JULIE’S 2024 SALES PRODUCTION
$12,129,000
$7,100,000
$5,700,000
$9,300,000
Luxury Industry Forecasts
2025 Marine Industry Forecast
Denison Yachting is entering 2025 with strong momentum following a remarkable 2024. With the election cycle behind us and a notable rise in consumer con dence, the outlook for the yachting industry is bright. Lower interest rates are expected to drive increased demand for both new builds and pre-owned yachts, while advancements in arti cial intelligence are transforming the way yachts are operated, making them safer and more e cient on the water. Sustainability continues to be a key focus, with hybrid and eco-friendly yachts gaining traction. As the market evolves, Denison Yachting remains committed to leading the way with innovative solutions and exceptional client experiences. We are optimistic that 2025 will be a standout year for the industry.
Bob Denison, President and Founder of Denison Yachting 954-763-3971, Jen@DenisonYachting.com, www.DenisonYachtSales.com
2025 Homeowners Insurance Forecast
The homeowners insurance market in Florida is undergoing signi cant shifts, driven by regulatory changes and evolving market dynamics. Flood insurance costs are rising due to FEMA’s updated ood maps, which now classify over 33% of Florida homes as requiring ood insurance. Newly introduced "velocity zones" for high-risk coastal areas mandate ood coverage for properties previously exempt, with lenders enforcing these requirements, adding nancial pressure on homeowners.
On a positive note, single-family homeowners are starting to see insurance premiums decline after peaking in Q1 2024. The entry of 4-6 new carriers into the Florida market is increasing competition and driving down rates, particularly for policies transitioning from Citizens Insurance. Market stability has been bolstered by strong reinsurance reserves, which weathered two major hurricanes in 2024, and falling interest rates are attracting institutional investors, expanding market capacity. Broader coverage options, including for older homes and coastal properties, re ect the growing competition among insurers. Additionally, potential regulatory updates from Florida Governor DeSantis’s proposed budget may further in uence insurance a ordability and availability in 2025. These trends o er a mix of challenges and opportunities for Florida homeowners navigating the evolving insurance landscape.
Jerry Katz, CEO/Founder at Premier Protection Insurance Services 954-868-1887, Jerry@PremierProtectionInsurance.com, www.PremierProtectionInsurance.com
2025 Architectural Trends
2024 nished as an excellent year. In 2025 I am still seeing continuing demand for modern architecture. My architectural design business is typically split 50/50 with speculative and custom build. I am delighted to be retained on a residence in Harbor Beach that Julie sold in 2024.
The main trends that I am seeing include a separate prep or caterer's kitchen. Butler's pantries have morphed into full-service kitchens allowing the main kitchen to remain an uncluttered entertaining area. I am also incorporating commercial elevators wherever space permits, the speed and larger area invites more frequent usage, especially with a second or third oor Primary Suite. Fort Lauderdale is unique in that it permits third story living space which opens possibilities for amazing views from a sky lounge or roof terrace. With the increased land costs owners and developers are still seeking 5 bedrooms plus home o ce oor plans.
Additional trends include wellness centers, spa baths next to exercise rooms, dry saunas, cold plunge and steam showers are all being requested. Outdoor living areas are becoming more dramatic and high-end, owners seek a resort style experience with sunken repits and conversation areas. More elaborate pools and water features are also high on the list for the ultra-luxury market. It is really an exciting time to be an architect in Fort Lauderdale!
Bruce Celenski, Architect FL#AR93252 Architect Bruce Celenski, Inc. 954-917-5781, Bruce@BruceCelenski.com, www.BruceCelenski.com
Luxury Industry Forecasts
2025 Residential Construction
The future is under construction, and we are leading the way. As interest rates nally begin to ease, growth is anticipated in both the Residential and Nonresidential Building sectors. Gulf is on track for a record year, with our largest portfolio of residentialprojects either currently underway or starting this year, complemented by an expanded backlog of commercial projects. This growth is further bolstered by South Florida’s appeal as a prime location to live, work, and play.
While construction costs are projected to rise as the industry recovers from last year’s natural disasters, the increase is expected to occur at a slower pace compared to previous years. Trends such as sustainable design, smart home technology integration, and resiliency are shaping preferences, with customers increasingly seeking homes that feature enhanced outdoor spaces, high-end kitchens, state-of-the-art home theaters, studios, and sophisticated, multifunctional home o ces.
