Now that home sales are down and rentals are up it might be a good idea to get more facts about the rental market.At this time you might decide to rent rather than buy a home for practical and financial reasons.Lack of liquidity is one of the major problems with investing in real estate.If you're on your own, for example, getting together a down payment and managing the expense of a mortgage, taxes, insurance, and upkeep may put too great a strain on your budget.  And having all your assets tied up in your home has serious drawbacks.  Among other things, it limits your ability to invest enough to meet the other goals that are important to you.Another reason to rent is a job that keeps you on the move or requires you to relocate periodically.  It's not always easy to sell when you're tra... 10/27/2008

Here is some noteworthy information for Fort Lauderdale real estate agents with buyers looking to invest in our exciting city.   The City of Fort Lauderdale issued a publication which included the City's strategies since 2004 for improving the city by reducing costs, limiting spending and increasing accountability.  As a result, Fort Lauderdale stands in sharp contrast to other governments in the region by cutting taxes while preserving service levels.  Impressive news, especially when Fort Lauderdale is ranked among the lowest in property taxes and water rates in Broward County. The City's priorities for the new fiscal year focus on five major objectives:  •1.       Minimize revenue loss impact to residents.  Fort Lauderdale plans to meet the challenge of continuing the progress it has... 10/27/2008

Hello my name is "HUNGRY", are you still an active agent? It's a call from PA, I'm in Florida.  And,  caller, please stop there, I'm not buying leads. I'm busy. I'm fine. Sorry, move on PLEASE!  I'm on the "Do not call list"...I get call's from Obama's camp all the time (off topic but really), which is irritating. Then I get the...I'll sell you leads crap as well...more times a week than I want. D0 YOU? What's  up with this...don't they have a code of ethics to follow, don't they have to adhere to the "Do not call list?)..apparently not. How do you handle these calls...I cut them off after the first two sentences...after all...you have to know the "SCRIPT"....that they all use... Does it bother you? Does it violate the "Do not call" provisions? How do you respond? http://www.KarenMonsou... 10/22/2008

Over and done with the, "I cant's". Why can't you? Do you really try? What do you mean you can't?  Is that really ever a situation in your life?  If it is...move on to the postive side of Real Estate!  Hurry!!! and catch up! Reasons to change your behavior: #1. Have a positive attitude. Get up every day with a purpose, after all everyone is here for a reason...live and learn. #2. If you are depressed, and get involved with depressed people, you will become the same...distance yourself from those types of people. Positive attitudes breed success. #3. You can, through self discipline, surround yourself with others...like the successful agents in your office.  Live and learn their attitudes. That will amaze you! #4. Read, live and learn through the best of the best agents on AR, there is s... 10/22/2008

Don't talk negatively around me, I don't want to hear it! I'm having a GREAT WEEK, as I have heard from several other agents in my office as well... The trend is, those who have great lawyers, investment brokers, and who are relatively astute in their own investments...pulled out of stocks and now are looking for the better place to put their money...and the cash "hog" so to speak, is in Real Estate...after all, the market is down, the inventory is there and there are many fantastic properties available...updated, and ready to move in...some are turn key, some have been redone and are listed below some of the older ones which have not been re-done...are the originals...call me and I'll separate out the good from the bad for you....954-464-4194 cell. That above being said, The point to t... 10/22/2008

Referrals do work! Executed one tonight! Referrals work, I just executed a contract tonight thanks to a referral. There is nothing  better than having another agent refer to you a fantastic customer...nothing better than having a qualified buyer...nothing better than dealing with another astute agent. Yes, things are tough out there, however, people continue to have to relocate for jobs. People continue to relocate for family situations (retirement, family, and such). Having other agents trust you, give you referrals...and trust you do seal the deal seem to be few and far between.  I received a referral from another agent on the west coast of Florida about 3 weeks ago...Tonight I was able to close the deal and help the other agent who was not familiar with the east coast of Florida. It ... 10/16/2008

The largest market of investors in real estate is first time homebuyers. It's important to focus on their characteristics and buying trends in order to sell property in the currently tumultuous market conditions. Research shows that although the square footage of desired homes has been rising for the past thirty years, first time homebuyers seem to be favoring smaller property. This trend makes sense as current consumers across the spectrum of business markets desire more affordable products in the currently turbulent economic climate. Being able to label a property smaller or larger is relative to the location itself. A 2,000 square-foot home in a suburban area may seem smaller whereas that same property in an urban area could be considered larger. For instance if a buyer is interested... 10/13/2008

Las Olas River House   Following is the Las Olas River House Market Report/Activity Update.  As of this writing, there have been 4 Las Olas Riverhouse Condos sold in the last 3 months, sold in July and August with final purchase prices between $310,000 - $840,000.  Click here to view their pictures and details. Of the 4 sales, 2 were normal sales, 1 was a Short Sale, and 1 was a Foreclosure (Bank Owned Property). Per the MLS, there are 6 pending sales of Las Olas River House Condos (Contracts have been submitted and accepted for their purchase, but the purchases are not yet final).  In 2008, so far, 17 Las Olas River House Condos have sold. Currently, there are 53 active listings (of 287 total Residences), listed for sale between $365,000 - $10,000,000. I currently have a  Las Olas Riv... 10/07/2008

My prospective renter wants proof of non-foreclosure! In this market, no one really knows what is going on with a customer's finances. Not everyone feels comfortable about discussing it, and there is really a fine line there where you have to be very professional and wait hopefully hear the truth from the customer.  Then again, if it's not your listing, you really have no feel for the circumstances of the rental. Many people are renting out their properties in lieu of the current conditions because the sales are not as prolific as they were several years ago. I don't have to speak to the choir, as if you watch TV at all, you know sales are slow (However, there are people still buying and taking advantage of the market :-)  ). That being said, I have two prospective renter's right now, w... 10/03/2008

Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Listings For the second month in a row, several of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased sales of both existing single-family homes and existing condos in August 2008, according to the latest housing statistics released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). A total of 10,847 existing homes sold statewide last month while 11,282 homes sold in August 2007, a decrease of 4 percent in the year-to-year comparison, according to FAR. Florida Realtors are noticing signs that investors think the market has reached bottom in many areas, and they are preparing to jump in while prices remain below value. Industry analysts hope that the federal government's financial rescue plan will boost the housing market and help restore confiden... 09/28/2008

There will always be different views when it comes to fiduciary responsibility. Many of us know that a realtor has a Fiduciary responsibility to their clients. But how do you treat this when meeting with your clients. How does a realtors code of ethics intertwine with your fiduciary responsibility? Over the years, I have seen some very poor performances both by realtors and loan officers when it comes to looking out for their clients best interest. But many will argue that the loan officer has a fiduciary responsibility to the investor, not the consumer. Is this a fine line?  What about those loan officers that don't care about either?  Shouldn't it be the consumer first? Besides, if a loan officer looks out for the consumers best interest, shouldn't this be good for the borrower? Or i... 09/21/2008

While living and working in this marvelous Florida playground we call home, when driving on our highways travelers should continue to remain environmentally conscientious. Being aware of fuel conservation helps to cut down costs and protect the state's natural resources for future generations. Consider some of the following conservation tips while on the road: Avoid rapid acceleration to reduce fuel consumption. Avoid hard braking and sudden stops. Stay alert and anticipate traffic lights, stop signs and merges. Use turn signals. Traffic will move more smoothly which saves fuel for everyone.Remove extra weight from the car. Use cruise control on highway trips. When stopping for more than a minute, shut off the engine rather than letting it idle.Avoid warming the engine up before driving... 09/16/2008

  Price Location Posted

FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA HOMES FOR RENT. 3/2 pool home in Imperial Point. this spacious unit has tile throughout with a large family /den and living room area. breakfast area/mudroom off the open kitchen with access to pool and garage. plant...   US $2,000.00 Miami < 1 hour ago FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA HOMES FOR RENT. FURNISHED VACATION RENTAL HOME ***In Lauderdale Beach with direct waterfront, and a beautiful large private pool just off the & A1A near the Beach....This homes offers 45' dockage....Bedd... 09/09/2008

    TATYANA PERMANOVA | SIB REALTY, LLC | (561)361-6962 533 NE 3rd AVE, Fort Lauderdale, FL RENTERS DON'T PAY COMMISSION TO BROKERS 2BR/2BA Condo   $1,600/month Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 1,240 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy Cats, Small dogs (< 25lbs) Deposit $3,200 DESCRIPTION GORGEOUS BRAND NEW CONDO. FANTASTIC LOCATION IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN NO MORE DRIVING, NO MORE COMMUNTING. WALK TO WORK, WALK TO EVERY HOTSPOT DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE AND LAS OLAS HAS TO OFFER!!! LUXURY BUILDING BOASTING THE VERY BEST LIFE HAS TO OFFERINCLUDING TROPICAL POOL, FITNESS CENTER, CLUB HOUSE, PARKING GARAGE, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, AND BEST OF ALL, THE FORT LAUDERDALE LIFESTYLE. THIS LUXURY TWO BEDROOM, TWO BATH CONDOMINIUM IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW UNITS IN THE BUILDING WITH A SPACIOUS ... 08/30/2008

