Archive for the 'Buyer Information' Category
Don’t forget to file for Florida’s Homestead Exemption
New Year, New Saving! If you purchased your home in 2010, the following information could benefit you, where you want it most…YOUR WALLET.
For any new homeowners out there, I hope you all enjoyed your new homes this holiday season. With the tax season ahead of us, now is the time to file for your Homestead Exemption. This is something every homeowner should do with their primary residence, it being a large discount on your taxes-why wouldn’t you?
You may be eligible to claim up to $50,000.
This exemption is a benefit to you when the end of the year real estate property taxes are calculated. Think of it as Uncle Sam’s gift to you! If you purchased a home during 2010 and it is your primary residence as of January 1, 2011 then you automatically qualify for the initial $25,000 exemption. This amount is subtracted from your home’s assessed value, reducing your taxable amount for ALL taxing authorities. (Your home’s assessed value is determined by the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Department).
For homes assessed at a value greater than $50,000 you may claim the extra $25,000. However, this will exclude school board taxes.
The deadline to file is March 1, 2011.
All property tax exemption applications and supporting documents are due on or before March 1. It can be filed in person or by mail. Required documents include proof of ownership and proof of Florida residency. Non-citizens will need to provide proof of US Residency.
If you would like to download the application form and view more information on required documents, I have provided the link below.
Visit: http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/exemptions_homestead.asp
As you will recall in my recent blog, “What is a short sale?”, I explained the basics of short sales.
Even though it is popular topic in the news, there is still a lot of mystery and gray area surrounding it. So, it’s easy for misinformation to spread. Today I want to clarify three myths I often hear.
Myth #1
In a short sale situation, the bank owns the home.
This is incorrect. That is the case with a foreclosure, which is when a lender has repossessed a home from the owner, as a result of continued loan default, and is selling it in order to recover their loss on the loan. A short sale is when a homeowner decides to sell their home, usually as a result of a hardship like a job loss, due to the fact that they are no longer able to pay their mortgage. In this situation, the homeowner is “upside down,” meaning they owe more on the loan than their home’s current market value. When we go to sell the property the short sale lender has the option to accept or reject a “short payoff”. But the seller still owns the home and they get the final say as to whether they will accept a buyers offer and their lender’s short sale offer as well.
Myth #2
Short sales take up to 1 year to proceed to closing.
Well…sometimes this is true, but very uncommon. It depends on a lot of factors. Every lender is different. Sometimes sellers do not cooperate. And there are a lot of hurdles to get through with a short sale, often times adding to the amount of time needed to get to closing. Though over the last 6 months my team and I have noticed a considerable difference in the speed and efficiency of the process with most lenders. I’ve seen short sales close as quickly as 30 days and take as long as 1 year. Every situation has it’s own set of circumstances and challenges, but if you are patient and have the option to wait, it can often pay off for both a seller and a buyer.
Myth #3
If you sell your home as a short sale the lender will forgive your debt.
This is entirely up to the lender in question. Once they accept the short sale offer, and send the final short sale approval letter, it contains all of the terms of the sale and how the proceeds will be distributed. At that time, they can request the seller pay back a portion of the loan through a promissory note or a cash contribution at closing. Or the letter may state that the debt has been forgiven. It is the seller’s responsibility to make sure they get in writing, from the bank, that the debt is forgiven in it’s entirety. That is the only way they can be sure they won’t encounter additional debt collections down the road.
If you are considering selling your home or buying a home, and you have questions about short sales, I would be happy to speak with you. Please contact me here. I always recommend a seller consult a real estate attorney and their accountant regarding the possible risks associated with this type of sale. It’s not for everyone, but it could be a good solution to your situation.
Another Opportunity to Live in Serenity
20030 Cutler Court
This lovely 3 bedroom/ 2 bath Cutler Bay home is located in the Serenity development which is in the north eastern part of Cutler Bay, just south of Palmetto Bay, right off Old Cutler Road. The walled-in community offers privacy and curb appeal and is composed of newer homes. Built in 1998, like other homes in the neighborhood, it was made ”hurricane ready” (post Hurricane Andrew building code) and with an attractive design.
The interior features an open layout with bright living areas, volume ceilings, and crown molding throughout. The eat-in kitchen and breakfast area are spacious, open to the family room. Perfect for entertaining. French doors in the living room lead you to the patio, which is quite charming, currently furnished with a little bistro table and plants hanging from a trellis; the perfect place to have coffee in the morning or watch the kids play in the spacious back yard. The master bedroom and bath are a treat; the bedroom has a walk in closet and access to the patio and there are dual sinks, tub, and shower in the bathroom.
