LHUK Blog

An upward swing predicted for South Florida Real Estate Market by Nations top Economists

2011-12-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

Written by John H. Burton
www.ForParadise.com
December 7th 2011

I recently attended a conference with a clear and direct optimism for the real estate market next year.
Florida Recession is no more with inventory decreasing and new job hires in Florida, the outlook for 2012 should see significant growth for Real Estate in Naples and South Florida as a whole. This is an excellent time to invest in South Florida.

Florida's real estate market is entering 2012 on an upward trend, even with national and economic hurtles. Statements made by Dr. Lawercne Yun, Marc Vinter and Dr. John Tuccillo three leading U.S. economists at a meeting in Orlando that was web-conferenced for the first time to all of the local board of realtors in Florida.

"Our state is in a mini-recovery," said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo at the state association's 2012 Real Estate and Economic Forecast Conference in Orlando. "Sales are trending up, listing inventories are falling, the supply of lender-related properties has stabilized, and we are seeing multiple offers on homes in some local markets."

Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo, who spoke at the event, said the European debt crisis remains a concern, but he anticipates the U.S. economic recovery will continue in 2012.

Nearly 90% of international buyers in Florida purchase properties in cash. Europe does not account for most of our sales in Florida this Year. Most came from foreign nationals in the Central, Southern American countries and of Course Canada.

One of the reasons sellers are calling agents to list their properties is because international buyers are largely cash buyers. Eighty-five percent of Brazilians who bought property in Florida paid cash, 91 percent of Canadians, 90 percent of Western Europeans, and 88 percent of Venezuelans, according to the latest international report by the National Association of Realtors.

Banks are now loosing up on restrictions to international buyers decreasing the amount for a down payment to buy a property, also with low interest rates this will attract more upside for market in the coming year.

In 2007 and 2008, California led the nation in international sales, but Florida pulled ahead in 2009 and has been at the front of the pack ever since, accounting for nearly one-third of international transactions in 2011.

Dr. Lawrence Yun Chief Economist with the National Association of Realtors is predicting a poignant turnaround in South Florida and expects to see home price gains in Miami and Naples in the coming 18 months with the powerful appeal to international buyers, "Don't be surprised to see a gain in home prices in the Miami and Naples markets in the next 18 months," he said. "From there, the recovery is likely to roll northward to Central Florida and then North Florida."

‘We are encouraged by the record-breaking performance of the Miami real estate market this year. Rising demand and limited supply is yielding higher average and median sales prices, and we expect to see double digit price appreciation in 2012,’ said Jack Levine, chairman of the Board of the Miami Association of Realtors.

Thousands of Brazilian property investors have already purchased thousands of condos and homes in both Miami and Orlando in 2011, not only because of discounted homes prices, but the strength of their Brazilian 'real' (Brazil's currency) against the U.S. dollar. Their favorable exchange rates have effectively giving them an additional 30% discount on top of a 40% price discount from an already depressed housing market.

New to Market on the Silver Coast!

2011-12-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

We've decided to give a mention to this listing in Portugal because it's such a great spot.

Luxury 3 bedroom villa located in the beach town of Foz do Arelho, near the town of Caldas da Rainha.

There are 3 bedrooms of which 1 is en suite, 3 bathrooms in total.

A lounge, kitchen and laundry room.

Outside is a 2 car garage and garden.

The villa comes with underfloor heating, a swimming pool and has excellent views over the sea and surrounding areas.

For Sale by Buy Portugal

http://www.luxuryhomesuk.com/content/readmorenoheader/complexInfobox/property/infobox/news/template/new_design/active_id/47704

OTHER PLOTS AVAILABLE

Plot 3 : 560.000 euros.

Plot 2 : 620.000 euros.

Plot 1 : 680.000 euros.

Algarve Property: A Unique Blend of Contemporary Feel and Natural Splendor

2011-10-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Algarve Property: Offers a very contemporary feel with plenty of natural materials throughout

The Algarve, the southern part of Portugal, is a preferred tourist destination for Europeans. The main reasons for its rising popularity as a tourist hub can be attributed to the region’s less spoilt and polluted environment, year round tranquil weather, hundreds of sandy, sun-drenched beaches, charming scenic beauty, endless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, water sports and other maritime activities. Sounding really great and wonderful, right? Yes, Algarve, which was once the best kept secrets of Portugal, is now a very popular tourist destination well-known for its culture, adventure, and picturesque views.

Acquiring an Algarve property is the most desirable investment that one can make, taking into account the region’s reputation as one of the most beneficial places to holiday and live. Located in one of the oldest nations in Europe, Algarve has lots to offer for families, seashore enthusiasts, nature buffs, and real estate hunters.

