Five Ways to Create Curb Appeal

January 11th, 2010 Categories: For Sellers

A sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home’s curb appeal. When it comes to selling your home, the first impression is probably the most important impression. If the outside of the property doesn’t create interest or appear well-maintained, a buyer may choose to not even come inside the home. Here are five ways to create curb appeal.

Paint and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from peeling, cracked or chipped surfaces, a paint job is a great investment. Polish the doorknocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry. Re-condition your deck. Consider renting a power washer to clean dirt and mildew from the wood, and then apply an all-weather sealer or stain.

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Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

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.

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

Blog Action Day 2009

October 15th, 2009 Categories: The Redland

Today is Blog Action Day.

No, you’re not at the wrong blog.  Although my usual posts are, of course, related to the Miami real estate market, once a year I choose to sway from that and participate in Blog Action Day.

On Blog Action Day, the intent is to get as many bloggers as possible writing about the same issue of global importance.  This year the issue is climate change. There’s no getting away from it.  It affects us all.

I admit that I don’t do as much as I can to prevent slow down climate change.  None of us does.  There’s always something else you can be doing that helps the cause.  But don’t let that thought overwhelm you.  If living off the grid is not your goal, at least try to shrink your carbon footprint by making small consistent changes.

Take a look at the list of the Top 100 Effects of Global Warming.  It’s pretty sobering stuff.  I’m not a wine drinker, but if I were, I would not be happy at seeing my Pinot Noir on the most endangered wine list.  Saying goodbye to baseball?  Unthinkable? Well, at least the present baseball bat as we know it.  Live Christmas trees gone too?  Yep.  No more lobster dinners? These things are things that we could do without, albeit begrudgingly, but there are items on the list that are serious issues: increased illnesses, whole species disappearing, more hurricanes, more floods, more fires and on and on.

I read the whole list.  I admit it wasn’t the best way to start my day.  Bummer.  But the seriousness of the issue can’t be toned down.  It’s too important.  Life as we know it is at stake. Here’s a link to an empowering list.  One with solutions.  It tells you some of the things you can do to make a difference.  And you’re never too young to get involved.  Kids are making a difference too.

Start small if you haven’t started already. And keep it constant.  The earth is counting on you.

Spoken by Maggie Dokic | Discussion: No Comments »

Bulk Sales Of Condos Being Tested In Florida

July 31st, 2009 Categories: Market Trends

Over 23,000 condos were built in Miami since 2003 and their prices have fallen by half since December 2006!

The glut of condos has not gone unnoticed!!  Opportunities to make money in this sector of the economy has created the Bulk Purchase Of Condos  as a new concept that is being tried first in Miami and if this proves successful, it will spread to cities like Las Vegas and San Diego where many condos are standing empty.

In Aventura, the Artech development of condos at 3131 N.E. 188th Street was completed with 235 units.  41 of these units were bought in bulk and at greatly reduced prices from the developer and are now on the market with 15 having been sold, so far.

At Bal Harbor One, a luxury highrise overlooking the gorgeous Government cut oceanfront, sold off 51 condo hotel units for 14.6 million dollars, to a bulk investor.

This type of purchase, allows new prices for these condos to be set at current rates and buyers will be able to take great advantage of severely reduced prices of well built, luxury properties.  Truely, a great chance to really get a deal.

This also allows condos to get filled up and collect maintenance fees.  These private investors are acting stragically, pricing the properties at the market, offering incentives, and sometimes renting those that don’t sell.  They are filling a need in the market place.

This is good old fashioned American ingenuity!  Please call me for more details and information if you are considering a bulk purchase…

Spoken by Lee Heuer | Discussion: No Comments »

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