If you haven't seen Sapphire condominium's Spring 2008 newsletter, here are the features for you.  Sapphire anticipates completion of their shimmering white towers for next season, and promises to be a stunning addition to the tropical landscape of Fort Lauderdale Beach.  Sapphire residents can expect the very best of luxury amenities and lifestyle opportunities.  For example, residents can take a soothing swim in Sapphire's 25-meter pool then relax on the tropically landscaped sun deck, or in their own private cabana.    The fitness center features an aerobics studio, whirlpool spa, juice bar, men's and women's locker rooms with steam rooms, saunas and treatment rooms.  Sapphire's extravagant club room is available for private events, offering a catering kitchen, flat screen TVs and am... 07/23/2008

Over The last six months, my listings have been shown to foreign buyers from the Caymen Islands, Canada, Dubai, France, Hungary, Italy, Russia and the UK.  A 2007 Survey by the National Association of Realtors found that Florida had 26% of all US International sales, followed by California (16%) and Texas (10%).  Most of the sales were cash transactions. To ensure that your luxury broker is truly representing you on a global basis here are some important service highlights: •1.      What international affiliations are offered?  Premier Estate Properties is affiliated with Christies Great Estates, Mayfair International Realty, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Residence International.  •2.      Is the luxury broker's website translated into different languages?  Premier Esta... 07/21/2008

OK. So here is the deal. I live here in Fort Lauderdale Florida. I live, work, and play on Las Olas. So lately I have been paying close attention to listings that are staged versus those that are vacant. Aside from prospects being distracted by the countless hierlooms/choksi's & cool lil IKEA items, staging seems to be great for when i list a property! I'm not seeing that it actually helped me close the deal. I have yet to grasp whether or not my clients should incur the additional expense in what seems to be an already distressed budget. I have so many friends in the real estate industry that we did some searching and here are my thoughts on it. I also found on an agents sites, comments like it was the best thing since "sliced bread" to stage. For what its worth: Preparing Your House f... 07/18/2008

Steven La Fonte's work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Florida Design, Miami Design, Broward Design and the Palm Beach Post.  Steven has worked with clients throughout the United States and has extensive experience in interior design for the ultra-luxury real estate market.  He made the following suggestions when selecting and working with an interior designer: *  Whether building a custom residence or undertaking a major remodel, it is important to involve your interior designer from conception. Your designer will be addressing the complete picture and will introduce you to items you may not be aware are available. *  Research your designer's background, portfolio and referrals to ensure he/she is experienced in the luxury market and has a proven ability to create the design... 07/16/2008

Mayfair International Realty (one of Premier Estate Properties' affiliates), based in London, England, provides Julie with valuable market data and an opportunity to promote some of Fort Lauderdale's finest luxury residences.  The latest report from Mayfair International Realty revealed the following facts:  •1. Some Florida Statistics "Globalization" of the economy extends to real estate.  Foreign governments, international institutions and companies, pension and equity funds, plus individuals are all taking note of U.S. real estate and see the opportunities in a safe haven for many investors.  Investment from other countries helps stabilize U.S. interest rates and helps keep mortgage interest rates low spurring further investment.  •2. Impact of Foreign Visitors to the U.S. and the Fo... 07/15/2008

Last Thursday evening, I attended a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward event at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Ft. Lauderdale.  I became a Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor (where we each volunteer to mentor one Child until they reach age 18) when I was 21 and have been a Big Sister for 11 years (I'm now on my 2nd mentorship). Thursday's event was held in conjunction with Chima's Summer Samba Night Series and featured Brazilian Dancers and Samba Music. We enjoyed dancing and a delicious variety of Roasted Meats, Appetizers, and Tropical Brazilian Drinks.Chima Restaurant is an authentic Brazilian Restaurant offering 16 types of Roasted Meat and Seafood, served non-stop to Diners' Tables until the Diners indicate that they've had enough!  Chima also features a full Bar, including Wine, stan... 07/13/2008

In June 2008 in Broward County, the inventory was down 1%, sales decreased 12% and pending sales were up over 8% over the last month. Compared to a year ago, the inventory is down about 3% and sales are down over 16%. Currently there are 23,250 condos available for sale; 740 condos sold for an average price of $199,000 and were on the market for an average of 121 days. The median price was $155,000. 955 condos went pending in June (into contract). For more information about real estate in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Miami Beach and the surrounding areas, please contact us at 786.553.0697, or email us. Visit our award winning website at www.HomesForVIPs.com. We are here to help you learn more about the different areas and to assist you in buying, selling or investing here in... 07/12/2008