Algarve Property: A Unique Blend of Contemporary Feel and Natural Splendor

Closely linked with the sea all through its history, Algarve boasts 100 sandy and striking beaches washed by the crisp blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the best place to recharge your batteries after a tiresome and busy schedule. The city offers endless prospects to get spoiled in a variety of outdoor recreational activities in the clean, fresh air, which is free from smog and pollutants. Algarve is a delightful city that offers pleasant temperatures all year round - an average temperature of approximately 61 degrees. Sea temperature is amazingly warm even during the winter period, making it an idyllic place to indulge in golf and other sports. Algarve’s close proximity to the sea also offers tourists and residents an enviable chance to enjoy a baffling variety of freshest seafood.

It will be unfair to present Algarve only as a beachside destination. The region is abundantly blessed with natural beauty with its countryside regions flaunting evergreen trees and shrubs. Even though it is modern city with all state-of-the-art amenities available all throughout, Algarve preserves its timeless old world allure and traditional ethics. Tourism is the city’s main economic activity, which is natural for a place that is part of a striving and forward-looking nation.

Lately, there is a continuously increasing demand for Algarve property ranging from multi-million pound luxury Algarve villas to Algarve apartments. Buying an Algarve property is considered to be a status symbol and is of course a most advantageous investment one can make.

Algarve real estate has lots to offer in its kitty not only for those who are relocating to Algarve permanently, but also for those who wish to purchase vacation abodes. Since the 1960s, Algarve property has witnessed a steady growth in value. This makes your investment a low risk and profitable one with a futuristic perspective. Algarve’s reputation as a hot spot for tourism has made the renters market a thriving segment. The booming tourism industry will make sure that your property will offer a small profit through rental income over the years.

If you are keen on purchasing an Algarve property get hold of an experienced real estate agent. Acquire clear knowledge concerning the best location, nearby activities, and the finest food outlets. According to the budget and lifestyle, you can choose properties located in coastal, countryside, or historic neighborhoods. Don’t forget to check the quality of construction, present condition and local amenities while choosing a property. Portugal has a sound constitution and well-substantiated legal system, offering the same fundamental rights and protection to foreign buyers as well as Portuguese citizens.

Boasting one of the healthiest and most pleasant climates in the world, golden beaches, thousands of geneses of flowers, ostensibly molded mountain views, and an ever blooming rural countryside, Algarve is certainly one of the most ideal places to acquire property.

Individual Design for this 1st line Villa in Javea, Spain

2011-08-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

An exceptionally stunning Spanish mansion with unrivalled front line views of the Mediterranean sea. Exclusively designed and built with living areas that captivate the best of the properties enviable setting.

A first class interior and quality with features that include floor to ceiling glass windows which lets the intense natural light into the heart of the rooms, providing overwhelming views.

Luxury extras that this villa deserves is a dedicated cinema room with every imaginable comfort and an incredible spa and wellness area. Even the bodega with its stone cellar is a small masterpiece of Levantine architecture. It also features an intelligent system, alarm and central vacuum system. Underfloor heating. Double garage.

Built in 2010 with a 720m2 construction this luxury villa offers 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 lounges, 1 dining room. The decor is very tasteful and elegant yet is a very comfortable home.

The exterior areas are simple with a beautiful entrance of a palm tree lined driveway with dry stone walls. The flat plot is South- East facing in a quiet and private location. A 15m infinity pool looks like it is touching the Med.

Want to see more? Contact Ultimate Property Finders

$2.15m Home in Costa Rica's Samara

2011-07-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is an exclusive ocean view estate home in the hills just above Samara Beach, Costa Rica!

This gorgeous home boasts four bedrooms and six full bathrooms and with no detail left unfinished by the professional interior designer. Grand balconies with ocean view that capture the amazing white water and reef vistas of Samara Beach and offer you two levels to entertain, enjoy a fine meal, or simply slip into a cozy spot to enjoy a favorite book or a rejuvenating nap. The large infinity pools and Jacuzzi invite you in for a swim while soaking in the view of the ocean and the sounds of the waves or simply have a cool down in the Jacuzzi with build in seating.

A well equipped kitchen offers the discerning chef all that is needed to prepare for a romantic evening for two or an exquisite experience for a larger dinner party. Located in an exclusive gated community with a handful of $1M+ homes, available services include security, ground and pool maintenance, home cleaning, and other full service amenities. This premium property is available for an appointment to prequalified buyers who will most certainly appreciate the fine selection of construction materials and furnishings that make this home one of a kind in the Samara and Carrillo region.

