If you haven’t started an email marketing campaign for your real estate business, it’s time to add that to your to-do list. Don’t worry – Gold Coast Schools has an email template to get you started. Click here to learn how to access this gift.

Key Takeaways

• Build and segment a quality email list.
• Create compelling content.
• Personalize your emails.
• Include clear calls to action.
• Optimize for mobile devices.
• Monitor and analyze email performance.
• Comply with email marketing laws.

Here’s some additional guidance on how to use email to grow your real estate business.

Quick Tips for Creating an Effective Email Strategy

Sending emails that get the job done is part art and part science. Here are some general tips on how to generate business through email marketing.

1. Build a quality email list.

Start by building a targeted email list of potential clients and leads. Collect email addresses through your website, social media channels, networking events, and open houses.

2. Segment your email list.

Segment your email list based on whether the leads are buying or selling (or both). Further segment your email list based on location and the stage they are in the process. Of course, a helpful CRM tool should be used to categorize each contact.

3. Create compelling content.

You must wear many hats as a real estate agent. For example, you must be a local market expert, stay on top of real estate laws and regulations, and be a good negotiator. You do not, however, have to be a great writer. Use proven templates written by professionals for your email campaigns. Sign up to receive access to Gold Coast School’s Real Estate Starter Kit, which includes an email template you can customize for your use.

4. Personalize your emails.

Personalization can significantly improve email engagement. Address recipients by their first name and tailor the content to their interests or needs. This personalized approach will increase the likelihood of your email being opened and the content being accessed and used.

5. Include clear calls to action.

Every email should have a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA) that encourages recipients to take the next step, such as scheduling a consultation, viewing a property, downloading a guide, or signing up for an event. Of course, ensure the links in your email are current to make it easy for your lead to connect with you.

6. Optimize for mobile devices.

Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly and optimized for viewing on smartphones and tablets. Many people check their emails on mobile devices, so a responsive design is crucial for engagement.

7. Monitor and analyze email performance.

Use email marketing analytics tools to track the performance of your email campaigns. Monitor metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, conversions, and unsubscribe rates. Use this data to optimize your campaigns and improve results over time.

8. Comply with email marketing laws.

Familiarize yourself with email marketing laws and regulations, such as CAN-SPAM, to ensure compliance with permission-based marketing practices and data privacy requirements.

Learn How to Use Email to Your Advantage

Email is an affordable marketing tool that can be used to great advantage in the real estate industry – as long as you are sending quality content. Ensure your emails represent you well by hiring a professional writer or using email templates designed for real estate agents.

Sign up for Gold Coast School’s Real Estate Starter Kit today for an email template, plus other guides and tools.

Source:
Kraus, Elizabeth, and Hazel Emnace. “Email Marketing for Small Business: Overview, Costs & Benefits.” Fit Small Business, November 6, 2023. https://fitsmallbusiness.com/email-marketing-small-business-guide/.

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May is not just the month where flowers bloom; it is also a time to focus on a foundation that keeps us safe—building safety. This May, the International Code Council (ICC) leads the charge with Building Safety Month 2024, themed “Mission Possible.”

Building Safety month is set aside to raise awareness about building safety during May with the goal of educating individuals, families, and businesses on everything involved in creating and maintaining sustainable structures. Emphasis is also placed on reinforcing the need to adopt modern and routinely updated building codes and shine a light on professionals who work year-round to ensure our safety. In 2023, nearly 400 jurisdictions observed Building Safety Month, including President Biden, mayors, governors, country officials, and more.

Building Safety Month 2024: Mission Possible Here is a breakdown of the exciting, informative weekly themes designed to enhance our understanding and engagement with building safety.

Week 1: Understanding the Mission

The kickoff week serves as an introduction to building safety. What is Building Safety Month, and why is it important? This week, we delve into how building safety impacts every aspect of our lives—from the homes we live into the buildings we work in. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for recognizing the roles and responsibilities we share in maintaining safe structures.

Week 2: Preparing a Building Safety Plan

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to safety. Week 2 is all about preparation. The ICC offers a wealth of resources, including downloadable brochures and educational tools, focused on key safety topics such as water and fire safety, sustainability, resilience, and disaster preparedness. These resources provide valuable tips and best practices for ensuring safety at home and in our communities.

Week 3: Learning from the Pros

Ever wondered who ensures our buildings are safe? This week shines a spotlight on building safety professionals. Learn about their day-to-day roles, the critical importance of their work, and how they contribute to our community’s safety.

Plus, for those interested in a career in this field, there’s guidance on how to get started and work alongside these crucial safety advocates.

Week 4: Engaging Your Community

Building safety is a community effort. This week, we explore how everyone, from young children to senior citizens, can advocate for and contribute to safer building practices. The ICC provides actionable tips for promoting building safety in your community and engaging ways to involve the younger generation, fostering a culture of safety from an early age.

Week 5: Celebrating Success in Building Safety

In our final week, we celebrate the heroes of building safety—individuals and communities that have made significant contributions to this vital field. Through editorial spotlights and event highlights, we share inspiring stories of success and community effort during Building Safety Month.

Throughout the month, follow the ICC at www.iccsafe.org and Gold Coast Schools, an avid supporter of building safety education for contractors who offers flexible building inspector exam prep packages in Florida. Join us in making the mission possible—ensuring safety and resilience for everyone, everywhere.

Join us this Building Safety Month to make your mission possible: Ensuring a safer tomorrow through learning and engagement today!

The post Building Safety Month 2024 appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

You probably have a mile-long to-do list if you are just getting started in real estate. However, it’s important that you block out some time each week to work on your social media presence. In today’s real estate market, developing your brand on social media is crucial to marketing your business – especially when marketing to Millennials.

Here’s how to audit your social media presence before you become a real estate agent to prepare your accounts for your new career.

Review Your Social Media Accounts Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent

Social media is a crucial part of branding your real estate business. Here’s how to get your accounts ready for your new career.

1. Choose a professional profile picture.

Before you officially become a real estate agent and start earning listings, you’ll want to ensure your profile picture is professional, clean, and consistent across all platforms. You don’t have to spend a lot of money taking new pictures. Taking a well-lit photo with your smartphone can be sufficient.

2. Change your accounts from personal to business.

Designating your Instagram and Facebook profile as a “business” gives you access to advanced metrics you wouldn’t otherwise be able to view. It also allows you to start creating paid ads.

3. Update your contact information.

You want to ensure it’s easy for potential clients to contact you. While they might message you directly on the social media platform, they might also prefer to call, text, email, or send a message through your website. Make sure that that information is updated and that you receive instant notifications of those numbers and accounts.

4. Add your real estate experience to LinkedIn.

Even though you might not feel like an official real estate agent yet, it’s a good idea to update your LinkedIn profile to indicate you are preparing to get your real estate license. If you have an experience that relates to real estate or sales, make sure you adequately represent this as well.

Free Guide: Make the transition to real estate as seamless as possible with the Real Estate Career Switch Guide.

5. Connect with real estate leaders and community members.

Following others in your niche is a great way to prepare your account for your official debut as a real estate agent. Follow local leaders, community members, and services to establish yourself and your business as a supportive community member. Also, follow local brokers and other agents you might be working with when you start your career. Social media can be a great way to begin networking.

6. Remove old posts that don’t fit your brand.

If you had only used social media for personal purposes before, you might not have been as conscious of what you were posting and what those posts might convey to your potential client base. Do a social media audit of your current posts and consider removing anything negative or divisive. It’s great to inject your personality into your social media posts. Just make sure whatever is currently on your profile isn’t something that could turn off prospective clients.

7. Decide what should stay private and change your settings.

If you’re opting to keep separate personal and business social media profiles, then now’s the time to review your profile and change your privacy settings. After changing your settings, log out of each account and search for your name on each platform to double-check that you made your settings private.

8. Begin sharing relevant real estate content.

To establish yourself as an industry expert and leader, share relevant real estate news with your audience. The more helpful you can be, the more value people will find in following your real estate social media pages or blog, potentially increasing your engagement.

For examples and inspiration, sign up to receive this helpful real estate starter kit, which includes social media templates.

9. Analyze your online presence.

Once you’ve cleaned up your social media profiles and tweaked them to be appropriate for your new career as a real estate agent, it’s time to double-check that your efforts have been thorough. Websites like BrandYourself.com allow you to audit all the information available about you online so that you can see if there is any content you might have missed.

Another option is to Google yourself and evaluate the results. Make sure you Google yourself from an incognito window (if you use Google Chrome) or erase your cookies before Googling from other websites. Why? You don’t want your search results to be influenced by your previous browsing history.

Learn How to Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Not only is social media a great way to grow your brand, but it can also be used to generate leads. Make sure you get off on the right foot regarding social media by preparing your profiles before you officially become a real estate agent.

Having all your social media ready to go as soon as you get your real estate license can help you launch your career smoothly and generate positive momentum for your future as a real estate agent.

Get additional tips for your social media accounts by signing up for Gold Coast School’s Real Estate Career Starter Kit. Full of actionable strategies (and social media templates), our starter kit is just the tip of the iceberg of the career resources offered by Gold Coast Schools.

The post 9 Social Media Musts Before You Become a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

You know in your heart that it’s time for a career switch, and you have always dreamed of staging homes, negotiating contracts, and helping clients find the homes of their dreams. But is a career in real estate right for you?

Even though you may enjoy reality TV that focuses on the real estate industry, you know that there’s more to the field than what you see on “Million Dollar Beach House,” or “Property Brothers.” In addition to not knowing the background work real estate agents complete, you may wonder if you have the right skills and personality traits to succeed in a competitive field in Florida.

Here are some steps to help you evaluate whether a career in real estate aligns with your interests, skills, and goals.

Should I Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida?

You need to learn more about yourself and the industry before committing to a career in real estate. Here are some steps to help you determine if real estate is the right career for you.

Step 1: Complete a personal skill assessment.

Real estate agents come from a wide variety of backgrounds and education levels. You don’t have to have innate negotiating skills or any knowledge of real estate law to get started in the industry -you’ll learn those in real estate school.

But what skills do most successful real estate agents have in common?

Real estate agents tend to have the following:

• strong communication skills
• organizational abilities
• ability to multi-task

Do you have the skills you need to become a real estate agent? Take this quiz and find out!

Step 2: Complete a personality assessment.

Real estate agents can be introverts or extroverts and thinkers or feelers, so a traditional personality test may not help you determine if real estate is the right field for you. Instead, assess whether you have the following traits:

• a willingness to learn
• honesty/integrity
• a positive mindset

Learn more about the personality traits common with real estate agents here.

Step 3: Learn more about the real estate industry.

Trying something new is difficult for many people. But if you are drawn to the industry and have the skills and personality critical for real estate agents, maybe it’s time to take the plunge. Start by taking this insightful real estate agent quiz.  Then, learn how to become a real estate agent in Florida.

Are you ready to get started with the real estate licensing process? Gold Coast Schools is here to help! We offer flexible learning options, so you don’t have to quit your day job while you are taking classes. Our industry-leading real estate exam prep and digital flash cards will help you pass on the first try.

Is a real estate career right for you? You won’t know unless you try! Get started today by contacting our student services department at Gold Coast Schools.

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While you certainly must be prepared to answer questions, you must also be ready to ask questions. Let’s discuss the job-hunting process for real estate agents by focusing on the top questions for a broker interview.

