Skip to main content

Tag Archives: South Florida Real Estate Market

What Makes Scott a Hands-On Real Estate Expert

When you’re looking to buy or sell a home in South Florida, it’s crucial to work with an agent that offers more than just superior service. In a recent article for Aventura Magazine, Scott Patterson took the time to discuss his hands-on approach to real estate, as well as what makes him different than other agents.

Learn More About the Market and Scott Patterson

As the world continues to navigate the ongoing global health crisis, the real estate industry has gone through some pretty drastic changes. However, local expertise, longevity in the market, and decades of experience have given Scott the ability to support his clients’ shifting needs.

Here’s what Scott had to say about his own illustrious career and how the South Florida market has changed since the spread COVID-19.

How did Scott start his career?

checking charts and graphs

Although he originally hails from Tennessee, Scott has lived in the Miami area since 1996, which is also when he started his career with EWM Realty. It’s rare to see any agent remain with the same brokerage for so long, but Scott believes that it’s a testament to his commitment and dedication.

Scott’s firm, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, is also considered to be one of the globe’s top international companies. When clients see the recognizable name and branding, they immediately know they’re working with someone they trust.

What makes him different than other agents?

sitting around a table having a meeting

Scott prides himself on being involved in every aspect of a sale, whether he’s selling a waterfront condo in Hollywood or a $15 million estate in Stuart. And when you work with Scott, it’s about more than just closing a transaction—he thrives off of building relationships with clients that last a lifetime.

“When you hire me, you get me…I truly enjoy the entire process from the initial meeting until the closing and beyond…” says Scott. “[this] has organically created a loyal client base.”

How’s the market right now?

rise in number of buyers

Despite the fluctuating economy and stock market, it’s still possible to make a move here in South Florida. When asked about the current state of the market, Scott noted that he saw a dip in international sales, but a rise in buyers from major metro areas like New York and Chicago.

Many buyers believe that living in a warmer climate can help combat the spread of COVID-19. However, the South Florida lifestyle also offers a level of coastal luxury that you won’t find anywhere else, especially if you love to boat, golf, or take in the natural surroundings. This makes it an attractive destination for just about anyone!

Will there be any other changes?

selling homes in Florida

South Florida’s real estate market will likely see even more changes during the next few months. Scott predicted that single-family home sales will begin to rise, and certain desirable features will dominate the market.

More outdoor space, a larger home office, more square footage, and a large backyard are now at the top of many buyers’ wishlists. So if you’re thinking about selling soon, you may want to catch up with the latest trends and update your space accordingly.

Ready to Take Your Next Steps?

Don’t trust just any agent to help you buy or sell your South Florida home! The Scott Patterson Group has all the tools you need to get top dollar or find your perfect place, so just let us know if you have any questions.

Still on the fence about making a move? Check out our team’s achievements and reviews to see what we bring to the table.

What Will Go Back to Normal After COVID-19…and What’s Here to Stay

The last month has been chaotic, especially in the world of real estate. Many agents adapted quickly to help their clients during COVID-19, and some of these changes might be here to stay.

How Real Estate Will Change After COVID-19

Let’s face it—we’re all ready for things to go back to normal. But many people are asking themselves what “normal” might look like in the next few months. If you’re still thinking about buying or selling your home this year, here are a few trends that might linger for a while…and some changes that probably won’t stick around.

Virtual Tours Are Here to Stay

Man using a smartphone during COVID-19

Virtual tours have been around for a while, but they’ve transformed into an essential tool for buyers who are looking for their perfect place. And while they can’t replace in-person showings and open houses, they’ll definitely remain popular after the COVID-19 crisis ends.

Now more than ever, many agents are offering virtual tours of their listings to reach quarantined buyers. However, they’re also helpful to those who are moving from out-of-state and cannot physically attend a showing. We can expect to keep seeing plenty of virtual tours in the coming months, especially in relocation markets like South Florida.

