Are you really getting the best deal?

As I watch what properties are going under contract or have sold I am sometimes flabbergasted why this property sold and not another very likewise one for considerably less money. Here is the most likely reason for that: The buyer had no idea that the other less priced property was on the market.
If you worked with a Realtor you probably assumed that the Realtor did her/his job and aided you in finding the best deal. That is unfortunately not always so. I won't bore you with agency relationships (They are what enables an agent to do the unethical thing of selling you something that might be overpriced and not tell you about other properties for sale by other agents).
When an agent gets a listing; the 'going rate' for commission is between 6 and 7% in Florida. (This is not a fixed commission!). The agent then lists the property in the MLS and agrees to pay (Generally half of the commission)to a cooperating agent who brings a seller. Needless to say that all agents prefer to sell their own listings: Making 6% instead of 3% and making their seller happy.
Let's say you call an agent on an ad they are running for a listing; that listing in particular does not suit you but the agent asks what it is that you are looking for and sends you some listings that you are interested in. You meet with the agent, look at some properties (Let's use condos in this case)and really like one complex. The agent happens to have 10 listings in that complex and shows you all ten listings. It is clear to see which of the ten listings is the best deal. You make an offer and the seller is quite negotiable in price. Wow! What a deal you got! Except the condo next door to the one you just bought for (let's say) 630K and is in the same condition as yours, is on the market for 499K.
Beware: Make sure that your agent is a transaction broker and not a single agent for the seller! Ask your agent to give you a print out of all listings listed in the MLS (Not just the agents listings)and demand to see all of them.
I just had an agent who is on site at a condo complex call me and ask me to give him a higher commission should he sell my listing in the complex where he works; if I did not agree to the higher commission he refused to show my listing. (It is the lowest priced nicest unit on the market and by far the best deal).
Something might look like a great deal but you better make sure that there isn't an even better deal out there!

Here is the usual update:

These are all new listings since my last post

Properties that have gone under contract

Sold properties

Thanks for reading my blog!

Deals!

Hi everybody,
I thought I'd write another post with some deals; after all that's what all are buyers are looking for. In case you don't read my blog regularly: be careful to only look at foreclosures and short sales; they are not always the best deal out there.
Read here why

These are some good deals currently on the market from MM74 to MM110:

Condominiums

Canal front homes

and open water front houses

Let me know if you are interested in any of these properties and thanks for reading my blog!

I am working!

I mean really working! Not that I have not been working in the past couple of years but I have to admit that a great amount of my time was spent at my desk. That is the last place where a Realtor wants to spend time: If you are at your desk - you are not out selling Real Estate. The last couple of weeks felt like 'old times' - I was out every day showing property! I received two offers on listings of mine; I had to actually schedule showings around other showings.
Many sellers in the Keys are still not desperate and probably never will be ... but there are some that are ... and those properties are selling!
There are not many new listings coming on the market which means the inventory will slowly decrease as the great deals are selling. That's good news for the Real Estate market as inventory is in direct relation to market condition.
Here are all properties that have sold since my last post
and these are all properties that have gone under contract
and these are all new listings that have come on the market

Please contact me if you are looking for a great deal - they are out there and they are selling!
I showed a foreclosure this past weekend; it had just come on the market; by monday it was under contract!
Thanks for reading my blog!

My links are working now!

Hi there, everybody,
I apologize: The links in my last posts were not working. Why? I have no idea! I did everything as usual; there was an update on our MLS system and maybe that had something to do with it; I called Flex tech support and the tech supporter solved my problem. We will now find out if I paid attention and if it works:
This post will only updates:

Properties that sold in the past 45 days:

Properties that came on the market over the past 45 days:

Properties that went under contract:

Thanks for reading my blog and check back soon!

Graduation!

Ok, I admit my sons graduation has nothing to do with Real Estate. I don't care! I am going to tell you anyway because I am happy that my son graduated last Thursday and received a scholarship for an Associates Degree at FKCC. After that he'll flock the nest but not yet! And that's a good thing too! Holy cow! Those years went by quickly, I always thought they were exaggerating when they told me to treasure those years when your kids are young because they go by so quickly. Now I know what they meant and so does everybody else who has sat at their childs High school graduation!

