EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine May 2020 | Page 11

transportation or utility service issues”. The town centers provide
a lot of the things people want. And when you can have the big
things–work, shops, medical care, school, and churches available to
you, in proximity, it reduces traffic and helps to create a community
feeling,” said Kelley.
With a finger on the pulse of the housing market in Volusia
County, the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors 2020
President Harold Briley says there are
benefits to both buying and renting in
Volusia County.
“My experience has been that
more people are buying or purchasing
newly built homes than renting,” said
Briley. “Almost 65% of Americans are
homeowners today, and it is predicted that we will see an increase
of 4% in existing home sales this year.
“With that being said, rentals continue to remain hot in our
area. Just look at the number of apartments being constructed in the
Daytona Beach area. I believe that many folks, but especially young
people who are starting out and saving for their first home, are
entering our rental market. Of course there is always an attraction
to rent, mainly because the responsibility of maintenance of the
property lies with the property owner.”
“Even as prices have steadily increased over the past 4 or 5
years, interest rates are still at record lows, and in many cases, it is
cheaper to own today than it is to rent.”
Harold Briley
by Danielle Anderson
MAY 2020 | 5 |