SI Real Estate Tampa and The Beaches

Millennials refer to those born between 1980 and 2000, and they make up the second largest segment of homebuyers according to a study on generational housing trends conducted by the National Association of Realtors.  So where have they gone? The weight of student loans has significantly affected the rate at which Millennials are making home purchases, with many college graduates struggling to keep up with the hefty payments after graduation. The tough job market and current economic conditions are also contributing factors to Millennials renting homes rather than purchasing.  The good news, however, is that consumer confidence about the potential to qualify for a mortgage is increasing, meaning that this segment is moving closer to becoming first-time homebuyers. According to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey results, an all-time high of 52% of consumers now view mortgage credit as more accessible. Not all Millennials are worried about qualifying for mortgages, but ...

The Tampa Bay area is a very high-paced growing metropolitan area, and it is home to many major corporations, health centers, and educational institutions. Whether you live in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Sarasota, there are many intriguing business opportunities for hard-working people of all ages. Here at SI Real Estate, we proudly support local business and we diligently work with people from all parts of the greater Tampa Bay area. In the past we have had the privilege to work with professors, students from the University of South Tampa and the University of Tampa, and many others purchasing their first home. The SI Real Estate team believes that education is one of the most important investments one can make, and that is why we have actively participated in the award-winning Marketing Practicum course offered by USF for years. Many of our former and current marketing coordinators and agents are USF graduates, and we enjoy long-lasting relationships with the loca...

Home ownership has been always a big part of the American dream. Owning your home has a huge impact not only on you but also on people around you. For every sold property in the United States, jobs are being created; generated revenue is making the economy stronger, communities are becoming more stable, and all this contributes to the process of the housing market recovery across the country. SI Real Estate takes the educational part of homeownership very seriously and we believe that is extremely important for our clients to know the advantages of owning your home instead of renting. Here in the Tampa Bay and anywhere else in the United States, being able to purchase your home has been always a sign of responsibility and a source of security for the American middle-class. After the financial crisis in 2008, many Americans have lost their jobs and their real estate went into foreclosure. President Obama and his administration made the housing recovery to one the main goals o...

Tampa, Florida has seen the home market react to trends throughout the real estate. While we are still finding our way back to “normal” we are noticing a new trend catching fire. New construction home interest and purchases have spiked at rates that new home builders cannot keep up with. Homebuilder Lennar Corp. posted first quarter results that showed a 40% increase in revenue from this time last year! CEO of Lennar, Stuart Miller recently stated, “Our first quarter results clearly reflect continued improvement in the marketplace. Current market conditions are driven by strong demand resulting from low interest rates and attractive home price, which have led to very affordable monthly payments, compared to increasing rental rates.” Real Estate in the real world: Our firsthand experience in Tampa’s real estate market reflects the national statistics. We are being inundated with buyer prospects that are tired of wasting money on renting, exhausted from competing with cash invest...

As we continue to see the ever changing real estate market take a positive turn upward, some people are asking themselves what to do in these times. Based on recent home sale statistics, homes are being sold at a much faster rate than we have seen in years. A healthy real estate market usually has about 6 months of supply at any given time. Today we have seen that number cut in half, and the shelf life of homes for sale has dropped to about 69 days. A clear sign that the real estate has shifted to a seller’s market . August 2012 posted numbers for existing home sales that surpassed 9% increases from this time last year! Chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun said, “The Florida market is experiencing inventory shortages, which are placing pressure on prices.” This shortage of real estate inventory could lead to other advantageous recovery factors like new construction projects, which in turn stimulates the market with job growth. Lending conditions...

A recent study done by Marcus & Millchap, shows that rental prices in Florida may see an increase in the last half of 2012. They cited improving job rates, less apartment inventory, and declining vacancy rates as the main contributing factors to the expected increase in rental costs. Larger cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando may feel the increase more so than smaller markets such as Sarasota or Bradenton because the smaller markets usually have somewhat higher vacancy rates. Here in Tampa, Florida, we have seen this trend first hand with our investors and landlords expecting increases in rental rates. This has proven to be an attractive component for international investors who are constantly looking to Florida, especially Tampa, for investment opportunities. Real Estate management companies can present higher return opportunities to these investors who usually hand the keys over immediately after closing on properties. Condo communities in Tampa such as Courtney Palms, Valha...

A recent study conducted by the National Association of Realtors shows that housing affordability has been at an all time high thus far through 2012. The Housing Affordability Index is relative to median home prices, median home income, and average home mortgage rate. Buying power is the result of a higher index. Here in the Tampa, Florida market, the Housing Affordability Index is higher than most cities in the country. President of the National Association of Realtors, Moe Veissi, says the most recent study highlights the opportunities that more and more people are ready to buy, and some may not even know it. The “100 point” mark is reached when a median income level producing household is ready to purchase a median priced existing single family home. Being that the index is above 200 right now, the majority of Americans have double than what is actually needed to buy a home. Florida’s Bay area, which includes Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, is currently at 154.4 as it re...

In 2011, real estate remains a true buyer’s market. In Tampa, prices are the lowest in the last decade and interest rates at historic lows, now is the time to purchase real estate. Whether it is your dream home, a vacation home, or an investment property you need to make sure you are looking at the big picture. Buyers now more than ever need to be savvy to recognize the good value when they see it. Realty Times just published an article this week, “ Savvy Buyers Know Value When They See It ”. In this PJ Wade , compiles a list that all buyers should review before their next real estate purchase. She reminds all buyers that you do not need to approve of a sellers color scheme or décor, rather look beyond superficial things to the bones of a home. To help keep you on track during your purchase remember this important tips. Be prepared if the first showing is the right place Most buyers are anticipating the first house to not meet their expectations. If you go into the first house ...

