Category Archives: Press Release / News

Conditions Are Ideal to Purchase a Broward or Miami Dade County Home for Sale

access_timeAugust 2, 2012personScott Patterson

The president of our company EWM Realty International recently released the latest housing market data for Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

The outlook is fantastic for interested South Florida home buyers, said Ron Shuffield.

Home sales have increased and the median home sales price is on the rise.

Continue reading to learn more about recent South Florida housing market activity to see how it compares to recent years.

Properties for Sale in Broward and Miami Dade Counties, Florida

Here’s a brief overview of what Mr. Shuffield reported about recent South Florida housing market activity:

In Miami-Dade County, the median price for a single-family home so far in 2012 is $200,000, up 12 percent when compared to the year before.
In 2011, the median price was about $150,000.
Also in Miami-Dade County, the median price for a condominium so far in 2012 is $150,000, up 21 percent when compared to the year before.
In Broward County, the median price for a single-family home in 2012 is $216,000, up 14 percent from 2011.
And the median price for a Broward County condominium in 2012 is $85,000, up 9 percent from 2011.

Mr. Shuffield explained that low sales prices, record low interest rates and affordable housing inventory at the foreclosure stage have driven the recent sales South Florida has seen.

As a result, available and affordable South Florida housing inventory is dwindling quickly.

For instance, in 2011, sales of foreclosed homes made up 65 percent of all home sales in South Florida. Now they represent 50 percent of all sales.

Your South Florida Real Estate Expert

Watch the video above to learn even more about why South Florida home buyers stand to gain a lot on the Miami-Dade and Broward County real estate markets.

And if you’re thinking about entering the South Florida housing market anytime soon, be sure to contact me, Scott Patterson.

I have years of experience successfully helping buyers find a home that meets their wants and needs as well as lifestyle in such markets as:

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Real Estate Market Has Finally Bottomed Out, Experts Say!

access_timeJune 18, 2012personScott Patterson

I recently read an article in the Sun Sentinel that declared that the South Florida housing market has finally hit bottom.

According to Zillow.com, which is a Seattle-based real estate analysis site, home values in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are now beginning to increase after six years of steady decline.

Continue reading to learn more about what Zillow said this means for the greater South Florida real estate market – as well as interested home buyers like you!

Properties for Sale in Aventura, Hallandale and other South Florida Communities

Here’s the most recent data that Zillow released about the local housing market:

The median value for homes in all three South Florida counties is $141,300, up 1 percent when compared to 2011.
Over all home prices are expected to increase by 6 percent during the next year, which would make South Florida a top-performing housing market in the nation.
Home sales prices are now beginning to resemble those prices seen in 2002 in South Florida.
Home values in 21 of 32 Broward Cities – including Fort Lauderdale – increased between 2011 and 2012.
Meanwhile, 17 communities in Palm Beach County saw higher home values, year-over-year.
Single-family home inventories in Broward County have decreased by 48 percent, year-over-year.
In Palm Beach County, inventories have decreased by 38 percent.
More and more homes are receiving multiple offers, many of which are above the original asking price.

All of this data suggests that home prices have fallen as much as they’re going to fall in South Florida before they begin to rise again.

And while some analysts are still skeptical that the South Florida housing market has truly bottomed out, nearly everybody agrees that the market will not likely see prices drop very much more if it hasn’t bottomed out yet.

Thus, for those who were interested in making an incredible investment on the South Florida real estate market, now is the ideal time to do so!

After all, once a market has bottomed out, the only direction home prices are going to go is up!

Your South Florida REALTOR!

If you’re interested in entering the South Florida housing market as a home buyer any time soon, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

As a trusted South Florida REALTOR, I have experience helping home buyers find their dream homes on a number of area housing markets, including:

Thus, I’d be happy to help you at every stage of the home buying process – from home showings to purchase offers to the final closing!

