Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Homes For Sale: Homes For Rent: Case-Shiller Index Update February 2011

United States residential home prices have dropped during the 12 months to February 2011, according to the Case-Shiller Index. The Case-Shiller Index of property values in 20 cities fell 3.3% from February 2010.

The continuation of distressed properties (e.g., foreclosures) are weighing on the prices of homes in the US. “There is very little, if any, good news about housing,” David Blitzer, chairman of the Case-Shiller index committee at S&P, said in a statement. “The 20-city composite is within a hair’s breadth of a double-dip.”

The Miami component of the index saw prices fall 6.2% on a year-over-year basis in February 2011 and Tampa was down 6.0%. On a sequential basis the two segments fell 2.0% and 1.2%, respectively.

Some areas of interest are as follows:

February 2011 February/January January '11/ December '10
Metropolitan Area Level Change (%) Change (%) 1-Year Change (%)

Boston 149.86 -1.5% -0.2% -1.0%

Chicago 113.26 -2.2% -1.8% -7.6%

Miami 138.44 -2.0% -1.3% -6.2%

Minneapolis 109.93 -3.1% -3.3% -8.3%

New York 165.19 -0.5% -1.0% -3.1%

Tampa 128.38 -1.2% -0.5% -6.0%

Composite-10 152.70 -1.1% -1.0% -2.6%

Composite-20 139.27 -1.1% -1.1% -3.3%

As a local Relator, I am aware of the trends in the US market as well as in many of the communities in which I specialize. If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, please feel free to contact me.

To receive more information on properties in the area, feel free to text me or call me at the number below.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Homes For Sale: Homes For Rent: Quarterly Update: Ambassadors in Highland Beach Florida

Ambassadors consists of 2 oceanfront buildings with 80 units each. Some of the units have amazing direct views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The building is ocean front with private access to the beach. The swimming pool is oceanside with a fitness facility included in the Homeowner's Association fees. There is one covered parking spot per unit and 24-hour manned security gate. Quarterly maintenance includes common area maintenance, security, water, cable, high-speed Internet and trash removal.

During the past twelve months we estimate the median sold information is as follows:

2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
1,050 square feet
$251,500 sales price

To receive more information on Ambassadors or other other properties in the area, feel free to text me or call me at the number below.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Homes For Sale: Homes For Rent: US Monthly House Price Index Declined 1.6% January 2011 to February 2011

US Monthly House Price Index Declined 1.6% January 2011 to February 2011, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s monthly House Price Index. A previously reported 0.3% decrease in January was revised to a 1.0% decrease.

On a year-over-year basis, US house prices declined 5.7% in February 2011. The US Index is about 18.6% below the peak of April 2007 and is about the same level as the February 2004 index level.

With prices continuing to decrease, I think now is a good time for those seeking to purchase a home to begin looking. In my view, the market isslowly decreasing in price and should reach a trough level within the next 12 months-to-18 months; this assumes similar economic trends that we are seeing now.

Each market within the US and each sub-market behave in a slightly different manner. For that reason, I suggest working with a real estate professional that knows respective markets. Although I follow the real estate market on a macro-level, I specialize in the South Florida real estate market.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me. Please text me your name, phone number and e-mail address to the number below and I will provide information requested.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Homes for Sale: Homes for Rent: Florida's Existing Homes and Condo Sales Increase

Florida’s existing home and existing condo sales rose in March 2011. Existing home sales increased 12 percent last month with a total of 18,522 homes sold statewide compared to 16,540 homes sold in March 2010, according to Florida Realtors.

Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $126,300; a year ago, it was $136,000 for a 7 percent decrease. Analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price.

In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 9,703 units sold statewide last month compared to 7,830 units in March 2010 for an increase of 24 percent. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $84,300; in March 2010 it was $94,800 for an 11 percent decrease. The national median existing condo sales price was $150,400 in February 2011, according to NAR.

Essentially, I think more investors are entering the Florida real estate market and relying more on all cash deals. This has helped to increase unit sales while hurting pricing.

We have discussed this in previous posts and I think this is further evidence in the recent real estate market for Florida. I would not be surprised to see this trend continue into the second calendar quarter of 2011.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me. Please text me your name, phone number and e-mail address to the number below and I will provide information requested.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Home For Sale: List of Paperwork Buyers And Sellers Of A Home Should Have Ready

I recently came across a piece on Trulia.com in regards to paperwork for home buyers and home sellers. The discussion below is not exhaustive, but gives those that are thinking of buying or selling a home an idea as to the main documents they will need.

Even though the real estate market is somewhat sluggish, it is best to be prepared because you just never know. Things still tend to happen quickly, so I would recommend having the following paperwork handy from the beginning of the process.

Identification, such as a driver's licence, passport, etc. Lenders and title companies need to be sure the buyer and seller are who they say they are.

Paycheck stubs are required for those seeking a mortgage as well as "short sale" sellers who need to show certain financial hardships.

Bank account statements going back two months for both those getting a mortgage and "short sales".

W-2 forms or tax returns for the past two years.

It is important to keep paperwork current as loan underwriters are known to ask for updated information between accepted contract and actual closing on the home purchase.

Quitclaim deed for married buyers purchasing homes they plan to own as separate property as well as married sellers selling homes that they own separately. The deed signs away all interest they might have had over the selling owner.

Divorce decree for buyers and sellers to ensure they have the right to sell or prove solo status.

Gifting need to confirm in writing the money is a gift and not a loan. The bank wants to be sure the gift came from a relative and that it should not be factored into the debt load.

Compliance certificates are mostly for sellers as some local governments require various condition requirements be met before the property is transferred.

Mortgate statements to be produced by seller with the mortgatge. The title company will need to use them to order payoff demands who has to get paid before title can be transferred.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me. Please text me your name, phone number and e-mail address to the number below and I will provide information requested.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Homes For Sale: Reasons To Be Optimistic About US Housing Market: Part III

Some experts expect a rise in non-distressed markets when compared with the distressed markets because they do not need to work through a big inventory overhang.

In non-distressed markets the existing home inventory is lower, with some studies putting it at seven months worth of inventory. The theory holds that moderate increase in demand will translate into strong gains in both prices and new construction.

Moody's Analytics expects prices will rise three to four points faster than inflation for the next few years in virtually every non-distressed US home market. Moody's believes prices will increase in line with rents, which are now growing quickly because of a tightening of supply.

Please see our previous posts on individual US housing markets. Also, we argue that even in distressed markets there are strong sub-markets that have not had as big of an impact. We think these areas are also ripe for a rebound in line with the non-distressed markets.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me. Please text me your name, phone number and e-mail address to the number below and I will provide information requested.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Homes For Sale: Reasons To Be Optimistic About US Housing Market: Part II

Another reason to be more optimistic about the US Housing market is affordability of purchasing a home. The theory is as buying a home becomes more affordable when compared with renting, Americans will be lured back to the real estate market.

Home prices declined about 30% nationwide since 2006 and some of the hardest hit markets fell as much as 55%. The dramatic price reduction logically assumes homes are more "affordable" then they were a few years ago.

A recent study by Deutche Bank measures affordability in two ways: share of income Americans pay to own a home; and the cost of owning versus renting.

The analysis shows homeowners now pay 9.8% of thier income in after-tax mortgage, tax and insurance; this compares with 17.2% at the peak in 2007.

Also, the study found that in 28 out of 54 major housing markets it's now cheaper to pay a mortgage and other major costs than to rent the same home. In the distressed US markets, the study found owning a home costs less than renting by a wide margin. For example, it is 34% less to own a home than renting in Atlanta, according to Deutche Bank. In Miami, the study states, the average rent is $1,031 per month versus $856 per month it costs to carry a ranch house or stucco cottage as an owner.

The recent increase in investors that I am working with seems to indicate there is a spread between rents and the cost to own.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me. Please text me your e-mail address to the number below and I will provide information requested.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty

Monday, April 4, 2011

Homes For Sale: Reasons To Be Optimistic About US Housing Market: Part I

Mike Castleman is the founder and CEO of Metrostudy, which has been collecting United States housing data for many years. Mr. Castleman predicts there will be a shortage of homes in the US soon, which will lead to rising home prices.

Metrostudy aggregates data on the number of homes that are vacant and for sale and how long it takes to sell all of them in each of the cities on which it collects data. The company supplies the information to its client base in order to try and determine whether a market has a surplus or a shortage of new housing.

In the 41 cities Metrocity covers, about 78,000 houses are either vacant, for sale or under construction. The category reached a peak of 343,000 units in mid-2006. Mr. Castleman says that if we had normal levels of buying the current inventory would sell in 2 1/2 months. If this were to be the case, Mr. Castleman says there would be an "incredible shortage" of homes and he predicts "that's where we are headed."

I have found that the more desireable communities that I serve have continued to have a dearth of "distressed priced" homes; and those that happened to enter the market were snapped up quickly. I think it depends on the area in which you are seeking to buy or sell a home. Certain segments of the South Florida market have a narrow inventory level and have not experienced as big a price drop after the housing "bubble" burst.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me. Please text me your e-mail address to the number below and I will provide information requested.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser

Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty>