Realogy CEOs at Real Estate Connect

Industry conference marks 15th anniversary in 2011

After the holiday season has passed, real estate leaders from around the country will kick off the new year at Inman News' Real Estate Connect event in New York City. This industry conference marks its 15th anniversary in 2011.

The real estate conference is less than a month away. It will be held Jan. 12-14, 2011, at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square. About 1,500 industry notables -- agents, brokers, executives, marketers and techies -- are expected to attend. Inman News marks its 15th year of Real Estate Connect conferences in 2011.

Real estate franchise giant Realogy is based just an hour outside New York City in Parsippany, N.J. For the first time, a panel at the conference will feature all five CEOs from Realogy's residential franchises: Sherry Chris of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; Rick Davidson of Century 21 Real Estate; Mike Good of Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates; Jim Gillespie of Coldwell Banker Real Estate; and Charlie Young of ERA Franchise Systems.

This year's "Connect Tech" workshop will include sessions such as "APIs, APIs, APIs -- Everything you need to know to sex up your website with data"; "Tablet mania -- What it means for real estate: Buyers, sellers, and developers"; and "Designing great experiences: The unsung art of user interface design."

Andrea Brambilia gives full details and information on the upcoming event including other panels which will meet to discuss important issues that affect today’s real estate market in her recent Inman News article.

If you have information on any upcoming events that impact the real estate industry or housing market, please let us know.

100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders: 2010

Inman News does an annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate. This list recognizes those power brokers, thought leaders, experts, insiders, and visionaries who influence the real estate industry with their words, actions, insight and innovations.

(We have to brag a little...Check out our CEO and other Coldwell Banker leaders that made the list!)

This latest list recognizes leaders in many categories - brokerage company executives, technologists, government leaders, media players, economists, online luminaries and other industry heavyweights who hold the power to move the industry forward during this prolonged period of economic hardship and uncertainty.

Individuals on the list were selected after a nomination process and an Inman News editorial review.

See this year’s list of leaders on Inman.com.

Bank of America Resumes Foreclosure Sales

Just recently, Charlotte-based Bank of America has announced that it has restarted the sale of foreclosed homes that had been temporarily frozen in October as it reviewed its foreclosure processes.

Bank of America had previously resubmitted affidavits in 102,000 foreclosure cases in the 23 states where judges sign off on foreclosures. Based on the judge’s rulings, those sales are now proceeding.

In the other 26 states that do not require a judge’s decision, the review of foreclosure procedures is near completion according to bank spokesperson Dan Frahm.

The bank also recently shifted 2,500 employees from its Home Loan business to support homeownership retention initiatives. Bank of America will now 29,000 employees working with distressed homeowners.

For more information on which properties are being affected and how read Brian Moore’s article in loanrateupdate.com.

Has this recent change freed up your purchase?

Home For The Holidays?

Why now may be the best time to market your home for sale

Contributed by Kelly Madden, Marketing Coordinator, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Miami Beach Office

In the hectic days surrounding the holidays and the arrival of the New Year, we all have so much to accomplish. Those who may have been considering selling their current home and relocating to something new may be tempted to delay the process, thinking that people are too engrossed in travelling and shopping at the mall to spend any time shopping for a home or condo.

Yet in Miami Beach and the surrounding areas, so many people who come here to celebrate the holidays and ring out the old year also spend time looking at available properties for sale. Smart baby boomers looking for a second home to use as a winter retreat, and recent retirees intent on making Miami Beach their new permanent home, will make the time to investigate what is on the market as they spend a week or two enjoying all of the ambience of our sandy slice of paradise.

The local Coldwell Banker real estate experts on Miami Beach feel that offering your home for sale during the holidays can be much more convenient than you may think - and successful. Your decision to list your home for sale now while owners of homes that may be competing with yours decide to put it on the back burner can mean increased interest and more attention from prospective buyers. And chances are that you have already invested the time and energy to clean, organize and prepare your home for your parties and family holiday gatherings, so it will show well during this time of year.

An added bonus is that by letting your neighbors, friends and family who visit your home for the holidays know that it is currently available for sale, you increase the initial “buzz” and word-of-mouth advertising that can be just the thing to attract that one buyer who falls in love with your home. And the timing could be perfect. According to an article that appeared in The Wall Street Journal, a survey of 92 economists and other housing analysts predicted that U.S. home prices will begin a gradual recovery by 2011. Those surveyed expect home prices, as measured by the S&P/Case-Shiller national index, to rise on average about 12% in the five years ending Dec. 31, 2014. Some, such as Joseph LaVorgna, a Deutsche Bank economist, envision prices rising by as much as 37% by the end of 2014.

