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December 13, 2022
Have you been casually browsing houses for sale lately? When you find yourself daydreaming about buying a home it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. As much as we absolutely want to help you find a home to buy, we also want to help you make sure it’s the right time for you. We want all our buyers to go into their purchase with confidence. In a Good Financial Position You’ll need to have enough cash saved up for a down payment. 20% of the purchase price is the rule of thumb (though there are many exceptions) and a good amount to plan for. You’ll also need some savings set aside to pay for necessary repairs as they […]
December 6, 2022
Here in Florida we have seen some significant and immediate changes to laws regarding homeowner’s insurance policies in 2022. Two bills were passed and became effective immediately when they were signed by the governor in May. These are available to read in their entirety if you want to do a deep dive. We are all still learning more about these, and some of the impacts won’t be clear until we have a chance to see how they apply over time. In the meantime, let’s talk about what the landscape looks like today. The Upside Let’s start with the good news. New laws are in place to attempt to reduce fraudulent claims. Fraud especially related to roof claims has been a large factor […]
December 1, 2022
Living in the tropics doesn’t mean that Miamians don’t know how to celebrate winter holidays. We just do it with our own style and flair – the way we do everything! Here are some of our favorite festive activities in the Miami area. We hope you will enjoy them as much as we do. Coral Gables A Christmas Carol, the Musical – Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre Various dates and times throughout December A musical reimagining of this Christmas classic. Find all details and purchase tickets through the link. Dec. 9 at 7pm – A Very Merry Holiday Gala – Coral Gables Women’s Club A family friendly event pictures with Santa, a silent auction, dinner and drinks, plus a keynote […]
November 22, 2022
Under all the right circumstances hiring a professional staging company is absolutely worth the cost. I realize that is a qualified statement, so bear with me for a minute. The point is that there is absolutely value in the process of having a professional stage your home before it hits the market. Which side of the cost/benefit analysis that service falls on depends on several more specific details. In a Perfect World… As an agent, the ideal situation is to present the most picture-perfect version of the house we’re selling. If the seller has moved out, staging the home – with the lack of personal items – creates a blank canvas that prospective buyers can project their lives onto. Staging […]
November 15, 2022
With all the talk of interest rates and federal interest rate hikes in the news, it makes sense to talk about it and how it impacts our daily lives. Being in the real estate business means these rate changes are something I monitor all the time – even when it’s not making the news. However, it does have a much farther-reaching impact on almost everyone. What Exactly IS the Federal Interest Rate? First, let’s address what it’s not. The Federal Interest Rate is not the rate consumers pay, though it does indirectly affect consumer rates. The U.S. Central Bank sets the Federal Interest Rate which is the rate at which bank-to-bank transactions are made. Every other interest rate in the […]
November 8, 2022
Owning and operating a small business is hard work with more than its share of uncertainty. As a community, how great would it be if we all made an effort to support these businesses that our friends and neighbors have put so much effort into? With holiday shopping upon us, now is one of the best times to spend intentionally and support our local community. Small Business Saturday Black Friday sales have become an annual event that people plan family events around. You might not realize you can get some great deals on more unique gifts by waiting a day and shopping Small Business Saturday. Plus, that’s a whole extra day to sleep off the turkey and dressing! Small businesses […]
October 25, 2022
Ready, set, sell! Miami is (currently) still in a seller’s market, and while homes are selling at lightning speed, the process for preparing your home to list does take a bit longer. When you spend adequate time preparing your property, you can expect it to sell faster and for more money. Taking a little extra time up front can really make a big difference when your home hits the market. Where to Start When Preparing Your Home For Sale We recommend starting the process at least six months in advance of when you actually want to list. A common mistake we see with sellers is they wait too long to contact an agent. Your agent wants you to succeed, and to […]
October 18, 2022
If you’re a long-time resident of Miami, you already know that Snowbirds used to be a larger segment of the population, but still exist. We also have a unique housing market largely due to our status as an international city that draws investors from around the world. Because of these factors, it’s important to evaluate the real estate market in Miami based on the specific type of property and neighborhood you’re looking to buy, rather than as an entire aggregate. What do Snow and Birds Have to Do with the Condo Market in Miami? “Snowbird” is a term used for the part-time residents of Miami who own property – usually condos – but only occupy them during the winter months […]
October 11, 2022
The choice to rent or buy a home is a major decision any prospective homeowner must seriously consider. The pros and cons of each option are many, and ultimately it’s your own situation that will lead you to the right answer for you. I’ve met people that own multiple investment properties but choose to rent their home because they don’t want to tie up capital in a primary residence, and others that could afford a home but don’t want to deal with the hassle of maintenance. In general, people sometimes compare renting to buying milk and bread at a farm store versus Publix. You’re aware that you’re paying more, but it’s sometimes worthwhile based on the tradeoffs. Inversely, in a […]