Oakland Park could see some major plans for development in its Culinary Arts district. Currently, the government of Oakland Park anchors the area and the city is planning on expanding with a private developer to create a commercial and residential complex.

City Hall would be located in a mixed-use complex that would be located in what is now the two large green parcels at the intersection of 38th Street and Dixie Highway. The new development would include two, six story buildings with offices, residential homes and commercial space allotted for retail and restaurant.

Across the street at City Hall’s existing location, plans have been put forth by collaborating developer, Integra Investments, to create an over 30,000 square foot office space building that will be home to City Hall as well as over 32,000 square feet of space for retail, restaurant, 101 residential units and parking for 343 vehicles.

“The residential and commercial, mixed-use component is exactly what we think will help spur the sustainability of our downtown,” Oakland Park city manager David Hebert says, citing high expectations for the residential units. Funky Buddha has been an anchor of our downtown, and this development is literally across the street from that location,” he says, “and I believe there are a lot of people who would be intrigued at the prospect of living near or right across the street from one of their favorite local hangouts.”

The current City Hall structure is very old and was not originally built to be this government building. The building is in great need of repair and updating anyway as proven during hurricane Irma where it lost connectivity for an extended period of time. Necessary improvements would be costly.

The development is a long way from being constructed. The city is still undergoing negotiations with the private developer. Additionally, a remedy of a contaminated lot in the location would also need to be identified. Projections have been shared that construction for the new home of City Hall and the rest of the complex is unlikely to be completed before the year 2020. Although many would like to see things progress faster, it is likely going to be a few years.

The Fort Lauderdale real estate market is like many areas in the country where the number of buyers outnumber the number of sellers. With this being the case buyers need to work every angle possible to find a home and work a strategy when crafting an offer.

Gone are the days when a “motivated seller” was one who was trying to avoid a foreclosure. Today most sellers are positioned to sell with a profit and come out on top. However, there are still other factors that motivate one to sell. How do you spot these sellers? Here are some examples:

• The home has been on the market for over 3 months so the sellers may become impatient
• The sellers need to relocate for employment reasons
• The owner has recently passed away and the heirs need to sell
• The sellers are divorcing and would like to move on

Some signs to look for include a home where the sellers have done things to make it most attractive. This includes a home that is fixed up, staged, has professional photos and is priced to move quickly. Another sign is when a seller is willing to negotiate. Some sellers won’t entertaining a counter offer, but if one does and they come closer to your offer number then you may be able to work a deal that is more in your favor.

So what else can you do when you find a seller who is motivated? Here are some options:

• Find out what the sellers goals are. This includes things like when is their ideal closing date? Would they rather negotiate price for a quick sale than tend to any repairs?
• Short term rental. Maybe the sellers need to sell quickly, but then need a month or so to remain in the home before they move. Consider renting it back to them.
• Disclose your flexibility. When submitting your offer you may want to alert the sellers of things like that you can move anytime, already have your home sold or the like. Knowing they can use your flexibility may make you the perfect buyer given their situation.
• Offer a larger deposit. Offering more money down for a deposit can show the sellers that you are just as serious about buying their home as they are about selling it.

Getting prepared for the entire process of selling your home is always beneficial. Most sellers know the importance of cleaning and decluttering before the home goes on the market for sale. However, not everyone knows how you can prepare for the home inspection as well. As a home inspector will be doing a thorough review of the home, there are things you can do to prepare. Here is a checklist of things to consider.

Cleanliness – The good news is that most of this is done before listing the home for sale. A clean house will show that the home has been well cared for and will create a positive impression. Make note that many inspectors will run faucets and appliances including the running of a dishwasher.

Be on time – The inspection is an appointment involving many parties including the buyers, agents as well as the professional inspector. Make sure to have the home ready and accessible on time.

Utilities – Especially if the home is vacant or not currently occupied, make sure that all utilities are left on so that inspectors can check all systems. This includes all electricity and water service.

Accessibility – This is a big consideration. Make sure that all HVAC systems, water heaters and the like are easily accessed by the inspector. Don’t leave all of your storage items stacked up in front of them where they may have difficulty getting to them.

Keys – Make sure all keys are left for any locked spaces, outhouses or sheds.

Storage areas – Similar to accessibility of systems, storage areas should also be clean, organized and accessible. This includes garages, storage closets and sheds.

Keep exterior inspection points clear – Do you have bushes growing over HVAC units outside or trash cans lined up in front of any outdoor utility meters? Make sure important points are free and clear.

Important documents – Leave a folder of any important documents of interest for the buyer at the inspection. This can include any major service repairs, appliance warranties or other key details that could assist during the inspection process.

In the end it is the inspector’s job to report on the condition of the home and note any deficiency that they see. Even in the most pristine homes there can still be some items that arise during the inspection. The important thing to remember is to be as well prepared as possible to ensure a smooth inspection.

The Fort Lauderdale real estate market has seen a lot of new construction with many new larger scale residential developments. Particularly many condo developments have been near or on the beach and of a higher end luxury caliber. For those buyers looking for brand new construction in the Fort Lauderdale area at a lower price point, The Residences on Monroe in Hollywood may offer the perfect solution in a great alternative location.

The City of Hollywood’s Planning and Development Board (PDB) has just issued approval for a 5-story development that will offer 40 residential units along with off-street parking. The building is located at 1840-1850 Monroe Street and is being built by ArchitectureWorks, LLC, a small architecture firm of both residential and commercial projects for over 20 years. ArchitectureWorks LLC has experience ranging from low-rise to high-rise multifamily residential dwellings, luxury single families, office buildings, hotels as well as mixed-use developments.

Residents will enjoy many of the sought after amenities with garage parking on the first floor, swimming pool with deck, gym and a barbeque and picnic area. Homes will be finished with porcelain floors or similar, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Balconies and high impact glass complete the package of offerings.

The ideal location is just 5 minutes from Hollywood Beach, 10 minutes from Aventura Mall and less than a block from US 1 with great ease to the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Airport.

The PDB has approved the site plan after the Technical Advisory Committee review process of many months. The development has been very well received by the immediate community with unanimous acceptance by the Board. The Residences on Monroe will be required to meet the green building standards with a regard for environmental sustainability which has been a goal of the City of Hollywood.

Contact me today for more details or for any of your real estate needs.

As technology advances everyone becomes more interested in being efficient and environmentally friendly when it comes to their homes. However, it isn’t always easy being green. With all the options that are available today, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin and how to go about implementing some of today’s options. Here are some ways to start which can also help save you money.

Small changes with big results – A very easy way of cutting down on the pollution in your home is to just take off your shoes. This is because 30 – 40% of indoor contaminants enter your home by your shoes. Pick out a fun or decorative entry mat and take off your shoes by the door. Other small changes include shutting off the lights when you leave a room, set your water heater to a max of 120 degrees and purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature.

Beware of becoming “greenwashed” – Not all products out there are truly environmentally friendly. Some claim to have a concern for being eco friendly, but still have harsh chemicals in their ingredient list. Always read the labels and if in doubt, do some quick research yourself to verify.

Don’t forget the landscaping – Very often people focus on the interior of their homes when choosing to make environmentally friendly changes. However, your landscaping can have a big effect as well on the environment. Your landscaping can be environmentally friendly and sustainable. Replacing your lawn with native grasses can require 50% to 70% less water, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. That can save you nearly 60 hours a year in maintenance. Also, succulent gardens can be a great alternative to other plantings that require regular watering.

Green upgrades pay off – A great place to begin for this is with your local utility company to check for any savings or incentives. Also, check for any tax incentives if you are interested in upgrading any of your systems to energy efficient ones including adding solar panels. Even smaller changes like planting trees for shading your home can reduce cooling costs and replacing bulbs with EnergyStar ones can save a quite a bit over time.

Purchase a LEED certified home – If you are in the market for a new home and don’t want to implement green features on your own, consider purchasing a LEED certified home. These homes do often come at a premium, but you realize the savings over time with considerable efficiency all while being environmentally friendly.

The steps to buying a home include getting preapproved for a loan, searching for the right place and then negotiating a deal until it is accepted and they you are pretty much done, right? Well not necessarily. Even the cleanest, smoothest transactions have had a curve ball thrown that nobody saw coming. As so many factors are involved, there can be some surprises that can be unexpected. Here are 5 examples of things that can potentially come up and slow down a sale.

Past due water bills – Sometimes during the hectic time of packing and a lot of paperwork, sellers can either forget to pay their water bills or assume they don’t have to due to the sale. Most areas issue monthly bills while others do them quarterly so be sure you are all paid up and continue paying to avoid any issues with your closing.

Freebies – Always be sure you do your due diligence and homework when anything is offered as free. For example, be sure if you are using online lenders offering free title insurance that you be sure that there are no liens on the property. Things like this can push out a closing date while the issue at hand is resolved.

Last minute damage – Let’s face it, things happen. Anything from a significant plumbing problem to damage from a storm or  hurricane. Any damage that happens right up to the closing is the responsibility of the sellers. Buyers be sure your home insurance policy begins on the day you close to avoid any potential disasters.

Survey issues – What you see is not always what you get. Having a survey done of the property so you know all details regarding driveways, fences and the like. This will clearly answer any questions that may arise. Additionally, having a good idea of what work has been permitted is also important to know.

Major purchases before closing – Getting the loan approved by the underwriter is usually the last hurdle for buyers. This can also be where problems arise as well. Not all buyers realize that their credit is often checked again at the end of escrow. If your credit has gone from great to mediocre, that can be grounds for losing your mortgage. Buyers should remain financially conservative and responsible until after closing. Avoid any major purchases until after you have closed on the home.