Great Florida Homes Blog

Broward County includes well known cities of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach,
Fort Lauderdale, Highland Beach, Hillsboro, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac and Weston.

There are currently 8133 Single Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.
3663 priced under $250,000
2359 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
757 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
439 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
336 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
 190 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
386 priced over $2,000,000

For the month of February, 568, Single Family Homes SOLD in Broward County.
406 were sold under $250,000
184 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
28 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
12 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
4 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
6 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
3 were sold over $2,000,000

There are currently 13,074 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.  Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached as well as single story to multi levels.

9975 are priced under $250,000
1901 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000 
532 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
273 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000            
192 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
95 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000     
Up by 3 are priced over $2,000,000

For the month of February 913 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Broward County.
Note that many of the lower priced multifamily homes are located in Adult only communities with an over the age of 55 requirement to live there.

854 were sold under $250,000  
76 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000 
17 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000 
5 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000 
2 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,00
None were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000 
1 was sold over $2,000,000  

Palm Beach County includes well known cities of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth, Wellington and West Palm Beach.

There are currently 7404 single family homes listed For Sale in Palm Beach County.

2409 priced under $250,000  DROP BY 2000
2396 priced between 250,001 and $500,000 
835 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
453 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000 
416 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
273 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000 

For the month of February, 383 Single Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach County.

223 were sold under $250,000
114 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000  
19 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000  
4 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
6 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000 
4 was sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
8 were sold over $2,000,000 

FOR SALE in Palm Beach County. Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached as well as single story to multi levels.

6667are priced under $250,000
1222 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
356 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
201 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000  
109 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
50 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
73 are priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of February, 513 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach county.

460 were sold under $250,000
29 are sold between 250,001 and $500,000
6 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
7 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
8 was sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000 
1 was sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
2 were sold over $2,000,000 

To see specific details on a specific category of homes actively for sale or sold, please email us at Team@GreatFloridaHomes.com and we will forward the information for your reference or review.

Information deemed reliable as provided by the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the Realtor Association of the Palm Beaches.

Single Family Homes for Broward and Palm Beach county were slightly higher in listings. Multi-Family homes listed for Broward County were about even and in Palm Beach there were a few less choices.  Single Family and Multi-Family homes for Sale in Broward were up slightly.  Increases for sales in Single family and Multi-Family were up for both in Palm Beach county.  The one that blows me away is ELEVEN Homes sold in February over 2,000,000 Dollars!

I received this list from one of my lenders.  As I read it, I thought this is as bad as it get...

· All Borrower's Birth Certificate will be required with Pictures taken in the hospital with medical staff. Birth certificate with a live home delivery will not be eligible for first time home buyers.

· Marriage certificate with bridal dress will be required if both husband and wife are required to qualify for the loan

· GFE will not require signature but will require blood sampling from a recognized institution within three days of application

· DNA test will be performed at closing to avoid any ARM length transaction. Loan funding will be contingent upon satisfactory receipt of DNA results.

· Verification of deposit will be acceptable only if Bank representative is present at the closing.
· Copy of Pay stubs and W2 will only be acceptable through IRS only with a wax sealed envelop mailed directly to the lender.

· 7 Witnesses from neighborhood will be required as proof of primary residence in case Borrower owns more then 1 property.

· All appraisers will be required to use Mask and ear plugs at the time of inspection to avoid any personal influence by the Borrower for the appraised value.

· In order to correctly calculate DTI and true house running ratio a list of Grocery items, monthly usage and brand names will be required with receipts and projected 12 months consumption chart.

· Closing will not occur without loan officer presence at settlement and Loan officer picture will be taken at the closing in a Mug shot format with loan number. Picture should meet standard guideline of 2 X 2 inch in color format with one facing and one side view.

· Loan officer picture will be attached to the Deed and note and will be made available for general public and security agencies in case Borrower defaults on the loan.

No it's not true, but it FEELS like it is.  Most Buyers and Lenders feel like they are being punished for trying to get a mortgage.

Hope I was able to bring some light heartiness to the new rules we are all having to endure!

REAL ESTATE UPDATE FOR BROWARD COUNTY & PALM BEACH COUNTY
January 2010

Broward County includes well known cities of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Highland Beach, Hillsboro, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac and Weston.

There are currently ­­­­­8017 Single Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.