The current Florida real estate market represents some of today’s best opportunities for investing in Miami Beach property. Extremely attractive pricing, low interest rates and a large inventory of properties for sale mean there are some real values out there, and serious buyers know they can get much more home for their money than they could just a few years ago. Sellers who plan to wait until after the post-holiday dust has settled may be missing out on the opportunity to make their move.

So if you have been considering listing your property for sale but are unsure about this being the right time, contact one of our Sales Associates at Miami Beach’s leading real estate firm to help you with questions about your decision. You may be able to begin the New Year in a new home!

Window of Opportunity for "Regular Sellers"....

Contributed by Shane Howell, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Coral Springs office

The toughest thing for sellers to come to grips with these days is the obvious...prices and the competition to get their property sold.

We have all been reading about how challenging the housing market is but you never truly feel it as a "regular seller" until you try to cash out (sell). Regular sellers are homeowners who are not selling short or being foreclosed on. These are sellers who are looking to move on for the myriad of reasons, we all move.

If you are a regular seller then you have been up against the stiff competition that short sales and foreclosures, by definition, are providing. Here in South Florida the market is flooded with that very form of competition. A very nice percentage of these bank owned homes are in great shape. As a buyer wouldn't you rather pay less thru purchasing a distressed property? For a period of time the obvious answer was YES. Now with the current foreclosure issues buyers aren't so sure anymore. With these new developments in mind, the choice is no longer so clear.

At the very same time this is happening, interest rates on mortgages are starting to spike. From a low of about 4.25% to where they are right now to about 5.02%. This sort of move in rates will motivate current buyer/fence sitters, hopefully producing bids on the homes listed today.

Those two equation pieces add up to a window of opportunity for the regular seller. "Interest rates are rising, so it is time for me to pull the trigger", says the buyer...."I really do not feel like doing the foreclosure process", the buyer also says....

Regular sellers, you have a very small window of opportunity to capture today’s buyers at today’s prices. Buyers do not want to deal with the bank right now and need a home. Take their bid!! Some experts explain why:

1. Once the banks get a system together, people are likely to run back in droves to the perceived cheaper price the bank can give
2. The shadow inventory (foreclosure backlogs, strategic defaults, etc..) might add to the already enormous competition
3. Also rising interest rates over the long term might help to push prices down further from here

If you are thinking of putting your home on the market as a regular sale you should think about doing it today! The above equation pieces are in your favor.

Lunar Eclipse - Once in a lifetime opportunity

Photo Credit (National Geographic)

As you might have heard, last night was a rare opportunity for all of you night owls who stayed awake. Whether you were snuggled in your bed with an alarm set or camping outside, it was a spectacular sight. It was the first lunar eclipse since 1638 (the days of Galielo and around the same time Harvard and Delaware were founded) to fall on the same date as the winter solstice. Meaning the moon appeared very high in the night sky, making it the official beginning of winter and one of the darkest nights, because the Earth's axial tilt was farthest away from the sun.

According to NASA, an lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's rays and casting its shadow on the moon. As the moon moves into the Earth's shadow, it appears to change color, turning from gray to orange or deep red.

As once in a lifetime opportunities occur like this, it makes one reflect on the current real estate market. With prices at an all time low and the ability to move into your dream home (your rare, winter solstice lunar eclipse) years before you ever could have and the possiblity that it might not ever happen again for another 370+ years (like last nights' eclipse). Is a reminder why not to stop looking for that special opportunity, if it's the right time for you to make that move in your life.

Didn't get a chance to see the lunar eclipse last night? Click to see what you missed.

Did you see the eclipse last night? Tell us about your experience...

Getting Ready For Your Open House

Many sellers have a love-hate relationship with open houses. They love them because open houses bring potential buyers. They hate them because, let's face it, they have to clean and get their home organized to capture buyers' interest.

But preparing for an open house doesn't have to be difficult. You can leave the hard work to your real estate agent. Things like signage, flyers, listing the open house in newspapers or online, your agent can handle. However, if you're living in your home and trying to show it, here are a few quick tips to get you organized.

Coil it up! This might not come to mind right away but, until everything is wireless, we have to deal with those unsightly long cords. Using devices, such as the Cableyoyo or even twist-ties, will clean up the clutter and leave your electronic areas looking much better.

