Going through my Google Alerts this morning, I came across so many articles that mentioned Florida and taxes that I decided I needed to blog about it.  Although it is not the only consideration to take when making a move, either as a business or an individual, taxes appear to be taking on a great […]

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about how cheap flood insurance is if you don’t live in a flood zone.  After last Wednesday’s heavy rains, even many of us who do not live in flood zones witnessed flooded streets and front yards.  Before you go out and buy  flood insurance, you need to be […]

I work with a lot of international clients who buy and sell real estate in Miami and often recommend they speak to a local attorney and/or CPA to discuss the tax implications of owning property here.  I came across a great article from Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys that addresses tax planning for foreigners buying real estate .

In order to give short sale properties an opportunity to receive “highest and best” offers, new Fannie Mae guidelines state that each new short sale listing must remain active in our MLS system for a minimum of 5 days and must include at least one weekend.  If you are a buyer making an offer on […]

  Congratulations!  You either have the cash, or have been approved for a mortgage, to buy a home or investment property.  Now that you have determined how much you can afford, remember to keep in mind your closing costs, which will run between 3-4% of your purchase price for closings with a mortgage and less […]

In today’s Miami Herald, there was an article about the new Centro Lofts that are going up in downtown Miami.  This building will not have a parking garage and will instead opt for a Car2Go, bike racks, and public transportation to get it’s residents around.  I moved from San Francisco and love the idea of […]

You know what they say about real estate, location, location, location, and boy does 1542 Drexel Avenue #205  have it.  Location:  2 blocks from Lincoln Road.  Location:  1 block from Espanola.  Location: 3 blocks to the Ocean.  In the heart of Miami Beach, yet on a quiet, low traffic street, this fully furnished unit is […]

Several recent  articles have highlighted the issue of preservation vs private property rights.  I want to clarify that I am for historic preservation of relevant buildings but I think if it is done retroactively, it infringes on private property rights. Both the Miami Herald building, sold to Genting Malaysia, and a Robert Browning Parker home […]

FHA loans are the largest source of low-down payment mortgages.  A buyer with less than stellar credit can purchase a property with as little as 3.5% down.  Starting April 1st, the FHA will institute it’s third increase since 2011 when it raises it’s premiums by 1/10 of a percent, or 10 basis points. Then, on […]

All I can say is “wow”.  Our Coral Gables EWM office had an AMAZING week, with a grand total of $39,733,888 in sales and leases.  There were 25 sales, 8 of which sold at asking price and 3 of which sold over asking, and 21 leases.  Still doubt that Miami is a place where people […]