­­­3613 priced under $250,000
2319 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
755 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
435 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
316 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
194 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
380 priced over $2,000,000

For the month of January, 568, Single Family Homes SOLDin Broward County. 

397 were sold under $250,000
124 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
21 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
9 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
10 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
5 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
2 were sold over $2,000,000

There are currently 13,066 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.  Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached as well as single story to multi levels.

9975 are priced under $250,000
1925 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
529 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
272 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
195 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
94 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
73 are priced over $2,000,000

For the month of January,  913 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Broward County.

Note that many of the lower priced multi family homes are located in Adult only communities with a over the age of 55 requirment to live there.

847 were sold under $250,000
42 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
15 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
5 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
1 was sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,00
3 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
None were sold over $2,000,000

Palm Beach County includes well known cities of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth,  Wellington and West Palm Beach.

There are currently 7308 single family homes listed For Sale in Palm Beach County.

­4843 priced under $250,000
2325 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
808 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
445 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
393 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
255 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
558 priced over $2,000,000

For the month of January, 383 Single Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach County. 

216 were sold under $250,000
122 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
27 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
7 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
6 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
1 was sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
4 were sold over $2,000,000

There are currently 8741 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Palm Beach County.  Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached as well as single story to multi levels.

6713 are priced under $250,000
1218 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
358 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
201 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
112 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
57 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
82 are priced over $2,000,000

For the month of January,414Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach county.

376 were sold under $250,000
29 are sold between 250,001 and $500,000
6 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
3 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
1 was sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
None were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
None were sold over $2,000,000

To see specific details on a specific category of homes actively for sale or sold, please email us at Team@GreatFloridaHomes.com and we will forward the information for your reference or review.

Information deemed reliable as provided by the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale
and the Realtor Association of the Palm Beaches.

Single Family Homes and Multi-Family homes listed for Broward County were up marginally.  Sales for January for both were down marginally.

Palm Beach County Single Family Home listings were down marginally, but Multi-family listing were up marginally.   Both Single Family Home and Multi-Family sales for Palm Beach County were up marginally.

To me the definition of Marginally, is the range of 100-300 units.

I have the good fortune to be involved with multiple boards in the City of Coral Springs. One of them is Enterprise Cora l Springs. It is the umbrella organization for the Chamber of Commerce, The Council of Executive Officers and the Economic Development Foundation.

In a board meeting last week I learned about a new program offered to Commercial and Retail businesses that I thought was another wonderful asset to living or doing business in Coral Springs. Coral Springs has a reputation for being “Difficult” to work with on their permitting process. The reputation is earned not because the City is difficult, it is because the contractors and architects try to circumvent the written rules and requirements. Even after being notified of their errors, they repeat them.

The Economic Development Foundation with their, ” Coral Springs Preferred Client Program”, will work with the qualifying business to assist them in the building permit processes. Sort of like having a coach! They have had success with this new program. For more details on the program contact Paul Cawley at the Economic Development Foundation at 954-346-6996 or at pauledf@bellsouth.net

This is just one more reason I enjoy being a Coral Springs resident is that I always felt the City Government for Coral Springs is very proactive. Some city governments stick their heads in the stand and say we are perfect and there is no room for improvement. I’ve always believed that you die when you stop learning and growing. Coral Springs Leadership has always been proactive and attacked any issue or potential issue head on and aggressively proactive. Hence the reason, the city is a Malcom Baldridge Award Winner, not once, but TWICE!!

I was thinking the other day about all of the material that I choose to read or have to read.  I enjoy statistical data especially regarding the real estate industry and what applies to the consumer investing in a home for personal or professional reasons.

I admit to browsing through the grocery store gossip magazines while I wait to check out but find no reason to have a subscription.  Generally the headlines are enough entertainment.

In my reading basket are the industry magazine of CRS, Florida Realtor and Realtor magazine.  I will read them before the month is over but they are not the ones I want to read in my downtime.

My favorite magazine is Guidepost.  It used to be called a Christian Guide for Successful living and now it is a Guide for Successful Living because it features multiple faiths.  What I enjoy about it are the Miracle stories of hope and inspiration.  These give me the energy to get past the negatives in life.

It is a toss up for my second and third favorites.  I like the fashion advice in Oprah, the deal with it realities of Lisa Kogan and Martha Beck's advice.  The highlight of her magazine is at the very back called, "What I know For Sure".  It is always full of right on target wisdom.    

