“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

V Dr.

Miami's Commercial Real Estate Sector Continues To Attract Investments

04-11-08
V Dr.

The general definition of commercial real estate commonly involves referring to a vast array of office buildings, licensed brokers, available listings, company agents, sale prices, high rise leases, loans agencies, developer conditions, offices, spaces with views, for sale listings, special sales on office rooms, lending agents, appraisal companies, leasing terms, public parks and auction prices for land.

The Miami commercial real estate scene, and the whole of South Florida as well, continues to be buoyant despite the wrath brought about by the mortgage crisis. While the residential market continues to get a beating, the commercial property markets, although also feeling the brunt, continue to attract buyers, and does not succumb to the pinch caused by rising mortgage rates, foreclosures and falling median home values, owing to the fact that commercial real estate investors tend to be larger firms or investment trusts, and not individual home buyers.

Miami-Dade Office Markets Continue To Be Attractive

The softer demand seen today in the office space market will, according to analysts, result in a higher vacancy rate and a more moderate pace of rental growth in Miami-Dade County this year, although overall conditions will remain relatively healthy, based on the 2008 National Office Report by Marcus & Millichap.

Vacancies will increase this 2008, however the long-term outlook is positive, as demand is seen to rebound in 2009. The report also includes the firm’s annual National Office Index, which analyzes and ranks 43 office markets based on a series of 12-month, forward-looking supply and demand indicators. Miami moves down six places this year to No. 23.

According to the regional manager of Marcus & Millichap, properties in infill areas in North Miami-Dade County, Hialeah and Kendall will continue to be attractive defensive investments, because of the area’s record of steady tenant demand and difficulty adding new supply. The reports highlights include: builders are expected to complete 600,000 sf of for-lease space; vacancy is forecast to stay at 9.7% by year-end; asking rents are projected to increase by 4.6% to $30.32 psf; and effective rents will rise 4.1% to $26.01 psf.

The South Florida Region Continues To Rank High Among Commercial Real Estate Investment

According to Real Capital Analytics' recently released report on global property market transactions, the South Florida region ranks 15th globally for commercial real estate deals. The report is the first to exhaustively track transactions in major metropolitan areas globally, and has tracked $1.04 trillion in office, industrial, hotel, retail, land and apartment sales worldwide in 2007. In all, 114 metropolitan areas tallied more than $1 billion in transactions.

South Florida is ranked as the 15th-largest metro in the world for commercial real estate investment, and is also one of those very desirable markets, with a large number of conglomerates who want to invest there. South Florida's popularity as an international travel, trade and business destination creates familiarity among foreign investors, the report adds. It also helps to lower the notion of investment risk, because the region's commercial leasing, sales and consumer markets are not just totally on U.S. economic conditions and demand.

South Florida's emergence on the world investment sales scene parallels its rise as an international hub of commerce. Real Capital Analytics' report further notes that the bottom line is that South Florida, because of its strategic location, has become attractive to international trade and the whole world.

Aventura Real Estate: Buying Condos In What's Perceived To be A Buyer's Market

04-09-08
V Dr.
Formerly known as a large suburb off the city of Miami, Aventura has now blossomed as a true-blue urban enclave, with the blossoming or real estate developments, more shopping districts, entertainment, arts and culture venues, marinas, sports and leisure facilities, and top-notch educational institutions.

The property markets here are also booming despite the damage brought about by the real estate crunch, and the area has a wide offering of sing-family, waterfront homes and condominiums, which make up a large majority of the home dwelling types offered here.

Luxury Condo Choices Are Aplenty Here

For those who wish to purchase condos in this lovely city, there re many developments that offer buyers a first-class lifestyle, complete with many amenities for families, retirees and single folks. The city is famous for being called the City of Excellence, and is also recognized as the "Beverly Hills" of Florida. Aventura, Florida means luxury living and is close to everything.

The city has a large offering of condos, ranging from upmarket and luxurious developments at Porto Vita, Turnberry Village and Aventura Marina. The upmarket condos at Porto Vita have renamed stylishness in the city, and the two two luxury towers here are located along the Intracoastal Waterway. The condos at Turnberry Village offer pre-construction condo deals to buyers, and is is a twin mid-rise 14-story Mediterranean styled project that has 455 units.

