Nibal Elsaadi

Once again, the Tampa Bay real estate market is seeing a significant increase in international real estate interest. A report published by Point2homes, cited by HousingWire, says that Florida home sale listings are viewed and clicked on more often than any other state. Florida remains first. These figures are being helped by our national neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Being that these are drive markets, we attract these types of investors and cash buyers more so than Arizona and Nevada, who placed second and third in the rankings.

Canada and Mexico are not the only countries expressing interest in Florida’s real estate market. The U.S. Commerce Department projects 1.5 million Brazilians will come to the U.S. next year, most of them with Florida on their radar. Brazilians outnumbered all other international visitors by 41% in 2011; a number that many predict will continue to climb in 2012. President Obama hopes to speed up the Visa approval process, which in his opinion takes far too long to complete. Brazilians have to wait an average of 76 days just to initialize the process at the largest U.S. consulate in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As an alternative, many are choosing to visit European countries just because it is easier to get approved for a Visa there. Many businesses and local markets, like Tampa Bay and Miami Dade, in Florida are hoping the Visa process is revised and can be expedited in their favor. With high end real estate costing about $1000 per square foot in Brazil, many investors are taking advantage of similar Florida real estate that is significantly less.

Whether investors are coming from our direct neighbors, or countries with favorable exchange rates, an increase is none the less a great sign for the Tampa Bay real estate market. The National Association of Realtors was recently polled on their outlook for 2012. Optimism for single family home prices and sales are up from last year’s figures in January, as well as 4Q numbers for 2011.

Recent studies have shown that Florida’s real estate market is continuing its upward path in part by attracting South American international investors. The Brazilian real holds a 45 percent gain against the U.S. dollar and is continuing to drive South and Central Florida’s real estate markets to new heights. Recent oil discoveries off the coast of Brazil have spiked real estate prices in those South American regions which are nearest to this discovery. Both of these forces are driving investors and buyers to Florida beach cities like Miami and greater Tampa Bay.

While Miami may be the most culturally diverse city in Florida, Tampa bay is not far behind. The Hispanic population in Tampa Bay is the second largest ethnic group and the South American presence in the Tampa Bay area is very obvious. The abundance of waterfront and beach properties that Tampa Bay offers attracts those international investors and buyers; mainly because it’s what they are accustomed to in South America, but also those who are looking for homes, condos, town homes, and properties at better prices. Tampa Bay also stands out to the South American crowd, not only due to sub-tropical climates, but also offers reduced prices on consumer goods that are more expensive in countries like Brazil for example. The Tampa Bay real estate market and lifestyle also stands out to international investors and buyers due to an abundance of malls and shopping centers. Internationals can purchase designer goods and products at cheaper prices than they may be accustomed to. The owner of Algebra Realty in Miami, Jose Augusto Pereira Nunes, sums it up best by saying, “the tide and winds are in their (South Americans) favor, the exchange rate being the tide and prices here being the winds.”

If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about the Tampa real estate market please contact SI Real Estate at 813.631.5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

Interest In US Real Estate Market Continues to See an Increase

The recent increase in international online inquires for real estate in the US is attributed to many factors. Many real estate buyers in the global community are drawn in due to the weakened value of the Euro. France and Italy have always been in the top tier of competition for global real estate searches, but the US is making its way to the top. Seeing a 1.06% increase in the last month may not seem like a great increase to most, but when comparing it to the usual competitors, who have both seen a drop of at least 1.5%; it is a substantial number that draws attention. The following link will offer further in depth details on real estate trends.

http://www.propertycommunity.com/property-in-france/us-overtakes-france-in-international-property-searches.html

Foreign Homebuyer Proposal to Stimulate the US Real Estate Market

Some of this attention could be boosted even higher if a bi-partisan proposal is passed, which would allow for a “homeowner visa” for foreigners who spend $500,000 or more in US real estate. This action is likely to consume excess real estate inventory, stall any strain on pricing, and stimulate tourism especially in the state of Florida. Much of the bi-partisan support stems from restrictions on number of people coming with the investor, and benefits they would be eligible for. For example: they would be allowed to bring a spouse and minor children, but they would need to apply for a working visa in order to hold a job, and would not be eligible for benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. For further in depth information you can read more by clicking the following link:

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/20/business/la-fi-visas-home-buyers-20111021

You Cannot Hold a Good Buyer Down!

They say that the strong forge forward, this adage is true in real estate as well. A recent article published by Realty Times explains that despite date on the job market and adjusted home values over the past several years, real estate home buyers are still pushing forward in pursuit of the dream of homeownership. Real estate ownership is a desire goal and many are striving to move forward to achieve their real estate goals.

A study of over 3000 adults over the age of 20, results in more than 59% of renters and 99% of existing homeowners feel that homeownership is important. Of those surveyed, a large majority also felt that homeownership is an economic cornerstone. Additionally, real estate makes a huge impact on the overall economic vitality of a region or city. It certainly has in Tampa.

The most important result of this study is that as many as two million people are waiting to purchase a home when the time is right. Of those surveyed 62% of existing homeowners and 59% of renters believe right now, today is a “good or very good time to buy”.

SI Real Estate observes the trends of our Tampa Bay’s real estate market on a daily basis. We have our finger on the real estate pulse in our city. What we are seeing here in Tampa is that properties are moving, and are moving at a much more rapid pace that main stream media reports. For years, we have been in a buyers’ market. Now this trend is shifting. As these findings reflect, homeownership and real estate are desirable by so very many of the population. With low interest rates on mortgages, lower home prices, and incredible incentives, buyers are stepping up to take advantage of these benefits while they last.

If you or anyone you know is interested in talking to an experienced real estate professional about how to reach your real estate goals, call SI Real Estate at 813.631.5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com. We are happy to help and are always available.