blog RSS feed http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/ RSS feed EN <![CDATA[Today.......I am proud to be an American]]> Today was a great day..........not in real estate.........but a great day in America.  Today I stood in line for 4 hours waiting to vote at the Hollywood Library.  My husband and I were in line with hundreds of people - of every race and color, religion and political belief, from countless countries, speaking an endless array of languages.  They brought their children and family members,  books, chairs, food and candy, water and soda -- and their hopes, dreams, frustrations and opinions.  We all mingled and talked and learned about each other.  It didn't matter who we are, where we came from, what we do, where we live and what kind of car we drive.  We weren't looking at Louis Vuitton, Mercedes Benz, Gucci or Lexus - but at each other and who we are and what compelled us to form a 4 hour line and wait patiently.  There was no pushing or shoving and no raised voices - only words or encouragement and expressions of concern and fear of the unknown -- and optimism about the future.


Today was a great day.  I became a part of the history ot this country. I was not born American and chose to be American and today I am PROUD to be an American.  Never has it been more important to vote - no matter how much of your time it takes.  This country deserves your time and so does our future President.


 
]]> 11/1/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=128 128 <![CDATA[Brickell Makeover…Playtime @ Bayfront…Miami Rocks]]> Brickell Makeover…Playtime @ Bayfront…Miami Rocks


Recently the 11th Judicial Court Circuit Historical Society held a groundbreaking ceremony. Court room #6-1 is being restored to its original 1920’s glory. The courtroom will have all of the modern conveniences, but will be restored to its original look.


In other Brickell news, the bid to extend the Brickell name north of the Miami River has been denied; Gov. Charlie Christ has decreed that no state funding will be used to extend the name northward.


That’s not the only exciting news; Bay-front Park is now home to a wonderful new playground. Kids from all over the area can come and play at the new Playground, which is adjacent to the Tina Hills pavilion. The Playground was a generous gift funded by Tina Hills.


Even in these tough times, Miami is growing. The South Florida Real Estate Dream Team has the Knowledge, experience and expertise to help you find your dream home, contact us today.

]]> 10/21/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=126 126 <![CDATA[The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008]]> The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

At the South Florida Real Estate Dream Team, we know that many of you have questions about the Housing and Economic Recovery Act. We too, had lots of questions and to find out answers, Barb and Ellie have recently attended a 2 day seminar…


During the seminar they learned about the HOPE program which made $300 billion available to homeowners who are having trouble paying their current high interest mortgages. This program works with both home owners and lenders.


Other provisions in the new law extend the foreclosure stay from 90 days to 9 months and provides 4 billon dollars for state and local governments to purchase and rehabilitate abandoned and foreclosed housing, this housing would then be sold or rented to low and moderate income individuals.


Barb and Ellie returned from the conference as REO Certified professionals (real estate owned), this means that they know how to deal with properties that are owned by HUD, a Bank or have been foreclosed upon.


Please contact the South Florida Real Estate Dream Team with any questions you may have regarding the purchase of a foreclosed property or how The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
]]> 9/17/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=125 125 <![CDATA[South Florida Real Estate]]> 8/28/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=124 124 <![CDATA[Real Estate, Blogs and MySpace…Oh my!]]> Real Estate, Blogs and MySpace…Oh my!
The Blogosphere has been penetrating industries that have traditionally been offline. Real Estate is one of them; I recently read that 38% of homebuyers used a social networking site somewhere in the home-buying process. That’s a number that cannot be ignored, it’s just too significant.

Listing your property with an agency that is social network savvy can make a huge difference in the speed and price at which your property can sell. The agents at the South Florida Real Estate Dream Team will use every tool in their disposal to help you sell your home quickly and for a fair price.

From blogs to real estate forums to social bookmarking sites, the South Florida Dream Team will make sure that your property gets noticed, looked at, and sold. Combine that with traditional real estate tools and what you have is a strong confident team of advocates helping you to meet your goals.

Contact the South Florida Real Estate Dream team with any questions you may have!
]]> 8/16/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=123 123 <![CDATA[WCI Communities - A Sign Of The Times]]> 8/5/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=122 122 <![CDATA[Fort Lauderdale gets good news from Wall Street!]]> Fort Lauderdale gets good news from Wall Street!
Ft. Lauderdale is receiving kudos from Wall Street in regards to its financial condition. Both the S&P and Moody’s have raised their ratings of Ft. Lauderdale Municipal bonds, signaling increased confidence in the city’s financial management team. Officials at the S&P are crediting a “dramatic reversal from the 2003 financial situation”.

S&P reported that “Ft. Lauderdale system finances appear to be sound as evidenced by strong debt service coverage and liquidity”. So what does this mean for us?

It’s simple really; financial analysts believe that the financial managers of Ft. Lauderdale are doing a good job. The new AA and Aa2 ratings mean that the city will qualify for lower interest rates when beginning new construction projects that will ultimately raise property values within the city limits. In other words the city pays less for money, new construction is done, more people want to live here and property values rise.

The news provides a couple of opportunities, one for those who wish to purchase bonds, and one for people who wish to get ahead of the curve by purchasing property. Opportunities like this tend to be short lived. If you have been thinking of purchasing property, now is the time. The professionals at South Florida Dream Team can help you, contact us today.
]]> 7/21/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=121 121 <![CDATA[Record Foreclosures Creating Amazing Buying Opportunities!]]> Record Foreclosures Creating Amazing Buying Opportunities!
Everyone is talking about “bad omens” and record decline in real estate markets across the country. The main stream media concentrates on the negative news and oftentimes the positives get overlooked.  For those whom have been biding their time and waiting for the market to adjust, now is the time to make a move.

In 2007, Florida had over 87,000 foreclosures. While this may be a negative for those who are experiencing unfortunate circumstances, it presents an excellent opportunity for people who are in a position to buy real estate today.

 The media would have you believe that all of the homes being foreclosed upon are being destroyed by their owners; the news is filled with stories of people pouring concrete down drains and purposely creating problems for future owners. The fact is that these incidents account for only a miniscule percentage of foreclosure properties, and a careful buyer can easily avoid any issues.

With home prices at their lowest level in decades, now is the time to buy, before prices start to rise again. Many real estate professionals agree that the market is bottoming out and about to begin a slow steady, recovery.

Clearly these are the circumstances that buyers have been waiting for. Foreclosures generally see a property value increase of 5-6% per year, with prices as low as they are, someone could easily buy a property that is both attractive and affordable. Only one question remains…What is it going to take for you to buy?
]]> 7/21/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=120 120 <![CDATA[FLORIDA VOTERS APPROVE TAX REFORM]]> FLORIDA VOTERS APPROVE TAX REFORM




For those of you who have not heard, we, the voters of Florida approved a tax reform program that is designed to save money for Florida homeowners.




According to the new tax code, the following changes have been put into place…






  • The Homestead Exemption has been increased by $25,000.






  • A Portability provision has been added, allowing homeowners to transfer all or part of their ‘Save Our Homes’ cap when they move to a new home.






  • There is now a ten percent cap on increases in the annual assessment of non-homesteaded properties.






  • There is a new $25,000 exemption on the Tangible Personal Property taxes, which businesses pay on equipment such as computers, office furniture and fixtures.





The most important part of this new tax code is that increases are capped at 3% of the rate of inflation. To find out how much money this new code can save you when you move to a new home, click on this link http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/tax_estimator/PortCapStart.asp




This reform is designed to help people keep money in their pockets and not have to pay too much when they decide to move.




We at the South Florida Real Estate Dream Team will do our best to keep you up to date on everything that effects the south florida real estate market. Contact our office today for more information.


Please, check out our Current Newsletter about Housing Prices Rising Here

]]> 6/20/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=119 119 <![CDATA[2500 Sailors Arrive]]>
2500 Sailors Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale for Fleet Week

Our heroes are coming home, at least for a short time as Ft. Lauderdale’s famous fleet week begins.  Although this year’s Air and Sea Show is cancelled because they could not find a corporate sponsor to pick up some of the costs, you can still get a great view of the ships arriving and departing from the 17th St. Causeway and from the inlet.


Sailors will visit local area hospitals, schools and spend time playing intramural sports with some of our local athletes. The South Florida Real Estate Dream Team would like to say thank you to our Military friends, we appreciate what you do and we encourage our readers to let them know how much you care if you see them this week.


In other happenings, Turnberry for the Arts along with Aventura Mall, are sponsoring a local art exhibit, we encourage you all to go check it out.


“Turnberry for the Arts recognizes how contemporary art enriches people’s lives by engaging their senses, igniting their imaginations, and creating stimulating environments that they enjoy visiting. We are delighted to present exceptional artworks by leading contemporary artists in the unique and accessible setting of Aventura Mall.”  Says Jacqueline Fletcher, Director, Turnberry for the Arts.


For more information about the exhibit check out: http://aventuramall.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=116


While you are at Aventura Mall be sure to visit the new Equinox gym. The Dream Team is proud to be a part of the South Florida community; it is our mission to bring you great real estate values and vital community information. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

]]> 4/30/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=118 118 <![CDATA[When you’re a resident at William’s Island]]>

When you’re a resident at William’s Island, there are several amenities to choose from. When it comes to enjoying a fabulous meal, The Café at William’s Island is a must try. Get a full view of all the action on the tennis courts while delicious meals and tasty cocktails are served to you in an elegant setting.


The tennis action is not the only thing that will keep you on the edge of your seat at the Café at William’s Island. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, the café has wonderful cuisine. Whether you are in the mood for our famous Lobster Sandwich with smoked apple-wood bacon or a Classic Ruben, lunch at the Café at Williams Island will be a memorable experience.


Take your friends to dinner at The Café and enjoy our specialties like NY Strip Au-Poivre or Sea Bass in Tomato Leek Sauce. With a wide selection of select foods, there is something for you and all of your guests. Be sure to visit the Café at William’s Island today.


The Café

Hours of Operation

Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11:30am-3pm

Dinner: Fri,Sat,Sun,Mon 5:30pm-9pm

Sunday Brunch: 11:00am-3pm

Sunday Night Cookout: 5:30-9pm


Reservations and Inquiries: (305) 937-7854


Online Menus



]]> 3/30/2008 http://southfloridadreamteam.net/script/blog/?view=plink&id=117 117