Central Florida 'Hometown Heroes' Find First Home, Thanks to Their Florida Realtor®

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Jul 12, 2010, 11:30 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Gainesville healthcare professionals Stephen and Ana Turner never thought they would be able to purchase their own home. But with the assistance of their local Realtor®, the Turners were able to make their dream of homeownership come true.

"For us, the best part is having enough space for our family," said Stephen Turner, a school psychologist, who purchased the $134,000 three-bedroom house in Gainesville with his wife Ana, a medical resident at Shands at the University of Florida. "We have a one-year-old daughter, Olivia, and we enjoy being in a well-maintained neighborhood right next to a city park that's close to my wife's workplace."

Tina Yakel, a sales associate with Watson Realty's Gainesville office, helped the Turners find special financing and guided them through the transaction, which closed in May. "They were able to take advantage of the Florida bond program for first-time buyers to get $5,000 in state assistance with closing costs and their downpayment," she said. "I also understand the importance of taking care of buyers, answering their questions and helping them complete the biggest purchase of their lives."

To educate the public about the crucial need for workforce housing for healthcare professionals, police officers, teachers, firefighters and other vital providers of community services, Florida Realtors® has designated the week of July 11-17, 2010, as Florida Welcome Home Week – "Homes for Hometown Heroes."

"Realtors are on the frontlines of the state's housing market," says 2010 Florida Realtors President Wendell Davis, a broker with Watson Realty Corp. in Jacksonville. "We understand from personal experience that a lack of housing opportunities threatens the vitality and future of Florida's communities. Realtors in Florida are committed to helping make a difference for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own a home, especially in the areas where these 'Hometown Heroes' provide crucial services."

A lack of housing opportunities causes a ripple effect, according to industry experts. Community leaders across Florida are recognizing the link between workforce housing and the positive economic and social health of their communities. Affordable housing shortages close to work lead to longer commutes, traffic congestion, urban sprawl and limited services that degrade all residents' quality of life.

Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 67 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

SOURCE Florida Realtors