The Plaza at Oceanside in Pompano Beach is an outstanding luxury building that was built by WCI and hit by the worst possible economic conditions in 2007-2008.  WCI had its share of troubles, and the building sat unsold for about a year post completion.  In South Florida, several of these wonderful buildings, that remained unsold and unoccupied have been bought up by “Bulk Buyers” stepping in and buying either the entire building or a large number of units.  This has happened at the Caribbean in Miami Beach, Harbour House in Bal Harbour and other buildings as well.   As reported, WCI Communities has sold The Plaza at Oceanside in Pompano Beach to Hollywood developer Ari Pearl and his partner, New York-based The Chetrit Group , for $38.5 million.  While WCI was under Chapter 11, potential buyer’s were of course concerned about the future of the project and so the building sat primarily empty.  With new owners, great location, attractive pricing and outstanding amenities, this project presents a very attractive buying opportunity.

I have been watching and keeping tabs on this building, and I am delighted to hear that it now has the stability it deserves.

The Plaza at Oceanside is across the street from the ocean directly on the intracoastal.  There are units available with intracoastal views and units available with ocean views as well.  All units are either 2 bedroom, 2 bedrooms plus a den or 3 bedrooms and they run from 1441 square feet to over 4900 for the penthouse.  I have the original price list when sales were first offered. At that time prices per square foot were around $800.   Today, opportunities are at a fraction of the original asking prices.

The building has a total of 186 units and they are already about 27% sold.  Maintenance fees have been reduced to $0.45 per square foot as well.

The lobby and common areas are adorned with modern art everywhere.  The interiors were designed by Steven G.

An outstanding feature about this building is the incredible amenities offered.  They have many rooms for the residents to appeal to a variety of past times.    There is a wine room with wine lockers for the owners, news room with a  stock market ticker, theatre room, golf simulator,  fully equipped gym, internet room set up with lap top tables and private rooms, teen room, infant room and much more.

Floor plans are spacious and kitchens and baths are nicely appointed. Contact me for floor plans, prices and further details.

Susan Reiter (954) 632 3266

susan@blogsouthflorida.com

Intracoastal and Pool

Full appointed kitchens with fine appliances

News Room-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Theatre-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Fully Equipped Gym-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Expansive Pool-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Game Room and Residents Lounge-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Wine Lockers-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Indoor Golf Simulator -The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

Teen Room-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

On-Line Internet Room-The Plaza at Oceanside Pompano Beach

As reported int the Wall Street Journal, a survey was published this week that showed wealthy investors have a renewed appetite for real estate. This has been seen in the increased sales data for luxury oceanfront condos in South Florida from Miami to Fort Lauderdale.  In the past 12 months there have been 434 oceanfront condos sold priced over $800,000.  250 luxury oceanfront condos close over $1 million this year.

The survey from Barclay’s Wealth revealed that wealthy investors expect to increase their asset allocation to real estate. Over the next two years, 35 percent of respondents plan to increase the proportion of real estate in their portfolios (not including their primary residence), while 48 percent plan to maintain their current allocations. The main reason that investors give for the increase is that they believe real estate offers better long-term prospects than other asset classes.

Outside their own countries of residence, most investors consider the U.S. to be the most attractive real estate market.

A survey of 2,000 investors world-wide with investible assests of more than $800,000 showed that 75% of respondents felt residential real estate is an attractive investment.

About half of those surveyed expect an increase in the value of their real estate investments over the next two years. Almost 40% of those with assets over $50 million have over 50% of their portfolio in real estate.

The survey also revealed that half the women found investing in real estate less risky than men and enjoyed real estate investing more than men.

In the peak of the housing market, buyers lined up with fist fulls of cash for the opportunity to secure an oceanfront condo in a new luxury building. We know what happened next, the market collapsed and many buyers walked away from their deposits.  What happened to these luxury oceanfront buildings?

Time has marched on and changes have happened.  Several of the brand new oceanfront condo buildings that were caught in the worst timing possible have been able to restructure their pricing models to reflect today’s market, either through bulk buyers coming in and taking over or through other strategic measures.

Take the Mei in Miami Beach for example.  Prices originally were over a $1000 sq.ft. Months ago they restructured their pricing radically and are now about 80 to 90% sold out.  Direct oceanfront units are priced in the $600-$700 sq.ft. range and north and south units with great views are in the $500 sq.ft. range.

