According to a recently released survey by the National Association of Realtors, baby boomers are driving the vacation home market.

Here are a few hightlights of the study:

• The typical buyer is 55 years old, with a household income of $77,000


• 71% have no children under 18 living at home


• 86% do not rent out their vacation home


• 83% of the homes purchased were single family houses

In 2004, the most recent year for figures, 13% of all homes bought in the US were second homes. That is a 19% increase over 2003.

So the market for second homes, especially in warm weather areas or beach communities, is very competitive. The continued low interest rates make qualifying for a home loan easier than ever.

These two factors bear out the recent home buying climate in Florida.