Save Electricity

With heating and cooling costs continuing to rise, it makes sense to look at one of the leading causes of energy inefficiency in the home: the windows. Installing energy-efficient windows can mean increased comfort as well as savings on utility bills in any climate. 

The transmission of air and light is generally the most important function of windows. However, this can mean heat loss in the winter, overheating in the summer, and higher energy bills. A typical home may lose up to 30% of its heat or cooling through windows. Properly installed energy-efficient windows can go a long way toward improving this situation. 

The Housing Recovery is Real

Customers, friends and family members have heard me preaching it for several months now: The housing recovery is real, South Florida hit its market bottom last winter, we're on our way back up.

Of course they poo-poo my opinion, choosing instead to believe the talking heads because they're "professionals".  They don't seem to understand that the journalists aren't in the field on a daily basis and the data they receive is typically 30 days or more old by the time it's reported.

It appears the "professionals" are now receiving their old data and are beginning to report the recovery as new news.  Many good articles from reputable sources are out there.  One of the more intuitive articles I have reviewed is available here via The Wall Street Journal.  Enjoy!

Just Listed on the Water

Americans Positive on Housing and Economy

Americans’ concerns over housing and the economy are subsiding, according to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey from February. 

An improving job market is a big part of what’s behind Americans feeling more confident about the housing market and the direction of the economy, according to the survey. 

“The pickup in the pace of hiring over the past few months has helped soothe consumer concerns, lifting their moods regarding their personal finances, the direction of the economy, and their views on the housing market,” says Doug Duncan, chief economist of Fannie Mae. “As a result, we’ve seen more potential for economic upside, creating a more balanced near-term outlook.”

Fantastic Value in an Updated Waterfront Home

View from the Home

$89,000 - SOLD
2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom
Direct Water Views
Take the Virtual Tour

This light and bright home with direct water views has been totally reno/upgraded to include a beautiful new eat-in kitchen, newer applnces, new master bath with gorgeous natural stone accents, newer washer/dryer in-unit, new impact windows and hurricane shutters. The master suite includes two large walk-in closets. This is move-in ready for the new owner. This is truly the best unit in the entire community. There's a tennis court, swimming pool, club house, shuffleboard court and canal. A-rate elementary and middle schools.

Citizens Insurance Makes Wind Policies Stricter Regarding Roofs

Florida's state run insurance company has made a decision to not renew wind storm insurance for homes with roofs that are of a certain age. This is extremely important as for many homeowners and buyers, Citizens is the only option to obtain windstorm insurance. If for example a roof is more than 25 yrs old with an asphalt shingle roof that was never replaced Citizens will not insure it. Furthermore regardless of age Citizens will require a roof report from a qualified roof inspector that states the remaining life of the roof is at least three years.

Please take a moment to read the link to FAQ regarding the new policy.https://www.citizensfla.com/utilitybar/policyholderfaqs.cfm?show=text&link=/shared/faqs/SPL-PHFAQs.html

Miami/Fort Lauderdale Added to Housing Market Improving Index

Here’s something new.  The list of markets showing signs of improvement in home prices and market conditions in February has grown to nearly 100 cities per the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index. 

The index reveals metro areas that have shown improvement in home prices, housing permits, and employment for at least six months. 

In the latest index, some markets that were particularly hard-hit during the housing market crash — Miami — were added to this month’s list. Such cities are seeing a turnaround in their sluggish housing markets, possibly already hitting bottom. 

The 29 metro areas added to the list this month are: