HOME BUYING INFORMATION
October 24, 2023
Ready to start the process of buying a new home? One of the best steps you can take to strengthen your position as a serious buyer is to go through the process of pre-approval now. Having a pre-approval letter saves you time, and lets sellers know that any offer they receive from you is backed by the ability to obtain the necessary funding. What Exactly Is Pre-Approval? The short answer is that it is a lender’s preliminary assessment that determines the highest amount of money they would be willing to lend you for a mortgage. A final loan can’t be secured until you’ve chosen a specific property, but going through the parts of the process related only to your finances […]
October 17, 2023
There are so many factors to consider when you start trying to narrow down your search for a new home. Proximity to work, lot size, taxes, just the overall feel of an area are all things to look at. If you already have children, schools are likely near the top of your list. If you haven’t considered the schools in the neighborhoods you’re interested in here are some things to think about. Impact on Families Families with school-age children will no doubt already be thinking about the educational opportunities they’ll have in a new area. If your children are not yet old enough for school, moving near a great school will mean plenty of young families living nearby. Even if you haven’t started your […]
October 10, 2023
Listing your home for sale is a big step, especially if you’re a first-time seller. Working with experienced Realtors like The Kern Team means having help through the whole process. When it comes time to get your home ready to show at its best, you’ll be the one taking the lead. Take a Step Back Start at the curb in front of your home and do a walk through trying to see your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer. Curb appeal matters and you should consider it a part of getting your home ready for regular showings and open houses. It probably goes without saying that the yard should be neatly cut and edged. Make sure all landscaping has […]
September 26, 2023
If you’re looking for an idyllic small town feel without getting too far from downtown Miami, Palmetto Bay is for you. Directly adjacent to Biscayne Bay this city – marked by its signature blue street signs – was incorporated just over a decade ago. It has been dubbed “The Village of Parks” for good reason. Six park facilities offer recreation activities and preservation of the natural environment. Palmetto Bay is home to a new neighborhood library as well as excellent public and private schools. It’s a great place to be, and now is a good time to find your dream home. So, What’s the Market Doing? The market in Palmetto Bay is currently showing us a lot of stability. The […]
September 19, 2023
Making a great first impression is important, and for your home the best way to do that is by having top notch curb appeal. We’ve all seen that one house in any given neighborhood that just has the “wow” factor – your neighbors always slow down when they’re walking their dog to take it all in. Leveling up your home’s exterior increases its overall attractiveness – in person as well as in photographs – along with your property value. We’ve put together a list of ways to easily enhance your home’s curb appeal. You’ll invest some time if you DIY these, but if you don’t have the time, these still won’t bust your budget. A Fresh Coat of Paint A new paint […]
June 6, 2023
Coral Gables’ central location, leafy streets and abundance of, well, everything makes it easily one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Miami. This is old Miami – established in the ‘20s – and the vintage feel is everywhere! Plenty of greenspace, and veryaccessible. Coral Gables is dotted with parks and fountains that add a feeling of peace and relaxation everywhere you go. A Neutral Market Let’s talk about what creates a “neutral market.” It’s mostly related to the amount of housing inventory available and how long it’s expected to remain available. In other words, supply and demand. In a buyer’s market there is at least 6 months’ worth of inventory – plenty of homes to choose from. A seller’s market […]
May 23, 2023
It feels like we spend a lot of time talking about helping growing families find homes with more space, more rooms, bigger yards, more of… everything! There is definitely a time in life when upsizing everything seems like the most obvious choice, but what about the opposite? Downsizing has always been popular for empty nesters for several reasons – who wants to maintain a few extra bedrooms & bathrooms when no one is using them? When you’re looking for the right property for you, bigger isn’t necessarily better. New Season of Life The two biggest reasons most people find themselves shopping for a new home are relocation to a new place, and changes happening in their lives that they want or […]
May 16, 2023
If you live in Florida, it’s important to understand what’s been happening with property insurance here. As of January 1, 2023 several big changes went into effect following special legislative sessions. These sessions were called to address the property insurance premiums rising across Florida. A Little Background First, let’s talk about some of the things that make Florida a unique market for property insurance. Our geography sets us apart from the rest of the continental U.S. No other place is as likely to receive significant damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 2017, the frequency of heavily damaging storms has increased statewide (even if we’ve been relatively protected here in Miami). As a result, insurance companies have paid out significantly […]
May 2, 2023
Pinecrest is one of our favorite neighborhoods. You’ll find many mid-century ranch homes on large lots and gorgeous natural scenery plus some of the most stunning mansions in Miami-Dade. Just north of Palmetto Bay and only about 20 minutes from downtown Miami, there’s a reason leafy Pinecrest is so in-demand: it is great for young families (boasting fantastic schools) and those that are looking for a little space to spread out while still being close to it all. Great Opportunities for Buyers The end of 2022 saw more homes on the market in Pinecrest than we’ve seen in years. However, the price per square foot is up – the average at the end of 2022 was $868 in Pinecrest. Price […]