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Robert Darrow, Broker Associate

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Fort Lauderdale Condos and Townhomes $1-million and up

Writing about living in Fort Lauderdale is a bit overwhelming because the area offers so much diversity in its residents, in its housing, and in its amenities.

Of course no story about Fort Lauderdale would be complete without beginning on the beach. Along highway A1A you will find the beautiful beaches stretching for miles – nearly un-ending from towns north like Pompano Beach and down to Hollywood. The only break is at the Port Everglades where cruise ships dock and an inlet affords access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

A popular Spring Break destination in the 1950’s and again in the 1980’s, Fort Lauderdale managed to minimize the “youthful exuberance” of young Spring Breakers with careful planning and development, which coincided with the rise in popularity of new destinations for the younger set in Daytona Beach plus other locations in Texas and in Mexico. Today, Spring Break is Fort Lauderdale’s busiest season but the visitors are diverse in home locale and income level which makes the season very enjoyable and laid-back.

Fort Lauderdale also owes its popularity to the Port Everglades which is deep enough to allow the largest cruise ships to dock. There are a myriad of marinas affording boat owners of every type and size every amenity they could need. The port also gives access to the Intracoastal Waterway which is a boating paradise stretching for hundreds of miles.

When folks first arrive in Fort Lauderdale, their first instinct is to search “East of I-95.” A few of the neighborhoods near down-town have housing that dates back to the 1930’s and 1940’s (like Victoria Park and Poinsettia Heights) however most single family home inventory was constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Charitably described as “Ranch Living” these homes can be viewed as concrete bunkers depending on the level of decoration!

Of course along the beachfront roadways like A1A, Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, and the famous Galt Ocean Mile, high rise condominiums are the most common. Pockets of newer 2-story homes, townhomes, and condos can be found in all neighborhoods if something more modern is to your liking.

As you travel west, neighborhoods resemble suburban sprawl nearly identical to what you’d find in outlying regions anywhere in the US. Benefits for traveling to these areas include larger homes, gated subdivisions, neighborhoods clustered around amenities such as golf courses and pools, and easier access to major expressways. Schools are typically far better in the newer neighborhoods as well, so there can be a distinct opinion of what area folks who have kids consider “Family Friendly.”

Fort Lauderdale also sprawls around and encompasses the two towns of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. Each can be thought of as a neighborhood within Fort Lauderdale as there’s no way to tell when you drive into one from the other, and each offers a unique neighborhood character.

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Posted in: Condominiums, Fort Lauderdale, Listings, Live The Dream

Fort Lauderdale Condos and Townhomes $600,000 to $1-million

Writing about living in Fort Lauderdale is a bit overwhelming because the area offers so much diversity in its residents, in its housing, and in its amenities.

Of course no story about Fort Lauderdale would be complete without beginning on the beach. Along highway A1A you will find the beautiful beaches stretching for miles – nearly un-ending from towns north like Pompano Beach and down to Hollywood. The only break is at the Port Everglades where cruise ships dock and an inlet affords access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

A popular Spring Break destination in the 1950’s and again in the 1980’s, Fort Lauderdale managed to minimize the “youthful exuberance” of young Spring Breakers with careful planning and development, which coincided with the rise in popularity of new destinations for the younger set in Daytona Beach plus other locations in Texas and in Mexico. Today, Spring Break is Fort Lauderdale’s busiest season but the visitors are diverse in home locale and income level which makes the season very enjoyable and laid-back.

Fort Lauderdale also owes its popularity to the Port Everglades which is deep enough to allow the largest cruise ships to dock. There are a myriad of marinas affording boat owners of every type and size every amenity they could need. The port also gives access to the Intracoastal Waterway which is a boating paradise stretching for hundreds of miles.

When folks first arrive in Fort Lauderdale, their first instinct is to search “East of I-95.” A few of the neighborhoods near down-town have housing that dates back to the 1930’s and 1940’s (like Victoria Park and Poinsettia Heights) however most single family home inventory was constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Charitably described as “Ranch Living” these homes can be viewed as concrete bunkers depending on the level of decoration!

Of course along the beachfront roadways like A1A, Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, and the famous Galt Ocean Mile, high rise condominiums are the most common. Pockets of newer 2-story homes, townhomes, and condos can be found in all neighborhoods if something more modern is to your liking.

As you travel west, neighborhoods resemble suburban sprawl nearly identical to what you’d find in outlying regions anywhere in the US. Benefits for traveling to these areas include larger homes, gated subdivisions, neighborhoods clustered around amenities such as golf courses and pools, and easier access to major expressways. Schools are typically far better in the newer neighborhoods as well, so there can be a distinct opinion of what area folks who have kids consider “Family Friendly.”

