Fort Lauderdale September 30, 2023

King Tides in Fort Lauderdale

Concerned about King Tides?  Living waterfront myself in Fort Lauderdale King Tides are always a concern.  The water rises to great levels this time of year and makes waterfront properties  scary, as well as breathtaking.  FTL Connect had an informative article in their Summer/Fall 2023 issue well worth the read. It speaks to what Fort Lauderdale is doing about rising water, seawalls and it’s infrastructures.

Find the estimated dates for King Tides this year in Fort Lauderdale below:

 

Commission Priorities

INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCE

A Royal Resilience Challenge

Preparing for King Tides and Beyond

Seasonal high tides known as king tides have historically affected low-lying areas of Fort Lauderdale that are prone to roadway flooding. Each year, the City of Fort Lauderdale reviews the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) predicted tide elevations and prepares for the upcoming season. This year, king tides are predicted on at least 28 days.

Predicted 2023 King Tides

• August 29 – September 3 • September 26 – October 3 • October 15-17
• October 26 – November 1 • November 12-16

• November 24-28

 

While these dates reflect the current prediction for seasonal higher tides, greater than average tides can occur anytime of the year under varying conditions. This year, 17 high tides have already exceeded 1.3 feet North American Vertical Datum (NAVD), which is the City’s flooding threshold.

“The impacts of sea level rise, tidal flooding and extreme rainfall have strengthened our resolve to fight climate change,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said.

“We are committed to taking action through our infrastructure master plans.
A critical commission priority has long been to improve the City’s climate resiliency and infrastructure, so we protect our way of life.”

The City of Fort Lauderdale has made significant investments in infrastructure to help keep rising tidal waters off roads and away from private property.

Approximately 200 tidal valves have been installed in areas prone to flooding throughout the southeastern portion of the City. When exposed to pressure from rising tidal waters, these devices create a seal to keep saltwater outside of our stormwater system, preventing it from traveling up drains and onto the street. When rain events occur at the same time as a high tide, tidal valves remain closed and prevent immediate discharge of stormwater, which can temporarily exacerbate roadway flooding. As the tide falls, ponded stormwater should drain.

Many of Fort Lauderdale’s scenic waterways are lined with seawalls that serve a critical function to safeguard surrounding neighbors and property. The City is investing millions of dollars to raise public seawalls, including at least two projects valued at more than $4 million scheduled to begin this year. The City also needs the support of private seawall owners to prevent tidal waters from crossing their properties and into the public rights of way. In March 2023, the

Sheet pile wall installation during construction of new seawalls along Hendricks Isle.

City Commission approved an ordinance that increased the minimum top elevation for seawalls from 3.9 feet to 5 feet to comply with standards established by Broward County. Together, we can reduce safety threats and protect properties and roadways from tidal inundation.

 

SOURCE: FTL CONNECT SUMMER/FALL 2023

Buyers September 28, 2023

Start Spreading the News: Fla. Tops NY in Home Values

Start Spreading the News: Fla. Tops NY in Home Values

Study: Fla. leaped past New York to be No. 2 in housing values, trailing only Calif. S. Fla. (No. 5) and Tampa (No. 18) made the “top 20 most valuable metros” list.

SEATTLE – The total value of the U.S. housing market surged more than $2.6 trillion over the past year, according to a Zillow analysis, largely due to rising home prices and the value of new construction.

Florida has been at the forefront of that value gain, according to the data used in the study. In the latest analysis of total real estate value, the Sunshine State took over the No. 2 spot, bumping New York State down to third place. California retains the top spot with more than $10 trillion of value – nearly 20% of the U.S. total.

In a list of the top 20 U.S. metros based on the total value of their real estate, two Florida metro areas make the list:

  • 5. Miami-Fort Lauderdale: $1,269.8 billion, up $100.5 billion since June 2022 – 8.6%
  • 18. Tampa: $521.1 billion, up $18.5 billion since June 2022 – 3.7%

While “total real estate value” is always a squishy concept – the equivalent of an automated appraisal for every piece of property in America – the trending changes don’t surprise many real estate professionals.

The total value of the U.S. housing market – the sum estimated value for every U.S. home – is now slightly less than $52 trillion, or $1.1 trillion higher than a previous peak reached in June 2022. A small chunk of that growth can be attributed to a 0.7% rise in the average value of a U.S. home during that time, but the main value change comes from new construction.

“A steady flow of new homes hit the market this spring and summer, helping chip away at the deep inventory deficit and boosting the total value of the market,” says Orphe Divounguy, Zillow senior economist. “Enough buyers remained to keep the market moving. … New home sales rose this year while existing home sales fell, and (new homes) should make up a bigger piece of the home sales pie for as long as rates remain elevated.”

The four most valuable metro areas have remained largely unchanged over the past five years: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston. But a new entrant from Florida, Miami, claimed the fifth spot, jumping all the way from ninth as recently as May 2021. Miami’s value surge pushed Washington, D.C., out of the top five.

Metros gaining the most value

Of the six markets where housing gained the most value since the start of the pandemic, four are in Florida:

  • Tampa: Up 88.9%
  • Miami: Up 86.6%
  • Jacksonville: Up 82.4%
  • Orlando: Up 72.3%

Zillow attributes large population growth as one reason for Florida’s strong new construction figures, but stronger competition for existing homes also played a role.

California remains a behemoth with more than $10 trillion of value in its housing market; nearly 20% of the national total. Florida, New York, Texas and New Jersey round out the top five.

