The average price per unit for multifamily dwellings in Phoenix is $100,000-$149,999 & in West Palm Beach it’s $150,000-$199,000?
Which States Pay the Most in Property Taxes?
Geographic diversification should be a consideration for all investors. Although property taxes are one factor, investors should consider insurance, sales taxes, state & local income taxes, business & corporate fees & taxes, capital gains taxes, local business attitudes and much more to figure a bottom line after tax return.
http://www.housingwire.com/articles/39455-homeowners-pay-the-most-property-taxes-in-these-10-states
Water
There is a misguided perception that we have a world water shortage. However, as a long-time Sonoran Desert dweller, I can tell you that you don’t conserve water in the Northeast to relieve drought conditions in the Southwest. There are however, regional and local water shortages and droughts. It is imperative that we do not needlessly pollute the local and regional water supplies where we live. There is a big movement to “eat local” so that fresh food is available in your region without being trucked in at further expense. It stands to reason that you would not want your local food being polluted by your own water supply. Be aware of what’s upstream in your watershed. I used to love poring over U.S. Geological Survey maps as a hiker. Always good to know the lay of the land where you live. Is common sense being utilized to make sure that you even have a water supply to produce food? This is the top basic function of local governments. What happens in the future if people upstream cut off your water supply? What happens if you live in an area with an inadequate water supply? Are current assumptions about water still valid? El Nino may be expected this year, creating or exacerbating new areas of drought conditions. If you are buying investment property in Arizona, make sure you have access to an assured water supply.
A great summer project for kids would be making rain barrels and growing fresh veggies. In the future, this may be even more important to your health and the well-being of your family’s environment, including all your local flora and fauna.
Conditions in the Florida Real Estate “Market”
There are so many different opinions about the state of the real estate market. You know what they say about opinions. Everybody’s got one. There is so much subterfuge by so many people in positions of authority that it is very discouraging when you do not have the experience or expertise to get something done in the real estate market. Try to choose the most reputable sources when forming your own opinions. You want to be able to make an informed decision when you have to.
My opinion on this market is that it should not be considered a market. A market is driven by ready, willing & able buyers & sellers. Not the feds, big banks & Wall Street (even if they are ready, willing & able.) They are not really paying attention to the main street market. Does that mean that you may want to take what these sources are saying seriously or skeptically? Decide for yourself. Right now the big players are “making the market” – if you can call it that. The red-tape is the problem now for smaller, independent investors who do not have staffs of lawyers, accountants & analysts.
Florida was just recovering from nasty hurricane damages in my market area when the financial markets infiltrated & infected the lending business for real estate. We are still living with those consequences, as well as the consequences from an all-too-predictable over-reaction by government.
Florida is slowly & unevenly recovering from the “recession” which officially ended about 5 years ago. We still have not recovered all the information, manufacturing & construction jobs we had before the recession. Trade, transportation & utility jobs are the state’s largest employment sector.
In January, 2014, MGIC’s Economic & Housing Indicators, National Overview for the U.S. “Observations: The U.S. Economy continued to grow at a subpar pace. Even though corporate profit margins improved, both businesses and consumers remain cautious. Looking forward, conditions appear to be right for stronger economic growth in 2014. To start with, the U.S. is on track to add nearly 2.2 million jobs in 2013, as the jobless rate declines. The bipartisan budget agreement may bring more stability, as well as reduce risk of further sequestration. There is a renewed outlook for housing as foreclosure activity fell 24%, existing home sales are up and property values appreciated 4%. First-time and trade-up homebuyers must fill the void left by fewer investor purchases.”
“Housing Market Condition:
Current STABLE
Short-Term Projection NO CHANGE”
PHOENIX
Current STABLE
Short-Term Projection NO CHANGE
SOUTH FLORIDA Markets
MIAMI
Current SOFT
Short-Term Projection IMPROVING
FORT LAUDERDALE
Current SOFT
Short-Term Projection IMPROVING
WEST PALM BEACH
Current SOFT
Short-Term Projection IMPROVING
(These are Metropolitan Statistical Areas)