house hunting
April 3, 2018
If you’re a fan of HGTV, you’ve probably seen the massive impact a well-landscaped yard can have on a home’s overall aesthetic. A simple paint job, a new door, and some well-placed sconces can be the best invitation your home has ever given. If you’re looking to sell your home – it’s worth considering taking steps towards increasing the home’s curb appeal. And if you are concerned about putting more money into your home just to sell it, don’t be. Home improvements don’t always have to be exhausting, time-consuming, or drain your bank account. There are plenty of inexpensive, small improvements you can do to enhance the home’s curb appeal and increase the likelihood of a sale. When deciding which […]
March 27, 2018
There’s a reason they refer to Miami as Paradise. But, paradise is not without its stormy weather. Life as a homeowner in South Florida comes with a few must-do items in order to be adequately prepared for hurricane season. You bought your house, you’ve made it your own. It’s the foundation of your entire family’s life. So, protecting your home from natural disasters should be at the top of your to-do list. And we’ve got good news: performing routine maintenance to get your home ready for hurricane season doesn’t have to be costly. Here are seven cost-effective tips to help ensure your home is prepared for hurricane season this year: Install surge protectors During major storms, power surges are common […]
March 20, 2018
There is nothing better than living right next to the ocean, which is why Miami is such a great place to live. But from the Beach to Homestead, there are a wide spectrum of options to choose from. Figuring out the perfect neighborhood for you takes looking at the market and seeing what is best for your family. For mine, Palmetto Bay was the best choice. Why Palmetto Bay? Just a quick drive down picturesque Old Cutler Road or the turnpike, Palmetto Bay is far enough away from downtown to allow for lush, over-sized lots but not too far away to make the drive unbearable. It’s great for families with school-aged children because of the great schools (both public and […]
March 13, 2018
Miami’s real estate market could turn into the Wild West thanks to the new tax law. The massive, complicated tax reform bill was signed into law on December 22, but nobody really knows yet what it will mean for the real estate market in Miami. There are parts of the bill that are clear, while other parts make less sense. This means that it wouldn’t be surprising for the law to undergo changes and corrections over the next few months and years. But, what can we expect the new tax law to impact so far? These impacts are pretty straightforward: A lower limit for the mortgage interest deduction The new tax law will affect the mortgage interest deduction that most […]
March 6, 2018
It’s such a blissful feeling to step into your brand-new home for the first time. In that moment, we forget about all the upkeep and maintenance that comes with homeownership. That realization will come later. Home maintenance can feel overwhelming chore but it doesn’t have to be. Following a regular schedule of preventative home maintenance is a simple and easy way to keep your house in tip-top shape. Just like regular oil changes for your car keep your engine running smoothly, regular maintenance around your house can prevent future disasters. So, what’s the best home maintenance plan? They don’t call it Spring cleaning without reason. Here’s a home maintenance checklist to make sure your home is ready when the high […]
February 27, 2018
For more than a century, we’ve been a fast-growing region because the rest of the country (and Canada too) decides to call it quits by February and move somewhere with better weather. In case you needed further encouragement, here’s why Miami should be on your mind: The weather Sunshine is great for your mood and overall outlook on life. South Florida has plenty of sunshine and warm weather to go around. Florida is known for getting the most hours of sunlight annually of any other state, which can be great for getting things done. What’s more: Miami summers are not as bad as their reputation. Getting a home with tree cover brings the temperature down by 10 degrees or more, […]
February 20, 2018
An earnest money deposit is a huge part of the home-buying process. It can help get you the house you want. With earnest money, you’re telling the seller that you’re serious and committed to buying their house. Without it, you risk losing your dream home to someone who provided earnest money. Earnest money does more than just show your good faith in a transaction; it also helps to fund your down payment. If everything goes as planned, the funds used for your deposit will go toward other closing costs and your down payment. Declaring your commitment to the seller with earnest money lets them know you mean business, so it’s important that you really understand what it is. Here are […]
February 13, 2018
Buying a home is all about negotiation. Even though you most likely have a realtor to help you through the process (link to previous blog), you should learn some solid research skills to prepare yourself for the negotiation. When you’re buying a house, you want the best price. To get the best deal on the home you’ve always dreamed of, you need to know how to negotiate, when to stick to your guns, and when to wave your white flag and surrender. Here are some tips to help you master your negotiation skills: Familiarize yourself with the market The No. 1 rule when beginning the home-buying process is to know your market. You’ll have a better chance at negotiating when […]
February 6, 2018
It’s tempting to do everything yourself. The sense of satisfaction of doing it on your own, whether you’re changing your oil or fixing a fence, is meaningful. That’s why I completely understand when people want to sell their house on their own. The accomplishment of securing a contract on your own feels great…but it often doesn’t make financial sense. The commission on selling a home with a Realtor is often 6%, which adds up to $30,000 for a $500,000 house. And while everyone should be keen to save $30k, the reality is that isn’t likely to be what you’re saving. If the buyer is using an agent, you need to cut that in half. What’s more, a good Realtor can often get […]