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South Florida Real Estate Market Showing Signs of Rebound and Growth

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South Florida real estateThere’s reason to celebrate a little for the South Florida real estate market – especially if you’re a home seller with a list price under 1 million.

From a decreasing supply of available homes for sale to rising sales prices – now is a great time to be a Seller  especially if your property is listed under 1 million today. It’s all about “Supply & Demand” which is very price sensitive and it’s very important to understand the market depends on the “List Price” of your property,  the higher the “List Price” the more inventory there is.

Below, I’m going to tell you some of the recent findings from a national index on the health of the South Florida housing market.

Selling South Florida Real Estate

According to a recent market report, South Florida home prices increased by more than 5 percent in July when compared to July 2011 (depending on price range).

That’s not all that has South Florida home sellers excited!

Here’s a look at some other good news that has recently come out about the market:

  • In August, Broward County had fewer than 5,000 single-family homes for sale.
  • When compared to a year ago, Miami-Dade & Broward County’s inventory has nearly been cut by 40-50%.
  • Meanwhile, Palm Beach County’s home inventory was about 6,648 in August, which is 43 percent less than it was a year ago.
  • In Miami, the average price per square foot of Miami area homes was $155, down 4.3 percent from the same period last year.
  • Between July and September, the median sales price for Miami homes was $155,000, up 6.9 percent from the year before.
  • Also during that period, the total number of Miami home sales decreased by 11.6 percent.
  • Broward County’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.1 percent to 7.8 percent between July and August. This is good news for home sellers because it means that more home buyers are in a position to purchase a home.
  • Broward County’s unemployment rate is now better than the national average, which is 8.1 percent.
  • Meanwhile, Palm Beach County’s unemployment rate also fell to 9.6 percent, albeit that’s still higher than state and national averages.
  • Interest rates have continued to fall, with the average 30-year fixed rate falling to a record-setting 3.4 percent recently. Such low rates are sure to attract additional home buyers.

Still, the recent article I read noted that there are some ways in which the housing market can improve even more.

For instance, inaccurate home appraisals have been blamed in recent years for delaying or costing real estate deals.

Experts are now calling for more accurate and consistent appraisals to aid in the housing market’s recovery.

Some are also saying that a slight increase in interest rates may increase home buyer demand since home buyers will feel a sense of urgency to invest before interest rates continue to climb.

Your Dedicated South Florida Real Estate Expert

The South Florida real estate market is a complicated industry with plenty of moving parts that may affect your experience as a home seller.

So for an optimal experience that results in you selling your home in a short amount of time and for a great price, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

I have years of experience working on the South Florida real estate market and I’ll be happy to provide you with invaluable advice, helpful home-selling resources and more!

Start today by requesting my free selling South Florida real estate eBook or a pre-listing package!

Until next time,

Scott

EWM International Realty is now Larger and Better than Ever!

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We have exciting news to share with you about our company’s parent company, Berkshire Hathaway.

Berkshire Hathaway has purchased the real estate franchise “Prudential” / Real Living and launch an entirely new brokerage brand for these agents: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Our South Florida real estate company EWM has been owned by Berkshire Hathaway for the last six years.

This new purchase, however, is guaranteed to make the company even stronger and more responsive to home buyer’s and home seller‘s needs.

Selling Real Estate in South Florida and Around the Country

Berkshire Hathaway has acquired Prudential’s agent network from Brookfield Asset Management.

Next year, Berkshire Hathaway and Brookfield will begin converting Home Services agents over to the new brand as well.

The new company will be based in Irvine, California and will be led by a team of Prudential Real Estate executives.

Here are some more facts of this recent deal:

  • Berkshire’s HomeServices of America (which already owns local brokerages with 16,000 agents in 21 states) will be the majority owner
  • The Prudential and Real Living brands will be eliminated over time.
  • Independent local brokers that HomeServices already owns will not have to switch affiliation but their branding will start to note that they’re owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

Your South Florida Real Estate Expert

By aligning ourselves with this new and improved super real estate company, EWM will have even greater access to real estate resources that will ultimately help you as the buyer or seller!

Thus, we’re quite thrilled about this newly formed real estate company!

If you’re considering entering the South Florida real estate market anytime soon, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

I’ll be happy to assist you as you navigate any one of the following South Florida markets:

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Developers Are Proposing Dozens of New Condominiums

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South Florida luxury real estateDevelopers are feeling so confident with the South Florida real estate market lately that they’re planning on constructing dozens of new condominiums in the upcoming months and years.

According to a recent article I read, developers are proposing almost 55 new condominium projects totaling more than 10,000 units in the communities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

This signals that the South Florida housing market is becoming increasingly robust and attractive for real estate transactions!

South Florida Luxury Condominiums for Sale

Miami-Dade County has been leading the area with new condominium projects in the works.

Evidently, there are nearly 40 proposed projects in the county, all of which total more than 7,900 units.

These condominiums are expected to be built in Aventura, Bal Harbour, Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles including the development The Village at Island Estates that I am representing.

Broward County has the second most proposed projects with 11. These condominiums will bring an additional 1,600 units to the area and will be constructed in Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach and Hollywood.

In third place is Palm Beach County with at least 5 proposed condominium projects totaling 700 units. These condominiums are expected to be constructed in Juno Beach and West Palm Beach as well as Gulf Stream.

Experts are saying many domestic and international prospective developers are sweeping South Florida searching for previously approved projects that were put on hold after the housing market bubble burst in 2007.

Leading the way in this latest condominium development blitz is the 23 Biscayne Bay condominium in Greater Downtown Miami.

One tower has already been constructed and an additional 11 are expected to be completed as soon as 2014.

As of the second quarter of 2012, buyers have purchased about 93 percent of the nearly 49,000 new condos created in the largest coastal markets during the most recent South Florida real estate boom that began in 2003.

At the current sales pace of nearly 150 units per month, the 3,400 unsold new condos could be acquired in the first half of 2014.

Many of these newly proposed condominiums appear to cater to niche markets, such as the high-end luxury condominium market.

These new developments plan to attract high-end buyers with such features as incredibly spacious balconies, automobile elevators and personal swimming pools.

Your South Florida Real Estate Expert

This is an exciting time to be a South Florida home buyer – especially given all of the new luxury condominiums that are expected to be constructed soon!

If you’re thinking about relocating to South Florida anytime soon and investing in your own condominium, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

I’ll be happy to walk you through the condo-buying process with helpful advice and user-friendly resources such as:

Until next time,

Scott

Report: Fewer Homes for Sale Available on the South Florida Real Estate Market

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South Florida real estate for saleAvailable homes for sale on the South Florida real estate market have decreased significantly year-over-year, according to a recent article I read.

The Palm Beach Post reported that the available inventory of homes for sale was down 34 percent in September when compared to September 2011.

This is fantastic news for South Florida home sellers in such communities as Golden Beach and Sunny Isles who are hoping to get a great price on their property.

South Florida Homes for Sale

Here’s an overview of recent activity on the South Florida real estate market, according to the real estate analysis firm Zillow:

  • High-priced homes for sale in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties were down 34.4 percent year-over-year.
  • Meanwhile, inventory of homes in the lower-priced tiers were down 33 percent.
  • In that same period, the national inventory of homes for sale has decreased by 19 percent.
  • In Palm Beach County, the inventory of single-family homes had fallen to less than five months in August.
  • When compared to August 2011, Palm Beach County’s home inventory has fallen 57 percent.

On the same day that Zillow released its report, the company RealtyTrac reported that Florida saw the most foreclosure activity in September.

Although some are concerned this may cause a drop in home prices as these foreclosed homes are sold, experts say that it’s more likely that these homes will more than likely be short-sold, which will help preserve prices.

List Your South Florida Home for Sale Today!

As I noted earlier, a drop in available homes for sale is a great sign for interested South Florida home sellers.

That’s because the low supply of available homes will spur even greater home buyer demand, which will ultimately drive up prices.

Thus, if you’re thinking about listing your South Florida property anytime soon, now is a great time to do so!

For expert tips on navigating the market as a South Florida home seller, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

I have years of experiencing helping home owners sell their properties in a number of local communities, including:

Until next time,

Scott

Sunny Isles Taxes Still Low, Despite Increase in Amenities

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Home owners living in Sunny Isles, Florida are enjoying the best of both worlds lately: low property taxes and a growing list of local amenities!

According to a recent article that I read, Sunny Isles Beach’s proposed budget may increase as much as 45 percent in the next year, and yet the property tax rate is expected to be 3 percent lower than the current one.

This is great news for those living in Sunny Isles or considering relocating to this beautiful South Florida community!

Sunny Isles, Florida Real Estate for Sale

Sunny Isles Beach city administrators recently proposed a $62.5 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is about 45.3 percent greater than this year.

The increase in spending is related to 19 capital improvement projects that the city wants to pursue in the next year.

These projects total about $19 million and include the construction of the Gateway Park, which will be located west of Collins Avenue between the east- and westbound lanes of Sunny Isles Boulevard.

The park and the accompanying garage for visitors will be about $16 million.

Additional projects mentioned in the proposed budget include:

  • $1 million for an emergency bridge
  • $4 million for more classrooms at Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8 school
  • Various park restoration projects
  • Installation of security cameras at the Government Center and city parks

There are also several other additions in the budget, such as hiring more lifeguards for about $500,000.

Meanwhile, property taxes are not expected to increase as a result of the numerous capital improvement projects. In fact, they’re expected to drop!

Officials are proposing a tax rate of $2.80 for every $1,000 of taxable property, which is 3 percent less than the current rate of $2.8860.

City officials are getting the extra money for the budget mostly from such one-time revenue sources as land scales and transfers of development rights.

Your Sunny Isles, Florida Real Estate Expert

I hope you found the above information insightful as a current or future Sunny Isles Beach home owner.

For more information on how this proposed budget may affect you specifically as either a home owner or home buyer, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

And if you’re considering investing in Sunny Isles Beach real estate anytime soon, please be sure to check out my various home-buying resources online. These include:

Until next time,

Scott

 

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

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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 Home Inventory is Dwindling as More Buyers Enter the Market

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Home sellers throughout the country – including in South Florida – are expecting home prices to rise soon since the number of available homes for sale continues to decrease, according to a recent Bloomberg article.

The article goes on to say that home inventories are near lows that were last seen in 2005 and more home sellers are needed on the market.

Continue reading to learn more about this developing trend to discover how it may affect you as a South Florida home buyer!

Properties for Sale in Broward County, Florida

Here are some of the highlights of the recent Bloomberg article I read:

  • National home listings dropped to 2.37 percent in March, a decrease of 22 percent when compared to March 2011.
  • Currently, there is a 6.3 month supply of homes on the national housing market
  • In some parts of the country, the supply of homes fell even further. For instance, some markets had less than a three-month supply at some point earlier this year.
  • Existing home sales from January to March 2012 were the highest first quarter on record since 2007.
  • Meanwhile, the median sales price in 146 metro areas fell to $158,100, down 0.4 percent year-over-year.
  • Nationally, housing affordability is at an all time high. One index recently showed that a family with a median income of nearly $61,000 would be able to afford a $325,000 home – more than double the median price of all homes in the country right now.
  • During the first quarter of 2012, national foreclosure filings fell to their lowest levels since 2007.
  • Meanwhile, re-sales of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac foreclosures fell to 77,104 homes in the first quarter of 2012, down 18 percent year-over-year.
  • The national inventory of new homes has also fallen – to 144,000 in March. That figure is actually the smallest number of new construction homes on record since 1963.

Here’s what the Bloomberg article specifically noted about the South Florida real estate market:

  • Florida’s median home prices are beginning to rise as foreclosed home transactions have declined.
  • In Miami-Dade County, the number of listings in April fell to a 5.7-month supply, down 35 percent year-over-year.
  •  In Broward County, the number of listings in April fell to a 4.2-month supply, down 31 percent year-over-year.
  • Also in Broward County, condo prices have increased to $75 a square foot, up 10 percent year-over-year.
  • Meanwhile, home prices have increased to $80 a square foot in Broward County, up 2.6 percent year-over-year.

Florida real estate analysts are crediting the declining home inventory to the fact that home buyers are flooding the market looking for great deals as the South Florida housing market bottoms out.

But as more home buyers snatch up available homes for sale, home prices are expected to rise as demand starts to exceed the supply, analysts say.

Thus, now is a great time to invest in a South Florida property for sale.

Purchase a South Florida Home for Sale Today!

There are plenty of reasons to want to invest in a South Florida property for sale. From increasing rental rates to record low interest rates – home ownership hasn’t looked this appealing in a while!

Thus, if you’re interested in owning your own South Florida home, contact me, Scott Patterson, today!

As an experienced REALTOR in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, I’ll be more than happy to assist you at every stage of the home-buying process.

Interested in starting your South Florida home search immediately? Then please be sure to check out some of the helpful home-buying tools I offer online, such as:

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Ranks Number 1 Nationally for International Buyers

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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

One Home Just Sold, Another is Listed in the Winding Ridge Neighborhood in Davie, FL!

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I’m glad to report that I recently sold a Davie, Florida home in the Winding Ridge neighborhood!

It’s not everyday that a home in this exclusive 6-home neighborhood changes ownership.  That’s because the resident’s here know what an incredible unique location they have.

The home sold for $2.1 million.

And here’s some even better news for interested South Florida home buyers:  Another home in this incredible neighborhood is listed!

Continue reading to learn more!

Winding Ridge Home for Sale on the Davie Real Estate Market

Winding Ridge is an elite neighborhood, a gated community comprised of just 6 custom homes.

This impressive Davie home for sale, located at 9951 Winding Ridge Lane, features 5 bedrooms, 6 baths and more than 8,202 square feet of living space.

This custom built, 2-story home is a gem on the Davie real estate market.

 

This exquisite home, which sits on a generous-sized 1.08 Acre lot, features a number of top quality amenities, such as:

  • Spacious walk-in closets
  • Custom heated pool and spa
  • Beautifully landscaped large backyard
  • Volume ceilings
  • 3-car garage
  • Wine cellar
  • Family room with wet bar and wine cooler

Built in 2005, this home also features impact windows and doors, wooden floors and a fire place.

This extraordinary South Florida luxury home is listed at $1,950,000, which equates to about $238 per square foot.

In addition to the incredible amenities offered within the home, the lucky South Florida home buyers who ultimately purchases this home will have the privilege of being able to say they live in the elite Winding Ridge neighborhood.

This community is virtually synonymous with a luxury custom home neighborhood in a ultra-private South Florida setting.

It also boasts an incredible location near 40-acre open preserve as well as all the amenities that the larger city of Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

Your Davie, Florida Real Estate Expert

If the home at 9951 Winding Ridge Lane has piqued your interest as a Davie area home buyer, then contact me, Scott Patterson.

As your South Florida real estate expert, I have extensive experience working on the Davie real estate market as well as in the Winding Ridge neighborhood.

When you call, I’ll also be happy to provide you with my expert advice on the best way to navigate the South Florida market as a home buyer.

I’ll also offer you a number of helpful South Florida relocation tools as:

Until next time,

Scott

 

A Look Back at South Florida Real Estate Activity in 2011

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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