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