Fort Lauderdale Real Estate News

Need a weekend away or a change of scenery? I live on the west coast of Florida in Sarasota but periodically get away to the east coast for little rest and relaxation.  If you need a break from life to recharge your batteries take a look at Longboat Key off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It is about a three and a half hour drive from Ft. Lauderdale.Longboat Key is an 11 mile long barrier island that is surrounded by the aqua blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota bay. Need some peace and quiet? This is a great place to find it. The beaches are not very busy and there isn’t a large public beach access on Longboat Key. You almost have the whole beach to yourself.

Need a little activity? Take a 5 minute drive to Lido Key and hit St. Armands Circle? There are some fun outdoor restaurants, shopping, ice cream shops, bars and other entertainment. You can also drive over into downtown Sarasota to catch a play, see a movie, do some shopping on Palm Avenue in the art galleries, grab a meal, or just window shop in some of the charming stores on Main Street. Longboat Key and Sarasota really is a spectacular place to visit for a long weekend to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you are coming for the weekend you can stay at the The Longboat Key Club, Colony Beach Resort, or the Hilton on Longboat Key. All three resorts are on the beach and allow guest to be within steps of the sand and water. The Longboat Key Club is a resort that offers world class golf and tennis facilities.

Thinking of a second home? I’ve sold beachfront condos to residents of the east coast of Florida because they wanted a weekend getaway. It is nice to hop in the car and be in a similar but different world within ust over 3 hours. Far enough to escape but not so far that you will never use it. If you are considering a second home or to relocate, please visit my Longboat Key real estate page to view a multitude of properties to fit any budget.

Statistics released by foreclosure listing service Realty Track report by year end, one-third of all properties for sale nationwide will be sold by banks.

Third Quarter 2008 foreclosure filings were up more than 70% from same time last year.   Almost 766,000 homes received foreclosure notices between July and September.

Approximately 60% of all homes in foreclosure are in Florida, Nevada, Arizona, Ohio and Michigan.  California accounts for 1/4 of all US foreclosures.  The Fort Lauderdale Real Estate market has certainly seen its share of foreclosures and short sales .

Florida ranks 2nd for nationwide foreclosures per the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Fort Lauderdale ranks 5th in the top 100 metropolitan cities with the highest foreclosure rate.

Ohio and Michigan foreclosures can be attributed to the high rate of unemployment and the job crisis related to the auto industry.

Florida, Arizona, Nevada and California foreclosures are attributed to the enormous unsustainable housing appreciation sometimes in excess of 50% per year.

In a FOX News interview with Barry Habib, Chairman of the Board of Mortgage Success Source, Mr. Habib advised “anyone heading into foreclosure may stall the process by asking for proof of payment history when served.  Since the loan may have been sold a few times, asking for proof of payment history may give you some extra time.”

The most important thing to remember is to communicate with your lender.  Banks want to work with you and avoid foreclosure if possible.

When asked if now was a good time to buy real estate, Mr. Habib replied that “this is a great opportunity to buy real estate.  The reason why there are few rich people is because it is hard to do what everyone is saying not to do.”  He went on to say while everyone is saying real estate is bad, advising to stay out of it, perhaps it is the right time to get in.

He added, buyers are in the driving seat, able to buy properties 10-15% or more below market value.  Even if prices come down another 5-10%, so what?  There is plenty of inventory for buyers to choose from.  Since the average person holds on to a home for 14 years, when the market recovers, there is the potential for a great profit.

For more information about buying or selling a home in Fort Lauderdale, or Fort Lauderdale Condos for sale, contact John Sabia at 954-850-2397.

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South Florida offers warm temps, a favorable Real Estate Market, and a refuge from the cold snow filled winters in Canada. Many Canadians looking for a warmer alternative are taking advantage of a weak US Dollar and purchasing real estate in Fort Lauderdale Florida and surrounding neighborhoods.

For Canadian buyers, the real estate market in the Sunshine State lives up to its name. With supply of high-quality South Florida homes on the rise, house-hunting Canadians have their pick of the litter from high-rise condos such as Las Olas River House, Las Olas Grand, WaterGarden, Symphony, Las Olas Beach Club or L’Hermitage, to single-family homes in luxurious neighborhoods, such as Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas, Lauderdale by the Sea, Wilton Manors, Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, Harbor Beach, Rio Vista and Bay Colony.

