Thinking of Selling? Why Now is the Time

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It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their homes on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year.

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The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the market in the spring, as compared to the rest of the year? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed the months in which most people listed their homes for sale in 2016. Here is a graphic showing the results:

The three months in the second quarter of the year (represented in red) are consistently the most popular months for sellers to list their homes on the market. Last year, the number of homes available for sale in January was 1,820,000.

That number spiked to 2,140,000 by May!

What does this mean to you?

With the national job situation improving, and mortgage interest rates projected to rise later in the year, buyers are not waiting until the spring; they are out looking for a home right now. If you are looking to sell this year, waiting until the spring to list your home means you will have the greatest competition for a buyer.

Bottom Line

It may make sense to beat the rush of housing inventory that will enter the market in the spring and list your home today.

Whether you are thinking of Buying or Selling a Home contact a professional realtor who cares about you and your time.

Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The J Team at 954.235.3589 and schedule a FREE Real Estate Consultation today!

Do Homeowners Realize Their Equity Position Has Changed?

Yesterday, we reported that according to CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report, nearly 268,000 homeowners regained equity and are no longer underwater on their mortgage in the first quarter. Homes with negative equity have decreased by 21.5% year-over-year.

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A study by Fannie Mae suggests that many homeowners are not aware of how their equity position has changed as their home has increased in value.

For example, their study showed that 23% of Americans still believe their home is in a negative equity position when, in actuality, CoreLogic’s report shows that only 8% of homes are in that position. 

The study also revealed that only 37% of Americans believe that they have “significant equity” (greater than 20%), when in actuality, 74% do!

This means that 37% of Americans with a mortgage fail to realize the opportune situation they are in. With a sizable equity position, many homeowners could easily move into a housing situation that better meets their current needs (moving to a larger home or downsizing).

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Fannie Mae spoke out on this issue in their report:

“Homeowners who underestimate their homes’ values not only underestimate their home equity, they also likely underestimate: 1) how large a down payment they could make with their home equity, 2) their chances of qualifying for mortgages, and, therefore, 3) their opportunities for selling their current homes and for buying different homes.”

CoreLogic’s report also revealed that if homes were to appreciate by an additional 5%, over 800,000 US households would regain positive equity.

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many homeowners who is unsure of your current equity situation and would like to know your options, contact a local real estate professional who can help.​

Ready to Sell your South Florida Home?  Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty.  954.235.3589 and schedule a FREE Real Estate Consultation today!

Serving your Fort Lauderdale and South Florida Real Estate needs!

Harvard: 5 Reasons Why Owning A Home Makes Sense Financially

We have reported many times that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own a home differ for each buyer, but there are many basic similarities.

Eric Belsky is the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University. He authored a paper on homeownership titled - The Dream Lives On: The Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons why people should consider buying a home.

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Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study: 

1) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.

“Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.”

2) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent.

“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.” 

3) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings.”

“Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.”

4) There are substantial tax benefits to owning.

“Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.”

5) Owning is a hedge against inflation.

“Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition. 

Bottom Line

We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially. If you are considering a purchase this year, contact a local professional who can help evaluate your ability to do so.

Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty!  954.235.3589 and schedule a FREE Real Estate Consultation today!

Serious About Home Buying? Get Pre-Approved

In many markets across the country, the amount of buyers searching for their dream home greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

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But even if you are in a market that is not as competitive, knowing your budget will give you the confidence to know if your dream home is within your reach.

Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the My Home section of their website:

“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”

One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you with this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”

Freddie Mac describes the 4 Cs that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:

1. Capacity:Your current and future ability to make your payments
2. Capital or cash reserves:The money, savings and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
3. Collateral:The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
4. Credit:Your history of paying bills and other debts on time

Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.

Bottom Line

Many potential home buyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage today. If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so as well.

Ready to buy or sell a home in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida?  Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty.

Call or Text 954.235.3589 and schedule  a FREE real estate consultation today!

