Miami Real Estate

A lease-purchase can sometimes  be a good alternative for buyers  …  especially given the current real estate market in Miami.  

If you are relocating, a lease-purchase offers you the ability to lock in a purchase price (and yet still lease!)  …until you can sell the home you currently own.

Alexandra and I have two separate lease-purchase contracts …  in Miami (Pinecrest, Florida)… that we put together this month.  Two transactions really don’t constitute a wave …  or a trend for that matter … but it’s an option we thought worth sharing with you in our real estate blog  MiamiRealEstateCafe.com.   The terms can be worked out (as they are in any transaction!): to the benefit of both parties. Read the rest of this entry »

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European buyers are divided almost evenly between those wanting a condo and those wanting a single family home. 

47% of Western European real estate acquisitions in Florida are for single family homes.  41% are for condos … with a handful looking for townhouses.

And 90% of them are paying cash.

Looking to buy, sell or relocate?  If you’re looking for a local Miami real estate agent to work with, we would love to hear from you.  Call us any time.  You can reach us on our direct line 305 793-1365  or email us at restivo.v@ewm.com .   Vicki & Alexandra Restivo @ EWM Realtors.

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The average 30-year mortgage rate is tied with the lowest rate on record- 3.94%, a record set in October. This means it’s a great time to refinance your current home or to purchase a new one. Rates in 2011 have been under 5% all year, with the exception of two weeks this year and many people across the Nation have already taken advantage of these historically low rates.

Contact the Restivo Team if you are in the market for a new home. We would love to help you take advantage of the great opportunities that are available to you.

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With so many people looking to rent or lease now,  the opportunity is ripe for investors.  

Over 50% of all residential real estate purchases in South Florida are cash transactions…   And, by buying in cash, and not paying  a mortgage, you may well be looking at a  higher return on investment (ROI) … 

 The Miami real estate market has been getting stronger … especially for income producing property… (Consult with a knowledgeable accountant or Real Estate Attorney though … as to the benefits of buying in cash vs carrying a mortgage) 

And, given recent real estate trends,  aim toward a  long term return on investment … ( not short).  

That said though, short term investments have been gaining in popularity   …  We’ve seen a rise in the number of  investors  this past year  not only  ”covering their costs”   but  making a profit …   Many of them had no  mortgage … true … but because of a diminshed supply of  prime rental units in South Florida, there has been an upswing in rental pricing.  

The strategy for investing is normally to Read the rest of this entry »

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The top two destinations for foreign buyers this year … in Florida… are:   

1) Miami and  Miami Beach … as well as 

2) Fort Lauderdale

Ranked TOP 2  in 2011,  we expect them to be TOP 2 again  in 2012.     

Each are resort destinations …  home to jet-setting, bikini-clad sun-worshippers  …   with 1 BIG PLUS:  Both offer easy access  internationally  (to and from the Miami  and Fort Lauderdale airports) …  with the obligatory dining,  nightlife… shopping … glistening waters and sandy beaches . Read the rest of this entry »

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I just got off the phone  – I’ve had a number of similar inquiries recently, from homeowners asking if now a good time to list (and sell)  … or  whether they should wait until after the first of the year.

That question about  ’When to move’ is certainly a personal one.  Spending the holidays in the home you’re in now …  or starting NEW  holiday tradition elsewhere …   it’s not an easy decision. 

That said,  what I can say is that the majority of homeowners who ARE selling now tend to be serious sellers (given the current real estate environment).  And… most of properties listed for sale right now (whether they are condos or single family homes)  that are priced-well  do tend to sell  quickly.   It is a good time to be a buyer…. especially if you can recognize the good deals when they come around …  and are in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.   

Now through Thanksgiving, and then again starting January 1st, are Read the rest of this entry »

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With interest rates below 4% right now  -  91 % of all home purchases in the U.S. are at least partially financed  -  according to the NAR’s 2010 statistics. 

That’s interesting because international buyers tend to pay cash and they certainly rely far less on conventional financing  than domestic buyers do ….  with fewer than 15% of foreign investors getting a mortgage.  

Interesting too is that the number of acquisitions by international buyers  (whether vacation property,  or for  investment purposes, or as a primary residence) continues to increase, especially in resort destinations like Miami… which bodes well the real estate market in much of South Florida for the remainder of 2011 and throughout 2012. Read the rest of this entry »

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With so few homes available for rent or lease right now in Miami, you may be tempted to lease something that’s under repair or  renovation.

If you’re considering that,  hopefully your timeframe for move-in is  at least somewhat flexible, because even with the best of intentions (and having the most conscientious of landlords and real estate agenst representing you)  deadlines can (and believe me, they do) get pushed back… and your move-in date delayed.  Read the rest of this entry »

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The number of single family homes and condos available for purchase in Miami has dropped significantly-  from last year.  With less inventory available now, if you are considering selling your property,  we would be happy to talk with you and see whether this might be the right time for you.

Buyers who are relocating to South Florida, and foreign investors,  now comprise nearly half of our business…   We’ve seen a significant increase in home buyers relocating to Miami in 2011… in part as a result of  active recruiting by UM and other major corporations… and in part because of the shear number of opportunitiesthere are in Miami for international investors.   

Miami is among the top cities for investors and second-home buyers.

Our direct line  is 305 793-1365 or email us restivo.v@ewm.com for more information on buying or selling property in South Florida … or elsewhere…  We would love to hear from you !    Alexandra and Vicki Restivo  -  EWM Realtors.

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Of all the property bought and sold by foreign investors throughout the United States the majority of it is in resort destinations.  

Because  of the devaluation of the U.S. dollar  and the strength of many foreign currencies right now, property in Florida  (Miami in particular)  has become increasingly attractive to foreign buyers  who tend to purchase higher end,  luxury property.  

International buyers are inclined to buy in cash rather than relying on a mortgage or other financing … although they can certainly qualify for and get financing.

If you are looking for solid real estate investments in Miami, contact us on our direct line at 305 793-1365 or send us a note here.  Alexandra and Vicki Restivo at EWM Realtors .

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