日期: 2013年1月19日星期六 2-5點
報名截止日期: 1月16日, 座位有限, 盡早報名, 以確保座席. 地點: 古董車博物館, 超過1,200 輛古董車, 包括最大的 007詹姆斯.龐德跑車, 蝙蝠車 門票: $40 透過 Fang Oliver 報名者免費, 請電 305-956-9978 或 FaceBook: Fang Oliver 地址: 2000 NE 146 St. North Miami, FL 33181 電話: 305-354-7680 網址: www.DezerCollection.com 講員: Mr. Jorge (英文講員) 內容: 投資移民綠卡 點心 hors d'oeuvers Date: Jan. 19th, 2013, Saturday, 2-5pm RSVP by January 16th to secure your seats. Seats Limited! Location: Dezer Car Museum: Over 1,200 Vehicles: Largest James Bond Vehicle Collection, Classic Cars, Hollywood "Cars of the Stars," Batmobiles, Rare Cars from around the world. Admission: $40 per adult, waived when register with Fang Oliver at 305-956-9978. FaceBook: Fang Oliver Address: 2000 NE 146 St. North Miami, FL 33181 Telephone: 305-354-7680 Website: www.DezerCollection.com Speaker: Mr. Jorge in English Subject: Your US Green Card in Six Months Hors d'oeuvers provided |
Monday, December 31, 2012
投資移民綠卡 Your US Green Card in Six Months
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sunny Isles Beach welcomes Sister Cities Letter of Intent from Hengchun/Kenting, Taiwan.
On November 15th, 2012, Mrs. Fang Oliver as Sunny Isles Beach Ambassador to Asia, World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Director and President, Miami Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce delivered Hengchung city Mayor Yeh’s Letter of Intent and Mrs. Oliver’s Asia Sister City progress report to Commissioners at the public city meeting.
Over 250 international business owners, developers, and concerned citizens joined Republic of Taiwan Director General Ray Mou of Miami Taipei Economic Cultural Office with previous Presidents of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of Miami and Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Edelcup for the full agenda City meeting.
Hengchun, Taiwan is where the popular new film "Life of Pi" was filmed on its beautiful beaches. This exotic tourist city is home of white sand beaches and entrance to mountains of Kenting National Park that welcomes over six million tourists annually. In 2008 the top-grossing film in Taiwan's film history, Cape No. 7 also featured Hengchun.
On Mrs. Oliver’s recent visit to Hengchun, Taiwan officials were impressed with the Sunny Isles Beach white sand beach, perfectly located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airport. The delegation from Taiwan are enthusiastic to explore Trump Towers, Porsche Design Condo and Acqualina Spa Resort and Mansions where international residents offer up to $50 million per residential unit to own primary and luxury homes along the 2.5 mile beach. City officials welcome educational exchange and programs between the cities SIB new A plus K-8 school and nearby Florida International University. Cultural exchanges include continued sponsorship of Dragonboat Race Festival and showcasing community amenities including a new four acre Gateway Park, Historic Pier Park restoration, fine dining restaurants and shopping centers along Collins Ave. The city welcomes its 2008 designation as number one beach destination by Trip Advisor.
At the meeting, Mrs. Oliver introduced Hengchun and explained the cities similarities. Like Sunny Isles Beach, Hengchun has a beautiful name, which means "eternal spring" in Chinese. Both are internationally well known as great tourism and beach destinations. Hengchun is one of the most phenomenal and popular beach towns in Asia, welcoming over 7 million visitors in 2011. The town can be reached from Taipei International Airport by high speed train or a scenic four hour drive. Hengchun has a population of 31,000 and an area of 53 square miles
Effective November 1st, 2012, Taiwan became one of few countries in Asia to have a visa waiver program to visit the United States up to 90 days Hengchung in Pingtun County has large properties for development of a southern international airport and high end oceanfront development along pristine undeveloped coastline. Mayor Yeh welcomes the opportunity to discuss world-class commerce ideas exchanged with Sunny Isles Beach and Miami developers to create mutual advantages.
At the Commissioners meeting, Mrs. Oliver expressed her gratitude to Mayor Norman Edelcup, frequent Asia visitor, Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler, and commissioners for their constant support and assistance. Working on this project over 18 months, Mrs. Oliver said at times she did not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but city official's support gave her strength to continue diligent work.
Mayor Edelcup congratulated Mrs. Oliver's tireless efforts and directed city officials to work closely for a planned signing ceremony in April, 2013. Director General Mou expressed appreciation for Fang Oliver's unselfish enthusiasm and diplomatic competence to bring two diverse cultures together. Mr. Mou urges all Asian and Asian American leaders to work together ensuring a long term success for tourism, cultural and educational exchange. For info updates and notification of events you may email SunnyIslesFl@aol.com
13 Reasons to Look Forward to 2013
Brian Summerfield
Brian Summerfield is online editor for REALTOR® Magazine. He can be reached at bsummerfield@realtors.org
Housing Expected to Recover Through 2014
According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, the steady recovery is expected to continue over the next few years, barring further tightening of mortgage credit availability or the much discussed “fiscal cliff.”
Much of 2012 has looked promising. Home sales and housing starts recorded notable gains this year compared to suppressed activity over the previous four years. Currently, all of the major home price measures are showing sustained increases. And while mortgage rates are now at historic lows, they are expected to rise to about 4.0 percent next year and 4.6 percent in 2014.
