I can’t tell you how many times I get this question from clients, family, collegues and various others in the course of a week. It is a relatively new concept, only really becoming popular within the last few years, and lately seems to be the situation with a good portion of my listings and those listings that buyers I am working with are interested in buying.
A short sale occurs when a seller’s lender agrees to take a payoff for less than balance owed on their loan. Then they either forgive the remaining debt or ask the seller to pay back all or some of the debt, through a promissory note or cash contribution. When a seller chooses to sell their home in this fashion it is typically a result of a hardship. Home values have plummeted over the past 5 years and that, combined with job losses and a very tough economy overall, have caused many home owners to resort to this option.
There is a common misunderstanding that a short sale is when the bank (seller’s lender) owns the property and has the right to sell it at their terms. That is actually the definition of a foreclosure. With a short sale, the seller still owns the property and ultimately gets to accept or decline the buyers offer. However, since they are asking their lender to take a “short payoff” the bank does get a say in whether they will accept the final number.
After dealing with a multitude of short sales I have become an expert in marketing and closing these sales. It can often take months for the bank to process the paperwork. However, it’s a great option to help a seller avoid foreclosure and preserve their credit as much as possible, allowing for a faster financial recovery. If you or someone you know is considering a short sale, please contact me here. I would be happy to discuss your situation.
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.
This year I’m looking forward to attending the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party.
It’s a great event, open to both members of the Chamber and the community. It will be held Thursday, December 2nd at 5:30PM in the Biltmore Hotel, Country Club Ballroom. Over 25 local vendors are already engaged and will be offering food and beverages for guests to enjoy. Plus this is this a great opportunity to network with business professionals in a festive and cheerful environment.
Probably the most important component of the party is the philanthropic aspect. Each attendee is asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a child or a gift for an elderly individual. These toys and additional monetary proceeds will go directly to deserving charities in the Miami area. Participating charities this year are: CHARLEE Home for Children, Coral Gables Police Athletic League, Family Resource Center, Home Instead Senior Care, Merrick Educational Center and YMCA of Greater Miami.
As Chairman-Elect, I’m happy to be involved in such a fantastic event. Additionally we at Esslinger, Wooten, Maxwell Realtors., Inc are a sponsor. It’s early enough in the month, and on a week night, so it should not conflict with any other holiday parties you are attending. I personally invite you to come out this Thursday and join us at the Biltmore.
For more information about the Holiday Party or the Coral Gables Chamber visit www.coralgableschamber.org.
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.
Fun for Kids
Handpick your own pumpkin at The Little Farm.
This popular Homestead farm will be hosting a Harvest Event to exhibit, for your enjoyment, their beautiful pumpkin patch. Already attracting animal loving children all year round, there will be pony rides and petting farms. Buy a pumpkin to take home and get a free pony ride! Pumpkins range between $4-$24. There will also be decor and scare crow kits available for purchase.
Address: 13401 SW 224 Street
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Price: Free Entry
For more information go to The Little Farm.
Halloween on the Mile
Coral Gables downtown will be hosting its 13th Annual Halloween on the Mile offering a safe alternative for trick-or- treating. There will be plenty of entertainment for the entire family. Story- telling, live performances, free treats from merchants, doggie, and kid costume contests. For extra fun there will be a Halloween-themed photo booth!
Address: Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
Phone: 305.569.0311
For more information please call the above number or visit the website Halloween on the Mile.
Fun for Adults
Vizcaya Halloween Sundowner
This fundraising costume party is very popular for Miami’s residents. It is hosted by Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of Miami’s most beautiful and oldest homes. The 24th Annual Halloween Sundowner at Vizcaya raises money to preserve and benefit this historics site. Tickets include open bar with premium liquor, music with a DJ, and food. Costume contests and prizes.
Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue
Hours: 8:00 PM to Midnight
Price: $125 plus tax
For more information click here.
Special Halloween Screening
The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be shown at the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. The event will be starting at 8:00 PM with complimentary cocktails courtesy of Grand Marnier and Belvedere IX. You will receive a complimentary goodie bag and a keepsake photo taken from a themed photo booth before the film. Show will begin at 9:00 PM and free tickets will be given out for the official after party at Grand Central Station, which is known for its live music performances.
Address: 174 E. Flagler Street
Hours: 8:00 PM
Price: $35-$40
For more information on this event click here.
Fun for Pets
Howl-O-Ween
Who said that Halloween was only for humans? Yes, I know ghosts and goblins are part of it, but don’t forget your pooch deserves to get dressed up, too! Fairchild Tropical Garden will be hosting a pet friendly event this Halloween, October 31 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. There will be food, lectures, and obedience demonstrations for both you and your pet to enjoy. Stroll through the beautiful gardens while your pup gets to show off his/her costume. Don’t miss the Dog Parade at 2 pm and watch the doggies compete for best costume!
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Road
Phone: 305.667.1651
Hours: 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM
Price: Free for Fairchild Member, Pets, & Children under 5
Non-Member $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, & $10 for children
For more information on special pricing and other info go to Howl-O-Ween.
Harvest Fest
Looking for a safe and free alternative for Halloween? If so, Old Cutler Presbyterian Church would like to welcome you and your family to Harvest Fest!
Expect the atmosphere of this church sponsored event to be fun, festive, and family friendly. Designed for ages 2- 11 there will be plenty of activities to participate in. Kids’ costumes are welcomed, so dress them up but make sure they can climb, ride and jump around in them because they will be doing just that when they see the Rock Climbing Wall, Pony Rides, Train Rides, and the Bounce house. If that wasn’t attention grabbing, there will also be a dunk tank, games, and prizes.
Trick or Treat?
No tricks with this event, yes it is free, but there will definitely be plenty of treats! Plenty of candy, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones to go around.
The only worry you might have this halloween is figuring out how to get your kids to leave!
For more information on this event please click here.
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.
If you are considering selling your home the first question you must ask yourself is,”Am I serious about selling?”
If the answer is “Yes” then I am sure you will want to attract buyers and receive the highest possible purchase price for your home.
Pricing is crucial in today’s market.
An over-priced home gives the impression that you are not serious about selling.
Although, inventory is progressively decreasing there are still a lot of homes to choose from out there. Serious buyers are aware of this and are doing their homework before making their next big purchase. It is safe to say that an overpriced home will often be overlooked not only by these buyers, but by realtors. Many buyers grow tired and frustrated with available housing, which includes short sales and foreclosures. That being said, a well-priced home that is just placed on the market is most likely to attract the pool of buyers who have been shopping in your neighborhood. These homes will receive lots of activity, including showings and eventually offers. In some cases, if the area is in high demand we have seen bidding. Yes, even in this market homes do get sold over the listing price.
Remember to focus on data and trends and to check your emotions at the door. And most importantly choose a realtor, like myself, to help you sift through all of the numbers and get down to the realistic value of your home. I can provide you with market trends, statistics and recent sales to assist you in determining the correct price to market your property.
If you are interested in selling your home I would be happy to help you with the first steps. Contact me here.
