Florida Trailer Park Owners Cash In

Residents of a coastal trailer park in Palm Beach County, Fla., called Briny Breezes have approved the sale of their community to a developer for more than $510 million.

The proceeds will be distributed based on the size and location of their lots, making most of the property owners millionaires. Nearly all of the 488 share-owning trailer owners voted; 80 percent approved the sale, while 17 percent rejected it. The vote clears the way for Boca Raton-based Ocean Land Investments to buy the 43-acre property. State and local officials still must approve new zoning to accommodate the 900 condo units, luxury hotel, and marina proposed by the developer. Owner Kevin Dwyer says he understands why some people didn’t want to sell — they’ll have to give up oceanfront living. But he voted yes because the return was irresistible — about $800,000 for the singlewide trailer and lot he bought nine years ago for $37,500. “I don't have much money. It’s a no-brainer for me,” Dwyer says.

Source: Associated Press (01/10/07)

Attention Mr. Dwyer and owners of Briny Breezes, I have the inside scoop on lovely homes here in Las Cruces if you are interested in trading your ocean view for the amazing desert sunsets.

What's Hot & What's Not in Home Design for 2007

Mark Nash, the Chicago-based real estate broker who penned 1,001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home (Thomson/South-Western, 2004), has released a list of home features that remain popular among buyers and those that are no longer in vogue. His list is based on responses from more than 900 real estate professionals nationwide. For example, practitioners surveyed reported that the inability to keep stainless steel appliances, glass-front cabinets, and vessel-style sinks clean has caused them to fall out of favor with buyers. Also, spiral staircases have become less popular, particularly among buyers with young children. As for what's "in," Nash found buyers are increasingly looking for some of the following features in homes:


Glass bathroom and kitchen tiles

His-and-her home offices complete with fiber-optic cables for Internet connectivity

Wood floors — although not bamboo because it is not as durable

Extra storage space in the form of linen closets, pantries, and luggage rooms

With a large supply of unsold homes on the market, practitioners note that buyers have become pickier and expect homes to be in move-in condition.


Source: Washington Post, Kirstin Downey (01/06/07)

Smart Tips for Sellers with Pets

We all love our pets, they are so much a part of our family that sometimes we even call them our "kids." As much as we love them though, they are sometimes a big turn off to potential buyers viewing your home. Some buyers may be afraid of or allergic to your furry friend and may not be able to see past them and pay attention to the house. Here are some suggestions for sellers with pets:

1. Make sure that pet food & water bowls are out of sight during showing times.

2. Put up all pet toys and accessories such as leashes, carriers & beds.

3. Vacuum carpets and sweep floors every morning to keep down on any pet dander and hair.

4. Before home goes on the market, hire a professional cleaning company to steam clean all carpets and furniture your pets may lounge on.

5. Remove pets from the home during Open House hours.

6. Fix any damage the pet has done to the home.

7. Use a light scented air sanitizer to remove pet odors.

8. Consider offering a "carpet allowance" incentive to the buyer at closing. Some buyers are not comfortable knowing a pet lived in the house, even after the carpets have been professionally cleaned.