Current Condo MLS Figures

Based on the recent Multiple Listing Services (MLS) figures for this city, there are currently 2,459 condo units listed in this sunny Florida city. The highest priced listing is pegged at $4,800,000 and the lowest-priced condo listing is valued at $110,000 . At present, the properties under contract are placed at 172. According to the closed sales figures, there are around 38.5 months of inventory in the city's condo market.

Is It A Buyer's Market Here Now?

According to local property market analysts, by the numbers presented on the MLS figures, it could be safely said that Aventura's condo market today would be a buyer's market of sorts, as there are many properties for sale and very few closings as well. It was noted that there were over 2000 condo listings alone, and if you're selling condos, it would mean that you would price these competitively from the start, by basing from the closed sale prices. Condo sellers here too need to be accessible and ensure that their real estate agent is easily accessible as well.

A condo seller here would also need to ensure that their condo unit is in good condition, since a competitive market would mean buyers will surely have other better choices to look at. For condo buyers, they ill surely have the upper hand in this type of market, although tis won't mean that they have the right to offend sellers with really disgusting low offers, however this would mean that someone who is serious about selling his or her condo unit will definitely be willing to negotiate.

Commercial Real Estate Conditions In Sarasota

04-09-08
V Dr.
The city of Sarasota is located on the Gulf Coast of southwestern Florida, overlooking a bay with a lot of white sand beaches in its vicinity. This area is a wonderful vacation destination that has, on a lot of occasions, been praised for the wonderful quality of its beaches, the alluring natural scenery, and the vibrant economy of the area.

The property markets here are one of the most thriving and booming sectors, and is also one of the best markets in Florida. The weather here too is so attractive, and is perfect for those who have lots of leisure time to fill. Generally, many vacationers and retirees make their way in large numbers to this lovely Florida city.

The Commercial Real Estate Sector Is Doing Quite Well Here

This city has been generally renowned for its lovely, picturesque views, and an increasing number of businesses and investors have come and invested in the city's commercial real estate market, which offers retail properties, office properties, investment properties and hotel and resort properties as well.

These days, there are many office buildings, retail properties, apartment complexes, condo developments and plots of land awaiting the entry of more developers. Commercial real estate includes any piece of property that can deliver revenue for whoever chooses to own or invest in it.

Leasing Commercial Property Here

There are investors who are not ready to make a permanent commitment to a piece of property, and would rather wish to begin by leasing commercial real estate in this city. An important aspect to consider is that the process of leasing widely differs from leasing of an apartment or residential property. For those who wish to embark on leasing commercial space here, first try to shop around and locate the deal that best fits your personal goals, needs and interests, as well as analyzing the landscape, and double checking the amenities.

Finding more flexible leasing agreements rather than agreeing on a long-term leasing contract will come in handy in the long run. You also need to pay close attention to the lease details, as you will work within the confines of your leasing conditions, which means that if you to paint the outside of your property, you need to ensure that the lease contract allows this activity. Always remember to never sign a lease agreement if you do not think you can abide by all of the terms imposed.

Issues Facing The Commercial Property Markets Here

According to industry analysts, insurance and property taxes are the two major concerns that need to be addressed and taken cared of if the commercial real estate sector in this city is to further prosper. Despite the issues and problems that hound the commercial property industry, many see a positive trend towards a boom in the coming years for the commercial property market.

These days, the city's downtown district has been redeveloped, and larger corporations and investments have transformed the city's skyline, and have made it a word-class business hub. The advantage of investing in this city is that its world-class amenities and attractions continue to attract large numbers of foreign investment, which will help to make this metropolis a thriving and booming regional financial and commercial real estate hub.

Miami Real Estate: How Foreign Buyers And The Rental Markets Are Keeping The Local Housing Sector Afloat

04-08-08
V Dr.
Long viewed as the financial and transportation gateway between the US and Latin America, the city of Miami has long attracted a significant number of international investments.

However, in recent years, more investors awash with cash from economic growth in Latin America have arrived to invest in the city’s soaring property values. The South Florida region has long been considered as the destination of choice for Europeans, and many investment portfolio managers from overseas have also viewed the city’ beachfront property as a bargain even at current prices, in comparison to soaring property values in Europe, and the advent of a strong euro against a weak dollar.

