Category: Agency life

  • MEET OUR NEW AGENT LORI L. PREPSZENT

    MEET OUR NEW AGENT LORI L. PREPSZENT

    “I have come a long way from CT and now spent half of my life in Miami and working in the challenging yet for very rewarding real estate market assisting buyers and sellers and renters for the past 15 years. I’m hardworking, energetic, positive and I enjoy my current profession helping people make their dreams a reality and promote health and wellness, laughter, a bit of partying, dancing and future hot yoga teacher!”

    Welcome to the team Lori!

    VIAC Luxury Real Estate

  • Miller: Miami housing market is ‘entering a period of greater stability’

    Miller: Miami housing market is ‘entering a period of greater stability’

    Among the highlights of the latest Elliman Report covering the first quarter of 2017, authored by Jonathan Miller of Miller Samuel, is the fact the overall housing market in Miami is becoming more stable, both on the coastal mainland and the beach.

    “Miami sellers traveled further to meet the buyers on price as they became more in sync with current conditions,” Miller said. “In 2016 the market reset after a multi-year boom giving sellers more time to adapt to the new market and as a result, we are entering a period of greater stability.”

    The numbers:

    Condos in Miami Beach and its barrier islands

    Median sales price declined by 5.4 percent to $340,000 (compared to last quarter). The number of sales climbed by 25.5 percent but was outpaced by a rise in inventory (+ 3.4 percent).

    Condos in the Miami coastal mainland

    Median sales price increased 1.4 percent to $227,750 (compared to last quarter). The number of sales increased by 1.3 percent while inventory dropped by 1.2 percent.

    Single-family homes in Miami Beach and its barrier islands

    Median sales price decreased by 22.6 percent to $1.2 million as Days on Market soared by 56.5 percent to 174 days while inventory actually decreased by 4.3 percent.

    Single-family homes in Miami coastal mainland

    Median sales price rose by 3.1 percent to $345,450 as Days on Market increased by 9.4 percent. The number of sales decreased by 4 percent and inventory decreased by 13.3 percent.

    Check out the overall snapshot for each market in the chart below.

    Miami housing market infographic

    SOURCE

  • The Importance of Using a Professional to Sell Your Home

    The Importance of Using a Professional to Sell Your Home

    When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price for it with the least amount of hassles along the way. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is actually getting their homes sold.

    In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s behavior during the home buying process. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2016 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the percentage of buyers who used the internet in their home search increased to 94%.

    However, the report also revealed that 96% of buyers who used the internet when searching for homes purchased their homes through either a real estate agent/broker or from a builder or builder’s agent. Only 2% purchased their homes directly from a seller whom the buyer didn’t know.

    Buyers search for a home online but then depend on an agent to find the home they will buy (50%), to negotiate the terms of the sale (47%) & price (36%), or to help understand the process (61%).

    The plethora of information now available has resulted in an increase in the percentage of buyers that reach out to real estate professionals to “connect the dots.” This is obvious, as the percentage of overall buyers who have used agents to buy their homes has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.

    Bottom Line

    If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process.

    SOURCE

  • Single-Family Homes vs. Attached-Unit Homes – Pros & Cons

    Single-Family Homes vs. Attached-Unit Homes – Pros & Cons

    It’s no secret that buying a home is probably the biggest investment you’re ever going to make. It’s also one of the most popular – 88% of U.S. households believe owning a home is a good financial decision.

    If you’re in the market, chances are you’ve been overwhelmed by the number of available options – and one major decision you must make is whether to purchase a single-family home or an attached unit. There are both advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a unit in a larger development, such as a condo, townhouse, or co-op, and the same could be said for purchasing a large (or even small) single-family home. In 2015, the median sale price of existing single-family homes was $223,900, while the median sale price of existing condo or co-op homes was $210,700, according to the National Association of Realtors.

    Thankfully, as long as you make an informed buying decision, both housing styles are viable options. Some people may be struck by the immediate difference in appearance between the two, but the contrast is hardly skin-deep, and many folks are unaware of the finer details of each type of property. Before you decide which option to focus on in your search, it’s important to compare both to see which is best for you and your family.