How to Find a Job in Real Estate

Real estate agents in Florida must work for a brokerage (and under the supervision of a broker.) Brokers are experienced real estate agents who receive additional training and are licensed to oversee other agents’ work. Before beginning work as an agent, you must sign on with a brokerage.

You may talk with several different brokerages to find one that is the right fit. This interview experience will be unlike any other you have experienced outside the real estate industry. While many brokerages are choosy about who they let join their ranks, real estate agents may also be particular when selecting a brokerage. After all, brokerages provide different levels of resources and support, so you need to find the right one to suit your needs.

Here’s some guidance on what to ask a broker during an interview.

Top Questions for a Broker Interview

Since a broker interview is a unique type of interview, it’s wise to go into the meeting prepared. Here are some general topics to cover.

For more questions and advice on what to wear to the interview, download our free guide, “70 Most Important Questions for Your Real Estate Interview.”

General questions to ask a broker

Clear expectations are crucial in every business relationship. Make sure you understand what is expected from you by asking the following questions at your interview:

• How many transactions per year do you expect me to close?
• Do you allow part-time agents?
• What expectations do you have of me?

Learn 16 more general questions to ask your broker by reviewing this guide.

Compensation/Expenses

You must understand your commission split before you agree to work for a brokerage. Ask if there’s a desk fee or cap on commissions – and how much you might expect to earn the first year.

Confused about commissions? Here are some additional questions to ask a broker about how you will get paid as a real estate agent.

Training

Some brokerages have new agents pay for their training, or they may require new agents to stay with the brokerage for a set amount of time after they complete a training program.

Did you know that some brokerages require new agents to share commissions with mentors? Click here to learn other standard training practices for brokerages.

Leads

Finding clients will be your highest priority as a new agent. Ask how the brokerage will support you with this endeavor. For example, is office floor time available? What kind of advertising does the brokerage provide?

Technology and other resources

If you aren’t already, you will become highly dependent on technology as a real estate agent. All that technology comes at a cost. What resources or staffing will the brokerage provide?

In addition to learning about policies and procedures, you’ll want to ask questions that will allow you to ascertain the brokerage’s culture and values. You may also want to ask about real estate teams or niches.

Choosing the right brokerage is an important step in your career. However, choosing the right real estate school is also critical. Gold Coast Schools has trained many of the best real estate agents in Florida, and we can help you, too. Besides offering quality pre-licensing education, Gold Coast Schools can also help you succeed in your career. We provide helpful career resources, such as Career Fairs and continuing education courses covering the hottest industry topics.

Do you need help getting a real estate job? Download our free guide, “70 Most Important Questions for Your Real Estate Interview.”

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You might not be surprised to learn that only half of American professionals are satisfied with their jobs. If you are a part of that demographic, why aren’t you changing careers?

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs

Do you spend your free time binge-watching “Selling Sunset,” “Property Brothers,” or “Flip or Flop”? As you watch, you may envision your life as a real estate agent – making deals or using your market knowledge to increase your real estate portfolio. Perhaps in your heart, you know that real estate is the career for you.

What Are the Benefits of Working in Real Estate?

As you consider a career switch to real estate, it’s worth noting that 84% of real estate agents report being satisfied with their profession. It’s not surprising that real estate agents love their jobs, as there are great perks that come from working in the industry, including the following:

• Job flexibility
• Ability to be your own boss
• Unlimited income potential
• Variety of tasks
• Independence
• Opportunity for growth
• Networking opportunities
• Work-life balance
• Ability to work in a creative, exciting industry

To learn more about the benefits of working in the real estate industry – including information about real estate career paths- spend some time with this Real Estate Career Starter Kit.

How Do You Get Your Real Estate License?

You’ll need to be licensed to work as a real estate agent. Florida’s requirements are straightforward:

• Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course
• Pass a background check
• Complete an application
• Pass a licensing exam

With a trusted education partner to help you through these steps, you can earn your license in as little as four months. Learn more about the licensing requirements in Florida – including how much it costs to get licensed – by reading this blog.

What Are Your Concerns About Switching Careers?

Making life changes can be scary, and you’re bound to have many questions.

You may wonder,

• “How much do real estate agents make?”
• “How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?”
• “Is it hard to pass the licensing exam?”

You can learn more about the average salary of a real estate agent and start-up costs for making the career switch by downloading this free guide. But when it comes to passing the real estate licensing exam, we can reassure you of one thing. Gold Coast Schools has helped some of Florida’s top agents pass their licensing exams and succeed in their careers — and we can help you, too.

Here’s why so many real estate agents have chosen Gold Coast Schools as their learning partner:

• Real estate professionals with local expertise teach our courses, so you’re sure to get what you need to pass your Florida state exam — and thrive in your respective market. Plus, you can interact with our teachers and fellow students to ask questions and gain deeper insight.
• Gold Coast School’s instructor-led Exam-Cram course, weekly tutoring, and online review courses will prepare you for topics found on your state exam.
• In addition to the other benefits of choosing Gold Coast as your real estate school, Gold Coast offers many resources to help you thrive in your career. You’ll have exclusive access to Gold Coast Career Fairs and insightful continuing education classes that will allow you to renew your license.

If you are considering a career switch and are interested in real estate, sign up to receive the Real Estate Career Starter Kit, which will answer your questions about getting started in the industry. Do you have more questions on real estate license requirements in your state? Contact a Gold Coast career counselor today.

The post Thinking About a Career Switch? Here’s How to Get Your Real Estate License in Florida appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

“Exciting,” “rewarding,” and “fulfilling,” –are some of the adjectives real estate agents use when describing their first year in the industry. However, in addition to these descriptors, some agents describe their first year as “challenging,” “unpredictable,” and “hectic.”

Because it’s always a good idea to enter a new career with both eyes open, we encourage you to learn as much as you can about the real estate industry before you get started.

Early Strategies for Real Estate Agents

The real estate licensing process in Florida is very straightforward. You take a pre-licensing course and pass an exam to earn your license. However, once you have your license and can legally work as a real estate agent, you may become overwhelmed by all you need to do. The good news is that if you partner with a high-quality real estate school, you will still receive guidance and enjoy resources after you have completed your course.

Helpful Download: New Real Estate Agent Guide

Months 1-4: Early Career Strategies

How do you spend your first weeks as a real estate agent? If you haven’t found a brokerage, this should become your highest priority.

But there are additional tasks you’ll need to juggle during these early stages of your career, including:

• Building your brand
• Networking with peers
• Developing your skills

Help is available! Learn how to get started as a real estate agent with this helpful guide.

Months 5-8: Career Development

It takes time, but eventually, you’ll grow comfortable in the profession. Some of you will get your “sea legs” earlier than others, but with a positive mindset and hard work, success is available to everyone.

For many new agents, months five through eight are spent setting up technology to enhance productivity and networking with other industry professionals while (constantly) working for leads.

Consider these career development strategies designed for first-year real estate agents.

Months 9-12: Continued Growth

Like running any company, operating a real estate business is a series of trials and errors. Some of your marketing efforts will work, and others will fall short. You’ll pursue a niche that you assume will be highly lucrative, only to find stumbling blocks along the way. It can be easy to become discouraged in the industry if you don’t have a roadmap to success.

Gold Coast Schools has resources and continuing education options to help you during your first year as an agent. Download our free guide, Comprehensive Playbook for First-Year Success, and enroll in Gold Coast’s state-approved continuing education courses. Gold Coast Schools is dedicated to the industry – and our students’ success.

The post Insightful Tips for New Real Estate Agents appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for real estate, perhaps it’s time to complete a career pivot and become a real estate agent. Let’s explore the benefits of embracing a second career and why real estate is the perfect career choice for retirees. Finally, we will explain the straightforward process of getting your real estate license in Florida.