With rising demand and shrinking inventory, a meaningful increase in home prices is also expected. The national median existing-home price should rise to $185,200 next year.
Much of 2012 has looked promising. Home sales and housing starts recorded notable gains this year compared to suppressed activity over the previous four years. Currently, all of the major home price measures are showing sustained increases. And while mortgage rates are now at historic lows, they are expected to rise to about 4.0 percent next year and 4.6 percent in 2014.
With rising demand and shrinking inventory, a meaningful increase in home prices is also expected. The national median existing-home price should rise to $185,200 next year.
Story Springboard
- What to Expect…
November Existing-Home Sales and Prices Maintain Uptrend
WASHINGTON (December 20, 2012) - Existing-home sales continued to improve in November with low inventory supply pressuring home prices, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 5.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million in November from a downwardly revised 4.76 million in October, and are 14.5 percent higher than the 4.40 million-unit pace in November 2011. Sales are at the highest level since November 2009 when the annual pace spiked at 5.44 million.
Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said there is healthy market demand. "Momentum continues to build in the housing market from growing jobs and a bursting out of household formation," he said. "With lower rental vacancy rates and rising rents, combined with still historically favorable affordability conditions, more people are buying homes. Areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy show storm-related disruptions but overall activity in the Northeast is up, offset by gains in unaffected areas."
The national median existing-home price2 for all housing types was $180,600 in November, up 10.1 percent from November 2011. This is the ninth consecutive monthly year-over-year price gain, which last occurred from September 2005 to May 2006.
Distressed homes3 - foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts - accounted for 22 percent of November sales (12 percent were foreclosures and 10 percent were short sales), down from 24 percent in October and 29 percent in November 2011. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 20 percent below market value in November, while short sales were discounted 16 percent.
"The market share of distressed property sales will fall into the teens next year based on a diminishing number of seriously delinquent mortgages," Yun said.
Total housing inventory at the end of November fell 3.8 percent to 2.03 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.8-month supply 4 at the current sales pace; it was 5.3 months in October, and is the lowest housing supply since September of 2005 when it was 4.6 months.
Listed inventory is 22.5 percent below a year ago when there was a 7.1-month supply. Raw unsold inventory is now at the lowest level since December 2001 when there were 1.89 million homes on the market.
According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 3.35 percent in November from 3.38 percent in October; the rate was 3.99 percent in November 2011.
NAR President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif., said there's been speculation of a rise in short sales before the end of the year with pending expiration of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. "However, there's been no movement in short sales, their market share is staying in a narrow range, and they're still taking much longer to sell - typically three months," he said.
"The fact remains it is extremely difficult to expedite a short sale, and banks' response to client urgency is only starting to improve. However, we're hopeful that the act will be extended before it expires on December 31 so sellers don't have to pay taxes on forgiven mortgage debt, which would be unfairly treated as income for owners who are selling under duress," Thomas said.
The median time on market for all homes was 70 days in November, slightly below 71 days in October, but is 28.6 percent below 98 days in November 2011. Thirty-two percent of homes sold in November were on the market for less than a month, while 20 percent were on the market for six months or longer; these findings are unchanged from October.
First-time buyers accounted for 30 percent of purchases in November, down from 31 percent in October and 35 percent in November 2011.
All-cash sales were at 30 percent of transactions in November, up slightly from 29 percent in October and 28 percent in November 2011. Investors, who account for most cash sales, purchased 19 percent of homes in November, little changed from 20 percent in October; they were 19 percent in November 2011.
Single-family home sales rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.44 million in November from 4.21 million in October, and are 12.4 percent higher than the 3.95 million-unit level in November 2011. The median existing single-family home price was $180,600 in November, up 10.1 percent from a year ago.
Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 9.1 percent to an annualized level of 600,000 in November from 550,000 in October, and are 33.3 percent above the 450,000-unit pace a year ago. The median existing condo price was $181,000 in November, which is 10.6 percent higher than November 2011.
Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 6.9 percent to an annual rate of 620,000 in November and are 14.8 percent above November 2011. The median price in the Northeast was $232,900, down 2.0 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the Midwest increased 7.2 percent in November to a pace of 1.19 million and are 21.4 percent higher than a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $141,600, which is 7.0 percent above November 2011.
In the South, existing-home sales rose 7.9 percent to an annual level of 2.04 million in November and are 17.2 percent above November 2011. The median price in the South was $157,400, up 10.5 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the West rose 0.8 percent a pace of 1.19 million in November and are 4.4 percent higher than a year ago. With ongoing inventory constraints, the median price in the West was $248,300, which is 23.9 percent above November 2011.
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
# # #
NOTE: For local information, please contact the local association of Realtors® for data from local multiple listing services. Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology.1 Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from multiple listing services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. A rebenchmarking of home sales is done periodically using other sources to assess the overall home sales trend, including sales not reported by MLSs.
Existing-home sales differ from the U.S. Census Bureau's series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90 percent of total home sales, are based on a much larger sample - about 40 percent of multiple listing service data each month - and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions.
The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns.
Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos.
2 The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to a seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if more data is received than was originally reported.
The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR's quarterly metro area price reports.
3 Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR's Realtors® Confidence Index, posted at Realtor.org.
4 Total inventory and month's supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month's supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90 percent of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis).
