A Buyer Friendly Market

Did you know that the housing market can sometimes be like one of those tv reality shows? Well it can be, wow! One season you can be looking and putting offers in on homes and before you can get the contract accepted by the buyer a cash-rich buyer rolls in and signed sealed delivered just happened.

Now the market is changing slightly again, its becoming more balanced if you will and you have a better chance of getting the home you wanted now.

Through June this year the US home values gained 10% nationwide, that's great for sellers. This hasn't happened since the Carter administration, yes the late seventies folks.

Around the US the asking prices on properties was up 3.3% for the second quarter versus the first quarter of the year. According to Trulia though, that increase is robust, but still less than the 4.2% jump that occurred from the three months that ended in January vs. the three months ended in April.

In some hot markets the asking prices have narrowed even more in recent months according to Trulia.

Pending home sales which can usually take a month or two to close depending on the requirements of the lender also dipped. This is because interest rates started to climb and affect buyers closing strength.

For the last half of this year, expect to see fewer bidding wars that you may have seen last year on properties.

Expect to also see a slowing growth in home values. Lets look at Miami...median home values increased 0.7% in May from April and 0.6% in June from May. The previous five months, values rose at least 1% month to month according to MLS statistics.

This is not a bad thing and looking on the positive side for long term buyers, it prevents flipping which is when homes are bought and resold in short intervals for fast profits and pushes prices into unaffordable territory. We all know that wage gains lag in all segments of the work force and if prices increase and wages stay the same, owning the American Dream may not always be obtainable without smart planning.

Overall, according to over 106 economists and real estate experts...home values will end this year up 6.7% and appreciation will slow to 4.4% next year. Prices may flatten or decline in some markets this fall and inventories increase.

Lastly, if I can be of any help regarding real estate buying or selling, please feel free to contact me at 305-776-2025 for Key West Real Estate and the Keys.

~ Monika
http://www.bestkeywestagent.com

Sell your home fast!

Been thinking of selling your home or other property, here are some good tips from leading experts.

Call Monika @ 305-776-2025 to sell or buy

http://www.monikasundstrom.com

Need your mortgage reduced?

If you qualify and haven't received your letter in the mail yet, you may want to read this and then make a call or two.

Call Monika @ 305-776-2025 to sell or buy

http://www.monikasundstrom.com

Thinking of buying? Mortgage rates are going up, BUY NOW!

Mortgage rates are higher in July and may continue to climb even higher, if you are looking to refinance or buy real estate, act now!

Call Monika @ 305-776-2025 to sell or buy

http://www.monikasundstrom.com

Home prices drop!

In June home prices dropped based on CNN reports. The Florida Keys show steady growth.

Call Monika @ 305-776-2025 to sell or buy

http://www.monikasundstrom.com

Did you know interest rates are on the rise?

Interest rates are on the rise, click and prepare yourself.

If you know anyone selling, looking to sell or looking to buy real estate, please have them call Monika @ 305-776-2025

http://www.monikasundstrom.com

Foreclosures and redefaulting all over again....

Coming to a neighbor near you?

Call Monika @ 305-776-2025 to sell or buy

http://www.monikasundstrom.com

Looking for island living but not interested in buying your own private island?

I often receive calls for the island listings I offer and although the typical buyer doesn't have 15 to 20 million just to run out and buy a new property, you can find great deals for under $3 million where you are removed from the hustle and bustle of the cars, scooters and everyday city noises but at the same time have all the amenities of everyday living with even your groceries delivered to your door. Allow me to introduce 50 Sunset Key to you located just a five minute ferry ride from the Westin Resort in Key West. Less than 10 years old offering 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths just under 2000 sq ft. The beautiful french doors open to the generous back deck with a hot tub and heated pool with outstanding porches and lush landscaping. On island you have private beaches, tennis court, spa and a gourmet restaurant and don't forget your golfcart is included.

~Monika
monika@monikasundstrom.com
305-776-2025
www.monikasundstrom.com

Buying a waterfront property ~ a few things you should ask.

Thinking of buying a waterfront lot or residence, there are a few things you should consider when buying. 

Learn about the water, how is the access during high and low tide. How deep is your access and what does the bottomlands consist of.

 

Does the land extend all the way to the water, do you have bottomland, does the survey stop short, Is there any surveyed, platted or dedicated designation of that land?

Talk to someone from the HOA if there is one.

 

Always review the plat map and the historical plat maps to the property.

Are there any easements to the property, water, etc If there is a dock is it maintained by you or a community or association?

Review the covenants, restrictions, declarations or similar encumbrances to the land and review them

What local, state and federal ordinances restrict (if any) control the use of the waterfront?