Many of the available Fort Lauderdale homes for sale feature large windows, vaulted ceilings, spacious sunrooms, vaulted ceilings, and patios perfect for entertaining and relaxing – all characteristics that embody the South Florida lifestyle and offers a refuge from the cold snow filled winters in Canada.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Canadians represented 11 percent of all international homebuyers who purchased homes in the United States in 2007. In Florida — where international homebuyers have the highest ownership in the United States — Canadians made up 9 percent of all buyers in 2007. This figure is up from 7.1 percent in 2005.

Navigating the American home-buying process is easy with the right Realtor, particularly one who can provide information about real estate taxes, closing costs and general guidance through the home buying process.

American lenders will give loans to Canadian buyers, but because of the added risk involved, they often demand up to half of the purchase price as a down payment. Canadian Credit Report Online offers a good list of credit bureaus. In most cases, it’s wise for Canadians to purchase a U.S. property in U.S. dollars because the Canadian currency has a tendency to drop against the American dollar. According to Investors Group, about 47 percent of Canadians pay cash for homes while 53 percent take out mortgages.

Often times, it’s wise to ask sellers if they’re willing to include any furnishings. This can save buyers the hassle of looking for new furniture and household accessories, particularly if they’re planning on renting the property after they close. In terms of square footage, many Canadians are finding they can get more for their money in the United States.

Purchasing a slice of paradise pie has never been easier for Canadians looking for a retreat from the unforgiving winter weather. This rings particularly true for baby boomers who have recently retired or are about to retire.

For more information about homes and condos for sale in Fort Lauderdale, contact John Sabia today at 954-850-2397.

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**Cette article disponible en français - Le Sud de la Floride vous offre les temps chauds et le marché favorable

La région du sud de la Floride vous offre de chaudes températures et un marché immobilier très avantageux.

Plus de Canadiens  profitent de la faiblesse du dollar américain, ainsi que d’un marché immobilier accessible à tous, pour acquérir un immeuble à Fort Lauderdale et dans les environs comme Sunny Isles et Hallandale.

Pour les acheteurs canadiens, le marché immobilier est aussi ensoleillé que le surnom de l’État (Sunshine State).  Avec une hausse de maisons à vendre de très haute qualité, les acheteurs ont le choix entre des condominiums de luxe tels que Las Olas River House, Las Olas Grand, WaterGarden, Symphony, Las Olas Beach Club ou l’Hermitage et des maisons unifamiliales dans un environnement luxueux comme Wilton Manors, Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, Harbor Beach, Rio Vista et Bay Colony.

Plusieurs des maisons disponibles dans l’arrondissement de Fort Lauderdale offrent une bonne fenestration, des toits cathédrales, de grands solariums et des patios parfaits pour relaxer et/ou pour recevoir des invités.  Tout cela représente bien le style de vie sud floridien.

Selon le N.A.T. (National Association of Realtors), les canadiens représentent 11% de tous les acheteurs internationaux ayant acquis une propriété aux États-Unis en 2007.  En Floride, ou l’on retrouve le plus haut taux de propriétaires étrangers aux États-Unis, les canadiens représentaient 9% de tous les acheteurs en 2007.  Ce taux était de 7.1% en 2005.

Acquérir une propriété aux États-Unis peut se faire facilement avec le bon agent immobilier québecois qui parle français.  Il peut vous transmettre les informations exactes sur les taxes, les frais reliés à la vente et les aspects légaux.  Certains agents peuvent même agir en tant que médiateurs pour la mise de fond initiale pourvu que le client présente un bilan financier positif.

Il est possible de financer l’achat par l’entremise d’une institution américaine, mais à cause du risque accru, ils demandent souvent jusqu’à la moitié du coût de la propriété comme mise de fond initiale.  C.C.R. (Canadian Credit Report - Online) offre une liste des bureaux de crédit.

Dans la plupart des cas, il est recommandé d’acheter une propriété américaine en dollars américains parce que la devise canadienne a tendance à perdre de la valeur vis-à-vis du dollar américain.  Selon le Group Investors, environ 47% des canadiens paient leur maison et/ou condo comptant alors que 53% prennent une hypothèque.

Il peut être avisé de demander au vendeur s’il veut inclure dans la vente de l’ameublement.  Ceci évitera au nouveau propriétaire l’achat de nouveaux meubles et accessoires lors du déménagement surtout si l’acheteur a l’intention de louer les lieux après l’achat.  Les canadiens trouvent qu’ils en ont plus pour leur argent en achetant aux États-Unis par rapport à la superficie de la propriété.

