South Americans Surge Florida Real Estate Market

Recent studies have shown that Florida’s real estate market is continuing its upward path in part by attracting South American international investors. The Brazilian real holds a 45 percent gain against the U.S. dollar and is continuing to drive South and Central Florida’s real estate markets to new heights. Recent oil discoveries off the coast of Brazil have spiked real estate prices in those South American regions which are nearest to this discovery. Both of these forces are driving investors and buyers to Florida beach cities like Miami and greater Tampa Bay.


While Miami may be the most culturally diverse city in Florida, Tampa bay is not far behind. The Hispanic population in Tampa Bay is the second largest ethnic group and the South American presence in the Tampa Bay area is very obvious. The abundance of waterfront and beach properties that Tampa Bay offers attracts those international investors and buyers; mainly because it’s what they are accustomed to in South America, but also those who are looking for homes, condos, town homes, and properties at better prices. Tampa Bay also stands out to the South American crowd, not only due to sub-tropical climates, but also offers reduced prices on consumer goods that are more expensive in countries like Brazil for example. The Tampa Bay real estate market and lifestyle also stands out to international investors and buyers due to an abundance of malls and shopping centers. Internationals can purchase designer goods and products at cheaper prices than they may be accustomed to. The owner of Algebra Realty in Miami, Jose Augusto Pereira Nunes, sums it up best by saying, “the tide and winds are in their (South Americans) favor, the exchange rate being the tide and prices here being the winds.”

If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about the Tampa real estate market please contact SI Real Estate at 813.631.5144 or email us at Yourhome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

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Younger Generation Predicted to Turn Real Estate Market around

Since the slump in the real estate market started everyone has wondered where and when relief would be found. There is a new group of people that are drawing confidence in the housing recovery.

A new study was released in March by the National Association of Home Builders states that, “Generation X –young families and adults ages 31 to 45 – are likely to lead the home buying recovery as it gets underway”. Gen X as they are referred to makes up 32% of the home-buying age population. They are not the largest group (Baby boomers make up 41%) but they are the most mobile. They are fully engrossed in careers and need to expand to accommodate larger families. When surveying 10,000 potential buyers in 27 metro areas, between 85-89% said now is a good time to buy!

What does this Generation of home buyers want?

More space! Most are growing in careers and families and want a bigger home than they currently live. In addition to space inside they want more space on their property. Although amenities seem like a hot button item, 46% said they would prefer a home in a larger lot versus 21% looking for a neighborhood in walking distance to everything. Finally 70% stated they would be willing to spend an additional $5,000 for a green home. Another very important feature that helps makes the sale to this individuals-design. They are willing to pay a premium for things such a modern architecture and dark wood cabinets.

Strategy Changes for Selling to Generation X

This younger generation of real estate purchasers is not the same as the generation before them. They have grown up in a world of skepticism and work independently to see what they want and what they should pay for it. They are willing to do research and utilize technology to get answers. What do you need to concentrate on when selling a property to this group?

Most important difference between a younger generation of buyers versus their older peers is technology. Technology is very important to these innovative individuals. Often referred to as the “MySpace generation”, the term is widely misleading. They may spend time on social networking and entertainment but they also turn to the virtual world for information. They are inundated but they absorb exactly what they need and are prepared when making a purchase decision. As a seller or real estate agent, remember to utilize the virtual tools that draw this generation in and respond quickly before they move on to the next prospect.

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Real Life Real Estate...New Construction vs. Foreclosure

A hot topic for potential homebuyers is, should I look Foreclosures, existing older homes, or New Construction? The hype lately seems to be on Short sales and Foreclosures. Bank owned properties are being snatched up by cash investors and we hear of bidding wars everyday in Tampa over bank owned properties. Investors have money to spend, and no desire to occupy the property personally, they can fix any issues that arise with no problems. It is very enticing for a buyer to see large discounts foreclosed and short sales but what else does a buyer need to consider when deciding on purchasing a home?


SI Real Estate has helped three clients purchase a new Construction home in the last two weeks. What made these buyers decide purchasing a new home was better than foreclosure and existing home options? There is a great website being advertised by Lennar homes, “Buying a New Home vs. a Foreclosed Home”. This website highlights advantages of purchasing new construction. Buyers need to consider all pros and cons of new homes vs. distressed properties before enduring the long process of locating an acceptable Foreclosed home or short sale, and hoping for the best.

Advantages of New Construction

• Affordability- Builder Incentives, Lower prices, and energy efficiency

• Timing- Immediate Occupancy or a set time frame you decide upon

• Customization- You can add the features you want before moving in and all of it is included in price of home.

• Warranties- Any credible builder will provide guarantees or warranties on labor, materials ad structural repairs so buyers can remain worry free.