Ok, now on to Real Estate! It's still busier than it has been in a while; I am expecting quite a few buyers from out of town in July.

I skipped the update in my last post; so here it:

These are all sold listings since my last update:

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080613143349070829000000&s=6&id=1" cgi-bin www.flexmls.com http:>

these properties have gone under contract:

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080613143349070829000000&s=6&id=1" cgi-bin www.flexmls.com http:>

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080613143739542892000000&s=6&id=1">

and these are all new properties on the market:

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080613143739542892000000&s=6&id=1">

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080613143923710442000000&s=6&id=1" !x-usc:http: 00000000 mhtml:%7BF4BC9DAF-2B6C-4FCA-ACE4-E9A4E0360ACB%7Dmid:>

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080613143923710442000000&s=6&id=1" !x-usc:http: 00000000 mhtml:%7BF4BC9DAF-2B6C-4FCA-ACE4-E9A4E0360ACB%7Dmid:>

Bayfront unit in Tamarind Bay for 490K

Hello everybody,

I just had a price reduction on this beautiful condo in Tamarind Bay! It is now listed at 490K which is more than 60K less than the next lowest priced unit in Tamarind Bay.

To give you an idea for how much all other units are listed for in TB:

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080602183132185037000000&s=6&id=1">Click

The entire unit has been redone! Tamarind Bay has 1400 SF of living space. There are boat slips and they are assigned for the length of the ownership of the unit. That means that if a unit with an assigend boat slip is sold; the boat slip revert back to the association and is then assigned to the next person on the waiting list. Right now there is no waiting list which means that you could have an assigned boat slip right away at no further cost or waiting time!

There is no question that this is the listing with the most bang for its buck in Key Largo: Bayview, assigned boat slip, 1400SF; these units sold in the mid 800s three years ago!

This a better deal than most short sales and foreclosures! The owners bought a while back and are ready to walk away from this property!

This is your oppurtunity to get a great deal without the 'hassle' of a short sale or foreclosure. Not bank approval, no waiting!

Please call me for more info on this property or any other questions you might have regarding Real Estate. These are the last two units that sold in Tamarind Bay:

Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080602192506354534000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Thanks for reading my blog!

Finally another blog entry!

Hello everybody!
Wow, I just saw that it has been over a month since I wrote my last blog! I apologize!
Reason for checking my blog today was that I showed property and the buyer told me that she enjoys reading my blog! I am always happy when people mention that they read my blog - Thanks!
I do have an excuse though: a) I really have been busy. I had three closings in the past three weeks and have been out showing my listings and working with buyers. It seems that buyers are realizing that we are pretty close if not AT the bottom of the market and that they now still have a great inventory to pick from! Here is another thing to consider: Let's say we are not at the bottom of the market and prices will continue to drop another 5%. If you can buy something today for 5% less than the market value (and you will probably be able to do so because many buyers have been waiting to sell for so long that they are quiet willing to negotiate!); you are already buying at the bottom of the market price but have the pick of the litter!
These are three properties that I have sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080522211549798429000000&s=6&id=1">Click
and this one (It was not entered as sold in the MLS yet):
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080522211718747723000000&s=6&id=1">Click
It sold for $602,500
b) my computer crashed!
I am back now!

These are all new listings in the Upper Keys since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080522212409325310000000&s=6&id=1">Click
These properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080522213005685885000000&s=6&id=1">Click
and these properties sold: (More properties than this sold; I will check with the board of Realtors tomorrow why not all sold listings appear in this search):
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080522213220311124000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I hope you are all doing well! Thanks for reading as always!