Off the table into the portable bin. Organizing experts often recommend at least a two-drawer file cabinet per home. Now, a file cabinet may look out of place in, say, the living room, yet that's often where paper clutter winds up.

Go green selectively. I'm talking about your house plants in this next tip. The folks at HGTV recommend that your house plants be placed on a cute stand or in several decorative pots. While plants are usually seen as a welcome addition, creating a jungle with too many big, sprawling plants in your living room won't go over well, unless, of course, you're showing your home to Jane and ... well, that other guy that likes swinging from trees and vines.

These are just a few of the tips you can find in Phoebe Chongchua’s article in realtytimes.com

Do you have any other suggestions for making your Open House more successful? Please share your tips with us.

Best Place to Raise Your Kids in 2011

Children, a known factor for home purchasing decisions and basically every decision parents make in their life since the day they find out they have a new addition to their family, revolves around their children.

Because family is important and rasing one is certainly not easy, Bloomberg and BusinessWeek.com came out with their annual list of The Best Places to Raise Your Kids in 2011. We know that parents are busy and that living in the right place won't solve all your parenting, work and financial problems...but it can offer children more opportunities and enhance a family's lifestyle.

A total of 5,418 locations nationwide with populations larger than the state median, but no larger than 50,000 were surveyed. The good thing is that only locations where the median income is within 20 percent of the state’s median were considered. The rankings put the most weight on school performance and the number of schools, crime statistics, and cost of living. Other factors included job growth, air quality, ethnic diversity, and access to recreational amenities (within the county), such as parks, zoos, theaters, and museums.

The following places selected are neither rich suburbs nor havens for luxury living—so don’t expect to find mansions and elite country clubs (although some areas will have them). Rather, communities inhabited mostly by middle-income earners that have good public schools, low crime, and resources to keep the family entertained on weekends made the list.

Finally a realistic list that is relevant to middle-income earners, let's see what areas made it for Florida,Georgia and Texas...

Best place to raise kids in Florida: Venice Gardens Population: 6,822 Median family income: $57,652 Runner-up: Willow Oak

Affordable homes in Venice Gardens make the community a popular destination for first-time home buyers and active older adults. Home values in Venice Gardens, which has a voluntary homeowners association with a community pool and clubhouse, averaged about $114,300 in August, according to Zillow.com. The area is removed from the more bustling shopping and business districts in Venice but provides easy access to them.

Best place to raise kids in Georgia: Varnell Population: 1,480 Median family income: $69,404 Runner-up: Leesburg

While Varnell is only 2.5 square miles, it offers parks and trails and is minutes from the Nob North Golf Course. It is part of the Whitfield County School District, which includes Varnell Elementary School, New Hope Elementary School, New Hope Middle School, and Northwest Whitfield High School, according to the town's website. Varnell’s Prater's Mill Country Fair draws many visitors in the fall.

Best place to raise kids in Texas: Gatesville Population: 12,503 Median family income: $49,145 Runner-up: Prairie View

Home to the Gatesville Hornets, the 2000 Texas State 3A High School Football Champions (in case you weren’t aware, high school football is a BIG deal in Texas), and what may be the largest collection of spurs in the world, Gatesville is about 45 minutes due west of Waco. Job growth in the area is steady, as two of the major employers are the U.S. military in nearby Fort Hood and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which operates four prisons and one jail in the town, including the state’s death row for women. In 2005—the latest year for which records exist—33.3 percent of all students at Gatesville High School scored at or above criterion on the SAT, beating the state average of 21 percent.

What factors are important to you as a parent for choosing the right home/city for your family?

Moving With Your Pet

The time has finally come! The ink is drying on the sales contract, and you are gearing up for the big move. But how will this chaotic time affect the four-legged members of your family?

Our dear pets thrive on our love, but they also thrive on routine. And a move can be a hectic time, where daily walks, feedings, and sleep schedules may be interrupted.

Here are five tips to make your move more pet-friendly:

1. Veterinary Visit. Your veterinarian is a wonderful source of information and resources about your upcoming move.
2. Car Travel. It is best to hold food from your dog 4 hours prior to travel, especially if they are not used to car trips.
3. Familiar items. Part of a healthy transition is to surround your dog with familiar pieces, such as bedding and toys.
4. Food. Sensitive digestive tract or not, a move is not a time to change the type of food you feed your pup.
5. Dedicated Playtime. Exercise is extremely important for the physical and emotional health of your dog.

For further details on traveling with your pet read Carla Hill’s realtytimes.com article

Have you traveled with your pet? Do you have any suggestions or tips you could share?