33 Intercoastal - New Construction in Coral Ridge Country Club - Ft Lauderdale, FL

NEW CORAL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUM

These Luxury Waterfront Residences with spectacular views will satisfy the most discriminating of buyers.  Each unique residence comes designer ready, with top of the line appliances, European custom cabinetry, wired for smart technology, high impact windows, two parking places per unit, large storage spaces and additional guests spaces. 

The building consist of 5 stories and 11 units with 10 Foot Ceilings.  The first floor is designated for parking, building lobby and owners club room.  The Second, third and fourth floors consist of three residences per floor with two spacious penthouses located on the 5th floor.

DOCKAGE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL OWNERS FOR BOATS UNDER 80′ CONTROLLED BY THE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION.

FEATURES

• Waterfront Condominium
• 11 Luxury Residences
• Boat Slips with water and electric
• 250 Linear Feet of Waterfront
• Deep Water Ocean-Access wide canal
• Pet Friendly Building
• Secure Building entry
• Two Garage Spaces per unit
• Smart Technology Ready

AMENITIES

• Heated Infinity pool
• Golf Cart Available on site
• Garage Bike Storage
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station
• Private Elevator and Entry foyer
• Zen Garden with Lush Landscaping
• Private Storage Space
• Outdoor Barbecue Area
• Internet Ready

RESIDENCES

• Spacious open floor plans
• all corner units
• 10 Foot Ceilings
• Italian Custom Kitchen Cabinetry throughout
• Designer Features and Faucets
• Sub-Zero Wolf Appliances
• Full Gas Range
• Electrolux Front Loader Washer and Dryer
• Designer Tub and Vanities
• Spectacular Spa-Style Master Bath Retreat
• Seamless Glass Shower Enclosure and Shower Door in Master Bathroom
• Oversize Balconies with Glass Railings
• Floor-to-ceiling impact glass windows & sliders
• Beautiful intercoastal views and coral ridge skyline views
• large walk-in closets
• custom designer closets available
• wine cooler

Many Floor Plans Available - For all of them please contact us!

Second Floor Plan 

DESIGNER

MICHAEL BEAMISH DESIGN GROUP INC. has been the premier established interior design firm of Fort Lauderdale for over 38 years. Our professional services and turn key designs offered to clients are of the highest standards and quality. All projects receive our personal attention with a hands-on approach to all coordination efforts.

“I take personal pride in ensuring that my company can meet and exceed your expectations. I work personally on each project, and welcome the opportunity to discuss your project needs.”- Michael Beamish

Located Directory on the Intercoastal Waterway with 250 Feet of water frontage, this architectural masterpiece is in the prestigious section of Coral Ridge Country Club and situated in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, just minutes to the fabulous Fort Lauderdale Beach, Galleria Shoping Center and the Famous Las Olas dining and Shopping Area.  5 minutes from Coral Ridge Country Club and Golf course.

To learn more about this amazing New Construction Opportunity in the Desirable Coral Ridge Country Club Community Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Professionals by phone or text at 954.235.3589!  We work, live and play in the Coral Ridge Country Club area of Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Housing Market To “Spring Forward” This Year

Just like our clocks this weekend in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon “spring forward!” Similar to tension in a spring, the lack of inventory available for sale in the market right now is what is holding back the market.

Many potential sellers believe that waiting until Spring is in their best interest, and traditionally they would have been right.

Just Listed in Ft Lauderdale	Under $100,000	Under $200,000
Under $300,000	Under $400,000	Under $500,000
Under $600,000	Under $700,000	Under $800,000
Under $900,000	Under a Million	Luxury Homes in Ft Lauderdale

Buyer demand has seasonality to it, which usually falls off in the winter months, especially in areas of the country impacted by arctic temperatures and conditions.

That hasn’t happened this year.

Demand for housing has remained strong as mortgage rates have remained near historic lows.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently reported that the top 10 dates sellers listed their homes in 2015 all fell in April, May or June.

Those who act quickly and list now could benefit greatly from additional exposure to buyers prior to a flood of more competition coming to market in the next few months.