Caribbean in Miami Beach is another perfect example. A bulk buyer came in and bought the project and totally restructured their pricing. Originally units were $1000 sq.ft. and higher.   The premier direct oceanfront corner units are around $690 sq.ft. North and south views are now $300-$400 per sq.ft.

Canyon Ranch is the most unique luxury oceanfront building offering a complete lifestyle supported by amenities unlike any other property. We have several listing at Canyon Ranch and have recently sold several units.  Completion also coincided with unfavorable economic times.  In spite of that, the South Tower has for the most part sold out completely.  The Carillon Tower, which is part condo part condo-hotel has had brisk sales with aggressive pricing opportunities.  The North Tower, offers spacious units priced in the $900-$1000 sq.ft. range.  We are watching the North Tower very carefully as well.

Another building I am watching very carefully and expect to see a major price reduction in is the new Trump Hollywood.  Hollywood and Hallandale as a location does not command prices as high as Miami Beach and direct oceanfront units can be had today in the $400-$500 sq.ft. price range. Trump Hollywood just completed, is a magnificent property which I will post on shortly.  Prices today are being offered from$620-$800 per square foot.  However, I anticipate seeing some price movement in 2010. That being said, this is an exceptional truly LUXURY building with great living spaces and may become the next great South Florida oceanfront condo buy.

Trump Hollywood Luxury Oceanfront

As has been reported, a New York City investor has purchased the Caribbean Miami Beach.  Originally prices for units in this oceanfront building were averaging $848 per square foot.   This is a boutique building with only 103 units, composed of one, two and three bedroom units.  Prices today are starting at $400 per square foot.  Furthermore, maintenance is only about $.62 per square foot.  The building offers a pool, fitness center with a sauna and locker rooms, private wine cellar, private cigar humidor and it is wired offering “Smart Building” technology.

Located on 37th and Collins, it is a super location walking distance to the newly renovated  Fontainebleau, under construction Cipriani’s, Morton’s Steak House and other great restaurants.  Minutes from South Beach, Bal Harbour and Miami International Airport.

The Caribbean consists of two towers, the newly constructed South Tower and the renovated North Tower.  The South Tower has only 4 units per floor. 

The direct ocean units are spacious with spectacular views.  Wide wrap around balconies extends the living space on one of the most beautiful beaches along the coast.  The kitchens have dark wood cabinetry and top of the line appliances.  The master bath is open and extends into the master bedroom with seamless glass walls. 

This is a very interesting project in a great location priced well for today’s market.

I have several clients, oceanfront condo buyers and sellers,  coming into town this week for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show which runs October 29, to November 2nd.  The show will feature more than 3 billion dollars worth of boats, yachts, super yachts, electronics, engines and thousands of boating accessories from every major marine manufacturer and boat builder worldwide. The Boat Show encompasses more than 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water.  This is the world’s largest boat show and attracts people from all over the world. 

Other great reasons to be in South Florida…..

Our South Florida climate is ideal for convertibles.   

 …and those that come to South Florida enjoy great dining. South Florida speciality…stone crabs.

and of course great oceanfront condos in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach

Those that follow my posts know that I identify buying opportunities for oceanfront condos.  The oceanfront condos that have proven to be the best buying scenerios have been offered by either motivated sellers or by developers looking to close out their inventory.  In today’s market there are a select number of truly fine buildings that have been finished and offered for sale at the worst possible time.   These new buildings can remain unsold for only a limited time.   Eventually, prices have to reflect today’s market. 

Enter Sonata Beach Club in Pompano Beach.  This is a “boutique building” with only 64 residences.  The largest unit (not counting the penthouse) is 2809 sq.ft. 2 bedrooms plus a den with 3 baths.  The smallest unit is  2497 sq.ft.   These are spacious oceanfront units.  Prices when originally offered were above $1million, averaging $435 per square foot.  Today, these units have been discounted 40%.  A great unit with direct ocean views on a mid to high floor can be had for $800,000, $285 sq.ft.  These are “decorator ready” units that have to be finished out.

For those desiring a large 2 bedroom plus den oceanfront condo in a small building, Sonata Beach is worth a look.

Finished kitchen in a model unit

Model Living Room

Master Bath

Living Room Space

Floor Plan of the Mozart

Building Exterior

The oceanfront condo activity since August is quite incredible.  In every luxury oceanfront condo building, there have been buying opportunities and there are buyers buying.  Followers of blogsouthflorida know that when I reference buying opportunities, I am in most cases referring to “motivated sellers”, not short sales or bank owned properties.

