Florida has some of the most prime real estate in the country. With gorgeous beaches, you can choose from oceanfront or Intracoastal properties as well as properties on canals and lakes, golf and tennis country club communities, gated communities, retirement communities, and so much more. In fact, deciding on what type of property you want- single-family, condo or townhouse is the hardest choice. Florida has affordable investment property that you can use as rental property, vacation property, second home or retirement property. Baby boomers, local and foreign tourists, snow birds and just about everybody put Florida on their list as one of the top places to live and visit. There is something for everyone.

What’s Hot

Foreclosure auctions, short sales and REO’s are the hot commodity right now. The reason is that you are acquiring a property with built in equity. While many foreclosures need repairs and rehabbing, there are a number of luxury and newer properties that are in move in condition. You just need to take your time sifting through the entire inventory. If you work with a local Realtor, they can do the sifting for you and save you time.

Florida rental property is in high demand. With so many homeowners losing their homes, they need rental homes in neighborhoods with good schools. So if you are thinking about buying single-family homes, that is a good investment choice as well as multi-family dwellings 1-4 units and apartment buildings.

Vacation properties are always a good choice. Single -family homes, condos and townhouses within 15-30 minutes of the ocean are popular with snow birds and foreign tourists, and you can rent them out seasonally. You can still use the property yourself the rest of the year as a second home or vacation home. Some communities offer concierge services for a fee, which is worth looking into if you do not live in the area. They will arrange for rentals, cleaning services and other services for your rental guests.

You might also look into fractionalizing your vacation property. This means you sell fractional shares of your property to several owners, and they share the costs of maintaining the property including insurance and taxes. You can also keep part ownership for yourself if you want to use the property as a vacation home or rent your portion out. It’s kind of similar to a time share only everyone gets a deeded interest. The owners work out a use schedule for their weeks. The good thing about fractionalizing your real estate is it allows buyers to own vacation property in a luxury community with resort style amenities that they would not otherwise be able to afford. If you have a vacation home sitting on the market that you have not been able to sell, you might want to look into fractionalizing it. Buyers are willing to pay a little more because they are sharing the purchasing and maintenance costs.

Retirement properties are popular investment choices. There is a high demand for active adult community rentals. Many 55+ communities offer tennis, golf and numerous clubhouse activities. You can also rent your unit out. Each association has different rental rules so you need to verify  their rental policies with them. Some only allow rentals twice a year; some require a year’s lease. Your real estate agent can get that information for you.

Investing in Florida real estate makes more sense now than it ever has because there are so many terrific investments to choose from. Florida real estate prices are more affordable now than they have been in the last five years. Prices have gone done as much as 50% since the real estate bust in 2007. That’s why investors are flocking to Florida to take advantage of these discounted prices. Investors can choose from re-sale, new home developments, foreclosures and short sales. Interest rates are still low making conditions perfect for investors right now. If you have cash, even better. That just gives you more flexibility and properties to choose from.

Everyone dreams of owning that perfect beach home. A place where you can walk out the door onto white, powdery sand, and watch the sun glittering on the water while the breeze blows through your hair and the seagulls play around you. Ok, that sounds a little silly, but you have to admit it’s true. Those dreams usually take place somewhere in the obscure future, after you’ve won the lottery, or gotten that big inheritance from some distant relative you don’t remember, but they don’t have to. Right now there are over three hundred listings of homes for sale on Clearwater beach, with prices that can fit any budget.

Yes, there are those six million dollar homes that are almost ten thousand square feet of luxurious delight, with a view to die for AND a pool. Most of us would definitely have to win the lottery for that one! And be able to afford the team to clean it! But for those of us who live in the real world and don’t want to wait for that distant future to get here, there are other options for you to have that beach home, and to have it right now.

As everyone knows with Florida Real Estate, it’s currently a buyers market, and the listing prices of properties here in Florida are reflecting that. There are three bedroom single family Clearwater beach homes for sale that are currently listed for under five hundred thousand! Townhomes and condos are listed for under three hundred thousand! These are beautiful, updated properties, and some have docks and boat lifts depending on where they’re located. Many are short sales, which could take a little more time to complete the sale, but isn’t it worth it to be able to get your dream home for that price? You’ll never have to come home from your beach vacation again. You can be on vacation all year long!

So stop dreaming and contact your Florida Realtor to take advantage of this market. Get your dream home while the getting is good! Live on Clearwaters’ pristine beach and watch the dolphins play. Enjoy the wonderful restaurants, the shopping, and the gorgeous sunsets all year round.  For more information on any of the Clearwater beach homes for sale, please feel free to contact me. I would love to show you your new beach home!

Ever since I got into the business of Real Estate, I’ve been really surprised by how many people I meet just by chance who are looking to for homes for sale on Clearwater Beach. Just the other day, I went home for lunch to take my dog out for a little walk, and I met a very nice man who was driving around checking out the area where I live. He told me his daughter lived just a little north of us, and he and his wife were thinking of moving to the area after only one visit! So of course, I told him all about how beautiful it is here (which it is) and gave him my business information. Needless to say, I’ve learned very quickly to carry business cards with me everywhere…even just walking the dog. I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised. It really is a buyers market right now and from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater real estate, or anywhere along the Gulf coastline, there are lots of choices for said buyers. He was thrilled to have chanced upon a REALTOR, and the search is on for their new home.

Although the Real Estate market here in Florida is starting to make a comeback, the cost of property is going to remain low for 2010, so now is the time to buy! Let’s not forget the extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit also. It’s been extended until April 30, 2010. (More detail about that will be in my next blog). Many people are wanting to move to this area of Florida, and I can’t say that I blame them. If you’ve read any of my other blogs, you’ll know how much I love it here. A good majority move down from the cold up north to our beautiful, white sandy beaches. Clearwater real estate seems to be the most popular. Even Hulk Hogan lived there!

The climate here is a big draw. Right now, at the end of January, the temperature is about 70 degrees and sunny. Perfect for walks on the beach, outdoor lunches, or a round of golf. There’s tons of other things to do in and around Clearwater while enjoying this gorgeous weather. Here are just a few ideas:

1.) Do you like to gamble? Go to Seminole Indian Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Clearwater across the bay.

2.) 20 minutes north of Clearwater is Tarpon Springs,an authentic Greek Sponge diving and fishing village. Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock features Greek foods, shops, a museaum and sponge diving exhibitions.

3.) Busche Gardens Theme Park! Filled with natural animal habitats, you can also get your thrills on the roller coasters and water rides.

4.) Pier 60 in St Petersburg, just south of Clearwater, holds a nightly festival of artists, crafters, clowns, street performers, musical concerts and much more. The good times begin 2 hours before sunset to 2 hours after sunset. Check out their web site at www.sunsetsatpier60.com for the latest info.

5.) Clearwater Beach in Clearwater. Enjoy swimming, jet ski and boat rentals, shopping, dining and more. And don’t forget Caladesi Island! Voted the number 1 beach, you can only get there by boat or ferry. Bring a bag for shell collecting!

There are many different Clearwater Beach homes for sale to choose from, from a condo on the beach to houses ranging from modest to the more elaborate villas on the water. Whether you’re a transplant to the Florida area looking for a condo for the winter season, or a resident who would like to have a home closer to the water, your dream home may well be within your reach. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy!