Buyer Information

Buying a home for the first time can seem incredibly intimidating. It is not a process that should be taken lightly or without the guidance of a professional. Selecting a realtor is an essential part of the home-buying experience, but this is also an important decision in itself. Real estate agents take a lot of work off of you and can help you get a better deal on your home. A good place to start is asking family and friends for referrals for the agents they used when they purchased their home. Searching for a realtor is really no different from choosing a doctor or accountant. You should identify two or three agents to interview and evaluate their qualifications, professional […]

When it’s winter and ‘Polar Vortex’ becomes part of your everyday vocabulary, dreaming of owning a vacation home on the beach becomes particularly appetizing. Trust us, we get it: we live down in South Florida where we have many-a winter’s day 70 degrees warmer than Chicago. And we see plenty of out-of-state license plates start arriving this time of year. But instead of just escaping the frozen tundra, a (carefully selected) vacation home can also be a fantastic long-term investment. If you find yourself visiting the same place over and over, consider buying a house or condo there so you’ll always have a home to come back to. But before you make that big purchase, consider these things. Find the […]

A new year is always an exciting time. In 2017, we will likely see some new trends and few continue in South Florida real estate. Forecasters have shared their insights into the market and made some predictions for 2017. Here’s what could be in store for the coming year. South Florida Real Estate Forecast After a surge in prices from 2012 through 2015, South Florida has tapered back its growth recently, and was recently ranked among the slowest-growing metro areas in Realtor.com’s 2017 national housing forecast. However, there is some good news, as experts predict the market is likely to perform better than in 2016. And while South Florida had a lowly ranking coming in at No. 71, the rankings […]

So many choices (and questions) come with purchasing any type of property, especially for first-time buyers. At the top of that list is what type of property to purchase — condos or single-family homes. Each choice offers a set of benefits, drawbacks, and investment opportunities. Once you’ve made the decision to buy, whether you choose a condo or house depends on your individual needs. First, learn about what each type of real estate has to offer. The Advantages of Condos Common advantages of condo living include having no yard to maintain, living among a community, and amenities such as pools or fitness centers. But, purchasing a condo often comes with some extra costs and sometimes some strict rules that may […]

Most homeowners consider a home makeover or improvement project at some point. The question is: will the project actually pay off? Often, the cost of a renovation can outweigh any added value to your home. But, there are plenty of improvement projects that are worth the money and will bring big returns when you decide to sell your home. Here are five major home-improvement projects that will increase your home’s value: Kitchen Re-Do The kitchen is often a home’s gathering place, so it’s commonly a top concern for buyers. Most agree that kitchens are the smartest place to invest, especially if your kitchen is completely outdated. While small improvements, like new tile and fresh appliances, can help, true value lies […]

Sparkling twinkle lights are everywhere during the holidays, and that’s what makes the season so magical, dazzling kids and adults alike. South Florida offers many enchanting holiday lights displays. Here are six not to miss: Santa’s Enchanted Forest Celebrating its 34th year, Santa’s Enchanted Forest has been a South Florida holiday tradition for generations. It bills itself as the “world’s largest holiday theme park and free carnival” and features a 92-foot Christmas tree, hundreds of rides for all ages, and millions of dazzling holiday lights. There is also holiday music, displays, and lots of food. The park is open daily from November 3 to January 8, 2017 from 5 p.m. to midnight, including on the holidays. Miami Lantern Light Festival The […]

The holidays bring out our giving spirits, and we feel the urge to volunteer and donate to those most in need. There are so many ways to give back, no matter how much time or money you have offer. When you plan your holiday giving or volunteering, always involve the whole family to make sure everyone learns about the true meaning of the season. Here are some ways to help your South Florida community during the holidays. Help the Homeless Helping the homeless is one of the most common ways people give back during the holidays because there are many ways to help. You can serve meals, donate food or other items, and participate in homeless outreach programs. The Miami […]

For 68 years, the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, has been the signature event for the Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Festival. And, this year’s parade will be better than ever. The 68th annual parade marches through the streets of downtown Coral Gables, along Miracle Mile and Biltmore Way, on Sunday, November 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. The Parade Benefits the Junior Orange Bowl The Junior Orange Bowl is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that strives to empower youth through teamwork and competition. The group attracts more than 7,500 youth from Miami, the state of Florida and beyond, including more than 75 countries worldwide. Youth compete in athletic, academic, and cultural competitions, which collectively make up the Junior Orange Bowl Festival, often […]

Buying (and selling) a home is one of the largest financial transactions you will undertake in your life. You want an expert to work with you to answer your questions, give you advice, and help you see both the latest listings to hit the market and (hopefully) see a few homes before anyone else. You also want to consider the amount of their attention they will be able to give you. If you’re looking to sell your home, ask them how many current listings they have. If they have more than a few, make sure they have a team working for them that can handle the load. If they only have a few, it’s a good idea to make sure […]