Fort Lauderdale also sprawls around and encompasses the two towns of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. Each can be thought of as a neighborhood within Fort Lauderdale as there’s no way to tell when you drive into one from the other, and each offers a unique neighborhood character.

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Posted in: Condominiums, Fort Lauderdale, Listings, Live The Dream

Fort Lauderdale Condos and Townhomes $250,000 to $600,000

Writing about living in Fort Lauderdale is a bit overwhelming because the area offers so much diversity in its residents, in its housing, and in its amenities.

Of course no story about Fort Lauderdale would be complete without beginning on the beach. Along highway A1A you will find the beautiful beaches stretching for miles – nearly un-ending from towns north like Pompano Beach and down to Hollywood. The only break is at the Port Everglades where cruise ships dock and an inlet affords access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

A popular Spring Break destination in the 1950’s and again in the 1980’s, Fort Lauderdale managed to minimize the “youthful exuberance” of young Spring Breakers with careful planning and development, which coincided with the rise in popularity of new destinations for the younger set in Daytona Beach plus other locations in Texas and in Mexico. Today, Spring Break is Fort Lauderdale’s busiest season but the visitors are diverse in home locale and income level which makes the season very enjoyable and laid-back.

Fort Lauderdale also owes its popularity to the Port Everglades which is deep enough to allow the largest cruise ships to dock. There are a myriad of marinas affording boat owners of every type and size every amenity they could need. The port also gives access to the Intracoastal Waterway which is a boating paradise stretching for hundreds of miles.

When folks first arrive in Fort Lauderdale, their first instinct is to search “East of I-95.” A few of the neighborhoods near down-town have housing that dates back to the 1930’s and 1940’s (like Victoria Park and Poinsettia Heights) however most single family home inventory was constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Charitably described as “Ranch Living” these homes can be viewed as concrete bunkers depending on the level of decoration!

Of course along the beachfront roadways like A1A, Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, and the famous Galt Ocean Mile, high rise condominiums are the most common. Pockets of newer 2-story homes, townhomes, and condos can be found in all neighborhoods if something more modern is to your liking.

As you travel west, neighborhoods resemble suburban sprawl nearly identical to what you’d find in outlying regions anywhere in the US. Benefits for traveling to these areas include larger homes, gated subdivisions, neighborhoods clustered around amenities such as golf courses and pools, and easier access to major expressways. Schools are typically far better in the newer neighborhoods as well, so there can be a distinct opinion of what area folks who have kids consider “Family Friendly.”

Fort Lauderdale also sprawls around and encompasses the two towns of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. Each can be thought of as a neighborhood within Fort Lauderdale as there’s no way to tell when you drive into one from the other, and each offers a unique neighborhood character.

[impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5376″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ] [impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5377″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ]

Posted in: Condominiums, Fort Lauderdale, Listings, Live The Dream

Fort Lauderdale Condos and Townhomes $100,000 to $250,000

Writing about living in Fort Lauderdale is a bit overwhelming because the area offers so much diversity in its residents, in its housing, and in its amenities.

Of course no story about Fort Lauderdale would be complete without beginning on the beach. Along highway A1A you will find the beautiful beaches stretching for miles – nearly un-ending from towns north like Pompano Beach and down to Hollywood. The only break is at the Port Everglades where cruise ships dock and an inlet affords access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

A popular Spring Break destination in the 1950’s and again in the 1980’s, Fort Lauderdale managed to minimize the “youthful exuberance” of young Spring Breakers with careful planning and development, which coincided with the rise in popularity of new destinations for the younger set in Daytona Beach plus other locations in Texas and in Mexico. Today, Spring Break is Fort Lauderdale’s busiest season but the visitors are diverse in home locale and income level which makes the season very enjoyable and laid-back.

Fort Lauderdale also owes its popularity to the Port Everglades which is deep enough to allow the largest cruise ships to dock. There are a myriad of marinas affording boat owners of every type and size every amenity they could need. The port also gives access to the Intracoastal Waterway which is a boating paradise stretching for hundreds of miles.

When folks first arrive in Fort Lauderdale, their first instinct is to search “East of I-95.” A few of the neighborhoods near down-town have housing that dates back to the 1930’s and 1940’s (like Victoria Park and Poinsettia Heights) however most single family home inventory was constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Charitably described as “Ranch Living” these homes can be viewed as concrete bunkers depending on the level of decoration!

Of course along the beachfront roadways like A1A, Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, and the famous Galt Ocean Mile, high rise condominiums are the most common. Pockets of newer 2-story homes, townhomes, and condos can be found in all neighborhoods if something more modern is to your liking.

