Ft Lauderdale Real Estate Review

Welcome to my blog. I have been writing articles for home buyers and home sellers in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area since about 2007. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate you can find some helpful tips right here. If you would like to get them sent directly to your inbox just sign up below. 

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Aug. 11, 2023

Just Listed 4025 W McNab Rd Apt 103E

4025 W Mcnab RdAttention Investors! I just listed a 3 Bedroom condo in Windward Lakes community of Pompano Beach. Renting is allowed immediately. Market rents are up to $2375 per month. Condo fees are a relatively low $484 per month. The AC unit is approximately 3 years old, the refrigerator and dishwasher are brand new. It is equipped with full size washer dryer.  Pets are allowed.

See the listing details and more photos here. LINK

Offered at $245,000. 

Call me at 954-895-2431 to schedule a showing.

 

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

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Posted in Just Listed
July 2, 2023

2681 S Course Dr Apt 904 is Sold!

On June 30 My listing in Palm Aire Country Club located at 2681 S Course Dr Apt 904 closed. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit on the top floor. It was remodeled about 2010 and fantastic westerly views of the Palms Course. There were some challenges to getting this condo sold. There was an assessment in the works for concrete restoration to the balconies, but it had not been voted on and ratified by the board when it was first listed. The uncertainty of the exact cost and scope of the work made it difficult for buyers to accept.  

I did find a buyer willing to purchase it even with the pending assessment. However the assessment made financing extremely difficult. After more than a month of delays the financing was straightened out and we were able to close.

The asking price at time of sale was $272,000 and the unit sold for $267,000 with some closing cost credits to the buyer.

See the listing details here.

If you have a home in Palm Aire or the surrounding area and are thinking of selling call or text me at 954-895-2431 for a consultation. I have sold more than 50 homes and condos in Palm Aire.

See the 5 Star Review my customer gave me here.

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

June 23, 2023

Broward County Market Report May 2023

The Market Snapshot for May is out. The median sale price for single family homes is almost unchanged from a year ago. Median sales price for condos is still inching up, a 6.5% increase from last May. Inventory is higher than a year by 23.1% for single family homes and 69.5% for condos.

Something that isn't reflected in these stats are rentals. The number of available rentals in Broward County is quietly rising. Rental listings have risen almost 25% since the beginning of 2023. There are signs of weakness in the short term rental (airbnb) market too. As we move into the off season there are a lot of vacancies out there and I see many price reductions happening.

The newest listing of mine that I posted last week went pending in just 4 days. Link Here.

market snapshot

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

May 11, 2023

The Rise of Remote Work and Its Impact on Real Estate

In recent years, the concept of remote work has gained significant traction and has transformed the way people approach their careers. With advancements in technology, a growing number of professionals are embracing the flexibility and freedom that remote work offers. This shift in work culture has had a profound impact on various industries, including real estate.

One of the most notable effects of the rise of remote work is the changing demand for office space. As more companies adopt remote work policies, the need for large office buildings and traditional workspaces has diminished. Many businesses have realized that they can reduce costs by downsizing their physical office spaces or even eliminating them altogether. This trend has created a surplus of commercial real estate properties in certain areas, leading to a decline in rental prices and increased vacancies.

Conversely, the demand for residential real estate in suburban and rural areas has surged. Remote workers are no longer confined to living in proximity to their workplace, giving them the freedom to choose their preferred location. This has led to an increase in demand for homes in areas that were previously overlooked, such as smaller towns, coastal regions, and scenic countryside locations. This has certainly benefitted the Florida market. As a result, real estate markets in these areas have experienced a boost, with rising property values and a limited housing supply in some cases.

Additionally, the rise of remote work has influenced the design and functionality of residential properties. Homebuyers and renters now prioritize features that cater to remote work, such as dedicated home offices, high-speed internet connectivity, and adaptable living spaces. Real estate developers have recognized this shift in demand and are incorporating these elements into their designs. The concept of co-living spaces and coworking communities has also emerged as a response to the growing need for remote work-friendly environments.

The impact of remote work on real estate extends beyond residential and commercial properties. It has also sparked a rise in the popularity of short-term rentals and vacation homes. Remote workers often have the freedom to travel and work from anywhere, leading to an increase in bookings for vacation rental properties. Investors and homeowners have capitalized on this trend by converting their properties into profitable short-term rental accommodations, resulting in a thriving market for platforms like Airbnb.