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Ranks Number 1 Nationally for International Buyers

access_timeMay 31, 2012personScott Patterson

For months I’ve been telling you about the impressive number of investments that international home buyers – particularly Brazilians and Canadians – have been making on the South Florida real estate market.

Now there’s confirmation of just how expansive their investments have been.

The National Association of REALTORS recently identified Florida as having the highest concentration of international buyer property purchases than any other state.

Continue reading to learn more about how this distinction will have an impact on you as a home seller in Aventura, Hallandale, and surrounding areas.

Luxury Property for Sale in South Florida

Here’s an overview of the latest activity related to international home buyers:

International buyers have helped South Florida sell 91 percent of almost 49,000 boom-era units, according to condo Vultures
In 2011, 31 percent of all international sales in the country came from Florida
About 27 percent of international buyers identified the US real estate market as a profitable investment
Canadians viewed US real estate most favorably, accounting for 23 percent of all foreign buyers
In South Florida, 8 percent of all Florida resales were sold to Canadians

So what exactly does this mean for interested South Florida home sellers?

It means that – thanks in large part to international home buyers – the housing inventory on the South Florida real estate market is shrinking.

As that happens, remaining properties for sale on the South Florida real estate market will become even more coveted because there won’t be as many of them available.

This will, in turn, cause home prices to rise over time, meaning that your chances of getting the price you want on your luxury South Florida home will increase.

Your South Florida Real Estate Expert

If you’re ready to enter the South Florida real estate market as a home seller, then contact me, Scott Patterson.

I’ll tell you about the aggressive and comprehensive marketing plan I offer to my clients as well as provide you with a number of helpful home selling resources, such as:

Until next time,

Scott

Aventura Florida Neighborhood Spotlight on Presidential Estates

access_timeFebruary 10, 2012personScott Patterson

Today I will continue my occasional series of impressive South Florida neighborhoods by telling you about the Presidential Estates community.

This high-end community features 176 incredible homes developed by Coscan Homes and the Signature Collection by Brookman-Fels.

These homes, which range from 2,600 to 6,500 square feet, were built between 1998 and 2002.

Homes in Presidential Estates feature between three to seven bedrooms and one to three-car garages. And many of them include private swimming pools!

Residences at Presidential Estates range from $1,000,000 to $3,500,000.

Continue reading to learn more about what this magnificent South Florida neighborhood has to offer to Aventura area home buyers like you!

Live in the Lap of Luxury at Presidential Estates in South Florida

No luxury feature was spared when developers built Presidential Estates in South Florida, as evident by the expansive list of amenities offered to residents:

Community parks and playgrounds
Four tennis courts
A tennis club
A community swimming pool
Pro Shop and Clubhouse

The community also features a 24-hour manned gatehouse for added privacy.

What’s more, Presidential Estates is an ideal place to call home for families with school-age children.

That’s because this elite Aventura neighborhood is zoned for such high-performing public schools as Benjamin Franklin Elementary and North Miami Senior High.

Buy an Aventura Home for Sale at Presidential Estates Today!

To learn more about what makes Presidential Estates such an amazing place to live – or to inquire about available listings on the Aventura real estate market – contact me, Scott Patterson.

As your South Florida real estate expert, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as provide you with such helpful relocation resources as:

Until next time,

Scott

Positive Signs for South Florida Real Estate Market in 2012

access_timeFebruary 7, 2012personScott Patterson

The year 2012 may turn out to be a better year for the South Florida real estate market than previously expected, according to panelists at a Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce meeting.

During the panel discussion on real estate and new construction, experts predicted that the South Florida housing market had finally bottomed out.

Ron Shuffield, president of our company Esslinger Wooten Maxwell Realtors, attended the meeting and participated in the discussion.

Continue reading to learn about his predictions for 2012 and what it means for interested South Florida home sellers.

South Florida Homes for Sale

According to housing experts, low interest rates as well as depressed sales prices on the South Florida real estate have attracted a new influx of home buyers.

Given the increasing demand for homes, Ron Shuffield said that the only thing that may slow down home sales in 2012 would be a shrinking home inventory.

