The Redland

Day 2 – Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s $

March 12th, 2010 Categories: 365 Things To Do In Miami

I admit that when I was first invited to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s I wasn’t excited at the idea.  Until I got there, that is.  These fish are HUGE! I’d like to say some are as big as a small loveseat =)

For a buck or so, you get a small bucket of fish and you can walk over to the end of the pier and hand feed these monsters.  They never fail to impress! I love watching the pelicans who are never far behind when you’re flinging a fish.  If you’re quick with the camera you might get yourself a good shot of one.

I have been converted and now ALWAYS tell people to go check out Robbie’s and feed the tarpon. You won’t be sorry.  All you need is gas money and a few bucks for this memorable activity.  Robbie’s Marina is at Mile Marker 97 (bayside) in Islamorada (if you’re from out of town, just head south on US1 ’til you get there).

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Day 1 – Visit Miami MetroZoo $$

March 11th, 2010 Categories: 365 Things To Do In Miami

Admit it, when was the last time you visited the zoo? Miami’s MetroZoo is a world leader in the “cageless zoo” concept.  The magnificent white Bengal tiger will start your adventure off right.  One of the nation’s top zoos right in your own backyard.  And the weather is just perfect for walking around.

Over 700 acres, more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species and easily accessible via the Florida Turnpike.  This often overlooked jewel in South Dade is not to be missed.

If you even think you may want to return before a year is up, get the annual membership. You can revisit all year for free as well as visit affiliated zoos throughout the country and get discounts on food and gift shops.  I highly recommend the membership route. A young family with kids can keep their kids highly entertained for very little moola all year.  Special rates online!

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Be Cautious When Hiring a Locksmith

March 9th, 2010 Categories: Community News

If you’re a Florida homeowner in need of a locksmith, here’s something to consider: in the State of Florida, locksmiths don’t need to be licensed.  Not yet anyway.

Because of this, it is very easy for someone who has no intentions of being a bonafide locksmith, set up shop as a locksmith and scam people.  For as little as $15, the person can purchase “bogus” business cards and make people think he is in it for real.

People in need of a locksmith may call these con-men with a legitimate request to change locks or set up a safe in a business or home.  The “locksmith” can keep the combination or copies of keys and later rob them without much effort.

In an effort to prevent this scenario, bills have been filed in the Florida legislature, that would require licensing for locksmiths and make it a criminal offense to impersonate one.  The measure would make it harder for this type of scamming to continue.

Legitimate locksmiths welcome the licensing.  They don’t want to be affiliated with those who would commit these crimes.

So until this comes to pass, how can you protect yourself?  If you live in Miami-Dade, the county has already put a locksmith ordinance into effect.  It requires that anyone working as a locksmith be registered with the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department, Consumer Protection Division.  To verify if someone is registered, you can call the Consumer Services Department at (305) 375-3677.

Additionally, the ordinance requires that the registration number be listed prominently on advertising (including business cards), and on all forms, invoices, commercial trucks and vans.  Look for these.

In addition, follow these common sense tips when using a locksmith:

• ask friends for recommendations.
• ask the locksmith for their registration #.  A legitimate one will have it on all the items listed above.
• obtain more than one estimate if possible.
• obtain written estimates.
• don’t choose a locksmith on the basis of price alone.
• get an itemized bill.
• never sign a blank form.
• keep accurate records of work performed & amounts paid.

As always, it can’t hurt to be too careful.

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Family Heads Back to South Florida

February 16th, 2010 Categories: About, Random Thoughts, South Florida Living, The Redland

In the past few years there’s been so much talk of people leaving south Florida and heading north.  It seemed that was all I heard a few years back.  But homes have become affordable once again in Miami and surrounding areas.

I read an interesting story of a family who headed to North Dakota lured by the promise of small town life, sweetened by the offer of free land and money to get their home purchase on its way.

It’s been four years since the Tristanis moved and they’re apparently trying to come back to south Florida.  The beautiful weather here is just one of the many reasons.

You can read their story here.  It’s a shame that the efforts of the development committee were not taken to heart by the surrounding community.  Clearly, for things like this to work, everyone must be on board.

The Redland, just southwest of Miami, is a lovely place to call home. I love the fact that things are quiet here.  And I’m never more than 10 minutes away from most things I need.  It’s really the best of both worlds for me.  I haven’t cleaned snow since 2001 when I left New York.  I can’t say that the snow’s been missed. =)

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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!  

If you are working with a real estate agent who is looking for homes for you, here is a list of possible reasons a home may not be suitable for you and won’t make it to the emails we send you:  

• The property is priced over your range – in every neighborhood there are homes priced well above what their market value is.  Homes priced over your maximum don’t get sent to you.  If your max is $450K, a house that is listed at $575K is not going to be sent to you for review.
• The property is not listed -  this includes homes you may see that look vacant and may even have a lockbox on the door.  A foreclosure can take a long time to prepare to list.  The listing agent will get it listed as soon as it is possible to do so.  Sometimes it has issues with the title that need to be cleared up. If it is not in the MLS and there is a lockbox on the door, there is no way to know who is going to have it listed.  We simply have to wait until it is.  The good news is that the automatic search that is set up for you will pick it up immediately once it’s listed.  Lucky you.
• The property is a short sale that has not been approved – and you specifically let me know that you don’t want to waste your time on unapproved short sales.  Only approved short sales are being sent your way.
• The property needs extensive repairs – and you are buying with an FHA loan.  Yes, there is an FHA loan that takes repairs into account.  It’s called an FHA 203K loan.  But if you’re approved for $100K FHA, the house is listed for $100K and needs $25K in repairs, there’s no point in looking at that house.  You are not qualified for $125K (the amount of the loan including the repairs).  So this particular house will be filtered out by your agent when she reviews homes to show you.
• The seller has specified CASH offers only – Sellers usually do this because of the condition.  This is usually seen with bank-owned homes.  It’s not that they want to arbitrarily exclude a huge portion of buyers.  They’re just being realistic when they say that the house won’t qualify for financing.  It may need repairs well beyond the limit on an FHA 203K.  Or the seller may simply want a quick sale due to the horrible conditions of the house.  If it’s priced incredibly low, there’s always a reason.
•  The house is pending sale – this means the seller has accepted an offer.  The sign will stay in front of the house until the property closes.  But they have changed the status to Pending Sale in the MLS and they are no longer looking for offers on this one.

The above is not meant to be an exhaustive list.  There may very well be other reasons why a home isn’t sent to you for your review.   

But please do know that I am working really hard to find you one that you can call home.

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Palmetto Bay Mayor Accused of Improper Use of Seal

January 20th, 2010 Categories: Palmetto Bay

As a REALTOR who sells homes in Palmetto Bay, I like to keep abreast of what goes on in the area.  I came across this and found it interesting enough to comment on.

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