Introducing Betty Scherer…

I am thrilled to introduce Betty Scherer.  We have recently joined forces as REALTOR-ASSOCIATES with Century 21 Hansen Realty in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Betty brings with her many years of business experience in many different capacities throughout the United States, Europe and South America.  In addition to being a licensed REALTOR, Betty holds the following professional designations:  CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist; CIIIS, Certified International Investment Immmigration Specialist; TRC, Transnational Referral Certification in addition to being a member of the National Association of Realtors and RAGFL, Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale.  Whether buying or selling in South Florida, call Betty and Jon for top notch 5 star services.  Our knowledge of the local market, combined with the worldwide name recognition of the Century 21 Real Estate Network and our extensive internet marketing programs assure you of a win-win situation, whether you are looking to purchase or sell property in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.  Welcome Betty!

Jon

November e-News

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, November already?  Hope everyone had a great Halloween.  Lots of good things to share with you this month.  Activity in our market continues to pick up and gain momentum.  The statistics just came out for October in Broward County and there is fantastic news in the numbers again.  Sales for single family homes are up 36% and available inventory is down 46%.  Condo/Townhomes showed an increase in sales of 66% over 2008 and available inventory is down 35%.  For more details check out the post below this one for all the numbers.

• Homebuyer tax credit extension.  The senate has approved a 7 month extension of this tax credit with some added benefits for buyers who are not first time home buyers.  This will go a long way in helping to continue the upward trend in the real estate market.  It still has to pass the house and get to the president for his signature, but all signs are pointing to a positive outcome.  Click here to read the full article.
• Short sales continue to be a big part of our market and there has been one big change in how 1st lien holders are handling them.  In the past the first mortgage was looking to recover 75-80% of what is owed-which didn’t always work depending on the amount owed and the current market value.  Now, they are accepting current market value or close to what the last comparable property closed for.  If you want more information, click on the tab above “Short Sales”.  And if you’re looking for an experienced title company that is excellent in closing them, the only game in town is Roberto & Associates, 954.776.7498, Joe Roberto.
• I have 2 great opportunites listed-$69,000 one bedroom condo in Wilton Manors, down the street from the “Drive”.   And a one bedroom condo in Coral Ridge for $67,000 can be rented immmediately.  Lastly, looking for an inexpensive rental?  $975, two bedroom two bath also down the street from the “Drive”

Some great feedback  to share from satisifed clients-

• “Jon is the most intuitive real estate agent I know – as well as the most patient. After describing the kind of house I wanted to purchase he took me right to my ideal home. Of course I wanted to see more and Jon worked with me and took me to see other properties. It did not take long for me to know that the first house Jon showed me was the one and I bought it. He was extremely helpful post-sale in recommending the absolute best service personnel – carpenters, etc. I highly recommend Jon as a realtor.”  Steve Cantrell
• “As a first time home buyer I chose you as my REALTOR because my parents had used you when purchasing several properties.  We spent long hours and several months looking at homes.  It seemed like I was never going to find anything, but you kept me on track and finally found the perfect home for me.  You were so knowledgeable, helpful, and patient.  You were there for every little problem I encountered and referred me to a wonderful mortgage broker (Jim Monninger) who guided me through the involved loan process.  Thank you so much for your help and I will be recommending you to anyone I know who needs a REALTOR.”
  Andrew Toy

Jon

October 2009 Sales Statistics

I just received the sales statistics for Broward County for the month of October and there is FANTASTIC news in the numbers… these number have been improving for well over 12 months now.  While prices continue to be down, inventory is declining and the number of closed sales is increasing-both signs of a correcting market.

 

New Listings

Single Family-1,507, 20% lower than 08′
Condo/Townhome-1,923, 14% lower than 08′
Total all property types-5,749, 18% lower than 08′

Total Available Inventory

Single Family-6,092, 46% lower than 08′
Condo/Townhouse-9,614, 35% lower than 08′

Single Family Sold

843 closed sales, up 36% from 08′
Median sales price, $210,000, down 16% from last year

Condo/Townhome Sold

886 closed sales, 66% higher from 08′
Median sales price, $84,100, 28% down from 08′

Pending Inventory or homes under contract

Single family homes are up 59% over 2008
Condos are up 110% over 2008

Given our current inventory and sales levels, if there were to be nothing else listed, we have a 7 month supply of single family homes on the market(down 61% from the previous year) and a 11 month supply of condos on the market(down 61% from the previous year).

Jon

Century 21 at the top of Wall Street Journal Survey…

Through powerful advertising campaigns, broad online digital visibility, strong word-of-mouth marketing, and the delivery of outstanding customer experiences, CENTURY 21® Real Estate has earned top positioning in a recent Wall Street Journal survey of its readers. According to the Wall Street Journal’s 2009 Residential Real Estate Study, the CENTURY 21 Brand ranks first in the industry in Brand Awareness. No other real estate company has greater awareness with consumers. That’s right. We have 99% brand awareness among consumers, per the Wall Street Journal survey results. As for preference, the CENTURY 21 Brand ranks 2nd in “Consideration for Future Business” in that same survey. That positioning is higher than RE/MAX. The survey results indicate that over 84% of consumers will consider using a CENTURY 21 Office in the future.

Home sales rose 34% in Florida, 9.4% nationally, in September

Great article to share from the Sun Sentinel…

Affordable prices and an $8,000 tax credit are working to revive South Florida’s housing market.

Sales of existing homes in Broward County increased 31 percent in September from a year ago, the Florida Association of Realtors said Friday. Palm Beach County sales rose 43 percent.

“The tax credit certainly turbocharged sales, but it’s not just that,” said Mike Larson, an analyst with Weiss Research in Jupiter. “It’s amazing what cheap prices can do.”

Broward’s monthly sales have increased on an annual basis since July 2008.  Click here to view the full article.

Jon

Need a great photographer?

If you’re local and need a great photographer, I highly recommend Dennis Dean.  2440 Wilton Drive.  Or check out his website, http://www.dennisdean.com/

Jon

Las Olas Art Fair

The 22nd annual Las Olas Fair runs today and Sunday from 10:00 until 5:00 p.m.  Ranked as one of the top 100 art festivals in the nation by a leading art publication.

Click here for details and directions.

Jon

October e-News

Lots of good things happening in our market to share this month!

Congratulations to Mr. Rubino on the successful sale and closing of his condominium, and to Kyle & Liz who found an awesome condo to rent for the winter.  Here is what they had to say.

The numbers are out for September and WOW-sales are up 40% and 69% from last year.  Here are all the stats.

Make it a great month everyone!

   

• Don’t forget the deadline to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit is November 30, 2009.  In order to receive the benefits of this credit, you need to close on the property prior to November 30th.  This is a great opportunity for all my first time homebuyers as they now account for a large percentage of our sales.  Complete details are here.
• Free foreclosure search-I am now the featured agent on USHUD.com for Northeast Fort Lauderdale.  You can now search for foreclosures throughout the state of Florida from my website or blog.  Click here for the link.
• Although this is not new, you can also search the MLS in any one of 12 languages through my website.
• I’ve got 3 great opportunites to share-I have 2 one bedroom condos for $69,000 each in Wilton Manors, just down the street from the “Drive”.  I also have a one bedroom condo east of Federal for $67,000-low maintenance and it can be rented immediately.  Call me for details.
• I’ve begun to creat a list of “preferred providers“.  Whether you are looking for a handyman, mortgage broker, dentist etc. I’m compiling a comprehensive list as a resource for my clients.  These are folks either I personally use or that have been recommended to me.  I’ve found that word of mouth is the only way to go when looking for service providers.  If you or someone you know would like to be included on this page let me know, and I’ll add them.
• I’m also creating a page where you can find out what is available for sale in different condominiums in  Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.  The links are live, so at any given time you’ll be able to see what is currently available.  If you would like to see your building on here, just send me a note.
• Don’t forget to “Fall Back” and change your clocks at the end of the month.

Jon

September 2009 Sales Statistics

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, I pulled the number for September and there is FANTASTIC news in the numbers… 

New Listings

Single Family-1,484, 27% lower than 08′
Condo/Townhome-1,799, 16% lower than 08′
Total all property types-5,568, 18% lower than 08′

Total Available Inventory

Single Family-6,396, 45% lower than 08′
Condo/Townhouse-9,951, 34% lower than 08′
Total all Property Types-25,042 31% lower than 08′

Single Family Sold

798 closed sales, up 40% from 08′
Median sales price, $200,000, down 23% from last year

Condo/Townhome Sold

858 closed sales, 69% higher from 08′
Median sales price, $79,000, 37% down from 08′

Pending Inventory or homes under contract

Single family homes are up 39% over 2008
Condos are up 116% over 2008

Given our current inventory and sales levels, if there were to be nothing else listed, we have a 8 month supply of single family homes on the market(down 61% from the previous year) and a 12 month supply of condos on the market(down 61% from the previous year).

Jon

$9.45 Million Dollar Home Sale In Fort Lauderdale

Wow, this is amazing-a Harbor Beach home recently sold for $9.45 million! I guess the economy isn’t hurting everyone, hugh?

Jon