Lastly would be BOTTOMLINE Personal addition.  I see it as a sort of Corporate Readers Digest.  (Speaking of which if I find a Readers Digest in a waiting room, it is the first thing I pick up to read).

So do these three top favorites define me as a person or a professional?  I enjoy sharing what I learn from the stories and information in these publications and anything else that I read that I feel would be useful for someone.

Gotta go!  I'm off to the reading basket  ;-)

REAL ESTATE UPDATE FOR BROWARD COUNTY & PALM BEACH COUNTY
December 2009  

Broward County includes well known cities of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach,
Fort Lauderdale, Highland Beach, Hillsboro, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Plantation,
Sunrise, Tamarac and Weston. 

There are currently 7,760 Single Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.

3529 priced under $250,000
2186 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
735 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
424 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
313 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
191 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
382 priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of December, 1001, Single Family Homes SOLD in Broward County. 

601 were sold under $250,000
285 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
71 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
19 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
13 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
5 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
5 were sold over $2,000,000

There are currently 12,918 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County. 
Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached
as well as single story to multi levels. 

9827 are priced under $250,000
1907 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
539 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
278 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
191 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
89 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
79 are priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of December, 1196 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Broward County.

Note that many of the lower priced multi-family homes are located in Adult only communities
with a over the age of 55 requirement to live there. 

1042 were sold under $250,000
107 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
32 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
14 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
1 was sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,00
None were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
None were sold over $2,000,000 

Palm Beach County includes cities of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach,
Greenacres, Lake Worth, Wellington and West Palm Beach.

There are currently 7023 Single family homes listed For Sale in Palm Beach County. 

2357 priced under $250,000
2281 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
775 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
446 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
383 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
237 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
544 priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of December, 557 Single Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach County. 

305 were sold under $250,000
179 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
37 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
14 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
8 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
5 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
9 were sold over $2,000,000 

Currently there are, 8662 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Palm Beach County. 
Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or
unattached as well as single story to multi levels. 

6646 are priced under $250,000
1209 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
358 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
200 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
113 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
49 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
87 are priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of December, 560 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach County.

 493 were sold under $250,000
35 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
18 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
6 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
6 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
None were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
2 were sold over $2,000,000 

In summary the listings were down in Broward County and up in sales.  In Palm Beach County the listings were down and the sales were down compared to November. 

To see specific details on a specific category of homes actively for sale or sold, please email us at Team@GreatFloridaHomes.com and we will forward the information for your reference or review. 

Information deemed reliable as provided by the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale
and the Realtor Association of the Palm Beaches.

Did you know that today is a palindromic day? Meaning that the numbers are the same forwards and backwards 01-02-2010.

There will be 12 palindromic days this century.  

Obscure facts are so interesting!

Broward County and Palm Beach County Real Estate Listings and Sales for November 2009 Broward County includes well known cities of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Highland Beach, Hillsboro, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac and Weston.

There are currently 8058 Single Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.

3536 priced under $250,000
2354 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
778 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
447 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
339 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
210 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
393 priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of November, 809 Single Family Homes SOLD in Broward County.

498  were sold under $250,000
234 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
36 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
20 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
13 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
5 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
3 were sold over $2,000,000

There are currently 13673 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Broward County.  Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached as well as single story to multi levels.

10,345 are priced under $250,000
2062 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
583 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
284 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
210 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
108 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
78 are priced over $2,000,000 

For the month of October, 1007 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Broward County.

Note that many of the lower priced multifamily homes are located in Adult only communities with a over the age of 55 requirement to live there.

906 were sold under $250,000
63 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
19 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
10 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
7 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,00
2 was sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
None were sold over $2,000,000

Palm Beach County includes well known cities of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth,  Wellington and West Palm Beach.

There are currently 7125 Single Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Palm Beach County.

3496 priced under $250,000
2347 priced between 250,001 and $500,000
796 priced between $500,001 and $750,000
451 priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
386 priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
259 priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
552 priced over $2,000,000

For the month of October, 647 Single Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach County.

 392 were sold under $250,000
196 were sold between 250,001 and $500,000
31 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
11 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
7 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
3 were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
7 were sold over $2,000,000 

There are currently 8971 Multi-Family Homes LISTED FOR SALE in Palm Beach County.  Multi-Family Homes include condos, town homes, villas, coops, all attached and or unattached as well as single story to multi levels. 