Key Takeaways:

• Retirement offers time to explore hobbies and interests, including starting a business.
• Being a part-time real estate agent allows retirees to balance work with other activities and commitments.
• With an average home cost in Florida of $388,454, earning 2 to 3% commission per sale can provide decent income.
• Complete the 63-hour Florida real estate pre-licensing course, pass a background check, and apply for a license.

Reasons for Embracing a Second Career in Retirement

If you’re on the fence about how to spend your retirement years, here are some of the benefits of starting another career.

1. Pursuing passions

With the free time that retirement offers, seniors may finally have the opportunity to pursue their long-held passions and interests. This can include starting hobbies and volunteering, but it can also include starting a business related to something they love.

2. Sense of purpose

Retirement can lead to a loss of identity and purpose for some people. Engaging in a new career allows older adults to continue feeling productive and fulfilled, contributing to their sense of self-worth.

3. Intellectual stimulation

Many older adults are eager to continue learning and challenging themselves intellectually. Starting a new career allows them to acquire new skills, stay mentally sharp, and engage with different fields or industries.

4. Social interaction

Workplaces provide opportunities for social interaction and camaraderie. Seniors who miss the social aspect of their previous jobs may seek a new career to maintain connections and friendships.

5. Financial stability

Some seniors may not have saved enough for retirement or may face unexpected financial burdens. Starting a new career can provide an additional source of income to support your lifestyle.

6. Adapting to change

Older adults who embrace a new career in retirement demonstrate resilience and a willingness to adapt to change. They view retirement not as an endpoint but as a new chapter full of opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

You may know others who did not thrive in retirement. Learn from their mistakes and embrace this next phase of life.

Part-Time Real Estate Careers for Seniors in Florida

Real estate agents typically work solely on commission, based on a percentage of the property’s purchase price. The average cost for a home in Florida is currently $388,454. Since real estate agents typically earn 2 to 3% of the final cost, they don’t have to sell many homes per year to earn a decent living by working part-time.

Seniors in Florida seeking part-time careers in real estate have several options. However, becoming a real estate agent will give you the greatest income potential and flexibility.

Learn more about how much Florida real estate agents earn by downloading this 2023-2024 salary guide.

Flexibility in Real Estate Careers for Seniors

One of the most significant benefits of real estate is that it allows retirees to work on their own terms and set their own schedules. This flexibility particularly appeals to seniors who want to balance work with other activities and commitments in retirement.

While a lot of real estate client interaction typically occurs on evenings and weekends, retirees could focus on a niche that allows them to work during regular business hours – such as commercial real estate or real estate transactions for other retirees.

Financial Considerations and Income Potential

Expect to pay between $750 and $950 for your real estate classes, application fees, background check, and exam. There may be additional costs after you are licensed – such as brokerage desk fees, membership fees for the National Association of REALTORS®, and other business start-up costs.

But, working as a real estate agent in Florida can be highly lucrative. According to Indeed, real estate agents in Florida make an average of $94,841 in commissions each year. This would be a fantastic supplement to anyone’s retirement income.

Navigating Licensing and Certification

Becoming a real estate agent in Florida is a straightforward process that can be completed in three to four months.

Here’s a summary of what to do:

• Complete the 63-hour Florida real estate prelicensing course
• Pass a background check
• Apply for a Florida real estate salesperson license
• Pass the Florida license exam
• Find a principal broker to work under

Gold Coast Schools has all the courses you need to become a real estate agent in Florida. We offer in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace online classes. Choose the best method for your learning style and schedule.

And it’s easy to get started on your real estate courses. Call Gold Coast Schools at800-732-9140 or email one of our educational advisors for more information.

The post Becoming a Real Estate Agent for Seniors & Retirees appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

How are Florida home builders preparing for this population surge? Some are designing hurricane-resistant homes that supersede Florida building codes. In fact, hurricane-resistant homes are becoming a growing niche in the Florida real estate market.