The Original Home Stager - prepping Devon's finest properties

2011-07-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Visit: www.theoriginalhomestager.com

One of Jamaica's Premium Villas

2011-07-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

One of The Tryall Club's premium villas, superbly designed and finished with elegant interiors. All five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms have been positioned to maximize the views of the gardens, pool terrace and the sea beyond. In addition to the spacious patio that extends the full length of this villa, each room opens in the rear onto a beautifully landscaped terrace with additional seating - perfect for quiet times, reading and reflection. Take the tour here

The architectural features are completed by the use of antique brick, porcelain floors and mahogany hardwood floors and beams. Split system air-conditioning in all bedrooms with state of the art electronics add to the extreme comfort of this spectacular 7,300 sq. ft. villa. Enjoy the views from the spacious terraces, large pool or a panoramic vista from the upstairs patio. Ideally situated on two acres of lush landscape the villa offers complete privacy and serenity and two golf carts make access to all the club's facilities easy. Viewing by appointment only.

Looking after your second home

2011-07-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

Looking after your second home

Your second home probably doesn’t receive as much attention as the house you live in every day, but it probably should. Maybe you use your second house as a holiday home, in which case you probably only get the chance to go there on holidays or at weekends, so the last thing you want to do is waste precious relaxation time undertaking repairs or maintenance. Perhaps you purchased your second home as a buy-to-let investment and it’s now occupied by tenants, in which case you are likely to see it even less and you no doubt count on your tenants to let you know if something needs fixing. Your second home needs to be looked after at least as much as your first, and making the time to maintain it is a vital part of property investment.

The first thing you need to do is make sure you get the proper holiday home / landlords’ insurance cover for your property, or unoccupied insurance if it left empty for extended periods of time. Regular inspections should be carried out on every property in your portfolio, regardless of what the properties are being used for. Regular basic maintenance can limit the need for more extensive repair work, if installations and structures are left unchecked for too long. There are a number of key areas that will require extra vigilance, as they present a higher risk of failure when improperly managed. Guttering will need to be checked for debris at regular intervals, to make sure blockages by dead leaves (or similar) will not lead to more severe problems like leaking roofs. A blocked gutter is likely to lead to water pooling in places that weren’t designed to handle it, making damage to your property a distinct possibility.

Roofs will need to be kept in a reasonable state of repair, as missing tiles can lead to water damage to internal features like ceilings, walls and flooring. When water is allowed to seep into electrical wiring and/or devices the results can be catastrophic, so this result should be prevented at all costs. Loose roof tiles also pose a danger to neighbours and passers-by, being prone to taking flight during windy weather. Fireplaces, flues and chimneys should be checked regularly if they are a feature in your home, especially if they are only in occasional use. If your fire is gas-fuelled then it is especially important that you check for blockages, as carbon monoxide by-products can be fatal in enclosed spaces.

Plumbing is of the upmost importance in any home, as is gas and heating, and is at elevated risk if your property is left unoccupied throughout the cold winter months. The cold can cause pipes to freeze, which can lead to pipes bursting as the water inside expands. If this happens, repair bills could cost you a fortune. Draining down pipes at the end of the summer before you leave can dramatically reduce the chances of this occurring, or setting your heating to activate periodically as an alternative. Gas and water leaks can cause unimaginable damage to your home, so you should aim to have certified checks carried out on an annual basis.

Gardening may also need to be a priority, as nature is the enemy of human property development, with trees and climbing plants ever eager to reclaim the space on which our homes are built. Keeping vegetation in check and trees/bushes trimmed will help prevent undergrowth becoming unsightly and (more importantly) causing damage to your house. If you ever feel moved to plant new trees around your home, you must always make sure they are positioned the minimum safe distance from any buildings, otherwise subsidence could be caused by intrusive root systems down the line. To defend against unavoidable damage, home insurance with subsidence will need to be taken out. If your property is in a flood plain, you should certainly also have flooding insurance and would be wise to implement flood resistance/resilience measures.

For more visit: http://www.webmoney.co.uk

Escape the 'Big Freeze' and enjoy Miami

2010-12-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Casa de Paolo is a magnificent estate with majestic views of Biscayne Bay and the beautiful West Avenue high-rises. This private-gated compound has three structures. The main home, situated on 40,000 sq. ft. of prime real estate and 100 feet of deep water dockage. It has a two-story detached guest cottage, (approximately 1,500 sq. ft. / upstairs: 1-2 bedrooms, 1 bath, dining room/living room and kitchen) and gardeners/tool shed, (which can be converted to another private suite and/or office-1 bath). The main estate has many unique qualities and original details from the 1920's. From the Grand Salon and Formal Dining Room to large rooms with soaring ceilings, open wood beam - Pecky Cypress exposed beams, to multiple decorative fireplaces, light fixtures, doors, and handrails. Take the tour. Many of the bedrooms have private terraces with incredible views of the water, pool, manicured grounds, statues, and fountains.