Buyer Information
April 10, 2018
For first-time homebuyers, buying a home may seem like a never-ending to-do list. From selecting neighborhoods, calculating drive times to schools, work places, and even restaurants – it seems that the fun idea of finding your first house is looking less like fun and more like hard work. That’s where we come in. My team and I are here to not only help you find the perfect home, but also to get you across the finish line and into your new home. For us, helping you get your first set of keys is more than showing you houses. It’s guiding you through the entire process and serving as your go-to whenever you have questions or hit a roadblock in your […]
April 3, 2018
If you’re a fan of HGTV, you’ve probably seen the massive impact a well-landscaped yard can have on a home’s overall aesthetic. A simple paint job, a new door, and some well-placed sconces can be the best invitation your home has ever given. If you’re looking to sell your home – it’s worth considering taking steps towards increasing the home’s curb appeal. And if you are concerned about putting more money into your home just to sell it, don’t be. Home improvements don’t always have to be exhausting, time-consuming, or drain your bank account. There are plenty of inexpensive, small improvements you can do to enhance the home’s curb appeal and increase the likelihood of a sale. When deciding which […]
March 27, 2018
There’s a reason they refer to Miami as Paradise. But, paradise is not without its stormy weather. Life as a homeowner in South Florida comes with a few must-do items in order to be adequately prepared for hurricane season. You bought your house, you’ve made it your own. It’s the foundation of your entire family’s life. So, protecting your home from natural disasters should be at the top of your to-do list. And we’ve got good news: performing routine maintenance to get your home ready for hurricane season doesn’t have to be costly. Here are seven cost-effective tips to help ensure your home is prepared for hurricane season this year: Install surge protectors During major storms, power surges are common […]
March 13, 2018
Miami’s real estate market could turn into the Wild West thanks to the new tax law. The massive, complicated tax reform bill was signed into law on December 22, but nobody really knows yet what it will mean for the real estate market in Miami. There are parts of the bill that are clear, while other parts make less sense. This means that it wouldn’t be surprising for the law to undergo changes and corrections over the next few months and years. But, what can we expect the new tax law to impact so far? These impacts are pretty straightforward: A lower limit for the mortgage interest deduction The new tax law will affect the mortgage interest deduction that most […]
February 20, 2018
An earnest money deposit is a huge part of the home-buying process. It can help get you the house you want. With earnest money, you’re telling the seller that you’re serious and committed to buying their house. Without it, you risk losing your dream home to someone who provided earnest money. Earnest money does more than just show your good faith in a transaction; it also helps to fund your down payment. If everything goes as planned, the funds used for your deposit will go toward other closing costs and your down payment. Declaring your commitment to the seller with earnest money lets them know you mean business, so it’s important that you really understand what it is. Here are […]
February 13, 2018
Buying a home is all about negotiation. Even though you most likely have a realtor to help you through the process (link to previous blog), you should learn some solid research skills to prepare yourself for the negotiation. When you’re buying a house, you want the best price. To get the best deal on the home you’ve always dreamed of, you need to know how to negotiate, when to stick to your guns, and when to wave your white flag and surrender. Here are some tips to help you master your negotiation skills: Familiarize yourself with the market The No. 1 rule when beginning the home-buying process is to know your market. You’ll have a better chance at negotiating when […]
February 6, 2018
It’s tempting to do everything yourself. The sense of satisfaction of doing it on your own, whether you’re changing your oil or fixing a fence, is meaningful. That’s why I completely understand when people want to sell their house on their own. The accomplishment of securing a contract on your own feels great…but it often doesn’t make financial sense. The commission on selling a home with a Realtor is often 6%, which adds up to $30,000 for a $500,000 house. And while everyone should be keen to save $30k, the reality is that isn’t likely to be what you’re saving. If the buyer is using an agent, you need to cut that in half. What’s more, a good Realtor can often get […]
January 2, 2018
It is tough to decide to move from your home to a smaller one, especially after you’ve watched your family grow up in your home. It’s often the most practical decision you can make. Here are four signs that you’re ready to downsize from your large family home. It’s too much maintenance If there’s a room that no one goes in except to clean it, it may be time to downsize. Large homes are, at times, difficult to keep up. Big homes often come with big yards, which can be an issue, unless you enjoy yard work. Sometimes the maintenance of a large home can leave you feeling worn out and exhausted. When the upkeep becomes too much, living in […]