details or a showing.

Beautiful Florida Lakefront Property For Sale

Looking for beautiful lakefront acreage in Florida? We are offering an amazing 13.5-acre tract on Lake Huckleberry with 390 feet of lake frontage. All acreage is high and dry and ready for your own peaceful oasis or to develop. Utilities available. Zoned R-1A and approved for 15 units. Call us today for details at (863) 382-3887.

Wohl Spoke on Conservation at National Meeting

Heartland Real Estate Corporation owner/broker James M. Wohl recently spoke at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.
Wohl, a supervisor for the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD), served on a panel addressing the topic “Creating Opportunities in Challenging Times.” With local, state and federal governments looking to cut costs, some conservation districts, including HSWCD, and state associations continue to find new opportunities. Panelists discussed strategically developed initiatives and partnerships that demonstrate relevance to their funders and provide new and existing services.
“I was honored to be chosen to represent Florida at the NACD meeting,” Wohl said. “In facing tough economic times, it is more important than ever to find creative ways and develop strategic partnerships to ensure conservation measures are in place, and I was pleased to participate in this national forum to address this issue.”
Wohl, a long-time conservationist and newest member to the HSWCD board, has been recognized on the local, state and national level for his environmental practices and his proactive environmental management of Rafter T Ranch, a 5,200-acre cattle ranch in Sebring. HSWCD’s mission is to provide leadership to help people conserve, improve, and sustain the natural resources and environment of Highlands County. More information can be found at http://www.highlandsswcd.org/.

$8,000 Tax Refund For First-Time Home Buyers

Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC) is optimistic that the $8,000 tax refund for first-time home buyers is an outstanding component of the recently signed Economic Stimulus package.

“During these tough economic times, encouraging people to buy homes is an important component to stimulating our economy,” said James M. Wohl, HREC owner/broker. “With low interest rates and this huge incentive, we see a lot of opportunity in today’s real estate market.”


Located in the four-story Wachovia building just south of Sebring on U.S. 27, HREC currently has several residential real estate agents who can assist all home buyers with their purchase. In 2008, HREC was the top-selling real estate agency in the Heartland area with qualified Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sales of more than $117 million.

1210 & 1310 US 27 North - Great Commercial Location

Excellent location between Sebring's Lakeshore Mall & the Shops of Shelby Power Center. With its high traffic count and 520 feet of Highway 27 frontage, this is a superb location. Other features include: 258 feet on Robin Avenue, Deceleration lace, DOT entrance off Highway 27 & two off Robin Avenue.


Property includes a 3,600 SF brick building makes this an ideal property for restaurant, strip center or car sales.

Directions: Highway 27 North to property on right just passed traffic light at Sparrow Avenue.
Priced at $1.2 million
For more details, contact Lee Campbell at (863) 314-2771.

REDUCED! 17+ Acre Industrial Site in Zolfo Springs

Located in Hardee County, just one mile east of Highway 17, this 17+ acre industrial site already has a conceptual plan and is ready to develop. With 585 +/- frontage on State Road 66, it is an ideal location for an industrial park or distribution center with excellent access to several roads that penetrate the center of Florida. Great investment opportunity! Utilities available.

Priced at $425,000 ($25,000/acre)

For more information, contact Marty Wohl at (863) 382-3887 or MartyW@HeartlandRE.net.

Executive Beauty with 1.17 Acres of Lakefront Property!

Built in 1989 with numerous upgrades, this executive home is most definitely a place to call home! The 170 by 300-foot lot offers privacy, trees and numerous areas to just relax and enjoy this picturesque view and direct access to Lake Istokpoga. There is a 32 X 42 screened area features a pool, spa and plenty of extra room for seating.

With 3,281-square feet of living area, this impressive home boasts four spacious bedrooms and three full baths. The 16 X 27 Master suite offers a large sitting area with vanity, dual walk-in closets, full bath with large spa tub overlooking the lake plus a step in shower. Simply defined, it is elegant and welcoming.

