Best Cities to Invest In Housing in 2015

Forbes recently teamed up with Local Market Monitor, a North Carolina-based data company that tracks home prices and economic factors in more than 300 housing markets, to find 2015’s Best Buy Cities—the top 20 housing markets to invest in this year. I am proud to say that four Florida cities made it on the list!

It is important to take certain factors into account before investing, like strong job growth and population, so you (the landlord) have a number of potential tenants.

Here’s a list of 2015’s Best Buy Cities:

1. Austin, Texas

2. Provo, Utah,

3. Houston, Texas

4. Orlando, Florida 

5. Dallas, Texas

6. San Antonio, Texas

7. Denver, Colorado

8. Boise, Idaho

9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

10. Fort Worth, Texas

11. Phoenix, Arizona

12. Salt Lake City, Utah

13. Atlanta, Georgia

14. North Port, Florida

15. West Palm Beach, Florida

16. Jacksonville, Florida

17. Twin Cities, Minnesota

18. Tacoma, Washington

19. Sacramento, California

20. Grand Rapids, Michigan

For the full article by Forbes, click here.

Planet Hollywood Hotel Comes to Orlando

The ever-popular Planet Hollywood Hotel brand has announced its plans to build a luxury condo-hotel in the heart of Orlando. We’re the most frequented tourist destination in the world…. it’s only right!

The twenty-one story hotel will be located in Disney’s Lake Buena Vista region, right on Lake Bryan on a 14.14 acre site. It will “combine the sophistication of Manhattan with the thrill of Vegas and the style of South Beach.” Alright I’m interested, are you??

ph Premiere Hotel and Spa Orlando will consist of one to two bedroom suites, priced from $290K and three and four bedroom penthouses starting at $1,165,000. The amenities are to include the following:

• Boating, sailing, jet & water skiing on Lake Bryan
• Main pool with a floating movie theater and sandy deck spanning of 35,000 square feet!
• Kids splash zone
• Rooftop pool (for adults only) with cabanas, and specialty fusion restaurant
• 1,500 square foot fitness center with weight training, yoga and pilates & personal trainers upon request
• 6,000 square foot spa with infrared sauna, whirlpool, steam room, wet and dry massage rooms
• 4 Signature Dining Restaurants
• 22,000 square feet consisting of 3 ballrooms and 2 boardrooms

Check out the released renderings below…

Post by: Alicea Salgado

‘Catios’: The Latest Trend in Backyard Spaces!

The LighterSide of Real Estate released a fun article about the newest backyard trend…’Catio’s’. What’s a Catio, you ask? It’s a cross between a cat sanctuary and patio. Genius if you ask me!

Here’s what the LighterSide had to say about the new trend…

“It’s a challenge keeping our furry friends safe in the busy urban sprawl. Even in suburban and rural areas, there’s always the threat of Whiskers getting dirty, lost, or even attacked by coyotes and other predators. On the other hand, it’s maddening to think those little sweeties have to stay inside all day and night. Besides, even the craziest cat lady can only handle so much litter smell.

The solution? Catios. They’re enclosed patios for cats, only way cooler. A space that allows your cat to run around, scratch things, and do cat stuff in a private, contained (and aesthetically pleasing) area. They’re basically a man cave (or she shed) for your cat.

Seattle-based Catio Spaces sells DIY plans for $49.95. Per their website, they’ll also design one for you — whether ground-level or window perch style catio — and build it to complement your home, budget and style.”

Source of article & photos: LighterSide of Real Estate

Florida Home Prices Expected to Increase Between 4-5% Over Next 12 Months

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) put out an article recently which went over Realtors® confidence in the housing markets over the next twelve months. We expect prices to rise between 4-5% in Florida! Their are a number of factors contributing to the expected increase, which I’ve listed below…

• The average 30 year fixed loan rate still remains below 4%
• Continued job growth
• Recent measures that have made credit more accessible/cheaper

Nationwide, we expect an average increase of 3.9%. Colorado and District of Columbia are anticipating a 5-6% increase in their housing markets. The best part is there isn’t a single state expecting a decline in home prices.

Recent measure easing credit requirements have massively impacted the housing market, like the lower FHA mortgage insurance premiums and the re-introduction of Fannie Mae’s & Freddie Mac’s 3% down payment.

Source: Realtors Confidence Index