Thursday, February 27, 2014

Realtors® Oppose Tax Plan to Limit Mortgage Interest Deduction, Real Estate Provisions

WASHINGTON (February 26, 2014) –
The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Steve Brown:

“NAR supports reforms that promote economic growth, but we strongly oppose severely altering the rules that govern ownership and investment in real estate. Real estate powers almost one-fifth of the U.S. economy, employs more than 17 million Americans, and contributes a quarter of all federal and state tax revenue and as much as 70 percent of local taxes.
“We are extremely disappointed with several of the provisions contained in U.S. House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp’s tax reform draft released today, namely proposed limits on the mortgage interest deduction and capital gains, and the repeal of deductions for state and local property taxes. These proposed changes to the taxation of real estate will impact every single American, either directly or indirectly.
“NAR will carefully analyze the details of the Chairman’s plan so we can best educate Congress and the public about how this plan would impact the owners, consumers, and producers of both residential and commercial real estate.”

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Broward home sales down in January

Median prices, inventory levels rise in county last month              February 21, 2014 10:30AM

In a sign that 2014 could indeed be the year when the resurgent housing market cools off, Broward County posted a decline in residential sales last month.
Single-family home sales dropped 4.3 percent in Broward to 989 in January, the Miami Herald reported, citing figures from Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors. Condo sales fell 4.5 percent to 1,132. The median single-family sale price jumped 16 percent to $260,000, while the median condo price surged 23.8 percent to $117,500.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors president Marnie Allen dismissed the sales drop-off as a “minor adjustment that is typical of previous Januarys” after homebuyers scramble to close purchases by the end of a calendar year.
An increase in for-sale inventory could slow down the pricing gains, however. Single-family inventory in Broward rose 18.3 percent in January, while condo inventory jumped 19.6 percent. [Miami Herald] — Eric Kalis

Developer: Margaritaville on time, within budget

Jimmy Buffett-themed resort set to open in July 2015      February 21, 2014 11:15AM                                              
Margaritaville rendering
Margaritaville rendering
The Jimmy Buffett-themed Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort remains on track for a July 2015 opening.
Construction of the $147 million resort on five city-owned acres at Johnson Street and A1A has progressed to the fifth floor, the Sun-Sentinel reported. Developer Lon Tabatchnick said the project is on schedule and within budget following the first six months of construction.
Plans for the 349-room resort include seven restaurants and bars, oceanside pools, a wave ride and 35,000 square feet of convention facilities.
Some neighbors, including the adjacent Beach Market store, have complained about a loss of customers since Margaritaville construction began. The Johnson Street parking garage was closed before the project’s groundbreaking, which eliminated 700 spaces frequently used by Hollywood Beach visitors. [Sun-Sentinel] — Eric Kalis