    Advantages of Single-Family Homes

    Single-family homes are unattached houses that are most often found in the suburbs of a larger city, and may be in a subdivision or out in the country. Many have a yard, a garage, and perhaps even a private garden or a swimming pool.

    Generally, the following aspects set single-family homes apart from attached homes:

    1. A Bigger Yard

    Single-family homes often have larger yards than attached units – and many attached units may not have a private yard at all. In fact, in townhouse communities, the yard is usually considered a common area that is maintained by an association. So if you want to have people over for a big backyard barbecue or plant a vegetable garden, a single-family home is more suitable.

    2. No Shared Walls or Floors

    In a single-family home, you don’t have to worry about your upstairs or downstairs neighbors stomping around or playing loud music at all hours. While you might have neighbors, no part of their home touches yours, which can eliminate many noise-related issues. In attached units, you share at least one wall with a neighbor, increasing the odds that you will have conflict.

    3. Privacy

    From the grass you stand on in your front lawn, to the attic space above you, it’s all yours. Therefore, you can have a reasonable expectation of privacy in a single-family home – you’ve got a space you can truly call your own. And if you want to have friends and family over to enjoy the back yard or the swimming pool, you don’t have to worry about neighbors coming over to share the space.

    4. Room for Stuff

    If you’re constantly struggling to find space to store holiday decorations, beach toys, bikes, or extra clothing, then a single-family home may be right for you. In many cases, a single-family home provides garage space, attic space, basement space, and more square footage than an attached-unit home. Single-family homes also can offer outdoor space to store outdoor play items for your children or pets, as well as gardening tools and recreation items.

    5. Room to Grow

    If you’re looking to start or grow your family – or if you foresee a day when aging parents or grandparents may come to live with you – a single-family home may be your best option. Also, if you envision your home as the go-to place for family reunions, sleepovers, and Super Bowl parties, a single-family home is more amenable to entertaining – both inside and out – relative to a townhouse or condo.

    Advantages of Condos, Co-ops & Townhomes

    Attached-unit homes come in many shapes and sizes. They may be part of a larger multi-story building with many units, or they may be a small strip of townhomes with just one or two levels. What sets them apart from single-family dwellings is that all homeowners share a roof, walls, or floors. You may also share common areas such as a garage, a clubhouse, a pool, or a garden area.

    1. Low Maintenance

    Though sometimes found in single-family homes, homeowners association (HOA) fees or maintenance fees are more common among attached-unit dwellings. Though they can be costly, when the pool needs cleaning or the grass needs cutting, you may be thrilled that someone else takes care of it. Depending on your property’s policies, those fees can pay for everything from basic landscaping, to roof repair, to property taxes.

    Granted, such fees don’t cover everything. Depending on your property’s policies, the fees may only pay for upkeep of the communal areas of the property – and even if your fees pay for a superintendent to come by to fix the occasional leak, you’re still responsible for many items (such as appliances) and the upkeep of your home’s interior. But the savings can be immense – in both time and money – when you consider that you’re not the one out there mowing the lawn or balancing pool chemicals.

    2. More Affordable

    If you want to buy your own place but are worried about the expense, an attached-unit home could cost tens of thousands of dollars less than an equivalently sized single-family unit. In many cases, an updated townhouse with a clubhouse and communal pool is still cheaper than a 30-year-old single-family home that needs work.

    In other words, if new construction and amenities are valuable to you, you may get more for your money with an attached home. Although in many cases you must give up a yard, a measure of privacy, and space, perks such as a shared pool and recreational facilities can make these cheaper dwellings even more valuable than a single-family home.

    3. Fewer Concerns When Traveling

    If work or family concerns take you out of town frequently, chances are your condo or co-op is going to be just fine on its own – a single-family home, however, might require paying someone to maintain. For example, single-family home dwellers would need to pay someone to cut the grass to ensure it didn’t become an unwieldy mess, or pay for a pool cleaner to ensure the drains didn’t get clogged. Plus, the extra privacy afforded by single-family homes can give potential burglars more privacy and cover when attempting to break in.

