SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE

Strategy for the housing rebound...

2009-09-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

The biggest chunk of bank-owned foreclosures have been among the least expensive properties. Cash rich investors are competing with first time home buyers to create price stabilization and in many cases multiple offers on any given property.

Our best advice is to be well prepared.

Preapproval from a bank is essential for an offer and in many cases cash is the only way to go. Proof of funds for the purchase price must be in hand as most offers are submitted the day the property comes on the market. There is only on chance for you to submit your "highest and best" offer and the frustration of many buyers is losing out on a property for only a small amount.

Do not expect any discounts on these bank-owned foreclosure properties due to such a high demand for these properties. The bottom of the market is NOW.

Summer's Hot Deals

2009-08-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

The interest in South Florida real estate has greatly increased and inventory is flying off the market. Bargain hunters, many armed with cash in hand are snapping up the best located homes and condos at steeply discounted prices. Most of these properties sell in a matter of days with multiple offers on each, often selling for above list price. Competition for these properties is great and being prepared is your best chance of getting a deal! Being pre-qualified for financing or providing proof of funds if paying cash is a necessity in this market.

If there ever was a sign that the bottom has been reached it's now...the time to act is now.

Picture yourself on the beach...

2009-04-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Not just lying there but living on the ocean! Record price drops on oceanfront properties from Miami Beach to Palm Beach make that dream a realty. Prices start under $200,000 for oceanfront condos and there are more choices than ever.

Stop dreaming and dive right in...the water's just fine.

The right time to pull the trigger...

2009-02-03T10:03:00.001-08:00

Inventory has declined almost 10% recently. Due to such steep discounts in home prices and low interest rates, buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines to purchase are jumping into the marketplace. With some properties so "affordable" the pool of buyers now find themselves in a multiple bidding scenarios not seen since the "boom years" of the real estate market.

That is truly a sign of a bottom of the market that so many have been looking for. Finally buyers can move forward with confidence of getting in at the right time and the right place.

Timing the Market...

2008-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to call the "bottom of the market" but it sure must be close. Inventory is declining and home sales are rising.

These price declines allows the real possibility of future profits not in the short term but certainly in the future. Smart investors are returning to the market....these are the beginning signs of a great comeback.

Bargain Hunters Wanted

2008-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Warren Buffet in the New York Times recently wrote, “Bad news is an investor’s best friend. It lets you buy a piece of America’s future at a marked down price.”

Southeast Florida has many waterfront foreclosure properties available to you at every level of ownership. From oceanfront condos to magnificent waterfront homes there is something in every price point. Many of these bank-owned properties are being offered for as little as 50¢ on the dollar.

Everyday we are asked, “Do you know of any great foreclosures?”, the answer is yes! Though there are many homes that are bank-owned only a handful are true bargains. Location is still everything, let us point you in the right direction.

Reevaluating your housing needs...

2008-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

The current state of the housing market is forcing many to evaluate just what is necessary when providing shelter and redefine "living well". Many have had spaces that exceeded their real needs and those spaces came with great costs.

As a new generation of first time home buyers and those who are trading down enter into the market, the wish list for housing focuses on quality, not quantity. Smaller well appointed spaces with less maintenance not only free up more time but also gives piece of mind.

No longer does size matter, it's the quality of life that is the focus.

Home sales up thanks to steep price reductions

2008-07-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Home sales are up over the same time last year, while home prices are down more than 20% compared to the same time last year. If you had a coupon for 20% off your purchase, wouldn't you use it?

Plenty of inventory and drastic price cuts even have the "financial experts" saying this buyer's market is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a home. A home is still the greatest asset to have over the long haul. Invest wisely now and reap the benefit for years to come.

New Affordability...

2008-06-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Recent years have priced out many potential home buyers and now all that has changed. For the first time buyer, it's time to stop renting and get into the opportunity of a lifetime. Low interest rates, low home prices and many more choices make buying a home the smart choice.

For the boomer looking to retire in the future buying a place now guarantees you a great price. Use it now or rent it out until it's time to retire. In the next five to ten years prices will in fact be higher and you may not be able to afford it by then. It pays to think ahead.

Take advantage of the "New Affordability" and make your move.

Opportunity is knocking...

