Marquis

Choosing the Right Miami Real Estate Agent: What are you Buying?

Obviously there are a lot of Miami realtors from which to choose. How do you do that?

First, what are you buying? You can find different Miami Real Estate Agents that specialize in various neighborhoods, price ranges, condos, single family homes, investment property and commercial real estate. For instance if you want to buy a single family home in Kendall, you probably don't need a Miami real estate agent who focuses on luxury homes in Key Biscayne. Or if you want a condo on South Beach, you don't need a Miami Realtor who focuses on more family friendly neighborhoods like Pinehurst and Palmetto.

The most important thing is to communicate your needs right up front. Some Miami Realtors specialize in new construction homes while others are more interested in first time home-buyers. Make your needs clear and you'll find the right Miami real estate agent.

Condos By Neighborhood: Millionaire's Row

Communicating with your Miami Realtor

Most Miami Real Estate agents have all of the information and Miami Real Estate tips that you need right on their web sites that can guide you to the type of home that suits your priorities. Today´s sales representative understands that buyers are coming in better educated than ever before and can focus on the presentation of your individual home tour.

Have some long, deep conversations with your family and make sure you know and agree on what your needs and priorities are. This can save you a lot of time and trouble in finding the perfect home. Then choose from a variety of homes or find a luxurious Miami Condo downtown - the options are endless and at your fingertips!

North Beach

North Beach was designed in 1917 and is laid out in a clean fashion. It boasts historic architecture, local shopping and fabulous Miami condos. North Beach has a large shopping mall at 163rd Street, a 9 hole golf course in Greynolds Park and activities like kayaking and picnicking in the Oleta River State Recreation area.

One highlight of this Miami neighborhood is the Ancient Spanish monastery that was brought over piece by piece by William Randolph Heart in 1954. Although it landed in the US in the 1950's, the monastery actually dates back to 1141.

North Beach is a great neighborhood with plenty of diversity in natural, Residential and Commercial historical landmarks.

The Floridian

To Beach or Not to Beach

One thing to consider in the Miami real estate market is where you want to buy and how close you want to be to the beach or any water view. Although these properties can be tempting, especially if you can afford them, the ever increasing hurricane season is a factor worth considering.

Houses inland will typically sustain less damage and be less prone to flooding. You also want to consider the age of the home you are buying and whether it meets up to date hurricane codes. Obviously, you also need to consider the roof. Has it been recently replace or repaired?

The Miami real estate market is full of Incredible Properties and great values but you don't want to get stuck in bad situations in the future. Think carefully before you decide on the location of your Miami home.

Home Maintenance in Miami

A home at a low price may be no bargain at all if the maintenance costs are prohibitive. Find out when the house was last painted and re-roofed. Ask the seller to provide copies of utility bills so you can accurately budget the ongoing cost of your home purchase.

Many homes in the miami real estate market have a swimming pool or a spa, and if you don´t have the time or expertise to do pool cleaning or maintenance, find out what the current owner pays to maintain those amenities.

Finding the Right Seller

Have you ever gone to a garage sale about an hour before they are about to close up? Have you noticed how many items are now deeply discounted if not free? The same goes with real estate. No, you probably aren't getting a Miami condo or a Miami home for free, but you can get a much better deal if you find The Right Seller.

Highly motivated sellers may want to make some money on their investment, but they are sometimes more interested in just getting the sale of the property over with. For instance, perhaps they have already purchased another home and have moved. Or, perhaps they bought the property as an investment and they are anxious to liquidate. Perhaps the sellers are divorcing and liquidating joint assets. You never know - unless you ask.

Has the property been on the market for a while? Does the seller or agent return your calls immediately? These are some signs of "the right" seller. If you can, find out why the seller wants out. If you can identify an anxious seller, you may be able to negotiate a lower price, a quicker closing date or perhaps having your closing costs covered.