Foreclosure Information

Florida and Tampa have both been affected by large amounts of Foreclosures for many months. It has impacted the entire real estate market. This could be starting to change however, according to Florida Trend, "For the second month in a row, no Florida cities posted foreclosure rates in the top 20 among U.S. metropolitan areas with a population of 200,000 or more," This is more important once you compare that statistic to projections in 2010 which names 9 metro areas in Florida in the top 20 foreclosures in the country.

There are advantages for certain buyers of short sales and bank owned properties. For instance, for investors with enough cash to purchase and repair the property, a bank owned property could be the best option. All buyers should consider the following precautions when considering Foreclosed properties and short sales. Distressed properties can be very difficult to find financing for. This is not an issue for cash investor and that is why they are collecting so many bank owned properties right now. Another factor to consider is timing, time frames on response and closings can vary greatly for each deal, extremes range from two weeks to two years. Finally, the most important detail to consider in any real estate purchase is knowing the condition of the property. Most foreclosed properties are bought with the understanding there will be no repairs, warranties, or guarantee of their condition.

Buying any property is a big decision, talk to an expert in the area you are considering the purchase. SI Real Estate can help you with all your real estate needs including new and existing homes, and bank owned and short sale properties in the Tampa Bay area. Please call our office at (813)631-5144 or email us at YourHome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com.

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International Real Estate Investors Find Florida Real Estate Irresistible

International buyers of real estate are purchasing homes, townhomes and all types of properties here in Tampa, Florida, and around the state. Tampa has long been known to be a destination city due to the abundance of sunshine, beautiful beaches, a world-renowned international airport, and world-class entertainment and amusement parks. Florida has a history of attracting European, Canadian and South American buyers due to its proximity to these countries. According to International Interest in U.S. Homeownership Increases, Realtors® Report, a recent article published by the National Association of Realtors®, “International buyers were reported in 39 states in 2010, but a slight majority of the total buyers are concentrated in Florida, California, Arizona and Texas. These four states account for 53 percent of purchases and have remained the top destinations for the past three years, with Florida and California remaining the top two destinations.”

“A large majority of Realtors® report the changes in value to the U.S. dollar have had a strong impact on the international real estate business. In addition, perceptions abroad about trends in the U.S. Real estate market have led many international clients to believe purchasing a home in the U.S. is more affordable than in their country and holds more value.” Many Realtors indicate that they have worked with at least one international client in the past year, which is up from 2009. Between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 foreign buyers have purchased $66 billion of U.S. residential property which equates to 7 percent of the U.S. residential market.

Tampa will continue to be a strong attraction to international real estate investors as a large percentage of properties that are for sale today and that will be coming on the market will be at phenomenal prices. “The strength of the dollar, the value and desirability of U.S. real estate, and the emerging economic recovery, continue to drive international interest in owning a home in this country.”

So, while some buyers may be sitting on the fence wondering when the real estate market will bottom out, international real estate investors are buying up Florida real estate. Those still sitting on the fence will look back and wonder, “Why did I wait so long?”

Call SI Real Estate today to find out how to invest in Tampa, Florida real estate. As our tag line illustrates, SI Real Estate is “Global Real Estate in Every Way!”

Call us at 813.631.5144 (any time!)
Email us at YourHome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com
Visit our website at http://www.sirealestateinvestments.com/
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Real Estate Statistics Greater Tampa Bay

June 2010 real estate statistics compiled by the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors are in... The news is positive for our local real estate market in Tampa, FL. The number of properties that sold in June 2010 was at a phenomenal level of 2,069 – the best month for sales since December of 2006, the very peak of our market.

The statistics provided by the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors also showed the current inventory is at a multi-year low of only 13,514 homes, which translates to 6.5 months of inventory remaining.

One of the factors influencing this was the number of home buyers who wished to purchase homes in time to earn the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit and the Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyers Tax Credit. These federal stimulus plans had an amazingly positive effect on the real estate market in Tampa, Florida. Other areas across the nation have witnessed similar encouraging trends.

So, what does this mean to those who wish to buy or sell right now? Now remains the time to buy or sell! The market is active. Buyers are buying, sellers are selling, and investors are investing in real estate -- property inventory is moving on all fronts.

Realtors at SI Real Estate are engaged in an dynamic real estate market and transactions are being made. Many times properties are receiving multiple offers on them, especially if priced correctly. Whether you are someone who wishes to purchase a home, or sell your real estate, now is the time! Don’t get left behind!!!

Call us today @ 813.631.5144, or e-mail us at YourHome@SIRealEstateInvestments.com to find out how you too can make the best of this real estate market.

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