Dining on the Sand in Ft Lauderdale!

You're sitting on Ft Lauderdale Beach - in your bathing suit and all sun-screened up and you suddenly think - I'm hungry!  Do you want to disturb this idyllic setting to go across A1A to get food and lose those precious minutes that you planned on the beach for just the right sun tan so you can prove to your friends that you were actually on vacation?  The answer is a resounding - NO!

Well take heart, Ft Lauderdale has approved a pilot program to allow uniformed servers to deliver food and non-alcoholic beverages (the beach is a no-alcohol zone) to you between 11 am and 5:00 pm.

A Sun-Sentinel article in today's paper outlines this long-awaited perk.

Do You Think Rents in Your Neighborhood are High?

Would you pay $1,075 a month to sleep on this couch?  Bring your own sleeping bag!  A recent article in the San Francisco Examiner relates that it is available in the "most jacked-up rental market in the U.S."

African Dust Storms May Improve Florida's Weather

Plume of Saharan Dust

A Sun Sentinel article reports that African dust storms may be responsible for the lack of major hurricanes this season and could be a boon for Florida's weather in the coming years as well.

If you take into consideration the better weather and the increased number of new construction projects in Ft. Lauderdale and South Florida, now is the time to start thinking about that new property.  Whether you are looking for a second or vacation home, or an investment, there will be several projects to choose from.

Call me today at (954) 205-4137 o learn about the upcoming new construction.

Pardon Our Smoke...

Training Site

A Pardon Our Smoke sign on A1A greeted beach goers this past weekend - the 5th Annual Ft Lauderdale Fire Expo was in full swing featuring lectures and hands-on training at the site of the former Howard Johnsons Hotel.  Check out the website!

If you owned a unit at the Q Club Resort, you could have been a witness to this annual event.

Low Condo Inventory = Higher Prices

 

Have you tried to buy a condo lately? Inventory is low and units are being snapped up by buyers who understand that waiting is to purchase is no longer an option.  The days have passed when short sales and foreclosures were plentiful and prices were low.  Sellers who previously couldn't compete are now more in control of the process and are holding the line on prices.

Prices in August were up 37% over a year ago according to CondoVultures.com. 

Units at the Q Club Resort & Residences are also trending upward, however they are still reasonable.  So, if you are planning to purchase your next vacation property in Ft Lauderdale, a resort property such as the Q Club where management is provided on-site is an excellent choice.  Call me today at (954) 205-4137  to discuss your next vacation.

Another Q Club Condo Sold!

Living Area

 

Unit 2001 at the Q Club Resort recently closed for $500,000.  The unit's location provides a wide view of both the ocean and the Intracoastal.  The lock-out second bedroom gives the owner the option of using the entire unit or just the larger section. The full kitchen with stainless steel appliances is designed for your convenience.  You can prepare sumptuous meals using the stove, oven or microwave then pop those dishes in the dishwasher and head out for some fun or just relax on the balcony or turn on the TV. 

 

The Q Club Condos are located steps from the beach - so start your next vacation by calling me at (954) 205-4137 to discuss what is available. 

Will They Fly?

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show scheduled for April 20-21 on famed Fort Lauderdale Beach may be minus one of it's biggest attractions - the Thunderbirds.  Cuts in federal spending have forced the high flying daredevils to cancel all shows starting April 1.  While the schedule is subject to change, how likely is it that the "people in Washington" will come up with a plan in time to reinstate all or part of the 2013 schedule.

If you booked that hotel room with a front row seat to the event, you won't be disappointed, the show will go on featuring a great line up and some spectacular stunts.  

Building FKA the Trump is For Sale

Owners of the building slated to be the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Ft Lauderdale Beach have finally put the property on the market. The 298-unit tower is for sale at an undisclosed price reports an article in today's Sun-Sentinel.

Rumors have circulated over the last year that the property had been purchased, but they have proven to be just that - rumors.  The first round of bids is due on March 21 so it appears that the building may finally have a new owner.  The real speculation begins therafter - what will it be??

Food & Beverage Service on Ft Lauderdale Beach

Should Ft Lauderdale Beach hotels and restaurants be allowed to provide service on the beach?  At present no beach service is allowed and service is limited to the West side of A1A where the establishments are located.  A recent proposal to the City Commissioners is seeking to change that.  

Citing the expectations of European guests and competition from Miami Beach and Palm Beach where beach service is allowed, the businesses say they just want a "more even playing field."

Food service may the only issue to be be decided because of a state law prohibiting alcohol service off-premise.

The commissioners have tabled the request until the new Central Beach Area Commissioner is chosen in a March runoff election.

See the full Sun-Sentinel article.

Repairs to A1A Are in the Works

Repairs have begun to A1A, the road that follows along the beach and coast line in Ft Lauderdale.  The damage caused by Hurricane Sandy is significant in this area and will take some time to repair.  Crews have started removing the sidewalk, the concrete barrier wall, and the damaged asphalt on the East side of the road.  Palm trees will find a new home in Snyder Park

North-bound traffic has been reduced to one lane going between NE 14th Court and NE 18th Street just North of Sunrise Blvd.  Foot traffic in the area is restricted to the West side of the street.

Beach access is available both North and South of the construction zone.

A photo gallery featured in the Sun-Sentinel shows the damage at various times in the pre-constuction process.

Is 2013 the Year for You to Take the Leap?

The Wall Street Journal has an article worthy of your time if you are considering purchasing property in 2013.  It suggests moving quickly before prices begin to rise.  

We are seeing just that phenomenon in Ft Lauderdale, prices have started to rise with no indication that we will see a return to the lower prices of the past couple of years. 

The New Florida Snowbirds

Best view in Ft Lauderdale!

Is the snowbird population in South Florida changing?  According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, Canadians, traditionally the dominant foreign buyers in Florida, are facing competition from Asian buyers making quick decisions and investor groups making bulk purchases. 

Equally as important is the competion from Ameicans who can now qualify for mortgages and  Brazilians willing to spend more money for a purchase.

Ft Lauderdale Beach is home to some of the best property in Florida but prices are rising here too.  If buyers are looking for a bargain, time is running out.

Ft Lauderdale Beach prices improving!

Real estate in South Florida was one of the country's hardest-hit housing markets, but now it's among the most improved. According to recent data, Broward Countys median price last month was $127,000, a 21 percent jump that ranked ninth in terms of year over year increase nationwide.