Tuesday, October 9, 2007

The Viability Of Miami Beach Real Estate

By Vanessa A. Doctor Platinum Quality Author



A lot of people have asked, what makes living in Miami Beach so special. Among many reasons, great property inventory, low interest rates, especially for those who need financing, and an assortment of very motivated seller's.


The city's current South Beach market is growing at a fast pace, and according to analysts, is a wonderful place to invest for the long-term. With very limited space, an exciting and eclectic nightlife scene, incredible outdoor restaurants, the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) in Downtown Miami, the American Airlines Arena, the Financial District of Brickell and the amazing stretch of world-famous beaches.


These are among a few of the reasons for living in Miami Beach, despite the backdrop of the US housing crunch looming in the horizon. The local housing market, in tandem with the city's local government, have been doing their part in easing property developers and buyers in their concerns about the direction of the city's real estate market.


New Development Plans Ensure Proper Planning And Zoning


The City of Miami , along with Miami Beach, has further made concrete its commitment to ensure the success of this recent development surge.


Outdated zoning ordinances are now being completely retooled and revamped, and a new citywide development plan, which is managed and overseen by the Miami Downtown Development Authority, is being implemented, that city officials vow "will balance new development with revitalization and preservation of the neighborhoods". These development districts are created and unified under the Biscayne Boulevard Special Area Plan to provide continuity and coherent zoning and land use regulations.


Miami Beach Cuts Home Property Taxes


Recently, the Miami Beach City Commission has unanimously given preliminary approval to the city's new $231 million budget, which would take effect on Oct. 1. The city's commission has set the tax rate at $5.897 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. This move represents a significant 23 percent drop from this year's rate of $7.67, according to City Manager Jorge Gonzalez.


Under the new tax rates, a homeowner whose house is valued at $295,000 , which is the the median price in Miami Beach - taking the standard homestead exemption will pay $1,636 in city taxes. However owners of commercial properties and non-homesteaded properties may not be able to receive the same kind of tax relief. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.


According to the 2007-08 budget, taxpayers throughout Miami Beach are likely to see increments in city service fees levied, such as water and sewer fees, to rise from a combined total of $7.04 a month to $12 a month. Miami Beach will also stop absorbing the cost increases for these services and will pass them directly onto taxpayers.


There would also be an increase in franchise fees for sanitation services for commercial properties, apartments and condominiums from $37.57 a month to $38.25 a month. Along with other increases, parking fees will also have to go up, from $60 to $70 a month for monthly parking passes and from $10 to $15 for special event parking.


Miami Beach has emerged as one of the most vibrant cities, and throughout the recent decade, the real estate markets have also been very vibrant and appealing. A lot of people from across the world have descended upon the city and have driven an unprecedented rebirth and revitalization of this once-neglected tropical paradise. This new revitalizing force has added to infuse an explosive boom in Miami's real estate market.


Miami Beach Real Estate - http://miamirealestateinc.org


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