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/.