For instance, typically there should be a seven to nine month home inventory. But right now, there’s a six to seven month housing inventory.

Panelists credited that shrunken inventory to heavy discounting, especially for South Florida condominiums.

Here are some of the predictions that these real estate experts made for the New Year:

The last of the 4,700 condominium units remaining from the 49,000 built in the region in the last several years will be sold in 2012
Many of those 4,700 condominium units will likely be converted into rental properties.
Several of the proposed condominium projects in Miami-Dade County will reach fruition in 2012, adding about 4,200 units to the market.
European and Latin American investors will continue to fuel much of the activity on the South Florida real estate market
A possible increase in mortgage interest rates as well as land prices, however, may slow down the economy once more.
What’s more, new condos priced too high could also stall real estate activity.

South Florida Properties

The outlook on the South Florida real estate market definitely seems to be improving each year, suggesting that the market is starting to swing back toward a neutral market rather than a buyer’s market.

This should be welcome news for South Florida home sellers trying to get a good deal on their home.

From my expert advice to my many home selling resources, I’ll make navigating the South Florida real estate market a breeze for you.

Until next time,

Scott

A Look Back at South Florida Real Estate Activity in 2011

access_timeJanuary 26, 2012personScott Patterson

The year 2011 was marked by increasing sales volumes, international home buyers using cash only and depressed home prices, according to a recent report from the Miami Association of Realtors.

Continue reading to learn more about how the South Florida real estate market fared at the end of 2011 – and what local real estate experts are predicting for 2012.

Florida Homes for Sale in the Aventura, Hallandale and Golden Beach Areas

Here’s an overview of some of the trends that South Florida REALTORS saw on the local housing market in 2011:

International home buyers spent about $3.5 billion in cash on distressed South Florida real estate
Although home sales increased and the total housing inventory decreased in South Florida, home prices remained relatively stagnant.
The South Florida rental market saw growth as former home owners became renters.
The home inventory in South Florida dropped to 28,000, or by about 40 percent.
Meanwhile, the shadow inventory of foreclosed homes that are not listed for sale yet increased to more than 200,000.
South Florida existing home sales increased at a slower rate than earlier in the year, although median home prices began to increase.
In Miami-Dade County, there were 1,064 condo sales in November, up 2 percent from November 2010.
Meanwhile, single family home sales increased by 11 percent year-over-year, to 755.
In Broward County, there were 1,089 condo sales in November, down 1 percent from November 2010.
Meanwhile, single-family home sales increased by 22 percent year-over-year, to 961.

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about what 2012 will bring for the South Florida real estate market.

While some believe that there isn’t likely to be any real market rebounds until 2013, others believe housing market activity will improve considerably in 2012.

Here are three predictions that the Miami Association of Realtors made for the new year:

Home prices will remain low. Experts believe that the high number of distressed properties on the market will keep home values depressed. As an illustration, more than half of all South Florida home sales in November involved a foreclosure or short sale. In a normal market, those types of properties would have made up less than 5 percent of sales.
There will be an increase in foreclosed properties on the South Florida real estate market. In 2011, there was a slowdown in foreclosed properties entering the market as banks dealt with a backlog of court repossession paperwork. But experts predict that slowdown will end in 2012, possibly dragging down home values further.
More people invest in the rental market, fueling South Florida home sales. While it may seem counter intuitive, an increasing number of South Florida investors are buying homes to turn them into rental properties because of the high demand for rental properties in the area. This in turn is helping create activity on the local real estate market.

Your South Florida Real Estate Expert

While we may not be out of the woods yet, there are plenty of signs to suggest that the sluggish South Florida real estate market is beginning to improve.

The year 2012 may become a turning point on the South Florida real estate market.

For expert advice on the best way to navigate the local housing market as a home buyer or a home seller, make sure to contact me, Scott Patterson.

As your South Florida real estate expert, I have extensive experience working in such local housing markets as:

Until next time,

Scott

Incredible New Villa Flora Listing in Williams Island in Aventura, Florida

access_timeJanuary 16, 2012personScott Patterson

If you’re the kind of discerning South Florida home buyer who values luxury, prestige and elegance, then you’ll be thrilled to learn about the most recent new listing on the South Florida real estate market.

An 8,400 square foot home in the elite Villa Flora community of Williams Island was recently listed on the Aventura real estate market.

There are only 14 homes in this exclusive Aventura community, so it’s a rare treat when one of them becomes available for purchase.

Continue reading to learn more about this magnificent Aventura home for sale and how it can become your dream South Florida home.

Aventura Homes for Sale

The home located at 1524 Island Boulevard is an impressive architectural feat, even by the high standards set by the gated Villa Flora community.

This Aventura home is situated on point lot, the largest lot in the community and provides incredible, unobstructed views of the bay.

Built with the highest-end materials available, this South Florida home features 6,596 square feet of living space, including 6 bedrooms and 7.5 baths.

There are also a number of recreational features provided throughout the home, including:

A state-of-the-art home theater
Social Room
Pub
Heated swimming pool
Wet bar with built-in grill
Large Terrace

The high standards and attention to detail are evident throughout the residence:

Custom-made kitchen with top grade appliances
Granite counter-tops
Hardwood and marble floors
Faux and custom wallpaper
Elevator
Library
Three beautifully designed fireplaces
3 car garage
Impact windows and doors
And more!

Plus, as a resident of Villa Flora, you’ll have unlimited access to all of the recreational amenities right on the property, including:

Marina, which accommodates boats up to 120 feet
Spa
State-of-the-art fitness center
Tennis courts

1524 Island Boulevard #13: An Unbeatable Find on the Aventura, Florida Real Estate Market

This incredible South Florida home is currently listed for $4,500,000.

Contact me, Scott Patterson, today for more information on what this home in the Villa Flora community has to offer.

And for additional help on navigating the South Florida real estate market, make sure to check out all of my helpful home buying tools, such as:

Until next time,

Scott

New Downtown Miami $3 Billion Dollar Development Expected to Revolutionize Miami Area Real Estate

access_timeSeptember 30, 2011personScott Patterson

Everybody on the South Florida real estate market can’t seem to stop talking about Resorts World Miami, a planned development that will feature hotel, convention, entertainment, restaurant, retail, residential and commercial space.

Back in May, the Genting Group bought about 14 acres of downtown Miami for $236 million.

That price is just a drop in the bucket, however, when you consider that the company is investing $3 billion for the new development.

Continue reading to learn more about this incredible downtown Miami development – which some say is rapidly becoming one of the top five projects being built in the world.

South Florida Real Estate is About to Get a Major Facelift

The company Genting has big plans for their recently purchased downtown Miami site. In fact, they hope the development solidify’s Miami’s reputation as one of the leading tourism locales in the world.

What’s more, this project will have a phenomenal impact locally by creating thousands of construction-related jobs as well as permanent jobs.

And recently, Genting announced that Resorts World Miami will be 3 million square feet bigger than originally announced. That’s nearly 10 million square feet, filled with such amenities as:

700,000 square feet of convention and meeting space
200,000 square feet of ballroom
A super-luxury hotel, a contemporary hotel, a family hotel and a conventional hotel – totaling more than 5,200 rooms
Two residential towers with about 1,000 units
250,000 square foot luxury retail center
More than 50 restaurants
Lounges, bars and nightclubs
Possibly even a casino!

According to one recent news article, Resorts World Miami will feature several outdoor terraces as well, including a 1,000-foot-long, 3.6 acre outdoor lagoon on one of the tower’s rooftops.

This project is so amazing, it’s hard to wrap one’s head around it.

But suffice it to say, when complete, this project will not only reshape Miami’s skyline, but the whole South Florida real estate market as well.

South Florida Real Estate Experts

It will still be some time before residents are able to move in to a unit at Resorts World Miami. If you’d like to learn more information about this amazing development in the interim, however, contact me.