6874 are priced under $250,000
1264 are priced between 250,001 and $500,000
357 are priced between $500,001 and $750,000
201 are priced between $750,001 and $1,000,000
122 are priced between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
54 are priced between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000
98 are priced over $2,000,000

For the month of October, 622 Multi-Family Homes SOLD in Palm Beach county.

570 were sold under $250,000
38 are sold between 250,001 and $500,000
7 were sold between $500,001 and $750,000
4 were sold between $750,001 and $1,000,000
2 were sold between $1,000,001 and $1,500,000
None were sold between $1,500,001 and $2,000,000 N
one sold over $2,000,000

In Summary the overall market for the month of November was down considerably in listings and sales in both counties.  It is good to see reduced inventories of listings.  We are hoping that it is only the holiday mode that was part of the decline in sales.

To see specific details on a specific category of homes actively for sale or sold, please email us at Team@GreatFloridaHomes.com and we will forward the information for your reference or review.

Information deemed reliable as provided by the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the Realtor Association of the Palm Beaches.

I started my day with this message.  It was a very enjoyable belly laugh.  Just one of those - Life Comes At You Fast, but funny because too often these are so true.  One of my friends relatives sent it to her.  It was perfect to share to brighten your day with a smirky smile!

Random Thoughts of the Day:

1) Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

2) I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

3) There is a great need for a "sarcasm" font.

4) How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

5) I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

6) MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5.  I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

7) Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

8) I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least "kind of tired".

9) Bad decisions make good stories.

10) You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

11) I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

12) I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail.  What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

13) I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day.  What a waste.

14) I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15) I disagree with Kay Jewelers.  I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with "Miller Lites" than "Kay".

This week I gave a presentation to the Trustees of the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce. They wanted to have a market update. I added in points on what it takes to be a good Buyer or Seller.

For market trends, home prices continue to depreciate but nowhere near the pace of the past two years. (I used a hand gesture of a dive that is now bouncing along the bottom, trying to stay there).

New construction starts are at their lowest levels since the 1950's. Foreclosure activity is 6 times the normal amount and we've been in this HELL since the end of 2005. 4 LONG YEARS and a little longer to go -
But we have survived the worst!!Currently interest rates are hovering at the low 5's for a
30 year and very high 4's for 15 year mortgage.

Everyone has a different perspective on the recovery. The bottom line is that we are headed for a recovery. Some feel it will be a sideways move for the next 5 years. I'm sticking with the NAR (National Association of Realtors) economist who feels the worst is over and great improvement should be seen by the second quarter of 2010. Of course there are concerns that this will hold true.  The stock market is on the increases which should lead to job increases eventually.  Continued job losses could have a debilitating effect on our recovery.  A national disaster could put a serious dent in our recovery efforts.  

We have tracked our business for 10 years and it has no pattern.  The highs and lows are affected by events.  For example when the horific event of 9-11 occurred it was if someone walked in and turned off our lights and they did not come back on until December 1st.  Schools starting and stopping have an effect on our business as well as most holidays.  This is LIFE!

What is important to remember is that real Estate is local. (I gave them a hand-out that showed the differences in median sales prices and absorption rates.)  Median sales prices changed from September 2008 to September 2009 by approximately $52,000 in Broward Count and over $77,000 in Palm Beach county for single family homes.  Absorption rates (How long it takes a property to sell on average) went from 25 months to 8 months for single family in Broward County and from 34 months to 10 months for Palm Beach county. The absorption rates for Multi-family homes went from 38 months to 13 months in Broward County and from 33 months to 14 months for Palm Beach county.

Governments around the world are pushing to stimulate economies. Here we have the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer credit that has brought almost 2 million Buyers to the market place.  The Federal Reserve has a plan to buy $1.45 trillion worth of mortgage-backed securities to support the housing market.  This is anticipated to be phased out in early 2010 - The elimination of both of these could create another downturn, but the purpose of their timing is to buy time for the markets to recover.

Other issues with closing sales are the new HVCC rules introduced by Governor Como of NY. The HVCC is the Home Value Code of Conduct. It's a mess, but NAR is working on getting it fixed or modified so it is useful and not destructive as it has been so far. Although the intent of the bill was good so as not to overvalue properties, it has created a nightmare with Appraisal Clearing Houses sending out appraiser that have no familiarity with the areas they are appraising.