The best deals in the upper Keys right now

Sorry, it's been a while. I have been busy! Really busy! Not just showing property but writing offers and putting things under contract. The good kind of busy in a Realtors life!
I told you in my last blog that the 'low' priced, weekly rental permitting condos are moving. Proof in point: I will close on two of those in the next couple of weeks.
The majority of buyers in the Keys are realizing that this is the right time to buy! These are buyers who have waited for years to make a move and they look at the prices now; the large inventory and some very motivated sellers. Great place to be in when you are a buyer.
If you are a buyer; check these properties out; they are in my opinion the best deals out there right now.
These are the best deal condos:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080418120313320683000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are the best deal waterfront homes under one Million:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080418121218656953000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Deals in waterfront homes over one Million:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080418121944211633000000&s=6&id=1">Click

And here now the usual updates:
These are all properties that have come on the market since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080418122136354956000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080418122313288400000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and all properties that sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080418122428220600000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Thanks for reading my blog and please call me if you are ready to buy: 305-393-0923

Condominiums that permit weekly rentals

This is what most buyers are looking for right now: Canalfront homes under 800K and condos that are good rental properties. In this blog I will write about the later. Condominiums govern themselves when it comes to rental policies. As long as they are gated and have an association they can decide what kind of rental policy they enforce. Some complexes allow weekly rentals, some monthly, some a minimum of two or three months and a few permit daily rentals. If a complex permits daily rentals it is most liked considered a Condo/Hotel when it comes to financing. The difference is that a lender requires at least 20 to 30 % down payment with a Condo/Hotel designated property. Needless to say that the rental potential of a property is directly related to their rental policies. A complex that permist weekly or even daily rentals generates more rental income because most seasonal renters rent for a week and not for a month. Then why wouldn't all complexes permit daily rentals? Because it means more transient traffic and some complexes try to avoid that.
If you are looking for a condo that permits weekly rentals; these are the ones in the Upper Keys:
Kawama Tower, Seagulls, Moon Bay, Summer Sea, Futura Yacht Club, Ocean Pointe and The Palms.
Here are links to what units are currently available in each of these complexes:

Kawama Tower:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331002634280510000000&s=6&id=1">Click Moon Bay:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331002757126307000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Sea Gulls:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331002859953349000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Futura Yacht Club:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331002859953349000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Summer Sea: Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331003019176042000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Ocean Pointe:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331003158554486000000&s=6&id=1">Click
The Palms:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080331003332784946000000&s=6&id=1">Click
If you would like further info on any of these properties please contact me at Wiebkewestedt@aol.com

Have a happy Sunday and thanks for reading my blog.

Update

Here we are! Things are moving! Properties are going under contract , they are closing .... we are getting towards the end of this tunnel ..... at least in the Keys. Part of the reason is that a lot of sellers have woken up, smelled the coffee and lowered their asking prices to prices they should have been to begin with.
I will keep this blog short because I want to give you the updates:
These are the new listings since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080324163957001849000000&s=6&id=1">Click

All properties in the upper Keys that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080324164443402671000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and all solds:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080324164622745483000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Here is a great quote by Warren Buffet: "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful."

Don't wait too long!
Thanks for reading my blog!

Are short sales and foreclosures a good deal?

One would think they are and they certainly can be, but you are making a mistake if you are only looking at short sales and foreclosures in the Keys! Firstly: In comparison to other areas we have very few foreclosures! Most of the few owners who are in distress are owners who bought at the top of the market with 'creative' financing (E.G. interest only loans or variable rates).

Just in case you do not know what a 'short sale' is: A short sale is a sale in which the lender has agreed to take less than what is owed on a property and the borrower can prove that the market value now is less than what is owed and that the borrower will probably default on his mortgage payments if the property is not sold shortly. Here is the 'problem' with a short sale: If a property was bought for 1 Million Dollars two years ago and was bought with 10% down with an interest only loan; there is still 900K owed to the lender. A property that was bought at the very top of the market for 1 Million might now sell for 700K. The bank might agree to a short sale at 800K (that's still a 100K loss to the lender) but it's not really a good deal to a buyer if the buyer can buy a similar property for 700K from somebody who purchased the property five years ago for 500K and is not in distress but simply wants to sell his property.

You must keep in mind that the Keys are a very unique area and Real Estate is governed by location.

