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Lion Country Safari’s WILD Housing Market

The Animals Make Way For New Inhabitants

The Palm Beach County Commission approved a change in land designation (prompted by LCS, Lion Country Safari officials), that would essentially allow for residential homes (254 to be exact) to be built on 637 acres in Loxahatchee, FL.

Economic Woes Fuel Need For Zoning Variance

According to LCS officials, income derived from the attraction is not what it used to be and there is a desperate need  to diversify income sources.  The deal would restrict homes to areas that don’t currently house animals.

A 180 From The Urban Sprawl Dilemma

Look how far we have come!  It used to be that nature and wildlife conservationists would boycott developers till the death over wanting to save the environment and the need for “wide open spaces”.  Now, it seems as if the tides have shifted and those who once fought for green space are just now figuring out, that economically, that approach can be quite challenging.  If anything, it brings to the forefront that there is something to be said for both viewpoints.

Care to share?  We welcome all comments, within reason of course (LOL).

Tags: land designation, lion country safari, loxahatchee, palm beach, palm beach county, palm beach county commission, urban sprawl

Estada at Monterra in Cooper City, FL – Looking for a NEW Home?

New Construction in Cooper City, FL

If you are looking to buy a house in the Broward county area let me refer you to one of Lennar’s newest projects. Estada at Monterra is a brand new development in Cooper City, FL.  With models starting at $399,990 and 5 to choose from, we are sure you will find the house that fits your needs. For more information regarding the new neighborhood please give James San Martin a call at (954) 306-7251.

Call 954-347-3799 to set your appointment today or enroll NOW on our “Property Search” page to be automatically emailed the listings of your choice!

Tags: copper city, estada, monterra, new homes

Housing Bubble – Who Caused It?

Federal Reserve Debates the CAUSE

As we close out 2010, the debate over whether there was a housing bubble has long been answered with a resounding YES!  The new question, the more important question is WHO or WHAT caused the bubble?  that question was the topic of debate at a Federal reserve symposium aimed at containing asset prices years after the crash.

Stanford University Professor John Taylor

“In a sense, the fed caused the bubble”, noting that the priority should be not to crate bubbles in the first place.

Former Fed Governor Randal Kroszner

“It was politically difficult to tackle the housing boom because it could be contrary to many other government policies intended to make housing more affordable”.

Smart Minds Do Not Think Alike

The bottom line is that this debate will be ongoing.  many of the sharpest minds are at opposite sides when evaluating the causal link of the bubble and therefore offer very different strategies for avoiding another one.

The Positive Spin

If there is a positive, it is that they are holding debates on the subject which at the very least, shows there is a concerted effort to avoid the next housing crash.  This is a proactive step in ultimately rebuilding the strength and sustainability of the market, which is integral to this country’s overall economic health and recovery.

We have the tools, technology, law and business backgrounds and above all else, the attitude to get you the best deals out there.  Call or contact us to find out what we can do for you!

Tags: federal reserve, housing bubble, john taylor, kroszner

TAO Sawgrass – Very Unique Luxury High-Rise in the heart of Sunrise, FL

TAO SAWGRASS – Sunrise, FL

This upscale High Rise development features 2 contemporary, 26-story condo towers located in the heart of Sunrise, FL. It is the first and only high-rise in Sunrise, in the western part of Broward County.

Resort Amenities

It offers all the amenities of a Resort with a very centralized location, next door to the world famous SAWGRASS MALL; and only 15 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale Beaches.

Many Floorplans Available

A wide variety of one, two and three-bedroom floor plans are available for sale and rent, with at least 1,100 to 1,870 square feet of living space and gorgeous views of the lake and Fort Lauderdale skyline. Very affordable prices starting in the low $200s with financing available.

As a South Florida real estate agent and one of the “EWM Guys”, I am always here to assist. Check out my profile to learn more about me.  And, if you are interested in previewing any of these great units or have questions, leave a comment below, contact me or direct number (954)224-8385.

Tags: condo, For Sale, high-rise, luxury real estate, sawgrass mall, sunrise, Tao Sawgrass

Tax credit extension approved!!!!

