School Property Taxes Expected to Increase

School property taxes in Florida are expected to increase 1.3% by next year, signaling an increase in property values. This is one of the most promising signs of recovery in the Florida housing market.

Property appraisers and real estate agents are already seeing signs of improvement in the housing market. Appraisers for the downtown Miami area have seen property values increase over 12% this year over last year and higher income neighborhoods like Coral Gables are already seeing higher property taxes.

Florida Ranks in Top 10 Housing Markets for Investors

Three Florida cities: Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando ranked in the top 10 housing markets for investors in rental property according to HomeVestors of America and Local Market Monitor.

This is a result of home prices falling substantially, potential home price appreciation and current high rent rates, all good news for investors looking to get the best returns on rental properties.

Retirement Visas May Save Florida Real Estate Market

Florida is considering the implementation of a federal retirement visa policy in order to create new jobs, increase economic output and put more money in Floridians' pockets. The creation of a retirement visa may advance investment and demand in the Florida real estate market, which would benefit Florida as a whole. 

A retirement visa is an immigration authorization that allows foreigners meeting asset and age requirements to retire in the U.S. Currently, this special immigration program does not exist in the United States.

It is projected that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be created and sustained from the increased investment in the housing market if the retirement visa is implemented. By 2018, an additional $25 billion in gross state product, $44 billion in total sales and $15 billion in Floridians' disposable income could result from the immigration program. 

The retirement visa would attract long-term visitors from around the world who are willing to invest and consume in Florida. With a large percentage of foreign home buyers living in Florida already, this is a creative and new option which may have a positive effect on the housing market and Florida's economy as a whole. Nearly 30% of real estate transactions in Florida are with an international buyer, but the current immigration laws prohibit many foreigners from residing in the U.S. year round. The retirement visa would jump-start the housing economy and encourage international trade, tourism and commerce.