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North Miami, FL Real Estate News

By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Buying investment properties can be a very lucrative business venture even in today's real estate market. While many so-called "analysts" incessantly argue that now is the probably the worst time to invest in real estate, savvy investors and those who really know the industry believe and practice otherwise. How else would you explain the rising number of investors snapping up investment properties, or the huge number of people who are getting trained and educated to become full-time real estate investors? These people have good reasons why they are investing in real estate. So if you want to enter the property investment buying business, here are a few simple tips that should help you get started: 1. Determine the type of investment. Before you jump into the investment property business...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Seller disclosure is critical to a smooth home sale and reducing seller liability, but not all homeowners are aware of its value to the home selling process. Seller disclosure, the obligation of a home seller to tell any potential buyer about problems in the property, is only mandatory in several states. However, it is rapidly catching on locally and many real estate companies are developing their own voluntary disclosure policies. The reason is simple: disclosure reduces liability. If a home buyer knows about a problem up front, then they can't later claim you hid it from them. A buyer can file a consumer fraud suit that can cost you three times as much as taking care of the problem in the first place. So avoiding disclosure is like crossing the street with your eyes closed--eventually...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Many people are tightening their budgets by eating in and entertaining at home. As consumers spend more time at home, here are some trends we can expect to see: ·         An increase in quality - the days of disposable products are gone. Today's consumers are looking for quality and durability. ·         Softer looks for the kitchen - the modern, professional kitchen transforms into a second living room, a place where family and friends can gather not only for meals, but also as a place to socialize and spend leisure time. Expect appliances to look more neutral and be easily camouflaged. ·         Economic environmentalism - consumers want products that are eco-friendly with a competitive price tag. Water and air purifiers will likely be found in an increasing number of homes.       Ful...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Keystone Point is a gated community located in North Miami, Florida. Keystone Point real estate showcases luxurious single-family homes, waterfront estate homes with direct ocean access and a variety of other high-end real estate investment opportunities . South Florida's world-famous intracoastal waterway provides an ideal landscape and route to the sea. South Florida is known as the Venice of America because it includes hundreds of miles of intracoastal waterways woven throughout it, much like Venice. Keystone Point real estate features truly remarkable homes. The residences at Keystone Point are detailed with crown molding, marble floors, stainless steel modern appliances and more! The community offers an attractive and safe neighborhood to call home. The gated community is elegant, ...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
As we enter a new decade I'm eager to see what 2010 holds for South Florida's real estate market and if many forecast predictions from last year will come true.  Due to the new short sale rules that are being put into place, more and more, I'm hearing my colleagues call 2010 the year of the short sale.While short sale success stories are more common as opposed to this time last year fair market pricing is still numero uno.  Many home sellers have come to the realization that their home was overpriced to begin with and as a result have either become motivated to reduce the price to compete with bank reo's and short sales or have taken their property off the market altogether.Short sales have become a major component in our real estate market thus setting the trend for appraiser's compara...
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By Sergio Rebollo Jr.
(Real Estate TeamMates)
Miami ForeclosuresCan't find a forelosure in Miami that is in move in condition?A lot of the foreclosures that you find in Miami need some fixing up. These homes that need repairs do not meet the requirements of a conventional loan, hence the “cash offer only” designation.The FHA comes to the Rescue!!Well the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) section 203(k) program is here to help. The 203(k) program provides the funds necessary to fix the house prior to your moving in. The beauty about this program is that you roll both the mortgage and the rehab construction loan into just one mortgage loan at a long term fixed rate that lets you finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property.Everyone qualifies for this program.You don’t need to be a contractor or an investor. ...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
By Dave Dinkel This does not exactly have anything to do with the holidays but we almost got taken yesterday and so could you if you are buying any REO's.  We have closed on hundreds of these so don't start assuming we are novices at what I am explaining next. We were set to send in a deposit check for an REO deal and the contract was ready to be signed.  The seller's Addendum was slow in coming to us and once we got it the listing agent seemed pushy to get it signed - nothing new here.  Of course the investor who brought us the deal was very eager because we had the property pre-sold. As he always does, Bill took a close look at the Addendum and in the small print it clearly stated that the buyer had to pay any and all outstanding liens and was responsible for open code issues.  We ask...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
What is the fair price of a home? Many would argue the fair price is the one agreed upon between a buyer and seller when negotiations conclude in the offer and counteroffer process. While this is certainly one approach to the situation, many buyers make the mistake of assuming the listing price on a home has some inherent relationship to the appraised price. This is sometime incorrect because of issues involving the seller.  Obviously, the first issue to consider with pricing is the natural tendency of the seller to try to get as much as possible for the property. In practical terms, this means the property will almost always be priced above what the market will support. It may be just above or well above, but it will definitely be above. The only exception to this situation is if the s...