20 ‘most valuable’ metros and percentage changes since June 2022

  1. New York: Up 4.2 %
  2. Los Angeles: Up 0.1 %
  3. San Francisco: Down 8.8%
  4. Boston: Up 3.4 %
  5. Miami-Fort Lauderdale: Up 8.6 %
  6. Washington: Up 3.2 %
  7. Chicago: Up 6.9 %
  8. Seattle: Down 5.1 %
  9. San Diego: Up 1.0 %
  10. Dallas-Fort Worth: Down 0.3 %
  11. San Jose, Calif.: Down 5.2 %
  12. Phoenix: Down 2.1 %
  13. Philadelphia: Up 6.8 %
  14. Riverside, Calif.: Down 3.1 %
  15. Houston: Up 3.5 %
  16. Atlanta: Up 3.7 %
  17. Denver: Down 6.0 %
  18. Tampa: Up 3.7 %
  19. Sacramento, Calif.: Down 5.4 %
  20. Portland, Ore.: Down 4.0%

SOURCE: © 2023 Florida Realtors®

Sellers September 22, 2023

Prepare your house for a professional photo shoot

📸✨ A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in real estate! 🏠💫 When it comes to selling your home, professional photography is the secret sauce that turns heads and captures hearts. 🌟 📷 With expertly composed shots, showcase your home’s best angles, highlight its unique features, and make potential buyers say ‘WOW!’ 🌈✨ Don’t settle for smartphone snapshots—let’s give your home the visual allure it deserves and make every click count! 📸🔑.

Tips to make those pictures shine:At a minimum, the house should look clean and organized.

  • Decluttering countertops go along way in making a home look open and inviting.
  • Smaller things, such as removing visible garbage cans, can also make the house look cleaner.

EXTERIOR:

  • Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.
  • Freshen up landscaping.
  • Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.
  • Remove dead plants, trees, etc.
  • Sweep outdoor space and walkways.
  • Remove visible foliage from the roof and gutters.
  • Spread fresh mulch.
  • Clear debris, hose, and toys from the pool.
  • Store outdoor trash and recycling bins – it is best to place them in a garage area in an outside shed for the photoshoot.
  • Store garden hoses and caddy.
  • Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.
  • Store toys, bikes, etc.
  • Wash windows and glass doors.
  • Clean outdoor furniture.
  • Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.
  • Straighten outdoor furniture.
  • Store seasonal decor.

INTERIOR:

  • Clear all countertops and remove clutter.
  • Somewhat depersonalize home with photos, names, etc.
  • Turn off fans; store portable fans.
  • Clean mirrors and windows.
  • Vacuum carpets and polish floors.
  • Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.
  • Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.
  • Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.
  • Display attractive books, magazines, etc.
  • Store remote controls and chargers.
  • Straighten furniture.
  • Hide electrical cords and cables.
  • Store toys and video games.
  • Store seasonal decor.
  • Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so that the floor can be seen clearly.
  • Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.

KITCHEN:

  • Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.
  • Store food.
  • Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.
  • Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.
  • Clean surfaces and appliances.
  • Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.
  • Store draining racks.
  • Organize open shelves.
  • Sweep and mop kitchen floor and rug.

LIVING AREAS:

  • Minimize photos and personal items.
  • Organize bookshelves.
  • Minimize knick-knacks.
  • Set tables with simple place settings.
  • Remove excess furniture and accessories.

BEDROOM:

  • Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.
  • Arrange decorative pillows.
  • Store clothing and shoes.
  • Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.
  • Remove all clutter.
  • Tidy master closets.
  • Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.
  • Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.
  • Remove laundry and stow hampers.

BATHROOMS:

  • Close toilet lids.
  • Remove countertop items.
  • Remove bath and shower items.
  • Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.
  • Store towels.
  • Store soaps and candles.

SWIMMING POOL AND SPAS:

  • Ensure their cleanliness.
  • Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.
  • Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
  • Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.
  • Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls.
Buyers August 9, 2023

What to consider when choosing your next abode

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING A NEIGHBORHOOD

Most people know that choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important aspects of a great lifestyle. When buying a new home, this becomes even more important. While everyone knows that property values, safety, schools, and commute ranks high in importance, there are some considerations that are not commonly thought about in advance yet make a huge impact on satisfaction.

· Vibrant Community and Social Scene – While some people are looking for a quiet life in the country, for those craving more action, consider this when choosing a neighborhood. Look for farmer’s markets, art galleries, festivals, bars and clubs, community events; ways to create a sense of belonging and involvement.

· Pet-Friendly Environment – For pet owners, finding a welcoming community for their furry friends is important. Look for places with lots of green space, dog parks, and pet-friendly establishments.

· Unique Architectural or Historic Value – There are many cities with historical districts and heritage sites. Buying a home in these areas can be a distinctly inspiring experience. One caveat, before buying, it’s important to make sure to understand the rules and restrictions; often there are ordinances which prevent changing the exterior of the home.

· Natural Surroundings – For nature enthusiasts, living near green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities can be important. In addition to community parks, trails, or lakes, these buyers should consider proximity to national parks, BLM land, or public waterways.

· Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Communities – If environmental sustainability is important, then look for communities with eco-friendly

policies and amenities. Watch for communal gardens, bike lanes, and renewable energy initiatives.

Choosing the right neighborhood is about more than just property values and school systems. By looking beyond the traditional aspects and considering the unique things that enhance lifestyle, buyers can make sure that the community, as well as the home, suits their needs.