Since Governor Crist’s meeting with them in October, Florida lenders have been considering alternatives to foreclosure for Florida’s homestead homeowners. These alternatives will impact a considerable amount of Floridian’s since this state has the nation’s third-highest state foreclosure rate, with 166,600 households statewide being impacted by foreclosure activities in October 2008.

This foreclosure relief for the Holidays is just one more step in attempting to ease the foreclosure crisis in Florida.  In addition, the Florida Department of Community Affairs submitted a proposed plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for distributing $91.1 million in federal funds to smaller urban and rural communities to respond to rising foreclosures and falling home values. The funds will go to local governments to purchase foreclosed homes at a discount and rehabilitate or redevelop them.  Also, Florida received nearly $1.3 million to support statewide foreclosure prevention counseling efforts in March of this year.

Governor Crist’s actions are a perfect example of putting the needs of people ahead of monetary demands. The humanitarian design to this request supports all the chatter we’ve been hearing on the Internet about working together to help each other climb out of our nation’s enormous housing/mortgage crisis. I think Governor Crist and the mortgage and financial institutions of Florida deserve applause.

Season’s Greetings to you all.

Julie Jones

What do 'chi' alignment, the number 27, 'space clearing' and 'hungry ghosts' have in common when selling a residence?  

Feng Shui. 

Yes, you read correctly. An article in November’s Realtor magazine says sellers experiencing long periods between listing and selling their properties are hiring Feng Shui practitioners to use the ancient Chinese technique to dissipate the negativity of financial woes by realigning the “chi”, or energy, of the property.

Guess what?  According to the article, it is working.

For example, a two bedroom condo that had been on the market for two years without an offer underwent a Feng Shui realignment. The furniture was shifted to create “better flow” and the color red was added to energize the black/white décor.    The condo sold the next day. 

Next, a South Florida builder was facing foreclosure on nine of his properties. By using blessings, mirrors and placing water in strategic places, seven of the nine properties that had been on the market for nine months, sold within 45 days.

Practioners say Feng Shui staging removes disquieting vibrations emitted from the property’s objects, places, colors, situations and even the residents themselves—like spiritual housecleaning.  Even if sellers themselves are not stressed, but their neighborhood is having an economic downturn, Feng Shui can realign the property’s energy to overcome the surrounding negativity.

Feng Shui experts say even the height and location of a yard sign and the addition of a three inch mirror to the sign makes a difference in the positive energy flow toward the property.   In occupied homes, practitioners remove clutter and call a spiritual 'space clearing' with chanting, incense, chimes and/or bells to purify space. This process changes the space to a positive vibration which clears out what they call 'hungry ghosts', or old, negative energy.

Meanwhile, the number 27 refers to the number of articles, including furniture,  that need to be rearranged within the residence, especially if the seller faces severe financial woes. The digits “2” and “7” added together equals “9”, which is considered a powerful number and thus helps money flow toward the house.

Fascinating information.   Clearly, a new—or shall I say, “new age” approach to selling property. Have any of you employed Feng Shui for your listings? Would you?   If you have used Feng Shui, have you had success?

Very best,

Julie Jones

Luxury Ocean and Waterfront Specialist

julie@premierestateproperties.com

Presently, the Sun Trolley (on wheels) conveys approximately 100 passengers per day. The Downtown Development Authority of Fort Lauderdale, which is planning The Wave, believes this jazzy new, electric streetcar system will attract 6,000 riders per day, especially with plans to link it to the Tri-Rail system.

By September 9^th, the Broward County Commission voted to own and operate The Wave. Doing so, the Commission will seek $75 million in federal funding. The Fort Lauderdale city commission voted to contribute $10.5 million toward construction. The state of Florida has budged $37.5 million. Another $27 million is planned to be raised over 30 years by placing assessments on downtown residents and businesses.

The proposed 2.7 mile route with double tracks will begin at Sistrunk Boulevard at the north, run through downtown and finish at Broward General Medical Center south of downtown.

Proponents for the streetcar system say streetcars are cleaner, last decades longer than their wheeled counterparts, rely little on oil, and will encourage local business development. In addition, Fort Lauderdale could enjoy the same popularity of San Francisco’s trollies.   One supporter believes that streetcars are fun to ride and calls them, “transportainment”.

The Broward County Commission’s vote for The Wave is not yet a commitment to funding. Whether or not they move forward on the project depends on the staff’s success in raising the $75 million in federal support. Otherwise, the project could die.

So, I pose two questions to you, my economically and environmentally savvy readers. First, for a price tag of $150 million (versus approximately $13 million for buses), do you think downtown visitors, dwellers and businesses will benefit from the revenue spent in constructing a 2.7 mile electric streetcar?  Second, if she was in service, would you ride The Wave?