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According to the National Association of Realtors@ (NAR), the recent homebuyer tax credit extension expands benefits for the U.S. military.Armed service, intelligence service and foreign service personnel on active duty and out of the U.S. for 90 days during any part of 2009 get an additional year to buy their homes - to May 1, 20ll. Another benefit is a waiver on the time of occupancy. Most homebuyers using the tax credit must use that home as a principal residence for a period of no fewer than three years or forfeit the entire credit. But military, intelligence and foreign service members do not have to repay the credit if they sell their home in less than three years if they move because of official business. full story
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Buying a vacation home that doubles as a future retirement home requires forethought and thorough investigation.  Conventional wisdom tells us to first settle on a desired location and then look for the least expensive house in the best possible neighborhood.  This is of course true, but buying a future retirement property demands additional consideration.  Without a doubt, the purchase of a dual purposed home can be one of the most important and financial rewarding decisions a pre-retirement couple undertakes.  Quite simply, the ultimate home buying decision comes down to establishing relatively conservative financial boundaries, drawing up a wish list and employing a real estate broker to find a home that will serve your needs now and in years to come. Even prior to the financial pla...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
by Monica Hatcher, The Miami Herald MIAMI - Sept. 3, 2009 - At 83 years old, Alget Campbell isn't as nimble as he used to be. His joints are a little rusty and he has some trouble getting around. On Monday, though, after he closed on his very first home, Campbell was doing cartwheels inside, his daughter said.To read more click the following link: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=222764. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs...Experience is Priceless!  Andre'Shambley, REALTOR® & Miami's Best Real Estate  Team, 305-396-9106. MiamiBestTeam@AOL.com. www.OnePlaceOpenHouse.com   Ready to refinance or looking for a better rate?  For your complimentary rate quote visit Jacinta Shambley, APEX Lending, Inc. JShambley@ApexLend...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
by Mary Wozniak Florida homes tainted by defective Chinese drywall are popping up on Realtor.com at bargain-basement prices. Although it is not required by law, many brokers have readily adopted a new drywall disclosure form developed by the Florida Association of Realtors® to use in sales transactions. There currently are nine drywall properties listed for sale on the site - all of them fairly new and for under $50,000 - but there also are questions about whether the low prices are worth the hassle the real estate could bring in the future. It reportedly costs about $100,000 to clean up a property contaminated by bad drywall, which leaves an offensive smell, corrodes metal components in the home, and causes respiratory problems and other health troubles for occupants. Remediation typic...
