Miami Real Estate

Neighbors who are visible (and happy!)  … out riding bikes, walking and chatting with other neighbors, puttering in their gardens, mowing their lawns,  their kids playing outside…  laughing and smiling …  can make for a  neighborhood that tends to sell itself.  

It’s not just YOUR curb appeal or the well-manicured facades of the homes to either side of yours… but it’s that sense of community … that sells a house.  

How your neighborhood is perceived by potential buyers  can impact  the sale of your house. 

If you’re buying … contemplating a new area …  we  suggest Read the rest of this entry »

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Many of the home buyers we work with who are moving to Miami ask whether there are any short term rental options out there…. and if so, how to find them.  Short term rentals can be a good way to settle in to a new city … get a feel for the neighborhood.  They can serve as a stop-gap if you’ve chosen a home to buy, but have a somewhat delayed closing date…

We handle single family home and condo purchases/ as well as  annual leases…   but we really don’t handle short term rentals ourselves. 

That said, we can and do provide our  buyers with  (and wanted to do the same for those of our blog readers who might be interested as well)  access to a handful of options for short term rentals and vacation property resources in South Florida. 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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UM was recently ranked number 38 school in the Nation by Us News and World Report, making it the number one ranked school in the state of Florida. If you’re curious about the University of Miami and what it has to offer, take a look at the new commercial.

Considering attending UM? The Restivo Team works closely with the University (with students and faculty alike), so contact us today to find the perfect place to enjoy life as a Miami Hurricane.

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I was driving by Pinecrest Gardens the other evening … and noticed a yellow  ’school’  bus next to me, with really excited barking coming from inside.   

At the windows were  a dozen (or so) faces of dogs … all different kinds… all  happy, panting pups …  with waggy tails .  

The dogs were on their way home from a day a doggie day camp…     

The  bus pulled over and stopped at  the side of the road by Pinecrest Gardens, which was ‘pick-up point’ …   The driver  handed out treats to each of  her  ’passengers’  and waited for the owners to drive up …    She chatted  with the pets and then the owners …  It was fun to watch.

We’re often asked for recommendations as to pet sitters, kennels, dog parks, veterinarians … So, here’s one more Miami secret to share …  “Doggie Day Care” ! 

www.TotallyDog.com    Doggie Day Care …  A yellow doggie bus  for dogs only …    Miami pets get the royal treatment!

If you or someone you know are moving to Miami with pets,  we would love to help you relocate here.  We specialize in Miami …  and we specialize in real estate here.  The Restivo Team at EWM Realtors.  Our direct line is 305 793-1365   …  and  you can always contact us here  and/or via email at restivo.v@ewm.com . 

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Venezuelan buyers are increasingly interested in Miami … and in particular in areas such as Miami Beach and  Brickell… near the water.  

66% of all Florida property acquisitions right now by Venezuelans are in the Miami, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale areas.

Almost 2/3 of Venezuelan investors buy condos, as opposed to single family homes …  

And they tend to buy  high-end property  (very building-specific … with a preference for modern highrise construction) …  Read the rest of this entry »

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International buyers continue to see South Florida as an optimal investment.   It has been for quite some time now … and it continues to be.  

The local recession and distressed property sales have  created opportunities for cash investors …  as well as for anyone ready to take advantage of the seductively low interest rates on mortgages /home loans ( which are  currently averaging 3.94% nationally). 

The favorable international exchange rate also  strongly favors foreign investors right now.  

According to the National Association of Realtors  ”There is a lot of value in U.S. housing IF one finds the lifestyle, location, culture, and property options attractive.”    …   Sunny skies and white sandy beaches and year-round outdoor weather is going to look awfully enticing in a few months – to most of the world!

There is a window of opportunity in Miami for international buyers looking for investment opportunities ….  and the Restivo Team at EWM Realtors International would be pleased to assist you in Miami -   305 793-1365   restivo.v@ewm.com

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Why opt for a short sale over a foreclosure?  

If you owe more on your mortgage than the current market value dictates your property is likely to sell for,  a SHORT SALE can enable you to get out from under your debt provided that your lender accepts a lesser payoff  amount.  Read the rest of this entry »

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About 40%  of property purchased by foreign buyers in Miami is acquired with the intention of it being a vacation home.  Because foreigners are limited as to how long they can stay and how often they can come to  the States,  many choose to buy property that can be rented out short (or long) term. 

Some 20-25% of foreign investment property is purchased strictly as income property …

NAR (National Association of Realtors)  reports that of the property purchased by international buyers for personal use:

12% plan to use the property for personal use more than 6 months per year

33% plan to use the property for personal use 3-6 months per year

23% plan to use the property for personal use 1-2 months per year

16% plan to use the property for personal use  less than 1 month per year

and the remainder are undecided.

Looking to invest in Miami?   Contact local real estate experts Vicki and Alexandra Restivo at EWM Realtors here or by phone, text or email … restivo.v@ewm.com    305 793-1365

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