In June 2008 in Broward County, the inventory was stayed the same, sales increased about 12% and pending sales were up about 8% over the last month. Compared to a year ago, the inventory is up about 3% and sales are down over 16%. Currently there are 16,453 single family homes available for sale; 765 homes sold for an average price of $386,000 and were on the market for an average of 112 days. The median price was $301,000. 992 condos went pending in June (into contract). For more information about real estate in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami, Miami Beach and the surrounding areas, please contact us at 786.553.0697, or email us. Visit our award winning website at www.HomesForVIPs.com. We are here to help you learn more about the different areas and to assist you in buying, sel... 07/12/2008

In a Blog post on Tuesday, I wrote about my work this week with an International Buyer from Bogota, Colombia who's interested in Lauderdale by the Sea Waterfront Condos for Sale and Ft. Lauderdale Oceanfront Condos for Sale.  Yesterday, we continued our search and viewed L'Hermitage Condos, L'Ambiance Condos, and Coconut Grove Beach Residences in Ft. Lauderdale. L'Hermitage Condos, L'Ambiance Beach Condos, and Coconut Grove Condos are all located in Ft. Lauderdale and are direct Oceanfront Buildings ON the Beach (not across from it). L'Hermitage was built in 1998 and includes 2 buildings with 222 Condos in each building, located at 3200 N. Ocean Blvd. and 3100 N. Ocean Blvd. Currently, 42 total units are listed for sale, priced between $798,900 and $3,900,000. This year, 7 L'Hermitage C... 07/12/2008

   In today's slowing real estate marketplace, having properties sell quickly and efficiently offer obvious advantages. Assisting lenders, by moving properties through the Auction process enables the lender the option to spotlight properties through a highly effective Auction marketing campaign that often results in multiple offers and closings that do not exceed 35 days. We fully cooperate with listing Brokers of REO properties. Both the Auctioneer and the Broker are compensated from the buyer in the form of a Buyers Premium.   With today's increasing foreclosure rates and fewer qualified buyers, auctions can create the momentum and awareness needed to close more deals and reduce the ongoing liabilities associated with unsold inventories. 07/10/2008

There are countless benefits for choosing the Auction method over a traditional sale. 1) Our typical auction closes within 35 days after the Auction sale date. This offers the seller a huge advantage in this market. 2) Exclusivity, which simply means all of the focus is on your property. We spotlight your property for several weeks through many methods to ensure maximum visibility to attract as many bidders as possible on Auction day. 3) By selling through Auction we provide you a time table to sell and close, therefore helping you to minimize carrying cost that erode value and equity. Finally you will be working with highly seasoned professionals with decades of Auction experience. Investor Realty & Auction Group currently holds several designations including the distinguished AARE des... 07/10/2008

Carbon Footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization of location at a given time, impacting the environment with carbon emissions.  Many folks have become aware of their own carbon footprints.  I invite you to measure yours. visit www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx, or take a carbon footprint quiz at http://www.footprintnetwork.org/gfn.  Conservation International suggests these ten simple and immediate changes to reduce the greenhouse effect on our planet: •1.       Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs last 10 times longer, use 66% less energy and deliver the same light levels.  CFLs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and burn at a lower temperature.  •2.       Turn your thermostat down just three de... 07/09/2008

In the latest issue of Focus on Fort Lauderdale published by the City of Fort Lauderdale good news prevailed!  Continued confidence in the financial management of the City of Fort Lauderdale by the Wall Street's leading credit rating institutions is resulting in strong bond ratings and an optimistic outlook for the City.  The Standard and Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investors service affirms a dramatic financial rebound from the City's financial difficulties in 2003.  S&P's latest reports assigned an AA rating with Moody's providing an Aa2 rating.  Such positivity results from bond rating upgrades in 2007 while other cities across the state faced bond downgrades. Sound finances, effective debt service coverage and good liquidity facilitate strong bond ratings translating into savings of mi... 07/07/2008

If you would like to be close to the action of Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale then 1723 North Atlantic Boulevard can be previewed at www.premierestateproperties.com, web reference F929482 and offered at $3.695M. Enjoy oceanfront views and breezes poolside from this Mediterranean inspired residence which has over 4,000 square feet of exciting contemporary interiors, an open floor plan for elegant beachside living, gourmet kitchen, ultra luxurious master and many other custom luxury features.  Imagine the convenience of a beautiful beach residence less than a mile from Fort Lauderdale's bustling urban center. The Northern end of the beaches offer another set of outdoor cultural and recreational activities.  Historic Bonnet House, the 20th Century winter home of the Bartlett family,... 07/03/2008

If you dream of living amid soaring ocean views within footsteps of the sand, your golden opportunity has arrived.  This summer, current list prices for several of Fort Lauderdale's spectacular beach-side penthouses are making dreams come true.  For example, the world famous Saint Regis Resort and Spa has a penthouse originally listed at $17 million now available for just under $9 million.  This spectacular offering covers the entire 24th and 25th fifth floors of the resort, commanding views from every compass point.  The residence features a private, interior glass elevator, a spiral staircase viewing the Intracoastal Water Way, as well as doorman and butler services.  Owners enjoy private membership to the St. Regis Astor Club located on premises.  For more about this St. Regis jewel,... 07/03/2008

El mercado inmobiliario en el Sur Este de la Florida en en los condados de Broward, Dade y Palm Beach esta lleno de buenas oportunidades para aquellos que quieren y pueden comprar en estos momentos. Si su credito es razonablemente normal los bancos les pueden financiar hasta un 90% dependiendo de la propiedad que Ud. quiera adquirir y sin duda son muchas las propiedades que en estos momentos estan disponibles a un gran precio para el comprador. En ciudades como Parkland en estos momentos puede adquirir propiedades por menos de $300,000.00 algo impensable hace tan solo un año. Si nos acercamos a Coral Springs, los precios son mas bajos y puede encontrar casas por menos de $250,000.00. estas dos ciudades son conocidad entre otras cosas por los buenos colegios de los que disponen. Sin dud... 07/02/2008

Dear Realtors, So the market is tough- mhich means more calls, more leads, more deals, (not exactly more closings;p Nonethemess, there is a silver lining and it's called perservance & perspective...   A wise man once said "Ty not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." Let's keep this in mind for our clients, ourselves and our sanity. All the Best!   Regena OzeryanskyKeller Williams Realtywww.EasyHomeMatch.com 06/18/2008

Hi: I am a very active Realtor in buying and selling residential homes the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area encompassing the 3 counties of Broward, Dade and Palm Beach including the Miami, Boca Raton areas.  The prices of homes in this area have plummeted so much that buyers are coming from all nations and states to purchase here.  Its a great time for all the investors to get into the market while it's down and secure the property for the subsequent rise to come.  I would think that within 1-2 years the prices will be stable again and south Florida will again be a very hot market.  As a buyer right now, you have your choice of area and price.  It is a little harder for the sellers at this time and anyone not needing to sell right now should wait a while, but I have expertise in Short Sale... 06/14/2008

Fantastic home in Jacob's Landing (River Oak's), just adjacent to La Preserve, this one story 4/2/1 has new Pergo Brazilian cherry floor's, and new paint...6 month's new.  Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this magnificency manicured oversided lot is wonderful for a family. The lanai overlook's the pool in a serene setting. City sewer system. Excellent location for anyone working in the Marine Industry as it is minutes to the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.  It is also minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale airport. It is also within close proximity to Broward General Hospital and the Broward County Court House.  Perfect home for the Executive, a corporate relo.  Give me a call and I can give you all the details! Relax and enjoy this private secluded atmosphere... Priced $100K below com... 06/11/2008

According to the RAGFL (Realtor Association of greater Fort Lauderdale) sales were up in April.  There was a very slight increase in the homes that were listed for sale. AND, there was a 26% increase in closed sales for Single Family Homes!  Great news! The average sale price was $437,740 a 3% increase over last month (March). The median sale price remains at $300,000.00. Condo closed sales were also up by 15%. The average sale price was $219,047, which reflects a 12% increase over March. The median price for closed sales were $140,000 which is a 1% increase over March. The available inventory is about the same at Single Family Homes at 12,524, about 4% less than last month. The condo inventory is at 16,104 which is 1% less than last month as well. The month's of available inventory is ... 06/10/2008