HOME BUYING INFORMATION

April 5, 2022

4 Things to Look for When House Hunting That You May Not Think About

House-hunting can be a stressful, albeit-exciting venture. If you’ve started the process of looking for a home – congrats! You probably have a lot of factors on your mind about what makes a home ideal, such as the neighborhood, size of the home, natural lighting, and floor plan. A lot of times we have a general idea about what we’re looking for in a home, but more often than not, the less-exciting factors get brushed aside, even if they can make a big impact once you’re all moved in.  Not to worry – we’ve compiled four crucial things you should consider before moving forward in your home-buying process. Outlets This may be the most overlooked factor while home-buying. Having outlets […]
March 22, 2022

Are Condos a Good Investment in Miami?

For what seems like time immemorial, the world over has been looking to invest in waterfront condos in Miami. And the truth is there is a valid reason, so much so that we tend to split Miami’s real estate market into segments – single family homes and condos – and see demand for one segment really doesn’t affect the other. In fact, political instability abroad and the strength of the dollar are important factors to consider when looking at Miami condos.  If you’re looking for a short answer, yes – condos are a good investment in Miami. However, like anything in real estate, there are many factors you should consider before diving into a serious investment. Here are some of […]
March 8, 2022

7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Buying a home is often be the most important financial decision people will make in their lives – which is why it’s important to do your research and get the details right the first time. After working in Miami’s real estate market through all the booms (and busts) of the last 20+ years, we figured it would be a good idea to share some tips that will help you navigate this difficult (but very exciting process): Start Saving Up Early for Your Down Payment: While there are some options to buy a home with little or no down payment (the most common ways are through the VA for veterans or through an FHA program), most buyers in Miami are buying a […]
February 15, 2022

What You Need to Know About Flood Zones When Buying in Miami

Flood zones are defined as areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determined to be at a higher risk of flooding or heavy rainfall – and it should come as no surprise that these zones are just about everywhere in Miami. When buying a home or property in Miami, there are some things you should know about flood zones, risk, and overall flood safety that will make your life a lot easier: Know Your Zone It’s crucial to find out exactly what flood zone your home falls in so you can be as prepared as possible should any unfortunate situation arise. Different flood zones correspond to different risk levels – for instance, if you live in ZONE AE, your home is […]
February 1, 2022

What to Consider Before Putting In an Offer on a Home You Plan to Renovate

If you’re in the market for a fixer-upper, it can be an exciting time to think about paint colors, shiny new appliances, and designing rooms. But before you get carried away with the enthusiasm, there are a few things you should know and look for when you plan to renovate a home in the Miami area. One of the first things to consider is the location in which you want to buy a property. Depending on your goals for renovation – whether you plan to sell the house to another family or live in it yourself – the location of your house is always important. This will help you set your budget as home prices can vary widely by neighborhood.  […]
January 25, 2022

Condo vs. Single-Family Home: Which is the Right Move for You?

The time has come for you to start looking for a home and somewhere to call your own. Whether you are simply tired of renting, or ready to start investing in your own property, buying a place of your own seems like the logical next step. But what type of home is right for you? Thankfully, Miami has a lot to offer when it comes to types of homes available to buyers – from condos and duplexes to town homes and single-family homes. Better yet, the city also has a wealth of different types of homes within each of those categories that can satisfy your needs as well as your wants.  When To Consider a Condo Living: For homebuyers, whether it is […]
January 18, 2022

Should You Buy a Move-In-Ready Home or Look for a Renovation Project?

So, you’ve made the decision to buy a new home. That’s big. No matter if you are a first-time homebuyer or an empty-nester looking to be a last-time homebuyer, making the move to a new home is always a big decision. So, congrats.  Now, that you’re here – there’s a question to consider that doesn’t always top everyone’s list when they are writing out all their wants for a new space. Oftentimes, we start jotting down location, number of rooms, and cost. All are very important details – but typically should come after asking yourself: are you looking for a move-in ready property or a renovation project? This is a big question as it can help determine the direction of […]
January 4, 2022

House Hunting Tips For First Time Home Buyers

Finding your starter home is not for the faint of heart. In fact, for most first-time home buyers the very term “starter home” can be, well, a non-starter. When you are looking to purchase your very first property – we want to look at it as a place we can call our own – and oddly enough, forever.  Home buying is perhaps one of the most personal life purchases. It’s your safe space, your haven. It is an extension of you and to some degree, it becomes another member of your family. That’s why you hear so many people talking about “the home they brought their kids home to.”  Starter homes are big deals. As such, so is the decision […]
November 23, 2021

Which is More Valuable: Square Footage or Property Size?

What is more important? Square footage of the home or the property size? It can be difficult when you are trying to determine a property’s approximate value, and in this market, that is not an easy thing to do. There is no hard-fast rule when it comes to property value, and one property that looked seemingly the same as the next one could be very different in terms of value.  Here are a few important facts to help you determine the real value of your home.  Square Feet: The size of a property is indeed a huge factor. When looking at the square footage, it is important to know how you should evaluate it. Some properties will add or subtract square […]