In the midst of Miami summertime fun and things are somewhat quiet yet both foreign & domestic buyers are still in weekly scouting the good buys from lingering inventory. Speaking of condo inventory, we see it decreasing consistently showing us a 34% (YTD) drop from July of 2010 and another 4% over the prior month. Luxury condo towers such as Jade Ocean, Jade Beach, Ocean Four and Turnberry Ocean Colony are noticing only 2 to 3 condos for sale on the most desirable floor plans and to top it off, asking 25% premiums over 2009 & 2010 closed sale comparables. Other luxury towers such as Trump Royale have sold the most desirable floor plans while Trump Tower III, the remaining Trump tower to sell out, holds firm on the final inventory that remains specific to the 3 bedroom (A model) which hovers $1.8M.

Besides uptick indicators mentioned above & below, selling prices are setting new area records in 2011. South Beach record setting Apogee just sold the most desirable Miami Beach Penthouse at $11.5 Million. This Apogee condo sale is number 10 on the list of 2011 sales records for South Miami Beach of $1,678 per square foot while the highest sale goes to W Penthouse 6 which sold on July 1st for $2,602 PSF. Miami Beaches most desirable Bath Club 3002 sold on July 20th for $1,000 PSF. Bal Harbours 2011 record condo sale went to One Bal Harbour 1501 which sold at $1,053 PSF, while Sunny Isles Beach shows us the JADE Ocean Skyloft Penthouse condo which sold for $3.5M or $1,020 per square foot.

Statistics for the month of JULY reflect 2,884 total condos for sale along the Miami-Dade County oceanfront communities of South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Villageand Sunny Isles Beach with condo inventory levels down 34% year to date; again this month condo inventory is down 4% over last with what is now an 11 month supply based on the previous 30-day closed sales:

** South Beach Condos: 1,036 for sale | 99 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 124 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $445 / Sold $413

** Miami Beach Condos: 760 for sale | 69 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 143 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $297 / Sold $278

** Bal Harbour Condos: 199 for sale | 7 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 188 | Average Buyer Discount 8% | Average PPSF Asking $543 / Sold $482

** North Bay Village Condos: 88 for sale | 19 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 141 | Average Buyer Discount 2% | Average PPSF Asking $129 / Sold $123

** Sunny Isles Beach Condos: 801 for sale | 61 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 138 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $308 / Sold $280

Miami Beach | Sunny Isles Real Estate Summary

Miami Beach condo inventory continues decreasing month over month, sale-price to list-price ratios have maintained an average 5% buyer discount while active days on market have decreased to ~ 4 months to sell. Each of these indicators prove to be good signs for market improvement. Still I’m watching and beginning to note the selling price per square foot in many cases trending upwards especially since 2009 and depending on the location & type of condo along the beaches.

Sunny Isles Beach selling prices (Ave. per square foot) decreased 2% over the prior month while Bal Harbour and South Beach condo sale prices increased 4% and 6% respectively.  Over the prior 90 day period, selling price per square foot has increased an average 4% along the beaches. For the prior month, Miami Beach (REO) Bank Owned foreclosures made up only 2% of our inventory and have sold at 101% sale to list while Miami Beach short sales made up 13% of our condo inventory and sold at 99% sale to list. 77% of all closed sales last month were cash transactions! Miami’s warm climate is most desirable and the market shift is noted as trends move in favor of a new balanced market by the end of the year. Many buyers are in to enjoy the great values of Miami Beach luxury condos and to explore what remains to be a vast amount of buying opportunity along Miami-Dade County Beaches. For more information on oceanfront locations, luxury buildings or statistics & trends simply email, find me on ‘Live Chat’ or call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326. For detailed monthly Miami Beach condo statistics emailed each month, sign up for the e-Newsletter on the right side – ‘Join Our Mailing List.’

  New Listing at Terra Beachside Villas #312

May 2011 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

March 2011 - Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

February 2011 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

November 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

October 2010 – Real Estate Stats for the Miami Beaches

September 2010 - Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

June 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

The new year, new positive news plus an abundance of new buyers have figures on their way UP and Miami Beach real estate sales are looking stronger than ever. Inventory has fallen as a steady confidence builds along the beaches while news sources such as the Miami Herald, CNBC & Wall Street Journal relay that now is the time to own (if not last year) for the record real estate lows along the Miami Beaches.

