Learning Boating Safety the Fun Way in Key Biscayne Fl

Learning Boating Safety the Fun Way in Key Biscayne Fl

 

Water-lovers and boating enthusiasts near waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne are invited to a day of fishing, family fun, and learning about safe boating during the 6th Annual Fishing and Spearfishing for Boating Safety Tournament on August 8, 2015 at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Key Biscayne, FL.

The Monica Burguera Foundation is a local cause committed to preventing boating accidents and saving lives by educating the community on water and boating safety through community outreach and events such as 6th Annual Fishing and Spearfishing for Boating Safety Tournament.

The MBF also offers a free “Florida Safety Boating Course” once a month in partnership with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. After completing this one-day course, participants get a USCG Auxiliary Certificate and the Florida Boater’s ID.

Registration fee is $500 per boat and $50 for extra anglers. Part of the proceeds will go to supporting the foundation’s boat safety initiatives  and also includes Captain’s Reception, tournament shirt, boat goodie bag, post tournament cocktail party, and award ceremony.

For guests and residents of Key Biscayne waterfront condos who don’t want to go fishing but still want to attend and support the cause can pay $35 for adults and $25 for kids.

There will be a Captain’s Meeting on August 6, Thursday. For registration, sponsorship and volunteering or to get more information about this event visit www.mbfBoatingSafety.org.

For more information on great events and the hottest Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos, visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

 

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

The Pros of Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos vs. Single-Family Homes

The Pros of Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos vs. Single-Family Homes

 

The real estate market in Miami offers so many housing options that one of the dilemmas homebuyers face is whether to live in a single-family home or a condominium.

Waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne offer lots of benefits including luxurious amenities, shared maintenance cost, structurally sound architecture, privacy, great views, and the perfect beachfront location.

Here are the pros of buying Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos versus single-family homes:

Amenities. Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos offer luxurious amenities not available to single-family home owners. With a pool in each building, an Olympic lap pool in the center of the complex and an oceanfront pool set amid 40 acres of lush tropical landscaping, you get resort-style living everyday without leaving the comforts of your home! Other amenities include a gym, 12 tennis courts, a jogging path, and underground covered parking. You won’t get that in a single-family home!

Security. Key Colony condos is a gated community with 24-hour manned gates, providing residents with security and safety. If you are living alone or if security is a major concern for you, this can be a major consideration.

  

Maintenance. One of the best things about living in a condo is the low-maintenance lifestyle. The monthly dues cover the maintenance costs so you don’t have to lift a finger in maintaining the grounds, cutting the grass, fixing the roof, etc. This could be great for first-time homeowners who do not have much experience or skills with home maintenance and repair, for people who always travel, or for those who just don’t like to deal with home maintenance issues. Owners of single-family homes have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for the repair and upkeep of their homes, not to mention the money they spend to hire contractors and landscapers, which will not be an issue if you live in a condo.

Affordability. Condos are often cheaper than single-family homes. If you want to be a homeowner,  a condo can be a great first option.

Location and lifestyle. Location is usually the deciding factor when choosing between condos and single-family homes.Those who want to be close to the beach while enjoying the amenities and conveniences of city life would find that living in a Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo will perfectly match their lifestyle.

If you are ready to be an owner of a Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo, check out the hottest listings at www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

Inexpensive Ways to Boost the Value of Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos

Inexpensive Ways to Boost the Value of Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos

Summer is here and now is the perfect time to start working on those home improvement projects you’ve been planning on! Whether you’re planning on putting your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL in the market now or in the future, it’s always good to consider projects that not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, but boost its value as well.

Most homeowners prefer upgrades that are simple, low-cost and can improve the quality of their lives. So which home improvements should you invest in? Here are some inexpensive projects that can add significant value to your home:

1. Create more space. Regardless of the size of your Key Biscayne waterfront condo, there is always a need for more space. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to open up your home without tearing down walls or doing major renovations. For example, you  can make your entryway more open and functional by clearing out unnecessary stuff. Clear spaces are more appealing to the eyes and can make your home feel spacious and welcoming.

You can also maximize space with proper storage and by using multi-functional furniture. Remember, spacious homes are very attractive and having versatile interior can attract  more potential buyers.

2. Paint the walls. Painting your interior walls is the easiest way to freshen up your place. In fact, the color of your home is one of the first things a buyer will notice. If your living room is bright orange, it’s time to paint it over! This time, pick neutral colors to make it easy for potential buyers to visualize their belongings inside the home.

3. Update your kitchen. The kitchen is considered as the heart of the home, so any upgrade you do in the kitchen will add value. Some real estate experts suggest that you can expect to recoup 65% - 100% return of your investment on a kitchen remodel. But completely renovating a kitchen can get real expensive so you need to be careful not to go overboard. Keep it simple by adding fresh paint or changing old cabinet knobs and handles with something new. You don’t have to rip out your cabinets, either. A facelift (also known as refacing or resurfacing) can give your cabinets a clean and brand new look.

4. Modify your bathroom. Just like kitchen upgrades, bathroom upgrades also provide solid returns, but only if you do it right. If you’re working on a limited budget, avoid anything too fancy or trendy. Instead, stick to classic features that will appeal to more buyers. You can glam up your bathroom with affordable new features such as pull-out  shelves to keep necessities in order, dramatic mirror and glass for that wow effect, and accessories like a new shower curtain and matching towels.

5. Add more lights. Don’t you just love walking into a well-lit home? Whether it’s from artificial lights or natural sunlight, a home with abundant light brings out the beauty of your  home and can make you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Maximize the light coming from existing windows of your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos by pulling curtains back and shades up during the day. Avoid placing furniture either in front of the window or close to the sides. You can also enhance your indoor lighting by strategically placing track lights in the right areas of the home such as the living room, kitchen and bathrooms.

You have many options for home improvement projects that add value to your home. The best part is, most of these upgrades are inexpensive and can be done yourself! So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your home now so you can  maximize your earnings from it in the future!

To know more about how other Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos, visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you need help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo and for any other real-estate related inquiries, don’t hesitate to call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. Allow me to help you find the right home that suits you perfectly.

When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo?

When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo?

Every year, millions of homes are sold each year in the U.S. Although the numbers may be great, still, the decision to list a home is not always an easy one. A home is a major investment and everyone wants a smooth sale to reap the full benefits of that investment. If  you are still undecided whether to sell your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo or not, here are a few things to keep in mind before calling your real estate agent and putting your home on the market.

Reason for Selling. Your motivation for selling is the most important factor in determining whether you should sell your home. Your reasons may include a job change, retirement to a different location, desire to be closer to family members, or financial ones such as decreased or increased income.

Whatever your reason is, the main goal is to sell your home at the highest price possible in the quickest possible time. Once you have decided that you are ready to sell, it’s time to look at the other factors that will affect the success of your sale.

Timing. Listing your home at the right time can make or break the sale. Many sellers choose to put their homes in the market in the spring because that’s when many buyers are looking for homes. Homes located in good school districts get better offers in the summer because most buyers with children want to settle in before school starts.

One major advantage of selling waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL is the year long good weather that attracts many young professionals and empty-nesters. You can have a successful sale at any time of the year regardless of the season.

Market Conditions. The existing market conditions also play a major role on the success of your sale.  Although the real estate market is unpredictable, you can check recent sales price of comparable homes in your community to come up with a good listing price and a reasonable time frame. You might want to take into consideration the following market factors:

• Is it a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market?
• For how long do homes, on average, remain on the market?
• Are the interest rates currently low or high?

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about comparables and homes for sale in the Key Colony Key Biscayne area.

Prepare your Home

Another key factor in determining the right time to sell is the home’s condition. Thoroughly cleaning, decluttering, repairing and staging your home may take weeks, even months to complete. You may also need to invest a little for some upgrades in your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Make sure all of these are ready before making your home available for showings.

Moving Costs

Moving from one home to another isn’t cheap, especially if you’re moving across the country. You have to think about the cost of packing and hauling your stuff away, hiring professional movers, insurance and other expenses.

The decision on when to sell your home isn’t solely based on the current market situations. You also have to consider your financial as well as emotional circumstances. If you need expert advice, you can always ask your Key Biscayne real estate agent. However, at the end of the day, the choice to sell  will still be yours to make.

If you need help in selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo and for any other real-estate related inquiries including home inspections, call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. Let’s make home selling a good experience for you!

3 Health Benefits of Living in Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne

3 Health Benefits of Living in Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne FL is known for its world-class beaches and parks, stunning lush tropical landscaping and exciting lifestyle. It’s no wonder why many people have dreamed of living in this lovely island paradise south of downtown Miami. But for its residents, particularly those who live on Key Biscayne waterfront condos, there’s more to Key Biscayne than it’s obvious aesthetic appeal.

Beachfront living in Key Biscayne offers another amazing benefit - better health.

According to the experts at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for the Environment and Human Health, living near the ocean greatly affects a person’s health and well-being. In fact, the same study shows that people noted feeling more relaxed when viewing photographs of the ocean compared to viewing other scenic photographs.

Consider the following health benefits of living in waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne:

1. Relaxes the body. The notion that being near the beach makes one feel healthy is not new. The sounds of ocean waves help calm the mind and induce a deep sense of peace, tranquility and well-being. It is no wonder you can hear the hypnotic sounds of waves played over the background of health spas, they facilitate a deep state of relaxation and heightens awareness of the surroundings and one’s own emotions.

Now, imagine starting your day watching the beautiful sunrise over the ocean from the balcony of your Key Biscayne oceanfront condo and listening to the relaxing sound of sea waves below. You’ll surely feel energized to face the day!

2. Improve well-being. Matthew White, a researcher at Exeter, says that “moving near the ocean significantly improves one’s well-being.” These improvements could be due to the reduced stress of a seaside environment, as well as the increased opportunities for physical activity.

Key Biscayne Fl offers an abundance of activities that promote an active and healthy lifestyle. You can go running or jogging barefoot in the sand and feel the muscles of your feet increase in strength or swim by the beach and work on those cardiovascular muscles. A morning walk along the beach can be just as invigorating.

3. Better sleeping habits. Do you know that getting a lungful of fresh sea air can help you sleep better at night? The sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that increase our body’s ability to absorb oxygen. These negative ions help balance levels of serotonin, which affects mood, nerve impulses, contraction of smooth muscles and sleep.

Here’s another reason why  residents of Key Biscayne waterfront condo sleep better at night. This tropical paradise has a very low crime rate (62% below the national average) making it one of the safest place in Florida and the United states!

Without a doubt, living near the beach can be beneficial for your health. You’ll have a calmer, less stressful life with all the health benefits the sun and sea provide.

If you’re looking for the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo, where you can have a happier, healthier body and mind, call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

6 Negotiating Tips When Buying Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne

6 Negotiating Tips When Buying Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne

Finding the perfect one among the gorgeous waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne is just the first step. The next step is to decide on how to make an offer and bid for it. Since home buying is probably one of the most expensive transactions you will make, it is important to do it right and get the best deal possible.

So how do you make an offer and negotiate to get the best price? Here are 6 tips guaranteed to improve your bargaining position and clinch the deal:

1. Have your finances in order. Carefully plan your finances and budget to determine how much you can afford. If you’re obtaining financing via a mortgage, make sure to obtain a pre-approval first. Securing a pre-approval means a lender has actually checked your credit and verified your documentation to approve a specific loan amount. With your finances in order, you can set your limit and be prepared to walk away if the negotiations go overboard.

2. Research the market. Know as much as you can about the current market conditions as this information will be very valuable when you come up with the offer and later on during the negotiations. Do a research on the price comparison among previously sold Key Biscayne waterfront condos, how much they have sold and how long they have stayed on the market. If the homes are moving slowly, and are going below the asking price, then you are in a stronger position to put in a reasonably lower offer.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about comparables and homes for sale in the Key Colony Key Biscayne area.

3. Make your offer based on the home’s fair market value. Remember, it is the market that determines what a particular property is worth at a certain time, based on the current supply and demand. So, it is only logical to use that as the basis for your offer, regardless of the seller’s listing price.

Present an offer that is fair, competitive and in line with your negotiation strategy. Don’t make the mistake of offering too low as you might risk losing out to another offer or insulting the seller.

4. Ask for concessions only after the inspection. If the results of the home inspection showed some issues that needed repairs, use it as a leverage to negotiate a lower price, or other concessions.

5. Be willing to compromise. The key to a successful negotiation is compromise. Don’t let small issues like window treatments or carpeting stop you from getting your dream Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo. Let the little things go. Bear in mind that in order to achieve a win-win situation, you need to take a little and give a little, too.

6. Work with your agent. Have faith in his or her ability to carry out negotiations on your behalf and protect your best interest.

Negotiation isn’t all about the price and getting what you want. Being able to compromise and give a reasonable offer makes you more attractive to a seller. At the end of the day, it’s important to find the perfect balance that will lead to a mutually satisfying agreement between you and the seller.

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

Effective Ways to Save Energy on Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos This Summer

Effective Ways to Save Energy on Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos This Summer

There’s no question, summer and the hot temperature it brings increase our energy consumption. In the heat of the summer, everyone turns on air conditioners to feel comfortable resulting to skyrocketing electricity costs. But saving energy on homes like those gorgeous waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL shouldn’t be too difficult.

Enjoy the summer season, without the hassle of higher electricity bills, with these ideas.

Air Conditioning

During the summer months, your home’s air conditioning draws more electricity than almost anything else in your house, accounting for as much as half of your energy bill. The secret to saving on energy while keeping your Key Biscayne waterfront condos cool? Make sure your systems are running at their highest efficiency. Here’s how:

• Save up to 15% on your air conditioning bills by setting the thermostat on the most comfortable setting when you’re at home and to 85 degrees or off when you are away.
• Since dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and use more energy, ensure that your AC units undergo annual professional cleanings and checkups.
• Use ceiling or room fans to allow air movement on the room. Fans allow you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room.  Just make sure your fan is blowing down so it’s blowing away warmer air from your body.
• Remove heat producing appliances away from the air conditioning thermostats to prevent inaccurate temperature readings.

Insulation

Proper insulation can help you save money, too. If there are spaces between walls, cool air will leak and outside air will enter. Fill these gaps with insulation. Also, when you’re not at home and during the hottest part of the day, close the blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun’s glaring heat.

Household

Start by changing your habits and making better choices and you’ll be seeing a significant change on the energy costs of your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo.

• In the summer months, schedule doing household chores such as washing clothes, dishwashing and mopping during early morning or night-time hours. The humidity from these activities can make your home uncomfortable.
• Stock up your fridge to keep it from warming up too fast when the door is open.
• Use a smart power strip which automatically cuts power when devices don’t need it to save energy.
• When cooking or reheating small items, use a microwave oven. Skip the stove-top boiling and oven baking during the day as they can make your AC work overtime.

To know more about homes for sale in the Key Biscayne FL area, visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!