Essential Questions to Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent to Represent You as a Home Buyer

When it comes to purchasing a home, especially in competitive markets like Boca Raton, Florida, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. An experienced agent not only helps you navigate the complexities of the home buying process but also ensures you get the best deal possible. However, not all real estate agents are created equal, and it's crucial to ask the right questions before hiring one. Here are the essential questions you should ask when hiring a real estate agent to represent you as a home buyer.

1. How Long Have You Been Working in Real Estate?
   Experience matters in real estate. An agent with several years of experience is likely to have a deep understanding of the local market, negotiation strategies, and…

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ALINA Residences Phase Two Completed

El-Ad National Properties, a key division of the Elad Group, has recently celebrated a major achievement in the upscale Boca Raton real estate scene with the topping off of both buildings in the final phase of ALINA Residences Boca Raton. This marks a significant step in the completion of this world-class residential destination in downtown Boca Raton.

Initiated in March 2022, the second phase of ALINA Residences is rapidly progressing towards its anticipated completion in late 2024. Upon completion, the project will comprise three luxurious buildings: ALINA 200, ALINA 210, and ALINA 220, totaling 303 upscale residences. The first building, ALINA 200, has already seen immense success with all units sold and currently occupied.

Alina Residences

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Palm Beach County Has Become The New Hub for Businesses

Publix. Citrix. Office Depot. These are but a few of the largest and most recognizable companies that have called South Florida home for decades. Recently however, the corporate neighborhood has gotten a lot more crowded—and the momentum has only picked up. 

Over the past half-decade, the Palm Beach County Business Development Board has helped roll out the welcome mat to approximately 140 companies who have relocated or expanded their operations into the county. This has resulted in more than $1.12 billion in capital investment and over 13,000 direct jobs for locals.

It has also contributed to a still-booming residential and commercial market. Just over the past year, these companies have swallowed up more than 1.6 million square feet of…

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Interest Rate Increases And Their Effect on the South Florida Real Estate Market

The Federal Reserve intensified its fight against inflation in June by announcing the biggest interest rate increase in 28 years as the government's main lending institution tries to rein in skyrocketing consumer costs. 

The largest increase since 1994, the Fed increased its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point. That comes after increases of a quarter point in March and a half point in May. The increase is due to growing prices for rent, groceries, gasoline, and a variety of other goods and services. Higher interest rates will increase the cost of carrying a credit card bill, obtaining a vehicle loan, and purchasing a home.

Rate increases are anticipated to continue in the upcoming months. In general, Fed policymakers…

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Will Florida's Housing Market Cool Down or Crash?

Florida seemingly continues to operate in its own world—at least when it comes to real estate. While signs indicating slowing momentum are popping up more and more throughout the nation, six of the top 25 overvalued home markets are right in our backyard, and several new studies indicate a prolonged period of unaffordability.

Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, and the University of Alabama found that the current combination of high demand and low inventory that began at the start of the pandemic is likely to continue thanks in part to future population growth projections.

Which Florida Communities Are The Most Overvalued?

Of the six Sunshine State metro areas identified, Fort Myers topped the list. Typical buyers…

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Five Reasons We Won’t See A Housing Crash in 2022

It may be hard to believe, but the South Florida real estate market is quickly approaching the conclusion of its second full calendar year of record-shattering pace. Homes and condos are still selling nearly as quickly as they were at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and setting new highs along the way. 

With respect to Mr. Gordon Gekko, many real estate experts and economists—not to mention home buyers and sellers—aren’t convinced that all this greed is good. Headlines abound regarding a potential housing crash which would rival that of the late ‘00s. While it’s true that some cherry-picked data trends could cause concern, the fact of the matter is we find ourselves in a far different climate; one that could actually turn out positively for…

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Sundy Village: Delray Beach’s Newest Old Landmark

The intersection of Delray Beach’s Atlantic and Swinton Avenues is more than a vibrant city center;

it’s the beating heart of the world-renowned beachfront hideaway. Surrounding this small section of converging asphalt are the booming businesses, fashionable boutiques, and delectable dining fare that have made Delray Beach one of South Florida’s hidden gems.

Soon, at this very intersection, a revitalized landmark will reclaim its rightful space amid the scenery. Sundy Village is set to break ground in Q4 of 2021—and its combination of preservation and enlightenment will be unlike anything the city has seen before.

A New Twist On An Old Story

Sundy Village is set to personify the sublime mixture of leisure and luxury that Delray Beach…

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South Florida’s Rental Market Must Be Addressed

South Florida’s rental market has long been less-than-ideal for non-homeowners.

Landlords operated happily within the free market, raising their rates and easily finding plenty of takers ready to bask in the temperate weather and vibrant culture that our region offers. Those whose bank accounts couldn’t keep up were hastily left behind.

The past year seems to have accelerated the trend even more as too few new apartments have been built, and affordable housing has become even more scarce. Renters seemingly have little to no control of the market, making Florida one of the worst locations in the country to rent in. This reality has re-started the conversation over rent control—a proposal that has always failed in the past; but with examples set…

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Could Mandatory Inspections Prevent Future Condo Tragedies in Boca Raton?

In the wake of the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, more questions and concerns regarding the safety of buildings throughout South Florida have emerged seemingly every day. Now, a coalition under Palm Beach County’s League of Cities has proposed an inspection of many condos, apartment buildings, hotels, and offices both east and west of I-95.

The proposal targets buildings a minimum of 25 years old east of the highway, and 35 years old on the western side, regardless of height. This surpasses the standard of 40 years of age in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. While one and two-family homes, government buildings, and schools are excluded, this would result in a massive undertaking, as 90% of the condominiums stretching from…

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Ten Reasons to Move To South Florida

It’s likely you grew up with at least one family member who wouldn’t stop talking about their dream to retire to Florida. Every holiday you’d be regaled with stories of green lawns, year-round sunshine, golf courses, beaches, and no state income taxes. In fact, that person might even be yourself!

Considering all that Florida has to offer, it’s little wonder why our home state is welcoming thousands of new residents every year. This makes for a diverse culture, incredible culinary options, and plenty of tourist-pleasing attractions; but that’s certainly not all! Here are several more reasons you should pursue that dream move:

Our Welcoming Weather

There are 365 days in one year—and in Florida more than 2/3 of them are bathed in sunshine. There…

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