BLOG
August 16, 2022
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
June 28, 2022
Looking for your dream home can be a long, emotionally charged journey. So, when you finally find “the one,” you’ll need to jump right in and make an offer – and while it’s important to act quickly, it’s crucial to be smart and thorough when doing so. To ensure a smooth process, there are a few things you should do now so when you find the perfect home, you are prepared to come to the table with the strongest possible offer, especially in a competitive market like this. Get a Preapproval Letter for Your Mortgage This should be completed before you begin looking for a home. Sellers give preference to buyers who have pre-approval letters because it shows that you are a serious and qualified buyer. Although the […]
June 21, 2022
While many agree that hosting an open house is an excellent way to get potential buyers through your door, it is still a heavily debated topic between homeowners and real estate professionals. Truthfully, there are pros and cons to choosing to have or forgo an open house. Having a strong understanding of these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision. Pros Increased exposure – Perhaps more important than having open houses is gaining exposure for your home. While a sale may not come directly from an open house, you will undoubtedly gain exposure from ads, street signs, and promotions for your open house . Low pressure environment – Open houses are usually very laid back and give potential buyers an […]