New single family homes listed since July 1.
How does the housing market look in Pinecrest half way through 2011? Below are the numbers for single family homes. Note that all of these are going to change a little due to status changes that happen at the end of the month, but are not updated in the MLS until the following month. As of 6/30/2011:
What does this mean if you are a seller? If you want to sell your home during the end of the summer buying season, drop your price now. Homes are selling and people are still looking to buy in Pinecrest because of the quality of the public and private schools, parks, and good size lots. If your home needs a lot of work, you are going to have to drop the price even further. Buyers are looking for homes that need minimal updates. If you don’t drop your price now, you are going to have to drop it even further come the beginning of the school year.
If you are a buyer, the numbers mean there aren’t as many “deals” in terms of short sales and foreclosures. Those that are on the market, are priced well, and in reasonably good shape are going to have multiple offers, because there are fewer of them. If you are financing your purchase, you are better off using the numbers to make an offer on a well priced, non-distressed listing.
Thanks to the Free Yoga Foundation, you can stay in shape, get in shape, or just help relax with yoga for free! Currently available in Kennedy Park, Margaret Pace Park, South Pointe Park, North Shore Open Space Park and C.B.Smith Park. Coming soon to other areas in south Dade, Kendall, and Aventura, so stay tuned.
Although it is free, you may want to consider a donation, considering how expensive gym memberships and individual classes are!
Due to popular demand, the Pinecrest Farmer’s Market is open through October, Sundays from 9-2.
Due to popular demand, the Pinecrest Farmer’s Market is open through October, Sundays from 9-2.
This Wednesday night, enjoy a free night of music outside as Orchestra Miami presents
The Ninth Annual Taste of Pinecrest takes place this Sunday at Pinecrest Gardens. This food and art festival is sponsored by the Pinecrest Business Association to benefit the Village’s public schools. In addition to student performances, an art show, rides and games, there are a number of local restaurants selling a “taste” of their menus. It is a great way to spend a day visiting, playing and savoring the many different flavors of Miami.
The Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens is in the middle of a renovation and the new sound and lighting system provided the perfect stage for Julian Marley’s performance last night.
If you have not had the opportunity to go see the updated Banyan Bowl, make a point to visit it during the upcoming Taste of Pinecrest or the next Pinecrest Gardens Jazz Series. The Community Foundation of Pinecrest‘s Banyan Bowl Capital Campaign is assisting in fundraising to complete the improvements. Please donate to the fund to keep this treasure as a cultural facility for all of us to enjoy for years to come.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zGS8lOS4KE[/youtube]
Miami Palmetto Senior High School will be adding an Environmental and Science Masters Academy to their curriculum this Fall.
The proposed curriculum is as follows:
Considering that MPSH’s AP Environmental Science passing rate last year was 90%, compared to about a 40% national average, and that MPSH won the Lexus Eco Challenge and moves on to the Final Challenge, the new Masters Academy should prove to be a challenging yet fun program for students who want to excel in the environmental science field.
No wonder MPSH is one of the top rated schools in Miami-Dade County.
Market information from the Multiple Listing Service for single family homes for the month of January are as follows:
Distressed sales are still making up the larger, 65%, part of the market in terms of listings going to contract, but the actual closings for the month are of regular sales. Based on the number of active listings, distressed sales make up 13% of the market.
What does this mean if you are a buyer? Based on the number of active listings to closed sales, there is still a lot of inventory to work through, so it is still a buyers market. Once you narrow down your price range and specifications however, there won’t be as much to choose from, so use the statistics and market information to negotiate your price. If the house you like is a regular sale and it is priced right, you won’t have as much room to negotiate as you will on one that is overpriced. If you are going to make an offer on a short sale bring patience and realize that when the bank finally does answer, they may ask for more than what you offered, even if what you offered was the full asking price.
What does this mean if you are a seller? You have a lot of competition so price really does matter. Look at the active sales that most closely match your home in terms of size, location, updates, lot size, amenities. Consider pricing it 10-15% below your closest competition, make sure it has great curb appeal, and de-clutter and freshen up the inside with some elbow grease and a fresh coat of neutral paint. The good news is that if your house is priced right compared to your competition, it will sell.