Statistics for the month of March reflect 3,580 total condos for sale along the Miami-Dade County oceanfront communities of South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village and Sunny Isles Beach with condo inventory levels down 18% year to date; again this month condo inventory is down a whopping 9% over last with what is now an 13.6 month supply based on the previous 30-day closed sales:

** South Beach Condos: 1,286 for sale | 108 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 155 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $404 / Sold $373
** Miami Beach Condos: 954 for sale | 68 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 138 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $244 / Sold $224
** Bal Harbour Condos: 208 for sale | 9 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 123 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $334 / Sold $338
** North Bay Village Condos: 144 for sale | 19 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 98 | Average Buyer Discount 1% | Average PPSF Asking $117 / Sold $118
** Sunny Isles Beach Condos: 988 for sale | 60 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 143 | Average Buyer Discount 7% | Average PPSF Asking $290 / Sold $262

Miami Beach | Sunny Isles Real Estate Summary

Miami Beach condo inventory continues decreasing month over month, sale-price to list-price ratios have maintained an average 5% buyer discount while active days on market have decreased to ~ 4 months to sell. Each of these indicators prove to be good signs for market improvement. Still I’m watching and beginning to see the selling price per square foot trending upwards depending on the location along the beaches. Sunny Isles Beach selling prices (Ave. per square foot) increased 12% over the prior period while Bal Harbour condo sales decreased 15%.  Over the prior 90 day period, selling price per square foot has decreased an average 2% along the beaches. For the prior month, Miami Beach (REO) Bank Owned foreclosures made up only 3% of our inventory and have sold at 101.6% sale to list while Miami Beach short sales made up 14% of our condo inventory and sold at 94% sale to list. 79% of all closed sales last month were cash transactions! Miami’s weather is perfect and the market shift is noted as trends move in favor of a new balanced market by the end of the year. Many buyers are in to enjoy the warmth (& coolness factor) of Miami Beach luxury condos and to explore what remains to be a vast amount of great opportunity along Miami-Dade County Beaches. For more information on oceanfront locations, luxury buildings or statistics & trends simply write, find me on ‘Live Chat’ or call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

February 2011 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

November 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

October 2010 – Real Estate Stats for the Miami Beaches

September 2010 - Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

June 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

The summer time buyer mentality is that Miami Beach real estate sales slow and although a steady confidence builds, the month of August proved it to be so…

Statistics for the month reflect 4,514 total condos for sale along the oceanfront communities of South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village and Sunny Isles Beach and down 8% over this time last year; up 1% over last month:

** South Beach Condos: 1,673 for sale | 60 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 145 | Average Buyer Discount 7% | Average PPSF Asking $371/Sold $333

** Miami Beach Condos: 1,229 for sale | 46 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 127 | Average Buyer Discount 7% | Average PPSF Asking $285/Sold $259

** Bal Harbour Condos: 225 for sale | 11 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 161 | Average Buyer Discount 10% | Average PPSF Asking $384/Sold $341

** North Bay Village Condos: 243 for sale | 17 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 102 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $139/Sold $129

** Sunny Isles Beach Condos: 1,144 for sale | 37 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 159 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $256/Sold $235

This video on the Today Show caused many web visitors to try and search for Miami Beach and South Beach Florida condo opportunities under $50,000, only to be greatly disappointed. Whether it be the lack of true condo inventory under $100k, quality of property, the taxes or the monthly fees, most were a bit mislead on the vast opportunity along Miami-Dade County Beaches. For more information on oceanfront locations, buildings or statistics simply write, find me on Live Chat or call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

June 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Significant RESPA changes coming

The new RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) regulations that were published on November 17, 2008, are going into effect January 1, 2010.  These changes were primarily enacted to protect borrowers against excessive loan fee charges, and to make it easier for borrowers to understand their key loan terms and to determine the exact charges they are responsible for paying at closing. Such terms include:

• Loan term.
• Interest rate and whether it is fixed or variable.
• Whether there is a pre-payment penalty should the borrower choose to refinance at a later date.
• If there is a balloon payment.
• Total closing costs.

Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD-1 Regulations

HUD, the primary agency for enforcing RESPA laws, is requiring that loan originators (lenders and mortgage brokers) must provide borrowers with a standard Good Faith Estimate that specifically discloses all their key loan terms and closing costs. Closing agents (including title companies) must provide borrowers with the revised HUD-1 settlement statement. It will now be easier for borrowers to compare their GFE with their HUD-1 Settlement Statement because each designated line on the final HUD-1 will make a reference to the appropriate line from their GFE.

Borrowers can shop around and compare loan products quicker and easier as well. HUD estimates that consumers will also save as much as $700.00 at closing under the new regulations as a result of the elimination of many junk fees that lenders and closing agents were charging borrowers such as fees for courier, wiring, notary, photocopying, postage, overnight delivery, document preparation and document review.

The new regulations affect mortgage loan transactions and not cash transaction. However, cash buyers are also provided with a HUD-1 closing statement a few days before closing by the closing agent to determine their closing fees. Cash buyers should request a closing statement if it is not provided. These new regulations will help prevent lender fraud and make it easier for borrowers to shop for competitive loan products. For more information on the new regulations, visit the HUD website at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/resparulefaqs.pdf.

