Investors - Follow the rules

What better time to become an investor in Florida real estate. Prices are really low and money is cheap, there is no doubt that almost all units can guarantee a great return for investorts from day 1.

But, like with anything else, there are valuable rules to keep in mind when purchasing property for investment. In Florida, this is particularly important because of the ubiquity of homeowner and condo owner associations. Many of these associations have strict rules about renting. Some don't allow rentals at all while others only allow rentals after either 1 or 2 years of ownership. So, even if the purchase price is a steal, if you cannot rent for a year, you are going to have to carry the holding costs. It's interesting to note that associations that restrict rentals are not doing the property owners in their resprective community any favors as prices in these communities tend to be 10 - 30% lower than communities that have a more liberal rental policy.

Over 55 or active adult communities are also not my best choice for investors. These communities usually have more restrictions than others and tend only to be viable for 4 - 6 months of seasonal rentals.

Real estate entrepreneur Ryan Moeller recently writing for the website, http://www.biggerpockets.com/ offered these four tips for anyone considering a consumer real estate investment:

Best value is any family sized unit in a great school district, single family home beats townhouse or condo but they are the hardest to find and competition among investors is always more intense.


1. Don’t count on appreciation. Appreciation is a bonus.

2. Watch the loan-to-value ratio. Ideally, the total cost of the purchase, fees and repairs should be no more than 70 percent of the appraised value of the property in good condition.

3. Maximize annual return. Aim for properties that can be rented for at least 1.5 percent to 3 percent of the purchase price. For example, plan to pay no more than $50,000 for a property that can be rented for $750 per month.

4. Have an exit strategy. Seek properties that are attractive enough to have value no matter what happens to the market – as rentals, for sale to other investors, or for sale to somebody who plans to live there via conventional financing or lease purchase.

If you or anyone you know is interested in buying investment property call me, I can show you some great opportunities. Plus, you can sign up for my Twitter account feeds and check daily for investor specials.

Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
Tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Great Florida Deals - You Just Have To Know Where To Find Them

Florida does offer amazing value now but not every deal is an easy deal. If it's a short sale, you could wait 6 months or more to close. If it's a foreclosed property, in many cases there will be significant repair costs. But, sometimes great deals do come along.

Home Exterior - Grande Blvd

For anyone up North looking for a great home in an amazing, world-class, country club community, Ibis Country Club is definitely worth considering. I have a listing that is way too good to pass up.

A gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home that has barely ever been used. It is furnished tastefully and looks like a model home. The Sellers are willing to let it go way below market value, the asking price is $215,000. In addition, they are going to give the Buyer a $30,000.00 credit to purchase a Signature golf membership. If the price is right, the Seller will include all furnishings. Just bring your toothbrush and get away from freezing cold winters up North.
Take a look at the listing here:
http://rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1665305662&s=RML&t=RML

Living Area

Ibis has 3 outstanding Nicklaus designed golf courses as well as a 50,000 sq ft club house with all the amenities one would expect. Situated in West Palm Beach just minutes from the majors highways, downtown and City Place.

If you have ever given thought to owning a home in a golf community in Florida then don't miss out on this great home at an excellent price. Not a short sale, not a foreclosure - just a deal worth looking at.

Call me - Let's talk a deal!
Tali Wolder
Floridian International Realty, Inc.
561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Do I Enjoy Doom and Gloom?

I guess from reading my posts it may seem that I enjoy every news report about Florida's slumping real estate market that is released. As a resident of Florida, I am saddened by the State's economic woes, it affects every one of us when unemployment keeps rising, services are being cut in every sector and home prices continue to spiral downward.
But, as a Realtor focused on helping buyers, I do see the current economic trends as a huge opportunity. May of my buyers who are purchasing second homes in Florida would have held off buying for 5 - 10 years because they feel they are still quite a way off retirement age to be able to utilize a second home to the fullest extent possible. With prices so low though, they really feel that they cannot miss out by waiting and are diving in and grabbing real bargains.
A recent Survey by USA TODAY showed that eight in 10 economists surveyed have downgraded their economic outlook amid the European debt crisis and a flurry of disappointing reports, but nearly all expect the nation to avoid a double-dip recession. The quarterly forecast, conducted July 15-21, was decidedly gloomier than April, when the recovery was gaining steam and most experts were ratcheting up their estimates. The area of greatest concern is jobs, most ecenomists don't believe we'll see new job creation at a sufficient level to balance the jobs lost until 2014.
Bottom line is that until the economy improves housing prices will remain low and buyers with cash will continue to find real bargains.
The economic downtown is great news for some. If you are considering the purchase of real estate, this could be the best time ever.
Call me:
Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/
tali@floridianinternational.com

Cash is King!

The real estate market here in Florida continues to struggle, it seems that there is no end to the downward spiral in prices. And buyers are becoming scarce. With the end of the government sponsored First Time Homebuyer credit, the brakes have been put on sales.
I'm working with a client who is looking in a rather high end country club community deciding whether to purchase a resale or a home from the developers. The listing agents and the developer call me constantly to see what they can do to get a deal done. Even just 3 months ago, no-one was willing to negotiate.
All this is quite strange considering that prices are at their lowest in over 10 years and money is really cheap right now. I guess the 2 major issues are that financing is tough to get unless you have stellar credit and great job security and then, the cash buyers and there are many, are in hurry and are biding their time until the right deal can be had.
I know that summer does tend to be slower than the rest of the year for home sales and I do believe that we'll see a significant uptick as the year closes but if you want to get a great deal, don't wait, as a buyer, it's definitely the best time.
Call me to find out what deals are available.
Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Insurance Premiums Hit Florida Homeowners Hard

Who can ever understand politics. Charlie Chris vetoes legislation that makes it easier for insurers to raise insurance rates, so why is everyone getting renewal notices from their insurance companies with rate increases from anywhere between 15% and 80%. Yes, that is no misprint, a Lighthouse Point homeowner, said State Farm increased her homeowner insurance premium 83 percent, from $3,395 to $6,214, even though her home was completed in 2005 and has hurricane impact windows and other features fortifying it against storms.
The Sun-Sentinel states that in the past 12 months, the Office of Insurance Regulation approved about 140 residential insurance rate hikes, ranging from less than 1 percent to 29 percent. Some individual policyholders’ bills went up more because the approved rate increase is a statewide average. The increases were approved after many insurers argued that efforts made by the state Legislature to cut premiums in 2007 and 2008 had left them unable to keep pace with claims and other costs.
As with all things in life, there is always some bad mixed in with the good. Living in Florida has so many pleasures, least of which is the year-round great weather. But insurance premiums are the bane of our lives here. There are many ways to reduce premiums - always work with an insurance agent that will give you all the facts. My husband and I managed to almost halve our premium when our agent explained how the different coverage options worked.
Let me end of my weekly mantra this time of the year: If you are considering the purchase of property in Florida, summer is the best time to buy as prices are definitely more competitive and Sellers more negotiable.
By the way, if you are looking for a gorgeous pied a terre in a quiet community in Boca Raton, consider Rainberry Park.
If you want to see what's available in real estate in Boca Raton, call me:
Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Could the Oil Spill be Good for Investors?

Pretty awful to consider but the BP oil spill could herald a new round of real estate price crashes. There is no doubt that Florida is the archetype boom/bust state. The economy here reacts dramatically to any new event and the oil spill is no different in how it will affect industry, real estate, and business generally in Florida. There is already a decline in home sales on the West coast and in the Panhandle and this in spite of the fact that there has been very little evidence to date that the oil spill has affected our coast, the real estate industry is already feeling the pinch with cancelled contracts and buying staying away. There have even been a number of real estate businesses putting in claims for lost revenue with BP.

While this is all really bad news for Florida and the local economy, it does spell opportunity for investors and those who have been thinking about purchasing a second home here but have not yet made a move. It definitely makes sense to take advantage of market jitters to buy real estate. Foreclosures or REO properties still offer excellent value and Sellers will be far more willing to negotiate if sales and prices continue their steady decline. Many of the agents with listings in high end country club communities have convinced sellers to drop their prices. This has happened in Mirasol, Broken Sound, Ballenisles, Mizner, Woodfield and many other communities.

Don't sit on the fence, make a commitment to take a look at what's available and buy now. Many of my clients from areas such as Pikesville and Baltimore in Maryland or Tenafly and Short Hills in New Jersey are in their 50's. Not ready to retire yet and would not have thought of purchasing their second homes at this stage of their lives but realize that the deals they can get now will not be available in 10 years time.

I can help you find your dream home in Florida or an excellent investment property to rent out. Call me and let's talk.

Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/
tali@floridianinternational.com

Market Still Flooded with Foreclosures

I predict that the current foreclosure trend is going to continue unabated for at least the next 2 years. New figures from RealtyTrac show that of all the homes sold in Florida in the past year, over 30% were sales of foreclosed homes. And, these homes tended to sell at over 25% below market value.