Julie Jones

Luxury Ocean and Waterfront Specialist

julie@premierestateproperties

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 made while dealing with the loss of revenue from the national economic downturn and state initiatives.

2.       Continue focus on quality of life issues.   Fort Lauderdale will continue its success formula by concentrating on the details:  safe streets, clean sidewalks and beautification efforts.

3.       Develop plans for the City’s future. Finalizing and implementing guidelines created with the assistance of more than 2000 residents will protect neighborhoods from overdevelopment, preserve green space and strengthen the City’s economy.

4.       Improve neighborhoods.  Over $15 million has been budgeted to improve neighborhoods, including new green space, park improvements, walking trails, ornamental street signs, monuments, landscaping, decorative lighting and traffic calming measures.

5.       Improve city infrastructure. In the upcoming year, $124 million will be dedicated towards continuing with vital reinvestments by upgrading its major infrastructure, including new sewer and water systems, fire-rescue stations, and enhancing marine and tourism assets.

Happy Selling!

Julie Jones

Luxury Ocean and Waterfront Specialist

julie@premierestateproperties.com

The video showed abandoned, completely furnished homes being “trashed out” by a company hired by the banks to empty the property to be ready for sale.  Brown lawns are being spray painted green to improve curb appeal for marketing.  What are these people thinking?

Now, since the Bail-Out Bill was passed by the house and senate, banks are now drawing out closings on short sales, or cancelling them altogether. Their reason?   Let the Federal Government shoulder their troubled assets and once again, save their tails. Not only is this a gross case of “passing the buck”, it once again shows a huge lack of Integrity which will, once more,  ripple down through America.

America was built on Integrity.  Integrity generates self-worth and concern for each other. I am prepared to work side by side with my colleagues to continue bringing Integrity to the real estate market.

As the Internet gains momentum and videos become the popular option to preview properties, whit is the future for open houses? Increased gas prices and reduced leisure time may also be impacting the traditional open house habit. What are real estate professionals experiencing in other areas?

When featuring our ultra-luxury real estate listings as open houses, we usually make the event memorable to attract buyers. At an afternoon soiree, we engage a quartet, cater the event with gourmet food, and offer a valet service for visitors.

An event such as this attracts up to forty visitors, and usually draws at least one serous buyer which results in a sale. I have my team of buyer’s agents present to point out the unique features of the residence which gives the agents an opportunity to build a relationship with potential prospects.

While I am dedicated to continue marketing my luxury portfolio to meet my expectations and those of my sellers, my question to you is this: What are your thoughts on holding open houses and if they work for you, how often do you hold them?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Julie Jones

julie@premierestateproperties.com

The south Florida Business Journal reports that despite tight credit restrictions, houses in Florida continue to be in demand for purchase. The Florida Association of Realtors reported last week that for the second month in a row, single family home sales were up in response to the lowering prices.

The main difference is in the attitude of buyers, sellers and lenders. First time home buyers, real estate investors and those who have considered purchasing second or vacation homes realize the opportunity the present real estate market offers. Sellers who have owned their properties for over ten years understand this is still a profitable buyer’s market and are open to negotiations. New construction condos and recently bought properties may feel the crunch from the lowering prices, however. Patience and tapping into the rental market is the key for those owners.

As for lending, some of the larger banks and smaller regional banks with conservative portfolios are joining FHA and Veterans Affairs in continued lending. Their attitude change has come in the form of scrutinizing borrower qualifications more closely than four years ago. Homes priced over $1 million generally require 10-20% down to obtain financing, but that is not unusual from past practices for luxury real estate transactions. Well-qualified buyers or cash buyers will find marvelous opportunities in the real estate market now.

Encouraging news for all of us in the Florida real estate market to pass on to our clients.

Sincerely,

Julie Jones

Luxury Real Estate Specialist

julie@premierestateproperties.com

The current fuel crunch and soaring airlines prices are driving travelers to look for closer resort destinations with cost effective and convenient travel.  Three major, international airports from Miami to Palm Beach as well as smaller executive airports in the Keys, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton make south Florida one of the most accessible and sought-after resort areas to visit or call home.

With tighter security and ariine cutbacks increasing the chance of delay or cancelled flights, why spend entire days travelling losing not only precious time, but dollars, when your second vacation home or favorite resort destination can be within a 2-3 hour plane ride?

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale and her surrounding cities is that we are a 45 minute “puddle jump” to the Bahamas, where you can literally experience that get-away feeling lounging, snorkeling or touring on one of those island jewels. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and the Port of Miami continue to thrive as cruise ships set sail for different destinations.

Better yet, stay on shore and indulge yourself at one of Fort Lauderdale’s beachside resorts, such as the Atlantic, the Ritz-Carlton or the Marriott Harbor Beach, just steps from the luxurious sands, turquoise water, bistros and bustling night life.