Also January 1st, 2010, The Truth in Lending laws will change again for better protection of consumers. These relate to Good Faith Estimates and again meant to protect consumers.

As of September Pending Home Sales have continued to rise for the 8th straight month.  All good news because it shows buyers returning to the market. Deals are not necessarily closing because of the short sale process. A short sale for those of you that don't know is where you owe the bank $200,000 for your home and it is worth $100,000. The bank has to forgive the difference in order for you to sell it short. It might not necessarily be forgiveness.  They may attach a 1099 to you for the income difference.

From an inventory perspective we still have an oversupply of homes in Broward and Palm Beach counties, although it is steadily decreasing. The lingering concern remains how much are the banks holding back on the next wave of foreclosures to be brought to the market place. These REO's (Real Estate Owned) could drive prices down again. 

There are 300,000's Foreclosures per month coming into inventory in the US .
One in 156 Homes in Florida has received a foreclosure filing.
We are the 4th highest in the nation. The good news is Florida IS Not #1!!
The national Average for foreclosure filings is ONE IN EVERY 136 HOMES.
Some banks are foreclosing and then turning the property over to Property
Management firms and renting them out until the market recovers where they
can regain some of the lost value.  There are qualifications for this to take place.

WHAT I SEE DIFFERENT TODAY.  The Internet has changed the home buying experience. Buyers are much more educated, but often with outdated information. This is where using a Realtor has value. Buyers will start their Internet search up to 2 years before they are actually ready to buy.

WHAT HAS STAYED THE SAME AND NEVER CHANGES?  Proper Pricing. Price is King in Any Market. Your property is compared to what is on the market WHEN you go on. This is a constant variable that requires constant updates.

What does it take to be a Qualified buyer? Besides being PRE-APPROVED. Good credit scoring is still a big part of the decision on what type of loan you will get. Top 10 List (Borrowed From Dr. Chantel Saucier)

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.
 9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.
 8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan
     Officer.
 7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.
 6. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.
 5. Thou shalt not buy furniture.
 4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.
 3. Thou shalt not use credit cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.
 2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!
 1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job during
                                          the loan process.

HOW TO BE A GOOD SELLER.  Start packing early. The longer we live in a property the more we collect, be a minimalist. Your home should show like a model (Like no one lives there).  Often this is unrealistic but it certainly helps move your property quicker (in addition to proper pricing).

With proper pricing the world will communicate to you in one of two ways. One with their feet they come and two with their pocketbooks they make offers.  No traffic or offers means wrong price.

DO YOU NEED A LAWYER FOR A CLOSING? 
In Florida, for a closing you can use a Lawyer or a Title Co and many lawyers
own their own title Companies. We make my decision based on how the negotiations go. If the parties are jerks up front
during the negotiations, letting their EGO's get the best of them, we use a Lawyer to handle the closing, because the potential to need their intervention is greater.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD RENTAL PROPERTY?  A positive cash flow, unless you need a loss in your portfolio. We have had people that do. This is subjective.

WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS OF OWNING A RENTAL PROPERTY?  Homes have to be maintained even though you have someone else living there. You have to have a budget for putting money away for repairs. Other pitfalls are Bad Tenants. Money does not buy class or good housekeeping.  In spite of background checks, people are still people. Visit their current home when possible. If it is a pig sty, that is how they live. Referrals are Okay, but why would I give you the name of someone that would say something bad about me. There are a lot of desperate people out there being foreclosed on who might still be a good Tenant. If I was a Landlord, I'd be visiting my property for a visual. The best place to start is a good strong lease that helps you get them out without too much inconvenience if they turn bad on you.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD AGENT?  Ask your friends if they were thrilled with their real estate experience, because the majority are not. Statistics show that 64 percent of home sellers would use their Realtor again. Fortunately our repeat business is strong. We have sold 7 homes for one client alone. When interviewing agents, call them or send an email from their website, how quick do they respond to you, what is their method of follow up and how do they update you on what they are doing to sell your property?

HOW DO YOU FIND A GOOD AGENT?  One way is to look for an agent that is a Certified Residential Specialist. There are only 5% of us in the nation and staying on top of our game and trends is a priority. Or look for an agent that is full of Tenacity and who listens to you!

It's A LOT of information that goes in a lot of different directions.  Hopefully there is a piece here that you can take away to improve your real estate experience.