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!

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!

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!

Safety Precaution Tips When Living in Key Colony Waterfront Condos

Safety Precaution Tips When Living in Key Colony Waterfront Condos

For most homeowners, the safety and security of their home is a top priority. Just think about it, if you’re willing to spend hundreds of dollars to make your home aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, you should also be ready to spend some money, or at least make an effort, to keep it safe and secure, right?   

But security precautions may be a little different if you live in a condo, like one of those gorgeous waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne. Most of these buildings already have solid security features such as CCTV cameras, guard and concierge services and maintained fire alarm system to protect the owners and tenants.

If you are new in your surroundings, here are some safety precaution tips that can increase security in your own home:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Acquaint yourself with your neighbors and, if possible, be familiar with their regular comings and goings. This will help you spot any irregularities right away and respond in kind. The presence of neighbors can also help you feel more at ease when you go out of town on trips or vacations.

2. Change the locks and make sure only you have the keys. This should be a primary rule whenever you move to a new place. Why? Because previous owners (or other people) may still have their spare keys and you don't want to go home and find them lurking inside. Also, keep the doors locked at all times, even when you are at home.

3. If your unit is on the lower floors of the building or has balconies, take extra precaution and do not leave your valuables on display. Always lock the balcony doors even if you are at home.

4. Regularly check if the smoke alarms are properly installed and in working order. There should be smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your Key Biscayne waterfront condos.

5. Protect your privacy by using your initials or your last name only on the mailbox.

6. Immediately replace any burnt out light inside your home. Notify the building manager if there are any dim or inoperable lights in entry ways, hallways, stairwells and parking garages. Burglars and intruders like to work in the cover of darkness that’s why having  good lighting inside and outside of your home is a good deterrent against crime.

7. Take time to read your condo’s CC&R (covenants, conditions and restrictions) especially when it comes to the security policies and follow every rule.

With these safety precaution tips, you can protect yourself and those around you while establishing a safe haven right inside your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos.

Want to know more about Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos for sale? Visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

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!

 

5 Step Guide to Pricing Your Waterfront Condo in Key Colony

5 Step Guide to Pricing Your Waterfront Condo in Key Colony

Are you thinking of selling your waterfront condo in Key Colony this spring? If the answer is yes, now might be the best time to start figuring out how much to list your home for.

Determining your asking price is one of the most crucial decisions you will make at this stage. Why? Because your asking price is probably the single biggest factor that will determine if your home sale will be a success or a failure. Your Key Colony waterfront condo might be exquisitely staged and stunningly impressive, but none of that will matter if you list it at the wrong price.

So how do you set  a competitive price for your home? Here’s a simple 5-step guide that can help you:

1.  Research. Understanding the local market conditions is the key to coming up with the right price. Resist the urge to base your price on the amount you paid for the home when you first bought it. This will only complicate things and will likely give you a false information on your home’s value.

If you’re having sellers market, you’ll have more flexibility with your pricing, whereas if you’re having buyers market, you may need to lower your price to attract the interest of potential buyers.

2. Check out the competition. Are there a lot of homes for sale in your area? What’s the price range and conditions of these homes? How long have they been staying on the market? There are plenty of real estate mobile apps that can help you obtain this information on the go. Although these homes may have different upgrades and amenities to offer, the information you’ll get will give you a fair idea of home much your Key Colony waterfront condo’s worth could be.

You can check out www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to find out more about comparable homes in your area.

3.  Hire a REALTOR®. You’ll better understand the impact of these market trends on your asking price if you have an experienced  Key Biscayne REALTOR® explain them to you. Since he or she  is most likely active in the local marketplace, you’ll have all the help you need when it comes not only to  pricing but with marketing, negotiation and closing as well.

4. Get a home inspection. These days it’s not only buyers who hire a home inspector, sellers get pre-listing inspections, too. A pre-listing inspection is a great tool in helping you come up with a realistic price for your home. For example, if the inspection results showed that your HVAC system already has some significant wear and tear and needs to be replaced, you should take that into consideration when pricing your home for sale.

5.  Be objective. Try to emotionally detach yourself from the property and see your home through the eyes of the buyers. This may be a little difficult to do especially if you deem your home to be priceless. Always remember that potential buyers don’t share the same sentiments. For them, it’s just another house and they won’t pay for your emotional attachment. Ask yourself, “If I were a buyer, how much will I  be willing to pay for this home?”

When you’ve finally decided to put your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo in the market, it is important to price it right at the start. This will help you get the best possible price and terms and most likely lead to a very successful sale!

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!

What Stays and What Goes After a Waterfront Condo in Key Biscayne Sale?

What Stays and What Goes After a Waterfront Condo in Key Biscayne Sale?

When you move out of your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne after a successful sale, the buyers expect the home to be in proper condition, or at least in a condition stipulated in the sale. But what is customarily left in a home after you move out? Believe it or not, this topic, insignificant as it may seem, has been the cause of a number of disputes between sellers and buyers.

Everything inside your home is negotiable, this is true. But not everything is included in the sale. If the purchase contract does not specify ALL that should be left behind after the sale, buyers may assume that some items might still be present at their pre-closing walk through.

Below are the general guidelines on what stays in your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo and what goes with the seller when they move.

Fixtures. As a rule, fixtures or whatever is permanently attached to the home, stays and whatever isn’t, goes. These include built-in cabinets, light fixtures and ceiling fans. If taking an item would cause ruination in the walls, ceiling, etc., it’s considered a fixture. Lamps are considered personal property and should go with the seller. On the other hand, when it comes to chandeliers, the buyer and seller need to discuss as to who should keep them.

Similarly, window treatments such as curtain rods, blinds, shutters and shades are considered fixtures while the custom-made curtains hanging from the rod and other decor that simply rest on hooks usually go with you.

Appliances. In most cases, appliances that simply need unplugging before transport are considered personal property by the seller. These may include TV, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer and others. However, kitchen appliances such as stove, microwave and dishwasher are considered fixtures and should remain in the house. Just to be on the safe side, if you plan to bring certain appliances with you, better make it clear during open houses that they are not part of the sale.

Personal items. Obviously, any personal property that you can readily detach with your bare hands belong to this category. These include free-standing appliances, furniture, pictures, your own personal items and collections.

Remember, when showing your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo, don’t display items you intend to bring with you when you move. You’ll only disappoint potential buyers if they see something in your home and find out it won’t be part of the sale.

If you have questions on whether a particular item should stay or go, talk with your Key Biscayne real estate agent. He or she can discuss the matter with the buyer’s agent and if agreed by the other party, have your request specified in the contract.

You can check out www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos for sale.

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!