January 2025 Issue
Current active listings and rentals as of January 30th, 2025
This Month
All Listings closed this month
Current available rentals.
Coldwell Banker Office Listings
A few popular listings in the office
a Home This Year
Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership?
How Home Equity Can Help Fuel Your Retirement
If retirement is on the horizon, now ’ s the time to start thinking about your next chapter
The number one answer was to help market their house.
A recent report from Realtor com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable
The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage
Beautifully updated single story home with high ceilings that create an airy and bright interior The open great room also includes a sunny rear Florida room with private back yard views and no rear neighbors The kitchen has been updated with sleek white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Split bedroom floor plan and both bathrooms have been updated.
13578 Via Flora E, Delray Beach
Beautifully decorated unit in 55 + community. Fresh and clean 2 bedroom 2 bath corner unit in the established Palm Greens at Villa Del Ray. Tile flooring throughout, large windows, walk in showers, and plenty of storage Crown molding and wainscoting for extra elegance
Best Buy Age 55+ first floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Meridian Park that backs to a small canal Perfect for relaxation on screened patio Convenient Palm Beach Gardens location close to medical centers, Publix, and the Gardens Mall Furniture negotiable Monthly fee includes; water, sewer, cable TV, and internet Come and experience the paradise that is Palm Beach Gardens
Bonaire Boulevard 409, Delray Beach
2 B
2 bedroom, 2 bath condo on the 4th floor with Granite countertops, tiled kitchen and bathrooms, carpeted in living area and bedrooms Bright and welcoming! Smooth ceilings with various fans Enjoy this active 55+community with amenities including a heated pool, fitness center, billiards, library, auditorium and water views that you can fish in! This community also has a community trolley shuttle to take you to entertainment, shopping, and your appointments Conveniently located between I-95 & Fl Turnpike
One-story ranch style home with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens with no HOA Former garage has been converted to 4th bedroom. Spacious rear patio and large shed in yard. Pet friendly with private fenced rear yard...no rent restrictions. Convenient to shopping on PGA Blvd and near area beaches.
Gorgeousfurnishedannualrentalreadyforyoutomovein.Adult55+community withmannedgateforyoursecurity.Threebedroomand2bathroomunitwith 1965squarefeetoflivingarea.Communityclubhousewithheatedpoolandspa. Twolargepatiosandafenceddogrunonthesideofthehouse.Walkingdistance toPublixandKCMarket.
Fabulous first floor lake front condo at Grove Village. Nicely updated with new ceramic tile floors throughout (installed in 2024) Kitchen has granite counter tops and all new stainless steel appliance HVAC and hot water tank replace in 2023
Updated ceiling fans, lighting fixtures and window treatments throughout including blackened shades in bedrooms New full size washer and dryer in 2024. New roof in 2023. One car attached garage.
Community amenities at The Grove include: clubhouse, billiards, bocce ball, fitness center, game room, library, pool, and more with a 24 hour manned gated security
Step into this gorgeous updated 2 bedroom townhouse with plenty of living area. Modern remodeled kitchen with large island, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliance First level has large living room that opens to a private fenced court yard Kitchen is open to the dining room Half bath with full size washer and dryer There are 2 second level bedrooms each with private bath and balconies over looking the courtyard. Large walk-in closets. The AC is 3 years old. This townhouse is located in the Jupiter Community of Sims Creek with common dock access to the Loxahatchee River
LUXURYLIVING INDELRAY BEACH
7,554SQFT 2012 $11,900,000
Set on 5 23 acres within an exclusive gated community of just 78 homes, this exceptional estate offers breathtaking lakefront views and unparalleled privacy Designed in a transitionally modern style, the residence makes a striking first impression with a grand two-story entryway, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that flood the interiors with natural light.Perfect for entertaining, the expansive outdoor oasis features a covered lanai, summer kitchen, fire pit, and a stunning infinity-edge pool overlooking the serene lake Additional highlights include a five-car garage complete with workspace and full bath, as well as a dumbwaiter for added convenience Offering both elegance and seclusion, this estate is a true sanctuary for discerning homeowners
BEACHACCESS INDELRAY BEACH
Beach Access! Stunning Water Views! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath residence boasts breathtaking southern Intracoastal views from the highly sought after south 03 stack. The stunningly remodeled, open concept kitchen features gorgeous contemporary details, quartz counters w/ an oversized quartzite island, wine cooler, induction cooktop & custom lighting There is tile throughout the residence with plush carpet in the bedrooms The primary suite features a beautifully updated ensuite bath & an oversized closet with custom built-ins. Additional features include new ductwork & raised ceilings in the foyer, as well as impact glass throughout This is a rare opportunity to own a premier unit at Coastal House, one of Delray Beach's most exclusive waterfront addresses
THE REAL BENEFITS OF BUYING A HOME THIS YEAR
Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach
But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents
Maybe you’re feeling that too concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful longterm financial benefits.
Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.
Buying Builds Wealth Over Time
Buying a home allows you to turn your monthly housing costs into a long-term investment. That’s because, as shown in data from the Census and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), home prices tend to increase over time (see graph below):
Rising home prices directly benefit homeowners. That’s because when you own a home, you build equity meaning your ownership stake in your home grows as you pay down your mortgage and your home's value appreciates. And that, in turn, makes your net worth grow too
Maybe that’s why, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 79% of buyers believe owning a home is a good financial investment
Renting Comes with Rising Costs
Renting may feel more affordable in the short term, especially right now with today’s home prices and mortgage rates
But the reality is, over time, rent almost always goes up too Take a look at the data and you can see that play out According to Census data, rents have significantly increased over the decades (see graph to Right):
This means if you decide to rent, you’ll likely face growing expenses each time you renew or sign a new lease – and that’ll happen without building any wealth in return Plus, those rising costs may make it harder to save up to buy a home down the road
Renting vs Buying: The Long-Term Impact
When you own a home, your payments are an investment in your future Renting, on the other hand, means your money is gone for good it helps your landlord build equity, not you
Renting works for those not ready (or able) to buy today But if you are able to make the numbers work, buying a home builds equity and sets you up for long-term financial success So, even though renting may seem easier now, it can’t match the benefits of homeownership
Bottom Line
If you can afford it, take control of your financial future by making homeownership part of your plan It’s an investment you won’t regret
Do you want to see what starter homes are available in our market? Let’s connect today to explore your options
How Home Equity Can Help Fuel Your Retirement
If retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next chapter And you probably want to make sure you’re set up to feel comfortable financially to live the life you want in retirement.
What you may not realize is you likely have a hidden goldmine of cash you’re not thinking about and that’s your home. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that home values have gone up nearly 60% over the last 5 years alone (see graph to the right):
And that appreciation gave your net worth a big boost. According to Freddie Mac, over the same five-year period: “ Boomer overall wealth increased by $19 trillion, or $486,000 per household, half of which is due to house price appreciation ”
So if you’ve been in your house ever longer than that, chances are you have even more equity in your home If you want to have access to more of the wealth you’ve built up throughout the years, it’s worth thinking about selling your house to downsize
Why Downsizing Might Be the Right Move
Selling now so you can downsize into a smaller home, or maybe one in a more affordable area, could free up your home equity so you can use a portion of it to help you feel confident retiring Whether you want to travel, spend more time with family, or just feel financially secure, accessing the equity in your home can make a huge difference
As Chase says:
“Retirement is an exciting time. Selling your home to take advantage of the equity or to downsize to a more affordable home can open up additional options for your future.”
Here are just a few of the ways a smaller home can fuel your retirement:
1. Cut Your Cost of Living
Data from the AARP shows the number one reason adults 50 and older move is to reduce their cost of living. Downsizing to a smaller house or relocating to a more affordable area can help you lower your monthly expenses like utilities, property taxes, and maintenance costs
2 Simplify Your Life
A smaller home often means less upkeep and fewer responsibilities That can free up your time and energy to focus on the things that matter most in your retirement
3 Boost Your Financial Flexibility
Selling your current house gives you access to your equity, turning it into cash you can use however you like Whether it’s investing, paying off debt, or creating a financial cushion, it can open up new opportunities for your future.
