New Homes | New Construction: A Real Estate Option Worth Review

In today’s real estate market many industry professionals are dealing with the lowest level of housing inventory in many years to show their ready and anxious home buyers.

On both a national level and locally in Tampa Bay, we have experienced the effects of the dwindling inventory as it relates to real estate options. We are frequently encountering multiple offer scenarios and bidding wars between buyers and sellers requesting highest and best offer. 

New home construction is gaining tremendous momentum and offers home buyers enormous options and appeal. Various areas of Tampa, Florida are on the right side of this opportunity.  We have always enjoyed the benefits of newly developing communities, new home starts, and luxury of turning to new homes as viable options for our home buyers.

The U.S. census reported that about 36.5 million people moved into a new home in 2012! The demand for homes in Tampa, Florida is clearly up and mounting. Last year concluded on a high note for most national home builders. Building permits are up about 12% from last year and builder confidence is higher than it has been in four years!

New construction homes are continuing to receive more notice this year as well.  So much so, that the CEO of national home builder K-Hovnanian was quoted in a recent business interview saying, “We can’t build homes fast enough.” Real estate agents and homebuilder sales associates are working more closely together in order to satisfy clients and close transactions. A new website designed specifically to make new home buying easier is being utilized for the benefit of all parties involved in a home purchase. BuildersUpdate.com  allows prospective homebuyers to search for new homes through their agents websites. Being that new homes are rarely advertised on the MLS, this gives agents and homebuyer a chance to see this inventory that is now or will be coming soon!  The websites goal is to increase the number of homes shown to new homebuyers and incorporate them into the real estate sales agents showing list.

Tampa, Florida has seen an increase in real estate prices for newly constructed homes.  In some Tampa areas new home prices have risen upward to $30,000. New homes have countless benefits such as a builder’s warranties, energy star certification, some closing cost assistance to buyers, and other incentives. If you are interested in exploring new home communities in Tampa Bay, call today before prices and mortgage rates rise.

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Multiple Offers: Commonplace in Today’s Real Estate Market

In many cities across the nation, and especially here in Tampa, Florida, we have seen a dramatic increase in multiple offer scenarios in our real estate market. This is of course a seller’s dream and somewhat of a “price is right” guessing game for home buyers and their real estate agents. However, this shouldn’t be viewed as a negative occurrence for either side of the transaction.

For sellers, having the option to consider multiple offers at various price points had been a thing of the past. This year, it is finally becoming more and more prevalent in our real estate market. An article published by Inman News identifies that most cities that are in real estate recovery (or beyond!), like Tampa, are seeing bidding wars on homes prices in all price ranges. This has nothing whatsoever to do with distressed homes. Other advantages of multiple offers for sellers include: generally quicker sales, less home disruption due to showings, and a “safety net” for the seller is created in case an offer falls through.

Now the story doesn’t exactly read the same for buyers who are in a real estate arena where inventory is low and multiple offers are more common. The thing that many home buyers have to keep in mind is that the market is changing and that their offers have to change with it. An article published by Inman News stated that “money is cheap” and buyers who were once fence sitters, are beginning to step up to the plate and seriously begin the purchase process. With mortgage rates remaining at an all time low, more and more consumers are entering the market and competing for the same few homes for sale. Gone are the days when you can offer 10K under listing price, wait a few days, and hear back with an accepted offer. Many real estate professionals say swift acting, ready buyers have an advantage in a low inventory market, such as Tampa, Florida.

Whether you are on one side or the other, multiple listings are not always a bad thing. Both sides can see significant benefits if they are represented professionally. If you wish to discuss your real estate goals and how to take advantage of this ever changing real estate market, calls SI Real Estate today and at least start the discussion.

SI Real Estate offers highly personalized, multilingual, full-spectrum real estate purchase and sales services. We are a boutique for sophisticated investors, select owners or renters who may be upgrading locally, or those making traditional relocations. We also provide turnkey landlord and tenant management. Blending comprehensive insight into the Tampa Bay area with international perspectives for a worldwide clientele, we like to think that “SI Real Estate is Global Real Estate in Every Way!”

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Tampa Real Estate Sales Still Rising

Although there has been a high number of a sale in the Tampa Bay real estate market the last couple of months, the industry is sending some mixed signals. What is happening in our changing market?

According to The Tampa Tribune, “Homes sales are climbing, up 16 percent from a year ago and 24 percent from last month”. However since there is such a high number of bank owned and distressed properties, the median sale price is only $111,100.

Of the 2,375 real estate sales in Tampa in February 2011, a large majority were bought by investors. They see properties in distress, prices continuing to decline and investors are cashing in.

The spring selling season is around the corner however, and projections are expecting more traditional homebuyers to start jumping in. Most first time and repeat homebuyers are not interested in the distressed properties. They start off looking at the price tag, but are not prepared to deal with the challenges once viewing the property. They see the value in finding a home that is ready for them to enjoy immediately. New construction home sales are up and with the new selling season, median sales price is expected to increase.

All of these statistics are causing one more interesting trend in Florida, real estate sales agents are increasing. According to The Orlando Sentinel, After a slump in the real estate market in mid-2007, the pool of real estate professionals has dropped more than 13%, however Since the beginning of 2011, the numbers have been edging back up, it is predicted that 268,257 registered brokers and agents were active in Florida’s real estate market by the end of February 2011.

With homes sales rising, positive projections of buyers confidence in purchasing real estate again, and professionals confidence in real estate careers, Tampa bay may be shaping up for some market improvements. Now is your time to move forward.

SI Real Estate works with Buyers, Sellers, and Investors to get the most out of the Tampa real estate market. Call us today at 813.631.5144 or email us at YourHome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

SI Real Estate is also looking for qualified agents, whether you have 20 years experience or just received your license. Contact our office to start your real estate career with SI Real Estate. You will see that we are “Global Real Estate in Every Way”.

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Owning a home is Still Cool: Here are the Real Estate Reasons

• Long term Investment

According to Realty Times,” An average appreciation rate during normal times is around 6.5 percent a year. That means if you buy a home for $100,000, in just ten years you will have a home that could feasibly sell for around $174,000”

• Personal and Community Stability

Owning a property creates a sense of community and accomplishment. People take better care of property; have higher graduation rates and lower crime rates in more stable communities with large percentages of homeowners.

• Tax-Breaks

Tax benefits are a huge asset to many Americans, you can deduct mortgage interest, and there are tax credits and money back for making energy efficient upgrades. These breaks might not seem like a lot at first but for middle income families they can add up fast.

• Benefit to Economy and Job Growth

According to Houselogic, “For every two homes sold, one job is created in the U.S.” Each housing purchase is estimated to generate $60,000 towards economic activity. This is a huge advantage to consider in the long term picture of our country’s and communities’ financial recovery.

• Making Your Property a Home

One of the largest advantages in owning a home comes down to making it your own. You can accomplish this by doing whatever upgrades, decorations, and changes you would like without approval from a landlord. Over time, the investment pays off by creating a home for you, friend, and family to build lasting memories and enjoy a home base.

What are you waiting for? Call an SI Real Estate professional at (813)631-5144 or email us at YourHome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com to start finding your new home today.

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Tampa Real Estate Trends for Buyers/Sellers

The Real estate market is still changing. Homes are selling every day however, buyers have changed their expectations. Keeping you informed on what to expect when buying or selling a property in today’s market.


1. Buyers are opting for smaller homes

Constraints on housing market really have made buyers reevaluate what is necessary in their next home purchase. A study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that homes are expected to be ten percent smaller in the next couple of years. “To save on square footage, the living room is high on the endangered list-52 percent of builders expect it to merge with other spaces in the home by 2015 and 30 percent said it would vanish entirely.”

2. Heavy influence on purchase decisions can be swayed in favor of green and eco friendly properties

The NAHB reports that not only floor plans are changing. “68 percent of builders are including green and eco-friendly features by 2015. This includes low-E windows, engineered wood beams, water-efficient feature and energy star rating throughout.”

3. Curb Appeal is still very influential in the buyers’ willingness to buy their new home

The National Association of Realtors reports, “49 percent of buying decisions are based on curb appeal” in a normal market. Even in times of foreclosures and short sales, buyers judge whether to view a property or not by the curb appeal. Curb appeal doesn’t just affect the property being sold either; a buyer looks at the neighborhood as a whole. Improving curb appeal can be as simple as removing some weeds, retouching paint, or simply asking a neighbor to straighten their yard if you are on good terms. It may make the difference in whether you get a buyers attention or they move on the next real estate listing.

It is important as a buyer, seller, relocation, or investor to know what trends affect your real estate decision. To get in contact with a real estate expert in Tampa, Florida call SI Real Estate at (813)631-5144 or email us at YourHome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

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Tampa Real Estate Market is Moving, SI Real Estate Seeks New Agent

Over the last couple of weeks, SI Real Estate has been posting updates on what we see in the Tampa real estate market. We have shown trends of Housing Affordability being the highest in 20 years, we have discussed that Tampa, Florida is one of the most searched real estate markets online, and the large increase in Purchases and Multiple offer competitions in the Market. All of this adds up to the conclusion the market is changing and we want to be ready for it. SI Real Estate is front and center in the Tampa Bay real estate market we are seeking some new real estate agents to join our team.

SI Real Estate, Tampa is your full-service real estate boutique that assists buyers, sellers, relocations, and investors with their real estate needs. We maintain an entrepreneurial spirit with a relaxed, yet serious and productive environment. We are a team of talented professionals with experience, drive and motivation. Our reputation and client rapport is renowned for unique quality and personalization. With tremendous competition, we stand out in a crowded world.