Furthermore, the rise of remote work has presented opportunities for real estate investors to diversify their portfolios. With remote work becoming more prevalent, there has been a growing interest in investing in properties specifically tailored for remote workers. This includes the development of co-living spaces, shared workspaces, and digital nomad hubs that cater to the unique needs of remote professionals.

However, it is important to note that the impact of remote work on real estate is not uniform across all regions. While some areas have experienced a surge in demand, others have struggled to adapt to this shift. Metropolitan areas heavily reliant on office-based work may face challenges in attracting businesses and sustaining the demand for commercial real estate. It is crucial for real estate stakeholders to carefully assess the local market dynamics and adapt their strategies accordingly.

The rise of remote work has significantly impacted the real estate industry. It has reshaped the demand for office spaces, driven the growth of residential properties in suburban and rural areas, influenced property design, and created opportunities in short-term rentals and remote work-focused investments. As remote work continues to gain momentum, it is crucial for real estate professionals to stay attuned to these shifts and adapt their strategies to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

May 10, 2023

The Hidden Costs of Holding on to a Vacant Property

At times I am astounded by the amount of vacant properties I see here in South Florida. I'm not referring to abandoned or other distressed properties. I am referring to under utilized investment properties and vacation homes. Some are for sale and have been on the market for months and months. Others are just a mystery why they are vacant.  I don't think these property owners realize just how much this is costing them to let them sit idle.

Historically real estate has been an excellent investment vehicle to accumulate wealth. The downside to owning real estate is that it is an asset that has to be fed constantly. There are carrying cost associated with holding on to a vacant piece of property. They can not be avoided.

Those costs can include:

  • Property Taxes
  • Insurance
  • HOA/Condo Fees 
  • Maintenance
  • Utilities

The first item I listed, property taxes, is usually the largest of the carry costs. In this part of Florida property taxes are approximately 2% of market value, per year, for a home that isn't a primary residence. Insurance costs are skyrocketing in Florida. Partly because of inflation and rising replacements costs and partly because insurers are pulling out of Florida. Did you know it is more expensive to insure a vacant property than an occupied property? HOA and especially condo fees can sometimes be even more than taxes. Condos are also subject to assessments for common area improvements. The other items together can equal or exceed what is paid in property taxes. 

You may think that a vacant home doesn't need much for utilities, but in a tropical climate a vacant home without a minimum of air conditioning can run into mold problems. Many municipalities in the area charge a homeowner for water, trash and sewer, even if they aren't using the services. They call it an availability fee or something similar. Using a conservative estimate, the carry costs for a vacant home is about 4 to 5% per year. That is also assuming the property is owned free and clear, with no mortgage interest.

Simply put, opportunity cost is what you could be making on the equity in your home in another kind of investment. Treasury bills are regarded as a virtually risk free investment where current rates are in excess of 5%. There are solid stocks with good dividends that don't have any carrying cost like a vacant property.  A property that does generate income should produce a 5% return or better, but it is far from risk free. 

One other major hidden cost of owning real estate is repairs and obsolescence. Yes the small thing add up. You won't buy a new roof or air conditioner every year but they must be accounted for in your return on investment calculations.  An air conditioner will last about 15 years, a roof about 25 years. Kitchens and bathrooms become outdated after 15 years or so. Painting should be done every 7 years. Every year that goes by gets you one year closer to a big ticket update. If you go 10 or 15 years without doing any updates your home will be lagging in value compared to others. When homeowner look at their rising equity that usually don't factor in all the capital improvements they have done.

I need to mention inflation. It isn't so much that the value of your home has doubled in the last five years. The reality is the buying power of our dollar has been cut in half and buys far less.

Yes, real estate does appreciate. Most of the time anyway. So the loses are offset, but probably not enough. From 1968 to 2004 home values had a  6.4% average appreciation per year. What happened after 2004 as we all know pushes that average down considerably. I'm a sure a large portion of owners of vacant properties think they are coming out ahead with the appreciation. But in fact they may not be netting much more than the risk free Treasuries.

Let a property sit vacant makes very little sense. If you are using a property and don't want to be a landlord, sell it and put your money elsewhere. Real estate can be a very good and profitable investment most of the time, but it must be utilized to it's maximum potential. If you are holding on to a vacant property you don't use, figuring on cashing in on the appreciation, those gains have been offset with all the costs you have been slowly paying over time. If you are selling a vacant home and holding out for a better price, the difference is offset by those same costs too. It is better to take what you can get and put your money to work for collecting dividends or paying off debt.

