Archive for January, 2009

Buying Miami Beach For Only $37.50

January 31st, 2009 Categories: The Redland

Can you really buy Miami and Miami Beach properties for only $37.50?  Well, sort of.  =)  Yes, you too can own your very own piece of prime Miami Beach real estate.  But it will be Monopoly style!

The all-American favorite board game has a Miami and the Beaches version.  And your purchase helps to benefit the New World Symphony.  Check it out!

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Miami Home Prices – How Much Do You Offer?

January 9th, 2009 Categories: For Buyers

I am often asked by Miami home buyers how much to offer on a home that’s for sale. To be more specific, I am asked what percentage under List Price makes an acceptable offer.

Well, here’s the problem… there is no set percentage because the list prices are all over the place. If a home is valued at $200,000 and is listed at $200,000, I would say go no lower than $190,000 (or 5% less). But list price is not always market value. List price is often much higher than market value.

Because list prices are not always in line with market value, you can’t use them to figure out your offer price. You really need to have your agent look at comparable sales as well as comparable listings which are priced low (usually foreclosures).

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Miami Homes -Paying Tomorrow’s Prices Today

January 8th, 2009 Categories: For Buyers, Real Estate Chatter

I had a lovely conversation with a Miami home buyer the other day. I was helping him sort through relevant market data so he could place an offer on a townhome. I didn’t want him to pay more than he had to. I also wanted him to understand that he wasn’t going to pay less than the market data said the home was worth.

I boiled it up by stating, “I don’t want you to pay yesterday’s prices (which were higher), but you can’t expect to pay..” before I could finish, he chimed in and finished it for me… “tomorrow’s prices either.” Eureka! We laughed. I realized he understood perfectly what I was referring to. I love it when my point gets across and makes sense instead of garnering a glassy-eyed look.

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Miami Property Tax Appeal – Do Your Homework Now

January 3rd, 2009 Categories: Real Estate Chatter

If you were shocked when you got your Miami-Dade property tax notice back in August, you may have responded by filing for a tax appeal hearing.  If so, you’ll be called by the county to present evidence as to why you think their tax bill is wrong and you deserve a break today…that old McDonald’s jingle is ringing in my head…my age is showing…but I digress.

The County was still hearing appeals for the 2007 property tax year in mid 2008, so chances are no one will be called until mid 2009 for the 2008 tax appeals.  You have time to get all your evidence ready.  But don’t put it off!

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