Distinct from other homes in the area, this property is located on an over-sized lot of almost 20,000 square feet! Landscaped, the yard has plenty of room to install a pool and patio, and even a kids swingset. And there is space to park a boat which is perfect considering you are a short drive away from Black Point Marina where you can access Biscayne Bay.
Make Serenity your home.
You may remember I have another listing in on the same street, at 20000 Cutler Court. You can click here to learn more about that home as well.
If you would like to explore the options of buying a home or would like to see one of my listings in Cutler Bay, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Great Deal, Great House!
This spacious 3 bedroom and 2 bath home is perfect for the first time buyer. Placed on the market just days ago we are getting a lot of interest from potential buyers.
10551 SW 122 Court Miami, FL 33186
Location, Size, and Price
Located in the Devon Aire Estates subdivision this home is centrally located and a wonderful place to start a family. Conveniently, The Devon Aire grade school is just steps away so kids can walk to and from school. Devon Aire Park, also just around the corner is a place where neighbors from the community gather and participate in recreational activities. This park offers a tennis court, 3 baseball fields, football field, basketball courts, batting cages, totlot, walking path and more. The neighborhood is not too far from the turnpike turnpike and a brand new shopping center under construction.
Cute home inside and out! The 3/2 features 1,528 sq ft of living area and two living spaces suitable for entertaining. Well equipped for having guests, there is an eat-in kitchen with gas stove and additional living/dining area. Neutral tile plus laminate floors in all bedrooms and family room. The 1 car garage is extra deep leaving some space for storage.
Probably one of the most attractive features of this property is the lot, almost 9,500 sq ft. It has a beautifully manicured lawn, patio and it is fully fenced. It’s perfect for kids, with plenty of room for a swing set and pool.
Priced at $210,000 this home is truly a find!
If you would like to see this home please do not hesitate to contact me.
Want to live in a nice, family oriented neighborhood in Cutler Bay?
This is the home for you.
Located in the neighborhood known as “Serenity” situated between Cutler Cay and Saga Bay, both well known Cutler Bay communities east of Old Cutler, you will find a wonderful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home, custom built in 1997. In addition to the already spacious living room and dining room there is an expansive family room. In fact, it’s so large you could section a good portion off and create a fourth bedroom or a game room, which is how the current owner is using the space.
In addition there is a beautiful open kitchen with granite counters that overlooks the ample family room and eat-in area. The backyard has a screened porch, is fully fenced and is quite large compared to the other lots on the street. Plenty of space to add a pool.
What is particularly special about this home is that it was built to post Hurricane Andrew building code and for that reason is referenced as a”hurricane home.” It’s solidly built and that is a great comforting factor when buying a home so close to the Bay. This is a perfect home for a first time homebuyer or a family that likes the idea of having a large family room where they can spend time together.
For more information about this listing, please contact me here.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner I would like to take a moment to let you all know that I’m thankful.
Grateful for the year I’ve had thus far. With all of the recent news giving us such bleak reports on the real estate market I’ve found I’m truly lucky to have continued growing my business, even adding a third person to my real estate team, and already surpassing the total volume brought in last year with another month to go.
I would like to thank my clients and everyone who has so thoughtfully given me business over the years. It’s great to be surrounded by such a fantastic network of people who continnually keep me positive and driven.
Happy Thanksgiving and Thank you.
Live on Nevada Street
Explore your options.
Conveniently located on a cul de sac this 3 bedroom and 2 1/2 bathroom is ideal for someone who would like to customize their own home. Built in 1968, this home is ready for some updating, but has great potential! It has a functional layout with split floor plan. Design features include a foyer, living room with wood-burning fireplace, large laundry room and an over-sized 2 car garage. Living areas and master bedroom have glass doors that lead to the covered patio with views of the pool and wide canal.
Situated on a 13,207 sq ft lot, there is also room for expansion. In fact, purchase of the home includes Coral Gables approved architectural plans for a one level 5 bedroom/5 bath home. So, it’s up to you…you can choose to update the existing structure or expand it. There is also plenty of space and options for boat dockage with a 110 foot sea wall and no bridges to bay. It’s not easy to find waterfront living this inexpensive in a luxury community in Miami. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right buyer or investor.
If you would like to know more about this home or the Gables by the Sea community, please contact me.
The Perfect Waterfront Estate
13026 Nevada Street Coral Gables, FL
This gorgeous home is located in the exclusive community of Gables by the Sea. The highly desireable Coral Gables development is known for its waterfront properties, security, and proximity to some of the best schools in the area.
A large home with 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, this home’s design is elegant yet cozy. Soaring volume ceilings, wood-burning fireplace and water view welcome you at the entrance. Built with quality finishes and attention to detail you will find custom mill-work throughout, with touches of marble and stone.
Never lived in, it’s waiting for that special personal touch. Perfect for a family and those who like to entertain. The functional floor plan includes bright open living areas with glass doors leading to covered terraces. Chef’s kitchen features breakfast area and snack bar. Top of the line stainless steel appliances include a Subzero refrigerator, deep dishwasher and additional refrigeration drawers. Two bedrooms are located on the main level, 3 bedrooms upstairs, all en-suite with walk in closets. Master bedroom has large balcony overlooking waterway.
With lots of natural lighting from our South Florida sunshine, this home can help brighten up anyone’s day.
Tropical landscaping welcomes guests to a backyard with a large covered patio, beach entry pool, and water view. Unique cabana bath with onyx stone from floor to ceiling. Plenty of space for a boat with 100 ft sea wall and no bridges to bay.
If you would like to inquire for more information about this home please call me.
Whether you are into the contemporary style home or not, this is just simply irresistible.
7318 Monaco Street is a 6,138 square foot, two story, 5 bdrm/5.5 bath Estate located in the “Phase 1″ section of Cocoplum, a reputable luxury community in Coral Gables. Home to many of Miami’s upper class residents. A fantastic location just a short drive from downtown Coral Gables and Coconut Grove and not far from the downtown Miami area.
From the outside it’s modern and clean with a pleasing exterior shade, pavered entry, circular drive and several stone fascades. Upon entering the double doors, through a wall of glass are views of the unique pool and patio, the center point of the home. The “walls of glass” theme prevails through the remainder of the first floor, bringing in fabulous natural light and views of the tropical foliage outside. Custom built plantation shutters allow you to control the lighting during the day. There are volume ceilings through out several rooms, two “family rooms,” one is more of an adult lounge with built in bar and additional seating, the other a casual family room where the family can congregate.
The European kitchen was remodeled recently and includes stainless steel appliances, a beautiful mosaic tile backsplash, marble counter top, and an island with electric and gas cook top. One bedroom and bath downstairs. There is also a two car garage with a spiral staircase leading to an office space above. The master bedroom is very spacious and includes a balcony and master bath with a supremely unique red, white and silver motif, glass tiled shower and stand alone tub.
When the time comes for entertaining the pool and patio are stunning. There is an outdoor kitchen with built in barbeque. There is also a cooking fireplace and lounge covered and tucked away out of the sun. This part of the home is close to perfect for any ocassion you’d want to celebrate.
Available for rent or sale. Call for more details.
- 8108 SW 172 Terrace Palmetto Bay, Florida
Tasteful, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, two story home, located in the the gated community of Groves at Old Cutler in Palmetto Bay, Florida.
This home was made for formal entertaining. Upon entering through the front doors you are greeted with a two story foyer and formal living room with two sets of french doors providing a view to the beautiful pool and backyard beyond. There is also a grand dining room perfect for a private gathering. The open kitchen is updated with newer cabinets and granite countertops. There are two pantrys and an eat-in area. One bedroom and full cabana bath are also conveniently located on the first floor, perfect for a live-in nanny or visiting guests.
The backyard is excellent for celebrating birthdays, pool parties, or just a day out in the sun. The pool was recently built and includes an oversized jacuzzi and expansive patio of travertine pavers. There is a partially covered portion of the patio too; perfect for those trying to enjoy the weather but out of the sun. Also an ideal location for a bbq or game table for more outdoor fun. The side yard has a double gate with plenty of space to park the boat. There are also several mango trees and a massive hedge along the back providing the ultimate in privacy.
The community is very private and gated. It’s family friendly too with lots of kids in the neighborhood, families riding by on their bicycles and neighbors walking their dogs. In addition there is a pavilion located at the entrance where you can host gatherings.
A great place to live and raise a family. For more information, contact me here.
