Miami, FL (Vocus)September 3, 2010
Total pending home sales – including single-family homes and condominiums – in Miami-Dade County increased 33.7 percent in August 2010 compared to August 2009, from 7,570 to 10,119, and increased .06 percent, from 10,113 to 10,119, compared to the previous month according to the MIAMI Association of REALTORS and the Southeast Florida Multiple Listing Service (SEFMLS).
The South Florida real estate market continues to strengthen, primarily due to the highest concentration in the U.S. of international buyers, contrary to national trends, which show near-term home sales noticeably lower since the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit.
“The pending sales figures for August coupled with strengthening single-family home prices are good news for the South Florida real estate market, but there are still attractive opportunities for prospective buyers,” said Jack H. Levine, 2010 chairman of the board of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS. “Pending sales rose month-over-month and year-over-year, showing that this is still a great time to purchase a home, especially in the local market. Interest rates are at a record low and expected to remain that way for the remainder of the year while inventory is still plentiful, giving buyers many properties to choose from. Furthermore, the local market is expected to outperform other markets throughout the U.S. due to its international appeal, resulting in strengthening home values into the future.”
Pending sales of condominiums in Miami-Dade County continue to perform better than that of single-family homes. In August, condominium pending sales increased 49.7 percent compared to the previous year, from 3,848 to 5,759 and increased 0.7 percent, from 5,720 the previous month. Pending sales of single-family
homes in August increased 17.1 percent from the previous year, from 3,722 to 4,360, and decreased a slight 0.8 percent from the previous month when pending sales totaled 4,393, showing a preference for condos in August.
Pending Sales Indicative of Strengthening Market
Monthly home sales in South Florida increased dramatically for a period of 23 months since August 2008, while condominium sales continue to surge. Increased pending sales are an indication of increased future sales. A sale is listed as pending when the contract is signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
“We expect home sales to continue to increase in South Florida for the remainder of the year and headed into 2011, provided the job market continues to improve,” said Oliver Ruiz, 2010 residential president of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS. “International buyers in particular continue to positively impact the local market, creating short- and long-term demand for South Florida properties and contributing to strengthening home prices.”
MIAMI Association of REALTORS
The MIAMI Association of REALTORS was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating its 90th year of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Comprised of four organizations, the Residential Association, the Realtors Commercial Alliance, the Broward County Board of Governors, and the International Council, it represents more than 23,000 real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local association in the National Association of Realtors, and has partnerships with more than 60 international organizations worldwide. MIAMI’s official website is http://www.miamire.com.
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