home buying
September 24, 2024
When you are looking to make a real estate transaction, the first step is to always figure out how much you can afford to spend and how much you can finance.. There are a lot of factors that go into it, but most people qualify for a mortgage that adds up to less than 36% of their monthly income for principal, interest, insurance, and taxes (aka a Debt-to-income ratio of 36). That being said, you should speak to a mortgage professional and get pre-approved for an amount. Evaluate your financial situation The important thing to remember is that personal timing is more key than market timing. When looking for a mortgage, you have to make sure you’re financially sound and […]
September 17, 2024
Everyone has an opinion as to whether they would prefer a newer home or an older one. Whichever side of the debate you fall to, it’s important to weigh the pluses and minuses. Sometimes finding the perfect home requires a little flexibility on what you previously thought. Pros of buying an old house Architecture While Miami is still a young city, there are plenty of homes that are 50-100 years old. When you step into an older home, you can feelthe history as you walk through the rooms. That’s not as common in newer homes. Mature landscape The best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago. If you want to live with a yard that has shade and don’t want […]
September 10, 2024
When you are buying a home – particularly your first home, but is still true no matter how many times you do it – it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the prospect and excited about the potential of a home. Over the years, we have done a lot of education to help home buyers find the perfect home – and large part of that education is getting them to ask the right questions when they are looking at a home so they will be as happy and excited about the home on day 3,650 of owning it as they are on day one. Questions to ask before the showing Before you go to the viewing, you should connect with your […]
May 21, 2024
The housing market ebbs and flows, much like the seasons. When thinking of buying a house, you have to consider your timeline: when’s the best time to start looking and when’s the best time to close on a deal. A lot of it comes down to timing, especially during the year. Even for a warm state like Florida the market can fluctuate depending on the month or season. So we can hear you asking, “is summer the best time to buy in Miami?” Well, that depends on a couple of factors. Is summer the best time to buy in Miami? Florida experiences pretty warm temperatures year-round. For example, Miami International Airport had an average 2023 temperature of 79.9 degrees. Because […]
January 21, 2020
Frequently recognized as one of the most beautiful residential areas in South Florida, the Village of Pinecrest maintains a convenient location just 20 minutes away from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. It’s known for its fantastic schools and beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re interested in seeing what Pinecrest has to offer, check out several of these featured listings. Then, give me a call at 305-329-7744 to schedule a tour or learn more. Featured listings in Pinecrest 5800 SW 104th St – This exclusively gated home is situated on an acre estate in North Pinecrest. Its striking entrance welcomes you with a grand paver driveway, lush foliage, and a spectacular cascading fountain. Inside, this 5-bedroom, 3.5 bath home features marble […]
January 14, 2020
It’s a New Year and that means a new look at what Florida home buyers have their eyes most keenly attentive to in 2020. A big theme continues to revolve around energy efficiencies and improving a home’s sustainability, but additional features designed to make life and organization easier are also popping up on home buyers’ wish lists. Let’s take a look at some of the most common features Florida home buyers are looking for in the coming year. Impact windows and doors – Not only are these hurricane-resistant windows and doors practical from a storm-preparation perspective, they’re also aesthetically pleasing and incredibly efficient at controlling the indoor temperature while still letting in natural light. Even better, they can help homeowners […]
January 7, 2020
For most things in life, it pays to shop around. When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, however, most people forget this simple advice, and that can be a mistake. Hiring the right agent can make all the difference in how smoothly your buying and selling process goes. It’s important to remember that the agent who was right for your coworker or cousin may not be right for you. Here are three more reasons why you should always shop around before, well, shopping around for a house. 1) Expertise to match your needs and goals – Referrals are great, but if the realtor your coworker used specializes in a neighborhood or property type that is not at all […]
December 24, 2019
While some things seem like a no-brainer (warm sunshine in the middle of winter? Yes, please!), other considerations make buying a vacation home in Florida a bit more challenging. If you find yourself one winter closer to taking the plunge on a Florida vacation home, make sure you’ve thought through these important things and then get in touch with us. We’re experts in the market and will help guide you through decisions you may not have known you even needed to make. Location, location, location Commuting to work may not be a factor, but location is likely still one of your top priorities – and it should be, not only for resale potential, but also for its amenities, safety, and […]
December 17, 2019
An impressive community well-known for its fabulous parks, amazing schools, expansive recreation opportunities, and preservation of the natural environment, Palmetto Bay is a top choice when it comes to family-friendly neighborhoods in South Florida. Its location just south of downtown Miami makes it pretty unbeatable, too. If you’re interested in the “Village of Parks,” check out several of these featured listings. Then, give me a call at 305-329-7744 to schedule a tour or learn more. 5860 Paradise Point Drive -This 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home is charming from top to bottom. As a three-story home, it offers remarkable water and treetop views and is just a short boat ride from Biscayne Bay. Located in the gated community of Paradise point, the home […]