August 31st, 2010
House is situated on a full half acre Lot
I just got a great new listing in Palmetto Bay that is well priced and in super shape. So much on the market is a short sale or foreclosure and people just do not have the money to fix anything that is broken. I love this listing because the house is spacious and well thought out in its floor plan and had been kept meticulous. Even on the outside there is not a cobweb in sight. The house is tiled through out with lots of built-ins. There is an open feel to it with lots of light from windows, a skylight and french doors. One enters in the foyer, leading to a large living room or one can go straight to the family room with its built in bar area. There is even a baby grand in the family room but you only see lots of space. The kitchen is huge with a breakfast area and an island with a built in warming drawer. The cabinets are wood with lots of glass for highlighting your mothers china or those pretty colored wine goblets. The french doors off the family room and breakfast area lead to a long covered porch and pool area that makes you want to get a novel, sit under the fans and drink pina coladas. The screened-in patio is over-sized and shows a wonderful backyard with a very private fence. The lot is 21,600 sq ft which means you can play soccer in the back and on the side of the house. Do you have a boat? There is plenty of room for that too. When buying a home location, location, location is to be considered when making such a big financial decision. This location is near lots of shopping and things the kids like to do too. The home is in walking distant to Coral Reef Park and the Coral Reef Elementary school. The park has tennis, volleyball, football, baseball and cheerleading as well as a physical fitness course.
As soon as one turns down the street, you feel the quiet neighborhood and love the mature oak trees. Everyone wants to be around SW 152 drive–Westminster down the street, Palmer Trinity at SW 176–and the turnpike and Metro Zoo just west of US 1. If you would love to see it I would love to show you. It has been listed two days and I have already recieved a bunch of calls. Interest rates are very low, try for a 15 year and it is only 3.75%. Brokers open Sept 1, from 12-2 if you want to come by. If that is not convenient give me a call for a private appointment.
How inviting does that look!!
Tags: coral reef park
Posted in Palmetto Bay Real Estate, Real Estate, palmetto bay activities | 1 Comment »
July 11th, 2010
Was your mother paranoid about chemicals? Mine was ALWAYS commenting about putting any chemicals on our grass– that it went into the water table and would give our kids cancer. While that has not happened– lately I have read about several problems with chemicals being found in well water in unincorporated south Dade, mainly just west of the highway near Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay. In the falls area-west of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay- it is between 136street and SW 132 Street, 99 court and 99th place. Now they have found 15 homes in the Continental Park neighborhood too, near SW 96 and 100 street and 79th and 82 Ave. The main chemical in questions is a pesticide called dieldrin. The county has been great about bringing in filtering systems to the homes involved and are trying to bring muncipal water into the neighborhoods effected. That time line is 7 months.
Dieldrin was used on agricultural areas until 1974-when it was banned. It was also used to treat termites in homes until 1987. This chemical does not break down easily even after all this time.
How does this effect you if you want a house in these fine neighborhoods? First, ask for a disclosure. If they don’t have their own give them your realtors companies disclosure to fill out. Second,is the house on well water at all? If the house is on municipal for drinking water how about the pool and sprinkler? You don’t want your kids playing in the sprinklers in these hot summer days to be getting chemical contamination. If the house you love is on well water ask if the owner has had it tested. They should disclose what they know. Obviously, if you buy it you have so many days to get inspections. Lastly, I would try to get a sample as soon as possible because testing takes time.
I live in Pinecrest and have two wells, one for my pool and sprinkler and the other for my drinking water. Though some of Pinecrest is on municipal water the bigger lots east of Ludlam Road (SW 67 Ave) are mainly on wells. I do not pay any water bills. When we bought our home twenty years ago we had it tested and there were no problems. Now we feel with these new issues we need to test again. Pinecrest is bringing municipal water into the village but you must pay to hook up. It is not cheap. New homes built in Pinecrest close to the main water lines must pay to hook up and it is not negotiable. An advantage to county water is you have water during hurricanes when there is no electricity. Personally, my husband and I have liked having well water and always felt it was cleaner than municipal. When my kids were babies, I had to give them supplements for their teeth because we were on well water. Municipal water has many additives. It has been a hot discussion in Pinecrest for years. In Palmetto Bay there are many areas that were mango and avocado groves. Did you ever wonder why you had 7 mango trees in your backyard? (just call me if you don’t like them).
