Miamism

Miami mortgage rates dropped, then rose to their original level, last week.  I’ve been advising Miami mortgage borrowers to lock all rates at application, regardless of closing date.  Did I miss an opportunity to improve clients’ rates?  I don’t think so.  My approach is more one of limiting losses than improving gains and last week, I thought there was a threat of higher mortgage rates in Miami; I still do.

Inflation data are released Wednesday and Unemployment data are due out Thursday.  These figures could be the tempest in the teapot and really affect mortgage rates.  We just think there is too much risk to be floating (holding out for a better rate).  If markets overreact (and they usually do) we’ll change that recommendation but for now, we think it’s prudent to lock your mortgage rates.

Currently, the 5/1 ARM offers the best value at 4.875% wholesale rate.  The 30 year fixed rate loan is 5.875% wholesale rate.  While there is risk in losing the rate after 5 years, most borrowers don’t hold a mortgage that long.  If you are thinking of moving in the next few years, it would be well to examine the benefits of refinancing your home loan to a low 5/1 ARM rate.

Contact me at (858)-777-9751 with more questions.

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Brian.Brady Send feedback »

This is a Miami Real Estate Market Report for the months of January, February, March and April 2008. It is obvious that some real estate markets are seeing more movement but others remain quiet. If you are thinking of buying Miami real estate, make sure you work with a Miami Realtor that knows the area and the market fluctuations. If you are selling, May should be a great month right before the slow Summer months.

Miami Shores Real Estate Market Report

There are currently 239 listings in Miami Shores: (6 more from last month)

• Highest priced listing is $2,999,000
  
• Lowest priced listing is $199,900
  
• Pending Sales (Properties under contract):12
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 25 (5 of these in April as opposed to 12 in March)

14 of those 25 sales were under $500,000 and the highest sale was $860,000 at 490 NE 96th Street. And as I said last month, 'this particular house was purchased for $1,508,000 in September 2005¦.talk about a big OUCH for those sellers!!

Bay Harbor Islands Real Estate Market Report

There are currently 19 single-family home listings in Bay Harbor Islands: (one more from last month)

• Highest priced listing is $5,200,000
  
• Lowest priced listing is $575,000
  
• Pending Sales (properties under contract):1
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 0
  

No sales this year in Bay Harbor Islands. That has to be tough for those people that HAVE to move.

Surfside Real Estate Market Report

There are currently 87 single-family home listings in Surfside:(1 less than last month)

• Highest priced listing is $8,000,000
  
• Lowest priced listing is $349,000
  
• Pending Sales (properties under contract): 4 (3 more than last month)
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 8 (1 of them in April)
  

7 of those sales were under $600,000 and the highest at $3.2 million of a bayfront home (1356 Biscaya Drive) purchased in 2002 for $2.2 million.

There are currently 239 condo listings in Surfside: (as compared to 231 last month)

• Highest priced listing: $2,600,000 a 3/3 at Azure
  
• Lowest priced listing: $153,000 a 1/1 at Seaside Terrace Condo
  
• Pending Sales (properties under contract):10 (1 less than last month)
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 12 ( 6 closed sales in the month of April with highest sale at $1,250,000 for a 3/2 at Champlain Towers East and the lowest sale at $173,000 for a 1/1 at 9140 Collins Ave Condo)
  

I love Surfsides density and the 12 story max allowed on the oceanfront condos. If you dont like high-rises, Surfside may be for you. It also has a great close community with shopping and restaurants as well as Bal Harbour Shops within walking distance.

Fisher Island Real Estate Market Report

There are currently 138 listings in Fisher Island: (4 more than last month)

• Highest priced listing: $30,000,000 for an exclusive Oceanside 5/5.5 home with artwork and all!
  
• Lowest priced listing: $275,000 for a 1/1 at Marina Village
  
• Pending Sales: 1 (as compared to 2 last month)
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 4 (1 closing in April - $750,000 for a 1/1 at Seaside Villas)
  

Fisher Island is Fisher Island…no explanation needed.

Aventura Real Estate Market Report

There are currently 2237 condo listings in Aventura: (88 less than last month)

• Highest priced listing: $6,000,000 for a 4/6 at Porto Vita
  
• Lowest priced listing: $81,888 for a 1/1 at Biscayne Lake Gardens
  
• Pending sales: 182 (compared to 134 last month)
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 195 (55 closings in April alone)
  

The highest closed sale this year in Aventura was at Porto Vita for $3,600,000 and the lowest was $59,000 at Commodore Plaza which is a 55 and over community.

Biscayne Park Real Estate Market Report

There are currently 54 single-family listings in Biscayne Park: (4 less than last month)

• Highest priced listing $975,000
  
• Lowest priced listing $190,000
  
• Pending sales (properties under contract):2
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 4 (3 sales in April)
  

The closed sales in Biscayne Park have been $275,000, $300,000, $310,000, $353,000

El Portal Real Estate Market Report

There are 62 listings in El Portal: (1 more than last month)

• Highest priced listing is $925,000
  
• Lowest priced listing $215,000
  
• Pending sales (properties under contract):0 (compared to 2 last month)
  
• Closed sales in 2008: 1
  

The only closed sale this year in El Portal was for $259,000 for a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom house located at 465 NE 89th Street.

**all information obtained from the SouthEast Florida Multiple Listing Service**

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