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- Our Flat Fee Programs List & Sell Your Home On MLS for as Little as $199! (Click here for more Details)
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Facts About MLS & Marketing Your Home with Shirley International Realty

- 4 Out of 5 Homes are Sold Through the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service.
- 80% of Buyer Are Starting Their Home Search Over the Internet
- Over 75% of Buyers Use a Realtor When Searching for a Home
- We Upgrade & Enhance Your Listing on Realtor.com (Read About The Most Shopped Real Estate Web Portal on the Internet..)

Please Call or Email Us Anytime with Questions Concerning the Sell of Your Florida Home, with Shirley International Realty Inc.. 941-448-4872

Congratulations to Justin Shirley & Shirley International Realty, as he represented buyers of Ritz Carlton Beach Residence Penthouse Unit# 1207 on Lido Key, Sarasota, FL.. The asking price for this condo was $3,500,000, & Shirley International Realty successfully negotiated a “Fully Furnished” purchase price of $2,850,000 for his clients. The purchase closed 12/31/2009. This represents a valueable purchase in Ritz-Carlton’s 5-Star development. Below are Marketing Details of the Condo:

1300 Benjamin Franklin, #1207
Sarasota, Fl 34236
4,530 Square-Feet

“Penthouse in the SKY” Managed by the Ritz-Carlton.  Truly a “one of a kind” design! From the moment that you park in your private garage, step into your private elevator that opens into your private lobby, you will be mesmerized with the magnificent ever-changing Gulf of  Mexico, spectacular sunsets and captivating bay and city views. Three bedrooms, family room, and  office 4530 sq. ft. with  10’8″ ceiling heights (except where dropped). Kitchen with  luxurious custom cabinets, granite countertops, Stainless steel  appliances, breakfast bar.  This is a word class ocean-side residence complete with the security of a private gated entrance, in house concierge service, heated Pool, Spa, and a summer kitchen on your private terrace.   The Beach Residence shares the same privileged location as the Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club conveniently accessed by a covered walkway.  The Beach Residence is only a short distance from Sarasota’s quaint downtown area, cultural and entertaining venues, restaurants, shopping and within walking distance of famous St. Armands Circle.

For  Questions or Interest in Purchase of Luxury Condos in Sarasota, Fl, Contact Justin Shirley @ 941-448-4872

Click on Thumbnails below to expand photos of the Interior of this Luxurious condo

Sarasota real estate market remains hot as temperatures cool

The Sarasota real estate market remained hot in November 2009 with overall sales nearly 86 percent higher than November 2008.  Total sales stood at 578 in November, mirroring last month’s total of 574 and much higher than the 311 sales reported in November 2008. The breakdown was 417 single family homes and 161 condos sold last month.
 
The fall has proven to be a busy one for many local Realtors®, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Pending sales stood at 793 in November, just below last month’s total of 839, and far higher than last November, when only 504 pendings were reported. The statistic is a strong indicator for the next two or three months of sales, as pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity. Some experts had predicted pending sales might slow because of the uncertainty over the extension of the first-time homebuyer’s tax credit. But that fear has proven unfounded in the Sarasota market.

 The tax credit was extended and expanded to include many other homebuyers on Nov. 6, so the home buying sales rush could easily continue through the season and the first quarter of 2010. The recent statistics continue to point to a local market in a prolonged recovery period.
 
The median sale prices for single family homes and condominiums have apparently stabilized after the extended drop experienced in 2008. The median sale price for single family homes actually jumped by approximately 6 percent to $162,500 from October’s level of $151,000. The median was only 4.4 percent below the November 2008 median sale price of $170,000.
 
The condominium median prices continue to see-saw, dropping to $178,750 in November after rising to $220,000 in October. In September 2009, the median was only $162,500. In November 2008, the median sale price was $195,000, which is very near the median condominium sale price for the 11 months of 2009 ($198,500).
 
Bank-owned property sales and short sales are still accounting for almost half of the single-family home sales and a third of the condo sales in November, and still represent the biggest factor in the overall lower sale prices. For normal arm’s length sales the median sale prices are almost double the figures for the distressed properties.
 
“We are experiencing a very active real estate market during the early seasonal months, when our northern visitors and winter residents return,” said Bill Geller, 2009 SAR President. “Even during these times of higher unemployment and slower national economic activity, it’s very encouraging to see that the Sarasota area remains an attractive place to purchase a home. The statistical trends indicate the market is returning to health. Higher sales and pending sales, stabilizing prices, lower inventories – all of these numbers point to a return to a vibrant real estate market.”
 
While the inventory level rose slightly in November, from 6,226 to 6,261 properties on the market, it is still at the lowest level since late summer of 2005 and the years prior to the boom period from 2003 – 2005.
 
The “months of inventory” – the number of months it would take to sell all the available properties at the current sales rate – dropped to 14.6 months for condos. That’s the lowest figure in the past three years, and far lower than the 40.5 months reported in November 2008. The months of inventory is now 9.4 months for single family homes, slightly higher than October’s 9.3 months, but far lower than last year’s figure of 27.6 months. A figure of 6 months is considered to be a market in equilibrium between buyers and sellers.

For Assistance with Purchasing or Selling a Home, Contact Justin Shirley @ 941-448-4872

Fla.: Existing home, condo sales up in November

ORLANDO – Dec. 22, 2009 – Florida’s existing home sales rose in November, marking 15 months that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

Existing home sales rose 61 percent last month with a total of 14,026 homes sold statewide compared to 8,694 homes sold in November 2008, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide sales of existing condos increased 111 percent last month compared to November 2008’s sales figure.

For the second month in a row, all of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing home sales and higher condo sales in November. A majority of the state’s MSAs have reported increased sales for 17 consecutive months.

“The extended and expanded federal homebuyer tax credit will continue the positive momentum of the housing sector’s recovery – people will want to take advantage of this incredible, not-to-be-missed opportunity to buy a home of their own in Florida,” says 2009 Florida Realtors President Cynthia Shelton, CCIM, CRE, a broker and director of investment sales with Colliers Arnold in Orlando.

“For 15 months now, statewide sales of existing single-family homes in Florida have increased each month compared to the year-ago figures,” Shelton says. “The continued, gradual absorption of housing inventory will help stabilize home prices. National research notes that housing affordability is at its peak and the highest on record: Along with still-low mortgage rates, it means that the buying power of a typical family has never been better.”

Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $139,000; a year ago, it was $158,200 for a 12 percent decrease. Housing industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in October 2009 was $173,100, down 6.8 percent from a year earlier, according to NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $297,500 in October; in Massachusetts, it was $287,000; in Maryland, it was $250,210; and in New York, it was $209,900.

According to NAR’s latest industry outlook, home sales are experiencing a pendulum upswing. “Keep in mind that housing had been underperforming over most of the past year,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “The tax credit is helping unleash pent-up demand from a large pool of financially qualified renters, much more than borrowing sales from the future. In the second half of 2010, if home values show consistent stabilization or even a modest increase, then home sales could register normal healthy levels.”

In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for condos, 4,889 units sold statewide last month compared to 2,320 units in November 2008 for an increase of 111 percent. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $104,400; in November 2008 it was $131,400 for a 21 percent decrease. The national median existing condo price was $172,900 in October 2009, according to NAR.

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.88 percent last month, a significant drop from the average rate of 6.09 percent in November 2008, according to Freddie Mac. Florida Realtors’ sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Among the state’s smaller markets, the Tallahassee MSA reported a total of 174 homes sold in November compared to 100 homes a year earlier for a 74 percent increase. The market’s existing home median sales price last month was $162,000; a year ago it was $170,00 for a 5 percent decrease. A total of 5 condos sold in the MSA in November, up 150 percent over the 2 units sold in November 2008. The existing condo median price last month was $110,000; a year earlier, it was $95,000 for an increase of 16 percent.

© 2009 Florida Realtors®

1771 Ringling Blvd.
Unit # 1008
Sarasota, FL 34236

$409,000
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
1,483 Square-Feet

Most Valueable Condo For Sale in Sought-After Rivo @ Ringling! Not a Short Sale or Foreclosure *10th Floor Unit offering Expansive SouthWest Views of Marina, Sarasota Bay, & Downtown Sarasota SKyline! 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Unit, with Den/Office * Upgraded Throughout * Spacious Floor Plan, Perfectly Maintained * Upgraded Wood Cabinets * Granite Countertops * Stainless Steel Appliances * Sliding Glass Doors Leading to Spacious Lanai & Views of Bay & Downtown Sarasota * His & Her Sinks in Master Bathroom * Garden Tub & Walk-in Shower * Walk-In Closets * Perfect for Young Professional, Second Homebuyer, Retiree, or Anyone Looking to Enjoy the Amenities of Downtown Sarasota * Tenant Currently in Place that Keeps Unit in Immaculate Condition * Great Investment Property as Tenant Would Like to Stay, Generating Immediate Cash Flow on Your Investment * Make this Luxury Condo Your Second Home or Primary Residence * Residents Love this Building * Contemporary Decor & Urban Sophistication * State-of-the Art Fitness Center * Heated Swimming Pool Overlooking City * Located in the Heart of Downtown Sarasota * Owners Lender Will Allow Assumable Mortgage, so Purchase with NO MONEY DOWN * 100% Financing! A Rare Opportunity, & Priced to Sell Quickly * Condo Shows Like a Model* PRICED TO SELL * Call Today!

For Showings Contact Justin Shirley @ 941-448-4872

Click on the Thumbnails below to Preview Larger Photos of the Condo

156 Blvd. of the Presidents
Sarasota, FL 34236

$525,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath
1,804 Square-Feet

Live on St. Armands, Walk to Shops & Dining, Walk to Beach.. Be Part of the Ambiance in this World-Renowned Location! Minutes to Downtown * Charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with Pool * Wood Beamed, Cathedral Ceilings * Spacious Living Area * Cozy Up to Wood Burning Fireplace in Family Room * Tile Throughout * Fully Furnished * Plantation Shutters Throughout * Pavered-Lanai Surrounding Pool * Fenced Backyard Ensures Privacy * Tropical Landscaping, Manicured Beautifully * No Deed Restrictions * Home Has High Pride of Ownership & Maintained Very Well * Property Generates $4,000-6,000/Month in Rental Value * Owner Casually Generated $22,000 in Rental Income 2009 * Great Investment * Home is Perfect 2nd Home, Rental Property, or Primary Residence * Own in the Heart of Highly Desirable St. Armands Circle, Offering Epicurean Delights Tantalizing Taste Buds with Award-Winning Cuisine * Lounge in the Atmosphere, Savor the Delicacies Created by Master Chefs, Indulge in the Vintage Wines and Libations * This Cozy Home Puts You There, & Qualifies as Super Investment * Easy to Show * Call Today!

For Showings, Contact Justin @ 941-448-4872

Click on the Thumbails below to see Larger Photos of this Property

(Foreclosures Fall.. And Florida Looks like this.. Life is Good & Getting Better)

Foreclosure filings fall 8% in November

WASHINGTON (AP) – Dec. 10, 2009 – The number of homeowners on the brink of foreclosure fell in November, the fourth straight monthly decline, as mortgage companies evaluated whether borrowers were eligible for help.

Nearly 307,000 households, or one in every 417 homes, received a foreclosure-related notice in November, down 8 percent from a month earlier, RealtyTrac Inc. said Thursday. Banks repossessed about 77,000 homes last month, down slightly from October.

Millions of borrowers are still being evaluated for the Obama administration’s foreclosure prevention effort. States are also trying to delay the foreclosure process, temporarily lowering foreclosure numbers.

But the foreclosure crisis is likely to get worse before it gets better.

“We don’t really believe the underlying problems have been resolved,” said Rick Sharga, senior vice president at the Irvine, Calif.-based foreclosure listing service. Many borrowers, he said, “simply aren’t going to qualify” for help.

Foreclosure filings were still up 18 percent from a year ago, and a new wave is expected next year as unemployment remains high and borrowers fall out of loan modification programs.

Nevada posted the nation’s highest foreclosure rate, followed by Florida, California, Arizona and Idaho. Rounding out the top 10 were Michigan, Illinois, Utah, Maryland and New Jersey.

Among cities, Merced, Calif. had the highest rate, with one in 83 homes receiving a foreclosure filing. It was followed by fellow California cities Stockton and Modesto, and Cape-Coral-Fort Myers, Fla.

Las Vegas, which had been No. 1 on that list for four-straight months, fell to No. 5. Nevada recently adopted a program that requires mediation before banks can seize a property.

Nationwide, a report Wednesday showed only about 10,000 homeowners received permanent loan modifications this fall under the Obama administration’s mortgage relief plan, more evidence of serious failings in the government’s effort.

Elizabeth Warren, chair of a watchdog panel, told reporters that the program is “not working” and that it had failed to make a dent in the record level of foreclosures. More than 14 percent of homeowners with a mortgage are either late on their payments or in foreclosure, and that number is expected to keep rising as unemployment remains stubbornly high.

The Treasury Department is expected to release updated figures Thursday, but data through October showed that fewer than 5 percent of homeowners who completed the trial periods had their mortgage payments permanently lowered to more affordable levels.