Now I would like to introduce 32 Hilton Haven Unit 8 a condo located on the Gulfside in Key West just off North Roosevelt near the City Marina and Key West Yacht Club. Please call Monika today for this great piece of Key West Real Estate or other Key West Real Estate Investments you may be looking for.

 

~Monika

 

Condo living in the Florida Keys

So, your thinking that well a single-unit home just isn't within your budget, maybe you want fewer maintenance issues or requirements....maybe you need to consider a condominium.

Now remember by definition, if you are buying a typical condo, you are buying all the space floor to ceiling and wall to wall (all the space contained within). Codo's come in various asthetics and may look like an apartment, flat, townhouse or even a detached structure. The exterior, grounds, roads, driveways and common areas are maintained usually by an association group of all the owners and/or developer.

Some things to consider are the following:

• Maintenance ~ whats included and what is not
• Insurance ~ what is covered by association
• Parking ~ how many spaces do you have, can you pay more for another spot, is it assigned?
• Amenities ~ do you have a pool, tennis courts, gym, boat dock, shuffle board
• Association fees ~ are fees monthly, quartly, yearly and what do they include?
• Neighborhood ~ schools, commuting shopping, dinning?
• Space ~ balconies, patios, barbecue area?
• Pets ~ are pets allowed or not?
• Security ~ is there electronic gates that require a code
• Future repairs ~ does the association have a reserve fund for big repairs and improvements and are thre any future planned special assessments?
• Important paperwork ~ make sure you check the declaration, rules and bylaws of the condo association.
• Governance ~ what is the form of government and are there more rules, quiet hours, can you play loud music, can you paint your door without asking, can you have plants on porch, can you decorate for holidays, etc......?
• Do you have any special needs?

Although these may not be all the questions you should consider, it is a start to get you thinking in the right direction and the same goes for a home in a planned community.

Now I would like to introduce you to wonderfull condo available in Key West located on the Atlantic with restaurants and boat dockage close by and within normal walking distance.

~ Monika

Relocating to the Florida Keys and Beyond

I know not everyone lives in the Florida Keys forever, sometimes we decide to relocate somewhere else. Before packing the car and just moving to a strange new city, you should always review current buying trends and inventory. The inventory will always determine the price in the market (typically speaking). Follow this link to review the April Real Estate market data for the US, it may just help you with your moving decision on what to expect before you arrive, buy or move.

Remember, whether your moving to Key West, the Florida Keys or even relocating away from the islands, Monika's Key West Real Estate can always help you with buying, selling, investing and relocation referrals.

~ Monika

1400 1st St, Key West 33040, Florida - Virtual Tour

What a beautiful weekend to start the pre-summer season, Memorial Day weekend, here are a few tips for traveling this weekend and remember the Florida Keys US 1 to Key West is mostly one lane in and one lane out, so have a safe weekend with friends, family and neighbors. Try not to follow the person driving in front of you to close and when you see that dream home or spectacular builing lot while you are out.....call or email to find out the latest in similar listings and aminities you may desire. Monika's Florida Keys Real Estate will help you buy, sell or invest in Key West and the Florida Keys.

Happy Weekend,

~ Monika

The Real Estate Survey ~ Coulda Shoulda Wooda

People often regreat something about buying their current home or making a buying decision, always be savvy when making a buying decision, clink the link above and then call Monika for your Key West Real Estate buying, selling and investing today, 305-776-2025

Don't forget to visit Monika's Florida Keys Real Estate and Like our page on facebook too.


Have a great Memorial Day Weekend

~Monika

When buying an island, here are a few thoughts that you may want to consider.

Thinking of buying an island? Well let Monika help you with a few thoughts and questions before you run out and just buy an island....here are a few random things you should always ask yourself about this exotic purchase:
1. Will you be happy with the surroundings and the enviroment?
2. Do I want to make furthur development plans and will they be permitted?
3. Do I have any medical or need require...ments that I may not have immediate access to?
4. Will I be happy with the community/culture, the area, the surroundings?
5. Am I comfortable with the asking price since comparables are not easily available for islands as the inventory is always low?
6. Do you prefer a certain type of ownership...lease or title?
7. How much time do I plan to spend on the island and what are the travel/arrival logistics?
8. Am I going to try and make income from my island in some commercial venture?

Zillow Inc : Zillow and Engel & Volkers Partner on U.S. Marketing Program

 The leading real estate and home-related marketplace, announced that Engel & Völkers®, one of the world's leading premium residential real estate companies, will partner with Zillow® on U.S. marketing and distribute for-sale listings to Zillow.

http://www.4-traders.com/ZILLOW-INC-8445069/news/Zillow-Inc-Zillow-and-Engel-Volkers-Partner-on-U-S-Marketing-Program-16249505/