Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Sellers Great Way To Welcome Buyers


This just says come right in and relax. Blue is such a calming color and says welcome.  Just find a great blue paint that you like and do one wall. Find a thrift shop cabinet and replicate the color above and "Wala" you have a beautiful entry. Keep the details simple, stacked books a select few decorative items.


Are you more the traditionalist?  Then try this look. It's been given an eclectic twist with the Starburst Chandelier and the great leopard print rug. The antique armoire gives that homey feel. Who wouldn't feel welcome in this house?

Grey, calming but yet with a modern edge. The high gloss white mirror and beaded chandelier look fabulous. The antiqued grey console with the matching lamps finishes the look.

Sellers, these are just a few good ideas to welcome Buyers into your home. All these images are courtesy of Houzz.com. It's my go to site for anything design for your home, interior or exterior. Make you home welcoming and see the offers come in.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

3 Great Homes in Coral Gables Under $500,000

In my humble opinion these are three of the best priced homes in Coral Gables. All under $500,000 and in good condition. But you be the judge:

Up first listed at $498,000 521 San Lorenzo. This is a 3/1 in good condition and would make a lovely starter home. The kitchen is updated.



This somewhat mid-century modern is located at 1418 Cordova Street and is listed at $480,000.  Love the wood floors, white walls and wood beamed ceilings as pictured  below. 
1101 Cortez Street asking $450,000 for a 3/3 with great curb appeal and as you can see the back yard is a welcome retreat.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

What's My Home Worth??

"A funny thing happens in real estate. When it comes back, it comes back gangbusters."
                                                                                                     Barbara Corcoran
 
There are many ways to find out what your home is really worth. Some are free and some you'll have to pay for. One easy way is to contract several Realtors that work in your area and ask for a CMA or Comparable Market Analysis. They will bring the most current sales along with the current listings to give you an idea what your home might sell for. In most states you could do this on your own by checking the "Property Appraisers" website for your county. I'm in Miami Dade and it's extremely simple to go to the appraisers site to see what has sold, when it sold and what it sold for. That's great information.
 
Depending on why you need to know "What Your Home Is Worth" you may want to consider the professional advice of an appraiser. This could be money well spent. The skills and tools that an appraiser uses to formulate the value of your property are more detailed and accurate than a CMA. 
 
For the most basic of findings you can use the many websites that offer calculations based on their sources. Sites such as Zillow with their z-estimate, Trulia and Realtor.com maybe worth looking if you just need a general idea.

If you need that question answered and you live in Miami, give me a call and I'll help in determining your value.

Tip:  Price per square foot is the Holy Grail for estimating real estate values. There are other factors but in the end it comes down to square footage.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Stunner in Coral Gables



RE/MAX Advance 305-799-6877
 
Stunning, absolutely beautiful! Completely updated and ready to move in, just bring your clothes. The property can be purchased with the current high-end designer furnishing and treatments. This historic residence is a 4 bedroom, 5 bath property that has been restored to perfection, not a single detail overlooked. The property has a 1/1 cabana, chefs kitchen with stainless steel appliances and wine cellar. Beautiful pool and gardens with covered patio. The home has "smart wiring" and security cameras. The hand-carved fireplace shows the craftsmanship of a master carpenter as do all the crown moldings, stair rail and framings. It's truly a one of a kind home. It's nestled in a quiet neighborhood close to the Biltmore Hotel and University of Miami. To view the property give me a call and an appointment will be scheduled - 305-799-6877. Currently listed for $2,550,000.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Investment Opportunity Miami

This property would be an excellent opportunity for investment. It's located in one of the most sought after communities in South Florida - Coconut Grove. Just blocks from Bayshore Drive and walking distance to the entertainment and dining area of the famed Coconut Grove. It's currently a 2 bedroom 1 bath single family home and is rented for just under $2000 per month. Of course you could keep it as an investment as a single family home but the potential of this property lies in changing the zoning to a multi family unit dwelling.. That in itself is a challenge but given that the property sits directly between to multi story family dwellings it's a good possibility. So if you're an investor give me a call and lets talk 305-799-6877.

Friday, December 28, 2012

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME IN 2013

Here we are at the end of another year and ready to move forward in 2013. Get it move forward.  Okay not the best joker but I am a great real estate agent here to give you some really good tips for selling your home in 2013. I know many of you are looking to upgrade, relocate, downsize and for whatever reason you're ready to sell that home and move on. So how do you make your home stand out?  What can you do to make this process quick and financially successful for you? 
 
The condition of your home is crucial and can make or break the sell. When your home is going through the inspection process you want that inspector to give you a glowing report. It would be worth the time and money to have your own done.  Once you know what needs to be done, correct it! Have your agent post this as an attachment to the MLS to help lure in those buyers. They are still going to inspect but at least you've done your homework and made your house a standout.
 
Speaking of standout; make your home a welcome retreat. Start by painting that front door some beautiful stand out color.  Red's always great and a black door is commanding. Choose a color that works with your exterior and get the curb appeal going. Speaking of curb appeal; mow the lawn, add flowers and shrubs, mulch the beds and keep the sidewalks and driveway clean.
 
Declutter all the closets, kitchen cabinets and garage. If you have to rent storage do so. Buyers want to know they have plenty of space for their stuff and nothing looks better to the eye than a organized well kept home.
 
If you can change the fixtures in the bath and kitchen. New sparkly faucets look great and are an inexpensive upgrade that most homeowners can do themselves.  Consider adding those granite countertops that so many Buyers want, it's not as expensive as you think and you will get the return when you sell.
 
Something most of us have a hard time doing is pricing our home to sell. Check the comparables in your area against what your home offers. Get real with the true pricing and you will sell quickly. Know your competition and price accordingly. Another tidbit that may surprise many, give access to your house. Yes it's simple but if you do not let your agent show and show often you're making the home difficult to sell. The more Buyers that see you house the more chances you have of selling.

So that's it! And if you want help selling your home in Miami give me a call, I love what I do and can help you achieve your real estate goals. CALL ME Libby 305-799-6877

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Three Short Sales Miami




Having just mentioned the short sale and foreclosure market I realized what could be better than to show a few examples and here they are from top to bottom.

From high end to a rather pleasant surprise of a decent property under $300K.  All these homes are in the prestigious 33143 area code in Miami.  Let's begin with the first a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home for $999,000. It's a beautiful property, very contemporary and as you can see has a great pool for entertaining. The second is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath in the great neighborhood of High Pines. It sits on a corner lot with an enclosed pool listed at $649,000. It does need work but you're getting into one of the best, if not the best family neighborhoods in all of Miami Dade County. The last but certainly not least is this cute little charmer just West of the Palmetto Expressway in a great central location. It's a 3 bedroom, l bath listed at $224,900 this home could be painted and cleaned up and then move right in.  Interested give me a call, lets talk - 305-444-7111.