2008-05-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

With years of escalating prices in the South Florida Real Estate market long gone, now really is the time to buy. It may take a leap of faith but as Warren Buffet says, "Buy when everyones selling and sell when everyones buying". A wise(and very wealthy) man indeed.

Now you can say you got a deal of a lifetime.

It's Spring....

2008-04-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to buy a home?

Prices have been trimmed and the timing couldn't be better. Use your tax refund towards a down payment. For first time home buyers and investors there are more choices and even better deals.

Make your move while the going is good!

Rent is a four letter word...

2008-04-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Interest rates are low, housing prices even lower and plenty of inventory to choose from. Stop making someone else rich and put your money in an investment for your future.

We see people paying thousands of dollars to landlords and have nothing to show for it. If your friends still think renting is better than you should become their landlord.

What are you waiting for?

Smart Ways To Invest In Today's Housing Market

2008-03-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

1. Trade up. Buy a larger home or move to a better neighborhood. Current prices are much more affordable so you can do both.

2. Get a vacation home. Especially if you are a few years from retirement, buy it now and enjoy it for years to come.

3. Go from renting to owning. Stop throwing money away in rent! New programs and great rates make it more affordable than ever to own.

Want to get rich quick?

2008-02-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

How far will my current salary go in Fort Lauderdale as opposed to Manhattan? The results are as follows:

Housing cost is a whopping 59% less in Fort Lauderdale
Groceries cost 28% less in Fort Lauderdale vs. Manhattan
Utilities are 35% less expensive than Manhattan

You have to earn almost double the income to maintain the same lifestyle. We have plenty of opportunites to make your dollar stretch! Live a "vacation lifestyle" here all year long.

Banks are giving money away!

2008-01-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

Banks are giving money away! Interest rates are the lowest they have been in 4 years, March 25th, 2004 to be exact. That coupled with the current supply of available homes(with steeply discounted price tags) is creating a perfect time to purchase your place in the sun.

Your home is your greatest investment and it's even more affordable than it was 2-3 years ago. What are you waiting for? Remember, you can't live in a stock portfolio. Get a home in a perfect location at a perfect price....you'll certainly be glad you did.

2008-01-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

Contrary to the media attention focusing on the doom and gloom of the housing market, there are some important things to note.

Location is still key to buying real estate. There may be thousands of homes for sale but you probably wouldn't want to live in them. Established neighborhoods, great schools and thriving businesses can weather any economic downturn. Even so there are opportunities out there that weren't there 2 or 3 years ago.

Stocks may be uncertain at the moment but as anyone with an eye for the future knows buy low and hold. Overall trends indicate recovery and instead of waiting for the smoke to clear, research a great neighborhood, pick the best deal and sit back and relax. Take advantage of great financing rates....it's more affordable than you think.

Timing the Market...

2008-01-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

Sitting on the fence has let some incredible deals pass you by. Now is certainly a buyer's market, prices are lower and in most cases sellers are willing to negotiate. This kind of opportunity doesn't come around very often in the housing market, so make the most of it!

If you've been wishing for a second home or a place to retire your dream can finally come true. When the housing market heats again you'll be glad you took advantage of this unique time in Real Estate. The time to buy is now!

Has the Florida Real Estate Market hit rock bottom?

2007-12-27T08:51:00.000-08:00

Has the Florida Real Estate market hit rock bottom? Perhaps not, but it will bounce back. Demographics demand it. The Census Bureau projects a 33% population increase between now and the year 2020. When the market does turn around both potential buyers and investors will kick themselves for not recognizing today's amazing values. Supply and demand has had a drastic effect on the prices of property, more choices at lower prices put today's buyer(with an eye for the future) in the best possible position.

Don't be the one who kicks themselves for not being the person who sees this as an opportunity of a lifetime.

State of the Market

2007-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Does Real Estate ever go on sale... YES!

Here in South Florida prices of homes and condos are off highs of two years ago as much as 20%. People stand in line at 4a.m. on Black Friday for deep discounts, why then are they waiting on buying real estate that's at rock bottom prices? "Finally Affordable", "Value Priced" and "Sellers Loss Is Your Gain" are phrases usually associated with a bargain. Just take a look and you'll see.

There are a multitude of opportunities in almost every budget. If you are looking for a little place on the sand or a dock for your yacht now is the time to buy!