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With more buzz than
ever about real estate, especially when it comes to talk of a housing
bubble, it can be very tough to separate what's really important from
what the media—and, guess what, even your ‘friends’ and neighbors--might
like you to think.
So, I totally understand why, after my bold - post double-espresso-
statement in the last article (which I gladly remind you): "Real estate
is still pretty good in a lot of places. And there is no such thing as
the real estate bubble", I have been bombarded by a couple of anxious
Sellers that claimed I should have never left Italy in the first place.
That makes me think. Really. Why did I come to Clearwater? Maybe I
watched too much TV. Yes … the Golden Girls: they had this lovely
Florida home with a full patio and breakfast nook, and they went to the
beach and parties and take dance classes together, every day there was
sunshine, palm trees and beautiful homes. Florida is truly a wonderful
place to live and that is probably why I love being a real estate broker
so much. Because I am here. Because that is the reason most of the
Buyers are still buying, and, in this prospective, it is a lot of fun to
help them realize their dream. I admit, it is not a very happy moment
for sellers even in this paradise, but that is just because we have a
record number of listings for sale on the market, over 3 times higher
than last year. Sellers can get very stubborn and the inventory is not
real, because a lot of the houses are not really for "Sale", they are
only for Sale at the highest price the Seller can think of. And sellers
are willing to keep their house on the market longer, despite the lack
of offers, unwilling to drop the price, creating an inventory backlog.
Well, finally, buyers – which never stopped floating to the Clearwater
area – are now finding that they have a chance to buy a home again, and
at great prices! With some GREAT deals and incentives from the Sellers
and developers that are more motivated than stubborn!
IS THIS THE BEST TIME TO PURCHASE PROPERTY? Of course! And here is why:
1. We now have a buyers' market for the first time in five years. We are
getting the best deals and best concessions we have seen for 10 years.
2. Interest rates are once again on their way down, and excluding the
last two years, are the lowest in 35 years.
3. Best rental market for five years. Rental rates are now rising at 4%
and vacancies have fallen from a 10% rate to 5.6%.
4. The economy is the strongest in 10 years. Unemployment is at a low,
real incomes are rising, and sale of factory goods are up-all signs of a
booming economy.
5. Home sales and mortgage applications are back up.
Never, in the past 30 years have we had a buyers' market, such low
interest rates and rents rising at the same time.
And it’s the New Year … I look at the future and at the fabulous
position we are in, here in Clearwater. In this town alone we have over
19 new preconstruction townhouse and condo projects in the works, almost
30 at the Beach. Before even breaking ground, major developments like
Water's Edge nearly sold out in two weeks, Sandpearl had 650 buyers
vying for 120 condos, Island View Towers has over 60% under contract.
The City itself has started an $8.9 million renovation and
beautification of the downtown area, which combined with all of the
development and retailers joining in, is preparing the way for another
unprecedented real estate boom. Yes, the next boom will be coming and I
do not even need my crystal ball to tell you that.
Stay tuned – because I want to tell you something else in my next
article … would you like to know what is one of the mayor factor of
Clearwater booming? The Mayor. Seriously – Stay tuned and I will tell
you why ….
Meantime start shopping here and bid with confidence on your next
property … because whatever it is, you can get it in Clearwater!
__________________________________________________________
 Copyright (c) 2006-2012. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this article in full or in part is prohibited without
the express consent of the author.
Paola Lombardi
is the Owner and Broker of Great Homes Realty, Inc.
–Her career includes over 3 years in politics with the largest Italian
party "FORZA ITALIA" and 15 years as an accredited journalist. She can
be reached at
paola@ClearwaterPostulate.com www.NewCondosClearwater.com
If anyone you
know is behind in their mortgage or headed to
foreclosure - do them a favor and ask them to give me a call
727-461-0400
DOWNTOWN
CLEARWATER
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
REAL ESTATE
IS LIKE A PIZZA
- Dec 2006
CRITICAL POWER - WHEN THE MAYOR IS ONE OF THE GUYS...
Get
in the driver's seat, we are going home
How
to really understand this market & feel good about it
THE REAL
INVESTMENT
(not what you think!) -
March 2007
Whatever
 is,
you can get
in
Clearwater
- Jan 2007
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