In the end, “Buyer Beware” is always a good thing to think about. Get the water tested yourself and get a disclosure in writing. You can always call me to help you find a home in any of these areas or sell a home. Knowledgeability on the market is a huge advantage whether you are buying or selling.
Tags: dieldrin, palmetto bay, pinecrest, testing well water
Posted in Palmetto Bay Real Estate, Pinecrest Real Estate, Real Estate, inspections | No Comments »
July 5th, 2010
The Senate and House moved slow but President Obama signed into law HR 5623 on Friday July 2, 2010. It is now called the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010. If you were in contract to buy a home on April 30, 2010 and did not close on the June 30 deadline, you now have till Sept 30, 2010 to close and get your tax credit from the government. It is alot of money–$8000 for a new home buyer (which is anyone who has not owned a home in three years) or $6500 if you have owned a home in the last three years. Would you believe this effects 180,000 people. What is really crazy is that the mortgage people and title companies have been working overtime to close all the contracts because the deadline was June 30. Only the Government would pass an extension after the deadline —-but I am not complaining. Many people have contracts on short sales and they take about six months for the banks to approve the deals. Short sales are when a home has negotiated the mortgage down and sold before foreclosure. They are good to buy because the home is usually in better shape then a foreclosure. It will be interesting to know the homeowners statistics on Sept 30, 2010 of homes still waiting to close.
Tags: Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010, homeowners tax credits, HR 5623
Posted in Real Estate, law signed by President Obama | No Comments »
July 1st, 2010
Last night the Senate passed HR 5623 which extends the closing date of all the thousands of contracts elegible for the tax credit to actually be able to get it. This tax credit only helps home buyers in contract by April 30, 2010 but it is huge. In Florida alone it will benefit over 14,000 people. Now if we can only get the banks to move by this new date–Sept 30, 2010. You would think if the contract was signed in April you could close by Sept.
This will keep people from cancelling contracts over the summer who need the $8000 -new home buyer credit or $6500 for someone buying a new home that has owned in the last three years. Usually the summer months, especially in July are slow but inventory is going down in Miami-Dade and plenty of people are buying. If signed by the President into law, HR 5623 with keep the momentum of people picking up great deals being actually able to close.
Tags: Florida benefits in housing industry, Homebuyer tax credit credit extened, HR 5623
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
July 1st, 2010
Just when you thought the Senate was asleep from its own speeches they passed the National Flood Insurance Bill. Yes, it must be sign in law from the President but he is expected to do it quickly. My, only a HURRICANE has hit Texas–did that move the Senate.? Alex was hitting last night and they passed it last night–couldn’t they have moved quicker? Don’t they watch the weather channel?
The Bill is retroactive going back to when the other law expired-May 31, 2010. It does nothing to help all the people who lost deals in the mortgage industry the last month because they could not close if the house had a mortgage and was in a flood zone. This effected Florida, but it was a nation wide problem that effected thousands of people and it took a MONTH to get it passed by both houses. This bill is only good till Sept 30, 2010. Anyone who is buying a short sale that we all know is a LONG sale should make sure they buy there flood insurance or BIND it before that new deadline.
Tags: Binding insurance, Florida, HR 5569, mortgage industry, National Flood Insurance Bill, Senate passing National Flood Insurance
Posted in Insurance, Real Estate | No Comments »
June 30th, 2010
The Congress is letting the tax credit run out June 30, 2010 though there are almost 15,000 homebuyers just in Florida waiting to close and collect on the rebates that have been promised by federal homebuyer tax credit. You might ask why haven’t they closed till now. The banks are so-so-so slow. Reminds me of that turtle commercial for comcast. Then there is also no National Flood Insurance Program. That is on a stand alone bill–there is no excuse for that taken so long. Nation wide 180,000 homebuyers have been put on hold for one reason or another since April 30, 2010, which was the last day to be in contract to qualify for the $8000 for the $6500 if you had owned a home within the last three years. Hopefully, because this is the last minute somebody will light a July 4th fire under them.
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June 26th, 2010
In Florida we joke about sea level, but for people putting contracts in now on homes it is no joke. Your elevation certificate from your survey gives you how many feet over sea level your home is. Depending on your level you are priced on flood insurance. Not usually a big deal–but now it is a big problem for people all over the United States. If you want to close on a home in the United States, which includes Florida of course, you cannot buy it with a mortgage (Cash deals do not require flood insurance) if you are in a flood zone and did not already BIND it on May 31, 2010 or before. Yes, you can pay for it and get an application number but it must be bound to get coverage. Has anyone noticed it is Hurricane Season? Congress has not extended something we have taken for granted. As a realtor we remind our customers to get insurance. But this is not the customers problem. This is severe problem that Congress is not acting fast enough to help the people it represents.
Last night I actually watched C-Span-the Senate hoping to see the Senate pass this bill the House gave them(The National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010-HR 5569 from the 111Congress-2009-2010). I saw very serious speeches from Senators where they actually were giving speeches on how Senate does not help the people. Truly articulate speeches from very statley men in very nice suits. And though I could not believe I was watching this, it makes me want to pay more attention to who votes for what and pushes it through. (Elections are coming up) So an industry that is already hurting badly, the mortgage and real estate, is getting no sympathy from Congress. I can’t believe for over three weeks our representatives have bickered like children and not helped the people they love to give speeches about helping.
On June 22 HR 5569 was passed in the House sponsered by Rep. Maxine Waters. It was co-sponsered by 7 other people-2 from Florida-Rep. Alcee Hastings and Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite -lets remember their names when we vote. This bill is just trying to extend flood insurance to Sept. 30, 2010. So when it is passed anyone in contract, especially on a short sale that takes 6 months to get approved by the banks better buy there insurance before that date, even without a closing date.
I was talking to a customer about flood insurance versus regular insurance. She was hoping for coverage from the two other insurances she was buying-home and wind. If you have rising waters that ruin your appliances and walls and all your furniture-that is flood insurance not homeowners-not wind either. In Florida we really need to be educated on this. Even if you are not in a flood zone-which is X-you can buy flood insurance. Look up your zone under Miamidade.gov. The prices vary and you can buy it from private companies.
So with elections coming up lets pay attention to what our representatives have really done for us. Your thinking I am biased toward Real Estate-very true–But the more industries that are healthy the better we all do financially. We all need to pay attention and expect attention from our representives that we count on to make rational decisions.
Tags: cash deals, elevation certificate, flood insurance, HR 5569, National flood insurance program extension act of 2010, sea level, survey
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
June 16th, 2010
Elections are coming whether we like it or not. In August we start to vote— we need to start preparing now. Just like hurricane season. I use to check out the Miami Herald the day before and then vote. Recently, I had to set up speakers for the Palmetto Bay Business Association Business meeting and I was shocked to see the difference in the candidates. Even contacting them was interesting. You can go on miamidade.gov and find out phone numbers and emails. Some had information on it and others did not even have an email. I was surprised how many answered the phone. I was soliciting them for a two minute speech in front of 100 business people. Almost all of them came. One was very angry that we, the association, were inviting others to speak to the organization when he thought he should be the only one in his district. I found that very scary. We live in a democracy, he is already an elected official, and he should be an advocate for freedoms of this country. That is so not good and he is trying to move up the food chain in position. Some people who spoke were from the military, a rabbi, and almost all were republican. The differences were shocking.
Ok so why tell you. I say this because everyone should get out and see the candidates to figure out which one is the least wierd. I went to a program to support Bev Gerald, who is running in Palmetto Bay. Yes, I live in Pinecrest but she is honest, a hard worker and truly a normal person as politicians go. There are so many people running we should try to spread the word when we find a good representative of the position running. The Pinecrest Business Association is having a forum August 17. There will be lots of other forums and all of us should pay attention. Many of the politicians in the Senate and House got there starting out in smaller positions. We should all pay attention at the beginning of their careers in the political arena. It is too late to notice after they are elected and think in 4 years we will vote them out.
