Home Sales Up In Nearly Every Price Range

The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that home sales were up rather dramatically over last year in five of the six price ranges they measure.

Only those homes priced under $100,000 showed a decline (-4.6%). The decline in this price range points to the lower inventory of distressed properties available for sale and speaks to the strength of the market.

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

Every other category showed a minimum increase of at least 4.6%, with sales in the $250,000- $500,000 range up 15.2%!

Here is the breakdown:

What does that mean to you if you are selling?

Houses are definitely selling. If your house has been on the market for any length of time and has not yet sold, perhaps it is time to sit with your agent and see if it is priced appropriately to compete in today’s market.

When Selling Your Home you must think "Strategic" pricing of your home based on the looks of your home and the competition of homes for sale, plus knowing what Sold in your neighborhood.  As we like to say it's a beauty contest and a price war.

(Light Green Lines Represent Active Homes for Sale, Dark Green are the Sold Homes and the Red Line are homes under contract that haven't sold yet.)

In Broward County Florida there are about 4,852 Active Homes for Sale.  On Average only only 1200-1400 of those homes will actually sell.  This is just for Single Family Homes in South Florida particularly Broward County area.  That means in Broward county only 25% of homes for sale actually sell.  And the story changes per price point.

As a Realtor in South Florida I keep current with the market stats and information and I can help you come up with a strategic plan to sell your home for top dollar and in the least amount of time.  Call Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at 954.235.3589 today!

Billionaire: Buy a Home… And if You Can, Buy a Second Home!

Three years ago, John Paulson gave a keynote address at the CNBC/Institutional Investor Conference. In his speech, he told those in attendance that he believes housing will continue its strong recovery for the next 4 to 7 years, saying that:

"The housing market has bottomed. It's not too late to get involved. I still think buying a home is the best investment any individual can make. Affordability is still at an all-time high."

 Search Fort Lauderdale Homes For Sale

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

When asked how the average person could take advantage of the current real estate market at the time, Paulson said:

“Buy a home and, if you can, buy a second home.”

Two years ago, Paulson reiterated his statement, saying:

"I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment you can make is to buy a primary residence that you're the owner-occupier of."

Who is John Paulson and why should you listen to him?

Paulson is the person who, back in 2005 & 2006, made a fortune betting that the subprime mortgage mess would cause the real estate market to collapse. He understands how the housing market works and knows when to buy and when to sell.

What do others think of Paulson?

According to Forbes, John Paulson is:

“A multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, Paulson is:

“A hedge fund tycoon who made his name, and a fortune, betting against subprime mortgages when no one else even knew what they were.” 

So… Is what he said still true?

The core reasons behind Paulson’s statements still ring true today, but why does he believe homeownership is such a great investment?

Paulson broke down the math of homeownership as an investment:

1. "Today financing costs are extraordinarily low.”

The latest numbers from Freddie Mac show us that you can still get a 30-year mortgage at historically low rates of under 4%.

2. “And if you put down, let's say, 10 percent and the house is up 5 percent,” as many experts predict, “then you would be up 50 percent on your investment."

How many are seeing a 50% return on a cash investment right now?

Paulson goes on to compare the long term financial benefits of owning versus renting:

3. “And you’ve locked in the cost over the next 30 years. And today the cost of owning is somewhat less than the cost of renting. And if you rent, the rent goes up every year. But if you buy a 30-year mortgage, the cost is fixed.”

Bottom Line

Whenever a billionaire gives investment advice, people usually clamor to hear it. This billionaire gave simple advice – if you don’t yet live in your own home, go buy one.

Ready to Buy your First or Second/Third Home?  Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty today!  954.235.3589 and schedule a FREE Real Estate Consultation.

Real Estate Investors: More Sales and Higher Prices

The National Association of Realtors recently released their 2016 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey. The survey revealed many characteristics of both vacation home purchasers and investors. Two weeks ago, we posted on the vacation home market. Today, we want to concentrate on the investor real estate market.

The survey revealed that investment-home sales in 2015 jumped 7.0 percent to an estimated 1.09 million from 1.02 million in 2014.

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist discussed the increase in the number of sales:

"Despite a smaller share of distressed properties coming onto the market, investment purchases reversed course in 2015 after declining for four straight years. Steadily increasing home prices and strong rental demand appear to be giving more individual investors assurance that purchasing real estate will diversify their portfolios and generate additional income if they decide to rent out the home."  

Prices Are Also Up

The price paid by investors also increased in 2015 by 15.3%.