November Pending Home Sales Rise Again
WASHINGTON (December 28, 2012) - Pending home sales increased in November for the third straight month and reached the highest level in two-and-a-half years, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 1.7 percent to 106.4 in November from a downwardly revised 104.6 in October and is 9.8 percent above November 2011 when it was 96.9. The data reflect contracts but not closings.
The index is at the highest level since April 2010 when it hit 111.3 as buyers were rushing to beat the deadline for the home buyer tax credit. With the exception of several months affected by tax stimulus, the last time there was a higher reading was in February 2007 when the index reached 107.9.
Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said home sales are on a sustained uptrend. "Even with market frictions related to the mortgage process, home contract activity continues to improve. Home sales are recovering now based solely on fundamental demand and favorable affordability conditions."
On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales have risen for 19 consecutive months.
The upward momentum means existing-home sales should rise 8 to 9 percent in 2013 to approximately 5.1 million, following a 10 percent gain expected for all of 2012. The median existing-home price is projected to rise just over 4 percent in 2013, after rising more than 7 percent in 2012.
The PHSI in the Northeast rose 5.2 percent to 83.3 in November and is 15.2 percent above a year ago. In the Midwest the index edged up 0.1 percent to 103.8 in November and is 15.2 percent above November 2011. Pending home sales in the South were unchanged at an index of 117.2 in November and are 13.9 percent higher than a year ago. In the West the index rose 4.2 percent in November to 110.1, but is 3.2 percent below November 2011 with inventory constraints limiting sales.
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
* The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined. By coincidence, the volume of existing-home sales in 2001 fell within the range of 5.0 to 5.5 million, which is considered normal for the current U.S. population.
NOTE: Existing-home sales for December will be reported January 22 and the next Pending Home Sales Index will be on January 28; release times are 10:00 a.m. EST.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 1.7 percent to 106.4 in November from a downwardly revised 104.6 in October and is 9.8 percent above November 2011 when it was 96.9. The data reflect contracts but not closings.
The index is at the highest level since April 2010 when it hit 111.3 as buyers were rushing to beat the deadline for the home buyer tax credit. With the exception of several months affected by tax stimulus, the last time there was a higher reading was in February 2007 when the index reached 107.9.
Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said home sales are on a sustained uptrend. "Even with market frictions related to the mortgage process, home contract activity continues to improve. Home sales are recovering now based solely on fundamental demand and favorable affordability conditions."
On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales have risen for 19 consecutive months.
The upward momentum means existing-home sales should rise 8 to 9 percent in 2013 to approximately 5.1 million, following a 10 percent gain expected for all of 2012. The median existing-home price is projected to rise just over 4 percent in 2013, after rising more than 7 percent in 2012.
The PHSI in the Northeast rose 5.2 percent to 83.3 in November and is 15.2 percent above a year ago. In the Midwest the index edged up 0.1 percent to 103.8 in November and is 15.2 percent above November 2011. Pending home sales in the South were unchanged at an index of 117.2 in November and are 13.9 percent higher than a year ago. In the West the index rose 4.2 percent in November to 110.1, but is 3.2 percent below November 2011 with inventory constraints limiting sales.
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined. By coincidence, the volume of existing-home sales in 2001 fell within the range of 5.0 to 5.5 million, which is considered normal for the current U.S. population.
NOTE: Existing-home sales for December will be reported January 22 and the next Pending Home Sales Index will be on January 28; release times are 10:00 a.m. EST.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
新中國城在邁阿密 See new Chinatown / Asian Village in Miami?
Contact: Sunny Isles Beach resident, Miami Int'l Ambassador to Asia, Ms. Fang Oliver for sales info. www.FangOliver.com
- Written by Ashley D. Torres Web Producer- South Florida Business Journal
Mikki Canton, a longtime corporate law attorney, looks to establish Chinatown Miami/El Barrio Chino de Miami, a mixed-used project that would cater to the Asian community and feature a grocery store, senior center, charter school, housing and offices for professional services. The complex would serve as the center for an international district that would be similar to the Uwajimaya Village in Seattle, said Canton, who has an interest in Asian cultures and its influence in Miami.
The Uwajimaya Village is a mixed-use complex located in Seattle’s Chinatown International District. It features the Uwajimaya grocery store, an Asian bookstore, a bank, a food court and housing.
The village is located in an area that has been populated by Asians for over 100 years, said Don Blakeney, executive director of the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area of Seattle.
“The key is not making it a fortress,” he said. If you have retail around the complex then it really makes it porous and people can come in and out, he added.This is the plan for a Miami version of the complex.
Canton is working with Tibor Hollo to find a location in Miami-Dade where Chinatown Miami could grow organically and spur economic growth, she said. The cities of North Miami Beach and Miami, which have large Asian populations, are being considered for the project, Canton added.
The most important thing is the international district component of the project, which has to have accessibility, has to be attractive for the Asian community and not be a tourist attraction, Canton said. “This is a living, breathing, working, everyday Chinatown Miami international district project,” she added. However, it is inevitable that could become a tourist attraction.
Value, Location, Luxury, Lifestyle, and Investment.
