Snowbirds From Canada! Buying in South Florida is Easier Than You Think

Rocio CasalesLeave a comment

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.

We Work Internationally

It’s no secret south-east Florida is a major hub for international buyers and foreign investors. We market our properties in 110 countries, nineteen languages, and in over 500+ leading real estate websites. Therefore, we have experience working with international buyers and facilitating their real estate purchases.

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.

2 Reasons Zillow Gets Home Values Right, Half The Time

Mario Avalos2 Comments

Nine times out of ten people check their home value on Zillow or Trulia prior to calling a real estate agent. I personally think these sites are great considering they get it right about 50% of the time. Even more so, when you consider that an algorithm is trying to determine a very complex ordeal such as the value of a home, so props to them!

Why do they miss the mark the other 50% of the time?

I don’t really know, and I doubt anyone else truly knows, but here is my educated guess: Because they can only see what’s on the outside of the property through the eyes in the sky – aka satellites –  and they can only analyze what can be found on public records such as number of beds, number of baths, square footage, etc.

RELATED: One Way to Get the Wrong Value on Your Home? Ask Your Neighbor!

Therefore, the two reasons Zillow gets home values right half the time are the following:

1. Often, public records are incorrect

This can happen when updates, such as expansion, added bathroom or bedrooms, that are yet not recorded in public records.

For example, say you added a family room to your property. You may have expanded to the covered patio to do so. This adds more value to your home since the living square footage under A/C has significantly increased. But this information will most likely not be reflected on public property records, which is where these sites get their information. Therefore, the lack of accurate information can distort what’s reported in sites like Zillow.

RELATED:How do buyers determine home value?

2. These sites can’t see the interior of your home

These sites can only determine the value by the exterior and what has been sold in that neighborhood in recent years. Therefore, if your home has interior upgrades, or modifications that would significantly add value to the property, it would not consider these factors.

Questions about your home value? Contact me today!

4743 SW 143 CT Miami FL $345,000 (SOLD)

Mario AvalosLeave a comment

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Ready to move in updated single family home. No homeowner’s association. Vaulted ceilings. Marble and porcelain flooring throughout. Open kitchen layout with granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, under-mount sink, and wood cabinetry overseeing dining and family area. Contemporary styled bathrooms. Master bedroom with en-suit (tub-shower combination). Spacious yard with covered patio and shed. Once car-garage converted into 4th bedroom, easily reversible.

  • Sold for: $345,000
  • Transaction Type: Seller Representation
  • Short sale or foreclosure: no / no
  • Type of property: single family
  • Living and lot size (sqft): 1,886 / 5,000
  • Year built: 1989
  • Beds, full baths: 4 / 2
  • Garage: 1 (converted)
  • Water front or access: no / no
  • Exterior walls and roof: concrete / barrel
  • Floor / pool: marble  / no
  • Heating and cooling: central / central
  • Sewer: sewer

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Are We In A Real Estate Bubble?

Mario AvalosLeave a comment

Are we in a real estate bubble in terms of price? The answer is NO. The driving force behind increasing prices is the lack of available inventory. It’s a classic supply and demand issue, and this is expected the remain for the foreseeable future.

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11439 SW 239 LN Homestead FL

Mario AvalosLeave a comment

Ready to move in single family home at Silver Palms community. Features tile flooring throughout first floor and carpet throughout second floor. Open spacious layout with kitchen over looking living areas. All 3 bedrooms located in the second floor as well as the washer and dryer for ease. Hurricane shutters. One car garage. Community amenities include pool, gym, playground, and basketball courts.

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Buyers Not Making Offers On Your Home?

Mario Avalos1 Comment

If buyers are not making offers on your home, these 2 factors can be the cause of it. If these factors do not add up or do not make sense, buyers will not be inclined to make an offer.

 

Get Your Home Value or Call (305) 305-1535

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