Here in south Florida I have noticed an increase in the amount of homes that are being purchased with cash.  Why?  Great prices.  Lack of investment options with significant ROI.  But here’s a thought.  With home prices as good as they have been in over a decade, why not buy two?  The thought process being, buy the primary with financing and buy the investment property for cash.  This way you get the tax benefit of having the interest deduction on the primary and the depreciation on the second home along with cash flow on the investment property.  It is a win-win situation.

Expectations

I expect interest rates should remain low as the FED is working very hard to keep it this way.  Therefore, property values should go up over time.  What I am suggesting is to not miss the opportunity that is out there in a market that has been seriously hurt by foreclosures and short sales.  Ad for those who cannot buy with cash, don’t miss out on a chance for record low interest rates and fabulous prices on homes.  Talk to a realtor today to see what is available, and become a home owner.

Adam Granger is a Home Mortgage Consultant with HomeServices Lending, LLC., an Affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.  He is a frequent commentator at RealEstateOnTap and can be reached at 954-306-7218 or by emailing him here.

When it comes to residential real estate, all homes are not created equal.  Hence, one report cannot classify the sector as a whole.  For the last few years, the story had been one of redundancy.  The housing market is weak and without a housing market recovery, the overall economy will not improve.  And while most economists agree that there is indeed a correlation, the more important question to those in the trenches, is what part of the market is strong and poised for a comeback.

Selling High-End Homes Throughout Western Broward County

Having sold over $30 million of luxury properties in 2011 throughout Cooper City, Coral Springs, Davie, Parkland, Southwest Ranches and Weston, I know what is and isn’t selling.  There seems to be a lot of action across the board but even more so at the luxury level (properties priced above $1 million).  The reason?  That’s up for debate, but my thinking is outlined below.

The Attraction To Luxury Homes

[1] The homes are fairly priced and present exceptional value to the astute buyer.  When you consider what it might cost to build these homes, the sales price, quite often, represents a fraction of the cost.

[2] Most luxury home buyers pay cash, avoiding mortgage and lending issues that have served to derail a plethora of transactions over the past few years.

[3] A lack of options for buyers/investors dictates diversifying into the real estate/tangible asset sector.  If you are sitting idle with cash, there are not a lot of options, at least for those averse to high risk or non-existent returns.  Putting your money in the equity markets is a tough play considering the choppiness and unknown global concerns/fears.  As for putting it in the banks stateside, assuming you were comfortable with the bank’s stability, are you going to be happy with .5% return (or less) on your money?

[4] Timing is everything.  If you can afford to buy a luxury property for cash, you are way ahead of the game.  You can negotiate aggressively based on your ability to close quickly without delay or third party interference.  Furthermore, because mortgage rates are so low, if cash flow ever became an issue post-close, the ability to refinance or obtain an equity line at a very appealing rate would be possible and certainly not as taxing as obtaining a mortgage at the onset.

Jason A. Kapit, Esq. is a real estate agent with EWM Christies International.  He concentrates in the luxury home space with offices in Las Olas and Weston Town Center.  Contact him at 954.650.4443 or REOTemail@gmail.com

Jason A. Kapit, Esq. never rests.  Always tweaking the model, always building on success and continuously striving to better the team’s ability to serve our most precious commodity, our clients!  To that end, we welcome Jen Keller.  Born in Miami, raised in North Miami Beach and Miami Beach, Jen is a South Florida native through and through.  She is married to Jonathan, a prominent Workers Comp attorney, for 15 years and has 3 children. They currently reside in Weston, FL where they are very active in the community and charity organizations.

Education

Jen is a graduate of the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) with degrees in Health Science and Psychology.

Work Experience and How It Relates To You

Jen worked at Mt. Sinai hospital for 10 years as the Infertility Program Coordinator. She has helped hundreds of couples become proud parents! Following her career, she worked in Event Planning for a large corporation handling special events for high-profile clients.  She has planned events for celebrities gracing every cover.  How are the two jobs related and more importantly, how can her experience help you? Quite simply, Jen has a keen ability to help people during their most important moments, parenthood, wedding, etc.  She understands the importance of communication, detail and most importantly RESULTS.  This was such a natural fit, it was only a matter of time before this collaboration ensued.

Focus and Concentration in Real Estate

Through Jen’s social network and myriad of contacts, she will focus exclusively in the luxury home segment of Parkland and Weston’s premier communities. When asked about the latest addition to his team, Kapit commented, “I have no doubt she will quickly become a force in Broward County’s residential real estate market.  Look at her resume … years of dealing with high end clientele, serious attention to detail, amazing confidence and a keen ability to always make people feel comfortable at their most vulnerable.  Its a recipe for success, especially in this industry.”

The Team Approach

Jen is part of Jason Kapit’s Team (RealEstateOnTap) at EWM Christies International, operating East & West with offices in Las Olas and Weston Town Center.  He concentrates his efforts on high-end residential properties and luxury communities.  “We have been able to establish an extraordinary resume marketing luxury real estate.  The Team combines experience and knowledge of the South Florida market, selling over $30,000,000 in 2011 and representing 5 of the 9 highest sales throughout Cooper City, Parkland and Southwest Ranches, FL.”