A Few More Reasons

Just a few more reasons why buyers should be taking advantage of the many loan products available today to help them with their purchase of Miami Beach real estate, South Beach real estate, Bal Harbour real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate, or Golden Beach real estate. These loan rates and affordable luxury condos & homes won’t be around for ever so take advantage now!

Miami Beach Green Real Estate

California and the west coast are not the only green conscious areas. Miami Beach and surrounding area homeowners are just as energy conscious. They recycle, conserve water and energy.  Here are some energy tips that can help you make your home more green:

• Save up to a third of your energy bill by purchasing EnergyStar Appliances.
• Insulate the attic and walls to prevent heat from coming in, thus making a huge difference on your power bill.

• Install programmable thermostats which automatically adjust your home’s temperature whether you are home or away. Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees.  Clean and maintain your air filters every 90 days. It can increase air conditioner efficiency by 5 to 15 percent.  Here in South Florida you don’t need to worry to worry about your heating bills like the people in the Northeast or Midwest.
• Install ceiling fans and cut down on your air conditioning use. In the Florida winter months, you can get by with using your ceiling fans and keeping your windows open so you can enjoy the fresh air.
• Use green cleaning products. Look for cleaners in large containers or bulk packages, and buy concentrates, which use less water. Look for products packaged in post-consumer recycled plastic or cardboard.
• Heat your pool with a solar cover or blanket. Use natural alternatives to pool cleaning chemicals as well.
• Use light paint colors outside. They will keep your home cooler inside. Look for low or no VOC paint. VOCs create ground-level ozone pollution and carry potential health risks
• Recycle your grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. The clipping recycle and you save water use and fertilizer and waste disposal removal costs as well.

• Use caulking and weather stripping to prevent your air conditioning from escaping and moisture from coming in your home. Moisture is a big problem here in South Florida causing mold and other problems.
• You can also save costs on your energy bill by doing your laundry and running your dishwasher on off peak hours between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Wash your clothes with cold water. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use.
• Cut down on your water consumption with low flow toilets and showerheads and recirculation systems in your hot water heaters.  Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth.  You will save at least two gallons of water.
• Repair any plumbing leaks immediately.
• Install a drinking water filter under your kitchen sink. This way you don’t have to buy bottled water, and you can save the environment by cutting down the use of plastics.
• You would be surprised on how much of a savings installing insulated and impact resistant windows can make.  Insulated windows help with noise as well.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce less heat and are more efficient.

• Plant leafy trees on the south and west side of your home to add shade.
• Use an electric lawn mower instead of gas.

Visitors and area residents appreciate the beautiful eco friendly environment that Miami Beach real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate, South Beach real estate and Bal Harbour real estate each have to offer. With miles and miles of expansive beachfront property consisting of luxury condos and homes, Miami Beach and the surrounding area residents are conscious of preserving its extraordinary habitats and surroundings while enjoying the South Florida lifestyle.

Let’s go “green” Miami!

Trump Royale North East Views

Hello friends.. I would imagine the famous Miami problogger is doing a stellar business even with the start of the summer months as regular blog postings from my favorite Downtown expert Lechuga have gone from daily to… every so often. I do wonder the state of the Downtown Miami market? I can attest the consumer confidence is much higher along the beaches with fantastic deals from $50k to $10M. I’ve been very busy promoting real estate package deals to my database, selling great properties, listing new buys and leasing with very little time to post. I’ve also had writers block yet have new ideas on great posts to implement soon. Most of my posts include research, statistics, analysis plus my opinions & outlook on the data while I also like to throw in the pretty photos to entice the right brain thinkers. There are a few new trophy properties that I’m looking forward to promoting here soon such as a luxurious 4,000 SqFt. oceanfront townhome  and another distressed sale on a luxurious 4,000 SqFt 2 Story Penthouse property along with a 5 unit package deal with immediate flip potential.

I do believe resort towns such as Miami Beach FL & Sunny Isles Beach attract a more affluent crowd as we have a tremendous amount of wealth here with many “locals” coming for 6 months each year (winter) and staying at their other homes during the rest of the year. Just a decade ago, higher income earners were concentrated in counties with large numbers of financial, real estate and professional jobs. But the Internet & wireless technology, plus the ability to fly in and out of almost any airport in the country have freed the entrepreneur to move where they like in significant numbers. With condo values going down 30% to 50% since 2005, many are now finding awesome oceanfront opportunities for a new life and business operation at a distance. It’s great to bring your clients down here, when you say you’re in South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour or Sunny Isles Beach and your clients are up north, it’s not too hard to get them to come visit you to see what your offer is. People from all over the globe choose to live here with the average tropical temperature at 80 degrees, orange sunshine, blue skies & green palms. This paradise is topped with an amazing lifestyle offering just about anything the affluent could want from golf, boating, fine dining, arts & entertainment galore. When earning an income significantly above the norm, why not live in the most desirable locations to enjoy life’s successes.

Write in and Speak Your Mind…