KEY WEST, Fla. – Key West, Florida real estate agent Sean Farrer issued a real estate market report for the area based on recent sold statistics and trends he has observed in the market.

Farrer says that sales in 2012 are already starting off well.

“With our peak season already here, last month saw a total of 48 Key West real estate properties sold. Those were comprised of 25 single family homes, 22 condos, and a commercial property.”

He says that contingent and pending transactions for December 2011 totaled 121 transactions, with a total of 438 active listings.

“The number of listings on the market is slightly lower than it would normally be, due to a shortage of inventory in certain price levels of the Key West Real Estate market.”

Farrer says that with interest rates remaining below 4% for a fixed 30 year mortgage, the Key West area is seeing more home buyers, with a lot of FHA loans since the 3.5% down makes the down payment more affordable to first time home buyers.

“Many folks from out of town are very surprised at how affordable it is to live in Key West. We have a lot of snow birds come here for their cold season back home because our comfortably warm climate, but a good many of them decide to stay year round once they get used to the relaxed island lifestyle.”

About Sean Farrer

Sean Farrer is an expert in the local Key West real estate market, covering Key West, Old Town Key West, Key Haven, Stock Island, Boca Chica Key Homes, Big Coppitt Key Homes, Bay Point, Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key, Ramrod Key, Summerland Key, Little Torch Key and Big Pine Key.

Originally from South Africa, Farrer moved to the Florida Keys over 13 years ago. He enjoys helping folks who are looking for a dream home and an island lifestyle to find both in the beautiful Key West area. With previous careers in management and IT services, he is very organized with a dedication to customer service that shows in his work with Key West real estate buyers and sellers.

A buyer’s time spent with Sean looking for Key West homes will be fun and productive, and he provides a wealth of insight on the best neighborhoods for price and lifestyle, regardless of age or income bracket. Farrer is an expert at helping out of town visitors buy a second home in Key West.

Sean Farrer
1201 #101 White St
Key West, FL 33040
305-924-0700
http://key-west-real-estate.net

Orlando, FL – While global financial markets continue to express uncertainty, one Florida real estate firm says the 2012 Orlando market is almost certain to be an active one.

Jonathan de Jesus of Dominium Realty Group specializes in Orlando real estate, and says that market in the upcoming year is bound to be busy for local agents.

“We are likely to see a steady flow of bank owned homes and Orlando foreclosures come on the market, and although that could continue to pressure prices for sellers, it will continue to present buying opportunities for buyers.”

He says that Orlando short sales are likely to continue to be a popular way for sellers to get their home sold when they owe more than their house is worth. These will also provide good opportunities for buyers to get pre-foreclosure homes before they go offline to linger in bankers’ files for months during the foreclosure process.

With new home construction likely to continue to be at a standstill, the existing Orlando area housing market is going to be the strongest real estate sales category in 2012.

“The nice benefit of buying in Orlando real estate market is that Disney World will always be a magnet for world tourism. This brings a certain amount of price stability that other markets just don’t have.”

“Of course, the warm weather year-round certainly doesn’t hurt!”

About Dominium Realty

Dominium Realty Group is a leader in residential real estate brokerage services in Florida with expertise helping U.S. and international clients navigate the Orlando real estate market. Through its experienced team of real estate professionals and their commitment to exceed their clients’ expectations, Dominium is able to confidently deliver solutions to meet the needs of any real estate client.

Included in the company’s extensive array of specialized offerings are Dominium’s expert property management services. With licensed specialists working close with investors, clients get the most effective property management possible for their real estate portfolios. Dominium agents are experts in the Orando market, including Downtown Orlando homes, Windermere Homes, Dr. Phillips Real Estate, Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary Real Estate, Baldwin Park, Metro West, Longwood, South Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Lake Nona, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Mount Dora, Sanford, Apopka, Winter Garden, and Ocoee.

For more information, please contact:

Jonathan De Jesus
Dominium Realty Group
6236 Kingspointe Parkway #10
Orlando, Fl 32819
407-588-7828
http://www.florida-real-estate.pro

ORLANDO, Fla – The Orlando home market isn’t nearly as cold as the weather up north according to Orlando real estate agent Jonathan de Jesus of Dominium Realty Group.

De Jesus says that although the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has adjusted the home sale statistics downward for the last five years, the market is not as bad as the headlines sometimes indicate.

“There are still plenty of homes being bought and sold, particularly in a market like here in Orlando where we have plenty of warm weather and international tourism to keep things interesting.”

