South Florida 'Hometown Hero' Find First Home, Thanks to His Florida Realtor®

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Jul 12, 2010, 11:20 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Adam Rosenblum, a client support analyst with Memorial Health System in Hollywood, never thought he would be able to purchase his own home. But with the assistance of his local Realtor®, Rosenbaum was able to make his dream of homeownership come true.

"Buying a home was a great decision," said Rosenblum, who purchased a $100,000 two-bedroom home in Hollywood in May. "My girlfriend and I have a large dog, and it's great having a back yard. Even better, I'm paying $550 a month less than my rent payment on a two-bedroom condo apartment."

Andrea Vigil, a sales associate with EWM's Fort Lauderdale office, guided Rosenblum through the transaction. "Adam was able to lock in a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage at a good rate," she said. "The home had been updated by the previous owner, so it was a really great starter home."

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