Real Estate was doing great everywhere four/five years ago but appreciation in property value was one of the greatest in the Keys! You were able to buy a condo for 300K and the value doubled within a year IF you sold the property the following year. Many owners felt that the appreciated value was money in their pocket and did not realize that it is only money in their pocket if it is actually there and sold the property for the profit.

Once the market started to slow down sellers were not willing to take less than what their property was worth at the height of the market because in their mind the value of the property was what they had anticipated being able to sell it for.

Of course that is not true: The value of everything is how much somebody is willing to pay for it!

I cannot tell you how many good offers I wrote on properties in the past couple of years; offers sellers should have taken but wouldn't because they felt entitled to making 300K within three years of ownership and that's ok because it is their property and they get to decide for how much they will sell. Nevertheless a lot of these sellers are now realizing that the market is not what it was and if they really want to sell they will have to lower their price.

There are quite a few sellers who want to trade up and are looking to buy something larger in this buyers market but in order to do that they need to sell their other property first. These sellers might take considerably less for their property so they can have a down payment for another property that they in return can get for a good price now.

You will not find one person in the Keys who does not believe that Real Estate will be booming again just like it did not too long ago.

As in every investment you need to play your cards right and it is much wiser to ask a seasoned Realtor what is a great deal right now then to just be interested in Foreclosures and Short Sales. You might be able to get one hell of a deal from a seller who purchased his property ten years ago for little money (little being relative) and is now ready to move on and just wants to sell. Find a Realtor whom you can trust and take advantage of their expertize! A saved commission can cost you a lot of money if you over payed for the property just because it was a short sale and you thought that all short sales are great deals!

Let me clarify that there are short sales that are a great deals but don't limit your search to just those properties!

Buy these now!

Happy Valentines day everybody!

Ok, here we are on with the Deals! The Real Estate market is slow; there is no denying that but when you look at my updates you will see that things are starting to move. I have been out showing property almost every single day over the past couple of weeks. As a Realtor it 'kills' you sometimes when you come a across a great deal and you just don't have the right buyer for it.
In my case that is the case with two listings right now. Here is one of them, a unit in Executive Bay Club for 350K:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080214125336278968000000&s=6&id=1">Click
This unit is beauttiful: 1400 SF and everything is remodeled; two full bathrooms upstairs, nice backyard; clearly the seller is ready to sell!

And here is another great buy in the Landings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080214130027669846000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Bayviews under 500K in a beautiful complex. Seriously: Buy this! You'll be very happy you did within 3 years!

Ok, and here are the updates:
These are the new listings since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080214130230326302000000&s=6&id=1">Click

these properties have sold since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080214130354119203000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have gonde under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080214130501602181000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Thanks for reading my Blog!

Canalfront Deals under 700K!

Hello everybody!
These are not all canalfront homes currently listed under 700K; there are 14 listed in total (CBS and Frame construction); these are the ones I consider the best deals; Check them out:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080204174115767905000000&s=6&id=1">Click
If you are thinking about investing - these are great buys! Rent them out on an annual basis and take advantage of the low interest rate you can get now!
You'll be very glad you did in a few years!

New listings since my last Blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080204175835279076000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Properties that sold since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080204180126637943000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080204180339525998000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please call or e-mail me if you have any further questions! Have a great week!

