Buyer Information
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 […]
May 2, 2017
Obviously, all sellers want to get the best price for their home, but knowing when the time is right to get top dollar can be pretty tricky. In reality, there are two key factors you need to balance: a frank and honest assessment of both the market and your personal situation. From my experience, here are a few tell-tale signs that you’re ready to make the move. You Have Equity The reason that you often hear that you should stay in your home for five to seven years before you consider selling is based on the amount of equity homeowners (with a mortgage) have built in that timeframe plus market appreciation. Equity refers to your home’s value minus any outstanding […]
April 4, 2017
When you put your home on the market, you want it to get as much attention as it can. One timeless way to get noticed and let potential buyers connect with your home is by holding an open house. Today, most homebuyers start their search online, but that doesn’t mean that an open house is no longer a valuable sales tool. A National Association of Realtors survey found that 45% of homebuyers said they used open houses as a major source of information as part of their home search. If you decide to hold an open house, these tips can help ensure that it’s a success. Market the Open House If you’ve driven through Pinecrest on a Sunday recently, you’ve […]