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

April 29, 2023

2651 S Palm Aire Dr Apt 104 is Sold!

2651 S Palm Aire DrOn April 28, 2023 my listing at 2651 S Palm Aire Dr Apt 104 closed. The condo is located in Palm Aire Country Club. The owners had been renting it out for many years prior to listing it for sale. The nicest way to describe the unit is it needed plenty of work. It took 154 days to sell.  In the end the owners got a great price for it. It had been listed for $222,500 and sold for $214,000 with conventional financing. 

See the listing details here. 

If you ready to sell your Palm Aire home please contact me for a consultation at 954-895-2431. 

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

April 27, 2023

Broward County Market Report March 2023

The market stats for March 2023 are out and they are much like other recent reports. We are still seeing year over year median sales price increases even though sales volume is down significantly. I thought we would see more inventory come on the market which is normal for this time of year. Sellers are continuing to stay on the sidelines. More condo inventory has been coming on the market relative to single family homes.

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Broward County Market Report March 2023

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

Posted in Market Report
April 12, 2023

How to Sell Your Home Quickly in 2023 According to Artificial Intelligence

how to sell your home quickly with artificial intelligenceYou have probably been hearing the term artificial intelligence a lot lately. Will it artificial intelligence make Realtors obsolete?  I decided to try out ChatAI and see if it could write my next blog article for me. The topic I chose was "How to sell your house fast in 2023" and ChatAI did a surprisingly good job.  Read to the end and I will tell you what I would have done differently.

Selling a home can be a challenging process, but with the right strategy, it's possible to sell your home quickly and efficiently. In 2023, the real estate market is expected to remain competitive, but there are still ways to make your home stand out and attract potential buyers. Here are some tips on how to sell your home fast in 2023.

1. Price your home competitively

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in selling your home quickly. You need to research the local market and set a competitive price that is comparable to similar homes in your area. Avoid overpricing your home as it can discourage potential buyers and cause your home to sit on the market for longer.

2. Stage your home

Staging your home can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive your home. You want to create a welcoming atmosphere that allows buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. Make sure your home is clean, decluttered, and well-maintained. Consider hiring a professional stager to help you create a visually appealing space that showcases the best features of your home.

3. Use professional photography and videography

In today's digital age, most home buyers start their search online. To make your home stand out, you need to have professional photos and videos that showcase your home in the best possible light. Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer and videographer to capture your home's best features and create a virtual tour.

4. Market your home effectively

Marketing your home effectively is crucial to attracting potential buyers. You want to get your home in front of as many people as possible, so make sure you're using a mix of traditional and digital marketing methods. This can include listing your home on popular real estate websites, using social media to promote your listing, and hosting open houses.

5. Work with a real estate agent

Working with a reputable real estate agent can make the process of selling your home faster and more efficient. A good agent will have a deep understanding of the local market and can help you price your home correctly, stage your home, and market it effectively. They can also handle negotiations with potential buyers and guide you through the closing process.

In conclusion, selling your home fast in 2023 requires a combination of strategic pricing, effective marketing, and professional staging. By following these tips and working with an experienced real estate agent, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and efficiently.

What Would I Change?

ChatAI picked up on all the important elements of selling your home fast in 2023 in my opinion. The only thing I would change is the order of importance as follows:

1. Price your home competitively - Price is the most important element. Always has been. Always will be.

2. Work with a real estate agent - You might be able to sell it on your own but certainly not quickly.

3. Use professional photography and videography - Home buyers are visual and they start at the real estate websites. If the photos aren't top quality they will pass right by them

4. Market your home effectively - This is your agents job to make sure your home gets proper exposure.

5. Stage your home - From my point of view staging doesn't always make a big difference. The higher the price point the more important staging becomes.

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

April 3, 2023

Avoiding Capital Gains Taxes With a 1031 Exchange

1031 ExchangeInvesting in real estate can be a great way to build wealth, but it comes with a few financial hurdles. One such hurdle is the capital gains tax that investors face when they sell an investment property for a profit. Fortunately, there is a way to avoid paying capital gains tax, and it's called a 1031 exchange.

A 1031 exchange allows investors to sell one investment property and use the proceeds to purchase another investment property without paying capital gains tax on the sale. To qualify for a 1031 exchange, the property being sold and the property being purchased must be "like-kind" properties. This means that they must be similar in nature, such as two residential properties or two commercial properties.

Here are the steps investors need to take to execute a successful 1031 exchange:

Hire a Qualified Intermediary (QI)

A QI is a third-party intermediary who will facilitate the 1031 exchange transaction. They will hold onto the proceeds from the sale of the first property and use them to purchase the replacement property. This step is crucial because if the investor takes possession of the proceeds from the sale, they will be subject to capital gains tax.

Identify Replacement Property

Once the first property is sold, the investor has 45 days to identify potential replacement properties. They can identify up to three potential replacement properties, or more if they meet certain valuation requirements.

Purchase Replacement Property

Once the replacement property is identified, the investor has 180 days to complete the purchase. The QI will use the proceeds from the sale of the first property to purchase the replacement property on the investor's behalf.

Complete Exchange

Once the replacement property is purchased, the exchange is complete. The investor has successfully avoided paying capital gains tax on the sale of the first property.

There are a few important things to keep in mind when executing a 1031 exchange. First, the replacement property must be of equal or greater value than the property being sold. If the replacement property is of lesser value, the investor will be subject to capital gains tax on the difference.

Second, the investor cannot use the replacement property as a primary residence. The property must be used as an investment property, such as a rental property or a commercial property.

Finally, the investor must follow strict timelines. They have 45 days to identify potential replacement properties and 180 days to complete the purchase of the replacement property.

1031 exchange can be a powerful tool for real estate investors looking to avoid paying capital gains tax. By hiring a Qualified Intermediary, identifying a like-kind replacement property, and following strict timelines, investors can execute a successful 1031 exchange and keep more of their hard-earned profits. It is very important to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor before making any investment decisions to ensure that you fully understand the tax implications and risks involved. 

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!

March 29, 2023

The Impacts of Short Term Rentals on Florida Real Estate

The impact of Short term rentals on Florida real estateFlorida is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and vibrant tourism industry. In recent years, the rise of short-term vacation rentals has had a significant impact on the Florida real estate market.  South Florida has some of the highest concentrations of Short Term Rentals, thanks to websites like Airbnb and VRBO and the populaity of the state in general. Here are some of the ways in which short-term vacation rentals have affected Florida real estate.

Increased Demand for Properties

One of the most significant impacts of short-term vacation rentals on Florida real estate is an increase in demand for properties.  Especially near the beaches and other area attractions. With millions of tourists visiting Florida each year, there is a high demand for short-term rental properties. Many investors have purchased properties specifically for use as vacation rentals, creating a new market for real estate agents to tap into. This demand has driven up property prices in popular vacation areas, making it more difficult for local residents to afford homes.

Regulatory Challenges

Despite the benefits that short-term vacation rentals bring to Florida's tourism industry, they have also presented regulatory challenges for local governments. The state of Florida has a patchwork of laws governing vacation rentals, which has led to confusion and conflict between local communities, property owners, and renters. Some cities have even banned short-term vacation rentals altogether, citing concerns about noise, parking, and safety.

A Boom for Related Businesses

There is a lot of work involved in the Short Term Rental business. They need property managers, cleaners, repair people. Locally it has gotten more difficult to find quality home cleaners. Many are kept very busy by Airbnb hosts. Need a handyman? forget it. Major property management companies have evolved that cater exclusively to STRs. The is a website that can help owners/investors price there property and provide other analytics called AirDNA.

Impact on Long-Term Rentals

The popularity of short-term vacation rentals has also had an impact on the availability of long-term rentals in Florida. Some landlords have found that they can make more money renting their properties as vacation rentals, leading to a shortage of long-term rentals in some areas. This shortage has made it more difficult for local residents to find affordable housing, particularly in urban areas where demand for rentals is high. Miami saw some of the largest rent increases in the country in 2021.

Real Estate Investment Opportunities

Despite the challenges associated with short-term vacation rentals, they have also created new real estate investment opportunities. Some investors have found success purchasing properties in popular vacation areas and renting them out on a short-term basis. This investment strategy can generate higher rental income than long-term rentals, but it also requires careful management to ensure that the properties are well-maintained and marketed effectively.

In conclusion, short-term vacation rentals have had a significant impact on Florida real estate. They have increased demand for properties, presented regulatory challenges for local governments, affected the availability of long-term rentals, and created new real estate investment opportunities. Some say that short term rentals are partially to blame for the perceived bubble in real estate values and could be one of the first shoes to drop in a recession.

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Tom Day

Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006

You can reach me 954-895-2431

If You Like This Post, Please Share. Thanks!