real estate agents

August 29, 2017

How to Buy Your First Home Like a Pro

Buying a home is a huge commitment. If you’re a commitment-phobe or just new to the process, it can seem incredibly overwhelming—maybe even terrifying. The most important first step is finding the right realtor to help guide you through the process. You can rely on your realtor’s expertise, but you also need to educate yourself on the home-buying process so that you understand what’s happening at every stage. These tips will help you get through the process of buying your first home like a pro. Get Preapproved for a Mortgage If you’re planning to take out a loan to buy your house, you need to talk to a lender about getting preapproved for a mortgage. Preapproval provides credibility to your […]
August 22, 2017

How to Get Ready for an Open House

Hosting an open house is a great way to get lots of potential buyers through your door. You just need to make sure your home is ready to be seen. It’s important for buyers to envision how they will use your space. Sometimes the best way to prepare is to stage your home so that it looks inviting but not too lived in. To get ready for an open house, use these tips: Clean Up Too much stuff on the kitchen counter or other surfaces can turn buyers off. Clutter makes it hard for visitors to picture themselves and their stuff in your home. You should consider putting some of your excess things in storage.  A thorough cleaning should be […]
August 15, 2017

5 Appraisal Myths Explained

The appraisal is one of the most intimidating parts of selling a home. It can also be one of the most confusing. Buyers and sellers rarely understand the purpose of an appraisal. Appraisals, which determine the value of a home, are usually required by mortgage companies and typically take place after a listing price has been determined and an offer has been made. The appraisal takes away any emotional attachment that the seller and buyer feel toward the house, because it assigns an unbiased value. If you’re a little unclear or confused about appraisals, here are five myths explained: The Appraisal Vs. the Inspection The appraisal and home inspection are often used as a safeguard for the buyer, but they […]
August 8, 2017

Mistakes That Keep People from Selling Their Homes

Selling your home can be daunting. Markets fluctuate and demand can be sluggish. But, sometimes – and bear with us – but sometimes it can be you that gets in the way of your own sale. When it comes time to selling your home – you hire a real estate agent to list your home and work for you to get it sold. But the sale of your home is not entirely dependent on the agent. Sellers have many responsibilities in the process in order to make it a success. If you’re making any of these mistakes, you could be keeping your home from selling – and stuck on the market. You’ve overpriced and are sticking to it. Everyone wants […]
August 1, 2017

Palmetto Bay vs. Pinecrest: Which Neighborhood Is Best for You

Location is the biggest factor for homebuyers. And, there’s so much to consider when choosing the best location: schools, commuting, and local amenities. Two of Miami’s neighborhoods—Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest—have a lot to offer buyers. They feature a variety of housing options, and depending on what you’re looking for, they are both great choices. Here’s an overview of the neighborhoods’ best features. The Benefits of Palmetto Bay From a wealth of amenities, to a community feeling and a range of real estate options, Palmetto Bay has so much to offer homebuyers. 1. More Space for the Money Palmetto Bay is more affordable compared to other Miami neighborhoods, but still offers luxury. The neighborhood offers many housing options, both with waterfront […]
July 25, 2017

How to Know If Your Realtor Knows Their Stuff

An experienced realtor can save you time and money, whether you’re buying or selling. They need to be neighborhood experts and understand the current real estate market and how it affects both buyers and sellers. To make sure your realtor knows their stuff, be sure to vet them before selecting one. Ask about their experience, past sales, and contact references. Here are some signs that your realtor truly knows what they’re talking about. They Always Communicate The best agents respond to your calls, texts, or emails in a timely manner. They answer all of your questions and listen to your wants and needs. They understand your budget and timeline. They offer realistic guidance and keep you informed about the market. […]
July 18, 2017

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer is the perfect time to tackle some home maintenance projects. The days are longer and the kids are out of school, so they can do a lot of the work. All homeowners should take care of their homes by performing ongoing maintenance and repair. This will keep it in good condition so you can get the best price possible when you decide to sell it. Here’s a list of a few projects to take care of during the summer. Tune Up the Air Conditioner No one in South Florida wants their air conditioning to go out or not work properly during the summer (feel free to insert a, ‘Your wife is hot,’ joke here). So, your No. 1 priority […]
July 11, 2017

Survival Guide: Housing Hunting in the Miami Heat

It’s officially hurricane season, and that means that we’re not bragging about our weather anymore to our friends up north. This being said, it’s one of our busiest times of the year, because there are still many potential buyers are hoping to move into their new home before school starts. But, house hunting in the heat and humidity can be grueling. Getting in and out of the air-conditioned car can take a toll. These tips will help you survive South Florida’s heat as you search for your dream home. 1. Schedule Viewings During the Cooler Hours Mornings are at least a little bit cooler than the rest of the day, so try to schedule viewings then. Since summer brings longer […]
June 13, 2017

How to Make Sure Your Home Smells Fresh for Showings

Homes tend to have distinct smells. While homeowners are usually accustomed to that smell, others are not. Funky-smelling or heavily fragrant homes can be off-putting for first-time visitors. When you sell your home, lots of new people will be walking through your front door, so be sure it is smelling as fresh as possible. No one wants to consider that their home may be a little stinky, but it’s important to face the facts so that you can get rid of odors. Nice-smelling spaces will attract more buyers and likely sell faster. Here’s an overview of common home odors and how to get rid of them. Rotten Food Whether it’s coming from your refrigerator, garbage disposal, or trashcan, rotten food […]