For Buyers

Mr. Homebuyer, Here’s Why I Didn’t Send That One

January 26th, 2010 Categories: For Buyers

Like most agents in the Miami real estate market, I have quite a number of buyers I am working with.  Several months ago I started making sure that I always meet with each one before we start working together to make sure they understand the process.  We also make sure they’re qualified and that we’re a good “fit” for one another.

Even so, I occasionally end up with the very eager buyer who thinks he can help me out by riding around his preferred neighborhoods and call me with addresses to look up for him.

Inevitably, there is always a reason why I haven’t sent him this particular home to review online.  It’s not because I missed it.  I want to sell him a house as much as he wants to buy one.  Really!

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Packing Tips to Get You Moving

January 7th, 2010 Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers

Packing Tips to Get You Moving

Packing is one of those dreaded but necessary chores of moving. Not only is it time consuming, but it sheds light on how much we really have accumulated since the last move. But it can be a manageable task by starting early and having a plan.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

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Miami Homebuyers – the Timing is Still Right

January 5th, 2010 Categories: For Buyers

 

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$8,000 Homebuyer Credit Extension Update

October 30th, 2009 Categories: For Buyers, Market Trends

Almost daily I am asked by Miami home buyers if “the credit” has been extended. The deadline for the current credit is fast approaching (Nov. 30th) and if you’re not in contract already to buy a house, it is unlikely that you will be able to take advantage of the present credit.

BUT today we have news of being closer to a decision on whether the credit will be extended and/or expanded.  The Senate has come up with the following:

• Keep the amount capped at $8,000
• Extend the close date to June 30, 2010 (must be under contract by April 30)
• Raise the qualifying income limits to $125K for singles & $250K for joint taxpayers (limits are presently $75K & $150K respectively)
• Add a separate credit (up to $6,500) available to existing homeowners who have been in their home 5 of the previous 8 years before closing

The Senate still has to vote on the above and the House of Representatives could come up with it’s own version.  But this step brings us closer to a decision.

If you’ve been looking for a Miami home and hoping to qualify for the credit, you still may be able to.  Stay tuned.

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Closing Process Explained

June 17th, 2009 Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers

I get lots of questions about the closing process from Miami home buyers.  Today I came across a neat video from the folks over at Federal Title that explains the process simply, while totally entertaining you.

So, instead of having your eyes glaze over as I explain the closing process, spend two minutes watching this neat video.  Kudos to the folks at Federal!

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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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