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Many millennials choose to rent because they think buying a home is out of their reach. In reality, there are many opportunities for millennial-age first-time homebuyers out there. Buying a first home at any age is a great investment. It gives you the chance to begin building equity and take advantage of tax deductions on mortgage interest and other benefits. It also provides a sense of accomplishment. If you’re a millennial and thinking about buying a home, these tips will help: Don’t assume you can’t afford it. Buying a home is a major expense, but it’s also a big investment. For some millennials, it may sound little daunting. But, in many cases, buying a home is actually cheaper than renting. In Miami-Dade and Broward […]

As a renter, you live by your landlord’s set of rules, and you won’t see a return on your investment of all those rent checks you’ve sent over the years. When you’re ready for a little more freedom in your living space and the chance to build some equity, it’s time to consider buying a home. Buying a home is an important financial milestone for most adults. If you’ve been thinking about making the big step from renting to buying, consider these five signs that it’s time to buy: You want more control over your environment.  Do you constantly think about knocking down a wall to make your bedroom bigger, adding a swimming pool, or converting your garage into a man cave? If the answer is yes, you […]

Buying a home for the first time can seem incredibly intimidating. It is not a process that should be taken lightly or without the guidance of a professional. Selecting a realtor is an essential part of the home-buying experience, but this is also an important decision in itself. Real estate agents take a lot of work off of you and can help you get a better deal on your home. A good place to start is asking family and friends for referrals for the agents they used when they purchased their home. Searching for a realtor is really no different from choosing a doctor or accountant. You should identify two or three agents to interview and evaluate their qualifications, professional […]

When it’s winter and ‘Polar Vortex’ becomes part of your everyday vocabulary, dreaming of owning a vacation home on the beach becomes particularly appetizing. Trust us, we get it: we live down in South Florida where we have many-a winter’s day 70 degrees warmer than Chicago. And we see plenty of out-of-state license plates start arriving this time of year. But instead of just escaping the frozen tundra, a (carefully selected) vacation home can also be a fantastic long-term investment. If you find yourself visiting the same place over and over, consider buying a house or condo there so you’ll always have a home to come back to. But before you make that big purchase, consider these things. Find the […]

A new year is always an exciting time. In 2017, we will likely see some new trends and few continue in South Florida real estate. Forecasters have shared their insights into the market and made some predictions for 2017. Here’s what could be in store for the coming year. South Florida Real Estate Forecast After a surge in prices from 2012 through 2015, South Florida has tapered back its growth recently, and was recently ranked among the slowest-growing metro areas in Realtor.com’s 2017 national housing forecast. However, there is some good news, as experts predict the market is likely to perform better than in 2016. And while South Florida had a lowly ranking coming in at No. 71, the rankings […]

So many choices (and questions) come with purchasing any type of property, especially for first-time buyers. At the top of that list is what type of property to purchase — condos or single-family homes. Each choice offers a set of benefits, drawbacks, and investment opportunities. Once you’ve made the decision to buy, whether you choose a condo or house depends on your individual needs. First, learn about what each type of real estate has to offer. The Advantages of Condos Common advantages of condo living include having no yard to maintain, living among a community, and amenities such as pools or fitness centers. But, purchasing a condo often comes with some extra costs and sometimes some strict rules that may […]

Most homeowners consider a home makeover or improvement project at some point. The question is: will the project actually pay off? Often, the cost of a renovation can outweigh any added value to your home. But, there are plenty of improvement projects that are worth the money and will bring big returns when you decide to sell your home. Here are five major home-improvement projects that will increase your home’s value: Kitchen Re-Do The kitchen is often a home’s gathering place, so it’s commonly a top concern for buyers. Most agree that kitchens are the smartest place to invest, especially if your kitchen is completely outdated. While small improvements, like new tile and fresh appliances, can help, true value lies […]