This home was designed for entertaining! The 12 X 22 Kitchen features a convenient pass through to the pool area, plenty of storage and a large breakfast bar. Included with the home is a full appliance package of stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Bring the family to this 21 X 23 Family room with fireplace, wet bar and surrounded with picturesque windows overlooking the lake, peaceful back yard and pool area.

With 4,360 in total square footage, this home has enough room for the entire family. There is an attached two-car garage, and all pool and spa equipment, ceiling fans, window coverings are included.

This home is located in very exclusive neighborhood just moments from Spring Lake Golf Club and multiple fine eating establishments.

This beautiful property can be viewed by contacting Susan Jones, Heartland Real Estate Corporation at (863) 382-3887.

Location: 1221 Lakeside Way, Sebring

List Price $564,800

Directions: US 98 to right on Lakeview, (just before Dollar General) to right on Thunder to left on Lakeside to property on the right.

Prime Location on US Hwy 27 Across from Lakeshore Mall

This well-located property has tremendous 100' frontage on U.S. Hwy 27 and a county-maintained road to the south. A total of 152,749 SF = about 3.5 acres. There is also a 7,890-SF building on the premises with paved parking, as well as a 2 bedroom/2 bath home included (on Prospect Dr.) with a one-car garage. The house lot size is 67x188 (included).

Zoned B 3 Commerical

Price: $1.3 million

Contact: Lee Campbell with Heartland Real Estate Corp. at (863) 314-2771.

One-of-A-Kind Lake House Offers 1.65 Acres on Lake Kissimmee

This immaculate four bedroom, two bath lodge sits on two gorgeous and secluded lots totaling 1.65 acres with direct access to beautiful Lake Kissimmee. The single-story home features 2,840 total square feet and is currently being rented out for corporate retreats and family vacations.

The new $100,000+ boat house features four boat slips, and the lot provides 135 feet of lake frontage. The huge majestic oaks shade the large yard that is fully equipped with volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes and a gas grill. With a brand new roof and central A/C, the home is ready for you to move in today. Built in 1960, the concrete block home offers 2,200-sqaure feet of living area, a fantastic game room and lovely 10 by 50 porch area.

The home has cathedral ceilings and comes completely furnished from the kitchen to the gameroom to the bedrooms, including drapes, blinds, ceiling fans, water conditioner, refrigerator, brand new commercial stove, dishwasher, disposal and microwave.

Lake Kissimmee covers 38,000 acres from the mouth of the Kissimmee River on the north end to the exit of the River near US Highway 60 on the south end. The lake is world-famous for catching largemouth bass. Surrounded predominantly by state-owned land, limited development in the area will ensure this piece of heaven is protected for its natural beauty.

This fantastic property can be viewed by contacting Marty Wohl, Heartland Real Estate Corporation at (863) 382-3887 or MartyW@HeartlandRE.net.

Location: 1265 Shady Lane, Lake Wales

List Price: $549,000

Featured Listing - Santa Rosa Ranch

This picturesque 3,092-acre Highlands County cattle ranch is comprised of improved pasture, scattered woods and 2.25 miles of frontage on Florida’s pristine Arbuckle Creek. This property is an outdoorsman’s dream with an abundance of deer, turkey and quail. Located just seven miles to town, enjoy this country-style living without sacrificing modern conveniences. Current structures include a three bedroom/two bath home with wrap-around porch, barn, cow pens, 24x60 screened cookhouse, and metal storage building. Listed at $10,000,000. Contact Marty Wohl at (863) 381-2179 or MartyW@HeartlandRE.net for more details or a showing.

