Buyer Information

July 16, 2024

Moving to Miami? When to consider a condo vs. single family home

Buying a condo vs buying a single family home may seem like an odd comparison. But there’s plenty of comparisons that can be made, from what you’d be buying to the application process. So what exactly are the differences? And should you buy a condo vs. a single family home? Read on below.   What’s a condo? A condominium, or “condo” for short, is a privately owned individual unit within a community of units. The owner of a unit typically owns the interior of that unit and some exterior elements. Common & shared areas such as pools, garages, gyms, hallways, etc. are owned collectively by the condo owners. Condos can be found in high-rises, apartment-style complexes and even (surprisingly to most) […]
June 4, 2024

Our Guide to Miami Schools: Private Schools

When deciding to move to a new neighborhood or even a new city, one of the most important considerations for a family is education. Ensuring that your child receives a quality education that will prepare them for college and beyond is paramount. With that in mind, we wanted to share a helpful guide to some of Miami’s top private schools. That way, you can start narrowing down your search for your move. Best Miami private schools Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart Neighborhood: Coconut Grove Grades: 3 – 12 Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1 Yearly tuition: $46,000 for grades 7 – 12 Founded in 1961, the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart holds the distinction of being the only Catholic, all-girls Montessori college preparatory […]
May 28, 2024

Top 5 things to look for in a Miami realtor – How to make the most of the buyer-realtor relationship.

Whether you’re moving within Miami-Dade or resettling from elsewhere, it’s important to consider the qualities needed for a successful buyer-realtor relationship. Not every realtor is the same and a successful realtor for one client may not be right for you. When comparing realtors, these are the top 5 things to look out for. They can give you both a broad as well as a focused perspective when making your decision. With these in your back pocket, you’ll be in a better position to coordinate your next home purchase. Experience Like in most things, you’ll want to find a realtor with the experience to tackle your unique home-buying needs. An experienced realtor will be able to help you navigate Miami’s real […]
May 7, 2024

Miami Market Analysis: Pinecrest

Pinecrest, Florida continues to be a highly desired market in the Miami-Dade County. This makes sense as Pinecrest is centrally located with oversized lots, a mature canopy, and close access to some of the County’s (and Country’s for that matter) best schools. Quiet streets and easy access to everywhere in Miami-Dade is a rare combination.  As of March 2024, Pinecrest may be a market in transition. Prices have been way up since 2019 and available inventory has stayed low, but the frothiness of the 2021 market seems to have subsided.  Pinecrest Home Prices As of March 2024, the average price per square foot for Pinecrest single family homes was at $812. This is up 36.7% from the same time last year, […]
April 23, 2024

Historic Charm in Modern Miami

Miami is an eclectic city filled with a mix of influences that create its status as a melting pot of cultures and ideas. Many different architectural styles contribute to Miami’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant built environment. Miami’s architectural diversity offers a glimpse into its storied past.  Miami Homes: Historic, Iconic, Retro Art Deco architecture with its bold colors and geometric motifs emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. Streamlined facades, curved corners, and decorative motifs inspired by the Machine Age are some of the decorative elements you’ll find in homes from this era. If this is your style you’ll love the classic examples found in South Beach. Many homes and buildings here have been preserved or revitalized. Coral Gables is an oasis […]
April 9, 2024

Ready to List? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you thinking it’s time to list a property for sale? The Kern Team is here to represent you, but we’re also here to help you make sure you’re well-informed on the front end of any real estate transaction.   Timing Makes a Difference First, it’s important to consider market trends and seasonality if you have the ability to list your home any time. Spring and early summer tend to be the most active seasons for real estate transactions. Many buyers are eager to purchase before the start of the new school year or to take advantage of favorable weather conditions for house hunting. Here in Miami it can be beneficial to list in Spring or early Summer, but it’s important to realize […]
March 26, 2024

Downtown to Suburbs: Finding Your Miami Vibe

One of the best things about living in a metro area like Miami is that you have such a wide variety of diverse neighborhoods to choose from. If you want to be in the middle of the action, plenty might be perfect for you from Edgewater to Brickell. There are also many options for suburban neighborhoods that offer their own unique slice of Americana. Let’s look at just a few of the options that embody the essence of downtown living and suburban bliss, helping you find your ideal Miami residence. The City is Alive From the Design District to Brickell Brickell is Miami’s financial district. If you’re a professional with the goal of living closest to major business centers, this […]
March 19, 2024

Looking Into the Future of Miami Real Estate

If anything is constant in life it’s change, and thriving cities are no exception. Miami is no different. While Miami-Dade has always been known for the sparkling bay, sun-soaked allure, and dynamic energy, it has been ever changing and that’s not likely to change.  That being said: we do not have a crystal ball nor a time machine. What we do have is extensive experience with South Florida real estate. Come along with us to explore the trends and possibilities that shape the future of Miami’s real estate landscape.  Miami’s Evolving Skyline  Miami’s skyline is poised for transformation. We’re seeing a surge in the popularity of “vertical urbanism,” which is a fancy way of describing high-rise living.  Demand is high […]
December 12, 2023

Make Next Year Your Last Year to Rent

Maybe it’s because we’re in real estate, but a common conversation we have with people in January involves them telling us that this is going to be the last year they rent.  With that in mind, we wanted to compile a little bit of advice for people who are gearing up to enter into homeownership and getting out of the rental cycle.  A Home is a Solid Investment While you’re renting you’re essentially investing your money in your landlord’s real estate without getting any long term return. On the flip side, each mortgage payment you make is like adding money to your home’s equity piggy bank. It may seem like a little at a time, but it does add up […]