The private, executive airports in south Florida provide excellent and easy access to accommodate jet-owners conducting business in our flourishing national and international market place. These jet centers also offer a flight plan for welcome weekend escapes, especially when colder months hit northern climes. There’s nothing more satisfying than taking some well-deserved downtime on the golf course or in a spa after a successful meeting.

Many of us are lucky to call South Florida our home. We live the vacation lifestyle while carrying on our day-to-day lives. Vacationers from around the country, no around the globe, indulge thoughts about purchasing second homes in our tropical city-oasis. I am here to answer any questions that may arise in this decision process. Better yet, fly into one of our easy-access airports and allow me to show you luxury properties sure to capture your imagination. Fort Lauderdale is my home. You are always welcome here.

Visit www.luxuryrealestateftl.com to view virtual tours of my spectacular luxury portfolio of homes. Call 954.328.3665, or email Julie@premierestateproperties.com for more information.

 Marvelously symbiotic is the truth that buyers and sellers need each other. One cannot achieve his or her goal without the other. The best way to reach a satisfying sale is to remove any potential misunderstandings or distrust between the buyer and seller with clear and timely communication. 

An article in September’s Realtor Magazine states that sellers should understand that buyers become attached to a residence the moment the offer is put in writing. Research shows buyers go so far as to believe the home is already theirs. They place furniture, allocate bedrooms to family members, and call in trusted advisors to take a look. Knowing this fact should help alleviate the seller’s concern that a buyer will “walk” from a deal and to continue negotiating with confidence.

Conversely, buyers tend to “stall” on moving forward because they become paralyzed on the notion that prices will continue to drop. When buyers realize there is no real answer to, When would be the right time to buy?, they become more comfortable in continuing the transaction because they are looking for a new home now. 

Analysts have discovered homeowners hold an irrational fear of losing the market value of their home over a loss in their stock portfolios.  Why? Homeowners consider their home as an extension of themselves. Loss in a stock portfolio is painful, but it is less personal. Sellers should not dwell on a past, possible purchase price, but consider the profit they will make in their current transaction. This positive approach to home selling continues a positive forward momentum, which everyone wants in their lives.

The final psychological affect common in the home-buying process is the emotional reaction that buyers experience at the real estate closing. No matter how happy the parties may be, many times a wave of temporary anxiety will swamp the buyer as soon as the paperwork has been signed.  Sellers are usually less affected because they’ve already detached from the property---unless they were forced to sell, but buyers should be aware of these emotional triggers, so that when they hit, they can treat their uncomfortable reaction with humor and understanding.

I present this information with the belief that an educated consumer, even on emotional issues, is a satisfied consumer. Please visit www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com to view my luxury portfolio. Call 954.328.3665 or email Julie@premierestateproperties.com for more information.

Installing windows with Low-E glass and finishing exterior doors with a UV-stabilized polyurethane coating protects prevents harmful UV rays from entering the house.

Low-E (low-emittance) glass is coated with microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers which reflect heat and long wave radiation from the sun. In other words, Low-E glass blocks harmful rays that cause interior fading.

Another benefit is the reduced heating and cooling costs to a home. Low-E glass keeps interiors warmer during winter months and cooler during the summer, making your home comfortable year–round. 

When investing in UV-protection for your homes, be sure the products you choose are tested and certified for energy efficiency that use industry standards, no matter what technology is employed. “Energy Star” labels on products rate the best all-around UV-resistance energy performance for all regions.

The direction windows and doors face also helps to reduce the sun’s intensity level. South and west-facing windows and doors require the most protection. Using window and door exterior overhangs not only provides privacy, but block solar radiation while helping to reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 15 degrees. Lower indoor temperatures reduce cooling costs, as well.

Natural shade is another option to protect interiors. The US Department of Energy says that properly planting just three trees near a house can save up to $250 per year in energy costs.

I hope this information helps you or any family members interested in improving the energy efficiency of your homes. If working with a builder or designer, don’t forget to alert them to these features to help protect the interior of your fabulous dwelling.

Change is never easy, especially on children. While some may take moving in stride, other children become anxious at their loss of stability, watching their possessions becoming boxed up and realizing they’re leaving family and friends.

Here are ideas to help smooth the road to a new move:

·         Give your children the time to adjust. Do not rush them through the time they need for this natural emotional transition. Rushing will only heighten their anxiety.

·         Give you children tasks to make them feel a part of the process. Let them help pack their toys, pick the paint or decorations for their new room, and if possible, let them choose their  new bedroom to include them in the move.

·         Say goodbye to your hold house together. Closure helps the move to the new home easier.

·         Stay in touch with old friends from the old neighborhood to keep the connection.

·         Create a fun map of the new neighborhood so the children get acclimated quickly and generate curiosity for the new community.