    Meanwhile, attached-unit homeowners almost always pay HOA or maintenance fees to take care of upkeep concerns year-round. Likewise, attached-dwelling residents don’t have to worry as much about a leaky roof or gas leak going unnoticed – neighbors who share a wall or roof with you would be more likely to spot, hear, or smell a problem – or notice an intruder and sound the alarm.

    4. Efficient Living

    Are you the kind of person who prefers to minimize possessions, rather that accumulate clutter? If so, an attached-unit home may be right for you. In many cases, attached units offer “less house” for less money, so you can take the money you saved and put it toward other pursuits, such as college education, vacations, or charitable donations.

    5. Live Closer to Town

    Single-family homes may very well be in a secluded subdivision or down a dirt road removed from city life. Attached dwellings, however, are often in areas near vibrant entertainment and dining options, and may be closer to your office, shortening your daily commute. In fact, you may be able to live so close to work that you could commute by bike. Or, you might be able to take advantage of public transportation or ride sharing services, negating the need to own a car.

    Many attached-dwelling homes are popping up nationwide in “mixed-use” real estate developments, where residents have food and dining options just downstairs – sometimes in the building itself. If convenience is what you’re after, a condo, co-op, or townhome may be exactly what you need.

    Final Word

    Before pulling the trigger on any home purchase, make sure you’re in a solid enough financial position to take it on. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends a total debt-to-income ratio of 43%, which means that if you divide all your monthly debts by your gross monthly income the result should be at or lower than that figure. The lower it is, the healthier your financial standing. Be sure to perform this calculation by including your prospective mortgage payment – and account for unexpected monthly expenses as well to ensure that you have a cushion.

    SOURCE

  • Miami Architecture & Design guide: 5 places to visit

    Miami Architecture & Design guide: 5 places to visit

    Miami

    Miami is the tropical equivalent of New York, the new art and design mecca, brimming with pure energy, hosting multiple Latino cultures, as well as the most interesting local and international avant-garde, featuring large-scale art installations, futuristic architecture, performance art, unusual exhibition spaces and redevelopment projects. All these became a part of the city landscape, drawing a new, sun-kissed skyline under the Florida sunshine.

    The Art Déco District

    The Art Déco District is essential to understanding the eclectic architecture and the cosmopolitan spirit of the city, and most of all, to satisfy the wish for flamingos and palms that have become a global obsession in the last few years! Miami Beach is the birthplace of Tropical Art Déco, a sort of pastiche of different styles, including Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco and Mimo (Miami Modernism). This trend involved over 800 buildings, built between 1920 and 1940, that line the way from Ocean Drive to Collins Avenue, with their rainbow splashes of pastel pink, ochre, baby blue and mint. Explore the hallways of these sumptuous hotels, and feel like you just stepped into the pages of The Great Gatsby!

    Miami’s Design District

    Miami’s Design District was born during the boom of the 1920s, thanks to Theodore Moore, known as “the pineapple entrepreneur”, who moved to Florida from North Carolina, to start multiple plantations. He was a man of many passions, though, and he soon opened up his first furniture showroom, which was how the district started assuming its identity. This is the same location in which Craig Robins, art collector and construction company owner in South Beach, transformed a plot of abandoned warehouses into avant-garde exhibition spaces in the 1990s, when it then became a prominent location for architecture stars, fashion maisons and gourmet restaurants. Stroll around the contemporary buildings, while having a look at new trends in design at Oak Plaza, stop by at the Moore Building to visit a contemporary art exhibition, and wrap it up with some peace in a bamboo secret garden: the Enea Garden Lounge.

    The Wynwood Art District

    The Wynwood Art District is one of the most interesting urban redevelopment programs worldwide. In the mid-Noughties, this part of town was an industrial area undergoing deep decline, until it was converted into an open air museum, where emergent street artists from all over the world left their mark on walls and shutters, making the Wynwood Art District one of the go-to places for urban art. Have a stroll among the bright colors of the murals of Wynwood Walls, enjoy a break in a hipster bistrot, and shop for original stuff in the independent concept stores and pop-up shops.
    Little Haiti & Little Havana. Only a cosmopolitan, multifaceted city like Miami can offer you such a meta-travel experience! These two communities created their own districts that look just like home, and host personal, vibrant art expressions; these are districts with a slower pace that immediately whisks us away from skyscrapers and luxury hotels. These two areas have strong identities and personalities, proudly preserving the energy of ancient cultures, while transporting us at the same time into the contemporary age, thanks to their street art, that tells us about their people.

    Collins Park

    In the heart of SoBe, South Beach, this area is becoming central to the contemporary art and architecture scenes, thanks to a series of private investors and big names in hospitality and culture that promote renovations and activity in the area. From The Bass Museum, which is set to reopen in Spring after complete renovation, to the works of land art that you can admire in gardens, such as the latest work by Ugo Rondinone at The Miami City Ballet, or the Miami Convention Center that is hosting the international Art Basel and Design Miami Fairs. Even their garage is a work of art, since it was designed by Zaha Hadid!

    SOURCE

  • 15 Awesome Kitchen Remodel Ideas and their Costs

    15 Awesome Kitchen Remodel Ideas and their Costs

    Updating or remodeling your kitchen can be a great investment of your home improvement dollars

    Especially if you plan to sell your home in the next few years. Remodeling this center-stage space of family gatherings can further enhance its functionality and utility, enabling you to enjoy the heart of your home to the fullest. Here are some of the top kitchen remodeling ideas for 2017, along with their expected costs and the pros and cons of each update.

    1. Low-budget Remodel – Do It Yourself can be a Viable Approach here

    A kitchen remodel can be done on a shoe-string budget. Just update one part at a time as the budget allows. You can do some or all of the work yourself, in some cases, if you are handy and have the necessary time and desire to get your hands dirty. Otherwise, an investment of $20,000 will buy a minor kitchen remodel completed by a professional remodeling contractor, but doing some of the work yourself can also bring that price down quite a bit. A minor kitchen remodel could include, but doesn’t have to be limited to the following:

    • Refinishing cupboards
    • Replacing outdated appliances with new, more energy-efficient appliances
    • New paint or wallpaper
    • New faucet
    • New countertops
    • New but inexpensive flooring

    New countertops don’t necessarily have to be expensive. Even a new laminate countertop, which is fairly inexpensive, can make a huge difference. Decide what needs to be done, figure out the cost and have that one part done, or do it yourself, when your paycheck can cover it. – This remodeling approach could take a while, but eventually, you’ll have a beautifully updated kitchen and won’t be too broke to buy groceries.

    • In 2017, a minor kitchen remodel will give you an ROI or recouped value of investment of about 83%. Thus, a $20,000 kitchen remodel should add about $16,500 to the value of your home.

    2. Refinish the Cupboards

    Give your kitchen a face-lift by refinishing the cupboards and drawer fronts instead of replacing them. New pulls and knobs will complete the look. This is fairly inexpensive and you will be amazed at the difference it makes. You can save even more money by doing it yourself but, be forewarned, it is not as easy as it seems. If the cupboards are in good shape and do not have lots of grooves or intricate carving, it is pretty straightforward. The job will take time, elbow grease and paint that costs about $30 to $60 per gallon plus $10 to $25 for new pulls and knobs. However, the cupboards will almost certainly look better if you have the refinishing done professionally. Plan to pay between $800 and $5,000, depending on the number of cabinets and how much repair needs to be done. The average cost is around $2,500.

    • Investing $2,500 in cupboards will add about $2,000 to the value of your home.

    3. Reface those Cabinets

    Have the cabinets refaced instead of replacing them if the doors and fronts are too damaged to refinish or if you just want a completely new look. This must be done by a professional. It generally costs between $2,000 and $13,000. When cupboards are refaced, the doors, drawer fronts and the actual veneer or wood finish on the outside of the cupboards is replaced. There are a few up-sides to refacing, as opposed to replacing:

    • Refacing costs less.
    • You regain the use of your kitchen more quickly.
    • You don’t have to deal with the hassle of new cupboards that don’t fit.

    Even though this option is more expensive than refinishing, it will be worth it if your cupboards are old and outdated. They will look brand new.

    • The ROI for a $5,000 refacing will be about $4,000 and a big wow factor that you get to enjoy every time you go into the kitchen.

    4. Refinish Walls

    New paint or wallpaper, along with the refinished cupboards, will leave your kitchen looking fresh and brand new. You can do this yourself, of course, or hire a professional. If you hire a professional to paint, plan on spending between $400 and $1,000, depending on the size of the room. Having wallpaper installed by a professional will generally cost between $150 and $800. Doing it yourself is much cheaper but painting or hanging wallpaper in between the cupboards can be tricky.

    • This minor investment may not give you much in the way of ROI but it will probably help sell your home more quickly. Think of this as curb appeal for your kitchen.

    5. Replace Flooring

    Replace the kitchen flooring with cork or vinyl tiles. These materials are inexpensive and easy to put down yourself in most kitchens. Cork tiles cost around $3 to $6 per square, while vinyl tiles are $1.50 to $4 per square foot. There are some pros and cons to consider here.

    Pros:

    • Inexpensive.
    • Easy DIY project in most kitchens.

    Cons:

    • Not usually a very long-lasting flooring, although some come with a 25-year warranty.
    • Existing flooring may need to be removed or underlayment might be required.

    New flooring makes a big difference. The floor is the largest surface area in your kitchen and the first thing you see before you even enter the room.

    • The ROI on $500 worth of new flooring won’t add to your home value but it will make a big impression on prospective buyers.

    6. Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel

    Larger, total kitchen remodels generally cost between $20,000 and $40,000 and entail a complete tear-out of the old … well, everything. Consider all possibilities and come up with a plan before the work begins. Give plenty of thought to what works best for you in addition to what materials you want. Keep in mind that this room must be built for function, not just aesthetics.

    Let your intentions guide your remodeling plans. Return on investment for kitchens is generally only 60 to 80 percent, although this varies considerably from area to area. This means you will likely only recoup a little over half to three-quarters of what you invest in most locations. It may, however, help your house sell more quickly. If you are remodeling to sell, keep the colors and materials on the neutral side. A prospective buyer may be turned off by too much bright purple.

    • The national average ROI on a minor kitchen remodel is 82.7% but in Chicago it is 102.9%. You should only expect to recoup about 59% of the cost on a major remodel.

    7. Small Kitchen Planning

    Even though a small kitchen may seem like an easier remodel than a large kitchen, you actually may need to get a bit more creative. Small kitchens can be difficult. Rip out the old cupboards and appliances in your mind and let your creative juices flow. Imagine the cupboards, sink and appliances in every possible configuration to get the most out of the limited space. Plumbing can be moved. It will cost an additional $1,000 to $1,500 or so but that extra cost may be well worth it in the long run. Keep the kitchen sink in front of the window, if possible. Use cupboards that extend all the way to the ceiling to get as much storage space as possible.

    • Spending $25,000 will add about $20,675 to the value of your home. Do not invest too much. You could add more value to the home than the area housing market will support. Rule of thumb – do not spend more than 5% to 7% of the home’s value on remodeling.

    8. Make a Small Kitchen Seem Larger

    Use lighter colors to make the space seem larger and more airy. White or beige cupboards, a light counter top and light flooring will make a small kitchen feel less confining. If you think white is too boring or antiseptic looking, get a glass front panel installed on one or two cupboard doors and add a splash of color inside the cabinet. Don’t be afraid to really express yourself with the color. It will be toned down a bit by the white frame and glass. Of course, if you paint it bright purple and decide that’s a bit too much, it’s a small DIY job to just re-paint it a different color.

    • ROI on this upgrade is two-fold. It will add “curb appeal” and you should recoup 60% to 80% of the money invested.

    9. Create Temporary Surfaces

    Get a cupboard with a folding or pull-out shelf. This adds temporary space that you can use to make food prep easier. When you are done with it, just wipe it off and push it out of the way. You can also get a flat surface or cutting board to set over your sink for additional temporary counter space.

    • This creative addition of prep space will make life easier for you and impress prospective homeowners. The ROI will be a better functioning kitchen for you and appeal.

    10. Utilize Every Inch

    Squeeze a narrow cupboard in next to the stove, if possible. These cupboards are generally used to store shallow pans and cookie sheets vertically. Some of them have a slide-out spice rack, too. Even if the cupboard can be only 9 inches wide, that gives you additional storage space and a 10-inch wide counter next to the stove for an additional $150 to $200.