Heartland Real Estate Tops Area Sales at $117 Million in 2008

Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC) was the top-selling real estate agency in the Heartland area in 2008 with qualified Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sales of more than $117 million in residential, agricultural and commercial real estate.
“Despite these tough economic times, people are still buying and selling real estate,” said James M. Wohl, HREC owner/broker. “With low interest rates, we see a lot of opportunity in today’s real estate market.”
With one office located in the four-story Wachovia building just south of Sebring on U.S. 27, HREC currently has four full-time and five part-time real estate agents and is seeking to expand with quality agents.
“I am proud that HREC agents seek creative ways to help buyers and sellers connect with the right property to fit their needs,” Wohl said. “Marketing is at the heart of what we do and that reflects in our 2008 sales results.”
Located in Sebring for more than 20 years, Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC) is a real estate brokerage and development firm with extensive knowledge in all areas of real estate investment, including development, agricultural, commercial and residential properties. For more information, visit http://www.heartlandre.net/ or call (863) 382-3887.

Spanish-Speaking Agent Joins HREC

Maribel Ayala recently joined the residential real estate division at Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC). She is the agency’s first Spanish-speaking agent and brings four years of real estate sales experience to the company.

“With HREC’s primary residential clientele in Highlands and Hardee counties and the growing population of Spanish-speaking home buyers and sellers, it was important to HREC to meet the needs of our customers by bringing someone of Maribel’s capabilities and experience to our team,” said James M. Wohl, owner/broker of HREC.

Recent statistics show that Hardee and Highlands counties Spanish-speaking population on the rise with nearly 25% of Hardee County’s population being Hispanic/Latino and more than 12% Hispanic/Latino in Highlands County.

Ayala is originally from Honduras and lived in Miami for 14 years. In 2003, she moved to Sebring. She loves living in Highlands County and wants to share this wonderful area with others. Ayala is married and has one six-year-old son.

Wohl to Represent Florida at National Conservation Meeting

Heartland Real Estate Corporation owner/broker James M. Wohl will speak at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA on Feb. 3.

Wohl, a supervisor for the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD), will serve on a panel addressing the topic “Creating Opportunities in Challenging Times.” With local, state and federal governments looking to cut costs, some conservation districts, including HSWCD, and state associations continue to find new opportunities. Panelists will discuss strategically developed initiatives and partnerships that demonstrate relevance to their funders and provide new and existing services.

“I am honored to be chosen to represent Florida at the NACD meeting,” Wohl said. “In facing tough economic times, it is more important than ever to find creative ways and develop strategic partnerships to ensure conservation measures are in place, and I am looking forward to participating in a national forum to address this issue.”

Wohl, a long-time conservationist and newest member to the HSWCD board, has been recognized on the local, state and national level for his environmental practices and his proactive environmental management of Rafter T Ranch, a 5,200-acre cattle ranch in Sebring. HSWCD’s mission is to provide leadership to help people conserve, improve, and sustain the natural resources and environment of Highlands County. More information can be found at http://www.highlandsswcd.org/.

HREC Closes Real Estate Transaction of 2,665 Citrus Acres in Hardee Co.

Last month Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC) closed a deal of 2,665 acres of Hardee County citrus groves, which were purchased by a Delaware-based limited liability company. The grove will be leased back to the seller for five years.
“We are thrilled to complete this win-win deal for both companies,” said HREC owner/broker James M. Wohl. “Our agents pride themselves on listening to their clients’ needs and connecting the best buyers with the right properties.”
HREC real estate agent Martin M. Wohl represented the seller. The acreage sold for approximately $34.3 million.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and welcome to Heartland Real Estate Corporation’s (HREC) very first blog post. We see 2009 as a gateway to opportunity! Despite the turn in our economy, business experts and media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal have said that 2009 might be better than we think for a few reasons…and investing in real estate is one of the opportunities presented. With low interest rates, lower prices and fewer housing starts, now is the time to make real estate work for you by purchasing quality investment properties.
Whether you are buying residential, commercial or agricultural properties, HREC has the knowledge and experience to ensure your real estate investment success. Call us today at (863) 382-3887 or visit us online at http://www.heartlandre.net/.