中國移民潮 逾半留美國 A half Chinese will immigrate to the USA
December 18, 2012 06:05 AM | 3764 次 | 1 
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中國17日公布的首份國際移民報告顯示，中國億萬富翁已有近三成移民海外，更有近五成正在考慮移民；而近三年至少有170億元人民幣資金流向國外。
該份報告說，2011年，中國對世界幾個主要的移民國家永久性移民數量超過15萬人，其中在美國獲得永久居留權的人數達8萬7000人，在中國國際移民總數中排名第一，超過總人數的一半；加拿大、澳洲和紐西蘭緊隨其後。
專家指出，這些富人熱中移民，目的為尋求更優秀的教育資源、更安全的投資環境和更高的生活品質；有超過八成人表示，最主要的移民原因是子女教育。
中國與全球化研究中心、社會科學文獻出版社17日聯合發布「國際人才藍皮書」(中國國際移民報告2012No.1)。藍皮書指出，中國正在經歷第三次大規模的「海外移民潮」，而投資移民已成為海外移民的重要組成部分。
報告指出，私人可投資資產達到人民幣1000萬元的中國富人中，有移民意願的人數正不斷增加中。
據報告，個人資產超人民幣1億元(約1602萬美元)的企業家中，27%已移民，47％正考慮移民；而個人資產超過人民幣1000萬元的富人中，近60%已完成投資移民、或有相關考慮。
中國與全球化研究中心主任王輝耀表示，這群富人移民的主要目的，是為了尋求更優秀的教育資源、更安全的投資環境和更高的生活品質。其中，子女的教育是投資移民考慮的第一因素，八成以上的主要移民原因皆為子女教育。
至於保障財富安全，是投資移民考慮的第二大因素。報告稱，新富階層更傾向把財富轉移到法律較能保護私人財產的國家。報告稱，介於中國轉型時期，社會制度、體制的漏洞加上法律、道德與文化有所缺陷，造成了某些人以不合法手段獲取財富。似乎暗指富人出於「暗渡陳倉」理由須將財富移轉海外。
他們移民後，投資多集中在房地產、外幣存款和股票等領域。
藍皮書指出，截至2012年3月，中國個人資產在人民幣600萬元以上的人群達270萬人，平均年齡39歲。個人資產達人民幣1億元以上的「高淨值人群」數量約為6萬3500人，平均年齡為41歲。
中國海外投資移民發展迅速，富人群體的快速崛起是其海外投資移民群體擴大的重要原因。投資移民已經成為海外移民的重要組成部分，富裕階層和知識精英正成為新一輪移民的主力軍，移民人口的中產階級越來越多。
大陸新聞組
北京17日電
中國移民業者17日預測，2013年美國仍是中國投資移民首選國。儘管近以購買房產的方式獲得塞浦路斯、拉脫維亞、西班牙等國家身分的移民方式在升溫，成為一些人快速移民的捷徑，但他們這也只是為移民美、加而採取的轉進之計，美國仍會是首選。
「北京商報」引述北京移民專家張躍輝說，歐巴馬總統連任，是投資移民者的福音。歐巴馬正準備推動移民改革，因此在美國EB-5政策順利延期的背景下，投資移民行情將持續高漲。
北京凱勝聯合因私出入境服務有限公司總裁李肇輝說說，2013年中國投資移民的的「整體趨勢仍然為美、加領跑，歐洲是亮點，多樣化會成為未來的重點」。
根據美國公民和移民服務局(USCIS)發布的報告，2010年財政年度來自中國中國的投資移民申請最多，占USCIS全年發放的EB-5簽證總數的41%，共1016人。2011年共有2969名中國公民申請了投資移民的EB-5簽證，2505人獲得批准。
中國最新公布的一項報告顯示，海外投資移民中，年齡普遍為30至40歲，很多人擁有熟練的專業技能，他們在海外投資領域集中在房地產、外幣存款等。報告披露，2007年以來，美國成為主要的移民目的國，去年申請去美國的移民數量超過總數的50%。
報告顯示，有43%的富翁把保障財富安全作為投資移民考慮的第二大因素。很多中國富豪擔心國家會對擁有非法私產的個人展開「秋後算賬」，他們傾向於把財富轉移到私人財產保護體系更完善的國家。報告還分析說，尋求更高的生活品質、可多生子女、稅率低等也是投資移民的考慮因素。
Read more: 世界新聞網-北美華文新聞、華商資訊 - 中國移民潮 逾半留美國
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Wyndham O'Hare buyer targets suburban hotels
Wyndham O'Hare buyer targets suburban hotels
Eric Chang
前會長章詣遠 doesn't consider himself “a hotel guy,” but that isn't stopping him from taking a gamble on the local hospitality market.
His focus: the suburbs, where hotels have been slower to recover than those downtown.
In August, an affiliate of U.S. Pacific Management Inc., Mr. Chang's Chicago-based real estate management and investment company, paid $5.1 million for the former Wyndham O'Hare, a 466-room hotel in Rosemont that's been closed since January 2010.
U.S. Pacific also owns a shuttered 120-room hotel in North Aurora that it bought for $3.6 million in 2008, before the market bottomed out.
“It's not only location, location, location — like the cliché — it's the timing of things,” said Mr. Chang, chairman of the company. “I believe this is a good time to buy the hospitality industry properties.”
This is especially true around O'Hare International Airport, Mr. Chang said, as more international flights are added and the city works to boost tourism.
While other suburban submarkets have continued to struggle after the recession, the O'Hare area has benefitted from its status as an alternative to downtown, picking up overflow when other hotels are full, said Ted Mandigo, director of Elmhurst-based hotel consulting firm T. R. Mandigo & Co.