Visit us at www.realestateontap.com and bookmark our site.  You may not be ready to buy or sell now, but we are here when you need us!

To say everything goes smoothly all the time would be foolish.  While we always strive to do our best, there is always the potential for issues to arise and when that happens, our shift focuses on insuring that the nothing derails the ultimate sale.  In selling 19364 SW 66th Street, in the fabulous Pembroke Pines community of Laguna Isles, we encountered a few hurdles, but we were able to manage them and successfully close the deal.  The deal had all the potential hiccups and then some … inspection, appraisal, lost bank data, you name it, we encountered it.  In the end, all was good.  Buyers got the home they wanted.  Sellers got the price they wanted and we were able to facilitate everything in record time without any major delay.

The Unedited “Thank You” and subsequent Response (Testimonial)

We like to do things a bit different here and as such, we have chosen to publish the latest correspondence with our sellers so you can get a glimpse of the emotion and the reality of how our clients really feel about us.

Jay,

Thank you for your expertise and assistance in the sale of our Laguna Isles home. We also appreciate all of your support and guidance in the purchase of our new home.  We recognize the effort of all parties in being able to close on both homes in a short period of time. Our frustration at the end was the communication gaps at times … we were not sure when and where things would take place.  Mark extends an apology for his discussion with you.  We would like to take this opportunity to also thank David Betancourt for his professionalism, support and guidance through this process.  It has truly been a pleasure working with David.  Our family values the relationship we have with you. You will always be the realtor we recommend to our family, friends and business associates.

We wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year!!!!

Maria and Mark Reuther
- closed 12-16-11

Starting off 2012 with a bang, Jason A. Kapit, Esq. offers this exclusive Parkland Golf & Country Club home for sale

Meticulously maintained and offering the upgrades and comforts one might expect from a home of this caliber.  Spectacular Almeria model in PG&CC Club Estates section. Pristine home offers 5 bedrooms, 5 and 1/2 baths plus separate office and music room. Features include gourmet kitchen, Jerusalem stone across 1st floor (French pattern), Brazilian Rosewood throughout 2d floor, custom draperies/valances & interior paint.  Add to that impact glass for security and weather protection. Entertain in style with fantastic views overlooking the trio: inviting freeform pool, long lake views with scenic bridge right on the spectacular Greg Norman designed (5th hole) golf course!

Great neighborhood boasting gated entrance, water features, lush grounds, sports complex, clubhouse and more.  It doesn’t get better than “A” rated schools, with close proximity to places of worship, professional sports facilities, fabulous restaurants and more.

Easy to show, but by appointment only.  Call me at 954.650.4443 for your private showing.

For those with a “never say quit” attitude, it is hard to ever stop pushing, thinking, planning, etc.  Residential real estate for me in 2011 was non-stop. I say that with upbeat graciousness as my clients were wholly instrumental in helping me accomplish what turned out to be a phenomenal year.

But How Do You Wind Down and Recharge?

For me it’s somewhat of a dilemma.  One part of me wants to enjoy the fruits of my labor and take a few weeks off, transitioning slowly in 2012, fully recharged and ready to go.  But then I think back to my days as a trader, capitalizing on tremendous momentum and wanting to take advantage of it while its here.

Recognizing The Best Approach

In my experience, the hardest thing to do is usually the right thing to do and because I never want to even take a moment to catch my collective breath, I have decided to try and relax for at least a few days to insure that I am fresh and ready for an even better 2012.  I would advise all of you, irrespective of your profession, to examine the healthiest path to making 2012 stellar in all regards.

Wishing you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year,
Jason A. Kapit, Esq.

I have the great privilege of representing professional athletes when they buy and sell luxury homes here in South Florida.  Every once in a while, I come across something online that is just so impressive, I have to promote it.  As a huge sports fan, in the spirit of some good ol’ baseball fun and as we celebrate a new era with the Miami Marlins, take a close look at what this hitter is accomplishing.  Absolutely incredible!  Enjoy.

It was only a matter of time before a Buyer might recognize just how spectacular “Villa Positano” was.  Sitting in the quiet and private cul-de-sac of the “Grand Estates” section of PGCC, the 10,000+ square foot home has one of the prettiest views imaginable overlooking pool, golf, scenic bridge and lake. Everything about the home was carefully thought out and ultimately, it attracted the likes of an astute Buyer.

“The truth of the matter was that there were multiple bidders and someone had to win.  Landmark Custom Homes has been building quality homes in South Florida for decades, and with this sale, makes a dramatic segueway into Parkland Golf & Country Club’s luxury community.  Of course there were challenges, but that has been an understatement in the world of real estate.  At the end of the day, this will be the catalyst for even more extravagant homes to be built within the subdivision.  Although (laughs), none will ever replicate this stunning view.  The old mantra LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION couldn’t ring truer.”

Jason A. Kapit, Esq. is an agent with EWM Christies International and has single-handedly sold 3 of the 6 most expensive properties in Parkland, FL in 2011.  For more information about how he can assist you in the sale of your luxury home, contact him at 954.650.4443 or via email.