As you travel west, neighborhoods resemble suburban sprawl nearly identical to what you’d find in outlying regions anywhere in the US. Benefits for traveling to these areas include larger homes, gated subdivisions, neighborhoods clustered around amenities such as golf courses and pools, and easier access to major expressways. Schools are typically far better in the newer neighborhoods as well, so there can be a distinct opinion of what area folks who have kids consider “Family Friendly.”

Fort Lauderdale also sprawls around and encompasses the two towns of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. Each can be thought of as a neighborhood within Fort Lauderdale as there’s no way to tell when you drive into one from the other, and each offers a unique neighborhood character.

[impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5374″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ] [impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5375″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ]

Posted in: Condominiums, Fort Lauderdale, Listings, Live The Dream

You’d think this was illegal, wouldn’t you?

Check out this story from the Sun Sentinel about a condominium association near Venice, Florida.     This association just passed a new rule prohibiting leasing to unmarried couples.    The only permitted lease or sale is to a single person, or to a married couple consisting of a husband and wife.

And here in Florida this is perfectly legal.

 

 

This surprised the daylights out of me as I came from Chicago where people were protected by three layers of laws.    The city of Chicago had an equal protection law; Cook County had a Human Rights Ordinance; and the State of Illinois also passed a law banning discrimination against discrimination of gay couples (and unmarried domestic partners) in most accommodations.

Well it looks like we have some work to do down here in the backwater of Florida.

Posted in: Commentary, Condominiums, Government, Politics, Rant

Listing: 1160 N Federal Highway, unit 624

1160 Federal Hwy_624 005 (Large)

 

Sold and closed!

Two Bedrooms

Two Baths

Parking space included

List Price $235,000

Available furnished $255,000

Assessments: $574

2012 Taxes: $1,723

 

 

Amazingly well located condo just off Federal Highway and Sunrise in Fort Lauderdale.   Building is located directly on the Intra-Coastal Waterway.   6th floor unit features spacious balcony overlooking the Ft Lauderdale skyline.  Inside the decor is impeccable with tile floors in the living areas and carpeted bedrooms.   The baths and kitchen are partially renovated.  Impact windows have been installed.   This unit is available furnished for turn key vacation enjoyment for $20,000.   This location is across the street from the Gateway Theater, within walking distance of the Galleria Mall, and less than 1 mile to the beach.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Posted in: Condominiums, Fort Lauderdale, Old Listings

Low down-payment options for condos very limited in South Florida

 

It’s a common question during the first interview with buyers who may be seeking a condominium here in South Florida:

“So do you have a 25% – 30% down payment for your purchase?”

It seems to be lost on home sellers during the current frenzy of activity that is fueled by investors and foreign buyers that are flush with cash these days, but the predominant purchasers of condominiums used to be first-time homebuyers that may not have saved up enough cash to put down $30,000, $50,000 or even $100,000 on a new condominium home.

Florida Condo

However, buyers who use FHA financing, however can purchase homes with as little as 3.5% down-payment.

There’s a hitch, though!   You have to find a building that is already FHA, VA or Fannie Mae approved, and here in Fort Lauderdale, there are only a handful!

How does a condo get approved?

It’s a great question, and one we wish more Home Owners Associations would ask about.

It’s not that hard, but does have some cost.    The fees typically run around $2,000 plus the cost of a consultant if you decide to use someone who is versed in the process to guide you through it.

Typically it’s the HOA and the management company that make the decision to get the condominium FHA approved.

FHA will look at a number of factors, and three are of critical importance:

  • the ratio of homeowner’s to investors – no more than 50% of homes can be investment properties.
  • the number of delinquent HOA dues – no more than 15% of homeowners can be delinquent.
  • the amount of money in reserves – typically FHA looks for an HOA to have an amount equal to a year’s worth of assessments in the reserve.
  • mixed uses – your HOA should not have more than 20% of the total space for non-residential uses.

Considering that first time buyers make up the majority of potential condominium purchasers, it makes sense to your association to undertake this effort.

Low down-payment financing is not just for low income resident – in fact it’s far from the reality of what can happen if your property is only attractive to investors!    Investors are typically the kinds of buyer that are looking for the best deal available, and a preponderance of investors buying in your HOA can serve to hold values stagnant or even drive values down!

I’m hoping we all see your condo or HOA on the FHA Approved List one day soon!

Posted in: Advice, Condominiums, Mortgage, Property Management, Sellers

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Robert Darrow

Robert Darrow your Sunshine Guru

Keller Williams Realty
3696 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33308
(954) 446-9001

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