real estate
December 13, 2022
Have you been casually browsing houses for sale lately? When you find yourself daydreaming about buying a home it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. As much as we absolutely want to help you find a home to buy, we also want to help you make sure it’s the right time for you. We want all our buyers to go into their purchase with confidence. In a Good Financial Position You’ll need to have enough cash saved up for a down payment. 20% of the purchase price is the rule of thumb (though there are many exceptions) and a good amount to plan for. You’ll also need some savings set aside to pay for necessary repairs as they […]
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 […]
November 15, 2022
With all the talk of interest rates and federal interest rate hikes in the news, it makes sense to talk about it and how it impacts our daily lives. Being in the real estate business means these rate changes are something I monitor all the time – even when it’s not making the news. However, it does have a much farther-reaching impact on almost everyone. What Exactly IS the Federal Interest Rate? First, let’s address what it’s not. The Federal Interest Rate is not the rate consumers pay, though it does indirectly affect consumer rates. The U.S. Central Bank sets the Federal Interest Rate which is the rate at which bank-to-bank transactions are made. Every other interest rate in the […]
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 […]
August 16, 2022
If you live in Miami, impact windows are a must. Impact windows are made of impact-resistant glass and are held in place by a strong frame. They are designed to help protect your home from damage during a severe storm or hurricane. What’s more – not only will they protect your home and your family during hurricane season, but they will also help keep your energy bills low by keeping your home cool in the summer. Here are some other reasons why impact windows and doors are so important if you are buying or selling a home in Florida: They Increase the Value of Your Home If you are selling your home, impact windows will increase the value of your home. […]
August 2, 2022
Heading south on US-1 has been a growing trend in real estate for the past couple of years. Because of this, the state of the real estate market in Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest has been leaning heavily towards the sellers since early 2020. Now, as interest rates are rising, what’s most interesting is how little has changed. Currently, there are 112 properties for sale in Pinecrest and 91 in Palmetto Bay. Housing Inventory in Palmetto Bay & Pinecrest The level of inventory is up from last year, but still well below pre-COVID levels of inventory (low inventory typically drives up prices). Homes in Palmetto Bay are currently selling with a median sale price of $1,017,000and Pinecrest homes are going for a median price of $2,623,000. These are both still […]
July 5, 2022
The Grove has seen a lot of changes over the past few years – but at the same time, has kept the allure it’s had for decades. There has always been a certain level of walkability and community that other neighborhoods just don’t possess. It’s not hard to see why with the restaurants, new and improved Cocowalk shops, and tree-lined streets, right on the bay. What We’re Seeing in Coconut Grove Real Estate The part of the Grove along Main Highway & Ingraham has been a mainstay in desirable addresses for ages. A decade ago we saw the parts east of Mary st and north of Bayshore flourish. Now we’re starting to see homes on the other side of US-1 […]
June 28, 2022
Looking for your dream home can be a long, emotionally charged journey. So, when you finally find “the one,” you’ll need to jump right in and make an offer – and while it’s important to act quickly, it’s crucial to be smart and thorough when doing so. To ensure a smooth process, there are a few things you should do now so when you find the perfect home, you are prepared to come to the table with the strongest possible offer, especially in a competitive market like this. Get a Preapproval Letter for Your Mortgage This should be completed before you begin looking for a home. Sellers give preference to buyers who have pre-approval letters because it shows that you are a serious and qualified buyer. Although the […]