For Sellers, this is not great news. Add to the list of foreclosures, the huge number of short sales and it's easy to see why anyone who does not have a mortgage or has a small mortgage, is struggling to get a fair price for their home. I recently spoke with a client who purchased her home in Parkland for about $900,000. She has a mortgage of over $700,000 and current fair market value is around $450,000. She has no choice but to short sale her home.

Buyers on the other hand have the opportunity to really buy well. There is no better time to purchase a second home or investment property than right now. If you are close to retirement age and have been sitting on the fence wondering if you should just go ahead and buy your second home now, don't spend too much time thinking about it. I recently sold homes in the same country club community to two diferent buyers. Both purchased for a little over $500,000 from Sellers who had paid 30-40% more in 2005 and 2006.

I believe prices have bottomed out and are going to stay at this low level for quite a while. This brief table shows a few examples of how pricing has changed in certain communities:

Of significance here is the sharp pricing in pricing to 2006 and then the decline from then to 2009. I know a client is getting a great deal if he or she is able to purchase a home at levels that were paid in 2001/2. If you would like me to analyse and community for you, give me a call and I will get the data to you.

As always you can reach me at:

Tali Wolder

561-866-9372

tali@Floridianinternational.com

http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Opportunities Always Available

For patient investors and home buyers, opportunities are still plentiful. There were over 110,000 foreclosure filings in Florida in just the first 3 months of the year and while banks are trying to mediate with homeowners to avoid the lenghtly and costly court process, this is not always possible. So, expect the massive numbers of foreclosures to continue unabated throughout 2010 and beyond. For investors, this spells enromous opportunity to purchase investment units that can bring returns of up to 10% per annum.

For home buyers loking in a specific community or subdivision, patience pays off. I've worked with 2 buyers from the Northeast recently who wanted to buy second homes in an exclusive country club community in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. My first buyer bided his time for almost 8 months until a deal appeared on the market that was 25% lower than current market value for similar homes in the community. He snapped up the deal without even flying down to Florida to see it. My second buyer came to view homes about 8 weeks ago, selers were being a litle unreasonable, so none of our offers were accepted. On Thursday a home was listed in the community at an amazing price as the Selers needed to move quickly. We got the deal done in 24 hours, once again with the buyer not wasting time to come down to Florida to view the home. While the house floor plan is slightly smaller than what he was looking for, the amazing price made the deal worthwhile. Keep in mind that if you want to snag a great deal you have to move fast.

So, the bottom line is that buyers should not give up or make rash decisions, in this market, the right deals will come if you are patient and prepared to move quickly once the deal appears on the market.

Remember that I work with buyers to get the best deals in Florida real estate.
Call me or check out my website:
Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Real Estate Updates

As I sit here typing, I am loking at a gorgeous mountain view from our vacatiopn villa in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. So different from Florida.
Anyway, some important new. Legislators may extend the firt time homebuyer tax credit until September 30 from the originial closing deadline of June 30. This is to allow for all the qualifying purchases that are short sales taking longer to close than expected. Great news for Buyers.
Another bit of news, mortgage rates fall to an all time low for the year and almost as low as we have seen for the past 10 years to 4.72% for a 30 year mortgage. If this news isn't the best motivation to buy then I don't know what is. Take a look at homes for sale here
Thee seems to be no let up in the number of foreclosures coming onto the market, deals are still exceptional but if you buy a foreclosure you need to take a deep breath, put on the big boy pants and play with seasoned investors who understand the bidding process. Remember, no deals can be purchased at half the list price, most foreclosures sell for more than list price.
For buyers interested in buying at foreclosure auctions, talk to me, I will review the process and the homework you will need to do.
As always, thinking of buyiong in Florida, call me:
561-866-9372
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/
info@floridianinternational.com

Buying Bulk REO's

Many people have asked me about buying bulk REO or foreclosed properties directly from the banks. This market is overwhelmed by intermediaries on the buyer's side, the seller's side and on the intermediaries side. But there are bulk REO (tapes) to be had and regardless of all the middlemen, the deals can be exceptionally good for investors who understand that they are buying properties at 40 - 50% of current market value. So, if you feel the need to investigate and inspect every property then this type of purchase is not for you.

The minimum purchase price of these foreclosed property tapes is generally $1,000,000 but there are occassionally smaller tapes available. Sellers want a letter in intent and proof of funds and will provide the tape details within 24 - 48 hours. Buyers usually have 7 - 10 days to review the tapes and make the decision to purchase. Most tapes have properties located in Florida, California and Nevada and buyers can specify preferred locations.

Anyone interested? contact me, let's work together to find some great investments.
Tali Wolder
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/
561-866-9372

Two new bills recently signed by Govenor Crist are very beneficial to anyone considering a purchase of real estate in Florida. First, the Distressed Condominium Relief Act (SB 1196) does away with a requirement that individual condo unit owners carry hazard insurance. Also, investors purchasing block of condos are no longer assumed to be developers and so do not have developer's responsibilities and liabilities. It also lets a condo association decide whether or not to retrofit a building with sprinkler systems and removes mandatory retrofits of sprinkler systems in condos over 75 feet. This is a huge relief to struggling associations, many of whom could not afford the costs asociated with a retrofit.

Living in a house tainted with Chinese Drywall. Well, with bill HB 965, property appraisers must  adjust the assessed value of single-family residential properties affected by tainted drywall. If the home cannot be used for its intended purpose without remediation or repair, the value of the property must be assessed at $0. To qualify, a home must have imported drywall that causes a significant impact on the just value of the property. Also, the buyer must not have been aware of the presence of the tainted drywall at the time of purchase. This tax break will hopefully allow owners to remediate the problems and either live in their homes safely or sell.

So much affects the value of Florida real estate - call me if you need information or if you're thinking of investing in a florida property.
561-866-9372

tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Investing in Real Estate - For Real This Time

Getting an acceptable return on investments these days is quite a challenge, the days of a high rate on your CD or other trandional type of investment are over for the moment. If you're looking for an alternative, real estate makes a lot of sense thse days. I would not be the only person to see the potential, bank owned properties are usually snapped up within days sometimes after a heated bidding battle. In addition, foreigners from South America, Europe, Canada and even Africa are seeing the We believe that about 60% of condos in the Miami area are being purchased by foreign buyers.
There are many condo units that come onto the market every week starting at $40,000. Rates of return can equal anything from 4 - 8% annually.
An example would be a community in Margate Florida, located near Fort Lauderdale. 1/1 Units are selling at around $40,000. Most need at least $5,000 in repairs but once complete can be rented out for around $650 per month. After association fees and taxes, the investor nets about $250 per month. A return of 6.6% and the good news is that in time these units will appreciate, my estimate would be that in 48 - 60 months, these units will sell for around $60,000.
Looking to invest, don't wait too long, Call me!
Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.talisellsflorida.com/

Short Sales, Dare You Risk It?

No story or discussion about real estate today is complete without the mention of short sales. So, are they worth the effort, should you consider a short sale? Basically, a short sale is the sale of a property where the Sellers owes more than current value and the lender is prepared to forgive the difference between what can be realised in a sale and what is owed on the mortgage/s.

Short sales can be had at excellent prices but there are important factors to consider. If I am assisting a client purchase a short sale property, I always take certain steps first to ensure the deal is viable:

• First, I find out which lenders are involved. There are certain lenders who are notoriously bad at getting the short sale done effeciently. In addition, if more than one lender is involved, the deal will take longer and negotiations with each will have to take place.
• Next, it's important to know how much is owed and what the current market value is. The condition of the home will also afect the lender's willingness to get a deal done.
• Besides the mortgage, are there any other costs that the Seller may be delinquent in paying, the Homeowners Association, the property taxes, insurance, etc. All these factors will affect the purchase price and the lenders willingness to deal.
• Who is going to be negotiating the short sale. If the Seller has hired someone who understands the process and has experience in closing short sales than the transaction may be worth pursuing. But there are too many so called "experts" around who can really mes up a short sale - stay away from those deals.
• Lastly and most important, how patient is my Buyer. Short sales are usually great deals but they could take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. Don't expect to close a short sale in 45 days, there is seldom any chance of that happening.

If you take a look at the city of Boca Raton for example and search single family homes for sale, there are presently 869 short sales available. These are in all types of communities, from country clubs such as Boca Grove and St. Andrews to great family comunities like Mission Bay and Boca Falls.

From January 1, 2010 to May 25, 2010, there have been 109 sales of single family home short sales. I can comfortable say that the sales price of the short sales were, on average, at least 15% lower than current market value.

In conclusion, if you are looking to buy in South Florida, don't shy away from short sales, just make sure you are dealing with a professional who understands the process and has your best interests as her primary concern.
Call me to find your South Florida home:
Tali Wolder
561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com

Boca Raton is renowed as a city of very exclusive country clubs and gated communities. In fact, this perception is so strong that many people wanting to buy into a country club lifestyle just bypass Boca Raton completely, looking in more affordable areas. This is a mistake as the country club lifestyle is more than possible at very affordable prices in exceptional Boca Raton communities. Some of the best deals at the moment can be found in Boca Woods Country Club . This is a beautiful country club located close to great shopping and amenities. Golf memberships are limited to just 530 preventing overcrowding on the 2  exceptional 18-hole golf courses. There are only 645 single family homes in Boca Woods Country Club all have either a golf or lake view. Residents can also enjoy the 8 Har-Tru tennis courts and world-class fitness center.

The clubhouse is great with dining and banqueting facilities available for a quick lunch or a dinner with family and friends.

You can find 2,000 sq ft homes in Boca Woods Country Club in Boca Raton for under $150,000. If you are considering a winter home in Florida, take a look at Boca Woods, you will be pleasantly surprized by the value and quality of the homes for sale.

If you'd like to see properties in Boca Woods Country Club, call me:
Tali Wolder
Tali@FloridianInternational.com
561-866-9372

A Bargain in Boca

I have just heard of a great incentive to buy in Broken Sound Country Club in Boca Raton. A beautiful, large condo unit with sweeping views of the golf course and lakes is on the market at a price of $399,000. That is fair market value for the unit but the Seller is offering a little extra bonus to Buyers at this price. The Seller will pay 50% of the social or sports equity membership at closing. That's a saving of over $25,000. The home is in the lovely enclave of Nassau Bay, a great lock up and go lifestyle with warm, friendly neighbors. If you want to be situated right in the heart of Boca Raton with access to one of the best country clubs in the country then this home is worth looking at.

I'll continue to let you know about interesting deals that are available.
If you'd like to see properties in South Florida, call me:
Tali Wolder
Tali@FloridianInternational.com
561-866-9372

Good News if you're Buying in Florida

So news just released yesterday shows that the nations's real estate market looks positive for the first time since December 2006. Almost every major metropolitan area is showing year-on-year growth. Cities in Florida are the exception. Prices have continued to show declines and foreclosure filings are up.....again.

Great news if you're thinking of buying in South Florida. Looking for year-round golf and a great country club atmosphere then take a look at Broken Sound Country Club where there are some excellent deals available. If you're looking for the golf without a huge real estate investment, Boca West Country Club has 2 bedroom condos starting as low at $35,000 and for an EXCLUSIVE club in every sense of the word, that's a bargain.

For anyone looking in the Palm Beach Gardens area, Ibis Country Club has deals for a 3 bed / 2 bath home starting at under $200,000 and the community is new with very flexible membership packages for golfers.

Don't miss out on an excellent market to buy in. Now is the best time to invest in Florida.
Call me if you're interested in seeing properties:
Tali: 561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.floridianinternational.com/

Sales of Homes Surge in March

Sales of new U.S. homes showed a surge of 27 percent in March, this after February's record low and exceeding expectations as government incentives boosted sales. This was the strongest month since last July and the biggest monthly increase in 47 years. The report reflects signed contracts rather than closed sales and leads us to speculate as to this seemingly positive outcome.

The most likely explanation is the rush by many consumers who are trying to qualify for federal tax credits that will expire at the end of April. The government is offering an $8,000 credit for first-time buyers and $6,500 for current homeowners who buy and move into another property. But I do believe there are other factors driving this recent surge:

- First, investors are rapidly snapping up great foreclosure and short sale deals
- Next, the most significant growth, 44%, was in the South. Not surprising, when winter arrives, Northerners head south in droves and this was a particularly harsh winter.

Florida had far more than its usual share of visitors from Canada, New York, Michegan, Maryland, Pennsylvania and other icy places further north from here. When the visitors arrive, the temptation to avoid more icy winters up north is so strong that thousand decide to purchase a second home, becoming "snowbirds" is preferable to braving another winter of below zero temperatures.

We're moving out of the "season" now and the snowbirds are heading back home, the market quitens down and the Florida roads empty considerable. Houses linger on the market for the sumer months, Sellers start feeling desperate and lower their prices. So, why wait till the next snowstorm to Buy a home in Florida. Take it from me, your winters will always be miserably cold. Buy in the summer to avoid the rush and negotiate the best prices possible.

I'll give you professional service and valuable advice.
Call me:
561-866-9372
Tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.floridianinternational.com/

Buyers - Follow the Rules

I really enjoy my job and dealing with Buyers gives me the greatest pleasure. Especially in this market, when Buyers are able to snap up such great deals, it's rewarding to find the perfect home for a clients at a below-market price.

But there is a challenge dealing with Buyers and that is guiding them to focus on what are the most imprtant features of the home. I always caution clients to buy a home for what they cannot change about the property. And yes, it does tend to come back to that old agage, "Location, Location, Location".

If you have your heart set on a water view but you step into a home that has amazing finishes, a designer kitchen, oustanding window treatments and beautiful hardwood floors, it's easy to be swayed by all these features especialy when the only house with a water view that you looked at had none of these upgrades.

The bottom line is you can change the floors, put up window treatments and redo the kitchen, you will never be able to install a lake.

Make your list of priorities and use them to evaluate every home. If your focus is to be in the best school district, don't sacrifice this priority for a bigger and better home.

I work with my clients to determine which properties best fit their list of priorities. If you want this individualized service and attention, I would be glad to assist you find your home in South Florida.
Call at your convenience: 561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com

New Memorial Park for Palm Beach Gardens

Palm Beach Gardens is home to a number of beautiful gated communities with a bias towards all things golf. As a relatively new city, the leaders were able to design a plan for the city that would ensure it was developed in accordance with it's lush suroundings and luxury status. Over 30% of the area is designated for green spaces so there is no chance of over-development with concrete structures encroaching on the beautiful parks and natural preserve areas.

Now, to add to the many visible and usable spaces, the city has given the go ahead to build a 9/11 memorial park with a steel beam from one of the twin towers set in the center of the park. The area is being prepared and built by volunteers and all with donated funds. It's obvious that residents appreciate the town's vision.

There are some excellent property deals in Palm Beach Gardens from the majestic new developments like Mirasol and Frenchman's Reserve to the more established communities like Ballenisles and PGA.

If Palm Beach Gardens with its parks, innovative restaurants and sophisticated shopping is what you may be looking for, call me to discuss your dream home in Florida.
Tali: 561-866-9372
tali@floridianinternational.com
http://www.floridianinternational.com/

Foreclosures continue unabated

News today is that foreclosures filings are continuing at an alarming pace. In fact, the total number of foreclosures in March is the highest ever recorded by RealtyTrac since they started recording these numbers in 2005. While this news is unfortuante for many homeowners who purchased when prices were artificially high, it does mean that sales or foreclosed homes and the high number of short sale listings will continue to depress prices in the Florida market for many months. This is a huge opportunity for Buyers looking to purchase homes at prices that are at a 10 year low. If you are considering a second home or want to buy investments properties, this is the time to make the committment.
I have helped many Buyers navigate the Florida real estate market and close on great deals. Give me a call, let's discuss your needs. Check out our website at http://www.floridianinternational.com/ it's new, we just got it up and running and it is a work in progress. We'll be adding new communities and information every day. My cell number is: 561-866-9372

Is Summer Here Yet?

After weeks of great weather with temperatures in the 80's, we finally have rain. That's actually a good thing, my neighbors and I have all spent the last few weeks planting new summer gardens, weeding and mulching. The wet weather is going to help the gardens grow and in just a few weeks, all of Florida will be ablaze with vibrant color - what a wonderful sight it will be. Yes, our summers are hot and humid but everything just looks so good from the beautiful blue of the oceans to the green grass and colorful flowers. And remember, summer is the best time to buy in Florida.

The Summer Slump

By the time September arrives in the Northeast, summer has ended and the first indications of winter are evident. That's when my clients start to think about a trek South to the Sunshine State. Even with our unseasonally cold winter that just passed, our low temperatures were generally 15 degrees higher than the highs up North. Being down in Florida and enjoying a round of gold or tanning at the pool in January, leads many to start thinking about purchasing a second home in Florida.
So, the "season" begins here and the demand for property heats up. As with any other commodity, you know what happens to pricing when Buyers our out en mass looking for the perfect home. Yes, prices tend to rise and Sellers dig their heels in. Even in the current market with 10 year lows in prices, this winter definitely saw a lot of market activity.
The secret to getting great deals - put up with Florida's hot humid summer for a few days and look for property in July or August. Properties would have been languishing on the market for 3 - 4 months with litle activity and Sellers will be frustrated.
If you want to see some seasonal statistics, call or send my an email, I'll repond with info for the area or community that interests you.
Loving the life - Tali