When undertaking the experience of purchasing a home, there are lots of important decisions to make. For instance, if you want a detached home or a community lifestyle, how many rooms, what are you willing to spend? The first and most important question any buyer or investor should ask is what locality do I want to be in. You hear real estate professionals stress this factor often, location, location, location! It truly is the single most important factor on any real estate purchase. If you put the exact same house on two different lots in different areas of town, they will hold different values. How do you decide what vicinity is the best for you? Economic Factors Does this city have a high percentage of unemployment ? Are there a large number of foreclosures? This is a shaky topic for a lot of Americans right now. Many people have unfortunately been let go of their jobs and are forced to default on loans and are not finding work easily. However if an area’s unemployment rate i...

There is so much news on the health of the real estate market every day. Many people are waiting until the market fully recovers before investing in real estate but some are not waiting. What if experts suggested however that buying a home is actually cheaper than renting? The newest studies of 50 of the largest cities in America are suggesting that it is a smart decision to buy and cheaper than rent in the same area. Trulia just released a new chart with varying factors that show which of the 50 largest cities is better to buy vs. rent a home. The results boast 39 of those cities are cheaper to purchase property than rent. Trulia is not the only one spreading the good news however, check out Inman News this week. The news source is reporting that 78% of the major cities in the U.S. it is cheaper to buy real estate than to rent a home. How does the Tampa Bay Area compare? Tampa, Florida is not one of the top 50 cities by population in the US therefore it doesn’t make most of th...

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 ...

• 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 act...

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, en...

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 cons...

When it comes to buying, selling or renting real estate it is important you find the best representation to work alongside you. What qualities are the most important when selecting a Real Estate Agent to help you: 1. Trust In making the decision to purchase, sell, or rent a property the most important quality to look for in your real estate agent is whether you trust them. They will be advising you on what the best home prices in the local market, they will be drafting legal contracts for you and you need to know they have your best interest at heart. You also need someone who is going to be honest when you need it. 2. Experience Experience is one of the best ways to see how well a real estate agent has done their job in the past. The best way to judge experience may not be the highest number of listings, but instead the number of real estate buyers and investors who complete their real estate transaction with confidence they had the best real estate agent to represent them. I...

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 estat...

People in Tampa, Florida know that home ownership is a smart decision. It is not just here either. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors®, “A substantial majority of both home owners and current renters agree that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term.” “Home owners and renters agree that home ownership benefits individuals and families, strengthen our communities, and is integral to our nation’s economy,” said National Association of Realtors® President Ron Phipps. He added, “The results of this survey illustrate just how important issues related to home ownership are to people in this country.” According to the survey American Attitudes About Homeownership 95 percent of owners and 72 percent of renters believe home ownership makes sense, especially over a period of several years. Although owners and are in agreement about this subject, there are some differences between them. The difference is important to note as it relates to the q...

At SI Real Estate , we are keenly aware of the fact that international investors continue to seek to purchase real estate in Florida and in other regions in the United States. We have seen a steady influx of foreign investors who are actively investing in our Tampa Bay housing market. While some naysayers about the real estate market here in Tampa, have been sitting idly by, the global investor community are buying real estate, and making money doing it! Some may ask, “Just who is it that is investing in our real estate market?” Well, the latest profile of international activity in the U.S. housing market published by the National Association of Realtors® has revealed many interesting figures regarding that question. Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate (2010) – The Stats (Realtors Report) shows the biggest finding was in the state by state breakdown of foreign purchases. The report shows that Florida had 22% of the transactions by international purchasers, California had 12%, Ari...

Investors…That’s Who! Local, national and international investors are putting their real estate investment dollars into Tampa, Florida real estate. And why wouldn’t they? Tampa is truly a destination city. Fabulous weather year-round, sparkling beaches, super shopping spots, wonderful restaurants for casual and fine dining, and world-class tourist attractions here in Tampa and in nearby Orlando make this a fantastic place to be. Combine the fact that Tampa is a beautiful place to live, and realize the unbelievable deals here in the real estate market, and it becomes a no-brainer. Tampa, Florida is a great place for investors wishing to purchase real estate! It is no secret that property values took a major dip when the real estate bubble burst and much of the real estate that is on the market are properties at fire-sale prices! The statement that it is a buyer’s market is absolutely true. SI Real Estate is anticipating the next wave of bank-owned assets will provide even greater...

Now Is the Time to Buy Property in Tampa, Florida Although U.S. real estate prices have taken a hit during the troubled economic conditions, there are reasons to cheer if you are looking for diversity in your investment portfolio. While the discounted prices may not be good for short-term investors who wish to purchase real estate in a booming economy and then immediately resell it for a profit, investors with a long-term vision see bigger opportunities. With the ever changing conditions of the U.S. real estate market, right now appears to be the best time for bargain hunters to grab cheap properties that will grow in value over time. National and international investors are keenly aware of the unprecedented rock-bottom prices of real estate here in Tampa, Florida and around the country, and they are taking advantage of the opportunities in this market. Savvy investors are using their strong cash postures to invest in real estate. Cash is still king, and those with cash are purchasi...