He says that part of what’s keeping the Orlando real estate market hotter than other parts of the country is simply the year-round nice weather, but he says the proximity to Disney World is a big help.

“We definitely have an advantage here in Orlando, because Walt Disney World is a big attraction for tourists around the world. Many come here, fall in love with it, and immediately notice the real estate bargains available.”

He says that the weak U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro helps as well, because it keeps the prices lower for international buyers.

“With the current exchange rates, European buyers can get as much as a 23% discount on Orlando property, even with the weakening Euro. In fact, a wise European investor may actually protect their Euro cash by investing it in dollar denominated real estate assets right here in Orlando.”

About Dominium Realty

Dominium Realty Group is a leader in residential real estate brokerage services in Florida with expertise helping U.S. and international clients navigate the Orlando real estate market. Through its experienced team of real estate professionals and their commitment to exceed their clients’ expectations, Dominium is able to confidently deliver solutions to meet the needs of any real estate client.

Included in the company’s extensive array of specialized offerings are Dominium’s expert property management services. With licensed specialists working close with investors, clients get the most effective property management possible for their real estate portfolios. Dominium agents are experts in the Orando market, including Downtown Orlando homes, Windermere Homes, Dr. Phillips, Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Baldwin Park, Metro West, Longwood, South Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Lake Nona, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Mount Dora, Sanford, Apopka, Winter Garden, and Ocoee.

Jonathan De Jesus
Dominium Realty Group
6236 Kingspointe Parkway #10
Orlando, Fl 32819
407-588-7828
http://www.florida-real-estate.pro/

MERIDIAN, Ida. – Meridian REALTOR® John Espinosa sees foreclosure inventory of bank owned homes likely continuing to bring out bargain hunters through 2012, bringing with it exceptional prices.

Depending on what economic policies the federal government adopts, Espinosa says Idaho real estate buyers will likely see continued low interest rates through this election year as an attempt by Washington policy-makers to stimulate the economy.

“The combination of low rates and the steady drip of bank owned homes into the market means continued low prices for buyers who are ready to dip their feet in the market again.”

He says some buyers have been gun-shy about re-entering the real estate market, whether it’s for Meridian real estate, which maintains relatively higher demand than many other Treasure Valley cities, or Eagle real estate, where expensive estates from the boom years are going for pennies on the dollar now.

But he says buyers shouldn’t rely on the headlines to tell them when to buy.

“Buying a home is a very personal decision, and families should base it on their own circumstances. Growing families still need to move into bigger homes. Empty nesters still want to downsize, no matter what the market looks like.”

Espinosa also says he’s seeing plenty of trading up as low prices have brought more desirable neighborhoods into reach of the average buyer.

“The key is to engage with the market and watch for those bargains. Anyone can do that for free on my website www.MeridianIDHomes.com and get access to the entire database of Idaho MLS listings.

About John Espinosa

John Espinosa is an Idaho real estate agent specializing in the Treasure Valley. Covering Boise to Parma and everything in between, John is an expert on Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Middleton, and Meridian real estate.

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com
john@espirealestate.com

SAN JOSE, Calif. – While Jerry Garrity of Silicon Valley’s First Statewide Realty works with a long list of properties for seasoned Bay Area investors who use his San Jose property management services, he also has a growing portfolio of another abundant asset type: properties whose owners had trouble selling them.

He says this growing phenomenon is a result of the real estate market not cooperating with the original plans of many homeowners. His advice, rather than accept an undesirable price, is to think differently.

“I’ve found that many people who have had trouble selling their home for their preferred price can turn a negative into a positive and actually use their circumstance to nudge themselves into real estate investing.”

“Often, investing in real estate is something they’ve been wanting to do for years, and just didn’t know how to go about it. We show them how.”

Garrity says that he’s been able to teach these new clients what his more seasoned investors already know – that there is wisdom in owning real estate in any market.

“Home prices go up and down, and our property management firm has weathered five recessions in the last 20 years. What new investors need to know is that price fluctuation is less important than cash flow.”

He says that most homeowners only read the headlines and end up buying when prices are going up and selling when prices are going down. Smart investors, on the other hand, buy when prices are going down, not to flip the homes, but to produce a steady stream of cash flow.

“When I’m able to find a way to make the numbers work for new clients, it’s exciting to see the light bulbs go off. It’s certainly a rewarding part of what I do, because I’ve been able to help frustrated sellers become very knowledgeable real estate investors.”

About First Statewide Realty

Jerry Garrity’s First Statewide Realty is a seasoned expert in property management whose expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other publications. His professional property management San Jose company specializes in managing single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and other investment property in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. His Cupertino property management firm has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Jerry Garrity
First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate providers with regional expertise, has completed a 10-year lease for the Citrus Tower located at 3390 University Avenue. The 35,000-square-foot office lease represents approximately 25 percent of the building, which is currently under construction and set to be completed in April 2012. Rich Erickson, Dave Mudge and Tom Pierik, senior vice presidents of the Lee & Associates Riverside office, represented the landlord, Regional Properties, Inc.

The six-story, domed Citrus Tower is the only office building under construction in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Located in the heart of Downtown Riverside, the building offers incredible visibility and high quality office space.

Aaron Wright and Andy Lustgarten of Studley, Inc. represented the tenant, Best Best & Krieger, LLP, one of Riverside’s oldest law firms with more than 200 attorneys in eight offices in California and one office in Washington, D.C. The new office at Citrus Tower will be only a few blocks away from its original office at Eighth Street and Main.

“This will be one of Downtown Riverside’s prime office spaces,” said Erickson. “Despite the challenging local economy, the building has and will attract the highest quality tenants in the marketplace, as evidenced by Best Best & Krieger.”

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating more than 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 45 locations across the nation including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of nearly 700 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

About Press Release Distribution

This release is distributed in part by Press Release Distribution Associates, specializing in real estate press releases. For information on Key West Real Estate Investing, see the Key West real estate website of Sean Farrer, REALTOR®.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – With real estate investors snapping up bargains on income property due to weak housing prices, a company specializing in synthetic lawn installation is getting the message out to property management companies that their clients can improve their cash flow each month in many cases by installing synthetic grass in place of water-hogging and upkeep-intensive sod.

Scot Wozniak of San Diego Lawns, Inc., says he can help property managers run the numbers to see if their properties under management can benefit from converting their real grass lawns to great-looking synthetic lawns.

“Owners have been very interested in our product, because it looks and feels very much like real grass, yet it can save a considerable amount of money each month on the water bill and on landscape maintenance.”

He says that on a cash basis, owner typically can recoup their investment in a few years, but if the project is financed, the water savings and elimination of lawn maintenance can offset the payments on installation.

“In a market like this where investors needs to squeeze every little bit of cash flow out of their investment property, property management companies would do well to suggest this option to their clients.”

While Wozniak says that a synthetic lawn installation is a very real way to increase the long term investment returns on a property, he also notes that there are other benefits.

“Synthetic lawns are very environmentally friendly and much safer for children and for those with allergies. It eliminates harsh chemicals like weed killers and fertilizers, and saves a lot of money each year because artificial turf looks great year-round without the chemical treatments.”

About San Diego Lawns, Inc.

Scot Wozniak of San Diego Lawns, Inc. has been installing synthetic lawns in the San Diego area for years with an impressive record of customer satisfaction. He provides free cost estimates and cost savings projects based on reduced water usage and lawn maintenance costs. San Diego Lawns, Inc. serves the entire San Diego metro area, including Chula Vista, La Mesa, El Cajon, Del Cerro, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Escondido, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Sante Fe, Coronado, National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma Leucadia, Oceanside, and Spring Valley.

Scot Wozniak
President
San Diego Lawns, Inc.
1035 Surrey Dr
Bonita CA 91902
619-495-0722
http://www.sandiegolawns.com/
scot@sdlawns.com

MERIDIAN, Ida. – Don Wixom, broker/owner of RE/MAX Advantage in Nampa, Idaho, says that Meridian market continues to maintain the lowest vacancy rates for pre-existing homes in the Treasure Valley. He says this is a testament to Meridian’s strength as a place to buy, and is due to a number of factors affecting the Idaho real estate market.

Wixom says that some of the more popular subdivisions in many price ranges are in Meridian, making Meridian more attractive to a wider set of buyers.

“Meridian subdivisions tend to be newer than those in other parts of the Treasure Valley. Schools are great, and amenities like shopping and freeway access are great as well.”

He says that the benefits Meridian has going for it mean buyers will pay a little more to live there, but property values have also been much more stable in Meridian than elsewhere.

“Meridian real estate offers a level of safety for home buyers that other areas don’t always have, simply because it’s more in demand.”

Wixom said he’s helped many out-of-state buyers purchase homes in Meridian, whether it’s someone who is relocating due to a job transfer in the Boise area, or someone fleeing a bigger state like California for a better quality of life.

“Meridian’s proximity to Boise real estate, along with its small town feel, are two of the biggest things going for the city. It definitely attracts local and out of town buyers to the area.”

“With the current market conditions, it’s not hard to find good deals, including Meridian short sales, foreclosures, and traditional home sales.”

Vacant Treasure Valley Pre-Existing Home Inventory

Nampa: 37%
Caldwell: 32%
Meridian: 21%
Boise: 34%
Kuna: 32%

###

About Don Wixom

Don Wixom specializes in representing his clients in the purchase and sale of Idaho real estate, including residential, commercial and investment properties, covering Boise real estate as well as Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Star, and Kuna. Since becoming licensed in 1996, he has averaged selling 70 homes each year.

Don’s clients have come to rely in his experience to get their homes sold and to give the best guidance in purchasing a home. Though Don has hundreds of hours in education in all aspects of real estate, he specializes in residential properties. Whether it is single-family homes or multi-family investment properties, this is where his expertise and negotiation skills are most often put to use.

Don Wixom
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
http://www.sellidaho.com
(208) 880-5039

KEY WEST, Fla. – Florida real estate agent Sean Farrer says that tourism to Key West brings a steady source of home buyers as vacationers are enticed by great home prices to consider calling the island their home. Farrer says that his clients frequently got the idea to buy Key West real estate while vacationing in its year-round warm climate.

“The northern states and Canada get some pretty cold winters, and folks come here to warm up. In the process, they discover that Key West is a really nice place to live.”

He says that before their holiday is over, vacationers are often asking him to look at Key West real estate listings.

“Prices are incredible right now–better than they have been in a decade or more because of all the bank owned homes on the market.”

Farrer says that not only are there a high number of Key West foreclosures that translate to real estate discounts for buyers, but tourists can get all kinds of discounts from local businesses.

“One of the popular programs for tourists to get Key West hotels cheap as well as discounts on activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and Key West scuba diving, is Gold Card Key West.”

About Sean Farrer

Originally from South Africa, Sean Farrer moved to the Florida Keys over 13 years ago. He enjoys helping folks looking for a dream home and an island lifestyle find both in the beautiful Key West area. With previous careers in management and IT services, Sean is very organized with a dedication to customer service that shows in his work with Key West real estate buyers and sellers.

Your time spent with Sean looking for your dream home will be fun and productive, and he’ll provide a wealth of insight for you on the best neighborhoods to match your lifestyle, no matter your age or income bracket.

About Gold Card Key West

The Gold Card Key West program has been offering steep discounts to Key West visitors on activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, Dry Tortugas tours, kayak rentals, parasailing, and many other activities. The card has numerous participating businesses, including many restaurants for discounted dining while on the island.

Sean Farrer
1201 #101 White St
Key West, FL 33040
305-924-0700
http://key-west-real-estate.net
http://www.goldcardkeywest.com

Amherst, NH – Praxius Technology, a leading real estate marketing technology company based in New Hampshire, is launching extensive real estate social media marketing training for agents and loan officers who collaborate using the company’s Lender Agent Collaborative platform.

Fred Doleac, President of Praxius Technology and Virtual Homes Real Estate, says the free training resources are designed to coach agents and lenders alike on how to build their social media profile, an increasingly important focus of online marketing in the relationship-driven real estate industry.

“Our extensive video training modules cover everything from mortgage marketing and SEO to social media marketing on Twitter and Facebook. They are offered for free as part of our Lender Agent Collaborative real estate website platform, which allows lenders to build long term, profitable relationships with real estate agents.”

Doleac says that in the past, lenders could focus almost exclusively on the refinance market to grow and maintain their business. With persistently low interest rates, refinancing has slowed significantly, forcing lenders to widen their network of real estate agents to get more referral business.

“The Lender Agent Collaborative platform essentially gives lenders a RESPA compliant way to help local agents get more buyer real estate leads, and in the process, build their own referral business.”

He says an essential key to building real estate buyer referrals for lenders is widening both the lenders’ and agents’ social networks.

“The power of social media is that it’s all about relationships. We are teaching our clients how to leverage social media to build profitable relationships.”

About Praxius

Praxius Technology is a leading real estate technology company with core competency in real estate website development, lead generation, and RESPA compliant lender/agent collaboration. Praxius is a division of Virtual Homes Real Estate, an independent New England real estate company with agents in 4 states.

Schedule a Webinar

Contact Praxius

Fred Doleac
Praxius Technology
55 Ponemah Road
Amherst, NH 03031
603-732-1800 or 800-856-2479
603-732-1817 Direct
Fax toll free – 888-884-0543

http://praxiustech.com/
http://praxiustechnology.com
http://virtualhomes.com