Remember, a well run city helps our property values and we all want that.
Tags: home values, palmetto bay, Palmetto Bay Business Association, Pam Mayers, pinecrest, Pinecrest Business Association, politicians
Posted in Business networking groups, Real Estate, palmetto bay activities, pinecrest activities | No Comments »
May 11th, 2010
Two Story Marble Great Room
Everyone is looking for a deal now and it is not hard to find. I share a wonderful listing on E-Lake with Vicki Restivo that we just got a price reduction of a quarter million dollars. Oh My! The house is situated to see the lake at the perfect angle with sunsets every night from almost every room. The dock has a summer kitchen with plenty of space on the dock for chairs and tables. Yes, you could even do a dinner party out there! There is an electric divet and a covered area too. My favorite is the inviting stairs into the water next to the beach.
I’ve asked Randy several times why did we not look on E-Lake. The schools are outstanding- Vineland, Southwood and Palmetto Sr. High without Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay taxes. It is unincorporated Dade. This home is not on busy 144 street or 97 Ave but on the off street of 92 Ct. Actually there are only a few homes on this street. Everyone ask is it a freash water lake and the answer is “Yes”. One just has to come home from work, jump in your boat and cruise around with the wind in your face. My kids would have loved this lifestyle. Not that they aren’t spoiled already but every time I show it teenagers are skiing and having a great time. Looks like good excercise too. I have forgotten to mention the amazing house! Contemporary with marble through out and an Italian Walnut Kitchen- -it has plenty of Wow. 
The master is very Brickell with an open glass loft that looks to the lake. There are 3 baths and closets no one could fill, even me. The dining room, kitchen and breakfast area all look at the spectacular blue lake. The other 5 bedrooms are a split plan on the lower level with two on each side. I love the porches with fans and high ceilings, all are covered. The house has impact windows and an electrice gate on a half acre. Did I mention the wine cellar? I really want a friend to buy this. Yes! Call me for a showing—-wear flip fl0ps for the beach and I will bring the Pina Coladas!! Waterfront reduced to only $1,999,999 or rent it for $8900.
Tags: elake, falls area, unincorporated dade
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
April 11th, 2010
Lifestyle Changer
There should be open houses all over the place today as the associations are getting all realtors to do opens this weekend. It is a great time to scan your neighborhood to look at your competition or look to move. I am doing one on E-lake from 3-7 today at 13724 SW 92 Ct. Its is a 6/4.5 with modern, sleek lines that remind me of the penthouses downtown. E-Lake is an amazing waterfront listing and I hope I become good friends with whoever buys it. You can come home from work, get in your boat and just cruise around at Sunset. This home has the best view possible of E-Lake and the sunsets. Real Estate is really location, location, location.
Randy is doing one at 5701 SW 83 Street, in South Miami right across from Ephiney school and church. My house has a beach, dock and is spectacular in every way fro 2.2 million. Randy has a home that has expensive updates but needs some TLC but is more affordable at a reduced price of $475,000. His home has a great location too. Near U of Miami and South Miami. It has impact windows, granite kitchen counters and marble in the master suit. It is in South Miami but is not a 50’s home but built in 75. What it needs is mainly new drywall and a good cleaning. Come by and say “Hi” if you are close to S. Miami or the Falls area. E-Lake is behind the Falls-just look for our signs
If you go into a home just to preview and are working with a realtor just say that. Should not be a big deal. Realtors need to put there customers first and just sell that house regardless of getting both sides of the commission.
I share two listings with Vicki Resivo- elake one and another in Gables by the Sea, the Pinecrest part. Yes, 57 Ave, Red Road divides the Gables from Pinecrest east of Old Cutler Road . That is a nice home, a 5/4 around 5500 sq ft, on a cul de sac at 5874 SW 131 Terrace. That is also a modern home that has been completly renovated and is ready to move in.
It is a beautiful day-Get out there and off the computer!!
Tags: coral gables, elake, modern homes, pinecrest, south miami, sunsets on the water, waterfront
Posted in Real Estate, pinecrest activities | 1 Comment »
