Market News

LOW INCOME HOUSING

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:44:00 GMT

Low-income housing programs managed by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta have had a positive impact on the area’s low- and moderate-income residents by creating more jobs and jump-starting the retail economy, according to a study released Thursday.

Research from The Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida tried to quantify the ripple effect of the $380 million that the bank has provided to build more than 60,000 units of housing between 1990 and 2009.

The study found:

• Every $1 million in funding resulted in $14.3 million worth of new or rehabbed housing.

• Each $1 million in funding created 158 jobs.

• Since 1989, funding from the bank has generated more than $811 million in tax revenue, representing $2.79 in taxes for each $1 of funding.

One in 20 Americans say they will purchase a home in 2010

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:45:00 GMT

One in 20 Americans say they will purchase a home in 2010. This is great news for teh South and the West

Summers Over We Welcome Season

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:43:00 GMT

Homes are more affordable today than they were 10 years ago so why are we seeing the sales pick up?

June Market Indicators

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:22:00 GMT

This is my opinion as to where the market is going... down down down. Now is the time to buy.

MARCH MARKET NEWS

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:30:00 GMT

TIME FOR CHANGE????Are we all seeing the same things? This is my question. As a licensed real estate broker in South Florida we are seeing properties sell and if you were to watch the news all you hear is doom and gloom. According to the most recent report for the housing market indicators we are up 15% in condo sales from last year this time and up 20% in home sales. Why aren't we hearing this on the news?

Market News February 2009

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Home buyer tax credit

August 2008 Amendment 5 Property Tax reform

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:56:00 GMT

Crist announces support for Amendment 5 property tax reform

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Aug. 5, 2008 – The property tax reform amendment advocated by FAR has a new backer – Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. Concerned about the Florida economy, Crist offered his first full endorsement yesterday, and says he will stump for passage.

“If this Amendment 5 were to pass in November, which I hope it does, people will look at that as a lot more than a tweak,” Crist says. “I think it could be a significant stimulant for Florida’s economy.”

Crist’s position puts him firmly on the side of Florida’s Realtors but at odds with a number of other groups, including schoolteachers, business groups and some fellow Republicans. But even opponents admit that Crist carries significant weight in Florida, and say that his support will go a long way to pass the Amendment 5 at the polls in November.

“I think the governor would be formidable in his campaign,” says Associated Industries of Florida President Barney Bishop, who opposes the property tax reform. “I just hate to see him lose, because I don’t think this amendment is going to pass.”

Other opponents are not deterred. “He’s one person, but statewide, we have 260,000 teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers,” says Pat Santeramo, president of the Broward Teachers Union.

However, proponents of the amendment see Crist’s support as a significant coup. “I don’t think it would be possible to overestimate the importance of the governor’s endorsement,” says former Senate President and Amendment 5 architect John McKay. “Charlie may be the best campaigner I’ve ever seen. I think the governor will sell this quite effectively.”

There is one caveat to Crist’s support, however: If John McCain picks him as a vice-presidential running mate, Crist won’t have much time to spend advocating Amendment 5. “Only time will tell,” Crist says. “I’m just trying to figure out the degree of help, the time I’ll have to do it. I hope to be very helpful.”

July 2008 Market News

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:01:00 GMT

A recession-proof home sale

ORLANDO, Fla. – July 1, 2008 – It’s a buyer’s market, but sellers can increase the chance of a sale in today’s climate by working with a Realtor and considering these eight things.

1. Don’t count on open houses to sell your home. According to the California Association of Realtors, less than 5 percent of buyers find their home at an open house. An open house should never be the center of a prospective real estate agent’s marketing plan.

2. Target your marketing. Know what buyers in your area look for and emphasize your home’s appeal accordingly. This includes everything from the description (whether you highlight transportation and parks, or restaurants and nightlife) and how you stage the home (whether the third bedroom becomes an office), to where you advertise the listing (a newspaper in addition to online).

3. Tour similar homes in the area to better understand the competition – what a home sold for 12 months ago, or even six months ago, may not be a good estimate for today.

4. Consider staging your home. Although not always necessary, staging can make a difference in how your house is viewed and compared to others.

5. Offer prospective buyers a neighbor “reference” list. Make a list of your best, most reliable neighbors, so that buyers can reach out to get a better feel for the area, the locals, and what makes the neighborhood a truly unique place to live.

6. Photos posted online should be taken on a sunny day with a wide-angle lens. Approximately one-third of buyers who responded to a recent survey said they would eliminate homes they saw online if they had too few or poor quality photos.

7. Consider a pre-inspection to give you a selling edge. Include information about any repair work you’ve completed since you bought the home. If you don’t market your improvements, you won’t get as much return for them.

8. Once your house is on the market, accept feedback and tweak as necessary.

June 2008 The Time to Buy is NOW

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:57:00 GMT

How many of you are waiting for the bottom to hit?

APRIL MARKET NEWS CONSUMER CONFIDENCE UP

Allyson@MalibuProperties.com — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:02:00 GMT

Most Americans think it’s a good time to buy a home