real estate

July 18, 2023

Coordinating a Home Sale During a Divorce

Home sales involve a lot of pieces and moving parts, but if you’re going through a divorce, there are a few extra things that need to be coordinated correctly to make sure everything goes smoothly. Working with a Realtor who is experienced in this situation is a must. Where Are You in the Process? Every situation is a bit different, so deciding when the best time to sell your home is something both parties should discuss with their attorneys.  If you already have your divorce settlement agreement in hand it will give direction as to how funds will be distributed once your home closes. It’s a good idea to have both of your attorneys look over the final contract before […]
July 4, 2023

How to Pick a Realtor While Getting Divorced

There are simple ways to ensure that selling your home while in the process of getting divorced doesn’t add to your stress levels. We already know that in can be beneficial to expedite a divorce settlement to sell the home before the settlement is finalized. The best way to accomplish this is to pick the right realtor.  Here is what you need to know when picking a realtor while getting divorced: Finding a Realtor Experienced Working With Divorcing Property Owners  The reality is that homes are often the most valuable asset a couple owns. Even when it isn’t the most valuable, it is still high up on the list and commonly the most contested asset during divorce proceedings. In a […]
June 20, 2023

What Makes a Neighborhood Right for You?

(i.e. schools, green spaces, location, etc) Sometimes you just happen upon a neighborhood that just feels right for you. That’s great, but if you’re moving to a new area, you might not be able to wait to luck into an area you love. It’s good to think through your big wants and needs for a new neighborhood to go over with your real estate team. The Kern Team is very familiar with Miami and South Florida neighborhoods. We’re from here, we live here! Letting us know the things that are important to you will help us find your home. Location & Atmosphere We’ve all heard the adage that location is the most important part of real estate. And it’s certainly true, though […]
June 13, 2023

Selling in Summertime: What to Expect

Some places are far more impacted by seasonal changes than others. Yes, our weather in Miami is gorgeous year-round and people’s habits don’t change much based on the season. So while Miami truly isn’t a four-season city like, say, Boston is – it is still important to consider the season when looking to list your home. Here’s why:  Motivated Buyers We find that buyers tend to be motivated to move quickly in the summer months. This is mostly true for families with school-aged children. They want to find a home in their desired neighborhood and get the deal done and closed quickly so they can settle in to their new home before school starts.  This means listing your property at the […]
June 6, 2023

State of the Market: Coral Gables

Coral Gables’ central location, leafy streets and abundance of, well, everything makes it easily one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Miami. This is old Miami – established in the ‘20s – and the vintage feel is everywhere! Plenty of greenspace, and veryaccessible. Coral Gables is dotted with parks and fountains that add a feeling of peace and relaxation everywhere you go.  A Neutral Market Let’s talk about what creates a “neutral market.” It’s mostly related to the amount of housing inventory available and how long it’s expected to remain available. In other words, supply and demand. In a buyer’s market there is at least 6 months’ worth of inventory – plenty of homes to choose from. A seller’s market […]
May 23, 2023

Downsizing: What to Look for in a Smaller Property

It feels like we spend a lot of time talking about helping growing families find homes with more space, more rooms, bigger yards, more of… everything! There is definitely a time in life when upsizing everything seems like the most obvious choice, but what about the opposite? Downsizing has always been popular for empty nesters for several reasons – who wants to maintain a few extra bedrooms & bathrooms when no one is using them? When you’re looking for the right property for you, bigger isn’t necessarily better. New Season of Life The two biggest reasons most people find themselves shopping for a new home are relocation to a new place, and changes happening in their lives that they want or […]
May 16, 2023

What You Need to Know about Changes in Property Insurance in Florida

If you live in Florida, it’s important to understand what’s been happening with property insurance here. As of January 1, 2023 several big changes went into effect following special legislative sessions. These sessions were called to address the property insurance premiums rising across Florida. A Little Background First, let’s talk about some of the things that make Florida a unique market for property insurance. Our geography sets us apart from the rest of the continental U.S. No other place is as likely to receive significant damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 2017, the frequency of heavily damaging storms has increased statewide (even if we’ve been relatively protected here in Miami). As a result, insurance companies have paid out significantly […]
May 9, 2023

What is the Difference Between a Realtor and an Agent?

If you haven’t spent much time around the real estate industry you might think the terms “Realtor” and “real estate agent” are interchangeable. However, that’s a common misconception. The distinction is well-known among within our industry, but we’re here to lift the veil to make sure you know what the differences are. We like transparency! How do You Become a Real Estate Agent? Real estate agent refers to everyone who has been licensed to sell real estate. This includes sales agents and brokers. In order to become a real estate agent here in Florida you’re required to complete 63 hours of pre-licensing classes – either online or in the classroom – and pass the exit exam following your completion of […]
May 2, 2023

State of the Market: Pinecrest

Pinecrest is one of our favorite neighborhoods. You’ll find many mid-century ranch homes on large lots and gorgeous natural scenery plus some of the most stunning mansions in Miami-Dade. Just north of Palmetto Bay and only about 20 minutes from downtown Miami, there’s a reason leafy Pinecrest is so in-demand: it is great for young families (boasting fantastic schools) and those that are looking for a little space to spread out while still being close to it all. Great Opportunities for Buyers The end of 2022 saw more homes on the market in Pinecrest than we’ve seen in years. However, the price per square foot is up – the average at the end of 2022 was $868 in Pinecrest. Price […]