Americans Still Aspire to Home Ownership

According to RISMEDIA, a new study recently released by Fannie Mae finds that most Americans—both those who currently own their homes and those who rent—strongly aspire to own a home and to maintain homeownership. However, demographic trends such as fewer married couples and less families with children resulting in shrinking households—combined with financial caution among consumers—are contributing to an increased willingness to rent.

The Fannie Mae 2010 Own-Rent Analysis is based on extensive primary research with homeowners and renters (including focus groups and a quantitative survey), U.S. Census Bureau data, and micro- and macro- economic parameters, and explores the factors influencing consumers’ decisions to buy or rent a home. The release highlights two of the four major themes of this analysis in reports titled, Persistence of the Homeownership Aspiration and Housing Choices Throughout the Lifecycle and the Impact of Changing Demographics.

According to the study findings, 51% of current owners and renters say that the current housing situation has not affected their overall willingness to buy a home. Overall, according to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey third quarter results, one-third of Americans (33%) would be more likely to rent their next home than buy, up from 30% in January 2010. Among renters, 59% said they would continue to rent in their next move, compared to 54% in January 2010.

For more details about the survey, read the full RISMEDIA article

For more information from Fannie Mae

Coldwell Banker Lights Up Times Square

Happy Holidays from Coldwell Banker. Not only do we love this time of year, but our agents and cities have seasonal names. Because we're a fun company, what better way to share this festive holiday joy with our customers than displaying a holiday-themed billboard in one of the most popular destinations during this time of year, Times Square.

Located on the corner of 44th and Broadway directly outside the Toys R Us mega store. The digital billboard showcases various cities that have holiday names (like Navidad, Texas) as well as Coldwell Banker agents that have festive, seasonal names (like Jack Frost…yes, he’s an actual Coldwell Banker agent).

The billboard has already been seen on TV coverage of the Thanksgiving Day Parade and will be running through January 1, 2011 so it will be seen by millions throughout the holiday season.

Do you have any local holiday-themed streets or city names that would make our billboard?

CB Sends KAre Packages for our Troops

Contributed by Dianne Ferris, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Cooper City office

This time of year always puts me into the holiday spirit. The Christmas season is upon us, and being it is better to give than to receive, there’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than to give to others.

Our Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office supports troops fighting overseas for our country each year during the holidays. This year, instead of sending the usual CARE package, we will be sending a KAre Package full of Kirsite Alley’s Organic Liaison healthy wrapped snacks, bars and goodies from her website, www.OrganicLiaison.com

When Kirstie heard about this, I was contacted by her CEO, Peggy, who generously sent a huge supply of healthy snacks from the Organic Liaison website to include in our shipment. I had not solicited this, it was done out of kindness and compassion from a very giving company and founder.

Just a little background on the captain in the US Army whose troops we have “adopted” for the holidays:

Erich Almonte graduated Georgetown University Law School top of his class and chose to postpone his professional career as a lawyer to fight for our country. This is his second tour of duty and he is a selfless, honorable individual. He puts his men before himself in every situation.

His troops are stationed in remote areas of Afghanistan, some of which are so isolated it takes eight days for supplies to reach them after arriving from the states via air. When asked, Erich suggested that we send his men individually wrapped snacks they can carry with them while on patrol.

There’s no more rewarding feeling than to give back to our military who are bestowing upon us the ultimate gift of our freedom. It has made our group feel like we have contributed in a small way to make a soldier’s day brighter and know they are loved, missed and truly appreciated.

With each box of goodies we are sending to each soldier, we are also including a hand written, heartfelt letter thanking them individually and sending them our prayers and well wishes. The best $5 I’ve ever spent!

I want to take this time to thank Kirstie Alley and Organic Liaison for contributing to our efforts. Also a special thanks to Sinbad and Leah Remini for their help on spreading the word on achieving our goals to their many fans. What may seem like a small gift is enormous if we can bring a smile to a soldier so far away from home protecting us and missing their own friends and family.

If anyone would like to send their own KAre package to Erich’s troops, you can do so directly at:

Captain Erich Almonte Fox CO, 2nd Squadron, 2SCR FOB APACHE/EAGLE APO AE 09383

Or send $5 and a personal letter to your soldier for the holidays and send it to:

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Attn: Dianne F. 5870 S Flamingo Road Cooper City, FL 33330

We will make sure your thoughts are received.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Price cuts continue in home sales market

Miami home sellers have slashed prices on one of every five properties this month, according to a new report from Trulia.

