Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Miami Condo: Surviving Despite Market Decline

Considered as one of the top tourist attractions in the known world, Miami is flocked to the brim with tourists every year. From the sandy beaches to exotic nightlife, Miami is indeed a perfect place to relax and enjoy a time-off from the busy routine of work.

Many real estate firms converted a vast number of residential areas, like apartments, to high-rise condos to accommodate visitors flocking into the city. They believe that this is a lucrative business, and will never run out – but they were wrong.

Miami Real Estate Market On Steep Decline

Since 2006, Miami, as well as the rest of the states, experienced a decline in the real estate market. The number of foreclosures increases every year, which adds to the number of unsold real estate units.

There are many factors that contribute to the decline of real estate market in Florida. The interest rates of many financial lenders increased over the years, making it almost impossible for local residents to get a loan to finance residential real estate acquisitions. Also, the devaluation of the U.S. currency made real estate market an almost impossible lucrative venture.

Too Many Condos

One of the blunders which contributed to the Miami real estate decline is the number of condo units. The construction of many high-rise condos can be seen all over the city, and when finished, adds to the increasing number of unsold homes.

This kind of investment is taking a hard toll on many real estate companies as they try different methods to attract clients to acquire these units; being hard-pressed as to lower their prices to increase the chance of making the deal sweeter to the locals and foreigners alike, is starting to take its tolls on their finances.

Miami Condo Price Decreases

Since the U.S. Dollar value declined, many foreigners are now eyeing the prices of Miami condos with interests. Canadians and Europeans are now flocking into the city to buy these condos units at lower the cost. The locals are starting to notice the decrease of prices in many real estate properties around the city. Though the affordability is still slim considering the high interest rates of different mortgage types, the glimmer of hope in condo acquisition is on the rise for these individuals.

Also, the increase in demand of additional workforce for the city contributes to the rising need of residential units. Currently, the median prices for condo in Miami are, more or less, $200,000. Condominiums are now being considered as cheaper compared to single-family residential properties; thus, the popularity for Miami condo increases every year.

The real challenge, however, to survive the real estate market despite the economic crisis is how each of these agencies will create an affordable market for real estate properties to the rising demand of the public.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor

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