Because of its reliance on airport traffic, O'Hare is often the first hotel submarket to take a hit during a downturn and the first to bounce back when the economy improves, Mr. Mandigo said.
“If people cut back on business travel, it affects O'Hare; if people's income is affected and they don't take leisure travel, it affects O'Hare; if you cancel conventions, it affects O'Hare,” he said. “They get hit by all of those factors.”
Although U.S. Pacific acquired the former Wyndham for a fraction of its previous sale price — Seattle-based Kennedy Associates Real Estate Counsel L.P. paid $26 million for the hotel in 2004 — Mr. Chang said his firm will have to spend a yet-to-be-determined amount of money renovating the hotel, fixing water damage and asbestos issues.
The total cost and completion date depends on how quickly the firm reaches a deal with a hotel franchise, which will dictate what improvements it needs to make, Mr. Chang said. U.S. Pacific is in talks with six, though he declined to disclose company names.
The company is also in the middle of renovating the hotel in North Aurora, which is closer to landing a flag, according to Mr. Chang. He said he hopes to open both properties by late spring, just in time for the summer travel season.
A native of Taiwan, Mr. Chang, 58, came to the United States in 1978 as a graduate student. In 1985, after earning his Ph.D. in engineering from Northwestern University, he started Glenview-based U.S. Asia Group Inc., a residential and commercial brokerage that specializes in serving the Asian community both in Chicago and overseas.
To date, he has completed more than $500 million worth of transactions in the Chicago area, including the sale of 12 units in Trump International Hotel & Tower to Chinese investors lured to the United States by its comparatively low prices.
“If you compare the high end of the Chicago market to Beijing and Shanghai ... (Chicago properties) are bargains,” he said.
After establishing himself in the local brokerage community, Mr. Chang used his connections to form U.S. Pacific, the investment company, in 1997.
In addition to the two suburban hotels, the firm's U.S. portfolio includes about 200,000 square feet of retail space, 120,000 square feet of office space, more than 200 apartments, a couple of warehouses and several vacant lots. Aside from some land in Wisconsin, all of the properties are in Illinois, where U.S. Pacific has partnered with individual investors from the local Asian community.
The firm also controls and manages a similar-size portfolio in China, including a pair of hotels, office space and land slated for commercial development. Like the U.S. properties, all are part of U.S. Pacific's diversified investment strategy, which focuses on adding value to the properties the firm acquires.
“I don't look at one segment of (the) industry, of properties,” Mr. Chang said. “I'm looking for good deals.”
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Best Prices rise in SIB "New Miami" from Asian Buyers!
SUNNY ISLES BEACH - Schedule your winter purchase or listing appointment. 395-956-9978
Oceanfront on Collins Ave., Drive 15 min to South Beach, new Miami or Fort Lauderdale. www.FangOliver.com, Visit Luxury - Trump Towers, Ocean 1, Jade, Pinnacle, Tropicana condos or exclusive Golden Beach private oceanfront houses.
New construction of Acqualina Mansions, Porsche Design, St. Regis or Regalia with one unit private on each of 26 floors. Occupy new St. Tropez units above the Intracoastal Waterway at Oleta State Park and New sixteen million dollar four acre Gateway Park with Asian Butterfly Garden! Live on A1A only two min to Bal Harbor shops or five min to Aventura Mall. Oceanfront 2 - 5 BR, $1,200,000 - 6,500,000. Only 20 min to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood or 30 min to Miami Int'l Airports.
* Licensed Realtors also speaking, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese & Russian.
*Airport pick up available. SWIM ALL YEAR AROUND. WINTER OCEAN TEMP 76* F
*Oliver Int'l Realty 305-956-9978 is licensed Broker, resident and Sunny Isles Ambassador to Asia and Director World T aiwanese Chamber of Commerce
*Walk to Intracoastal Waterway *yacht docks, *New historical oceanfront pier w italian & seafood restaurant open 2013.
*Walk to Haulover Park No-Cars on bike trail and sport kite field.
*European style beach (Florida legal optional toppless no- bathing suit area).
*Ten minutes to Gulfstream Village Racetrack, Casino and Top Outlet stores.
*Free public Transportation.
*Private Golf and Tennis Clubs
*Great game Fishing on Luxury Yachts.
www.FangOliver.com
Can you own this fantastic view and location?
Today, most China, Central and South America buyers purchase 100% cash but Saint Tropez offers financing and EB-5 Visa Waver information. As the cold weather begins and inventory demands rises with Baby Boomers Booming, prices are on the rise again. Buy now for family, grandchildren, students rentals or clients and enjoy life as your hard work and family deserves.
New Miami Beach is Sunny Isles Beach.
Acqualina Luxury Hotel Condo & Spa
Pinnacle Tower classic design & views
Ocean Walk & Bike Trail to Trump Towers
Gulfstream Racetrack, Casino and shops
Yachts at St. Tropez Intracoastal Way
Oceanfront on Collins Ave., Drive 15 min to South Beach, new Miami or Fort Lauderdale. www.FangOliver.com, Visit Luxury - Trump Towers, Ocean 1, Jade, Pinnacle, Tropicana condos or exclusive Golden Beach private oceanfront houses.