Press Release from Fishermans Cove

Hello everybody!
I received this press release from Fishermans Cove in Key Largo and thought that some of you might be interested in it:
[Key Largo, Florida] After just one month of sales, The Residence Club at Fisherman’s Cove is nearly 25 percent sold out, despite Florida’s struggling real estate market. The exclusive waterfront property on Florida Bay at Mile Marker 104 Bayside provides an ideal way to own luxurious vacation real estate in Key Largo at a fraction of the price. As Florida’s property tax and insurance costs have slowed down the real estate market, Fisherman’s Cove buyers have discovered the Equity Residence ClubSM concept to be an appealing alternative to whole ownership because several owners share those costs. As a result of strong sales, the property is now selling at $329,000, up from $295,000. Throughout the Keys during 2007, average sale prices have declined in the face of large inventory. While the number of sales was down 54 percent from 2005, Fisherman’s Cove is proving to be a more comfortable purchase for otherwise reluctant buyers. “We understand the public is hesitant about buying real estate at the moment, so we are therefore thrilled that the property is being so well received,” says Fort Lauderdale-based developer Bill Thies. “This pre-opening phase is still a great time to purchase before any further price increases.”In 2007 the average sale price for a waterfront home in the Upper Keys was $1.97 million. Not only are Fisherman’s Cove owners paying a fraction of that, but they also receive much more with their purchase.“Members enjoy the luxuries associated with a fine hotel,” Thies comments. “This largely explains why this type of second home ownership is becoming more popular. Owners enjoy services, amenities and conveniences that they simply would not have with a privately owned home.The property’s success can further be explained by trends sited in the 2007 National Leisure Travel Monitor. The survey found that visiting with friends and relatives is the most popular type of vacation for Americans, followed by beach/lake vacations. Florida also topped the list of destinations travelers would like to visit within the next two years. With its waterfront location and spacious residences, Fisherman’s Cove offers a convenient and affordable way to satisfy these latest vacation trends coupled with the services and amenities of a world-class hotel.New purchaser Michael Curry says, “Given the state of the market in Florida these days, I was initially hesitant about purchasing a vacation home. However, when I came upon Fisherman’s Cove, I found it to be the safest and most logical way own.” He adds, “Also appealing is the affordability of ownership without the need for owners to be preoccupied with maintenance and upkeep. Given Florida’s exorbitant property taxes and hurricane insurance, sharing these costs with the other owners is the most sensible way to have a luxurious waterfront getaway.”The Club’s staff oversees maintenance and security and offers full concierge service. Owners have use of Club-owned Hydra-Sports center console boats and private docks for their own boats. Additional amenities include a cabana-lined pool, rooftop terrace with plunge pool, state-of-the-art fitness center , on-site restaurant The Big Chill and a Tiki bar. The Club will store personal belongings on the premises and have them ready for owners upon arrival. For avid fishermen and boaters, a private concierge will be on hand to fuel boats and stock them with fishing bait, drinks and food to make for hassle-free excursions on the water. Fisherman’s Cove follows DCP International’s Equity Residence ClubSM model that was successfully launched 15 years ago. Owners enjoy generous and flexible usage. They can reserve planned, short notice, and space-available vacations, allowing for virtually unlimited access to their residence. These policies explain the success of private residence clubs in the U.S. and overseas. Industry consulting firm Ragatz Associates reports the luxury shared ownership concept has grown into a $2.1 billion industry. Although often confused with timeshares and destination clubs, private residence club owners actually purchase deeded real estate which can be sold, willed or placed in a trust just like any other form of real estate.The Residence Club at Fisherman’s Cove will be open for owner use in March, 2008, and The Big Chill will open to the public in mid-February, 2008.

A great Deal!

Maybe you are not looking yourself right now but maybe you know of somebody who is. Whichever the case; this is a great deal in Key Largo!

Tamarind Bay

Listed at 559K!

The unit is 1400 Square Feet Large with a split bedroom plan; each of the bedrooms having their own bath. You have a beautiful open Bay View from this unit and assigned dockage! Bayview+ dockage is very hard to find under 700K!



This is the lowest priced unit in Tamarind Bay! Large open floor plan, two pools, dockage, tennis courts, sunset Tiki, immaculate grounds! A boatslip for assignment to this unit is avaiable at no extra charge! Freshly painted in a neutral beige with beautiful tile! This truly is a great buy with all the ammenities!




and now to the updated: These are all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080111202259964414000000&s=6&id=1">Click

these are all new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080111202413659040000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and the properties that sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080111202545755727000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Thanks for reading my blog as always!

Happy new year!

I hope you all got well into the new year!
We had a cold spell here - in the 40s! I realize again why everybody from up North loves the Keys! I have been in Florida for over 15 years; I forgot what it's like when you are really cold! (Yeah, yeah, I know in the 40s is not really cold!).