The report, found that 21 percent of homes for sale in Miami had a price reduction in November, up from 15 percent in October.

The average price reduction was 13 percent.

Nationally, 27 percent of homes had price reductions in November, with an average discount of 10 percent.

Trulia's report covers the city of Miami only, not the surrounding region.

Read the full Miami Herald article by Toluse Olorunnipa.

Have you been seeing price reductions in your local area?

Florida’s Existing Condo Sales up 3rd Quarter

Reported by RISMEDIA, sales of existing condos in Florida rose 15% in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2009, according to the latest housing stats from Florida Realtors. A total of 16,938 existing condos sold statewide in 3Q 2010; during the same period the year before, a total of 14,793 units changed hands.

Fourteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported higher existing condo sales in the third quarter, according to Florida Realtors. The statewide existing-condo median sales price was $84,000 for the three-month period; in 3Q 2009, it was $106,000 for a decrease of 21%.

Meanwhile, in the year-to-year quarterly comparison for existing single-family home sales, 41,122 homes sold statewide for the quarter compared to 44,451 homes in 3Q 2009 for a 7% decrease. The statewide existing-home median sales price was $135,200 in 3Q 2010; a year earlier, it was $145,300 for a decrease of 7%.

The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies’ latest quarterly survey of real estate trends reports that the jobless rate remains a top concern for the future outlook of the state’s real estate industry. The survey polls market research economists, industry executives, real estate scholars and other experts.

Low mortgage rates continued to be available during the third quarter of the year. According to Freddie Mac, the national commitment rate for a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.45% in 3Q 2010; one year earlier, it averaged 5.16%.

What are you seeing in your condo market? Does this encourage you to buy a condo?

Hear the Eco: Favorite Businesses Serving Pinecrest – Part 5

By Guest Contributor Melanie Dawn Molina Wood, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Pinecrest office

What list would be complete without Whole Foods Market, located at 11701 South Dixie Highway? Committed to natural, organic, Fair Trade, and/or locally produced products, Whole Foods was also the first major retailer to offset 100% of their energy use with wind energy credits. Our newly renovated Pinecrest location is particularly known for their wonderful selection of wine and cheeses, but did you know that they also offer massage therapy? The Pinecrest Whole Foods Market also offers monthly cooking classes, wine tastings, lectures and other events. They have recycling bins for #5 plastic and batteries, and will even accept your used CFLs, paper bags & cardboard for recycling.

The store itself was originally built with energy-efficient roofing and CFL lighting. They use bio-degradable containers at their “Hot and Ready” gourmet buffet and have an extensive internal recycling program that even includes the bubble wrap. The employees are provided with flatware and dishes rather than disposable plasticware, and the store has eliminated plastic grocery bags altogether.

While talking with Alfredo Castro, store manager, I learned that Pinecrest Whole Foods’ commitment to our community even extends to three local animal shelters. Donations of meat, produce & other foods help these cash-strapped shelters while reducing waste going to our landfills.

Be sure to visit their on-line calendar for a list of upcoming events, and then visit our Pinecrest Whole Foods Market for a great selection of healthy and environmentally-conscious products.

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC and a member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter. She is a designated Eco-Broker and holds her level one Green Leadership (GCREP-GL) certificate among many other certifications and awards.

LOWER RATES WITH A HIGHER SCORE

By Guest Contributors Team Morgan, Sales Associates, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Pinecrest office

Lenders are an increasingly difficult crowd to please, so if you’re looking for the best deal on a mortgage, you need a couple of strategies to improve your credit score. Lenders use that number to determine your risk of default, and it may be the single most important factor in your application.

Scores range anywhere from a very risky 300 to a perfect 850. You’ll need a 750 today to get terms a 700 would have gotten you two years ago. Begin with a $16 investment at myfico.com, where your three reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are averaged into one representative score.

A Zogby poll reports that one third of all people who request a credit report find errors. Your score is only as accurate as your information, so scour your report and correct errors immediately. This could boost your score by as much as 200 points!

The largest percentage of your score is determined by your payment histories, but the second largest factor is your “card utilization rate,” or your total balances compared to your total credit limits. 10% is the ideal number (like $2,500 in charges when you have a $25,000 line of credit).

If you correct errors, have an excellent payment history, and get your debt-to-credit ratio down, you can expect to save thousands with a lower interest rate on your mortgage.

