Drew Kern
August 6, 2019
If you’ve been procrastinating on your hurricane preparation plans or summer has simply gotten away from you, it’s not too late to make sure your home is in shape for hurricane season. Aside from securing these five areas of your property first, focus also on getting yourself and your belongings ready. After all, as we’ve learned by living through several major storms, having your home hurricane ready also means being prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Cross your t’s and dot your i’s by checking all of these preparation items off your list so you’re ready if and when a storm makes landfall on Miami: Pack a hurricane go-bag – FEMA recommends having enough water and food on hand […]
July 23, 2019
To stay or go is always a big question. Perhaps you’ve been in your home for decades with the thought of selling only rarely creeping into your thoughts, or perhaps it’s been on your mind since nearly the day after you closed on your house. Knowing when it’s time to move on is a highly personal decision that may be approached from an emotional or financial point of view (and most likely a combination of both). As you weigh the various factors that go into selling a home, buying a home, and physically moving your personal property to that new home, there’s a lot to consider. Here are some helpful signs for determining when it may be time to move […]
July 16, 2019
There are so many moving parts to buying a home, and one of the biggest and sometimes most daunting is negotiation. Depending on the type of market – whether it’s a buyer’s market or seller’s market – one party always has the upper hand, but that doesn’t mean the other side has to accept whatever terms are put on the table. Real estate negotiations are tricky business with opportunities to negotiate on nearly every term of the offer. Here are a few key things to know about negotiations. Seeing green In real estate negotiations, price is obviously a big factor for home buyers and is often at the forefront of their negotiation efforts. Sellers want to earn the highest price […]
July 9, 2019
The Village of Pinecrest is one of the most beautiful residential areas in South Florida and is known the world-over for its excellent schools and enviable location. If you’re curious about what larger homes Pinecrest have to offer, take a look at a few of these featured listings: 6740 SW 133 TER – Gated and fenced Mediterranean estate boasts 7 en suite bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. The expansive formal living room with fireplace and gorgeous kitchen make entertaining a breeze, and while outside, enjoy a 38,855 square foot lot adorned with mature trees, a freeform pool and spa, and a half basketball court. Listing price: $2,399,000. 13123 SW 64th CT – This 8-bedroom, 6-bathroom house sits on […]
July 2, 2019
Shopping for a house when you live the same area is tough enough, so if you find yourself in the position of having to shop for a home hundreds or thousands miles away, the challenges can feel almost insurmountable. But fear not. Navigating a long-distance house hunt doesn’t have to feel impossible. In fact, it can be quite achievable if you commit to some good planning and the outset and get paired up with a local realtor who knows the area inside and out. It’s also helpful to keep these considerations in mind. Define Your Wishlist While it can be difficult to have everything on your wishlist, one of the best places to start any house hunt is by defining […]
June 25, 2019
Owning a home comes with a laundry list of responsibilities. From keeping up with ongoing maintenance and repairs to adding your own personal touches and decorating style throughout the property, you’ll stay more than busy enjoying your new home. But as a new homeowner, you’re also responsible for ensuring that your home is safe and protected, which may mean taking extra security precautions to keep unwanted security risks at bay. Here are some useful tips and technology to safeguard you and your property. Before you buy, do your homework An important step in the home-buying process is to evaluate the neighborhood both by personally visiting and observing the area at different times of the day as well as researching crime […]
June 18, 2019
Palmetto Bay, also known as “The Village of Parks,” is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood just south of downtown Miami. With fabulous recreation activities and environmental preservation programs at its six+ park facilities, the community takes great pride in the many opportunities it has for residents to enjoy its beautiful surroundings. Not to mention, it’s public and private schools are top-notch. If you’re looking for a home in Palmetto Bay, check out these listings for a glimpse into what the Village can offer you: 17651 SW 81st CT – This 5-bedroom, 4 bathroom house is 3,786 square feet and located on a quiet cul de sac near Bill Sadowski Park. It features marble flooring throughout with vaulted ceilings, spacious living areas and […]
June 11, 2019
The exterior of our homes is like the face of our property, and what better way to welcome in guests – or potential buyers – than by polishing it up with some easy curb appeal boosters. If you’re planning on putting your home on the market soon, or if you just want to spruce up your exterior, here are five easy things you can do to enhance your home’s curb appeal in just a short weekend. Look at landscaping – Keep your yard tidy by trimming bushes and shrubs and taking care of any overgrown (or overlooked) areas. Planting a tree or a few new flowers either in the ground or in a nice flower box or pot can be […]
June 4, 2019
With the summer sun heating up, that doesn’t mean we have to slow down completely. There are still plenty of can’t-miss summer festivals that are sure to please no matter your interest or age. So why not make the best of the heat by looking forward to some fun? Here are five South Florida festivals you should be sure to check out this summer: Redland Summer Fruit Festival Hit up the Redland Summer Fruit Festival on June 22-23, 2019 for the unofficial kick-off of fruit season. Aside from showcasing all the best of South Florida fruit, you can also sample wine, seasonal treats, smoothies, and more. There is also a kids’ activity area with a petting zoo, pony rides, and […]