New construction of Acqualina Mansions, Porsche Design, St. Regis or Regalia with one unit private on each of 26 floors. Occupy new St. Tropez units above the Intracoastal Waterway at Oleta State Park and New sixteen million dollar four acre Gateway Park with Asian Butterfly Garden! Live on A1A only two min to Bal Harbor shops or five min to Aventura Mall. Oceanfront 2 - 5 BR, $1,200,000 - 6,500,000. Only 20 min to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood or 30 min to Miami Int'l Airports.
* Licensed Realtors also speaking, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese & Russian.
*Airport pick up available. SWIM ALL YEAR AROUND. WINTER OCEAN TEMP 76* F
*Oliver Int'l Realty 305-956-9978 is licensed Broker, resident and Sunny Isles Ambassador to Asia and Director World T aiwanese Chamber of Commerce
*Walk to Intracoastal Waterway *yacht docks, *New historical oceanfront pier w italian & seafood restaurant open 2013.
*Walk to Haulover Park No-Cars on bike trail and sport kite field.
*European style beach (Florida legal optional toppless no- bathing suit area).
*Ten minutes to Gulfstream Village Racetrack, Casino and Top Outlet stores.
*Free public Transportation.
*Private Golf and Tennis Clubs
*Great game Fishing on Luxury Yachts.
www.FangOliver.com
Can you own this fantastic view and location?
New Miami Beach is Sunny Isles Beach.
Acqualina Luxury Hotel Condo & Spa
Pinnacle Tower classic design & views
Ocean Walk & Bike Trail to Trump Towers
Gulfstream Racetrack, Casino and shops
Yachts at St. Tropez Intracoastal WaySaturday, December 8, 2012
Find Fang Oliver in NY Times from Dec. 6th weekend for two weeks!
Yes, we passed the bottom! But are you ready to live in a place where you can wear shorts all year round? Where you don't need heaters, where you can finally relax to find the meaning of life?
Miami and Fort Lauderdale have so much to offer! We provide a priceless lifestyle that you cannot find anywhere in the world. Whether or not you are a golfer, a tennis player, a boating lover, you can keep yourself very busy like New Yorkers in Miami: In fact, more than 80% of people I met in country clubs are from New York. Or, you just want to slow down and live like a southern without feeling guilty!
Miami and Fort Lauderdale have so much to offer! We provide a priceless lifestyle that you cannot find anywhere in the world. Whether or not you are a golfer, a tennis player, a boating lover, you can keep yourself very busy like New Yorkers in Miami: In fact, more than 80% of people I met in country clubs are from New York. Or, you just want to slow down and live like a southern without feeling guilty!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Shaun White Buys New Home by Beach, Not Mountains
Rather than pick up a home in Telluride, CO, Park City, UT or somewhere else within boarding distance of the ski lift, professional snowboarder Shaun White chose to buy a house in Encinitas, CA.
The carrot-topped Olympian dropped $3.85 million on the 3-bed, 3-bath home situated right on the bluffs above the beach. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture views of the Pacific Ocean, and the living spaces open out to an extensive deck with fire pit. Stairs provide easy access to the beach below.
Measuring 3,501 square feet, White’s new home was built in 1999 and was last listed for $4.25 million; he scored a 9.4 percent discount when he purchased the place in August.
Wall Street Daily: Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful
Real Estate Recovery: See it, Believe it... and Then Invest in It!
(Wall Street Daily) A smart investor recognizes that the market is a forward-looking beast. He also knows that the market regularly scales "walls of worry," and that prices rise before everyone realizes a recovery is imminent.
The average investor? Well, he sits on the sidelines and, in turn, misses out on significant profits.
Don't believe me? Look no further than the real estate sector for proof...
Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful
Back in February, when I predicted the real estate market hit rock bottom, my inbox overflowed with venom for making such a preposterous claim. Hundreds of readers unsubscribed, too.
Of course, homebuilding stocks were already telegraphing a recovery. But nobody wanted to believe it because home prices were still falling across the country. They let the "wall of worry" blind them from the opportunity.
As I wrote at the time, though, "prices are going to be the last thing to bottom out." Well, they just officially did.
The latest reading of the Case-Shiller House Price Index went positive on a year-over-year basis for the first time in 21 months.
Now that people can finally see the real estate recovery, they're starting to believe it, too. It's not just investors, either. It's the mainstream press.
(Wall Street Daily) A smart investor recognizes that the market is a forward-looking beast. He also knows that the market regularly scales "walls of worry," and that prices rise before everyone realizes a recovery is imminent.
The average investor? Well, he sits on the sidelines and, in turn, misses out on significant profits.
Don't believe me? Look no further than the real estate sector for proof...
Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful
Back in February, when I predicted the real estate market hit rock bottom, my inbox overflowed with venom for making such a preposterous claim. Hundreds of readers unsubscribed, too.
Of course, homebuilding stocks were already telegraphing a recovery. But nobody wanted to believe it because home prices were still falling across the country. They let the "wall of worry" blind them from the opportunity.
As I wrote at the time, though, "prices are going to be the last thing to bottom out." Well, they just officially did.
The latest reading of the Case-Shiller House Price Index went positive on a year-over-year basis for the first time in 21 months.
Now that people can finally see the real estate recovery, they're starting to believe it, too. It's not just investors, either. It's the mainstream press.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Mortgage rates fall to record lows again
The 30-year fell to 3.31% from 3.34% last week, according to Freddie Mac (FMCC, Fortune 500), the government controlled mortgage backer. The 15-year rate averaged 2.63%, compared with 2.65% a week ago.
