THIS Is Why I Moved To Miami

December 1st, 2011 Categories: Random Thoughts

This post is not about real estate. It is just such an absolutely beautiful day in Miami that I had to shout it from the blog-tops! My HTC Evo says it’s 68 degrees in Miami right now. I am working from home today as it just makes more sense according to the location of my appointments. I just opened the front door and the windows and discovered that it’s much nicer this way, instead of having the a/c running.

When I lived in NYC it was either too hot or too cold to have the windows open. Except for that one or two day period in the spring and fall. Plus opening the windows over there meant I could hear the ambulance sirens a lot louder and the exhaust from the city bus could seep into my apartment a lot faster. No such issues here! I hear the birds outside and I smell nothing but fresh air.

How sweet it is!

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

Buying a House Now Makes Sense

October 28th, 2011 Categories: For Buyers, Real Estate Chatter

Buying a home in Miami today just makes sense. The special combination of low prices plus really low interest rates means you save on both counts. Mortgage rates are the lowest they have ever been since they started keeping track. Did you get that? The lowest. And home prices are back to what they were 10 years ago in many areas.  Anyone able to take advantage of this will look back in 10 years and pat themselves on the back.

People are always asking me “are banks lending money these days?”  They’re always surprised when I answer with a resounding, “YES!”  Here’s the deal, they’re lending money to people who can prove that they are creditworthy.  That means the person must have verifiable employment (those stated income loans are long gone, thankfully), a good credit score and history plus some funds to put down and reserves left over.

Doesn’t that sound like common sense?  It is.  What happened during the Miami real estate boom was pure crazyness.  People were qualifying for loans because requirements were non existent.  You had a pulse?  You got a loan.  That’s not a very responsible way to lend money, is it?

If you’re one of those with decent credit, you can benefit by qualifying for a loan and buy what could be the best deal ever.  But don’t take my word for it.  Bloomberg Businessweek is saying the same thing.  They’re even using words like epic.  Epic Home Deals Await the Creditworthy.  That’s their article title.  And they’re not exaggerating either.  It really is epic.  Awesome.  Incredible even.  Well, you get my drift.

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

Living in Palmetto Bay or Pinecrest Can Help Your Health

October 20th, 2011 Categories: Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Random Thoughts

It may seem like a bold statement to make, but living in Palmetto Bay or Pinecrest can help you live a healthier life according to a new study.   The study claims that living in better neighborhoods can keep some people from obesity and/or adult onset diabetes.

You can read about it here.  I know we already have great reasons for living in these beautiful Miami area neighborhoods.  But a couple more certainly don’t hurt.

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Palmetto Bay Home Prepares for Halloween

October 15th, 2011 Categories: Community News, Palmetto Bay

This has got to be the most creative use I’ve ever seen for nature’s leftovers.  This Palmetto Bay home has giant ghosts floating playfully under their oak tree.  Except these ghosts aren’t made of sheets, plastic bags or crumpled up anything.  They are cleverly cut from the Royal Palm fronds that have fallen off the tree.

The palm fronds lend themselves naturally to this whimsical project.  They have that flowing fabric look.  You just trim the top round, paint them white and add black eyes and mouths and you’re good to go!  I LOVE these!

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What’s a Short Sale?

September 4th, 2011 Categories: About, Real Estate Chatter

In today’s Miami real estate market it’s impossible to not come across many foreclosures and short sales.  Although the term “short sale” was probably a buzz word a couple of years ago, I still find that I am asked to explain what a short sale is.

A short sale is simply a home that is being sold for less money than is owed to the bank holding the mortgage note.  Because the price is less than is owed to the bank, the bank will have to approve the sales price.  The purchase price will be “short” a certain amount of money, hence the term “short sale.”

Read the rest of this entry »

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Pinecrest Convenience With DMV Help

July 20th, 2011 Categories: Community News, Pinecrest

The Village of Pinecrest will be hosting Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW – how apropos) on Monday, July 25th, from 9:00 – 2:30.

FLOW is a way for you to renew a Florida State driver license, get a replacement, submit a change of name or address, get an ID card, renew an auto registration or get a specialty plate without having to go to the usual DMV offices.

Where: Village of Pinecrest Municipal Center, 12645 Pinecrest Parkway (US1), Pinecrest, FL

When: Monday, July 25, 2011.  9:00am – 2:30pm

More Info: 305.284.0900

Just another way the Village makes things easier for Pinecrest residents. =)

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

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