Under the program, eligible borrowers who are behind or at risk of default can have their mortgage interest rate reduced to as low as 2 percent for five years. They are given temporary modifications, which are supposed to become permanent after borrowers make three payments on time and complete the required paperwork, including proof of income and a hardship letter.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press, Alan Zibel, AP real estate writer

WASHINGTON (AP) – Dec. 16, 2009 – Construction of new homes, helped by better weather, rebounded in the U.S. in November following a setback in the previous month.

The gain is a hopeful sign that the housing recovery is continuing, a development viewed as critical to lifting the overall economy out of recession.

The Commerce Department says construction of new homes and apartments rose 8.9 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 574,000 units. The gain represented strength in all areas of the country although the increase was slightly lower than economists had expected.

Applications for new building permits were also up, rising 6 percent to an annual rate of 584,000 units, a stronger showing than economists predicted.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press, Martin Crutsinger

Justin Shirley
CEO
Shirley International Realty
941.448.4872
www.JustinShirley.com

CNL occupies two towers that flank Orlando City Hall downtown.

Orlando-based CNL Financial Group and Sydney’s Macquarie Group have joined forces for the first time to establish a new global REIT, CNL Macquarie Global Growth Trust Inc., which will pursue opportunities in just about every sector of commercial real estate in various areas around the world. The partners can afford to think big, as the proposed total offering for the REIT is $1.5 billion.

CNL going on a global buying spree

ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 27, 2009 – CNL Macquarie Global Growth Trust Inc. announced its first public offering of $1.5 billion common shares for a new real-estate investment trust, with CNL Financial Group of Orlando serving as managing dealer.

The move marks the first partnership between the CNL group and the Australian-based Macquarie Capital Funds, an affiliate of Macquarie Group Limited, which has more than $189 billion of global assets.

Unlike traditional income-driven trusts, the product announced Thursday is growth-oriented rather than income driven, said a spokesman for CNL. The focus will be on acquiring commercial office, retail, industrial and multifamily properties that may “require repositioning or redevelopment” and that may face financial deadlines or be in markets with growth potential, according to a statement released by CNL on Thursday morning.

As much as 30 percent of those assets are likely to be outside of the United States.

University of Central Florida real estate Professor Randy Anderson said the strategy of pursuing well-placed assets for less than replacement costs is the correct move at this time.

“Right now it’s really important to buy right and buy when the assets are depressed,” Anderson said.

It’s key, he added, to be well-funded with a long view of staying with a property seven to 10 years instead of looking to sell in two or three years.

“You can’t be a musical-chair kind of investor,” he said.

Another consideration is going with an experienced team of investors who know to steer away bargain properties that don’t make sense in the long run, he added. CNL has had an “uncanny” ability to buy those strategic assets when the properties are out of favor, Anderson said.

Founded in Orlando in 1973, CNL Financial group has formed or acquired companies with more than $23 billion in assets, including hotel, retail, restaurant, and senior housing. Macquarie Group Limited, with headquarters in Sydney, was founded in 1969 and operates in more than 70 office locations in 26 countries.

Copyright © 2009 The Orlando Sentinel, Fla., Mary Shanklin. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Oct. 27, 2009 – Top Democrats in the Senate are pressing a plan that would extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers but gradually phase it out over the course of next year.

The proposal, by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., would extend the $8,000 tax credit – which expires Nov. 30 – through March 31. Its value would drop by $2,000 for each of the subsequent three quarters of 2010.

The plan, which could face a vote in the Senate this week, appears aimed at countering a far more generous $17 billion bipartisan plan that would extend the $8,000 credit through June 30, 2010, boost the income cap for eligibility and open the credit to all buyers, rather than first-timers.

Senators are maneuvering to add the homebuyer tax credit extension to legislation to extend unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks. That bill faces a key test vote on Tuesday.

Supporters say the tax credit has helped revive the housing market and say that if it’s cut off as scheduled at the end of next month, home sales could drop off.

Reid sought to schedule a vote on the competing measures on Monday but was blocked by top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is demanding votes on unrelated GOP proposals.

One such proposal would require people receiving unemployment insurance to be processed through the E-Verify program to prove legal immigration status and would require all federal contractors to use E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that employers use to check on the immigration status of new hires.

The Democratic plan also would extend the ability of money-losing businesses to claim refunds on taxes paid during profitable times up to four years ago. All businesses could take advantage of the credit; when passed in February it was limited to smaller companies with annual revenues of $15 million or less.

The provision is especially popular with homebuilders who made huge profits in the housing boom but are struggling today. Critics say it’s a giveaway to some of the very companies that helped build up the housing bubble years ago.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press, Andrew Taylor, Associated Press writer