·         Teach your children how to introduce themselves to new friends. Knowing how to approach others gives your child a sense of empowerment.

·         Keep tabs on your child’s emotional barometer each step of the way. Children don’t always know how to express stress-- even excitement can become overwhelming.   Best approach is to listen and be understanding. Share your feelings, too, and don’t forget to end all discussions on a positive note towards the new change!

I have helped many families relocate and establish fabulous homes here in Fort Lauderdale. It would be my pleasure to help you. Visit www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com to view my luxury real estate portfolio. Call 954.328.3665 or email Julie@premierestateproperties.com for more information.

You might like to know that Florida’s state park system is the first two-time Gold Medal winner, and is one of the largest in the country with 161 parks spanning nearly 700,000 acres and 100 miles of beautiful, white beaches.  The parks offer swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs, bird-watching, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails. Year round outdoor activities abound for all ages at our state parks. For history buffs, battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history. Art shows, museums and lighthouses also offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

To find a state park within a 100-mile radius of any Florida city, visit ww.floridastateparks.org/information/1tankadventures.cfm.

 If you’d like to make a vacation out of your travels, Florida has launched the Florida Green Lodging Program which lists hotels that follow the program’s guidelines to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution, while offering excellent accommodations. To date, over 200 hotels participate in the program.  As a reward for designation in the program, 181 properties have been recommended for designation, and 345 companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities have submitted applications for these prime properties. Visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging for more information about lodging green.

So, the next time you’re watching that glorious sunset as you drive down your particular boulevard, remember you live in Florida’s vacation land.   Enjoy your backyard.  People pay good money to visit here.

I invite you to view virtual tours of my luxury real estate listings at www.LuxuryRealEstate.com. Call 954.328.3665 or email Julie@premierestateproperties.com.  Allow me to help with your luxury real estate needs.

While both candidates praised President George W. Bush’s Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, their views differ on the government’s approach to the mortgage crisis.

Senator Obama called for the creation of a $10 billion foreclosure prevention fund working in tandem with state, local and community non-profit efforts to either aid homeowners facing foreclosure to renegotiate with lenders, or help homeowners sell their homes. Senator Obama wants to expand the mortgage revenue bond allocating $10 billion in new resources to state housing agencies for struggling homeowners. Long term, Sen. Obama’s Stop Fraud Act creates criminal penalties against mortgage professionals guilty of fraud, and increases funding for state and federal enforcement of anti-fraud programs. And finally, Sen. Obama would like to see a simplified standardized metric for calculating the costs of home mortgages, such as the annual percentage rate used by banks on loans.

Senator McCain intends to boost the economy to help borrowers in economically challenged states by keeping tax rates low and increasing business investment incentives. He also wants to arm households with middle class tax cuts. Next, Sen. McCain wants to help borrowers in fast-growth states forced into risky mortgages to refinance into safe FHA financing through the housing relief bill. He stresses the importance of borrowers, not lenders, to initiate the restructuring process, to keep undeserving lenders from using the FHA to dump all the bad loans they made. Sen. McCain calls for a crack-down on unprofessional conduct among lenders and ensure investors understand the risks of new mortgage securities that the market has developed. And finally, Americans need to give the new national mortgage standards developed by banking regulators a chance to work.

Two very interesting points of view.    I hope you find this interview informative.

Julie Jones, Broker Associate

Premier Estate Properties

Direct: 954.328.3665

www.LuxuryRealEstate.com

Julie@premierestateproperties.com

Strategies in a buyer’s market include hiring a top salesperson, setting a fair price, and preparing your residence to ensure your offering stands out from the competition. Most importantly, be prepared to negotiate.

It’s all a matter of perception. While profits may not be as dramatic as three years ago, if you set realistic expectations, your profits will be pleasing, especially if you’ve held your property for a long time. If you can afford waiting to see what the future will bring, then don’t sell. Keep in mind, the real estate market is not unlike the stock market—rising and falling with economic trends. So, if you want or need to sell, then by all means seek out a professional real estate agent who will pre-screen potential buyers, and market your property in the proper venues, including Internet websites offering virtual tours and floor plans. 

Another feature you might consider in your sales package is to offer possible buyers a home warranty that covers the heating, cooling and plumbing systems and certain appliances.  At the cost of $300 to $400, the warranty usually lasts a year and covers service, repair and replacement.  

Also, staging your residence sets an ambiance that will appeal to as many buyers as possible, especially if the property is vacant. Staging helps buyers visualize how the rooms may appear decorated with their own possessions.   As always, remember the importance of curb appeal. Lush  and clean landscaping will always draw a buyer’s attention.

Allow me to review your marketing strategy for selling your residence. Call 954.328.3665 or email Julie@premierestateproperties.com. Visit www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com to view virtual tours of my current luxury residence portfolio.