South Florida Real Estate
December 6, 2022
Here in Florida we have seen some significant and immediate changes to laws regarding homeowner’s insurance policies in 2022. Two bills were passed and became effective immediately when they were signed by the governor in May. These are available to read in their entirety if you want to do a deep dive. We are all still learning more about these, and some of the impacts won’t be clear until we have a chance to see how they apply over time. In the meantime, let’s talk about what the landscape looks like today. The Upside Let’s start with the good news. New laws are in place to attempt to reduce fraudulent claims. Fraud especially related to roof claims has been a large factor […]
November 22, 2022
Under all the right circumstances hiring a professional staging company is absolutely worth the cost. I realize that is a qualified statement, so bear with me for a minute. The point is that there is absolutely value in the process of having a professional stage your home before it hits the market. Which side of the cost/benefit analysis that service falls on depends on several more specific details. In a Perfect World… As an agent, the ideal situation is to present the most picture-perfect version of the house we’re selling. If the seller has moved out, staging the home – with the lack of personal items – creates a blank canvas that prospective buyers can project their lives onto. Staging […]
October 25, 2022
Ready, set, sell! Miami is (currently) still in a seller’s market, and while homes are selling at lightning speed, the process for preparing your home to list does take a bit longer. When you spend adequate time preparing your property, you can expect it to sell faster and for more money. Taking a little extra time up front can really make a big difference when your home hits the market. Where to Start When Preparing Your Home For Sale We recommend starting the process at least six months in advance of when you actually want to list. A common mistake we see with sellers is they wait too long to contact an agent. Your agent wants you to succeed, and to […]
October 18, 2022
If you’re a long-time resident of Miami, you already know that Snowbirds used to be a larger segment of the population, but still exist. We also have a unique housing market largely due to our status as an international city that draws investors from around the world. Because of these factors, it’s important to evaluate the real estate market in Miami based on the specific type of property and neighborhood you’re looking to buy, rather than as an entire aggregate. What do Snow and Birds Have to Do with the Condo Market in Miami? “Snowbird” is a term used for the part-time residents of Miami who own property – usually condos – but only occupy them during the winter months […]
September 27, 2022
A Home’s Location in Miami You’ve heard it before – location, location, location! The question is which location factors are most important for you and your family? Let’s go over a few. School districts are likely at the top of your list if you have children, but even if you don’t, it should still be a consideration. Desirable school districts drive prices into higher brackets which might be a deterrent on the buying end, but it will also give you an opportunity for higher resale value later. Proximity to grocery stores, shopping centers, outdoor activities like biking trails or marinas, and other public use spaces is also good to keep in mind. A neighborhood close enough to access these amenities easily, […]
September 20, 2022
The exterior of your home is the first impression buyers will have of your property. You want it to be a good one! Get your home looking spick and span before putting it on the market, and watch the offers roll in. As a bonus, you may even cause a little neighborhood envy when you boost your curb appeal with these easy tips. Increase Curb Appeal By Trimming trees & shrubs a month before listing your home It might seem like this is a long way out, but trees and shrubs look their best when they have had some time to show regrowth after a good trimming. Trees will need all canopies raised high enough to not obstruct the view […]
September 13, 2022
As we move into the fall of 2022, the Coral Gables market is continuing to trend upward. Fall of 2021 into winter of 2022 saw pricing swings in both directions. However, we are back on the steady upward track we were seeing for much of last summer. The median sale price in the area is $950K, which is up 8.6% year over year. Homes are being sold in about 32 days on the market compared to 63 days during this same period last year. The number of homes sold, however, is down 35.4%: 104 homes were sold in June of this year, while it was 161 in June of 2021. What Does It All Mean? The data suggests we are […]
September 6, 2022
After 2008, it’s normal for buyers and sellers to feel a little skittish about less-than-ideal market conditions, but 2008 was (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime event. The next recession, whenever that may be, will very likely not be as damaging for real estate (as a whole). So, as of right now, there’s no reason to panic – but there is reason to be concerned. The best way to avoid worrying about what is going on in the market is to have the best listing in your neighborhood. Here’s how to outshine the competition when you’re selling your Miami home in a down market. Price Your Miami Home Right From The Start You only make a first impression once. So once you are […]
August 23, 2022
When you’re looking to buy a home in Miami, one of the first things you should check is the flood zone of the property. Flood zones are areas that are more likely to experience flooding, and they’re important to know about because they can affect your insurance rates and your ability to get a mortgage. While it’s important to look for flooding risks in your neighborhood – proximity to canals, for example – that’s not really what we’re talking about here. It’s checking what zone a property is in before you make an offer. Buying a Home in a Flood Zone If you’re looking at homes in a flood zone, it’s important to talk to your insurance agent and lender […]