John Scherer, President of Gulf Building 954-492-9191, JScherer@GulfBuilding.com, www.GulfBuilding.com
2025 Real Estate Financing
As of December 2024, in ation has lingered longer than anticipated. Furthermore, the incoming administration is expected to be friendly to economic growth, which is inherently in ationary. Mortgages, as long-term interest rate products, are highly sensitive to in ation. If in ation remains persistent and lingers for an extended period, it will delay a decline in interest rates. Homeowners who wish to move but are 'locked in' by a low mortgage rate secured in previous years will likely hesitate to sell, as doing so would mean trading their current rate for one that is potentially twice as high. If this scenario unfolds, the market will continue to experience a supply squeeze as would-be sellers choose not to list their homes.
On the other hand, if rates drop signi cantly, current homeowners may be more inclined to move, leading to an increase in homes available for sale and providing more options for buyers. However, this increased inventory will not necessarily result in a drop in prices. First, every seller motivated by lower rates will also be a buyer. Second, lower mortgage rates will unleash pent-up demand from buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.
Regardless of how these factors evolve, 2025 is poised to be an excellent year for the housing market. A higher number of transactions is expected compared to 2024, with the market overall experiencing healthy but moderate appreciation in line with historical averages.
Paulo Rodriguez, Residential Real Estate Mortgage Lending Expert, 305-434-0575, Paulo@PauloRodriguez.com, www.PauloRodriguez.com
2025 Interior Designs
Jaime Blomquist Interiors is thriving, with 2024 shaping up to be our best year in 23 years! South Florida's diverse architectural styles and vibrant market create the perfect setting for our custom homes and design projects. Our 2024 portfolio includes new custom homes ranging from $8M to $34M and spec homes starting at $8M, highlighted by a $30M spec project.
Looking to 2025, we anticipate continued growth with secured contracts for new construction, spec homes, and renovations. Design trends point to Maximalism with bold details in wallpaper, art, and fabrics, along with statement stones and immersive, multi-sensory environments. Outdoor living spaces that blend style and comfort remain in high demand. At Jaime Blomquist Interiors, we are excited to deliver personalized designs that rede ne luxury living in South Florida.
Jaime Blomquist, President of Jaime Blomquist Interiors 954-999-5601, Jaime@JaimeBlomquist.com, www.JaimeBlomquist.com, Instagram @JaimeBlomquistInteriors
Julie Jones | Douglas Elliman
1121 E Broward Blvd, Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Ultra Luxury Is Time Well SpentTM What To Expect In 2025
As always, I am positive about the luxury real estate market in Fort Lauderdale! I hope that the highlights below assist in planning your real estate strategy for this year:
• Realtor.com analyzed the top 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas and predicts that Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach is set to see a moderate 3-5% appreciation and an increase in sales for 2025.
• Other reports recognize that the Florida housing market is complex, in uenced by the economy, demographic trends, and localized market dynamics. Predictions for 2025-2026 indicate more gradual growth and stabilization. Pricing strategically is more important than ever!
• Florida's population of 22,634,867 increased by 5.1% from 2020 to 2023, which continues to fuel demand. The biggest hurdle for luxury buyers and those relocating is the long waitlists for A-rated schools. Families are now looking at my inventory for school placement in the fall of 2025!
• Buyers obtaining nancing remain sensitive to higher rates. This de nitely impacts younger buyers and the move-up market locally.
• Both sellers and buyers are accepting new protocols as a result of the NAR settlement. Although some confusion remains, it is most important to understand that fees are always negotiable and must be transparent!
• Modern real estate brokerage and marketing leans toward the internet and social media as opposed to magazine advertising and direct mail. Agents and buyers prefer information that they can retrieve on their phones, with all the property data in one place for easy access. Customers rely heavily on agents for accurate pricing, market insights, and expertise that they cannot gain from the internet.
• Douglas Elliman is introducing Elliman Inspirations, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance the home search experience. This innovative tool enables agents to centralize searches, organize and track listings, pin inspirational photos, and use an industry- rst photo search engine to discover perfect matches. Elliman Inspirations strengthens the agent-client connection while boosting productivity.
• A recent study by appraiser Patrick Sullivan reports that brand-new construction in single-family homes (luxury residences over $8 million) sells for approximately 14% more than homes built 2021 onwards. This is an important factor when pricing newer residences.
• I believe that large-scale property renovations will continue to be popular as the cost of land and overall construction increases. Some property owners elect to renovate as opposed to move. With my older listings, I am providing renovation proposals to guide potential buyers.
In closing, I would like to thank all of my customers, associates, and fellow Realtors who contributed to making 2024 so successful. I am excited to achieve even better results for my customers with an increased market reach as the year unfolds. Please contact me for more information, full reports, or updates on your speci c market and property value.