    • ROI on this little addition of cupboard and counter space is convenience and “curb appeal.”

    11. Open it Up

    To improve air circulation and get more counter space, have a pass-through put into the wall between the kitchen and dining room with a countertop surface to set things on. Another option is removing a wall or partial wall completely and adding a cupboard with a countertop. The cost for a pass-through installation or wall removal will vary considerably, depending on whether or not the wall is load bearing, but it is certainly worth investigating. This absolutely must be done by a professional, though. If you mess with a load-bearing wall, your entire house could be compromised. Do not do this alone.

    • ROI for this change will be as variable as the cost of the work. If it is done right, it will make the kitchen much more enjoyable and could even make or break a sale.

    12. Add an Island in a Larger Kitchen

    Put in an island with a cooktop. Position the island in the room so you can chat with family and friends while you are cooking. This turns food prep time into an opportunity to catch up or socialize. It also just makes cooking more enjoyable even when you are alone. You shouldn’t have to stare at a wall while you whip up dinner. An island with a cooktop and a counter that accommodates a couple stools is even better. This idea will likely cost $3,000 or more but, if it’s in the budget, the addition will be well worth it.

    • ROI on a $3,000 island with a cooktop will be around $2,500 plus a big increase in appeal to potential buyers.

    13. Include the Garden

    Bring a bit of the outdoors into your kitchen design. Where possible, have a door in the kitchen that opens right up into a garden area with fresh herbs and vegetables. This makes it easy to use these fresh, tasty ingredients in your cooking. If a door into the garden is not possible, put a garden in your kitchen. Create an area in front of a sunny window or have a garden window installed. Garden windows extend out, giving you a wide ledge to set plants on and more window area to let the sunlight in. They vary in price from around $800 to $7,000, depending on the size and style. Another good option is a dedicated corner with an AeroGarden.

    • The national average ROI on window replacement is 70% to 75%.

    14. Get Creative with Cabinet Colors

    Cupboards can be any color you like in medium to large kitchens. Grey, light or dark wood tones, espresso and black are common but go ahead and use a different color or mix it up if you want to. Don’t be afraid to go with an “out-of-the-ordinary” color. Fresh green can be used to brighten things up and support a garden kitchen theme. Soft grey-blue is great for a relaxed country kitchen. Make the island or a separated set of cupboards a different color. Mix white with green to keep it fresh or add some natural wood color to the grey-blue.

    • ROI on this change will be your happiness with a beautiful kitchen.

    15. Mix up those Countertops

    Countertop colors and materials can be mixed, too. Light countertops with dark cupboards or dark countertops with light cupboards works well to bring some contrast into the room. If you want a stone countertop but don’t want to use it throughout the whole kitchen, put stone on the island and a different material everywhere else. Perhaps a recycled glass top, which costs $50 to $80 per square foot, could be the main countertop material with quartz or granite on the island. Quartz and granite are around $50 to $100 per square foot.

    • ROI for stone or recycled glass countertops will vary. It will pay off with your enjoyment of the space but the amount of money you recoup when you sell the home will depend on your location and similar homes in the area.

    SOURCE

  • 15 Tips for Moving Day

    15 Tips for Moving Day

    Moving into a new apartment? If you don’t plan ahead and make specific arrangements, moving day can become a nightmare. With a little planning and preparation, you can make moving day run smoothly for both you and your movers.

    Make moving day easier with these 15 moving tips:

