SI Real Estate Tampa and The Beaches

London, Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai, Bangkok and now Tampa Bay! Our beautiful city has been selected to host a prestigious award ceremony of great magnitude at the end of April! The International Indian Film Academy Awards are coming to Tampa, and this will give us a unique opportunity to get a taste of spectacular and inspirational Indian traditions at our own doorstep.   T he international community will see Tampa in a way that has not yet hit the international stage. Here is your point of reference: About 120 Million people turned in for the 2014 Super Bowl, whereas 800 million people are expected to view the IIFA Awards, Mayor Buckhorn said. Based on the premise that Bollywood fans like to follow the stars footsteps, Visit Tampa Bay plans to launch a map of Tampa showing places where Vidya Balan, Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and other stars have been. e stars' footsteps, Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and other stars have been. Visit Tampa Bay plans to launch a...

Some very exciting news is making headlines across the country; the 15 th Annual International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards are to take place in Tampa this April. This is the first time in history that the international showcase event will be held in the United States, and it is a great honor for Tampa to be selected as the host. Bollywood superstars, Priyanka Chopra and Anil Kapoor, made a visit to the University of South Florida in January during their Tampa visit and were greeted by hundreds of fanatical students.   When Janak Vora, an IIFA representative, was asked in a Tampa Bay Times interview why the Tampa Bay area was selected, she replied, ‘It’s about the enthusiasm of the community.’ Preparation and training is already underway throughout Tampa’s hospitality industry to raise cultural awareness in order to make our guests feel the most welcome. The Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council also decided to commit $900,000 to support the event, along wi...

International consumers have always played a vital role in American economy. Today, more than ever, internationals from neighboring and distant countries are contributing to our real estate recovery both on a local and national level. Individuals from a variety of countries have homeownership increasing to around 36% from 2000 to 2010 and by 2020, it is expected that 50% of all home buying will be fueled by international home buyers. If those numbers don’t seem significant, consider 100 billion worth in mortgage loans! Florida is a “gate way” state in which many internationals choose to invest. Our close proximity to Mexico and other Caribbean countries makes it attractive for those desiring the “American Dream”. Many foreigners find our Florida market so attractive because of favorable exchange rates and similar climates. Our Canadian neighbors to the north are streaming into states like Illinois, New York and New Jersey at rates we haven’t seen in quite a long time. Californ...

Once again, the Tampa Bay real estate market is seeing a significant increase in international real estate interest. A report published by Point2homes, cited by HousingWire, says that Florida home sale listings are viewed and clicked on more often than any other state. Florida remains first. These figures are being helped by our national neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Being that these are drive markets, we attract these types of investors and cash buyers more so than Arizona and Nevada, who placed second and third in the rankings. Canada and Mexico are not the only countries expressing interest in Florida’s real estate market. The U.S. Commerce Department projects 1.5 million Brazilians will come to the U.S. next year, most of them with Florida on their radar. Brazilians outnumbered all other international visitors by 41% in 2011; a number that many predict will continue to climb in 2012. President Obama hopes to speed up the Visa approval process, which in his opinion takes far to...

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...

This has been an exciting year in the real estate market in Tampa, Florida. The real estate market moved at a fast pace in the first half of the year when the federal government decided to extend the 2009 Homebuyer Tax Credit. Originally, the tax credit was to end on November 30, 2009. However, the 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit was extended so that those with a binding contract on or before April 30, 2010 and closing on or before June 30, 2010 would be able to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to become a homeowner. This fueled the real estate market in a big way. Another major force in the real estate market this year has been the abundance of REOs (bank owned) properties that were for sale on the market. These properties sold just about as quickly as they were listed. Not only did they sell quickly, but they received multiple offers which caused an interesting bidding situation for all involved parties. This resulted in a serious reduction in the housing invento...

SI Real Estate has specialized in working with international real estate clientele for many years, and it appears that many other REALTORS® in Tampa, Florida and around the nation are learning the importance of understanding this sector of the real estate marketplace. The real estate market continues to enjoy a large international investor pool of buyers. This is great for the real estate market and the economy as a whole as it helps to reduce inventory of properties for sale and will lead to housing price stabilization. The 2010 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in New Orleans that was held in the first week of November had a series of international discussions to gain global real estate insights during the “Bringing International Real Estate Practices to the U.S.” seminar at the conference. S. Nicolai Kolding, partner at REAL trends and Murray Consulting, spoke about the real estate landscape saying, “As a real estate professional, especially one that works with international client...

The word is out…real estate in Tampa Bay and around Florida is a hot commodity for foreign investors! Not only is the weather hot in Tampa, Florida, so is the real estate market. International investors from Argentina, Canada, Colombia, France, Israel, Italy, Norway and Venezuala are swarming to Florida for what they see as irresistible real estate deals. According to msnbc.com’s recent article, Foreign Investors Not Scared of Housing Market , “For the international investor class, the United States’ bloated inventory of homes, high unemployment and weak currency make for an unusually attractive buyer’s market.” Peter Zalewski, founder of Condo Vultures, a consulting and brokerage firm stated, “I have never seen such a high concentration of foreign nationals acquiring real estate. Eighty percent of the sales in downtown Miami are foreign-based. This is unprecedented.” And Miami is not the only “hot spot” for international real estate investors. Surges have been seen in Tampa, Washi...