Acheter une part du paradis n’a jamais été aussi facile pour les canadiens qui en ont assez des hivers rigoureux.  C’est particulièrement vrai pour les baby boomers qui arriveront à la retraite bientôt et pour ceux qui y sont déjà.

Pour plus d’informations sur les condos à vendre  en floride et/ou maisons à vendre, vous pouvez me contacter, Johanne Gosselin-Sabia au 954-261-6344.  De plus, vous pouvez visiter le meilleur Website pour l’immobilier en Floride.

This article available in English - Canadians Taking Advantage of South Florida Real Estate Market and Weak US Dollar

Snowbirds and current residents alike can save big by buying a new home in Fort Lauderdale or any one of South Florida’s most affordable neighborhoods.

From South Beach to Palm Beach, millions of tourists flock to South Florida in droves every year to soak up gorgeous weather, take in breath-taking scenery and experience endless outdoor activities.

Clearly, South Florida cities, such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Boca Raton, have a lot to offer those that visit — and those that already live here. Tourists and snowbirds looking for a place to settle down or reside for an extended vacation should consider owning residential real estate in Fort Lauderdale. In the current unnerving economy, it’s smarter than leasing a property or overspending at an expensive hotel.

While the Fort Lauderdale area, for instance, boasts a large concentration of wealthy neighborhoods such as Las Olas, Bay Colony, Coral Ridge, Harbor Beach, Rio Vista Lauderdale by the Sea, Sea Ranch Lakes and Fort Lauderdale Beach lined with luxurious homes and exclusive properties, a good chunk of this extraordinary city offers plenty of affordable homes in premiere neighborhoods.

If you’re considering purchasing a home or buying a condo in Fort Lauderdale, every cent counts in today’s market, so it’s critical to invest in a property that will create long-term wealth. Buying a new home makes good financial sense. For consumers who want to save money, new construction homes save them the headache of dealing with maintenance woes that come with buying older properties. Because mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible, consumers have another big opportunity to save.

A knowledgeable Realtor can show you a variety of homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas that feature the latest and greatest in energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems. Buying new construction in Fort Lauderdale also allows you to chose the exact home you want — from the layout design, crown molding in the living room to the appliances and kitchen counter tops. With pre-owned homes, it can be difficult to adjust to the past owner’s taste.

A Fort Lauderdale Realtor can not only show you a wide variety of homes but they can also show you an array of Fort Lauderdale condos in the heart of the city as well as Fort Lauderdale beach condos. Fort Lauderdale’s most modern facilities offer just the right mix of design and practicality — all just blocks from the city’s entertainment and recreational hub. For those with a desire for waterfront views, Fort Lauderdale has plenty of waterfront properties on canals and other waterways.

Once you’ve settle into your new home, you have time to sit back and enjoy all the exciting events and activities Fort Lauderdale has to offer, including air and boat shows, arts and crafts fairs, fashion shows, boat parades, street parties, concerts, food festivals and so many more outdoor activities.

For more information about buying or selling real estate in Fort Lauderdale, contact John Sabia at 954-850-2397 or visit the Fort Lauderdale Real Estate website.

Recent Sale at the Pilot House Condo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Clients from Canada just recently bought this 2 bedroom 2 bath condo at Pilot House Condo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a condomininium situated directly on the Intracostal Waterway.

The Purchase Price was $270,000 which respresents 83% of the listed asking price of $325,900.

Pilot House was built in 1978 and stretches the entire northeast to southeast point lots boasting incredible Intracoastal views with comfortable living. Residents at Pilot House have a choice of floor plans from townhomes and condos and when available, deepwater dockage for their boat.

If you are looking to buy, rent or sell a Fort Lauderdale Condo or home, or another one of the many Condos for sale in Fort Lauderdale, please contact John Sabia today.

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Protect yourself against storm damage by asking the right questions before closing on a home.

For newcomers and locals alike, South Florida offers a treasure trove of gorgeous beaches, beautiful homes and spectacular shopping and dinning opportunities. This time of year, however, the threat of serious property damage from relentless tropical storms and hurricanes are a harsh reality — and enough to make some homeowners question their purchase.

But dealing with unfavorable weather in South Florida shouldn’t be a factor that prevents a buyer from purchasing real estate in Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere in the state. In fact, there are plenty of precautions homebuyers can take to protect themselves against the onslaught of brewing trouble in the tropics.

 While Florida building codes go a long way to protect homeowners by requiring reinforced roofs, strong garage doors, impact-resistance glass or window shutters in remodeled homes, it’s important to keep insurance in mind throughout the entire purchasing process.

New homeowners should get replacement coverage to cover property damage and make sure their policy defines exactly what will be covered in the event of a hurricane or serious storm. Most standard home insurance policies cover the damages that hurricane-force wind and lightning causes under the wind and hail portion of the policy. Purchasing flood insurance is also a good idea since the damages from a flood are not covered in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

Be sure to carefully examine the home-inspection report before closing and use it as a maintenance checklist. Go through the list and inspect all areas of the home, including bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen, roof, electrical system and plumbing. A lot of small problems can easily be dismissed and overlooked when purchasing a home because buyers become so focused on closing the deal. Being proactive is key.

A knowledgeable Realtor should be able to assist you in finding proper resources, such as a licensed home inspector, that will guide you through the process. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask the inspection company questions, such as how long it has been in business and how well your home should hold up in the event of a hurricane or flood.

In terms of homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding markets, it’s likely prices will drop in the next several weeks as the state feels the effects of another active hurricane season. Buyers should continue to check with their agents to see what deals are available as many frustrated sellers and anxious lenders are looking to get rid of their bank-owned homes and excess inventory of condos.

In South Florida, hurricane season not only means stocking up on supplies and being prepared, but it also means getting your finances in order in the event a great deal on a new home arises.

For more information about buying or selling your home in Fort Lauderdale, contact John Sabia today at 954-850-2397 or visit the #1 Fort Lauderdale Real Estate website.

Find Affordable Fort Lauderdale-Area Foreclosures

Fort Lauderdale Foreclosures are at an all-time high as well as in other areas in South Florida and nationwide, and they offer the perfect solution for buyers who are interested in purchasing a new home at a cost below market prices. Along with a wide variety of properties, there are several types of foreclosures, including pre-foreclosures also known as “short sales“, bank foreclosures and HUD foreclosures.

When a homeowner is unable to make the payment of the requisite amount in the agreed time period, the property is reposed by the lender and resold in an auction in an effort to recover the amount that was lent.

While many banks and government agencies publish lists of their foreclosed properties, real estate agents can help save buyers money, time and stress when finding and securing a foreclosed home. Realtors can obtain information on foreclosed homes from title companies, lenders and a variety of resources at their disposal.

Realtors can also explain the government auction process and aid potential buyers in the purchase of a government foreclosure home. Quality real estate professionals work closely with banks to sell their foreclosures and put them back in the hands of homeowners. Buyers should chose a Realtor who is very knowledgeable about the neighborhoods they are interested in.

Those interested in purchasing a foreclosed home may also want to check out listings posted online, but beware that many of these Web sites, such as Foreclosure.com, require a small fee. Other Web sites allow buyers to view listings for a short trial period for free. Popular online resources include Hud.org and Realtor.com, and Web sites such as Trulia.com allow buyers to ask questions about foreclosures specific to their city, state or region.

Although challenging, buying a foreclosed property can certainly yield major benefits to homebuyers in search of a bargain. Like many aspects of the real estate world, patience is key. Find a good agent and request a full inspection of the foreclosed home before making a purchase.

While foreclosures can offer great bargains, don’t limit your search for the perfect home. In today’s market, inventory for Fort Lauderdale Homes and Fort Lauderdale Condos is presently at a 20+ month supply without any new homes coming on the market.  Privately held homes are selling below market value and the process is typically shorter than going through the bank.

When buyers go through a bank as oppose to an individual, it can sometimes take a month or two or longer to receive a response to an offer. Short sales are considerably longer.  A good agent should be able to show you a balanced mix of deals on foreclosed and privately held homes.

For more information about buying or selling a foreclosed property in Fort Lauderdale, contact John Sabia today at 954-850-2397 or visit the #1 Fort Lauderdale Real Estate web site.

South Florida May Soon Follow As Equilibrium Nears

The notion of selling a South Florida home in today’s market is daunting for some, if not disappointing for many. A second-quarter report for the Orlando, FL-based Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), however, shows progress being made in several cities throughout the Sunshine State, leaving many wondering when South Florida will follow suit.

In Jacksonville, the median prices of existing homes sold between April and June rose from $185,300 to $191,700, a 3.5 percent increase as compared to the first three months of the year, according to the report.

FAR president Chuck Bonillo calls the new findings positive, noting he expects Jacksonville to lead the Florida market out of its slump. “Realtors are reporting heightened interest from buyers, more business activity and an increase in pending sales,” he states. “Prices also appear to be reaching equilibrium in many areas ─ another encouraging sign that could boost the market’s momentum.”

South Florida, a vibrant mecca for first-time home buyers, foreclosure bargain hunters and real estate investors, reported existing home sales in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach were down 8 and 3 percent, respectively, during the second quarter as compared to last year’s second-quarter figures.

But, even with still-sluggish prices, some experts, such as those with Moody’s Economy.com, predict prices reaching equilibrium this time next year. This could be a result of fewer adjustable-rate mortgages resetting along with a steadily improving job market. A drop in foreclosures could really help jumpstart a recovery, too.

The FAR report presents a positive outlook for the state in terms of existing home sales in the next several months as we see broader gains in the fourth quarter as first-time buyers take advantage of a tax credit made available through recently approved housing stimulus legislation. Some industry insiders predict a change in the market cycle as early as spring 2009.

Moreover, people who are able to buy right now are sitting pretty as interest rates continue to drop and the selection of homes available grows. Today’s buyers have their pick of brand-new homes, not-quite-built homes and older homes in various states of foreclosure.

Home sellers are realizing they can’t get top dollar for their 25-year-old home and they’re lowering their asking price. Cases like these can result in some great bargains on homes in high-end neighborhoods that are priced cheaper than some would expect.

Even if a buyer ends up paying a little too much, it’s worth it if he or she plans to live in the home for the next 15 to 20 years. Buyers should be more cautious about overpaying for a home if they don’t intend on staying in it for very long.

Often times, the media has a tendency to take on a the-sky-is-falling mentality to real estate, painting a picture of a grim market spiraling out of control. The fact of the matter is that it’s unlikely the South Florida real estate market will stay in an ongoing state of doom as long as the long-term outlook for the state and national economies stays positive.

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Even Black Clouds Have Silver Linings

Click through BusinessWeek.com’s slide show, ranking the best- and worst-performing real estate markets by ZIP code and you’ll find a rude reminder of just how low some markets can go in one year alone. The July 31 report, “Real Estate Boom and Bust in the Same Metro Areas,” examined 20 major metropolitan areas to find out just how well they faired in light of today’s turbulent economy. What it found wasn’t all bad news. In fact, many of the studied markets appeared relatively strong. What’s most interesting is that many of the highest-performing ZIP codes are close neighbors to some of the report’s lowest-performing ZIP codes.

In South Florida, for instance, housing prices have taken a serious hit in Davie, a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale, due to a mix of weak-dollar ramifications, lending restrictions and new construction. The average asking price fell 30 percent to $276,661 between July 2007 and July 2008, according to the report. But the market appears to be much rosier in Jupiter, a wealthy beach town boarded by Palm Beach Gardens to the south and Martin County to the north. Median listing prices in Jupiter climbed 24 percent to $644,750 between July 2007 and July 2008.

Affluent markets like Jupiter are benefiting from the weak dollar because it has opened new markets for well-financed folks who can buy exactly what they want without the competition. While some may argue that it’s a bit of a stretch calling Jupiter — a good 100 miles from the heart of Miami — part of the Miami metropolitan area, the message is still clear: We may be in a recession, but not everyone is failing.

The comparison report, conducted by Altos Research, drives home the point that some neighborhoods are indeed appreciating despite an overall negative feeling toward the real estate market. Unfortunately, the accompanying article, “The Credit Crisis Turns One,” lacks a solid analysis of what these numbers can tell us about what’s in store for us a year from now if the financial crisis continues on its current course. Keep in mind that the study represents only a small snapshot of the country’s more than 43,000 ZIP codes.

It’s unfortunate that the country’s financial meltdown has brought the entire market down, negatively affecting the masses the most and the wealthiest individuals the least. For one thing, it is going to take some time before the South Florida housing market will rise above the daunting overhang of unsold homes and widespread sale of foreclosures.