    1. If you’re hiring movers, set a moving date at least two weeks beforehand. Remember to be flexible, though, if you plan to move on a weekend or during the summer as these are busy times for movers.
    2. Before you hire a moving company, ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors for recommendations to ensure you hire a reliable company.
    3. Remove any clutter from your current apartment or home before the movers arrive.
    4. Unless you’re paying your movers to pack your belongings, too, pack items you won’t use at least one week before moving day.
    5. Make lists of contents and separate boxes according to which room they’ll go in in your new apartment so your movers can place them in the correct room. Sequentially number boxes so that if anything is missing you’ll know what was in the box.
    6. Be present on moving day in case the movers have any questions.
    7. Label boxes with large, clear handwriting or labels to help the movers recognize what goes where in your new apartment.
    8. Label and separate items that are heavy or fragile and be sure to tell the movers to be extra careful.
    9. Ask your new landlord about parking and unloading regulations before moving day to ensure you and your movers have adequate space to park and unload. If your old or new building has elevators, find out if they have to be reserved in advance.
    10. Prepare a floor plan so your movers will know which boxes and pieces of furniture go to which room.
    11. Have drinks and snacks available for your movers at both your old and new apartment.
    12. Have soap, paper towels, and toilet tissue easily accessible at both your old and new apartment.
    13. Do a final walk-through of your old apartment and your new apartment before the movers leave to ensure everything is in the correct place and is not broken. Once you are satisfied, sign off on any final paperwork.
    14. If it’s in your budget, hire a cleaning crew to clean your old apartment after your belongings are out.
    15. Tip your movers, especially if they did a good job.

    SOURCE

  • Real Estate Technology: How You Can Use Modern Tech to Find Your Dream Home

    Real Estate Technology: How You Can Use Modern Tech to Find Your Dream Home

    In today’s high tech world, finding your dream home has never been easier.

    Between 360 degree virtual tours and online search tools, it’s possible to find your dream home without ever leaving your home. And online tools and apps are even available to help you finance it without ever setting foot in a bank! Here are four ways modern tech can help you find your dream home.

    1.) Broaden your search area

    There was a time when the only way to find a home was to get in a car and drive around from house to house looking at homes. Unless buyers wanted to spend a month or more looking at homes, it was in their best interest to narrow their search to a very specific neighborhood. Today, however, buyers can go online and look at thousands of homes in numerous neighborhoods on websites like viac-miami.com and others. They might find a home that is just beyond a neighborhood they might have previously narrowed their search to or one in an entirely different, but still acceptable location.

    2.) Get immediate mortgage information

    When it comes to buying a home, there are a huge number of variables that determine what you can afford and what you can’t, such as down payment, mortgage rate and points. With a good online mortgage calculator you can punch in a few numbers to get a full financial picture of what the house you want will cost, as well as the ability to check with a few variables – like what kind of difference adding as little as $50 a month to your mortgage payment would make.

    3.) Get the 411 on the neighborhood

    It used to be that if you really wanted to know about a neighborhood, you had to talk to the neighbors. Now with apps like Safe Neighborhood and Around Me, you can find out everything you need to know about a neighborhood right from your home or smart phone.

    4.) Instant communication with your real estate agent

    When premium houses at a good price come on the market, they move fast. Modern tech allows you to keep in constant touch with real estate agents. From text messages to instant messaging to e-mails to phone calls, you can share listings and keep in regular communication throughout the course of your home search.

    It has never been easier to find the home of your dreams. Online tools and apps abound that can help home buyers find the right home without ever leaving their own home. Even people that are not yet ready to buy a home can benefit from online tools available. It’s never too early to start dreaming!

    SOURCE

  • Top 10 Interior Designers In Miami

    Top 10 Interior Designers In Miami

    Hello, how are you? Today, Miami Design District will show you the most recent TOP 10 Interior Designers in Miami.

    Miami is the hottest place on earth to spend not just a few days but to spend your life. It’s the city of beauty, luxury, artists, sun, and, of course, parties.

    Because of all the money and international environment, in Miami you can find the most glamorous homes, luxury condominiums, and five-star hotels with an incredible jaw-dropping decoration. That’s why this is the perfect luxury design city where you can find the best interior designers with the highest standards of excellence for your next vacations’ home.

    We are going to help you to decide by giving you a list of the amazing and top interior designers located in Miami.

    Pepe Calderin Design – http://pepecalderindesign.com
    Winner of Florida Design Awards, for Best of Bedroom, this interior design and architecture firm has more than 20 years of experience in high-end residential and commercial design. With a fresh and energetic approach to all projects, they believe that there are no boundaries when you’re talking about space.

    Brown Davis Interiors

    DKOR Interiors

    Brown Davis Interiors – http://browndavis.com
    Todd Davis and Rob Brown started their own firm in 1994, they were both passionate for classic architecture, elegant rooms and extraordinary craftsmanship. This amazing partnership has designed two residences for the Clintons, President and Secretary of State, The British Embassy residence and an array of exceptional projects involving contemporary and historic renovation. As you can see, they’re really well known around the country and overseas.

    Michael Wolk Design

    Avanzato Design

    DKOR Interiors – http://www.dkorinteriors.com
    This high-end interior design depicts the work of an all-woman group whom rely on their professional. Knowledge and savvy taste. Their projects are known by the simple and fresh lines with a cool accent of modernism and innovation. It’s possible to see the high end design in each project.

    Alene Workman Interior Design

    B Pila Design Studio

    Michael Wolk Design – http://www.wolkdesign.com
    Michael Wolk is one of the leading designers of corporate, residential and hospitality interiors. It has a very successful Collections of furniture and furnishings and his award-winning work has been featured in several national and international publications. Take a look at his elegant projects.

    Beasley & Henley Interior Design

    Avanzato Design – http://avanzatodesign.com/
    With a full range of interior details and services for residential and commercial properties, Avanzato Design is a leading luxury with over 20 years’ experience. Vincenzo Avanzato is the founder and his projects are known for bringing together the world’s finest tastes, styles and trends for discerning clients.

    J Design Group

    Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design

    Alene Workman Interior Design – http://www.aleneworkman.com
    With more than 25 years of experience, Alene Workman interior design is define by its timeless luxury. and its outstanding team. With an outstanding national portfolio, they focus on the art of design, expanding creative possibilities and offering strategic project leadership with extraordinary service. Their award winning firm displays projects in South Florida and throughout the United States.

    Livingroom with great furniture

    Alene Interior Design

    Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design – http://kobikarp.com/
    Founded in 1996 by Kobi Karp is a full-service architecture, interior, and planning firm whose portfolio has projects from design of large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects, to intimate to small-scale low-rise residential and commercial structures.

    Architecture and Interior Design

    Central Americas and the Caribbean

    B Pila Design Studio – http://bpiladesign.com/
    This studio has worked with clients spanning the U.S.,South, Central Americas and the Caribbean. Known by the Throughout these creative journeys, I’ve uncovered and accumulated best practices, favorite designers, new products, and other tricks of the trade

    Beasley & Henley Interior Design – http://www.beasleyandhenley.com/
    This award winning company have amazing bold and contemporary interior design projects. Designing at places like The Greenbrier, Albany Bahamas, Isleworth, Naples, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Oceanside, resorts, exotic car clubs, homes for athletes and rock stars, thy’ve been published in many international magazines and, trust us, it worth a million.

    J Design Group – http://www.jdesigngroup.com/
    They have successfully completed a diverse range of projects throughout Southern Florida for five-star hotels, upscale restaurants, hospitality installations, and luxury homes. They’ve won a few awards and you can see some of these projects in the best magazines. Sunny Isle, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura, Pincrest, South Beach, Palm Beach, and Miami are the main places where J design Group has been working.

    We hope that now you are more inspired to star setting up your dream house.

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  • Midtown Five opens after receiving TCO

    Midtown Five opens after receiving TCO

    Midtown’s newest luxury development

    Chicago-based Magellan Development Group announced the opening of Midtown Five, a 400-unit luxury rental development opening in the heart of Midtown, directly south of 4 Midtown.

    Magellan’s first Miami property, located at 3201 Northeast 1st Avenue, received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the county recently, allowing residents to begin move-in on January 1st.

    “We are thrilled that Midtown Five renters can now enjoy their units and the various superior amenities we’ve curated specifically for this community,” said Brian Gordon of Magellan Development Group. “The interest in Midtown Five has been overwhelmingly positive, as this property truly moves the needle in sophisticated, multifamily offerings.”

    Units range from studios to three bedrooms, with amenities including a fitness center, yoga lawn, meditation garden, play area, a “dog run,” spa, pool, business center and cabanas.

    Midtown is on fire with residential development, including Hyde Midtown, which is currently under construction a couple blocks to the north.

    Photo: Courtesy of Magellan Development Group

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