The real estate market in Tampa, Florida and is seeing an increase in sales to foreign investors, and we aren’t the only city witnessing this spike in foreigners purchasing real estate. Florida and many states across the nation have become target markets for international investors looking for a place to invest their money. Who can blame them? Real estate prices are phenomenal, interest rates are maintaining in the low 4% range, and the strength of foreign currency in relation to the dollar make this a smart investment choice for many. Interestingly, this swarm of foreign investors could very well be what catapults the real estate market into a long-awaited rebound. As the real estate inventory gets bought up, a natural outgrowth will be housing price stabilization. And that is good news for the real estate market! A reduction in inventory and house price stabilization along with fantastic mortgage rates will continue to spur economic recovery. SI Real Estate works with many intern...

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...

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 t...

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...

The Florida real estate market is enjoying a real boom in condo sales and many of the buyers are coming from abroad. International investors are showing their confidence in our real estate market and are snapping up condos, sometimes in bulk. A recent article in the Miami Herald titled, Foreign buyers are flocking to Florida condos again discusses this trend saying, “Lured by rock-bottom prices, international buyers are now flocking to buy Florida properties. It’s especially true in countries where the currency is strong against the dollar.” Recent increases in real estate sales over the past several months have been in large part due to the federal government tax incentive programs for first-time home buyers and move-up/repeat home buyers; however, as these programs wind down, sales are remaining strong and the international real estate investor is a big factor. Peter Zalewski, a Condo Vultures principal stated, “The stampede from overseas is kind of like a foreign subsidy helping u...

Just the Facts! There is so much talk and press about whether now is the time to buy real estate in Tampa, Florida. Well, let us let you in on a not-so-little secret. Whether locals have come to realize it or not, real estate is a hot commodity to international investors. Canadians, South Americans, Europeans, Russians and Middle Easterners are all pouring money, usually cash, into our real estate market, right here and right now. Tampa, Florida is a destination city for the international community. Its location plays a big part as we are near multiple international airports, making traveling here a breeze. A huge consideration for the Canadian investors is that we are actually a drive market for them. Not only can they hop on a plane, but they can jump in their car and be here in no time flat. Additionally, Tampa is only a 20-40 minute drive to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Orlando being just an hour away offers world-class fun to the international traveler. What is t...

Individuals with more than $800,000 to invest are poised to increase their property holdings, with real estate investments among wealthy individuals set to rise to 30 percent over the next few years, according to a survey covered by Bloomberg report. This recent global survey was conducted by the major global financial services provider Barclays and revealed several interesting statics regarding international real estate investing in the current market conditions. Investors foresee better long-term returns on property investments than from bonds and stocks. Three out of four investors surveyed said that residential real estate is looking attractive and two thirds of investors are interested in exploring commercial real estate investments, according to the study’s findings. The survey showed that the U.S. was the most attractive real estate market for investors outside their home country, with many investors believing that it is the country with the highest potential for return on inv...

Excellent news - the U.S. real estate market is rebounding faster than expected. For the first time in five years, existing home sales have increased for four consecutive months., the National Association of Realtors announced today. Existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and co-ops rose 7.2 percent to a total if 5.34 million in July. An NAR survey showed that 30 percent of the homes purchased in July were by first-time home buyers, as buyers have started to come off the fence to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reached 18 this month, its highest level since June 2008. The numbers show that confidence among home builders is continuing on a steady rise. This increase can be contributed to buyers taking advantage of the dramatically discounted home prices, with nationwide housing affordability continuing to hover near its highest level in more than 18 year and the $8,000 ...

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. According to “Three reasons for cheer for the overseas property investors” published by Assetz Property News Services, “whenever the recovery may come, be it in the next few months, not until the end of the year or even well into 2010, the acquisition of something for a low price now may look like a very good deal in 2014 or 2015.” With evidence of U.S. market conditions turning around, investment decisi...

While some U.S. buyers may still be uncertain whether or not it is time to step off the fence and buy their dream home or condo in Florida, international investors are showing increased confidence in an early Florida real estate market recovery and are quickly taking advantage of the deeply discounted prices. Foreign buyers continue to recognize the U.S. real estate market as a desirable, profitable and secure investment and the weak U.S. dollar partnered with the housing surplus has made the U.S., and particularly the Florida, real estate market even more attractive, according to an article by the Gerson Lehrman Group. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors , in cooperation with the Florida Association of Realtors , half of the Florida Realtors surveyed indicated that more than 25% of their business now comes from international clients. These foreign investors come from all over the world and have shown a particular interest in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota-Bra...

Tampa Bay Top Florida Investment Market International real estate investors are taking advantage of the U.S. real estate market’s excellent deals and those buyers with cash available see the American market as a very appealing investment, reaping excellent benefits and ensuring the best value for their money. Regardless of our current economic status, international buyers still see our market one of the safest and most secure investments. Interest in our real estate market has grown since the housing prices began to plummet and is expected to increase by more than 70% percent this year, according to a recent study by the Association of Foreign Investors In Real Estate ( AFIRE ). According to the Reality Times article “ International Investors Bullish on America; See Opportunity in U.S. Real Estate ” AFIRE conducts an annual survey at the beginning of each year and this year they found that their investment group, which controls the largest amount of money in the world – they have all ...

When the real estate market started to take a downturn a couple of years ago, foreign investors started to shy away from investing in the United States. All of that has changed in the last year with the rise of bank-owned homes and properties on the market at unbelievable prices sparking interest from local and international real estate buyers. This coupled with the weakened U.S. dollar against the strength of the Canadian dollar, the Euro, and the pound which makes foreign investors' money stretch farther than it ever has before in today’s buyer's market. Tampa, Florida has always had active, powerful interest from international real estate investors, visitors and buyers. Right now, many are ready to take advantage of the foreclosure prices to buy a second home for vacation, for a child to attend the University of Tampa or the University of South Florida, or even for the abundant buyer opportunities that are available in the Tampa Bay area. “Much of Tampa Bay’s international p...