Importance of Hurricane Resilience

We’ve all seen images of the devastation from hurricanes and tropical storms. With the rise in frequency and intensity of hurricanes in recent years, homebuyers have a greater awareness of the importance of hurricane resistance.

This awareness has driven demand for homes offering better protection against storm damage – even better than the Florida building codes mandated following Hurricane Andrew.

Insurance Considerations

It’s no surprise that insurance companies are encouraging better construction techniques and design practices. Homes that offer better hurricane resistance have earned praise and lower premiums from insurance companies – between 5% and 35% nationally. As a result, homebuyers are increasingly seeking properties that provide safety and potential savings on insurance costs over the long term.

Design Features for Resilience

Florida has building codes and regulations to ensure that new homes are constructed to withstand the impact of hurricanes. Here are some key aspects of these codes:

1. Wind load requirements

Florida’s building codes specify wind speeds that structures must be able to withstand. These wind load requirements vary depending on the location within the state and are further based on factors such as topography, exposure, and building height.

2. Impact-resistant windows and doors

Homes in hurricane-prone areas must have impact-resistant windows and doors to protect against flying debris.

3. Roofing standards

Roofing materials and installation methods must resist wind uplift and prevent roof failure during hurricanes.

4. Structural design and reinforcement

Homes must be constructed to resist lateral and uplift forces from hurricane winds. This may include techniques such as reinforced concrete foundations, tie-down straps, and hurricane clips to secure the roof structure to the walls.

5. Elevation requirements

In coastal areas prone to storm surges, homes may be required to be elevated above the base flood elevation to minimize flood damage.

6. Hurricane shutters and storm protection systems

Homes in certain locations may be required to have hurricane shutters or other storm protection systems to safeguard windows and doors against wind-borne debris.

7. Building envelope integrity

Florida’s building codes emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the building envelope to prevent water intrusion during hurricanes. This improves the proper sealing of windows, doors, and roof penetrations.

However, some builders go beyond these standards to design homes with greater hurricane resilience.

• Some neighborhoods are built with higher home sites and roads – and are designed to be better able to direct accumulating rainfall away from those properties.
• Homes are built with steel roofs. Solar panels can be attached to steel roofs with almost no gap, making it difficult for high winds to penetrate under them. This means homes can have power even if a storm disrupts the electrical grid.
• Homes are designed with roofs strapped to a system that connects down to the foundation to withstand high winds better.

As more homebuyers learn about hurricane codes and construction techniques that supersede those codes, they seek such properties – and are willing to pay a premium for increased peace of mind.

Resilient Communities Examples in Florida

Several communities have enjoyed recognition for building hurricane resilient homes.

Babcock Ranch in Charlotte and Lee counties

Category 4 Hurricane Ian struck Babcock Ranch in 2022, resulting in little to no damage. The homes were better able to withstand hurricane winds because the roofs were strapped to a system connected to the foundation. Also, power lines were buried underground, and the doors were designed to swing outward so that when pressure builds up from the wind, they don’t blast open.

Gulf Bay near Pelican Bay

Fourteen luxury properties built above code on gulf-front land within Pelican Bay also experienced hardly any damage from Hurricane Ian.

Wildlight Community outside Jacksonville

This community was built on higher elevations and with buried power lines. The homes are built with impact glass – and still remain affordable.

Homebuyer Considerations for Agents

The growing niche of hurricane-resistant homes in Florida’s real estate market reflects a proactive approach to mitigating the risks of living in a hurricane-prone region. More homebuyers are searching for such properties – and real estate agents who specialize in these properties – for increased safety, savings, and peace of mind.

Have you been considering a career pivot? Are you ready to get your real estate license in Florida? Gold Coast Schools has been educating Florida professionals since 1970. Whether you are ready to start your Florida Real Estate career by becoming an agent or are ready to get your broker license, Gold Coast Schools has all the courses and support you need.

Sources: 

1. O’Malley, Isabella. In Florida, these houses are being built to withstand …, November 13, 2023. https://www.fastcompany.com/90980529/in-florida-these-houses-are-being-built-to-withstand-hurricanes-and-slash-electric-bills
2. Zbar, Jeff. “How Newer-Construction Homes Fared in Florida’s Hurricane Season.” Urban Land, May 2, 2023. https://urbanland.uli.org/sustainability/building-for-resilience-how-newer-construction-homes-fared-in-floridas-hurricane-season

The post Hurricane-Resilient Homes: A Growing Niche in Florida Real Estate appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

Key Takeaways

• Single and multifamily home production is well below demand in Florida. However, there has been an explosion of vacation residences.
• Housing pricing remains high with increased demand and a lower supply of homes.
• Florida is expected to experience population growth within the next five years.
• As interest rates continue to drop, expect to see more buyers enter the market.

Current Florida Housing Market Trends

What’s the current data regarding Florida real estate? Here are a few metrics that insiders are talking about at the beginning of 2024.

Housing inventory

The number of new listings decreased by 10.2% year over year, and a 3.6-month supply of inventory indicates a seller’s market. Florida’s housing inventory continues to be a critical factor in Florida real estate trends.

New single and multifamily home production is well below the demand, especially in South Florida. While plenty of multifamily projects are in the pipeline, construction is slowing due to higher financing costs.

In contrast, there has been an explosion in condo-hotel projects that cater to buyers seeking a Florida vacation residence – especially along the east coast of Florida.

Pricing

The median sale price of a Florida home in 2023 was $410,000, a 1.9% increase from the previous year.

Home prices will remain high in Florida due to low supply and high demand. With high prices and insurance premiums (and higher mortgage rates), first-time buyers may need to rent a bit longer – and will need leasing agents to help find affordable housing options.

It’s worth noting that luxury real estate is typically not affected by interest rate increases because this segment often uses cash for purchases.

Top emerging regions and cities in Florida

Last year, Polk was the fastest-growing county in Florida and seventh-fastest in the nation. Other growing counties include Orange, Hillsborough, Lee, and Palm Beach. Orlando and Southwest Florida may see 20% growth over the next decade.

The top emerging regions of Florida include Orlando and Tampa “exurbs” and the area east of I-75 in Southwest Florida.

Florida is expected to experience high population growth over the next five years.

Challenges for Buyers and Sellers in Booming Market

It will continue to be a seller’s market in Florida in 2024. Low inventory and increasing population will keep prices high. And, of course, the mortgage rates will continue to be a critical factor – especially in the move-up market.

Opportunities for Investors

Regardless of the challenges buyers and sellers face, there continue to be opportunities for investors. Investors are looking at residential real estate in Florida to capitalize on the high demand for rentals in the state.

Advice Based on Future Predictions

What take-home messages can we learn from these current Florida housing market trends?

1. More people are moving to Florida, and investors are moving as quickly as possible to meet the increased housing demand. In the meantime, brokerages should consider adding property management services to their portfolios.

2. More buyers will enter the market this year with plans to refinance when interest rates finally drop.

3. The luxury market will remain unaffected by the higher interest rates.

4. Getting your sales associate license for Florida is a good career move, as the market will take off as interest rates continue to drop.

5. If you are already licensed, it might be time to become a broker to diversify your business streams.

If you are considering a career in real estate, rely on Gold Coast Schools to help you get your real estate license. Gold Coast Schools has been serving the industry since 1970. We have highly experienced instructors, various schedule options, and employment assistance for beginning real estate agents.

Gold Coast Schools also offers broker pre-licensing courses and continuing education options for those needing to keep their licenses current.

Get the real estate training you need to prepare for the 2024 Florida real estate market surge. Contact Gold Coast Schools today to learn more.

Source:

“Florida Housing Market Predictions 2024.” Ramsey Solutions. Accessed February 9, 2024. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/florida-housing-market.

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