Drew Kern

February 20, 2024

Finding Your Ideal Miami Neighborhood: The Hammocks

Miami is a diverse city filled with unique neighborhoods each with their own distinct style, flair, and feel. Finding the ideal neighborhood for your family and lifestyle is as important as finding a home that checks all your boxes. We’ve been highlighting different neighborhoods in our blogs and up next is The Hammocks. Convenient, Comfortable Suburban Miami The Hammocks is a master planned community in south Miami west of Kendall. It mixes residential and recreational seamlessly and also includes plenty of retail options making it a convenient suburban center. The types of housing options available within The Hammocks include Mediterranean style single family homes, townhomes, villas, and condos.  Within this community there are four public elementary schools, a public middle school, and […]
February 13, 2024

The Art of Choosing the Right Miami Realtor

When it’s time to jump into the real estate market – as a buyer or seller – you need an experienced Realtor to be your guide. Finding someone who understands the nuances of the Miami market makes a big impact on your overall experience and result. Miami’s real estate market is massive, complex, and always moving, which is why longevity in the Miami area is one of the most important qualities to look for. We’re here with some tips for questions to ask and what green flags to look for. Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions  Through the years we’ve noticed that sometimes people shy away from asking interview-style questions when they’re choosing a professional to work with. We want to be […]
February 9, 2024

Our Favorite Miami Date Night Spots

Love is in the air, with Valentine’s Day around the corner this seemed like a good time to talk about some of our favorite Miami date night spots. The beauty of Miami is that the winter is perfect for outdoor dining. Take a look at our picks, and let us know if you have a great date spot we’ve missed. Romance Under the Stars Bayshore Club While we will forever miss Scotty’s Landing, there’s no reason to hold that against the new restaurant in the same spot. They have a robust raw bar in addition to a seafood-first menu. And don’t forget – you can skip the roads and take the boat in.  Juvia Even with all the additions to Miami’s restaurant […]
January 23, 2024

Embrace Eco-Friendly Living in Miami

Miami has always been a beach oasis with sun and surf, now we’re moving toward becoming a green oasis by prioritizing eco-friendly living. Climate change has been a constant topic in the news. We continuously see more financial incentives offered for environmentally friendly and sustainable building and renovation practices. Now is the time to get in on the eco-friendly train. Moving Towards Sustainable Living The Miami skyline is evolving, and part of that includes more commitment to sustainable architecture. Residential and commercial buildings alike are incorporating more features that focus on being more environmentally conscious. Using sustainable materials and incorporating energy-efficient designs are bringing Miami into the future of eco-friendly construction.  Neighborhoods are incorporating more green spaces including parks and […]
January 16, 2024

Buying a Miami Vacation Home? What to Look For.

Is there a better vacation destination than Miami? We’ll admit to being biased, but we think this is the best city for living and vacationing. Buying a vacation home is a way to do both. People are drawn here for many different reasons; vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and a rich culture are a blend of all the people who have made their lives here over time. The idea of a vacation home is exciting, and The Kern Team is here to guide you through the process.  What Does Your Ideal Vacation Look Like? One of the most important considerations when looking for your vacation home is the location. Miami is full of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality. Your […]
January 9, 2024

Exploring Iconic Miami Architecture

Miami is a city not just known for beaches, we also have some of the most iconic architecture in the Southeastern United States. We also have some of the most iconic architecture in the southeastern US. A story of diverse communities, innovation, and design is told through the buildings and the commitment to preserve them. Let’s go on a little tour of some of our unique architecture.  Freedom Tower Miami’s Freedom Tower is a National Historic Landmark that stands prominently in Downtown Miami, right on Biscayne Bay. It is a symbol of freedom and democracy, and a testament to the our connection to the Cuban diaspora. This Mediterranean Revival-style building started out as the printing facility and HQ for the Miami […]
January 2, 2024

Finding Your Ideal Miami Neighborhood: Little Gables

A neighborhood we get asked about commonly is Little Gables. For those that don’t know, Little Gables is surrounded by Coral Gables on three sides, and the city of Miami to the north. It exists as a quirk of a fight in the 1920s between John Stadler – who owned most of the land that is now Little Gables but then was a fruit orchard – and George Merrick, the founder of the Gables. Stadler didn’t want to sell the land to Merrick and so the area never got incorporated into the city of Coral Gables and is still unincorporated Miami-Dade County.  Many homeowners are attracted to Little Gables because it has a lot of the perks of the Gables […]
December 19, 2023

Miami Residential Market Forecast for 2024

Over the past few years, Miami’s real estate market has been somewhat unique when compared to the average trends across the US. 2023 held some surprises that we didn’t see coming at the end of 2022. Everything else we’re about to tell you is our best prediction based on our experience as well as what we see other experts saying. Beware of any market forecasts that claim to know exactly what will happen and when – we haven’t seen anyone with a working crystal ball yet! Slow and Steady is the Name of the Game in 2024 We’re not anticipating any big or fast changes on the horizon. Expect to see home prices increasing gradually through at least the first […]
December 12, 2023

Make Next Year Your Last Year to Rent

Maybe it’s because we’re in real estate, but a common conversation we have with people in January involves them telling us that this is going to be the last year they rent.  With that in mind, we wanted to compile a little bit of advice for people who are gearing up to enter into homeownership and getting out of the rental cycle.  A Home is a Solid Investment While you’re renting you’re essentially investing your money in your landlord’s real estate without getting any long term return. On the flip side, each mortgage payment you make is like adding money to your home’s equity piggy bank. It may seem like a little at a time, but it does add up […]