Bottom Line

If you are planning on selling your home in 2016, meet with a local real estate professional to evaluate the opportunities in your market.

Ready to sell your home in Fort Lauderdale?  Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group.  Serving your South Florida and Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Needs!

Call or text 954.235.3589 and schedule a homeseller's consultation today!

Low Inventory Causes Home Prices to Accelerate

Just Listed in Ft Lauderdale	Under $100,000	Under $200,000
Under $300,000	Under $400,000	Under $500,000
Under $600,000	Under $700,000	Under $800,000
Under $900,000	Under a Million	Luxury Homes in Ft Lauderdale

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price report earlier this month. The report revealed that home prices are not only continuing to rise but that the increases are accelerating. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, discussed the impact of low inventory on buyers in the report:

"Without a significant ramp-up in new home construction and more homeowners listing their homes for sale, buyers are likely to see little relief in the form of slowing price growth in the months ahead.”

Here are the percentage increases of home prices for the last two quarters:

What this means to sellers

Rising prices are a homeowner’s best friend. As reported by CoreLogic in a recent blog post:

“With demand strong and inventory thin, the share of homes selling for the list price or more has also returned to pre-bust levels. With inventory tight, homes are more likely to sell above the asking price.”

What this means to buyers

In a market where prices are rising, buyers should take into account the cost of waiting. Obviously, they will pay more for the same house later this year. However, asConstruction Dive reported, the amounts of cash necessary to buy a home will also increase.

“These factors have created a situation where the market keeps moving the goalposts in terms of the down payment necessary for first-time homebuyers to get into a home.”

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling and moving down, waiting might make sense. If you are a first time buyer or a seller thinking of moving up, waiting probably doesn’t make sense.

Thinking of Buying or Selling?  Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty can help!  

Schedule a FREE Real Estate Consultation and we will educate you on the current home buying or home selling process, Conduct a Needs analysis to understand exactly what you are looking for and connect you with great vendors such as mortgage to ensure a smooth Real Estate Transaction!

Selling Your House? 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t For Sale By Owner

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Selling Your House? 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t For Sale By Owner

In today's market, with homes selling quickly and prices rising, some homeowners might consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are five of those reasons:

1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner:

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always, find some problems with the house
• The appraiser if there is a question of value

2. Exposure to Prospective Purchasers

Recent studies have shown that 89% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 20% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

3. Results Come from the Internet

Where do buyers find the home they actually purchased?

• 44% on the internet
• 33% from a Real Estate Agent
• 9% from a yard sign
• 1% from newspaper

The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.

4. FSBOing has Become More and More Difficult

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.

The 8% share represents the lowest recorded figure since NAR began collecting data in 1981.

5. You Net More Money when Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.

Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $210,000 while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $249,000. This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $39,000 more for your home as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with a real estate professional in your marketplace and see what they have to offer.

Contact Jay Cermak, Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent With The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty.  Schedule your home sellers consultation today 954.235.3589

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How Long Does It Take To Save A Down Payment?

In a recent study conducted by Builder.com, researchers determined that nationwide it would take “nearly eight years” for a first-time buyer to save enough for a down payment on their dream home.

Depending on where you live, median rents, incomes and home prices all vary. By determining the percentage a renter spends on housing in each state and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, they were able to establish how long (in years) it would take for an average resident to save.

According to the study, residents in South Dakota are able to save for a down payment the quickest in just under 3.5 years. Below is a map created using the data for each state:

What if you only needed to save 3%?

What if you were able to take advantage of one of the Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae 3% down programs? Suddenly saving for a down payment no longer takes 5 or 10 years, but becomes attainable in under two years in many states as shown in the map below.

Bottom Line

Whether you have just started to save for a down payment, or have been for years, you may be closer to your dream home than you think! Meet with a local real estate professional who can help you evaluate your ability to buy today.

Contact Jay Cermak, Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty and schedule your FREE homebuyers consultation today 954.235.3589.