Spokane Real Estate Advisor John Creighton of John L. Scott Releases February 2011 Market Update

Spokane, WA - John Creighton with the John L. Scott agency in Spokane WA, has released his February 2011 Spokane Real Estate Market Update, a comprehensive summary of real estate activity in the Spokane and surrounding areas.

A fixture in the real estate community for years, Creighton's Market Update is received by hundreds of Spokane area investors, buyers, and real estate professionals in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area

"February of 2011 showed an increase in existing home sales volume along with a decrease in prices for the third consecutive month. This is holding fairly consistently to normal seasonal variations in market activity."

He says the average price in the Spokane area declined by 6.98% versus the prior month (January 2011) with homes staying on the market 99 days on average.

"It is obviously still a buyers market, but there are still plenty of transactions happening. There are still families needing to move closer to jobs or into a bigger home to accommodate a larger family."

"On the other hand, we are seeing an increasing number of distressed sales including Spokane foreclosures and short sales. These continue to put pricing pressure on homeowners who find themselves needing to sell in this market."

From the perspective of the buyer, though, he says there's never been a better time to get more home for less money than today's market.

"The silver lining in this economic environment is that reduced prices make Spokane homes far more affordable for anyone needing to move. You can certainly buy a much larger home for less money now than you could a year or two ago."

About the Spokane Market Update

Published since 2006, the Spokane Market Update is written by Spokane Real Estate Advisor John Creighton, MBA, e-PRO, GRI, Licensed in Washington & Idaho. Subscription is free at www.SpokaneRealEstateAdvisor.com.

For more information, please contact:

John Creighton, MBA, GRI, e-PRO
Spokane Real Estate Advisor
John L Scott Real Estate
1338 N Liberty Lake Rd
(509) 979-2535

Lee & Associates Negotiates $3.3 Million Industrial Sales Transaction

Brea, CA - Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate providers with regional expertise, has closed a $3.3 million sales transaction for a 32,842 square foot industrial building located at 1545 Moonstone Street in Brea, Calif.

Luke Hudson and Scott Seal of Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. Orange represented the buyer, Nail Harmony. Tom Dorman and Ian Britton of CB Richard Ellis represented the seller, Cohen Asset Management, Inc.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating 32 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 41 locations across the nation including California, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of more than 600 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

The British Are Coming: US Dollar Weakness Spurs Foreign Investment in Florida Investment Property

Orlando, FL - Orlando Florida real estate agent J.C. Penny, who specializes in Disney area investment property, says that British investment is increasing in the region due in part to a favorable currency exchange rate with the British pound.

He says that the falling dollar in relation to the pound has increased interest in local real estate from overseas buyers because the exchange rate trend means their pounds and euros go further.

"Tourists who visit Disney World on holiday don't have to be currency traders to notice the good property values when buying Orlando real estate. They frequently contact me while they are here to initiate a purchase of a short term rental that they can use themselves and let out the rest of the year."

Penny says that by the time European holiday-goers trade their currency in for the dollar, they are effectively getting a 38% discount on the property transaction. He says that while a lot of locals don't understand how the currency system works, it is actually a simple concept.

"As the dollar's value is decreased by the Federal Reserve's Quantitative Easing, it simply takes more dollars than pounds or euros to buy the same amount of house."

He says this disparity gives the Brits an edge as buyers, because it reduces their real cost as denominated in their currency.

"As good as Orlando property prices are right now, they are even better for the Brits. Thirty eight percent better."

About J.C. Penny Realty

J.C. Penny Realty specializes in Orlando short term rentals (STR) and other Orlando property for sale. With hundreds of satisfied clients on two continents, J.C. Penny works hard to ensure transactions go smoothly.

For more information:

J.C. Penny, Owner/Broker
J.C. Penny Realty
502 Canna Dr.
Davenport, FL 33897
863-353-8193
JC@JCPennyRealty.com
http://propertyforsaleorlandoflorida.com

 

Lee & Associates Negotiates $7.6 Million Land Parcel Sale

LA JOLLA, Calif. — March 7, 2011 — Lee & Associates, one of the largest national commercial real estate providers with regional expertise, has closed on the $7.6 million sale of a .32-acre land parcel at 1030 Pearl St., and 7522-7532 Herschel Ave., in La Jolla, Calif.

Lee & Associates’ Matt Weaver, Patrick Miller and Trevor Jensen of the North San Diego office teamed to represent buyer Zephyr Partners-RE, LLC, in the transaction.

The property is located in Downtown La Jolla, just west of Interstate-5 and about one-half mile away from the Pacific Ocean, next to the La Jolla County Club. It is fully entitled for 24 townhomes. The entire parcel comprises 27,687 square feet and is currently improved with office and apartment buildings.

“This property is in a prime location at the intersection of Pearl and Herschel in La Jolla,” said Weaver, who is a principal in Lee’s North San Diego office. “Zephyr Partners is a strong local company and this project will be extremely successful for them.”

Zephyr plans to demolish the existing structures and hopes to break ground in the next three to four months. The seller, Pearl & Herschel, LLC, was represented by Victor Krebs of Colliers International.

About Lee & Associates

Celebrating 31 years of leadership excellence in commercial real estate, Lee & Associates is the largest broker-owned firm in the nation, with 41 locations across the nation including California, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Indianapolis, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas and Wisconsin. With a roster of more than 600 expert brokers, Lee & Associates provides a wide range of specialized commercial real estate services. Additional information is available at www.lee-associates.com.

Minneapolis Agent Says Low Interest Rates and High Oil Prices Boosting Demand For Condos And Lofts

Minneapolis, MN - Downtown Minneapolis real estate agent Ben Ganje, known as the Urban Realtor/Dad, says the lowest interest rates in years are boosting demand for condos and lofts.

According to Ganje, with interest rates hovering about 4.87% for a thirty year fixed mortgage, Minneapolis lofts and condos make for a great purchase decision for more and more Twin Cities city dwellers.

"I think more young couples are deciding to move into the Minneapolis downtown because it has a lot of benefits: Cheaper real estate prices, of course, but also a culture-rich lifestyle, and shorter commutes."

With fuel prices climbing higher and taking a bigger chunk of the family budget, Ganje says there are a lot of financial incentives for young professionals who work downtown to live and work within walking distance.

"Everyone talks about oil prices and food going up. I just tell them to move closer to work. Downtown is not just a great place to work, it is an incredible place to live, and you can save a lot of money."

He says his clients have a wide variety of reasons for moving to the city. For some it’s the fast paced lifestyle, while others are drawn to the beautiful cityscape view from some of the nicer Minneapolis condos.

"The bottom line is that Minneapolis real estate just makes financial sense for a lot of people--even those like me who are raising a family."

Ben Ganje
Urban Realtor/Dad
www.SearchMinneapolisCondos.com
700 Washington Avenue N #101
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 777-8005

God and Country Festival Announces Artist Showcase on April 1 at Christian Faith Center in Nampa

Nampa, Idaho - The Treasure Valley God and Country Festival is announcing a Local Artist Showcase on April 1, 2011 to be held at Christian Faith Center in Nampa. The event, which will be an opportunity for local Christian music artists to audition for a chance to play at the 2011 God and Country Festival, will begin at 6:00 pm.

Christian Faith Center is located at 31 South Midland Blvd. in Nampa. Artists will perform in front of a live audience. The event, which is free to the public and artists alike, will be sponsored by Aged Out Teens Unlimited, a local ministry to help Idaho teens leaving the foster care system who were never adopted into a permanent family.

Artists can download an application to appear in the Showcase by visiting the God and Country Festival website at www.godandcountryfestival.com.

Susan Ness, President of the Festival, says the board is excited to hear local artists showcasing their God-given talents for the community.

"While we don't have enough time for all of the great artists here in the Treasure Valley, we do want to hear as many as possible." Ethan Wheeler of Triamp Group, Inc., who is engineering the sound for the Showcase and the Festival, says artists will be limited to two songs and the backline equipment on hand.

"This will be a fast-paced evening due to time limitations, but it should be a lot of fun."

About the God and Country Festival

The God and Country Festival is a free annual concert, fireworks show, and civic event celebrating religious freedom of expression and assembly in America, and honoring the men and women in the military who serve to protect that freedom. It is held the Wednesday before the Fourth of July each year.

http://www.godandcountryfestival.com

About Aged Out Teens Unlimited

Aged Out Teens Unlimited is a local ministry to teens who are "aging out" of Idaho's foster care system. Teens are often overlooked for adoption and age out of the system, entering adulthood with no hope, no future, and no permanent family to share birthdays, holidays, weddings, and life. AOT Unlimited's mission is to provide permanent families for these teens along with mentoring in basic job and life skills.

http://www.agedoutteens.com

###

God and Country Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 993
Nampa, ID 83653
www.godandcountryfestival.com

Carol Andrews
Vice President
208-941-4236

San Diego Artificial Turf Contractor Says Commercial Property Owners Save Thousands of Dollars

San Diego, Calif. - A turf installation company in San Diego says owners of commercial and institutional real estate like office buildings, churches, and schools can significantly cut expenses by installing artificial turf instead of conventional grass lawns.

The company, San Diego Lawns, helps owners and property managers cut back on landscaping expenses by installing maintenance-free synthetic lawns. President Scot Wozniak says that the larger the property, the more installing his San Diego Turf helps owners save each month on water and lawn maintenance.

"Having great-looking landscape is important to making an excellent first impression for many businesses. What we do is provide a way for owners to keep their lawns green without biting into their checkbooks with lawn care bills."

He says that using synthetic turf frees commercial and even institutional property owners like churches and schools from the costs associated with keeping the grass green while at the same time guarantees your lawn is always beautiful.

He also says that the long-term benefits of artificial turf are even better. Without the need to water your lawn, you can take out a significant chunk from your water bill. In fact, he says that installing synthetic turf can reduce maintenance and utility costs by over 60%.

"It can take a lot of time and money to have your grass kept looking nice year-round. Artificial turf is the best way to get rid of that problem once and for all."

Wozniak also points out that as an environmentally friendly alternative to common lawn care services, artificial turf is beneficial to residential and commercial property owners alike.

For more information, please contact:

Scot Wozniak
President
San Diego Lawns, Inc.
1035 Surrey Dr
Bonita CA 91902
619-495-0722
http://www.sandiegolawns.com
scot@sdlawns.com

Caldwell REALTOR Launches Statewide Idaho Real Estate Search Service

Caldwell, Idaho - Caldwell REALTORS Scott and Patti Syme have launched a new website covering the state of Idaho allowing homebuyers to search for virtually all Idaho homes for sale. The site, www.IdahoHomesForSale.net, covers the Intermountain MLS, listing Idaho Real Estate for sale in most of the state's cities and towns, including rural properties and recreational land.

Scott and Patti Syme, brokers and owners of the Caldwell real estate company Syme Real Estate, say the new website is part of their online strategy to reach more buyers through search engines and social media in 2011. As a HUD listing broker, the company has a large inventory of Idaho HUD Homes, providing low priced alternatives for home buyers.

"This site is very convenient for buyers to search for any type of property they want to find, from Nampa homes to Parma ranches. Although we are located in the Treasure Valley, the site covers the whole state, so we can provide quality listing information to anyone looking for Idaho property."

Patti Syme, who sits on the 2011 Executive Board of the Nampa Board of Realtors, says she is excited to have a site that reaches such a wide cross section of the state of Idaho.

"While an online presence is absolutely essential in this day and age, I'm in this business because I love working with people. IdahoHomesForSale.net just extends my philosophy that giving people a lot of information about listings helps families be more comfortable with the biggest financial decision of their lives."

Scott Syme agrees. He says that providing personalized service to home buyers is a passion of his, whether they are local or moving in from out of town.

"Many agents are transaction-focused, and I think they have it backwards. We know we'll get more transactions by keeping our clients happy, and our new site is designed to do just that."

About Syme Real Estate

Syme Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage and official HUD listing broker located in Caldwell, Idaho. With the motto of "We Love Idaho Real Estate," Scott and Patti Syme have worked hard to build a reputation of professional conduct and friendly customer service, helping buyers and sellers with all their Treasure Valley real estate needs for years.

Patti Syme
Scott Syme
Syme Real Estate
206 South 9th Avenue
Caldwell ID 83605
(208) 455-9392
www.SymeRE.com
www.IdahoHomesForSale.net
www.NampaCaldwellHomes.com

Orlando Real Estate Agent Specializes in Disney Area Short Term Rental Property Zoned For Investment

Orlando, FL - J.C. Penny with J.C. Penny Realty says that his Orlando real estate firm specializes in investment properties in the Orlando Disney World area called Short Term Rentals. Short Term Rentals, or STRs, are homes, condos, townhomes, and villas that are specifically zoned as investment property that can be rented out to vacationers on holiday.

He says that many European and Canadian tourists visit Disney Orlando each year, and some decide to buy their own place to stay so they can rent it out during the rest of the year for extra income. The problem is that many properties are not zoned for this type of use.

"I've had many clients over the years come to me after wasting a lot of time and money pursuing properties that were not zoned properly for what they wanted to do."

Penny says he has a steady clientele of buyers come to him for his companies expertise in this area, because he and his staff make it their business to know which neighborhoods are zoned for Short Term Rentals and which are not.

"Our website is designed to make it easy to find STR-zoned properties, but we also confirm the zoning for our clients before spending any time visiting properties or submitting offers. Our knowledge of Orlando short term rentals saves our clients a lot of time and money."

As the summer holiday season warms up, Penny says the Orlando STR market is as well.

"With prices and interest rates as low as they are, and currency exchange rates favorable to overseas investors, we expect the Orlando investment property market to be strong."

For more information:

J.C. Penny, Owner/Broker
J.C. Penny Realty
502 Canna Dr.
Davenport, FL 33897
863-353-8193
JC@JCPennyRealty.com
http://propertyforsaleorlandoflorida.com