If you are thinking of investing this is a good time to start entering the investment market with Strong home prices going up and the huge demand for renters to live somewhere.  2016 may not be the best year for house flipping unless you get an amazing deal on a property and put in a lot of work.  However long term investments Real Estate is still the king!  Buy a property and rent it out, year over year the home values will continue to rise and in some situations your rental unit will not cost you a dime because of the rent you receive.

In South Florida there is a big market in Multi-Family Homes...Meaning Duplex, Tri-Plex and Four-Plex units!  Have you considered buying a duplex living in half and renting out the other unit?  May make your mortgage payment $0.  According to many analysts in South Florida and Fort Lauderdale there is a big return on investment year over year when it comes to multi-family units.

Ready to purchase an investment property in South Florida and Fort Lauderdale?  Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at 954.235.3589!

Villas by the Sea - New Construction in Lauderdale by the Sea

Oceanfront Living at it's finest!  Villas by the Sea has it all in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL.  For More more Information or if Interested in Purchasing a unit at Villas by the Sea Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group at 954.235.3589 by phone or text!

OCEANSIDE RESIDENCES FROM THE $800s

Villa By The Sea’s innovative oceanfront condominiums feature brand new designs and a fabulous oceanfront lifestyle. Floor plans include gourmet island kitchens, luxurious master suites, sun splashed balconies, and spacious living-dining areas offering breathtaking ocean views. Residents enjoy spectacular oceanfront resort amenities including a beautifully designed 2-story clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the oceanside pool complete with private cabanas and spa overlooking miles of white sand beach and the blue Atlantic.

Check out this Video about Villas by the Sea and Lauderdale By the Sea

OCEANFRONT LIVING THE WAY IT SHOULD BE

Villas By The Sea welcomes you to oceanfront luxury living the way it was meant to be — carefree, low key and very high style. This vibrant seaside village has become one of the most successful new home enclaves in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea because it offers a rare combination of low-maintenance condominium living and luxurious resort amenities in a private, oceanfront enclave.

Residents enjoy spectacular oceanfront resort amenities including:

• Beautifully designed 2-story clubhouse
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Oceanside pool complete with private cabanas
• Spa overlooking miles of white sand beach and the blue Atlantic

Seaside living doesn’t get any better than this. With easy access to Highway A1A and US Highway 1, this new oceanfront enclave is only minutes from Lauderdale Beach, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk arts and entertainment district. Villas By The Sea, where living is a sunny breeze.

Minto doesn't just build great new homes. We create inspiration.

Founded in 1955, Minto is a family-owned business that has grown over the last 60 years into one of North America’s leading builders, with more than 80,000 homes built, including 25,000 in Florida. Minto creates a wide array of award-winning new homes and resort-style master-planned communities to meet every lifestyle. The company has earned national awards and recognition that include consistently high rankings from Eliant Customer Service Surveys, Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) and multiple national awards in community and home design.

Lifestyle

A beautifully designed and aptly appointed 2-story oceanfront clubhouse sets the tone for residents with an amiable, club-like atmosphere. Enjoy a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center or simply kick-back and relax in one of the club rooms while you take in another gorgeous Florida sunset.Outlined in a lovely landscape of palms, the pool area is the perfect place to catch up on a book — or your tan, and the pool itself is always refreshing. Alongside the pool are private cabanas as well as a rejuvenating spa, which look out over a 600-foot sandy stretch of white beach and blue Atlantic Ocean.

CALL 954.235.3589 to schedule a showing and learn more information about Villas at the Sea!

Current Floor Plan Still Available:

Coastal

From $800,490

1,565 a/c square feet

1,697 total square feet

2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

READY TO MOVE IN

All residences come completely finished with your choice of professionally designed color-coordinated packages including European Style cabinetry, granite countertops, 20” x 20” porcelain tile flooring throughout the living areas, and plush carpeting in the bedrooms.

IN YOUR KITCHEN

• European Style cabinetry
• 3/4” granite countertops with 1-1/2” built-up edge and full-height backsplash
• Bosch standard depth French door refrigerator
  in stainless steel
• Bosch cooktop
• Bosch stainless steel single built in oven
• Bosch convection microwave over cooktop in stainless steel
• Bosch dishwasher in stainless steel
• In-sink-erator sound control disposal
• Moen under-mount stainless steel sink
• Moen faucet in stainless steel finish with integrated pull-out sprayer
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Soft close cabinet doors and drawers
• Decorative cabinet crown molding and light valance
• Pull out wastebasket under sink
• Cabinet liner in sink base cabinet
• decorative glass doors with matching interior on either side of microwave oven

