Fort Lauderdale Realtors say the area is growing and housing is getting harder to find, but there are still homes available to suit almost any budget.

"From the banks of Riverwalk to the sandy beaches of Ft. Lauderdale, this area offers a medley of culture from the Broward Performing Arts, many museums, affordable homes as well as luxury sites not customarily found," explain Marilyn Wechsler and Allen Rosenthal. "There are homes for every pocket book. Year-round activities make this one of Florida's most attractive areas."

They explain, "The real estate market in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding area has been "red hot" for the past six months. The result is a decrease in available inventory. Whether you are interested in buying or selling, now may be the best time to call for assistance with your plans. It's anybody's guess how long the cost of borrowing will remain affordable or low."

Says Realtor Karen Love, "May is here with the Spring showers coming in the afternoons, as is typical this time of year. We enjoyed a comfortable winter, and summer temperatures are just around the corner."

Love says, "Fort Lauderdale offers a wide choice of both new and resale moderate and luxury townhomes. The city has revitalized the downtown shopping and dining core. So more options of entertainment, dining, and shopping are nearby. The beach area also offers luxury high-rise condominiums, both new and resale. The east areas offer Old Florida charm and many diverse architectural styles.The values on the resale of existing condos and homes has held steady, with upward movement in pricing. Some good values can still be had west of I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. The homes are more affordable in these areas. Many offer A+ school districts as well.

"With low interest rates holding, the market remains active for all property types," advises Love. "Over 50 percent of properly priced homes and condos sell within 30 days, and new listings come on the market daily, allowing for good choices for buyers ready to take the plunge. The coastal areas draw people from all walks of life and with a wide choice of amenities available, you can see why. If you're looking for a big city arts and entertainment with a smaller town atmosphere, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding communities may be the place for you to call home."

"Now number 4 in population, Florida is poised to pass New York by 2024," note Realtors Chuck Dinsmore and Chris Toomey. "Broward County will have the largest population growth of all 67 counties in Florida, adding an estimated 1 million people over the next 25 years!"

They advise, "Even though home sales fell in February at a national rate of 4.3 percent according to the Wall Street Journal, the South Florida Market remains strong. What most Realtors in the area are seeing is a much needed increase in inventory (homes coming on the market). Even with the additional choices, home sales are still strong in most price ranges. Buyers now have more to choose from, allowing them to compare properties for a more informed decision. One might think that with an increased supply, the prices would fall, but supply has yet to catch up with demand!

"In all, sellers are being more realistic in pricing their homes, but are still able to realize good returns on their investments!" says Chris. "With proper pricing and our outstanding marketing programs, homes are still selling quickly, benefiting both sellers and buyers. Ft. Lauderdale and East Broward County continue to see strong growth. Nearing complete build-out in the county, property is becoming scarce. With the call of the ocean (and the city's renewed downtown entertainment district), families are moving back toward the east. As a result, property values have held their own. Ft. Lauderdale is still one of the lowest-priced waterfront destinations in the country. The opportunity to get in on this high growth rate is now."

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Published: May 21, 2003

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