In an issue of Go Riverwalk magazine, downtown Fort Lauderdale's redevelopment and architectural changes were featured.   One article by Steve Tilbrook, past president of the Riverwalk Trust, explained the Downtown Master Plan update. Basically, the Downtown Master Plan initiated in 2003, has been updated to add an additional 3,000 units in the Downtown area.  The Plan's primary goal is to transform the city's architectural appearance and create livable, pedestrian-friendly areas, including the streets, in the downtown area. The architectural design of the streetscapes includes zero setbacks for an active street wall of shops and restaurants, with large step-backs for the towers above.    Residential amenities, such as parking areas and swimming pools will be exclusive to rooftops.  Thi... 08/28/2008

The second Annual "Chefs Helping the Homeless" benefit, an exclusive evening of wining and dining for fifteen designated contributors and their guests, will be held on Saturday, September 6th, an event which sold out last year!   The Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. hosts the event to reduce homelessness by promoting independence and self-worth through advocacy, housing and comprehensive services.  The fabulous evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction for the VIP guests.  This year, I'm pleased to announce the reception will be held at the historic, Las Olas point lot estate I currently represent for sale.  Visit www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com and key in F919652 to view this magnificent residence.     After the cocktail reception, each of the fifteen hosts will... 08/26/2008

Las Olas Realtor Abiud Montes Is A Real Hometown Marine HeroBy:  Kevin LaneAbiud Montes has been a Marine Corp reservist for close to 20 years and he’s served two tours in Iraq. Last month, Abiud was chosen from among more than 200,000 Marines as one of a handful of Marines to be honored by the Marine Corps Times.  He received an Honorable Mention in the 2008 Marine of the Year Awards.  His ‘Las Olas Connection,’ is his work, along with his wife, Lina, at EWM Realty, located at 1700 East Las Olas. Abiud was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and moved to Florida in 1980. He joined the Marines in North Miami Beach and went to Boot Camp on September 11, 1989 at Paris Island, SC.  In 1991, he was deployed, along with 250 Marine Reserves from his unit, the 8th Tank Battalion; to Saudi Arabia a... 08/26/2008

Just wanted to invite anyone that is interested to our FREE Short Sale Seminar which is being held this coming Thursday, August 28th, from 6.30pm-7.30pm. We will be explaning the benefits and process of the Short Sale to potential sellers and will also be available for private consultations. The location for the seminar is 1998 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304. If you have any questions or are unable to make the seminar...feel free to contact me directly at 954 850 1431. 08/25/2008

The distinctive twin towers of The Palms rise majestically above 450 feet of white sandy ocean frontage complete with a palm lined boardwalk and tropical landscaping. A delightful private enclave of 24 hour security and serenity, the classic, Mediterranean design flows from the Grand arrival piazza to the beach.  24 hour valet parking, heated pools, beach club, ocean facing tennis courts, and concierge services are just some of the luxury amenities.  This resort style community is also pet friendly.  The Palms Club offers an impressive two story 15,000 sq. ft. facility with ocean and pool views.  A state-of-the art fitness center complete with aerobics room, air conditioned racquetball court, his and her locker rooms, sauna, steam, massage and spa treatment rooms is for owner's pleasure... 08/19/2008

  Close to everything and far from nothing is how I explain Las Olas to clients, friends, and family.  It's been my Motto since I moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1994 and I plan on keeping that way.   The ultimate destination in South Florida is Las Olas Boulevard. Las Olas is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and has so much to offer residents and visitors. Locals choose Las Olas Boulevard as their destination of choice for shopping, fine dining and fun. Starting at the famed Museum of Art at One, East Las Olas Boulevard and ending at the famous Elbo Room bar on the glorious Fort Lauderdale beach, Las Olas has so much to offer to its visitors and its local residents.  EWM has a great listing in Downtown Fort Lauderdale at the 110 N FEDERAL HY #834 at theWaverly for 285K. It's a spacious 2 be... 08/15/2008