Merry Christmas and all the best for 2010!

Whether your Christmas looks like either of these photos(I’m fortunate to have both), enjoy it!

I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season spent with family, friends and loved ones.  Here is to an awesome 2010 for each and every one of us. I am extremely thankful for a tremendous year and I truly appreciate all of your referrals and those of you that returned to me in 2009 as buyers and sellers. Our market has finally begun to turn, inventory is down 40% and closed sales are up 62% from 2008. If there is anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to call me.

Jon

Cool New Tool For Homeowners

Check this out, it is a great resource for anyone that is a homeowner.

What is HouseLogic.com?
HouseLogic is a free source of information and tools—from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®—that can help you make smart and timely decisions about your home.  
What can HouseLogic do for me?
With content covering home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and even ways you can get involved in and enrich your community, HouseLogic can help you increase and protect the value of your home by helping you make confident decisions

Jon

November 2009 Sales Statistics

I just received the sales statistics for Broward County for the month of November and there is FANTASTIC news in the numbers(AGAIN)!  These number have been improving for over a year now.  There are fantastic buys to be had in every price range and my clients are getting incredible deals, unlike I’ve seen in years.  Market activity has picked up tremendously and I’m the busiest I’ve been in 4 years.  Call or email me for exemplary service in South Florida.

 

 

 

New Listings

Single Family-1,568, 13% lower than 08′
Condo/Townhome-2,026, 6% lower than 08′
Total all property types-5,878, 9% lower than 08′

Total Available Inventory

Single Family-6,066, 45% lower than 08′
Condo/Townhouse-9,558, 34% lower than 08′

Single Family Sold

785 closed sales, up 38% from 08′
Median sales price, $195,000, down 20% from last year

Condo/Townhome Sold

964 closed sales, 85% higher from 08′
Median sales price, $85,000, 23% down from 08′

Pending Inventory or homes under contract

Single family homes are up 40% over 2008
Condos are up 88% 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 60% from the previous year) and a 10 month supply of condos on the market(down 64% from the previous year).

Jon

Your Home~December 2009

Wow, it is December 1st already-how did that happen?  In this months edition of “Your Home”,  I have holiday home selling tips and tips on how to avoid online shopping scams.  Our market in South Florida has continued to gain momentum and offers incredible opportunities to those folks looking to purchase real esate.  While the holidays are not the ideal time to sell, buyers looking at this time of year tend to be more serious, and there are fewer homes on the market.  Currently we have 41% less inventory on the market than this time last year and the number of closed sales for homes and condos is up 51% over the same time last year.  These statistics spell out the perfect climate for a buyers market, one unlike I’ve seen in years.  If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate, call or email me for exemplary service in South Florida.  Make it a great month everyone!

Jon

Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

Baked brie, caramelized onions w/french baguettes

Homemade hummus

Glazed roasted duck w/sour cherry sauce

Roasted fall root vegetables-beets, turnips, carrots, onions, leeks, purple potatoes, garlic

Brussel sprouts w/dill, chives & garlic

Homemade ciabatta stuffing

Roasted acorn squash w/spiced butter, toasted pine nuts and sage

Rosemary & garlic potatoes

Sonja’s fabulous homemade cheesecake

Wine, beer, cocktails, coffee

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