Xtreme Apartment Guide Promo

Boca's Missing Bridge

Last week Boca Raton’s Housing Authority faced a near riot as applicants literally camped out (some overnight) in hopes of securing a housing voucher. This incident shockingly demonstrates that the demand for housing in our region is clearly strong. But- this is the side of the market that is obviously linked to subsidized apartments that cant seem to satisfy a seemingly desperate demographic.

Palm Beach County and in this case Boca Raton is constantly facing occupancy challenges , and will only get tougher during the traditional summer season as the snowbird population migrate north. The evidence is the increased dawning of large bright street signs at “A” rated luxury apartment communities, shouting move in specials. Unfortunately, the signs usually generates the polar opposite of what was set off by a mere announcement of voucher applications- that drew Christmas sale like lines to the doorstep of the city’s housing leaders.

There is obviously something missing here, something that requires a bridge between the two markets.

The riot police, the comments from desperate residents, the shocking video of people swarming makes for interesting media content, but the true story is once the cops and cameras are gone the Boca Raton Housing Authority will remain in the spotlight.

SEFAA Legislative Breakfast Meeting

Speaker: Jeff Rogo, Florida Apartment Association (FAA) Government Affairs Director

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Deerfield Beach Hilton 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 954-427-7700

Issues impacting the bottom line of Florida apartment communities will be discussed. These include early termination, fire alarm monitoring, rental inspection preemption, mandatory telecommunications access, licensing for apartment personnel, mandatory background checks, sexual offenders, and more. As we approach our annual trip to Tallahassee to speak with legislators, April 2 - 3, we want to share these important issues with you.

Download the registration form and invoice.

Renter's Dilemma

One night last fall, a process server went to Dan Dixon's house and gave him papers informing him of the foreclosure. Dixon stands in front of the house he continues to rent even though the bank has foreclosed on the owner. He is moving soon.

Tenants: Be aware of landlords facing foreclosure

BY SCOTT ANDRON MiamiHerald.com

The following headline has become the best leasing point of a rental community-
Landlords have always asked potential tenants about their financial situation. But in today's housing market, renters may need to ask if potential landlords are facing foreclosure.

While South Florida's falling housing prices may favor renting rather than buying right now, the recent real estate bubble is also creating new risks for tenants.

Plenty of homes and condos are available for lease because their owners can't sell them, giving renters a variety of options. The problem is that many of the owners may not be on steady financial footing.

If they end up in foreclosure, tenants can be kicked out -- despite having a lease.

''That's happening. A lot of people are losing their homes,'' said Samira Ghazal, a Miami consumer lawyer. ``They don't know if the landlord is paying the mortgage or not. Then they end up getting evicted.'' Read more

Who's Missing In Florida's Anti-Foreclosure Task Force?

The threat of homelessness has always loomed over struggling homeowners in our region, and often the only true safety net for families is a well managed affordable rental community. So when I read the credentials of the members of Gov. Crist appointed Anti-Foreclosure Task Force I was at the very least disappointed with the lack of representation from the Multi-housing industry leadership(FAA). Below are ideal candidates for Gov. Crist's consideration- (left to right) Marc Rosenwasser NAA Vice Chairman, Dave Watkins CAPS NAA Immediate Past Chairman of the Board , Mark Ogier, CPM President of FAA.



Task Force Members:
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink
Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp
Sens. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge
Tony Hill, D-Jacksonville
Reps. Franklin Sands, D-Plantation
Garrett Richter, R-Naples
Alex Sanchez, president and CEO, Florida Bankers Association
D. Ritch Workman, president, Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers
Mike Fields, president, Bank of America Tallahassee
Thomas Kuntz, chairman, president and CEO, SunTrust Bank, Florida
Nancy Riley, past-president, Florida Association of Realtors
Bill Newton, executive director, Florida Consumer Action Network
Steve Auger, executive director, Florida Housing Finance Corp.


In 2007, Florida ranked second in the number of home foreclosures, with twice as many foreclosures than in 2006. In addition, one out of every 95 households experienced foreclosure in the state last year, a more than 275 percent jump when compared with 2006. I truly believe that the Multi-housing rental industry has without a doubt served as refuge for so many of the Floridians counted in these statistics and our industry's perspective will be necessary to make this initiative a true success.

Faces In The Crowd At Trade Show

Property Managers Kathleen & Frank Heather Geraci, Regional Director of Adventir Real Esate Management & SEFAA Exec Board Member

The Apartment Guide Team - Featuring SEFAA Exec Board Member Susan Harding (in white)

For More Faces Click Here