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September 3, 2019

Don’t Make These 5 Home-Buying Mistakes

When you’re house hunting, you’ll often find many well-meaning people trying to steer you in the right direction. While it can get old fielding advice from family, friends, and complete strangers, their guidance usually comes from a place of good intent – something they themselves wish they would have known before buying their house. And it’s true, hindsight is 20/20. While it’s impossible to prepare for every potential scenario when buying a house, there are some important tips to follow so you don’t end up mistakenly making one of these five home-buying mistakes:   Not having a full picture of what you can afford– Buying a home requires you to be smart and sensible about how much money you have […]
August 27, 2019

What is a Home Warranty and Should You Get One?

Whether buying or selling a home, the words “home warranty” often get thrown into the mix as an additional offer a seller can bring to the table to entice buyers, or as something a buyer may consider voluntarily purchasing for peace of mind going into a new purchase. But what exactly is a home warranty and is it right for you? What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a product you can buy to protect yourself from major expenses related to repairs and replacements of: Electrical systems Plumbing systems HVAC systems Appliances like washers and dryers, refrigerator, oven, range, garbage disposal, and others While home warranties offer protection in these areas, it’s important to note that, though plans […]
August 20, 2019

Coral Gables: Featured Listings

Coral Gables always rises to the top as one of the most coveted communities in South Florida to call home. We love it too for its Old World elegance blended with tropical South Florida style. If you’re looking for a home in “The City Beautiful,” check out several of these featured listings. Then, give me a call at 305-329-7744 to schedule a tour. 3800 Granada Blvd A home not to be missed for its historic charm paired with modern amenities. Built in 1924 and sitting on nearly an acre of land overlooking the Biltmore Golf Course, this 7,882 square foot home has 7 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and masterfully planned living spaces. Its Spanish influence can be felt throughout the home […]
August 13, 2019

What to Know if You’re Buying a Home in South Florida

Of the many communities in South Florida, there’s sure to be one that fits your interests and lifestyles. From Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay down to Cutler Bay and into the Keys, the Miami market is appealing for more than just its sunshine and beaches. With excellent schools, one-of-a-kind culture and entertainment options, and a vibe you just can’t find anywhere else, buying a house in South Florida is a smart investment for more reasons than just the equity you’ll build in it. If you’re ready to start house hunting in South Florida, here are some important things to know as you begin to narrow down your choices. Look at the local schools – Even if you don’t have […]
August 6, 2019

Are You and Your Home Hurricane Ready?

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? How to Determine if it’s Time to Move On

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

What to Know About Real Estate Negotiations

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

Million Dollar Listings in Pinecrest

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

How to Navigate Long-Distance House Hunting

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 […]