Interview with Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, Debbie Lowe
Debbie Lowe has a Masters in Estate Planning from the University of Miami. In this interview, Debbie Lowe answers the most important questions when it comes to protecting your loved ones after you die.
There are many misconceptions about estate planning and when it should be done. Many believe it should be done when you retire or if you own many properties. This is incorrect. Estate planning starts now!
Interview Questions
What is the estate planning process? Minute mark: 0:55
What is probate and its’ process? Minute mark: 1:55
The 3 different types of ownership. Minute mark: 3:55
The most common ownership among married couples. Minute mark: 6:40
How to protect your children when you pass away? Minute mark: 7:22
It was a pleasure meeting with my colleague, Olena Feoktistova. Olena is a real estate agent in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She came down to Miami to enjoy our nice warm weather.
In addition, she also checked out some properties so she can use during the very cold winters Canada is known for. Olena asked me if she could interview mee to provide insight to her Canadian clients on how we facilitate buying a home in South Florida.
Top 3 things international buyers look for in a property
1. Close to the water
Most international buyers are looking to live near the water and enjoy our most famously known beaches. As a result, our winter- which temperature averages in the high 60’s to high 70’s- brings in snowbirds from Canada and northern U.S states to enjoy our warm climate. In addition, our beautiful water views are a top selling point. No doubt this is on their top priority.
2. Close to entertainment
Not only do they look to be close to the water but also near all the entertainment this beautiful city provides. From restaurants to shopping centers within walking distance. This is a must to feel like you are living where others vacation!
3. Rental restrictions
Lastly, a very important question before buying is: what are the rental restrictions? Most international buyers are looking to stay seasonally. As a result, the property will be vacant during other seasons. Your best option is to rent it out. Many associations will have rental restrictions that may not allow seasonal rentals or any rentals at all. Try to avoid these in case you want to rent your place seasonally to get the addition income while you’re away. Can’t go wrong with some extra cash!
Best time to buy in South
Florida
Best time to buy is during the holiday seasons. This starts around
November with the thanksgiving holiday and ends about mid to the end of January
when everyone is settling back. During this time, there is less buyer
competition because everyone is taking care of their holiday festivities.
Consequently, with less buyer competition, you get a better deal.
Easier than you think to buy in South Florida
Many believe that because they are not a U.S citizen the
process of buying property is difficult. On the contrary, if you can chew gum
and walk, then you can buy real estate here. For example, due to the good
relationship between Canada and the U.S, buying real estate is relatively easy.
If you have the money to buy and are in good standing, then it is like a U.S
citizen buying real estate.
If you are an international buyer interested in buying in south Florida, please feel free to contact me! I can guide you through the steps required to purchase real estate so you can make the right decision.
FHA/VA OK! Pristine one-car garage town-home in Kendall’s desirable Sorrento. Open kitchen layout with granite counter tops and dark-wood cabinetry overseeing dinning/living room areas. Spacious rooms with walk-in closets and high ceilings, including one bedroom on first floor. Expansive master bathroom with double sinks. Tile flooring on first floor and carpet upstairs. Tiled patio, interior laundry room, and hurricane shutters.
Property Details:
Address: 4132 SW 149 PL
City, State and Zip: Miami, FL 33185
Asking Price for sale: $240,000
Short sale or foreclosure: no / no
Type of property: townhome
Living and lot size (sqft): 1,740 / 1,740
Year built: 2010
Beds, full baths and half baths: 3 / 3
Garage: 1
Water front or access: no / no
Exterior walls and roof: concrete / barrel
Floor and pool: tile and carpet/ community pool
Heating and cooling: central / central
Sewer: municipal
Monthly Mortgage Payment at 4.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed, and purchase price of $240,000:
Back in the market. FHA/VA OK! Ready to move in home in the heart of West Kendall with double entry doors, two-car garage,and accordion hurricane shutters. New double AC units, new roof and new pool-surface. In-law quarters with it’s own entry, full-bathroom and kitchen. Open living/dinning room layout beneath 20+ foot ceilings and skylight. Enormous master bedroom with walk-in closet, and private bathroom with walk-in shower and spa-tub. Open kitchen configuration with endless cabinetry.
Mario Avalos 