The First Step Toward Your Next Chapter
If you think you may be interested in downsizing, working with a real estate agent is your next step. Your agent will help you understand how much equity to have and how you can use it. But they’ll do more than that. They’ll also help you navigate the entire process of selling your current home and finding a new one, so you can transition smoothly into a new home and a new phase of life.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning to retire in 2025, now may be the perfect time to downsize and unlock the equity you’ve built up in your home Let’s start planning your move now, so you’re set up to make every day feel like a Saturday
The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed
In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent The number one answer was to help market their house It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they're doing.
According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):
Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website –
Having your house on your agent’s website presents it in a professional way to buyers And odds are, people visiting your agent’s website are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers
Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving or walking by. And when it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy that there’s a house for sale in the area. It also puts your agent’s contact information on display, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch.
Having an Open House – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers – and that can lead to stronger offers And since you’ll only need to leave once for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you, too Plus, an open house helps your agent get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they're not as sold on Social Networking – Posting your house on social helps get your house in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones
Providing Virtual Tours – For buyers who are relocating from out of town, virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are This helps reach more potential buyers who may not be able to come to see your house in person
Using Video – Video is an excellent way for your agent to show off some of the top features of your house like your kitchen, large closets, outdoor entertainment areas, and other key details that could attract buyers. Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to your agent’s expansive database is another way they’ll get it in front of even more people. Great agents may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market as a way to boost interest and excitement before it officially has an open house. Here’s what it comes down to. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos. But a great agent will do so much more than that. They’ll not only lean on their expertise, they’ll put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes an impression on buyers, and ultimately, sells
Bottom Line
As a seller, working with a creative local real estate agent is a smart way to ensure your house grabs the attention of the right buyers If you’re ready to sell and want to talk about strategies we can use to get your house sold, let’s chat
Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now
market.
1. FHA Loans
If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home According to the U S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:
Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3 5% of the home’s purchase price
Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing This means, when conventional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan
The first step is to connect with a lender who can help you explore your options and determine if you qualify
2. Homeownership Assistance Programs
And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know there are over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs available across the U.S. according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:
Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000 And that’s not a small number
Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even bigger boost
Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource confirms a little-known fact:
“Some of these programs can be layered And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program ”
If you want to learn more or see what you qualify for, be sure to lean on the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help that’s out there, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.
Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market
The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget But here’s what you need to know The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been looking for.
1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale
Data from Realtor com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024 And experts say your pool of options is expected to get even better this year Forecasts show inventory is projected to grow another 11-15% by the end of this year (see graph below):
Here’s why this is so good for your search If you haven’t seen a house with all the features you need, just know that, as the number of homes for sale grows, you’ll have more options to choose from That means a better chance of finding a home that checks all your boxes As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“It could be a particularly good time to get out into the market you're going to have more choice And that's not something that buyers have really had much over the past several years ”
2. There Are More Newly Built Homes on the Market
According to data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 31 1%, or roughly 1 in 3, homes on the market right now are newly built homes. That’s more than the norm (see charts below). But don't worry, that's not because builders are overdoing it – it’s just that they’re trying to catch up after years of underbuilding And the best part is, since builders have been focusing on smaller homes with lower price points, you may actually find out new builds are less expensive than you’d expect. So, while a lot of people write off new construction because it’s easy to assume the costs are way higher, lately, that price gap isn’t as big as you’d think As CNET says: “If you live in an area where there's a lot of new construction happening . . . you might be able to purchase a new house for a price similar to or even less than a pre-owned one ” If you haven’t been able to find a home that’s in your budget, it’s time to ask your agent about new builds If you don’t, you may have been cutting your pool of options by about a third.
Bottom Line
More choices could be the key to unlocking your homebuying goals in 2025 Reach out if you want to see what’s available in and around our area.
What features are you looking for in your next home? Let me know and I’ll put together a list of homes you’d love
