Southwest Florida 'Hometown Hero' Finds First Home, Thanks to His Florida Realtor®

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Jul 12, 2010, 11:10 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarasota firefighter Todd Tedder never thought he would be able to purchase his own home. But with the assistance of his local Realtor®, Tedder was able to make his dream of homeownership come true.

"My wife Sarah and I found out we had our second little girl on the way, at the same time we learned that the house we were renting was in foreclosure," said Tedder. "So we only had one month to find a home that we could afford. Our Realtor found us a home quickly that we could afford – and one that we loved."

Kristina Talkie, a sales associate with Michael Saunders' Siesta Key office, guided the Tedders through the purchase of their $130,000 three-bedroom house. "She was a godsend," Tedder said. "We needed help in today's real estate market and Kristina found the right house for us and answered all our questions. Now we have a wonderful house with a two-car garage, and great backyard for my kids to play."

Talkie and her business partner Judy Arreola enjoy working with first-time homebuyers like the Tedders. "It's always exciting to see someone become a homeowner," Talkie said. "The Tedders knew what they wanted and this was the perfect family home for them."

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