Real Estate Trends and Tips……. The Surge of Vacation Home Sales

Increased sales of vacation homes are a result of rising wealth in higher income households and renewed interest in the housing market. (The Wall Street Journal: 4.3.2014)

Nationally, vacation homes accounted for 13% of U.S. home sales last year, up from 11% in 2012, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. The median price in 2013 was $168,700,   up 12.5% from 2012.  Regionally, the South accounted for most of the vacation home sales last year, 41% primarily due to its mild weather.

The number of vacation homes sold in the Tampa Bay area reflect these statistics. The lure is our pristine beaches, flora and fauna, art galleries and museums, golfing, entertainment venues, Tampa International Airport and numerous other amenities. Pinellas County invites a wide range of buyers and allows almost anyone access to the Gulf…. from small two-bedroom condos across the street from the water for $150,000 to penthouse apartments for $2 million. This combination, of low prices, beaches and urban amenities, attracts buyers largely from the Northeast and Midwest.

If you are interested in SELLING or BUYING a Vacation Home, please call me at

727-686-2859 or email estelia@estelia.com

Remember – I’m only a call, click or text away.