THE NEW FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH - WISH YOU WERE HERE!

The National Association of Realtors reported a 30% decrease in the sale of second homes in 2008. In contrast, analysts predict long-term demand for investment and vacation residences remains favorable because of those buyers in their prime years looking for a retirement home. This may be especially the case as buyers witness the retraction in their stock portfolios and return to good old bricks and mortar in the sun!

With over $1 billion of private and public sector investment in the New Fort Lauderdale Beach, I am advising clients to take advantage of the broad inventory of exciting luxury properties now, and enjoy the benefit of the beach renovation over the next two years.

I have watched Fort Lauderdale Beach make its luxurious transformation from a sleepy Spring break town. The brand new W, The Ritz-Carlton, Trump International Hotel and Tower, and The Atlantic Resort and Spa now grace the A1A beach front. The Hilton and the LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels have proposed a conversion of the Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center.

So many people are discovering the joys of living a vacation life-style here, every day. Living here for over a decade, I am proof that the possibility truly exists. Life in a tropical metropolis such as Fort Lauderdale takes away the chill others are feeling about our thawing economy. From the way I have seen business in these past few months, I'd say luxury real estate in Fort Lauderdale is alive and well.

Now, I understand those living and working on Fort Lauderdale Beach when they say, “Having a great time. Wish you were here.”

There’s no place like home.