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September 6, 2022

Selling Your Home in a Down Market

After 2008, it’s normal for buyers and sellers to feel a little skittish about less-than-ideal market conditions, but 2008 was (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime event. The next recession, whenever that may be, will very likely not be as damaging for real estate (as a whole).  So, as of right now, there’s no reason to panic – but there is reason to be concerned. The best way to avoid worrying about what is going on in the market is to have the best listing in your neighborhood. Here’s how to outshine the competition when you’re selling your Miami home in a down market.  Price Your Miami Home Right From The Start You only make a first impression once. So once you are […]
August 23, 2022

What You Need to Know About Flood Zones When Buying a Home in Miami

When you’re looking to buy a home in Miami, one of the first things you should check is the flood zone of the property. Flood zones are areas that are more likely to experience flooding, and they’re important to know about because they can affect your insurance rates and your ability to get a mortgage.  While it’s important to look for flooding risks in your neighborhood – proximity to canals, for example – that’s not really what we’re talking about here. It’s checking what zone a property is in before you make an offer.  Buying a Home in a Flood Zone If you’re looking at homes in a flood zone, it’s important to talk to your insurance agent and lender […]
August 16, 2022

Why Impact Windows are So Important If You are Buying or Selling

If you live in Miami, impact windows are a must. Impact windows are made of impact-resistant glass and are held in place by a strong frame. They are designed to help protect your home from damage during a severe storm or hurricane. What’s more – not only will they protect your home and your family during hurricane season, but they will also help keep your energy bills low by keeping your home cool in the summer. Here are some other reasons why impact windows and doors are so important if you are buying or selling a home in Florida: They Increase the Value of Your Home If you are selling your home, impact windows will increase the value of your home. […]
August 9, 2022

Is Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season 2022?

Back on the 1st of June, every business dusted off their marketing material for hurricane season and shared it again. Besides Irma in 2017 (as Irma was a glancing blow), we haven’t had a real landfall since 2005. What that means is a lot of folk – anyone who moved to Miami since 2006 – doesn’t know what is coming when a hurricane is on the way (and those of us that have been here our whole lives could use a reminder too).  While no one can predict the future, it’s always better to be prepared than take any chances on what-ifs. So, how can you be sure your home is best prepared for this year’s hurricane season?  Here are a […]
August 2, 2022

State of the Market: Palmetto Bay + Pinecrest

Heading south on US-1 has been a growing trend in real estate for the past couple of years. Because of this, the state of the real estate market in Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest has been leaning heavily towards the sellers since early 2020.  Now, as interest rates are rising, what’s most interesting is how little has changed. Currently, there are 112 properties for sale in Pinecrest and 91 in Palmetto Bay. Housing Inventory in Palmetto Bay & Pinecrest The level of inventory is up from last year, but still well below pre-COVID levels of inventory (low inventory typically drives up prices). Homes in Palmetto Bay are currently selling with a median sale price of $1,017,000and Pinecrest homes are going for a median price of $2,623,000. These are both still […]
July 26, 2022

Is Waterfront Property Affordable Anymore?

With real estate booming in Miami, waterfront property is becoming increasingly unaffordable. The cost of living near water is rising faster than incomes, making it difficult for people to keep up with the cost of living. In some cases, people are being forced to move away from the water altogether.  While costs of properties across the board are rising in South Florida, there are a few other things to consider if you’re looking to purchase a waterfront property: Flood Insurance If you’re buying in a flood zone, which applies to many waterfront properties, you will be required to purchase flood insurance if you are getting a mortgage – read more about that here. Flood insurance covers any losses directly caused by […]
July 19, 2022

The Next “It” Neighborhood in Miami

There’s no doubt why Miami is a very desirable place to live. With the tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing restaurants, what’s not to love? All these factors – plus the business climate in South Florida – are reasons the real estate market in Miami remains strong. Prices have been rising steadily over the past few years and that has been leading to a common question we get – what is the next ‘It’ neighborhood in Miami? Before we dive in – to be clear, there are many neighborhoods that are attracting a lot of developer attention like Allapattah for which there is a strong argument to be made that it will be the next ‘It’ neighborhood.  We’d rather talk […]
July 12, 2022

Should Schools Play a Role in Your Location Selection When Buying a Home?

Real estate is always about location. Neighborhoods are – in a way – defined by their surrounding schools. There is a strong correlation between the quality of the schools nearby and the demand for homes within a given neighborhood (read more about that here. This is why it’s crucial to do your research on districts when house hunting. Even if you don’t have kids, school districts should still be carefully considered when buying a home.  Commute Times Near Schools in Miami When looking at a home near schools, we always encourage our clients to check out the neighborhood during drop-off and pick-up times. If you don’t have kids, you may discover that certain streets are not ideal due to school-related traffic. […]
July 5, 2022

What’s New In Coconut Grove Real Estate?

The Grove has seen a lot of changes over the past few years – but at the same time, has kept the allure it’s had for decades. There has always been a certain level of walkability and community that other neighborhoods just don’t possess. It’s not hard to see why with the restaurants, new and improved Cocowalk shops, and tree-lined streets, right on the bay. What We’re Seeing in Coconut Grove Real Estate The part of the Grove along Main Highway & Ingraham has been a mainstay in desirable addresses for ages. A decade ago we saw the parts east of Mary st and north of Bayshore flourish. Now we’re starting to see homes on the other side of US-1 […]