Casablanca downtown, a farmland surprise, and one thing to check before August

The Reilly turns into a movie house this week, with Casablanca on the big screen Thursday and The Iron Giant for the kids starting Saturday. Add free horse show nights out at the World Equestrian Center and the last week of July is looking pretty good. Here is what is worth your time.

Ocala Summer Series | World Equestrian Center | all week
Free admission and free parking all week, capped by Saturday night's Grand Prix under the lights. For: Families. See the schedule

Classics and Cocktails: Casablanca | Reilly Arts Center | starts Thursday, July 30
The 1942 classic on the big screen with a cocktail in hand. For: Adults. Get tickets

The Iron Giant | Reilly Arts Center | starts Saturday, August 1
The beloved animated classic kicks off August at the Reilly's summer film series. For: Kids and Families. Get tickets

Glass-bottom boats in your backyard
Silver Springs is one of America's largest springs, and the glass-bottom boat was invented right there. It is an easy afternoon out for guests and grandkids, minutes from town. Plan a visit

Here in horse and farm country, land has always been part of the local economy. Now USDA data shows farmland values have climbed almost 40 percent since 2020, and two publicly traded REITs let everyday investors buy in through a regular brokerage account.

Key Takeaway: Farmland tends to hold its value even when stocks swing, but these REITs are still stock picks. Worth a read before you invest a dime.

Read the full story

Florida heat gets the headlines, but AARP reports that humid air brings its own problems: disrupted sleep, swollen joints, and extra strain on your heart. A few small adjustments at home make a real difference.

Key Takeaway: Managing indoor humidity matters as much as the thermostat, especially in August.

Read the article

This Old House has a practical rundown on weatherproofing your home: gutters, windows, landscaping, and the inspection habits that catch problems early. Most of it costs little and takes a weekend morning.

See the checklist

Sell an Investment Property Without Handing the Gains to the IRS

Nancy wraps up her vacation rental tax series with the 1031 Exchange: how selling one investment property and rolling into another can defer the tax bill you would otherwise owe at closing. Ask your CPA if a 1031 fits your situation, then watch the video.

Nancy Deichman
(352) 427-5704  |  [email protected]

2BR / 1BA on a quiet Dunnellon street with room to breathe and a price that leaves space in the budget for making it yours. Listed by the Forrest Team. Take a look inside

3BR / 2.5BA in Summerfield with quiet surroundings and an easy drive to both Ocala and The Villages. A comfortable middle ground in every sense. Listed by Cindy Steinemann. See this home

A 4BR / 5BA estate on one of Ocala's most gracious tree-lined streets, offered through The RE/MAX Collection, the luxury side of RE/MAX. This is the kind of address people slow down to admire, and the photos are worth the click on their own. Listed by Cory Freilich. Tour this property

Week of July 19 to 25: Active 266 | Pending 211 | Sold 180 | Median Sold Price $282,990

Sales are up sharply from this week last year, 180 closings against 143, so if you have been thinking about selling, buyers are clearly out there. Source: Marion County Stellar MLS.

Overflow guests, a client between closings, or a crew in town for a project: sooner or later everyone needs a comfortable place to put someone up. Baymont's newly renovated Ocala suites include free breakfast, and the codes in the ad save 10 to 20 percent depending on length of stay. Call (352) 304-6026 or book online.

There is over $70B in unclaimed property across the U.S., held by state agencies.

Search public records using your name and state to check for possible matches, including funds from accounts, refunds, or deposits.

Search & Claim Funds

That is it for this week. Providing the Ocala community with clear, data-driven home insights.