Related: Most affordable cities for buying homes
"If you're looking for Black Friday deals and door-busters, it's pretty hard to beat the savings," he said. "To really rack up savings, you might also consider a purchase or refinance using a loan with a term shorter than the traditional 30 years."
The numbers add up like this: Homeowners current paying off 30-year loans with rates of 4% spend about $1,098 a month in mortgage payments on a $200,000 balance, paying a total interest cost of $143,739.
Refinancing at 2.63% for 15 years would cost them about $250 a month more, but they would wind up paying just $42,250 in total interest and their payments would end years earlier.
Refinancing into another 30-year loan at 3.31% would cost homeowners only $877 a month, saving $221 from the existing loan. But the total interest paid would come to $115,725 over the life of the loan, a difference of more than $73,000 compared with the 15-year mortgage.
Related: 'I'm trapped in a high-rate mortgage
Low interest rates are very helpful to the housing market by slashing the monthly costs of ownership, which homebuyers often focus on when calculating if they can afford to buy a home. With home prices also down about 30% from their recent peak, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, and employment numbers gradually improving, affording a home has rarely been easier.
The report adds to other recent good news for housing markets, with existing home sales, prices and new construction all recording upticks.
How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home
Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price.
By: Carl Vogel
A house is comparable to yours in price if it's in the same neighborhood, on a similar street, and in the same school district. Image: image100 Photography/Veer
How much can you sell your home for? Probably about as much as the neighbors got, as long as the neighbors sold their house in recent memory and their home was just like your home.
Knowing how much homes similar to yours, called comparable sales (or in real estate lingo, comps), sold for gives you the best idea of the current estimated value of your home. The trick is finding sales that closely match yours.
What makes a good comparable sale?
Your best comparable sale is the same model as your house in the same subdivision—and it closed escrow last week. If you can’t find that, here are other factors that count:
Location: The closer to your house the better, but don’t just use any comparable sale within a mile radius. A good comparable sale is a house in your neighborhood, your subdivision, on the same type of street as your house, and in your school district.
Home type: Try to find comparable sales that are like your home in style, construction material, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, basement (having one and whether it’s finished), finishes, and yard size.
Amenities and upgrades: Is the kitchen new? Does the comparable sale house have full A/C? Is there crown molding, a deck, or a pool? Does your community have the same amenities (pool, workout room, walking trails, etc.) and homeowners association fees?
Date of sale: You may want to use a comparable sale from two years ago when the market was high, but that won’t fly. Most buyers use government-guaranteed mortgages, and those lending programs say comparable sales can be no older than 90 days.
Sales sweeteners: Did the comparable-sale sellers give the buyers downpayment assistance, closing costs, or a free television? You have to reduce the value of any comparable sale to account for any deal sweeteners.
Location: The closer to your house the better, but don’t just use any comparable sale within a mile radius. A good comparable sale is a house in your neighborhood, your subdivision, on the same type of street as your house, and in your school district.
Home type: Try to find comparable sales that are like your home in style, construction material, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, basement (having one and whether it’s finished), finishes, and yard size.
Amenities and upgrades: Is the kitchen new? Does the comparable sale house have full A/C? Is there crown molding, a deck, or a pool? Does your community have the same amenities (pool, workout room, walking trails, etc.) and homeowners association fees?
Date of sale: You may want to use a comparable sale from two years ago when the market was high, but that won’t fly. Most buyers use government-guaranteed mortgages, and those lending programs say comparable sales can be no older than 90 days.
Sales sweeteners: Did the comparable-sale sellers give the buyers downpayment assistance, closing costs, or a free television? You have to reduce the value of any comparable sale to account for any deal sweeteners.
Agents can help adjust price based on insider insights
Even if you live in a subdivision, your home will always be different from your neighbors’. Evaluating those differences—like the fact that your home has one more bedroom than the comparables or a basement office—is one of the ways real estate agents add value.
An active agent has been inside a lot of homes in your neighborhood and knows all sorts of details about comparable sales. She has read the comments the selling agent put into the MLS, seen the ugly wallpaper, and heard what other REALTORS®, lenders, closing agents, and appraisers said about the comparable sale.
An active agent has been inside a lot of homes in your neighborhood and knows all sorts of details about comparable sales. She has read the comments the selling agent put into the MLS, seen the ugly wallpaper, and heard what other REALTORS®, lenders, closing agents, and appraisers said about the comparable sale.
More ways to pick a home listing price
If you’re still having trouble picking out a listing price for your home, look at the current competition. Ask your real estate agent to be honest about your home and the other homes on the market (and then listen to her without taking the criticism personally).
Next, put your comparable sales into two piles: more expensive and less expensive. What makes your home more valuable than the cheaper comparable sales and less valuable than the pricier comparable sales?
Next, put your comparable sales into two piles: more expensive and less expensive. What makes your home more valuable than the cheaper comparable sales and less valuable than the pricier comparable sales?
Are foreclosures and short sales comparables?
If one or more of your comparable sales was a foreclosed home or a short sale (a home that sold for less money than the owners owed on the mortgage), ask your real estate agent how to treat those comps.
A foreclosed home is usually in poor condition because owners who can’t pay their mortgage can’t afford to pay for upkeep. Your home is in great shape, so the foreclosure should be priced lower than your home.
