Will people leave Florida after devastating hurricanes? History suggests not
If moves into the state offer any answer, then hurricanes have served little as deterrents. Florida’s population has grown by one-third to 23 million residents in the two decades since Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan ravaged the state. Last year, Florida added more than 365,000 residents, second only to Texas among states. On the other hand, there are signs that Florida’s white-hot real estate market has cooled. [Source: AP]
Criminals are selling homes they don’t own in Florida, prosecutor says it’s a growing trend
People are “selling” homes they do not own using quit claim deeds and it’s becoming a growing problem across Florida. The deeds are easy to file at the courthouse and the previous owner does not have to be there in person, according to State Attorney Jack Campbell. Once the criminal files the deed, the prospective “buyers” assume the house is now their own due to the deed signifying who owns it. [Source: WCTV]
Commentary: The Canadian influx -- How migration to Florida is shaping the real estate market
The E-2 visa has been instrumental in allowing Canadians to establish themselves in the United States. This visa offers the chance for individuals to invest in U.S. businesses, and with that investment comes the need for real estate—whether it's commercial spaces to run businesses or residential properties for families. [Source: Daily Business Review]
South Florida industrial market slower from peaks days
Industrial leasing activity in South Florida has cooled since the start of the pandemic, but remains on a strong footing, a top broker from JLL stated. Sky Groden, executive managing director of JLL's Miami office, said economic uncertainty, volatility in the credit market, new inventory coming on line, and higher operations costs for warehouse users has slowed leasing activity. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Florida condo crisis: Experts tell of owners’ fears as costs keep mounting
A Broward County panel last week warned that senior citizens in particular are struggling with mounting condo assessments — and the problem could grow as costs rise and owners cannot sell their homes. Those who own condos are facing the prospect of more financial assessments: There’s a Jan. 1 state deadline to have buildings inspected and shape plans to fund any repairs. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
$38,900,000
$38.9 million Florida mansion that doesn’t actually exist becomes one of the most expensive homes of the week. [Source: Realtor.com]
› After two hurricanes â?• what’s next for Tampa Bay real estate?
After a year of slowing home sales, the Tampa Bay housing market may dip even further over the next few months as consumers grapple with fallout from back-to-back hurricanes, real estate experts say. Until recently, the Tampa Bay market was relatively strong compared to the rest of the country, said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist for the real estate firm Redfin.
› How Miami Beach's Realfinity is helping real estate agents thrive in a digital-first world
How useful do you find real estate agents these days? Considering the amount of legwork the average home buyer does themselves on digital platforms such as Zillow, the inherent utility of real estate professionals is a question mark at the very least. Agents are increasingly faced with a problem: how do they continue to provide value when clients can handle many aspects of the home-buying process themselves?
› Winter Haven's mid-century modern home with ties to Frank Lloyd Wright now back on market
A mid-century modern masterpiece with ties to architectural pioneer Frank Lloyd Wright has hit the market again in Winter Haven, this time at a lower price point. The home, located at 999 Oleander Drive SE in Winter Haven, was designed by architect Francis R. Hoffman, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and built in 1962. It has five bedrooms, eight bathrooms and plenty of eye-catching 1960s-inspired details.
› Northeast Florida real estate giant grows footprint in booming Palm Coast area with strategic merger
The largest real estate company by market share in Northeast Florida is expanding its reach into a growing community. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty announced Tuesday that it acquired Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palm West Realty and its two offices. The two companies will merge, strengthening the brokerage’s presence in some of Florida’s fastest growing markets in Flagler and Volusia counties.