IN YOUR BATHS

• 20” X 20” porcelain tile flooring, 13” x 13” wall tile, full height shower walls in all bathrooms
• European Style cabinetry
• Granite countertops with 4” backsplash
• Kohler under-mount sinks
• Moen 8” widespread faucets in brushed nickel finish
• Framed mirrors above vanities
• Designer wall mounted vanity light fixtures
• Recessed lighting in all baths
• Kohler jetted tub in master bath (per plan)
• Master bath shower featuring Moen handheld shower with slide bar and rain shower head
• Seamless glass enclosure in master bath
• Kohler 2-piece elongated raised height commodes in all baths
• Kohler pedestal sink in powder room (per plan)

BUILDING AMENITIES

• Fire protection sprinkler systems
• Resident parking tucked conveniently underneath the buildings
• Decorator appointed lobby with computerized access control
• Decorator appointed computer programmed limited access elevators
• 24-hour roving patrol
• Private beachfront sundeck (2nd floor of Ocean Front building only)
• Storage lockers

INSIDE YOUR RESIDENCE

• 9’7” - 9’8” Ceiling height in main living areas and bedrooms (per plan)
• 10’4” - 11’0” Ceiling height in main living areas & bedrooms on Penthouse level (per plan)
• Spacious balconies with aluminum railing
• Impact glass for hurricane protection on all windows, sliding glass doors and French doors
• 8’ Tall sliding glass doors (per plan)
• 8’ Tall entry door with satin nickel hardware
• Light orange peel on all ceilings and walls
• 20” x 20” porcelain tile through living areas (expect bedrooms)
• Luxurious stain-resistant carpeting in bedrooms
• 8’ Tall solid core interior doors and closet doors
• Satin nickel lever door hardware
• 5-1/2” baseboards
• Energy-efficient central air-conditioning and heating
• Central hot water
• High speed structured wiring network for phone, video and computer. Includes certified Cat-5 data lines and RG-6 quad shield coaxial cable
• Pre-wired for ceiling fans in all bedrooms
• Recessed lighting at halls, baths, kitchen and great room (per plan)
• Pre-wired lighting outlets at foyer, dining area and breakfast area/breakfast bar (per plan)
• Decora-style rocker light switches and outlets
• Alarm system with one keypad and one year free monitoring
• Abundant closet space with ventilated vinyl shelving
• Bosch front-loading washer and dryer
• European Style cabinetry in laundry room
• Built in laundry sink (per plan)

PRIVATE SEA CLUB

• Beautiful 2-story oceanfront clubhouse
• Cardio fitness room with state of the art equipment
• Oceanfront social club room for entertaining
• Oceanfront heated pool
• Whirlpool
• Furnished cabanas

For More Information and for Brochures on this amazing opportunity to buy new construction in Lauderdale by the Sea please Email Jay.Cermak@KW.com

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.

Past, Present & Future Home Values

In CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, they revealed home appreciation in three categories: percentage appreciation over the last year, over the last month, and projected appreciation over the next twelve months.

Here are state maps for each category:

The Past – home appreciation over the last 12 months

The Present – home appreciation over the last month

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 Future – home appreciation projected over the next 12 months

Bottom Line

Homes across the country are appreciating at different rates. As we have mentioned before, the rate of home price appreciation across the country is due to a strong housing market reacting to supply and demand, and not a new housing bubble.

Interesting to note that here in South Florida as a state we have outpaced California in 2 of the charts and in the next 12 months homes are expected to appreciate at 9%...higher than just about all the other states except california.  It's a GREAT time to buy here in South Florida!

If you plan on relocating to another state, and are waiting for your home to appreciate more, you need to know that the home you will buy in another state may be appreciating even faster.

Meet with a local real estate professional who can guide you through the next steps and help you decide what's right for you.

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

The Importance of Using an Agent To Sell Your House

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold.

In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s behavior during the home buying process. For the past three years, 92% of all buyers have used the internet in their home search according to the National Association of Realtors’ most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers.

However, the report also revealed that 95% percent of buyers that used the internet when searching for a home purchased their home through either a real estate agent/broker or from a builder or builder’s agent. Only 2% purchased their home directly from a seller whom the buyer didn’t know.

Buyers search for a home online, but then depend on an agent to find the actual home they will buy (53%), or to negotiate the terms of the sale & price (48%), or to help understand the process (60%).

The plethora of information now available has resulted in an increase in the percentage of buyers that reach out to real estate professionals to “connect the dots”. This is obvious, as the percentage of overall buyers who used an agent to buy their home has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process.  Contact Jay Cermak Top Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Agent with The Edwards Real Estate Group today! 954.235.3589 and schedule a FREE Real Estate consultation!