In-Person Showings Will Make a Comeback

Buyers touring a home

Although virtual tours will remain popular for years to come, some buyers aren’t willing to commit to a home without seeing it themselves. Most Florida agents are sticking to online showings for the foreseeable future, but we’ll probably experience a sharp uptick of in-person tours once social distancing measures are relaxed.

Physical showings might resume before the end of this year—however, buyers, sellers, and agents will have to remain vigilant. You may still have to limit contact with surfaces or sanitize thoroughly before, during, and after the tour. While these changes might seem inconvenient, they’ll help keep everyone safe in the long run.

Remote Closings Will Gain Popularity

Real estate agent closing remotely

Nobody loves filling out paperwork, and there are just certain parts of the closing process that are inconvenient. In order to comply with CDC guidelines, buyers and sellers can now close on their homes remotely through e-signatures and mobile notarization. Some agents are even willing to hand-deliver your paperwork or video chat throughout the process!

Believe it or not, remote closings may soon become the norm for everyone. Having the ability to sign documents online can be extremely beneficial to remote buyers and sellers, too.

Expect an Influx of Eager Buyers and Sellers

People buying a home

COVID-19 has changed all aspects of life here in South Florida—and it’s forced some buyers and sellers to press pause on their real estate dreams. While it’s impossible to predict the impact that this situation will have on the market, plenty of people are still eager to make a move later this year.

We will probably see a steady influx of buyers and sellers entering the market during the late summer. Although spring wasn’t quite the hot real estate season we were expecting, it’s still possible to make a deal this year!

Looking for More Info on COVID-19 and Real Estate?

If you’re curious about how the COVID-19 crisis will affect the South Florida market, we’re here to help. Check out our virtual buying and selling programs for more details, and give us a call with any questions. The Scott Patterson Group is always here during your time of need!

Buying in the Winter? It’s Easier than You Think!

Many people believe that have to buy or sell their homes during the peak real estate season—but this is a common myth that you shouldn’t fall for! When you live in sunny South Florida, buying a home in the winter can be a breeze. It may come as a surprise, but here’s why you shouldn’t let the season stop you from buying.

Less Competition

Person with keys buying in the winter

When it comes to real estate, supply and demand is the name of the game. Most people are looking to buy a home from May to August, but don’t fall prey to all the hype. In Florida’s hot market, it’s easy to be swept away by the competition. If you want to move during peak season, be prepared to be outbid and go against thousands of other buyers.

Want to take things at your own pace? Buying in the winter allows you to peruse the market without rushing. Homes sit on the market for much longer, so you won’t have to schedule a showing the day the home lists (unless you want to!). Less competition also means less stress, which will make the process that much simpler.

Prices Are Lower

Money, check book, and wooden house

As I mentioned before, lower demand means a higher supply. When it comes to real estate, that means buyers have more room to negotiate a lower price with motivated sellers. This is definitely the case in the winter—although you’ll have fewer homes to choose from, you could get a great deal that you wouldn’t find during the summer.

On average, home prices take the biggest dive in January, with November and December close behind. You can save tens of thousands of dollars if you time your move right—and sellers are often eager to work with a motivated buyer.

More Flexibility

Agent and client looking over a contract

Imagine not having to compete with hundreds of other people to book a moving company, find a lawyer to handle the closing, and handle all the other details of buying a home. Buying in the winter means you can avoid all of these hassles, which will make a stressful process a whole lot smoother.

Because fewer people are making a move during the colder months, you might even get a deal on a moving service. And because you’re in the South Florida area, you won’t have to deal with inclement weather or tons of snow! Even real estate agents are less swamped during his time of year, so there’s a good chance that your home search will be a breeze.

Thinking About Buying in the Winter?

There are so many reason to consider buying your next South Florida home during the colder months. Ready to take your next steps? Give me, Scott Patterson, a call. I’m here to be your all-in-one South Florida resource, and I have tons of buyer info to help you navigate the process. Just give me a call with any questions—I’d love to chat!

First-Time Buyers: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home in South Florida

Even for seasoned real estate investors, buying a home can be a challenging process. From the initial search to figuring out the right mortgage options to navigating closing paperwork, buying a home comes with a long list of to-dos. For first-time buyers, the purchasing process can be both stressful and intimidating.

Are you looking for your first home in South Florida and feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry—my team and I are here to provide you with all of the resources you need to find real estate success.

A beautiful house on a beach.

Narrow Down Your Search

Take a minute to think about your dream home. Is it located right on the beachfront with easy access to waterfront recreation? Does it have a large, private backyard with plenty of room to roam? Or perhaps it comes outfitted with the latest in smart home technology?

Whatever is most important to you in a dream home is completely up to you, but my team can help you narrow down your options. Our specialized search tool was made specifically to help buyers search homes based on certain criteria, so give it a try!

Still need some inspiration since it’s your first time buying? Check out my featured listings ,and see what catches your eye.

An aerial view of Miami.

Explore South Florida Areas

You might not initially think so, but finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right home. South Florida is made up of a wide collection of communities, each offering different benefits, from active nightlifes to easily commutable locations.

In the end, narrowing down the ideal neighborhood is a lot like the home search process; it’s all about what’s most important to you. Are you more concerned about the lifestyle of a neighborhood or the location? Would you rather be closer to the beach or your workplace?

Luckily, you don’t have to hit the streets and explore your options for yourself. My team and I offer a variety of in-depth guides to each community around South Florida, so be sure to take advantage of our browsing resources.

The calculator app on an iPhone.

Figure Out Your Finances

One of the trickiest parts of buying a home—especially for first-time buyers—is figuring out your finances. After all, you need to find a trusted lender, decide which mortgage options work best for you, and calculate your budget for monthly payments.

Since I’ve been working around South Florida for years, I can help you find the best lenders with the best rates in the area. I also offer a number of helpful financial calculators that allow you to get a better grasp on what your payments might look like. And when it comes to deciding on mortgage options, my team can help you determine which choice fits your needs.

People talking in front of a laptop.

Get Answers to Your Questions

If it’s your first time buying, you’re probably going to have a fair number of questions about the process. Not only is that expected, but I have plenty of resources—from FAQs to exclusive buying guides—made to help you get some much-needed answers.

Still not finding what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out and give me a call or send along an email. With over 20 years of experience in the area, I’m more than happy to break down the intricacies of buying in South Florida.

Find Your Dream Home with the Scott Patterson Group

Buying your first home can be a daunting process, but when you work with the Scott Patterson Group, you’ll be taken care of. With years of experience, a wealth of local knowledge, and a wide variety of professional skills, my team has everything you need for a successful South Florida real estate experience.

Ready to get started on finding your dream home or have a few questions about local real estate? Don’t hesitate to give me a call!

Demolition of the Dania Beach Hurricane Roller Coaster

Dania Beach landmark being torn down piece by piece20160316190246_2418290_ver1.0_1280_720

 

They say, whatever goes up has to come down. The Dania Beach Florida Hurricane Roller Coaster in southern Broward County has been a landmark for residents and tourists since year 2000. Just this past week the demolition of the monstrous wooden structure has begun and it created a buzz through the south Florida community. The ride itself closed five years ago and hasn’t been operated since. Some are happy to see it go but some are sad and believe it or not, I rode when it reopened in 2000, lots of memories from my childhood on a wooden roller coaster!

dania-pointe-fashion-small-600

Kimco Realty Group of New York is developing a 850,000-square-foot center in a joint venture with Master Development and Salzman Real Estate Advisors, Who have projects already through the Tri-County area of South Florida. This project will bring in about 17,000 construction jobs and 13,000 permanent jobs once its fully developed.

No leases of any retailers have been signed yet, But the 35-acre first phase, which will incorporate “big box” stores and discount retailers, is planned to open in the fall of 2017.

The second phase, which will include more retailers, restaurants, 1,000 residential units and two hotels, will follow in the fall of 2018. By that time, construction will be initiated on some of the 500,000 square feet of commercial office space.

Dania Pointe of Dania beach located just north of Hollywood Florida, will be one of the largest shopping centers in Broward County Florida. Dania Pointe will attract many visitors all the way from Southern Miami-Dade County up to The Northern parts of Palm Beach County because of Dania Beaches central location in South Florida. Over half a million cars pass by the location northbound on I95 per day! This development is sure to be a success and a great new addition to the city and South Florida.

 

Just Listed: Luxury Condo Living at Its Finest in Aventura, FL

6000 Island Dr 2704_06Have we got an amazing South Florida luxury real estate deal for you! Recently, an impressive condominium in the desirable Bella Mare building (also known as the 6000 Williams Island building) listed on the Aventura real estate market.

Located at 6000 Island Boulevard #2704, this incredible condo boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a total of 4,221 square feet of living space.

Listed at $3,495,000, it’s a steal of a deal when one considers all of the amenities offered here. Continue reading to learn more!

Fall In Love With Our New Aventura FL Listing

6000 Island Dr 2704_14This breathtaking Bella Mare double unit was professionally designed with the most discerning of South Florida home buyers in mind.

Here, prospective home buyers will be impressed by the panoramic ocean, intracoastal, city and bay views – all from the vantage point of the 27th floor of a 30-story luxury condo. With those kinds of views at those kinds of heights, the next residents who live here will be able to enjoy unobstructed views of sunrises and sunsets every day of the year from the comfort of their luxury South Florida condo.

Take a tour of this incredibly majestic condominium and you’ll discover luxury amenity after luxury amenity. These include:

  • Spacious terraces
  • Miele and Sub-zero custom kitchen appliances
  • Built-in Espresso
  • Full-size wine cooler
  • Detailed finishes
  • Built-in shelves
  • Private office
  • Wet bar
  • Crestron & Lutron Home Automation
  • Private elevator with foyer entrance
  • Extravagant walk-in closets
  • And so much more!

And that’s just within your own personal residence! Wait until you hear all that’s offered to residents throughout the community!

The Perks of Living Here Keep Getting Better!

6000 Island Dr 2704_03 (1)When you live in this South Florida community, you’ll feel like royalty every single day of the year!

After all, this condominium community offers such resort-style services  and amenities as:

  • Valet Parking
  • Bike/Jog Path
  • Bike Storage
  • Billiard Room
  • Community Room
  • Exercise Room
  • Heated Pool
  • Marina
  • Child Play Area
  • Tennis

And of course, with its South Florida location, this condominium community also offers residents easy access to trendy restaurants, upscale shopping plazas, the beach and so much more!

Hurry! This Aventura Condo Won’t Be Available for Long!

Condos like this have a tendency to be purchased quickly on the South Florida real estate market.

Thus, if you’re interested in this incredible property, be sure to connect with us at The Scott Patterson Group as soon as possible.

We’ll be happy to help you by sharing you with additional information about this condo as well as answering any questions you might have. We’d also love to assist you if you’re interested in requesting a showing of this property.

Until next time,

Scott

Buying or Selling A $1M Plus Home? EWM in South Florida is Your Expert Resource!

graphic for scottSome South Florida real estate agents close a $1 million home transaction once in a blue moon. And others, like EWM in South Florida, make it a core part of their business model.

Who would you rather work with when buying or selling YOUR $1 million plus home?

It is with great pleasure that we report to you that EWM was recently recognized as THE leading luxury brokerage in Miami-Dade and South Broward counties for listing single family homes over $1 million.

So what exactly does it take to hold this distinguished position in the region? It means:

  • Selling a $1 million plus residence every 13 hours
  • Closing 335 transactions in excess of $1 million each during the first six months of 2015
  • Selling homes at an average sales price of $2,559,020
  • And completing a total of $857 million in luxury sales between January and June of 2015.

Now that we’ve told you what we’ve done to get this distinction, we want to take a moment to share with you how we provide the most excellent luxury home sales services in South Florida.

What We Provide For You as a Luxury Home Seller

When you work with us as a home seller, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your home is being marketed to interested and qualified home buyers and that it fetches the highest price possible on the market.

Some of the specific tools we offer include our marketing plan for sellers, tips for showing your property and tips for pricing your property.

We also offer you access to our valuable home selling blog!

What We Offer to Our Luxury Home Buyers

As a home buyer, we will search high and low for the ideal South Florida luxury home for your lifestyle and price range.

Plus, in addition to thoughtful advice, some of the valuable resources we offer to our buyers online include a guide to South Florida communities, Buyer FAQs and School Information.

20 Most Recently Listed EWM Estates For Sale

Start Working With An Award-Winning South Florida Team Today!

As you can see, when it comes to luxury real estate in South Florida, no one knows it better than our expert agents at EMW!

Thus, when you’re ready to enter the market as a buyer or seller, be sure to connect with us!

Until next time,

Scott

Hot Listing Alert: Our New Ocean Palms Condo in Hollywood FL

Hollywood Listing 2We recently listed a luxury condominium on the South Florida real estate market in Hollywood that is attracting a lot of home buyer attention.

Located at 3101 S. Ocean Drive #1102, This gorgeous Hollywood residences offers buyers everything they could possibly want – from panoramic views of the water to the latest kitchen appliances, from spacious bedrooms to upscale detailing throughout.

If you’re in the market for a Hollywood condo, you should check out this new listing before it’s sold!

The Inside of This Hollywood Condo Is a Dream!

Hollywood listingListed at $1,099,000, this South Florida condo boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a total of 2,308 square feet of living space.

Thus, this home really does offer interested home buyers all of the space they could want to live a happy and comfortable life right here in South Florida.

When home buyers step inside this property, they’ll immediately notice the builder’s commitment to excellence.

At every turn, they’ll find sought-after amenities that aren’t just found in any South Florida condo. In fact, these features are reserved for the more upscale residences.

These desirable amenities include:

  • Gourmet kitchen
  • Custom cabinetry
  • Marble Counters
  • Two large wrap-around terraces
  • Bold walls of glass
  • Private custom foyer
  • And so much more!

Plus, your residence offers spectacular views of both the ocean and the Intracoastal waterway!

Built in 2006, this condominium truly is designed for the modern home buyer!

Enjoy Excellent Recreational Amenities On Site!

Hollywood Listing 3Meanwhile, thanks to its 5-star condo setting in Ocean Palms, this residence offers home buyers easy access to such resort-style amenities as:

  • A gym
  • Infinity pool
  • Tennis courts
  • Theater
  • Beach access
  • Pool service
  • And more!

Another benefit to living in the Ocean Palms community is that you’ll be conveniently close to downtown Hollywood, which features numerous specialty shops, dining venues, boutiques and galleries. Life is truly wonderful here in Hollywood!

You’ll also be just a short drive away from all of the shopping and dining opportunities at nearby Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall.

And for those faraway trips, you’ll enjoy convenient access to the Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale International Airport as well!

Ready to Make This Hollywood Condo Yours?

Hollywood Listing 4If so, then please contact me, Scott Patterson, your luxury South Florida real estate expert.

I would love to assist you by answering any questions you might have as well as providing you with some valuable home buying resources, such as our Buying South Florida Real Estate eBook

And if you’re really interested in this condo, I’ll be happy to schedule a showing of it as well!

Until next time,

Scott

Hurry! Our One-of-a-Kind Hollywood Lakes Home Is Sure to Sell Quickly!

Hollywood LakesAre you the kind of South Florida home buyer who prides yourself on being a discerning buyer with impeccable tastes? Are you looking for a piece of real estate in South Florida that really stands out and makes a statement?

If so, then you’re sure to fall in love with our recent listing at 1136 Tyler Street in Hollywood Lakes.

This incredible residence is truly unique, with a distinctive character and a warm charm that’s evident from the street!

Continue reading to discover why we don’t expect this piece of Hollywood, Florida real estate to stay available for long!

4 Reasons Our Hollywood Lakes Home for Sale is So Desirable

Hollywood Lakes 2First, this home boasts a whopping 4,982 square feet of living space, including 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. This will give the next owners plenty of room to grow!