There is some activity; I think quite a few people wanted to see how 2007 is going to go. Not well - that's for sure! Another thing for sure is that people still love the Keys and that the Keys will always be unique and Real Estate will always be very valuable on this small stretch of Islands. Therefor actual sales prices have nowhere nearly fallen as much as in other areas in Florida. Let's wait and see how 2008 will go! I have high hopes!

Oh, here we go; the RE activity since my last blog:

All properties that sold in the Upper Keys:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080108180045215436000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Properties that have gone under contract since my last entry:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080108180412630557000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and all properties that are new on the market:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080108180742154601000000&s=6&id=1">Click

59!!!! new listings! Finally we have some inventory! :)

To us all a great 2008 and thanks for reading my blog!

The year is coming to an end

I hope you all had happy Holidays with your loved ones around!
As difficult as it is to get into the Christmas spirit when the sun is shining and people are laying by the Pool, as beautiful is the wintertime in the Florida Keys.
Before I lived in the Keys I resided on Anna Maria Island which is close to Sarasota but even there it would get a little chilly in the wintertime.

I'll keep this short as I am heading to my office.

These are all new listings since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071227170101114371000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071227170315403041000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071227170429032773000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I wish you all a great end of the year!

Nine under contract within the first month!

A little while ago I told you about 'Fractionals' in particular about Fishermans Cove (To jump to that entry: http://veepka.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-is-fractional-ownership.html )

I just received the information that nine units are under contract. The first eight units were sold for 299K; the price is now 329K and will be raised again when the next eight units are sold.

I am not surprised that the sales at Fishermans are going well; the concept truly makes sense and the units would appeal to the most discriminating buyer. For those of you who know me: you are well aware that I am familiar with every condo development in the upper Keys and in my opinion Fishermans Cove units surpass every other condo. At 2400 SF the units are larger than any other condo and the 10ft high ceilings add to a 'home feeling' ;the views from every unit can only be described as breathtaking.

Check out the interior:

As an owner you are entitled to services that again succeed any other condo complex:

Upon arrival you can call in the groceries you would like to have stocked, you have the use of a 26ft boat with no additional cost, 'room' service is available as well as poolside service and much more!

I cannot think of a better proof that this is a good value than nine of the units already being under contract!

If you would like more info on Fishermans Cove or a tour of the property, please contact me. You will be impressed!

Canalfront homes starting at 559K!

Needless to say that waterfront homes are the best investment on an island; after all that is the main attarction: The water and the accessebility!
Two/three years ago it was hard to find a canalfront home below one million in the upper Keys. With the inventory being currently so flooded there are now some good deals out there.
Check out these canalfront homes below 80oK:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205211619726797000000&s=6&id=1">Click

If you are somewhat familiar with the Keys you know that one of the greatest challenges is to obtain a building permit. Therefor vacant land WITH a permit comes at prime prices and is hard to find. Construction cost in the Keys for a Concrete Block house is between 250 and 400 Dollars.
That means that a 1400 Square Foot home costs between 350K and 560K. Many people opt to purchase a 'tear down' property because they can replace the house (Ergo it is sort of like buying a piece of land with a permit). When you consider these facts, it becomes clear that a canalfront home below 800K ready to occupie is a rather good buy! Please call me if you'd like any more info on any of these homes!

And here the usual updates:
These are all properties that have come on the market since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205213014802997000000&s=6&id=1">Click

these are all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205213225039608000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205213352468627000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Yes, there is more activity in the past 10 days!
Thanks for reading my blog!

How was the turkey?

Hello everybody,
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends! I brined the turkey for the first time this year and I think it was worth the effort.
Now it's back to work for all of us; so here I am writing my blog:
How about a condo for Christmas? Avoid the crowds and give me a call! :)

These are all new listings since my last post:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071126170722185904000000&s=6&id=1

all listings that have gone under contract:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071126170918492126000000&s=6&id=1

and all properties that sold:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071126171038838653000000&s=6&id=1

Please let me know if you or anybody you know is looking for Real Estate or if you have any questions!