90 Day Reprieve

We’ve passed the June 30 deadline for extending the tax credit deadline, but finally the U.S. Congress approved a bill extending the closing deadline for home buyers trying to take advantage of tax credits ($8k for first timers and $6,500 for primary residences).

Must Have Been Under Contract By April 30, 2010

Home buyers with contracts signed by April 30 who failed to go to closing by the June 30 deadline will now have until September 30 to complete their purchases, assuming that the President signs it.

Tags: Cash Buyers, First Time Homebuyers, Tax-Credit

Extension of Tax Credit

Updates and More Updates

Just wanted to clarify in regards to the extension of the tax credit. it is not officially approved yet but it looks promising. Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved an extension to 9/30. Of course, however, the Senate must still approve the measure before President Barack Obama can sign it into law. Of course thousands of settlements may not be completed by Wednesday because settlement offices are slammed with buyers trying to close on transactions by the end of this month in order to receive the funds.

Lets hope the Senate makes a wise decision. I will keep you all posted.

JUST IN – Of  DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)–The Senate Wednesday approved more time for homebuyers seeking to claim a federal tax credit, but tabled a six-month extension of jobless benefits.

The homebuyer measure would help only those that entered into binding contracts before April 30. It would give such homebuyers until Sept. 30 to close the sale. Under current law, they would have had to close by today to be eligible for tax credits.

It passed the Senate by unanimous voice vote. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the homebuyer measure, which the House passed earlier this week.

An award-winning mortgage banker, Andres has consistently proven to be one of the best in the industry. Contact Andres today at 786.556.1115 or via email to receive the personalized service you deserve and the home financing solutions you need!

Tags: Agents, Cash Buyers, First Time Homebuyers, Tax-Credit

House votes to extend homebuyer credit 3 months!

The 11th Hour

Well there was drama, but at the end of the day, the tax credit for home buyers will be extended to September 30th.

Great News For Local Markets

Now, areas where the EWM Guys list and sell homes will once again create a sense of urgency and facilitate more transaction that might normally be realized.

Broward County To Stay Hot

Areas like Weston, Davie, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Sunshine Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale will all benefit from this news.  The market is beat up but sales have been brisk and the uptick in activity is a positive for the industry!

For more updates bookmark us or feel free to add a comment.  The EWM Guys would love to hear from you!

Tags: Agents, broward, Cash Buyers, Davie, First Time Homebuyers, miami, sunrise, Tax-Credit, weston

Chinese Drywall Trial Starts In Miami, FL

Country’s First Trial Involving Domestic Distributor

The Chinese Drywall case against Banner Supply was underway with jury selection Monday morning in front of Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Joseph P. Farina. The suit alleges that Banner was aware of the product’s defects and never informed customers.

Determination Made Against Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin

A federal judge already decided earlier this year that the German & China-based drywall maker (Knauf) had manufactured sub-standard products which release sulfur at higher levels than normal, causing corrosion of electrical wiring and metals.  But this is the first time that homeowners are taking a building supply distributor. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: banner supply, chinese drywall, colson hicks, kanuf, lawsuit, legal, luxury real estate, miami

Judge Bailey Lays Down The Gavel

Sending A Message

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Bailey sent a message to every  lender who presupposes that simply being owed money by a borrower is enough to circumvent laws, orders or anything else that under any other circumstances would simply not be tolerated in a court of law.

Eslava vs. HSBC

The substance of the case was this:  A borrower was looking to his lender for a loan modification to make payments more affordable.  Essentially unable to come to terms, the lender’s motion to foreclose was granted … but, HSBC (the lender) lost the note.  Because of this, the court mandated that the lender post a bond to avoid any issues from another lender filing a claim against the borrower. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: florida default, foreclosure, lawsuit, loan mod, loan modification, short sale

Happy Mother’s Day

Enjoy Your Day!

The EWM Guys want to wish all a very Happy Mother’s Day!  We know it can be a thankless job, but trust us, we appreciate YOU!  So enjoy your day.  You certainly deserve it!

Jason Kapit, Esq.   |    James San Martin    |     David Betancourt    |    Elias Palacios

Tags: david betancourt, elias palacios, ewm, ewm guys, ewm realtors, ewmguys, ewmrealtors, happy mothers day, james san martin, jason kapit, mom, moms