Short sales are typically in good condition, although they are still distressed sales. The owners usually have to sell because they’re divorcing, or their employer is moving them to Kansas.
Short sales are typically in good condition, although they are still distressed sales. The owners usually have to sell because they’re divorcing, or their employer is moving them to Kansas.
How much short sales are discounted from their market value varies among local markets. The average short-sale home in Omaha in recent years was discounted by 8.5%, according to a University of Nebraska at Omaha study. In suburban Washington, D.C., sellers typically discount short-sale homes by 3% to 5% to get them quickly sold, real estate agents report. In other markets, sellers price short sales the same as other homes in the neighborhood.
So you have to rely on your REALTOR’s® knowledge of the local market to use a short sale as a comparable sale.
So you have to rely on your REALTOR’s® knowledge of the local market to use a short sale as a comparable sale.
Read more: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/how-use-comparable-sales-price-your-home/#ixzz2EC0hhvd4
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Miami-Dade pending home sales spiked in October
The number of sales contracts on single-family homes and condos in Miami-Dade jumped sharply in October despite the very low inventory of homes on the market.
Despite a dearth of homes and condos on the market in Miami-Dade County, pending sales in October rose 18 percent from the prior month and 67 percent year over year, according to the Miami Association of Realtors.
The number of pending sales was 4,172 in October compared with 2,488 a year earlier, the group said.
Prospective buyers are more confident about investing in a home after seeing a string of steady price increases in Miami, and they want to get in before they miss out.
“There is a general feeling of optimism that the market is coming back,” said Carole Smith, a Realtor with Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell in Miami.
With healthy demand and little on the market, properties are selling for closer to their asking price and sellers aren’t inclined to offer discounts, agents say. For October, single-family homes in Miami-Dade sold at 95 percent of the original listing price, while condos went for 97.1 percent of original listing price on average, the Miami Realtors said. In October 2011, single family homes fetched 91 percent of listing price on average and condos got 93.6 percent of listing price.
Pending sales are a forward indicator based on the number of contracts signed over a given period.
“People are feeling much better,” said Anthony Askowitz, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Advance Realty in Miami, who sees strong sales momentum heading into the end of the year. “People want to get in to their homes before the holidays.”
For some buyers looking for a permanent residence, he added, getting in by year-end means an opportunity to declare homestead exemption for a property tax break in 2013.
“Many of our sales now are happening within a matter of days,” said Ronald Shuffield, president of EWM in Coral Gables, who sees more buyers in the market than last year. “People are sensing that prices are going up and they want to get something before the prices go up more.”
While a high percentage of Miami residences still have negative equity, the recent rise in prices means more homeowners who have been underwater with their mortgage finally are seeing an opportunity to sell.
The inventory of residences for sale in Miami-Dade inched up 1.5 percent in October. Still, it’s a seller’s market with just a 4.2-month supply of homes for sale in the county. A for-sale supply of six to nine times the number of homes sold in a month is considered a balanced market.
“I think more properties will come on the market in January,” said EWM’s Smith.
“The Miami real estate market is poised for another record year that would surpass the all-time sales record set in 2011,” Martha Pomares, chairman of the board of the Miami Association of Realtors, said in a statement. “Strong demand persists despite the shortage of housing inventory, and listings are increasingly selling at a more rapid pace, driving in significant price appreciation.”
The number of single-family homes that went under contract in October leaped 85 percent while pending sales of condos climbed 55.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the Miami Association of Realtors
Not just a hotel, Miami Beach Edition to include residences, too
Set to open in the first quarter of 2014, the Miami Beach Edition will include 26 high-end apartments, hotel rooms, bowling, ice skating and more.
With his latest project, he’s planning to make an even bigger splash — and this time, he’s including a bowling alley and ice skating rink.
In an interview Monday, Schrager revealed some details about the Miami Beach Edition, a project he’s working on in partnership with Marriott International that is set to debut in early 2014.
The property, at the site of the old Seville Beach hotel at 2901 Collins Avenue, will include 26 high-end residences designed by architect John Pawson, restaurants, a nightclub, bowling alley and ice skating rink, Schrager said. The residential units will be on the top two floors of the hotel, which will have about 250 rooms, and in a new 11-story building.
“The hotel and residences are kind of dedicated to the good life and to make staying in Miami really easy and effortless and make it the art of living rather than the job of living,” he said.
One Edition is already open, in Istanbul. Plans have been announced for others in London, New York, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles and India.
Schrager is so enthusiastic about the residential portion of the Miami Beach project that he’ll own one of the apartments himself. The price per square foot for the units, which will range from one to four bedrooms, will be around $3,000, he said.
That price would put the project in the top tier of Miami Beach condos, said Peter Zalewski, a principal at Bal Harbour-based real estate consultancy Condo Vultures. He said 17 condos are on the market for at least $3,000 a square foot.
“It’s a price that’s kind of in the stratosphere,” he said.
Schrager said three units have already sold; some information about the project is online at www.miamibeacheditionresidences.com.
He said he always has been confident about the prospects for the Miami Beach Edition, though it was announced in July 2010 when tourism was crawling out of the recession and few projects were planned. But now, Schrager said, he senses Miami entering a promising new stage — and is looking for new projects here.
“Now I think Miami is no longer just a vacation city,” he said. “It’s is an international 24-hour gateway city that people all around the world want to live in.”
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