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Although the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit program ends in just four short months. South Floridian home buyers can still take advantage of the Cash Back Rebate program offered by Miami Best Realtor Team.What is the home buyer Cash Back Rebate program? It is a cash refund for 1% of the property being sold purchase price. Who is eligible to receive the credit? Home buyers who close escrow/proceed to finak settlement in the purchase of real estate in South Florida. Do income limits apply? No.  The cash rebate is given to the party or parties named as the "buyer(s)" or "borrower(s)" on the HUD-1 closing statement and fully disclosed in writing to seller and buyer(s) lender.If you want to take advantage of the Cash Back Rebate program , contact Miami Best Realtor Team today to learn mor...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
There's been a lot of talk recently about the condition of the housing market. With our economy struggling and the mortgage industry adjusting, it's only normal that home sales and purchases may have slowed. With home values down about 25 percent from their 2006 peaks, home sellers may be discouraged, but experts agree that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Homebuying incentives, mortgage reform and tax credits are making it an ideal time to purchase a home. At its height, the good health of the housing market promoted overinvesting, quick flipping, overbuilding and credit overextension. These indulgences led to the bubble bursting. There are important lessons, however, that can be learned by looking back at the housing bust. Here are some rules that can help us avoid repeating t...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Have you ever judged a book by its cover? Or, have you, in a frenzied state at the movie store, with no time to kill, grabbed what turned out to be a very bad movie because the cover was, well, pretty. Although many of us might like to think we are above such biased judgment calls, in all likelihood, most all of us have judged something according to what has been presented on the outside. This phenomenon, holds true for prospective buyers looking at houses, as well. A large percentage of home buyers will decide whether or not they want to view a home, based on its curb appeal- the outside attractiveness that can hook a buyers attention.Consider that with the advent and now prolific use of the internet everywhere and within the world of real estate, buyers are presented with a wide scope...
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In the present-day real estate market, becoming knowledgeable buyer you can get more bang for your buck, not just in price but gaining an asset that will appreciate overtime. Following are five important things that you should know and perform prior to buying your first or second home: Understand How the Purchase Would Impact On Your Family Budget and Taxes There are various tax benefits for homeowners, for instance deduction of loan points and mortgage interest on certain occasions. Confirm with your accountant or tax consultant to ensure that you know them. You must understand the outcomes on your budget and taxes prior to buying the home. The tax regulations get amended regularly, hence you should receive up-to-date details. Try to find out how your new mortgage payment would affect ...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Want to sell your home quickly and for the best price? With a wealth of properties on the market, you'll need to do all that you can to set your home apart from the rest. The following are some of the most-wanted features that will draw buyers to your home: Upgrades - making improvements to your home typically add to its value, but some yield a higher return on your investment than others. Some of the most profitable are kitchen updates, the renovation or addition of a bathroom and finishing the basement as a family room or office. Such exterior improvements as a deck, patio and landscaping are also popular. And upgrades that save money in the long-run, like replacing old windows with energy-efficient panes, are worthwhile. Just be careful that you don't spend more than you will be able...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
Going house hunting can be maddening from just about any perspective. Much of the stress and frustration comes from trying to find the perfect home. The perfect home. That dream property you plan to settle into for years and raise a family Ah, how magical life will be. Screeetch. You've started looking for it, but can't find it. Welcome to the world of real estate. If you are searching for the perfect home, you need to put the breaks on your search. It is time for a bit of practical reflection. Your chances of finding the perfect home of your dreams is pretty remote unless you are basing that image on a house you have actually seen. Even if you do stumble across the home, you have to keep in mind that dream homes are often very expensive. Unless you have a significant financing package ...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
When most homeowners wish to sell their property, one of the first things they do is to secure a real estate agent. However, when many people who set out to purchase a home often start to do so by themselves, without representation. Many buyers go online to look for great deals, or visit open houses themselves, without applying for a buyer's agent first. Unfortunately, this approach can cost home buyers a great deal of money and can lead to house buying disasters that take buyers years to recover from -- both financially and emotionally. It is true that buyers are becoming more Internet savvy and more money smart. Many get estimate values of homes from web sites such as Zillow, or spend their time looking at County Assessor websites to find the assessed value of properties, as determine...
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By Andre Shambley
(Decorus Realty)
It's every seller's goal to receive multiple offers and to ultimately sell for the full asking price. Although you can't control market conditions, you can do several things to make your home more appealing to buyers.  First, price your home realistically. If you are seriously committed to selling your home, don't overprice it. Find out the market values for homes in your neighborhood and price your home accordingly. I can help you with this by providing a comparative market analysis.  After you've set a realistic price for your home, fix it up so it's ready to show. Preparing your home for a showing doesn't have to be expensive. The one thing that most homes need is to have the clutter removed. Stand back and analyze each room in your home. Think about what can be removed to make the r...
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