Ft Lauderdale Lifestyle Blog

The Kedersha Group announces that two of their real estate agents, Eileen Kedersha and William Kedersha have completed a real estate training course earning the designation of: Real Estate Sales Specialist (RESS). Eileen and William work with RE/MAX Partners with Fort Lauderdale office locations on East Oakland Park Blvd and Las Olas Blvd: and other offices located in Plantation, Coral Springs and Lighthouse Point. Eileen Kedersha  and William Kedersha are leading Fort Lauderdale real estate agents. Over the past 25 years they have built a real estate practice with hundreds of satisfied clients. They concentrate their business in luxury homes and condos in Fort Lauderdale, prime waterfront communities such as: Harbor Beach, Las Olas Isles, Bay Colony, Coral Ridge and Beach Area Properties and other neighboring areas. They are active in Fort Lauderdale,  Pompano Beach and Lauderdale by the Sea’s condo market along the Fort Lauderdale beach areas such as : L ‘Hermitage, Le Club International, Las Olas Beach Club, The Palms, Europa By the Sea, Sapphire and many others, view all condos for sale, Fort Lauderdale Condo Directory. They are considered one of the leading professional real estate marketing teams with a strong Internet presence. If you are currently contemplating selling your Fort Lauderdale home or condo you will gain a refreshing insight by discussing with the Kedersha’s  the difference between a marketing real estate agent versus a listing agent. To discuss these differences or for general information and questions please contact Fort Lauderdale professional real estate agent Eileen Kedersha, Eileen@ekluxuryhomes.com or William Kedersha, William@ekluxuryhomes.com, by telephone 954-561-4100 or 800-696-3100. 

If you are looking for Foreclosure properties, William Kedersha is an accredited foreclosure specialist, earning his CDPE Designation.  Check out Fort Lauderdale’s Foreclosure Site with update Foreclosure Properties for sale, including REO and Short Sales and valuable Foreclosure information.

Fort Lauderdale Area May Single Family Market Sales Data: $500k-$1.0m.
As we discussed in last month’s newsletter, technology and information availability regarding real estate has improved significantly.  Fort Lauderdale Single Family homes’ May 2010 Median price was $715,000 up a modest 2%. May sales data in the condo beach area suggests a weakness in sales. May 2010 Median price reflects a reduction of 13% from May, 2009 which was $885,000; May 2010’s median price was $767,000. Keeping abreast of market trends is beneficial to both buyers and sellers in establishing fair market values. In a depreciating market a seller should consider the monthly depreciating percentage and factor that into the asking price. The old adage: don’t chase a depreciating market is good advice. Not utilizing sales data can result in large, unnecessary losses. Knowing where to look for sales data, how to interpret the data, choosing the correct criteria to establish an accurate valuation will save thousands. It is our belief that both buyers and sellers should carefully select a professional real estate agent such as Eileen Kedersha, in business for over 25 years and a leading Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale. Eileen and The Kedersha Group have the knowledge, tools and technology to take advantage and leverage the information available to the benefit of their client. Many of us have heard that “Knowledge is Power”, however this is only partially true; more specifically we believe that the “USE of Knowledge is Power”. Please visit our website, which is filled with valuable information, www.ekluxuryhomes.com

We offer a complimentary evaluation of the property you would like to sell or purchase. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please either give us a call at 954-561-4100 or go to: www.ekluxuryhomes.com/home_worth.php. We will provide you with accurate and exact data necessary to help you establish the correct valuation. The Kedersha Group has consistently adapted our business model to incorporate internet strategies to give our clients the latest and most effective marketing tools available. Our website contains the area’s most effective MLS search tools available and Foreclosure listings, try it yourself. If you are looking for a condo, such as Le Club International or L’Hermitage, check out Fort Lauderdale’s Leading Condo Directory, updated daily. You can also find all Fort Lauderdale current home listings and homes for sale, Click Here. We are here to help you, please contact us, 954-561-4100 or Luxury@ekluxuryhomes.com.

 To view more Charts and Information, plase Click on either Link below:

Fort Lauderdale May 2010 SF Sales Data Discussion

Detailed Fort Lauderdale May 2010 Single Family Home Sales Data

FORT LAUDERDALE MAY 2010 CONDO BEACH AREA MARKET and SALES DATA

Fort Lauderdale Rate Lock Update 6-7-2010

Fort Lauderdale Rate Lock Update 6-7-2010

This week brings us the release of only four pieces of data for the markets to digest. The most important news will be posted late in the week, so we may see the most movement in rates during those days. The first part of the week will likely be driven by stock market gains or losses.

There is no relevant data scheduled for release tomorrow or Tuesday. The first report comes Wednesday afternoon when the Federal Reserve will release its Beige Book. This data details economic conditions throughout the U.S. by region. It is relied upon heavily by the Federal Reserve to determine monetary policy during their FOMC meetings. If it shows surprisingly softer economic activity, the bond market may thrive and mortgage rates could drop shortly after the 2:00 PM ET release. If it reveals signs of inflation growing, we could see mortgage rates revise higher Wednesday afternoon.

April’s Goods and Services Trade Balance report will be posted early Thursday morning. This data gives us the size of the U.S. trade deficit and will be released at 8:30 AM ET. It isn’t likely to cause much movement in the markets or mortgage rates, but nevertheless forecasters are expecting to see a $41.2 billion deficit. May’s Retail Sales data will be released early Friday morning. This very important report measures consumer spending, which is highly relevant to the bond market because consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy. Analysts are expecting to see that sales rose 0.3% last month. A smaller than expected rise in sales would be good news for the bond market and could lead to lower mortgage rates Friday.

The last report of the week is June’s preliminary reading to the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment late Friday morning. This index measures consumer willingness to spend and usually has a moderate impact on the financial markets. It is expected to show a reading of 74.8. A smaller than expected reading would be considered good news for bonds, but since this report is only moderately important it likely will not influence mortgage rates considerably. Also worth noting are two relevant Treasury auctions scheduled for this week. The 10-year Treasury Note sale is scheduled for Wednesday while the 30-year Bond sale will be held Thursday. Results of both auctions will be posted at 1:00 PM ET on the sale days. If investor demand was high, we may see bonds rally during afternoon trading, however, weak demand could lead to selling and an increase to mortgage rates.

Overall, it likely is going to be a fairly busy week for the financial markets, but the most action will probably come in the latter days. I think that Friday will be the single most important day of the week, but as we have seen over the past couple of weeks, we don’t need significant news from economic reports for the markets to move heavily and mortgage rates to change. Accordingly, this would be a very good week to maintain fairly constant contact with your mortgage professional.
If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would…. Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days… Lock if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days… Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days… Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now… This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers. ©Mortgage Commentary 2010

If you are interested in searching for new home or new condo listings in Fort Lauderdale, please visit Fort Lauderdale’s leading Real Estate Agent site where you will find Fort Lauderdale’s comprehensive home search listings and condo directory. All Broward County and Fort Lauderdale current listings, updated daily can be viewed free, CLICK HERE. 

You can also search all South Florida’s Foreclosure and Short Sale listings, just CLICK HERE.

The top 10 kitchen and bath trends for 2010 may help to increase the value of your home. Let’s look at the complete list:

1. Shaker style kitchen design

2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes

3. Quartz countertops

4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets

5. Polished chrome finishes

6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers

7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads

8. Marble vanity tops

9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks

10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes
 As most of us already know kitchens and bathrooms are likely to be the most important rooms that buyers tend to focus on. In fact in many cases the Kedersha Group’s real estate agents in Fort Lauderdale have experienced a buyers’ decision to purchase or not purchase a particular home based on these two rooms. Trends have changed and should be considered when buying or remodeling a home. Click here for the full article and details. Updated kitchens and bathrooms will often help a home to sell at a higher price, in a shorter period of time. For your complimentary home valuation report please click here.

Please visit our Fort Lauderdale MLS listing website to find your dream home in sunny South Florida, CLICK HERE. Here you will find a detailed computer generated search all currently listed Fort Lauderdale homes for sale and the areas most comprehensive and user-friendly SOUTH FLORIDA QUICK LINK HOME SEARCH CURRENT LISTINGS and CONDO DIRECTORY. You’ll also find a complete, updated daily computer generated list of all foreclosure, short sales and REO homes listed for sale, PLEASE CLICK HERE. Feel free to contact Eileen Kedersha, a professional real estate agent and decorator ready to help you find or sell a home or condo in the Fort Lauderdale area.

As reported by ARAcontent and national kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)

Posted by Eileen Kedersha | on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Category: Home Improvement.
Tags: Eileen Kedersha professional real estate agent and decorator | Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Foreclosures | Short Sale Listings | REO Information, Fort Lauderdale Homes | Condos For Sale, fort lauderdale real estate, Fort Lauderdale top 10 kitchen and bath trends for 2010, how to increase the value of your home, kitchens and bath remodeling increased value of your home | most important rooms to update

Official Visitors Guide for the 2010
Super Bowl XLIV (44)

Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Click On Guide Below

ROYAL CARIBBEAN OASIS OF THE SEAS ARRIVES IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.
World's Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sails into her
Home Port of Port Everglades

            MIAMI, November 13, 2009 - Royal Caribbean International's newest cruise ship - the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas - made her global debut today, arriving into her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. following a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland.  Hundreds of eager onlookers - ranging from Royal Caribbean top executives to local government officials, residents and media - came out to welcome Oasis of the Seas to the United States for the first time and to be among the first to catch a glimpse of the world's most revolutionary cruise ship.
In the course of the next six days, the ship will undergo the final touches in preparation for pre-inaugural festivities kicking off with an exclusive private performance by pop music artist Rihanna, the first performer ever to take the stage on Oasis of the Seas', Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009.  Oasis of the Seas will then make her national television premiere on ABC's "Good Morning America," Friday, Nov. 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (EST).  Until that time, eager consumers can track her progress during the pre-inaugural activities via webisodes and updates, which are available at www.oasisoftheseas.com as well as join the conversation on Twitter by following @OasisandAllure and including #Oasisishere in Tweets.
The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on Monday, Nov. 30 during a one night inaugural celebration fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.  Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $750 per person.  Guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Tuesday, Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package).  For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.
The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean's legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry "firsts" including a neighborhood concept - seven main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood.  Within these seven neighborhoods - Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone - are extraordinary elements such as the first living park at sea; a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium; an original handcrafted carousel; 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; an amphitheater-style theater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest's cruise vacation.
 

Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world.  An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms.  Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.  The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction.  The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.  For additional information or to make reservations visit www.royalcaribbean.com

Senate negotiators have reached a tentative deal extending a tax credit for first-time home buyers; however passage remains uncertain.

The agreement would extend the existing credit for first-time home buyers, up to $8,000, while offering a new credit of up to $6,500 for some existing homeowners, Senate aides said. The reduced credit would be available to all home buyers who have been in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years.

The new provisions are aimed at extending the credit beyond first-time buyers and supporting the weakened real-estate market a bigger boost while preventing real-estate investors from benefiting.

Many property experts have cited the credit as a reason for signs of recovery in the housing market in recent months. But that recovery was somewhat undercut by the September drop in new-home sales reported Wednesday.

The credit would be extended from its current expiration date of Dec. 1 to all contracts entered into by April 30, and closed before July 1. It is expected that income limits on people claiming the credit would be increased to $125,000 for singles and $250,000 for couples, from the current $75,000 and $150,000, aides said. The credit phases out for people making more than those amounts.

While Senate lawmakers appear to have reached a deal on the substance of the tax credit, they are still at odds over how it would be brought to the Senate floor. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) hopes to add it to a bill currently on the Senate floor to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits. But agreement on that hasn't been finalized.

National Association of Realtors calls for tax credit extension South Florida Business Journal - by Jeff Clabaugh Washington Business Journal

The tax credit that has helped lift home sales expires in just over two months, and the National Association of Realtors wants it extended.

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit will expire Nov. 30, giving any buyers hoping to take advantage of it a very short window to qualify, when factoring in the time it takes to find a property and to close on its sale.

“Now is the time for Congress to keep this recovery going by extending the tax credit through 2010 and making it available to more homebuyers," NAR President Charles McMillan said. “The credit needs to be available for an additional period of time in order to sustain the progress that’s been made so we can continue to see our markets fully recover.”

The first-time homebuyer credit, which was implemented earlier this year, has brought 1.2 million new buyers into the market, the NAR estimates. It says 350,000 of those buyers would not have purchased a home without the credit