Second, this home features top-of-the-line kitchen appliances as well as a sophisticated design created to attract modern buyers.

Third, this home features the sought-after guest cottage, perfect for entertaining out of town guests or enjoying some quality time with the in-laws.

And fourth, this home boasts a large and lushly landscaped backyard that included a heated-salt water swimming pool, summer kitchen and covered terrace. Talk about luxury!

But wait! There’s More!

Hollywood Lakes 3Here are some other interior features in this home that are sure to grab your attention:

  • Oversized double lot
  • Home office
  • Personal gym
  • Marble flooring
  • Wood flooring
  • And more!

Every room you walk through in this house, you’ll be able to notice the builder’s fine attention to detail and dedication to quality.  There are plenty of gorgeous homes in the Hollywood Lakes community but this one certainly stands out as being the best of the best!

You’ll Love Living in Hollywood Lakes

Hollywood Lake 4This distinctive and historic neighborhood (located conveniently off the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean) has been making home owners quite happy since it was first established in 1925 by Joseph Young.

This family-friendly community boasts single-family homes, apartments and hotels and is a great place to set down roots!

Meanwhile, you’ll live just minutes away from such incredible communities as Aventura and Golden Beach. Plus, Fort Lauderdale is just 15 minutes away and Miami is 25 minutes away!

Is This Your South Florida Dream Home?

If so, then please take a moment to contact me, Scott Patterson, your #1 South Florida Realtor®.

I would love to assist you by helping you schedule a showing of this property, which is currently priced at $1,449,000.

I’ll also be happy to answer any lingering questions you may have about this property as well as offer some valuable home buying resources!

Until next time,

Scott

City of Miami Continues to Be a Hot Spot for International Buyers

Miami Home Selling 3If you’re a foreign buyer weighing whether to invest your dollars, chances are that there is one U.S. city at the top of your list: Our thriving city of Miami.

For the last several years, I’ve told you about how foreign investors have been flooding the US housing market, mostly attracted by our exchange rate as well as the incredible properties they can own for such a great price here.

But there’s no other city that has even touched the level of attention that Miami has received from these investors. It’s certainly remained a hot market for foreign investment.

Why Miami Is The Place to Be

What makes Miami’s market so active? For one, this world-renowned city is currently undergoing a bit of a condo construction boom, with luxury developments popping up everywhere!

And who’s behind that development? You guessed it: Investors from across Europe as well as Latin America and Asia.

In fact, according to the Miami Downtown Development Authority, 90 percent of sales were international in downtown Miami recently.

Still, it is worth noting that, according to the Miami Association of Realtors, June existing condo sales were down 3.8 percent from last year.

Who Could Blame These International Buyers, Either?

After all, Miami is an incredible place to live.  Imagine living in an internationally-acclaimed city where you can revel in the cultures of dozens of nations, all on the same block!  Here you can sunbathe at one of our pristine beaches or simply enjoy sweeping views of the waterfront from your high-rise condo.

What’s more, this city has a bustling local economy, which means you’ll have access to a steady jobs market.

And thanks to its location, you’re just a short distance from a number of popular and unique restaurants and boutiques.  And a cruise to the Caribbean or a flight to Central America is exceptionally easy thanks to Miami’s waterfront location.

If there was ever an ideal place to call home, it would be Miami!

What This Means for You as a Local South Florida Buyer

Home Selling 2The real estate market in Miami is highly competitive right now because you’re not only competing with local buyers – you’re competing with international buyers who often have cash on hand to use.

This could result in a multiple offers situation or worse – being priced out of the condo you want to purchase outright.

That’s why it’s paramount to work with an experienced South Florida real estate expert like me if you want to enjoy a successful outcome on the local housing market.

Here’s Where I Can Help!

So contact me, Scott Patterson, today for help navigating the Miami and South Florida real estate markets.

I have years of experience helping buyers just like you and I would be more than happy to assist you by providing valuable resources and straight-forward advice.

Until next time,

Scott