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!

4 Summer Design Tips for Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne FL

4 Summer Design Tips for Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne FL

There are many reasons why home sellers opt to list their homes during summer. With kids out of school and the weather generally good, buyers have more time for home searches and attending open houses. If you’re thinking of selling your Key Biscayne waterfront condo, now might be the perfect time to do so.

Besides the obvious cleaning, depersonalizing and making repairs, there are some little things you can do to make your home look more summer-ready. Things that can immediately catch the attention of potential buyers visiting online websites such as www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Decorate with summer-themed accents. Most homebuyers start their search online that’s why it’s critical to make a strong first impression. Staging can help you achieve that. Start by decorating with cool refreshing colors such as white, blues, greens and beige. Add summer themed decorative accessories like pillows, rugs and woven baskets that look welcoming and relaxing. These will not only look good in reality but will also make amazing pictures, too.

2. Let the fresh summer breeze in. It’s summer, so you might as well open your windows and let the cool breeze in. Unventilated rooms are a major turn-off for potential buyers. The worst case scenario? They’ll take one sniff and walk off the door right away.

However, when the temperature gets too hot, you might need to turn on the AC to a comfortable level and place floor fans to keep the air moving.

3. Create a spa-like ambiance. The summer season brings to mind easy, breezy, relaxing days by the beach or a spa. Create the same effect by strategically placing scented candles in coconut and mint or spearmint flavors in your living room for that perfect summertime fragrance. And this doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find a lot of DIY scents that can instantly fill your home with enjoyable summer scents.

4. Highlight the view from your windows. Your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo offers some really gorgeous views so why not take advantage of the opportunity to make potential buyers fall in love with them? It’s time to pull the curtains back. This will not only make the rooms look bigger and lighter but also adds depth and character to the space.

When selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo, it’s the little things that make the difference between attracting interested buyers and having your home sitting on the market for a long time. With these tips, you can create that comfortable, cool environment where potential buyers can envision themselves happily relaxing or entertaining.

Need help in selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo? Call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. Let’s make home selling a good experience for you!

5 Exciting Ways to Spend Summer Near Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos

5 Exciting Ways to Spend Summer Near Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos

Almost everyone would agree that taking a long, relaxing vacation near a beach is an awesome way to spend summer. An idyllic island with long stretches of glowing white sand is just about everyone’s dream vacation destination. But for new owners of waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL, these amenities are theirs to enjoy not only during summer, but all year long!

Home to some of the most brilliant, white sandy beaches in the Sunshine State, Key Biscayne FL offers tranquil living set in the midst of picture-perfect scenery. If you’re new to the area, check out our list of exciting ways to spend summer in Key Biscyane FL:

• Enjoy the Beach. The best thing about Key Biscayne beaches is that they offer a wide variety of exciting activities that suit your needs and taste. If you’re into sports, you can go biking, kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing, and the list goes on! Take your pick. You can also bring some beach chairs and umbrellas and spend time catching up on your reading list. Or you can simply lounge in the sand all day, working on your tan.

• Go fishing. Fishing is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, one that is not physically demanding but thoroughly satisfying. It is also an activity favored by people of all ages, especially Key Biscayne waterfront condos residents. Here you can find some really amazing spots to catch good-sized groupers, tuna, mackerels and others. Just imagine all the fun you’ll have with friends and loved ones as you breathe in fresh air and enjoy the calmness and peacefulness of nature.   

 

• Visit local tourist spots. Key Biscayne is known as a historically rich, tropical barrier island paradise. What better way to enjoy your summer than to see and experience firsthand all the beauty it has to offer? Watch a show at the Miami Seaquarium or visit popular attractions such as the expansive grounds and rich ecosystem of Crandon Park, the impressive lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and more!

If you feel like having some adventure, why not sign up for a seaplane tour and enjoy Florida’s most dramatic and unparalleled scenic views from the sky? There are also airboat tours and dinner show cruise available in the area.

• Wine and dine. Discover why residents and other owners of waterfront condos in Key Biscayne FL love the wide selection of exceptional cuisines in local restaurants. Enjoy a timeless dining experience with their excellent services, mouth-watering dishes, great wine list and a backdrop of breathtaking views.

• Head to the dog beach. Summer is fun for everyone, including your beloved furry pets. Hobie Beach,  a wonderful stretch of clean, off-leash dog beach located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, is the perfect place for your canine friends to run, play and swim. The water is shallow, so dogs can play in the surf a bit without any worries about strong currents.

Key Biscayne FL is the perfect destination this summer. Explore and experience all that this beautiful paradise has to offer. Whether you love fine dining or long walks and adventurous outdoor activities, you’ll surely find something wonderful and exciting to do here!

If you’re planning on moving Key Biscayne FL this summer, to you can sift through www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to find amazing waterfront condos for sale that fits your needs and budget.

Need 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!

6 Security Essentials When Selling Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

6 Security Essentials When Selling Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

In the previous article, we listed some ways to host a successful open house for your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne. This time, we’ll discuss the security essentials that you need to keep your home safe not only during an open house but the entire home selling process.

Let’s face it. Once you put your home on the market, your home will be open to the public. Posting your listing on online websites like www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com and having showings as well as open houses will likely drive traffic to your home. However, you must realize that when you place ads, not only interested buyers will pay attention, scammers will likely notice them, too.

Consider the following security essentials to keep your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL safe throughout the sale:

1. Hide all valuables from plain view and store them in a safe, locked place. Also remove prescription medicine, bank statements, IDs, important or private documents or anything with great resale value.

2. In your advertising, add phrases such as “Appointment only” and “Driver’s license required”, suggests Robert Siciliano, a Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert. This will be your first layer of defense.

3. Install security system, in addition to having upgraded windows and door locks, to deter potential burglars. Also put a “Video surveillance in use” signage in the front door.

4. If you are not home all the time or if you are living elsewhere, consider placing automatic lights that turn on when it gets dark to give the impression of activity in the home.

5. Since burglars are very good at reading the signs that tell how occupied a home is, keep your home regularly cleaned and well-maintained.

6. Ask trustworthy neighbors to keep an eye on things. They can easily notice if anything looks out of place and notify you immediately.

Keep your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo safe and burglar-free by having extra security and applying the above mentioned security measures. This way, you can focus your energy on the more important aspects of home selling.

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

5-Step Guide for a Successful Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo Open House

5-Step Guide for a Successful  Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo Open House

When selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo, there are many methods real estate agents use to market your home. One of which is an open house which allows the public to view first-hand details of your property.

Although prospective buyers may have already seen your listing pictures on online websites like www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com, they need to experience the layout, concepts and design elements your home has to offer.

Before posting the “open house” sign, consider the following guide on how you can draw more prospective buyers for your waterfront condo in Key Colony and make your open house a huge success.

1. Prepare your home. You want potential buyers to fall in love with your home at first glance, right? Well, you better stage it right. This may mean you have to clean, declutter, depersonalize and neutralize as well. Make it appealing not only to the buyers’ eyes but also to their other senses. Some owners bake cookies to give their home an appetizing aroma while others playing some background music to set the mood.

2. Keep things safe and secure. Your home’s security is always a top priority even during an open house. Since you don’t know who will be entering your home, keep all of your personal information including bank and credit statements out of plain view to avoid identity theft. Store away all valuables and prized possessions. You can also take pictures of each room so you can check later if something is missing or damaged.

3. Advertise intensively. With majority of buyers starting their search online, make sure that your Key Biscayne real estate agent is taking advantage of the latest technology like social media to market your home. However, it also helps to keep a few printed brochures for those who are not internet savvy.

4. Do not stay in the house during the open house. The primary reason why you should not stay is because your presence can be intimidating to potential buyers, making them feel uncomfortable about asking questions. It can also help you avoid volunteering too much information that can turn-off buyers or be used against you during the negotiation.

5. Make sure your agent will be there the entire time. Ask your agent to stay at your home the entire time and prepare a sign-in sheet for everyone who enters. Tell everyone to sign it for security purposes.  Since you are letting people into your home, you have the right to know who they are.

An open house can give your Key Biscayne waterfront condo exposure and increase your chances of finding the right buyer. However, the success of an open house does not only depend on how many prospective buyers are interested but also on how you keep your home and belongings safe the whole time.

