Archive for October, 2008

Finding a Condo in the Redland

October 18th, 2008 Categories: About, The Redland

Well, this one’s easy.  You can’t! You can’t find a condo in the Redland because there aren’t any.

So what types of properties can you find in the Redland?  This one’s easy too.  If you’re referring to residential properties, single family homes and a couple of manufactured home parks is all you will find in the Redland.

There are no condominiums here.  No townhomes.  No duplexes.  No apartment buildings.  No multi-family units whatsoever.  I think the closest you’ll get to a multi-family unit is the occasional guest cottage or in-law quarters (permits pulled and not).

The Redland is at the southwest end of unincorporated Miami-Dade (still “Miami” on the letters the post office delivers to us).  It is an agricultural community primarily and because of that, not densely populated.  There’s lots of room to stretch your wings here.  Because of this, the need for anything other than single family residences is non-existent.

There is a hotel(motel?) on Krome avenue in the low 200’s.  I think it has about 15 rooms.  It’s the only one I know of.  I stayed there a couple of nights a few years ago after one of the hurricanes took out our power.

Apart from residential properties, the most common thing you’ll find in the Redland are nurseries as well as acres and acres of crops.  Then, of course, there’s the businesses found mainly on Krome Avenue.  Gas stations, U-picks here and there, small local businesses clustered in small strip malls and more and more nurseries.  But no condos!

Need help finding a home in the Redland?  I know a great real estate professional who can help you out. =)

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

Should I Stop Paying My Mortgage and Buy the House Across the Street Instead?

October 17th, 2008 Categories: Random Thoughts, Real Estate Chatter

It may sound like a nonsense question, but in today’s Miami real estate market, there are folks pondering this very same thing.

Faced with owning a house that has declined in value by 40% or more since they bought it a couple of years ago, people in Miami are wondering why they don’t just let the bank foreclose on them and then buy the house down the street at the new, lower price.

Hmmm! Can someone actually pull this off? I bet with a little creative thinking, it could be done. I don’t know anyone who has actually done it, but I’ve heard people pose the question. Not directly at me, expecting an answer. But as a “what if” scenario.

I’m not here to provide an answer to this question, by the way. But I think banks must be aware that this is a possibility and they’re more motivated to help homeowners stay in their present homes by restructuring their current loans. A lower loan payment can certainly provide the relief needed so a person doesn’t have to think about doing things like this. Even, if thinking is all they’re doing.

I’m sorry we’ve even gotten to the point where questions like this pop up. Bummer.

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: 5 Comments »

Blog Action Day 08 – Poverty

October 15th, 2008 Categories: Community News

In an effort to bring attention to a widespread problem, I am participating in Blog Action Day 08 – Poverty.

Poverty is not just in far-off lands. We have poverty right here at home in the U.S. and right here at home in Miami. Sometimes as I drop my children off at school, I wonder how many of those kids went to bed hungry the night before? It doesn’t seem right that anyone should go hungry. Not here in one of the richest countries in the world, and not anywhere, as there is enough food to feed everyone.

Let’s discuss. Let’s promote. Let’s educate. Let’s eradicate.

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

Foreclosure Deal Townhome in South Dade

October 13th, 2008 Categories: Priced To Sell, Southwest Dade

Have you been looking for a great deal on a foreclosure property in the Miami vicinity? Have I got a deal for you. Although this home was built two years ago, it’s like new as it was never lived in. It was purchased by an investor and he never lived in it or rented it. He was trying to flip it but fell behind on his payments and got foreclosed on.

This great townhome is just blocks from the SW 112th Avenue exit on the Florida Turnpike in South Dade. The area has several brand new communities as well as some new schools to accommodate the growth. It is just minutes from Southland Mall, Target, Publix and many other shopping facilities and restaurants on U.S. 1.

This foreclosed property has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, living room dining room and kitchen. One of the bedrooms and baths are downstairs for extra convenience. There is a fenced yard big enough for Fido and a brick-pavered driveway big enough for 2 cars. It is listed at the great price of $104,900. Unbelievable price for a 4-bedroom home! This same property sold for $262,900 when it was built back in 2006.

Call today before it’s gone! 786.581.1517 Click here to see more details on this great property.

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »