Tuesday, February 18, 2020

How to Choose a Miami Beach Realtor to Sell Your Home

Miami Beach Realtor to Sell Your Home

If you’re like most people wanting to sell your home, you’re not an expert on marketplace analysis, property values, real estate law, or target marketing. Navigating the waters of being a seller calls for someone knowledgeable to be at the helm.

The first objective of a Miami Beach Realtor is to sell your home for the best price in the shortest possible time. The second objective is to act as a guide; leading you and your buyer through questions, contract negotiations and logistics. In Miami Beach, real estate has its own rhythm compared to other U.S. Cities. Here, factors like; population growth, commute times, events, neighborhood characteristics, location, and culture, all play into the selling process in a big way.

Focused & Familiar

MIami Beach Realtor to Sell Your Home - Miami beach Structure

There are two aspects to the focus a good Realtor in Miami Beach should possess. The first, is to have a thorough understanding of the practical dynamics that affect the location of your home.

  • Population Growth
  • Specific Areas of Growth
  • Commute times to and from various surrounding neighborhoods

Miami Beach is a vibrant area that has experienced a lot of statistical growths and transformations over the last two decades. The population has enjoyed a steady increase since the year 2000 at 88,302 people, (according to the U.S. Census,) to an estimated 91,718 people as of 2019. What the statistics don’t convey is how those numbers contribute to the area, affect local schools and businesses, neighborhood activations, development, and the current and future value of your home.

Analysis is a large piece of the puzzle. A quality Realtor interprets how these details influence the housing market and uses it to design your marketing strategy. This brings us to the second focus, Marketing.

Marketing

How your home is presented in the marketplace determines how well it will sell. Hiring a local Realtor in Miami Beach that works as part of a team benefits you in the form of marketing resources and strategic planning. Digital marketing, social media, print, and face-to-face interactions are all necessary elements to have in play to maximize the exposure of your home and attract a quality buyer.

Face-to-face marketing is wonderful especially when conducted by respected members of the community. Networking is valuable. Select a realtor that regularly interacts with locals and visitors alike through community events, showcases, and contributions.

Presentation also extends to the showing of your home. Networking and marketing elements exist here but so do strong people skills and an eye for detail. Marketing includes all aspects of representation so putting your home in the hands of an agent who is also a welcoming, community-oriented neighbor is a smart move.

Knowing the Marketplace

MIami Beach Realtor to Sell Your Home - Dream Bath Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a competitive marketplace. Conducting and using a market analysis gives a local Realtor an edge up on the competition. This information can be used to create a price map of other properties in your neighborhood and show how successfully similar homes have sold. However, using market analysis can’t be the only plan of action. Pricing your home depends also on its condition, style, history, past renovations, and distance from area amenities.

Knowing the marketplace also means keeping an eye on other realtors and listings. This ensures that your home is priced strategically; not only to bring you the highest value, but to appeal to the buyer’s market.

Choose Local

Your representation in the marketplace requires a full-time, well-connected professional who is not only available to answer your questions but informed and capable of addressing them.

Deciding to hire a local Realtor means you will be partnered with someone who works, lives, commutes, raises their family, and enjoys the amenities of the neighborhood first-hand. You have to ask yourself, who will best sell your home – someone who works and lives in the neighborhood, or someone commuting an hour or more through the entire process?

A good realtor intentionally restricts themselves geographically because they know what it takes to achieve results with a high level of service. There is no reason to overextend resources. The benefit of targeting local communities, being familiar with local laws, restrictions, and local market conditions, is that the knowledge comes from the community and yields invaluable insights.  

Let’s Get Specific

MIami Beach Realtor to Sell Your Home - Normandy Shores Golf Course Aerial Branded Urban Resource

So, you’ve decided that a local Realtor is your best bet – why stop there? There’s a difference between conveniently located and locally invested. Working with a realtor who is familiar with the area is a given; someone who takes their kids to the local parks, enjoys the local events, and can give potential buyers the insider details on what they can experience. Selecting a realtor that focuses on a specific neighborhood only amplifies their ability to provide that information first-hand.

Your realtor should also be well-connected with other local professionals that can facilitate the selling of your home. Seek out a realtor with a carefully compiled rolodex of local lenders, inspectors, and title officers so you can avoid the headache of hiring unknown entities in favor of trusted connections.

Choosing a realtor that also lives in the neighborhood they represent is even more effective. Passion is not something that can be imitated. Seek out someone who supports their community, who serves on City committees, attends neighborhood meetings, and contributes to local charities and fundraisers. These are the people that are already going above and beyond. These are the people putting their time and money into positive community growth, cultural events, and actions that boost the quality of life in their neighborhood.

At Urban Resource, we strive to offer North Beach homeowners every resource at our disposal. From the beginning of the process, to the marketing and negotiations, through the signing of the contract – our team is prepared to guide you each step of the way. Reach out today for a free home evaluation. Email realestate@urbanresource.com

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Thursday, February 13, 2020

Escape the Winter in Miami Beach, FL

Winter in Miami Beach

While many of us dream of a white Christmas, once the festive season is over, the snow and sleet remain with nothing to power us through the dark days of winter. Thoughts turn to warm beaches and the exquisite feeling of sand between our toes. If these feelings return season after season, it may be time to consider a winter property in stunning North Beach, Miami Beach, where the average winter temperature is in the 70s. Many South Florida natives only have a winter sweatshirt to brave any cold temperatures that typically clear up within a few hours or days. Besides dreamy winter temperatures, North Beach has so much more to offer, including a vibrant culinary scene that has ranked Miami number three in the best cities for foodies. Sit down or grab food to go and explore North Beach’s outdoor malls, outdoor food halls and outdoor music events like the North Beach Bandshell.  

Miami Beach Community

Escape the Winter in Miami Beach - Normandy Shores Golf Course Aerial Branded Urban Resource

International buyers have made Miami Beach the most searched for American city. Foreign buyers know the turquoise beaches and welcoming communities of North Beach are the perfect backdrop for their second homes. Miami Beach residents spend so much time outside of their homes exploring all the amazing events and activities that Miami Beach has to offer that it is easy to make new friends in this great city. Considering that Miami Beach has more than 512 acres of public parks for golf, tennis, soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, baseball, softball, picnics, BBQs, etc., it is easy to see why staying at home is not the best option. The North Beach neighborhood has 202.75 acres of recreational space alone! 

Sports

Winter in Miami Beach (North Beach) - Bikes at the Carillon

Frigid states like New York, Illinois and Minnesota range from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in colder months. It is no wonder Miami Beach is the top destination for migrating New Yorkers. More than 30,000 Big Apple residents migrated to Miami between 2011 and 2015, according to the US Census Bureau. Winter activities in New York can include shoveling the driveway and putting chains on automobile tires. While some brave the frigid temperatures to go snowboarding, the fun can only last a short time to prevent injury or sickness. In North Beach, the only limit to winter activities is choosing the ones you want to discover/explore first. Instead of searching for something to binge watch, go diving or snorkeling. Take a kayak out to one of the many dog-friendly beaches for Fido to have the adventure of a lifetime, or lounge in the sun as a tropical breeze invites you to leave thoughts of winter far behind/on the shoreline. Leave the snow shoveling to those back home. 

Fashion

No matter how well you have been able to stick to your diet over the holidays, abstaining from second helpings and limiting carbs, no one is able to tell under a thick winter coat and all the layering that comes with trying not to freeze to death. In North Beach, the only layers required to step outside are stylish sunglasses and a hat. No one is wearing thermal underclothing, and many have to pause to remember what it feels like to put on more clothes to go outside. This lack of heavy clothing is part of why South Beach, Miami Beach was named the sexiest neighborhood by Thrillist. 

Social media

Nothing will induce envy more than a great beach selfie during the winter. While you may have to guess which of your friends is buried under winter layers, you will be instantly recognizable. When they show off their matching Uggs and hat, you can post a photo on every platform of your freshly pedicured toes in Havianas. Share a photo of an ice-cold beverage instead of icy roads, a sandcastle rather than a snowman, and a gorgeous sunset instead of a gray sky. 

Peace of mind

Escape the Winter in Miami Beach FL - Kite Surfing on the water in North Beach

Purchasing a winter property is great for your portfolio and well-being. Most residences are half the price of those in New York City. The median price for a home in North Beach is $585,000. In NYC, it is upwards of $1 million. In addition to the balmy temperatures and great prices, there is a sense of community in North Beach. There are expansive green spaces, Caribbean blue ocean waters and a wealth of indoor/outdoor activities to do. 

The only winter blues you will find in North Beach, Miami Beach, are the turquoise water and clear skies. Explore your options for stunning winter residences that will fit your budget. Call Urban Resource today to leave shoveling and layering to someone else. 







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Monday, February 10, 2020

What To Look For When Searching For A New Property Management Company

Find the Best Property Management Company

Above all, a property management company should be in the business of creating a place where people want to live and stay.  It is more than fixing the air conditioning, paying the repair technicians and replacing broken blinds.  Property Management done-well involves building the local community to shape a place into a lasting home.  No matter the price point, properties with an advocate look and perform much differently than those without an advocate.  

Some owners in Miami Beach decide to use a property management company for their single-family home, multi-family apartment building or condominium building, to reduce worries and inconveniences.  When owners find the right management company, what they discover is so much more!  

The Right Tenant

Miami Beach Property Management Company - Urban Resource Real Estate Team Sitting

To create a high performing property, you must begin with the tenant.  A content tenant makes for a long-term customer. Finding the right tenant is not an easy feat.  Your property management company must go through many candidates to find the perfect fit! Thorough application processes should have requirements including rental references, background checks, credit checks and the process should be speedy.  A good candidate will appreciate the approval process to become a resident, because this process is to protect everyone in the building, as well as, the owner. Of course, all of this must be in keeping with the Fair Housing Laws and any additional housing laws in your country, state, county and city municipality. 

Turnover

Turnover and vacancies are expensive and inevitable – but to what degree?  If your project management company has efficient and effective processes in place, the unit downtime should be minimal.  Long vacancy cycles can devastate an investment’s profitability. Is your house, condo or apartment getting marketing exposure as soon as a tenant gives notice to move out?  Is the turnover team (technicians, cleaning crew, and photographers) prepared to not waste one single day? Management teams should be expected to be on-site for the move out inspection within 24 hours of the tenant moving out.  Thorough inspections also include a market analysis with recommendations for improvements to maximize returns on the investments. 

Keeping the Tenant

Miami Beach Property Management Company - Urban Resource Accounting Team standing in front of fountain.

It is the 21st century; does your property management company make all services easily available online to its’ residents?  Can residents pay their rent online, submit a work order for repair and find out what is going on in their local community?  Ask your property management company to speak about their processes to address resident concerns, disputes and emergencies. How do they give notice to enter an occupied residence for repairs?  

Depending on your local market, residents now have high expectations for their building managers and owners.  Tenants are willing to pay more for great service, conveniences, and amenities. Welcome packets at orientation, regular newsletters, thank you notes, and fun events like free photos for pets, add value to the resident without breaking the bank for the owner.  For those areas with millennials as their target market, studies show that millennials are looking to find friendship and community in their common areas. And when an apartment becomes a home with neighbors not strangers, residents stay.  

Accounts Receivables

Do you have experience dealing with past due collections and evictions?  This is not the glamourous part of property management, but it is necessary.  Certainly, when the front-end work of selecting the right tenant is done well, the likelihood of past due collections and evictions as a necessity decrease.  When performing past due collections and evictions, it all must be done properly to abide with all laws and limit legal exposure.  

Proactive Solutions

Miami beach Property Management Company - Urban Resource Team standing in front of the office

An experienced property manager knows how often maintenance in your type of building should be anticipated and an approximate level of cost for quality work.  If you have a Miami Beach building built in 1952, you need a Miami Beach property manager who has worked with buildings built in 1952.  If you live in the mountains with heavy snows half of the year, you need a property manager who understands the necessary precautions to take when doing roof repairs or choosing a new heating system.  Each property and each landscape come with its own unique set of challenges. For that reason, it is best to use someone who is a local expert. Of course, a local expert with limited resources will not be able to meet the property needs.  

A Miami Beach property management company should include a team of local technicians on their payroll for the quickest response.  Additionally, the team needs a long list of well-vetted and trusted vendors – licensed, insurance and bonded. If the property management company has a list of trusted vendors they have used for a long time, you can rest easy knowing that they have negotiated good pricing for quality work. 

Some projects require city and county permits; this necessitates planning ahead as approvals should not be the problem to hold up project completion.  Familiarity with the local government construction and development processes will give you an edge to ensure a smooth project. This will keep the residents, the neighbors and the owners happy. 

Timing is everything! 

Miami beach Property Management Company - Urban Resource Real Estate team standing in front of the water

Not all property management companies have an entire Real Estate arm of the company.  But it is exponentially beneficial when they do!  Licensed Realtors actively showing similar listings in the area give priceless feedback about what is needed at your property to give your property the competitive edge.  Additionally, investment plans change for a multitude of reasons and it is good to know when it is time to sell. We all know that timing is everything in real estate! What is the local real estate market like for single-family homes, condominiums and multi-family residential buildings?  What is happening with the local economy and new developments? Having a close relationship between your Miami Beach Realtor and your Miami Beach Property Management company gives a unique long-term perspective bigger than just one building. 

More Than Just Property Management Company

For your investment to be a success, it is vital to be highly involved in the neighborhood. Make sure your neighborhood is a place where people want to live. Happy tenants equal long-term residents. Property management does not end at the property line. Make sure you and your property management company are active in local organizations and show up to the community meetings. A thriving local economy full of bustling small businesses, parks and great schools is good for all. 

As locals who have been in Miami Beach for decades, we have seen it all!  We built the relationships, built the team, and built the reputation needed to manage Miami Beach multi-family and condominium buildings and to make it look easy. If you have tried to manage your property on your own, you understand. It is not a luxury to have a local advocate for your property, it is a necessity to realizing the stress-free income-producing life you have earned. Reach out today to find out how we can help manage your Miami Beach single-family home, multi-family apartment building, and condominium.  At Urban Resource, we are more than just property management. Reach out today! 

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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Why You Should Consider Buying Property in North Beach Miami Beach

Buying Property in North Beach Miami Beach

North Beach is a vibrant residential area. The ongoing developments, locally driven revitalizations, and friendly feel make this 17.3-mile-stretch of waterfront the perfect oasis to call home. The community is highly walkable and enjoys easy access to free trolleys and transportation– minutes away from cultural outlets and conveniences.

Compared to its Mid, and South Beach neighbors, North Beach property values are an average of 27% lower per square foot for a single-family home. With options to buy along the waterfront or nestled among culturally rich neighborhoods, this section of Miami Beach is worth a closer look.

North Beach Miami Beach Area Assets

Set slightly apart from its Mid, and South Beach cohorts, North beach provides a calmer take on Miami Nightlife, trading clubs for a delicious selection of local restaurants and live music against the backdrops of stunning luxury developments, and a charming historical district.

North beach is within minutes of local shopping districts like Normandy Isle, Collins Avenue, and Bal Harbour, and has easy access to premium golf courses and beaches. Local parks and community events offer great venues for fun and cultural experiences at any age.

The area boasts advantages not often found further down the beach like; ample places to park, fewer tourists, and more family-oriented neighborhoods. North Beach has a small town feel without compromising on the cultural blending and excitement that other Miami Beach neighborhoods have to offer.

North Beach Miami Beach Condos

Buying Property in North Beach Miami Beach - Waterfront Condos Average price per sqft

There are many options to explore when considering your future home. Condos in North Beach are a well-loved architectural staple for residents. A prime example is the Marseilles Deco Condo, a beautifully maintained building on Normandy Isle, that has kept its 1950’s aesthetic while updating its units with modern luxury conveniences. Features such as; hardwood and marble flooring, fully renovated kitchens and bathrooms, and spacious bedrooms compliment the views seen from the floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.

Condos in North Beach Miami Beach have the added benefit of being placed in the center of a wide variety of activities and events without sacrificing the privacy provided by security features, exclusive parking, and landscaped grounds.

Buying Property in North Beach Miami Beach - Condos for sale on Miami Beach
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0268.JPG

With a condo listed for less than $200,000, all these amenities are achievable within steps of the Normandy fountain and walking distance to the beach.

If the coveted oceanfront is more appealing, developments like The Carillon might catch your eye. Condos like those at The Carillon provide a luxury living environment with wellness facilities, health-conscious dining options, pools, manicured gardens, and direct ocean views. For those wanting to experience an ultra-modern living environment, premium options like these are available in North Beach from the low $400’s.

If your condo dreams lie a little further from the waterfront, consider a mid-modern 2 BD/ 2 BA option off the North Beach Oceanfront Park. This prime location is a steal for under $300,000 and lies perfectly situation – centered with the ocean to the East, Mid Beach to the South, Biscayne Bay to the West, and Surfside to the North.

North Beach Miami Beach Waterfront Homes

Buying Property in North Beach Miami Beach - Miami Beach Waterfront Homes for Sale avg price per sqft

35% of the waterfront for Miami Beach is in North Beach, and you get more bang for your buck. Neighborhoods like Biscayne Beach, Stillwater, and Normandy Shores offer a variety of options. From impeccable mansions and lavish condos to single-family homes, all a short walk away from amenities and activities.

A gorgeous location for your new family home might be Biscayne Point where a renovated property can be found for about $1M.

Buying Property in North Beach Miami Beach - home with pool for sale in Miami Beach

Biscayne Point boasts more waterfront homes than anywhere else in North Beach, with just as many styles and architectural variations – there is a home for every taste. Well-tended trees and unparalleled views make this engaging residential neighborhood a winner in both curb-appeal and property value.

Non-Waterfront Homes in North Beach Miami Beach

The appeal of being off the waterfront includes lower property prices, access to community events and local pools, and generous lot sizes.  A 3 BD/3 BA home just a stone’s throw from the Normandy Pool & Park sells for $550,000 and is a perfect location for a family wanting to be slightly set apart from the bustle of the shoreline.

Coming inland doesn’t mean compromising luxury amenities in North Beach, Miami Beach, as proven by poolside homes overlooking the golf course in Normandy Shores. Here, a 3 BD/3 BA home with a garage goes for $849,000 without compromising any luxuries.

Regardless of your real estate dreams, it is clear that the less-explored North Beach may have the property you are looking for. With a myriad of options and styles, it would be hard not to find your perfect match.

Urban Resource is a family of local Miami Beach Real Estate experts. Our dedicated team is here to help with any and all of your Real Estate and Property Management needs. Whether buying an inland condo, home, or waterfront property, we are ready to guide you through the process from start to finish.  Call us today to tour your dream home! 305-403-8686

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