There has been a significant increase in sales.   The opportunities we have identified and monitor are truly quite incredible.  Units that are direct oceanfront units and are considered the most desirable and sought after are selling and inventories are declining. Building after building these unique opportunities are being sold and those truly incredible deals are going fast.

In Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach In the past 60 days there have been 89 closed oceanfront condo sales with the specification of at least 2 bedrooms priced over $800,000.

At One Bal Harbour, there was only one unit listed in one of the most desirable lines.  It sold and closed

Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach,  one of my direct oceanfront 2 bedroom listings had multiple bids on it!!!

At the Palms , in Fort Lauderdale, there were about 6 units listed under $1 million.  They have pretty much all sold.

The South Florida Oceanfront condo market is very unique.

Sales are defintely up !  Housing figures are showing an increase in sales. What does this mean for oceanfront condos in South Florida?  Luxury buildings that we follow are showing an increased number of sales all along the coast.  A year ago the numbers were quite different.  South Florida oceanfront condos have a world wide appeal and continue to be a desirable location for a second, third or forth home acquisitions Sales figures in this unique market has shown some incredible activity.

How does that translate to the luxury oceanfront condos that we follow?  The most obvious trend is that the least expensive condos in the luxury buildings are selling.  When prices went down there were some new lows presenting buying opportunites that were previously unheard of.  For example,  the Palms in Fort Lauderale, prices for condos in this luxury building average a $1 million and up.  There were about a half a dozen units priced below $1million and almost all of them have sold.  There are buyers in the marketplace identifying great buildings and picking up great inexpensive buys.

Bargain priced units are not the only condos selling.  Desirable units with  large square footage and/or exceptional views are also selling. Turnberry Ocean Colony has a reported 4 units under contract.  This is one of the finest buildings along the coast.  Prices are well over $1million.

The Beach Club, with 1200 units in total, not surprisingly,  has the most activity of any oceanfront building.  29 units have gone to contract !!!

Here is a sampling of what has been reported as pending sales in several buildings:

There are buyers in the market place identifying great buildings and picking up great inexpensive buys.  There are also buyers that are taking advantage of having several desirable units to choose from.  As we move into the winter season, I anticipate that this activity will increase as buyers jump into the market.   We will continue to see inventories decline as well.

The market today is not a “typical” market where the standard procedures of negotiating applies to every scenario.  Many buyers come into the market expecting to follow the procedures of buyer submitting and offer, seller countering offer,  terms negotiated back and forth.   The scenarios that exist today that I experience firsthand through the numerous offers I present on behalf of my clients run the gamut.  In certain situations, offer-counter-offer, playing it along,  is the way to go.  In other situations….it is what it is.

I want to address properties being sold by owners not in distress.  There are properties listed today, by very motivated sellers.  In some cases, they have priced their property at the rock bottom price that they are willing to sell it at.  No negotiating.  This is a marketing technique.   I have come across this situation several times, from both sides of the fence, representing both a buyer as well as for a seller in which I represent.

One of my listings at Canyon Ranch, unit 301, is priced very aggressively the seller is not negotiating, and that is clearly explained.    I have received offers below the asking price, and I certainly understand why a buyer would try.  However, the issue that I  have come across is that buyers are getting “insulted” that they have not received a counter offer back below the asking price.    The owner has set their bottom price and it is what it is. It is not a distress sale.  There is no negotiating at all …..  The process is not the issue.  The property is the issue. Each property has to be evaluated.   Recently, I was working with a buyer that came in with a very low offer.  The seller responded back with their bottom selling price.  The buyer was insulted.  The process is not the issue the property is the issue.  Evaluating value.

Sales are up in South Florida and there are many many buyers out there scooping up  unique buying opportunities.  Statistics prove it.   We are going into our season and this is going to continue and increase. Building after building that I investigate for my clients are reflecting growing lists of units that have gone to contract and are “pending sales”. Especially, in luxury buildings, the lower priced units are selling.  In Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles,  there are over 311 oceanfront condos that have gone to contract and are pending closings.  37 of those are priced at over $1 million.  In November 2008 there were only 58 pending oceanfront condos.  In Broward county, which includes Hallendale, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale, there are 250 oceanfront condos that have gone to contract and are pending closing.

There are great opportunities in the market, however, whether it is a pre-foreclosure, bank owned,  or motivated seller, expect the unexpected !