Julie Jones

REALTOR magazine recently inquired of Senators Barak Obama and John McCain on their view of the most important action the federal government can take to ease the mortgage crisis and prevent a recurrence.

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

An interesting article featured by the Kiplinger Report discusses the simple adjustments to viewing today's seller strategies that will aid in achieving satisfaction by selling your residence in the current buyer's market.

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.

South Florida's strong international ties, especially to Latin America, are being cited as the reason for this region's 3% gain over the nation in exports. The August issue of South Florida Business Journal reported that the US Census Bureau shows 44% gain in exports from $3.2 billion in May 2006 to $4.6 billion in May 2008. Exports for the first five months of 2008 totaled $21.24 billion, up 21% from $17.62 for the same period last year.

Data for these reports were taken from the tri-counties' six major airports and seaports: Miami International Airport, the Port of Miami, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, Palm Beach International Airport and the Port of Palm Beach.

Local exporters explained that when the dollar started dropping two years ago, exporting improved. Goods being shipped from South Florida include boats, autos, marine engines, household goods and computer equipment. Most goods are being shipped to Europe as well as Latin America. Conversely, the Port of Palm Beach reports shipping to the Caribbean slowed during this time, since Caribbean importers are feeling the same inflationary pressures as US consumers due to the devalued dollar.

On the real estate front, savvy international investors recognize that now is an excellent opportunity to invest in US properties. South Florida, as an international gateway for business, trade and tourism, offers fabulous luxury residences for sale as vacation or permanent residences. The magnificent, luxury residence portfolio offered by Julie Jones can be viewed at www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com. Call 954.328.3665 or email Julie@premierstateproperties.com for more information.

Luxury real estate buyers have increasingly high expectations of the master suite of their potential dream residence!

Creating the ultimate inner sanctuary is one of the latest challenges to architects and builders of luxury residences. The entrance to the master suite should create a sense of relaxation and a place to rejuvenate from the stresses of daily life. Double entry doors and a private foyer with exotic floorings and finishes are not unusual. Home technology allows for the lighting and choice of music to be set to the owners taste to create the perfect master suite scene. Venetian plasters and fabric panels are frequently used to soften the appearance and create a unique environment.

In terms of the location, it is obviously most desirable that the master suite be situated away from other bedroom suites to create privacy, yet not too remote for families with young children. Often the master suite is designed to capture premium water or ocean views. Large private balconies for the location of an intimate chaise are a popular choice.

If space permits, a private sitting area to enjoy late night television or a quiet read is also sought-after. This area, equipped with a morning kitchen, beverage refrigerator, coffee maker, all beautifully finished in marble and exotics woods makes an enticing addition.

Bathrooms designs are more adventurous than ever and the focal point of the master suite. The list is endless in pursuit of your own private spa, designed to the owner's specification. Separate water closets, bidet, steam rooms, showers with rainforest shower heads and multi- body sprays finished with the finest fixtures are expected. The perfect space to capture natural light for a make-up vanity is a priority. Frequently, separate his and her bathrooms are created, sometimes with a palatial shower connecting the two.

A dressing room adjoining the closets, fitted with the very latest of storage and wardrobe management is another desired amenity. An island area or window seat is always attractive and a table or bench to layout the suitcase, ready to pack for the next trip is a practical addition. A private washer and dryer for the master is another expectation.

The best planned master suites often have an adjacent work out/exercise room just to complete the private spa scenario.

Scaled up or scaled down, these luxury attributes can be enjoyed at different degrees in the luxury residence portfolio offered by Julie Jones. Call 954.328.3665 or email Julie@premierstateproperties.com. Preview some of these magnificent master suites on www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com.

In an issue of Go Riverwalk magazine, downtown Fort Lauderdale's redevelopment and architectural changes were featured. One article by Steve Tilbrook, past president of the Riverwalk Trust, explained the Downtown Master Plan update.

Basically, the Downtown Master Plan initiated in 2003, has been updated to add an additional 3,000 units in the Downtown area. The Plan's primary goal is to transform the city's architectural appearance and create livable, pedestrian-friendly areas, including the streets, in the downtown area.

The architectural design of the streetscapes includes zero setbacks for an active street wall of shops and restaurants, with large step-backs for the towers above. Residential amenities, such as parking areas and swimming pools will be exclusive to rooftops. This will ensure active use of ground-floor spaces which, in turn, accommodates street density while allowing light and air to flow into Downtown.

Architecturally, the plan encourages narrower pedestal towers with comfortable cornice heights and large step-backs. New towers will use sweeping bay windows and large balconies to accentuate Fort Lauderdale's unique life-style, climate and natural beauty.

View corridor analysis to consider skyline appeal is also emphasized. This analysis focuses on the architectural and sculptural elements of prominent buildings, giving them "expressive tops" to be seen from varying distances.

The final focus is towards architecturally significant cultural, governmental and commercial buildings. The Broward County Main Library, The Exchange Lofts (which used to be the Southern Bell Telephone Switching Station), and the Museum of Art, exemplify this attention to artful architecture. New, soaring residential towers, and private, luxury townhomes dotting the New River also add artistic form and comfort to the burgeoning area.

As well, I appreciate the architectural diversity of my many, luxury residential listings. Properties vary from a sky-high riverside condominium ( F886575), to a magnificent Moroccan-inspired waterfront estate (F860310). Directly on the New River, I feature a historic point-lot estate reflecting the ease and elegance of 1927 luxury Palm Beach living (F919652). On the Intracoastal Waterway stands an ultra-minimalist contemporary with twenty foot walls of windows bringing the outdoors in while offering water views from every floor (F895098).

Please visit www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com for a virtual tour of these exciting properties. Email Julie@PremierEstateProperties.com or call 954.328.3665, and allow me to answer your luxury real estate needs.