As your South Florida real estate expert, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have as well as let you know about available listings at some of our other South Florida residential communities, including:

Until next time,

Scott

2011 Real Estate Market Report for Hollywood Lakes in Hollywood Florida

access_timeSeptember 14, 2011personScott Patterson

Hollywood Lakes is a distinguished single-family home neighborhood located in Hollywood, Florida.

Over the years, this luxury South Florida neighborhood has gained a reputation for its unique eclectic architecture.

Homes in Hollywood Lakes were built starting in 1924, and range from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet. The Lakes offer’s waterfront properties around Northlake and Southlake but there are also dry lots all in close proximity to the beach and new state of the art amphitheater.

During the first several months of 2011, there has been a lot of activity surrounding Hollywood Lakes homes for sale.

Continue reading to learn more about how Hollywood Lakes homes are faring on the South Florida luxury real estate market.

2011 Sales Data for Hollywood Lakes on the Hollywood, Florida Real Estate Market

Here’s a brief overview of the kind of activity that Hollywood Lakes properties for sale have seen on the South Florida real estate market:

Total Sales in 2011 YTD: 36
Highest List Price in 2011: $1,998,000
Lowest List Price in 2011: 229,900
Highest Priced Sale in 2011: $1.9 million
Lowest Priced Sale in 2011: $220,000
Maximum Square Footage on a Home Sold in 2011: 5503
Minimum Square Footage on a Home Sold in 2011: 1301
Minimum Days on the Market: 4
Maximum Days on the Market: 682

Hollywood, Florida Homes for Sale

In addition, residents are within just a short driving distance of all the high-end shopping and fine dining that Hollywood, Hallandale and Aventura have to offer.

If you’d like to learn more about homes for sale in the Hollywood Lakes subdivision – or any other Hollywood neighborhood – then contact me, Scott Patterson, your South Florida luxury real estate expert, today.

I’ll also let you know about available listings and answer any questions you might have about surrounding communities, including:

Until next time,

Scott

New South Florida Luxury Real Estate Development Coming to Aventura

access_timeAugust 31, 2011personScott Patterson

There’s a new South Florida luxury condominium community coming to Aventura, Florida – and this one is sure to raise the bar when it comes to luxury South Florida real estateBellini at Williams Islandwill feature 70 spacious units – all of which are waterfront.Prices for this amazing South Florida condominium community start at $425 per square foot, with just four units per floor on most levels.

Continue reading to learn more about what this brand new South Florida luxury condominium has to offer interested Aventura home buyers.

Aventura, Florida Luxury Real Estate

Bellini at Williams Island, located at 4100 Williams Island in Aventura, was developed by Martin Margulies.

This impressive 24-story condominium features units that range from 2,235 to 4,974 square feet.

There’s also two penthouses, which combine two units each. Every residence was created using only the finest of materials, including:

European cabinetry
Granite or quartz counter tops
Bosch dishwasher
Sub-zero appliances
Two-zone air-conditioning systems
And more!

Depending on which unit they choose, South Florida home buyers can expect to pay anywhere from $1.35 million to $3.6 million for these amazing condominiums.Prestige and elegance are evident throughout this beautiful Aventura property, where residents have access to such amenities as:

24-hour valet garage parking
Concierge services
Private elevators
Fitness Center
Sundeck with resort-style pool and spa
A spacious cabana overlooking the Williams Island Marina
Media room
And more!

Investing in Aventura, Florida real estate

Bellini will occupy the last remaining residential site at William’s Island, which in and of itself has become synonymous with upscale luxury living.This Aventura condominium is scheduled to be completed in 2011.If you’d like to be one of the lucky few who call Bellini at William’s Island in Avnetura home, then contact me, Scott Patterson.As your South Florida real estate expert, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have as well as give you more information on Bellini.

While you’re at it, please feel free to check out some of my other helpful South Florida home buying resources, including:

Until next time,Scott