SI Real Estate has a marketing program which over-performs, hence providing us with an abundance of qualified leads. The opportunities are limitless for motivated agents seeking challenge and change.

We are looking for licensed real estate agents in The Tampa Bay area who already have experience in the real estate industry who can join our dynamic team. Individuals who are currently working on or have recently acquired their sales associate real estate license are also encouraged to contact us. We can offer strategic planning and comprehensive training for those candidates motivated to learn and grow professionally.

Please contact us to arrange a meeting (813) 631-5144 or submit resumes to: mailto:Pamela@SIRealEstateInvestments.com

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The Affordability of Housing Reaches a 20-Year Peak

We all know that the housing market has had some challenges in the last couple of years. As the real estate market starts to even out, housing affordability is higher than recorded in over twenty years. This means middle income families can comfortably afford to purchase their own home.

The National Association of Home Builder/Wells Fargo records a Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) every year. This index compares the median income of families in a specified area compared to the income needed to comfortably afford a home purchase. This year they report, “73.9 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400.” This statistic is significant because it is the highest percentage on record since they started collecting this data in 1991.

How does this compare to the Tampa Bay market? The HOI in Tampa is 78.2% in the fourth quarter of 2010, with a median income of $59,400. The Tampa real estate market is opening opportunities for more people to become homeowners.

Housing affordability is not the only good news. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, “Mortgage applications increased 13.2 percent from one week earlier” Interest rates are still very low, and buyer confidence is increasing. Buyers are looking for their next property and sellers are should be ready to help.

SI Real Estate is in the mix of all the Real Estate Market’s changes. We work with buyers, sellers, relocations, and investors to learn what trends are taking place in the Tampa real estate market. If you would like advice from Tampa Bay real estate experts call us today at (813)631-5144.

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SI Real Estate Has Its Finger on the Pulse of the Real Estate Market in Tampa Bay

Pulse 1 ~The Buyers Real Estate Market


Local, national and international buyers are purchasing real estate here in the Tampa Bay area and around Florida like there is no tomorrow. The real estate market is booming with sales. Real estate prices are fantastic, mortgage interest rates are great, and people are taking advantage of the opportunities that are available.

At this point in time, it is becoming more the norm to have multiple offers on properties for sale, indicative of the swarm of buyers into our real estate marketplace in Tampa Bay. First-time home buyers, along with move-up or repeat home buyers, and local and international investors are all jumping in with both feet to get their piece of the action during these unprecedented times.

Pulse 2 ~The Real Estate Rental Market

In an article titled, Cheaper to Buy Than to Rent in 72% of Largest U.S. Cities by Inman News dated January 24, 2011, “Despite the rising number of renters across the country, it is cheaper to buy a home rather than rent one in 72 percent of the 50 largest cities in the U.S., according to an index released by real estate search and marketing site Trulia.”

There has been a large influx of people entering the rental market due to the economic downturn. Prices are rising for rentals as a result. The economics of supply and demand are taking affect. Pete Flint who is the CEO and co-founder of Trulia stated, “Since the start of the 'Great Recession,' many former homeowners have flooded the rental market. Following the principles of supply and demand, renting has become relatively more expensive than buying in most markets."

The article continued to say that it is less expensive to buy a two-bedroom home than to rent one in 36 out of 50 of the country's most populous cities. Interestingly, some of the cities include many areas that have been hit hard by foreclosures, such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and California.

Pulse 3 ~ The Sellers Real Estate Market

Although we are in a strong buyer’s market, sellers of real estate are also witnessing strong interest in their properties. Multiple offers are being made on many properties which lead to bidding wars and helps increase the price of homes, townhomes and condominiums that are on the market.

With all of the talk about it being a “buyer’s market” not as much has been said about the direct affect on the “seller’s market”. In an article titled, Home Price Stabilization Seen in Most Metro Areas during Fourth Quarter, Sales Up, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, stated he is encouraged by the trend. “Home sales clearly recovered in the latter part of 2010 and are helping to absorb the inventory, including many distressed properties. Even with foreclosures continuing to enter the inventory pipeline, they’ve been selling well and housing supplies have trended down,” he said. “A recovery to normalcy requires steady trimming of the inventories.”

With buyer’s feverishly grabbing up real estate, inventory is being reduced leading the way to recovery in the real estate market and the overall economic health of this country.

Pulse 4 ~ SI Real Estate is Working in All Aspects of the Real Estate Market

SI Real Estate works in all aspects of the Tampa Bay area real estate market and truly feels the pulse of this marketplace. With expertise in buyer and seller representation, property management, bank owned/REO and short sale property acquisition and sales, finding a company more diverse in its offerings will be hard to find. Combine our real estate expertise with our superior customer service, as evidenced by our loyal client base, and you won’t want or need to look any further for your real estate company. Call SI Real Estate at (813)631-5144 today and put your finger on the pulse of the real estate market right here in Tampa, Florida. It is an exciting time to be in real estate!!!

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