Mike Morgan Team Morgan Coldwell Banker 305-542-2138 Team Morgan is currently marketing the following properties: 350 S Shore Dr Unit 4

680 SW 153 Ct Unit 107

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

Someone can say, “Things are looking up,” but it’s something else when the numbers actually bear it out. Fortunately, the latter is the case, evidenced by the latest statistics. Specifically, national home prices have jumped an impressive 3.6% in the past year, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released in late August. Prices also climbed 4.4% in the second quarter, which contrasts with a 2.8% decrease in the first quarter.

This uptick in prices leads to a simple conclusion: Sell now if you can. And you certainly can. A fast sale, taking advantage of these numbers, is entirely possible, and can result in a lot of profit. Here are methodical, easy tips to selling fast and successfully, taking advantage of a market uptick, without inducing panic or stomach aches.

1. Don’t raise the price.
2. Remain flexible.
3. De-clutter.
4. Schedule more open houses—and don’t attend your own.
5. Go big—and go local.

For more details about each of the above tips read the full RISMEDIA article by Dan Steward.

Now is the BEST time to BUY!

By Guest Contributor Miriam West-Nesbit, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Coconut Grove office

The American dream for most families has been to own their own home. With the interest rates at an all time low – (hovering around 4.5%) those that can afford to buy will benefit from the under value housing conditions.

Buying a home is a benefit for families as well as for communities. It has been said that children that live in their own home have better grades and do better, when compared to children living under other conditions.

The FICO score is a very important element to qualifying for a loan. Do you know your FICO score? What’s in your FICO® score?

FICO Scores are calculated from a lot of different credit data in your credit report. This data can be grouped into five categories as outlined below. The percentages reflect how important each of the categories is in determining your FICO score:

• 35% payment history, 30% amount owed, 15% length of credit history, 10% new credit, 10% types of credit used

These percentages are based on the importance of the five categories for the general population. For particular groups - for example, people who have not been using credit long - the importance of these categories may be somewhat different.

Lenders look at many things when making a credit decision including your income, how long you have been at the present job and the kind of credit you are requesting. Late payments will lower your score. Once you start paying on time and getting rid of excess debts – your good track record of making those payments- will raise your FICO credit score.

Home ownership is one of the core values in America. Now is the TIME to buy your dream! Imagine living in a perfect house! Check out 15035 N Miami Ave for only $149,998.

15035 N MIAMI AVE

DALLAS & FORT WORTH AMONG LARGEST U.S. CITIES

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” but did you know the cities are also bigger in Texas than other states? A third of U.S. cities with million-plus populations are located in Texas, according to Business First.

82 Texas cities made the 1,000 largest U.S. cities list, ranking second only to California. Dallas has the #8 largest U.S. population and Fort Worth is ranked #17. Miami is #41, Tampa is #54 and Orlando is #80 (includes city population only, not surrounding communities).

Nine American cities currently have more than 1 million residents.
1. New York (8,453,558)
2. Los Angeles (3,852,820)
3. Chicago (2,858,538)
4. Houston (2,306,455)
5. Phoenix (1,638,283)
6. Philadelphia (1,556,396)
7. San Antonio (1,411,732)
8. Dallas (1,320,126)
9. San Diego (1,314,818)

Is your city ranked among the nation’s 1,000 largest? How does population impact the local housing market and economic recovery?

MAKING A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

By Guest Contributor Susie Abell, Branch Manager, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Key Biscayne Office

Living on Key Biscayne at this time of year is truly special as residents can fully take advantage of all the amenities of this island paradise.

Residents and sales associates of the Coldwell Banker Key Biscayne office know they have been blessed and for over 30 years have been giving back to various organizations, particularly at this time of year.

Toward that end, this year the Key Biscayne office has teamed up with the CHARLEE Program, a not-for-profit social service agency who has been helping children in Miami-Dade County for 26 years.

CHARLEE (Children Have All Rights: Legal, Educational, Emotional) is an organization who provides for the needs of abused, abandoned, neglected and at-risk children. They are making a difference in hundreds of children’s lives today.

If you would like to help make a child’s holiday really special this year, just drop off an unwrapped toy or gift at the Coldwell Banker office located at 328 Crandon Blvd., #127 in Key Biscayne, any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. CHARLEE’s “wish list” contains all kinds of items for children, teens, babies, toddlers and young adults… anything from toys, movies, board games, electronics, clothing, baby blankets, diapers or gift cards. All gifts must be received by December 13. Call 305.361.5722 if you have any questions.

Thanks, in advance, for helping to make a difference this holiday season…Happy Holidays from your friends at Coldwell Banker Key Biscayne!