Long Term Mortgage Interest Rates Decline Confounding Experts

The Wall Street Journal reports that long-term mortgage interest rates are declining, making the traditional 30 year loan a better value that a short term adjustable. Read the details and analysis at WSJ online. (Paid subscription required). Or call Steve at 954-467-0105 for a copy.

The Donald Comes to Fort Lauderdale

It had to happen sooner or later. The Donald (Trump that is) has sealed a deal to build a condo-hotel on the Fort Lauderdale Beach. It will be designed by Michael Graves (Target, Disney) and located on the northern portion of the beach. Here's the Sun-Sentinel article (free registration may be necessary).

Beaches to be Restored

The Broward County Commission has awarded a contract to restore the beaches from Port Everglades to Avenutura. Recent hurricanes added to beach loss, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
(Free registration may be necessary to view article).

Developer Wants to Build 400 Market-Rate Condos on Sistrunk

After years of negotiations, a developer is proposing to build 400 market rate condos on Sistrunk near downbtown Fort Lauderdale. It is meeting resistance from community and political leaders who used Federal money to buy and clear the land years ago for affordable housing. See this report from the Sun-Sentinel.

State CFO Calls for Insurance Rate Freeze

The insurance industry, battered by four Florida hurricanes this year, is planning big increases in Homeowners insurance rates. But Florida CFO Tom Gallagher is calling for a moratorium on premium rate hikes. This from the Sun-Sentinel.

Reverse Mortgages Can Help Your Parents

Take a look at this column from the Wall Street Journal about reverse mortgages. While elderly parents told the survey that they did not want to use reverse-mortgages because it would deplete the inheritance to their children, the adult children want their parents to use their equity to improve their lifestyle.

Ikea Coming to South Florida

If you have ever been through their catalog or website, or visited one of their stores in the United States or Europe, you will be delighted to learn that Ikea is keeping up their search to build a store in South Florida. Here's the take from the Sun-Sentinel. Ikea is looking at the old Blockbuster Golf and Games sight in Sunrise after being rebuffed by Davie last year.

Are Condo Hotels Good for Your Portfolio

The Wall Street Journal has weighed in on the affect Condo-Hotels may have on your portfolio. With all the opportunities available in South Florida, this is some worthwhile reading.

If a Condo-Hotel is right for you, contact me and we'll review the opportunities.

Family-Friendly South Beach

The Sunday New York Times has another feature about our community. This one touts, of all things, family-friendly South Beach. Here are the details. (Free registration may be necessary).