Buyer Information
August 15, 2017
The appraisal is one of the most intimidating parts of selling a home. It can also be one of the most confusing. Buyers and sellers rarely understand the purpose of an appraisal. Appraisals, which determine the value of a home, are usually required by mortgage companies and typically take place after a listing price has been determined and an offer has been made. The appraisal takes away any emotional attachment that the seller and buyer feel toward the house, because it assigns an unbiased value. If you’re a little unclear or confused about appraisals, here are five myths explained: The Appraisal Vs. the Inspection The appraisal and home inspection are often used as a safeguard for the buyer, but they […]
August 8, 2017
Selling your home can be daunting. Markets fluctuate and demand can be sluggish. But, sometimes – and bear with us – but sometimes it can be you that gets in the way of your own sale. When it comes time to selling your home – you hire a real estate agent to list your home and work for you to get it sold. But the sale of your home is not entirely dependent on the agent. Sellers have many responsibilities in the process in order to make it a success. If you’re making any of these mistakes, you could be keeping your home from selling – and stuck on the market. You’ve overpriced and are sticking to it. Everyone wants […]
August 1, 2017
Location is the biggest factor for homebuyers. And, there’s so much to consider when choosing the best location: schools, commuting, and local amenities. Two of Miami’s neighborhoods—Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest—have a lot to offer buyers. They feature a variety of housing options, and depending on what you’re looking for, they are both great choices. Here’s an overview of the neighborhoods’ best features. The Benefits of Palmetto Bay From a wealth of amenities, to a community feeling and a range of real estate options, Palmetto Bay has so much to offer homebuyers. 1. More Space for the Money Palmetto Bay is more affordable compared to other Miami neighborhoods, but still offers luxury. The neighborhood offers many housing options, both with waterfront […]
July 25, 2017
An experienced realtor can save you time and money, whether you’re buying or selling. They need to be neighborhood experts and understand the current real estate market and how it affects both buyers and sellers. To make sure your realtor knows their stuff, be sure to vet them before selecting one. Ask about their experience, past sales, and contact references. Here are some signs that your realtor truly knows what they’re talking about. They Always Communicate The best agents respond to your calls, texts, or emails in a timely manner. They answer all of your questions and listen to your wants and needs. They understand your budget and timeline. They offer realistic guidance and keep you informed about the market. […]
July 11, 2017
It’s officially hurricane season, and that means that we’re not bragging about our weather anymore to our friends up north. This being said, it’s one of our busiest times of the year, because there are still many potential buyers are hoping to move into their new home before school starts. But, house hunting in the heat and humidity can be grueling. Getting in and out of the air-conditioned car can take a toll. These tips will help you survive South Florida’s heat as you search for your dream home. 1. Schedule Viewings During the Cooler Hours Mornings are at least a little bit cooler than the rest of the day, so try to schedule viewings then. Since summer brings longer […]
May 30, 2017
When you’re selling your home, you want to get the best price possible. And, the best way to get top dollar is to put your home’s best foot forward to attract buyers. Often, this means hiring a professional home stager. Many sellers may not want the extra expense of home staging, but it’s actually a worthwhile investment. Sellers that hire a home stager can often expect to get at least $10,000 more for their homes than those who don’t. In addition to a larger sales price, there are several other reasons why you should consider hiring a professional home stager. Buyers Can Visualize Themselves at Home Professional home staging shows off a property in its best light, which is a […]
May 23, 2017
It seems like every article I read about homebuyers these days is written about millennials: are they buying, are they not buying, what do they want to buy, et cetera. To a much lesser degree, there are articles about boomers and whether they want to move for retirement or stay-in-place. But I haven’t seen anything on ‘second wave’ boomers, who tend to be in a unique situation. Who is the Second Wave? There are more than 76 million baby boomers nationwide. The younger boomers are often referred to as “second wave” because they have different lifestyle needs than their older counterparts. Many second-wave baby boomers are increasingly feeling like their current homes no longer fit their needs. Odds are you […]
May 16, 2017
Pets are essential members of the family and make any home feel, well, homey. But, trying to sell a home with a pet around can be headache and definitely takes a few extra steps when staging and showing your home. Not everyone is an animal lover. Sometimes potential buyers would prefer not to see, smell, or find any evidence that your beloved pet exists. When you’re staging your home (where your pets also live) to sell, these tips will help: Fix Up Your Yard Back yards are many pets’ favorite places. The back yard serves as a personal bathroom for many, and some dogs like to dig holes. As you’re preparing your home for sale, clean up any poop or […]
May 9, 2017
Cozy bedrooms, bright kitchens, and immaculate spaces. This is what buyers want to see when browsing for a new home. So, sellers need to take beautiful photos to show off their home’s best assets. The quality of listing photos is a sure way to sell a home. While you don’t necessarily need to hire a professional, it may be something to consider. Homes that have been photographed with a professional digital single-lens reflex camera get 61 percent more page views than other properties and have a 47 percent higher asking price per square foot. No matter whether you decide to hire a professional or take the photos yourself, be sure to avoid these mistakes with your listing photos: Blurriness: Out of […]