Foreign Investment Eats Up A Large Share Of Real Estate Purchases Here

Based on data provided by the National Association of Realtors, foreign buyers and investors now accounts for around 15 percent of all home sales in Florida, and the number is estimated to be much higher in Miami. Much of this foreign investment goes into mixed-use developments that combine high-rise residential condo units mixed with commercial spaces for offices, retail outlets, and hotels.

Although these days, some state-based financial institutions have temporarily halted financing of new condominium projects here, larger national and international banks remained to be active lenders in the south Florida housing market, but have lowered their exposures because of the damages brought about by the current housing crunch.

The Steady Influx Of New Residents Keeps The Housing Market Afloat

Despite the pressures brought about by rising foreclosures and plummeting home prices, and concerns about overbuilding, many s note that Miami's previous construction boom has occurred during a time when the economic and demographic conditions throughout Florida have been generally favorable to housing.

Growth in per capita incomes in this state continues to keep pace with that in the United States as a whole over the last decade, while the rate of population growth has consistently been about a percentage point ahead of the overall U.S. rate. The continuing influx of new residents will continue to put pressure on a limited supply of land, especially in desirable locations, and has further pushed up housing prices.

How Investors Are Joining The Rental Market To Make Profits These Days

According to housing analysts, the greatest competition for home rentals will come from the bulk of unsold single-family homes and condo units, located in foreclosure epicenters such as South Florida, Phoenix and Las Vegas, and it is expected that landlords will control the prices in those areas. According to a study by Real Capital Analytics, around 331,000 apartments were sold to condo converters during the condo-conversion boom periods of 2004 through 2006.

However, since then, 31,500 units have returned back to rentals. Many prospective home buyers continue to play the waiting game these times, waiting to see how low home prices will go, while others are simply finding it hard to get a mortgage after the tremors in the subprime market. All these events have been favorable for landlords, but the effect on the rental market has only appeared lately.

According to analysts, many efforts have been concentrated on residential properties, which held back the stocks in 2007, and that many nervous investors seem to have avoided all companies in the housing market, even those involved in rentals; however things have changed now. These investors are now trying to find ways of how to profit from the residential market, and one way of accomplishing that is throwing their hat in the rental business.

Siesta Key Real Estate: Aspects To Consider When Buying Homes Here

04-08-08
V Dr.

The barrier island of Siesta Key, situated off the mainland of Sarasota Florida connected by two bridges.

For those who wish to relocate to this wonderful, year-round vacation destination and would want to buy real estate for investment property, prospective buyers could search for homes on the city’s MLS system, or on many real estate brokers online, and search for appropriate housing options like waterfront estates, homes or condominium units.

This island is just only an hour south of the the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area, and is part of the state's prestigious Sarasota County, which is famous for having a clean, pristine and hospitable environment for families and retiress as well. Around 24,000 residents call this lovely Key home. This barrier island has just about everything for everyone. The area has a a wonderful collection of museums and galleries, nature reserves, dining establishments, shopping centers, golf and outdoor sports activities that allow for a more active and easygoing lifestyle.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Home Here

For those who area pondering on buying homes here, there are many important factors to consider in being able to choose the right home options. In looking for homes in this area, you have to consider the location within the area or district you wish to buy your home.

When you want to buy a home, you have to initially do some research to ensure that the house or condo you purchase is properly priced. There are many neighborhoods within Siesta Key that you can select from, and each district has different costs, and different motifs and styles as well. You need to assure yourself that the one you are setting your sights on is going to be priced properly in accordance to the particular area you like to settle. You have to also ensure that the dwelling or condo unit is not overpriced or priced too low, because if home is overpriced, then its worth would not be as high or low as you earlier perceived it to be.

Next, consider the amenities that are available in that neighborhood. In making decision, you can leverage this with the amenities that the particular neighborhood or community offers its residents. You can look at schools, restaurants, shopping malls and so forth. You need to assure yourself that you will be close or in safe distance within the kinds of amenities that you and your family will need and want.

Living in Siesta Key offers a getaway that many have probably never experienced before. This are has been praised for the excellent quality of its beaches, and has been renowned the world over as a perfect vacation and permanent residential destination. In this area, there are many home options for families and retirees. There are beachfront condos that also have a rental policy for temporary residents, and have different minimum and maximum rental periods. Each condominium community here also offers a wide array of amenities to entice and entertain their visitors and prospective residents as well.