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

How to Get Beautiful Photos of Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

How to Get Beautiful Photos of Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

Taking quality listing photos is a very crucial part of marketing your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne. Since approximately 93% of buyers start their search online, a listing with bad pictures or no pictures at all, will definitely be overlooked. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors shows that most home buyers look for quality photos when they search for a home.

So how do you impress potential buyers with your real estate photos? Here are some tips you might want to consider:

Use the right camera. You might think that taking pictures with your phone is enough. After all, your phone has a high resolution camera and you can always use a cool mobile app for added effects, right? Well, a cell phone camera may be good for taking selfies but not for real estate listings. You have to get a complete view of a room and you need wide lenses for that.

Utilize as much natural lighting as possible. Make a room look bright and open by opening windows and turning lights on. Take pictures with the light behind you to avoid glare. Flash tends to reflect off surfaces and creates unattractive shadows so use them sparingly. If possible, don’t take photos on a rainy day or at night as it can lead to gloomy and unattractive shots of your Key Biscayne waterfront condo.

Pick the best angles. Buyers want an idea of the size of the rooms and their layouts. So the best way to show off your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo, is to include as much room as possible. This can be done by standing in doorways or taking interior photos from an open window. This way, the buyers can see the home’s depth.

For a more dramatic shot, experiment with angles. You may get on your knees or climb on a ladder to get the best angles and composition.

  

Take plenty of photos. Digital cameras allow you the freedom to take as many pictures as you want. After all, you never know which pictures will look amazing on the computer screen.

Touch up the photos. Once you’ve chosen the best photos of your Key Biscayne waterfront condo, you can use a photo editing tool (there are several you can find online for free) to correct the color or to adjust contrast or brightness.

You can sift through www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com  to find great examples of wonderful listing pictures.

Remember, a picture paints a thousand words. Take amazingly beautiful listing photos of your condo and let your home speak for itself.

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

6 Housewarming Gift Ideas Perfect for Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos’ New Owners

6 Housewarming Gift Ideas Perfect for Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos’ New Owners

Finding the perfect housewarming gift  for friends who just moved in to their new waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne can be a bit tricky. You want to give your housewarming hosts something they will be proud to use but, you also need to be careful about imposing on their already chosen decor.

Some people make the mistake of buying what they would want for themselves which can be a bad idea specially if you do not really know the new owners’ taste and style. You don’t want your gift to end up being hung as closet decoration, right?

Welcome your friends to their new Key Colony waterfront condo with these practical yet wonderful housewarming gift ideas:

1. Pre-assembled dinner. If the couple just moved into a new home, it would be a thoughtful gift to hand them a basket with all the necessary ingredients for a simple and easy-to-prepare dinner. This will be perfect especially if they haven’t unpacked all their kitchen essentials or gone grocery shopping yet.

2. Welcome mat. Nothing puts a personal stamp on a new home than a personalized welcome mat. Since it is highly unlikely that they  brought the old doormat from their former residence, this is one gift the new owners will surely appreciate.

3. Cookbook. The new owners will surely want to try their new kitchen and what better gift to help them have a wonderful cooking experience than a cookbook? Find something that provides helpful tips on making simple yet delicious meals and wrap it in a tea towel or cloth napkin for a more creative look.

4. Plants. New home means new decorations. Since you don’t want to give something that would impose on their already chosen decor, you can give them a plant - it can be a bonsai or anything else that requires little care but looks great. Plants add charm and beauty to any place, making their waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL  feel like home in no time.

5. Storage ottoman. This kind of gift is more of a decorative object but with some utility. No matter how hard the new owners have purged before the move, there’s always be something else to stash. Aside from offering additional storage, it can also be used as extra seating, foot rest and even coffee table!

6. Gift cards. If you’ve run out of ideas, try giving gift cards from a store you know they will definitely shop at. To make it more special and personalized,  include a note expressing your love and best wishes for a peaceful and safe stay in their new home.

As your friends make a fresh start, enjoying all the exciting amenities the gorgeous Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos has to offer,  give them something that suits their unique lifestyle - and fits your budget!

Want to know more about 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.