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!

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.

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 Choose the Best Offer for your Waterfront Condo in Key Colony

How to Choose the Best Offer for your Waterfront Condo in Key Colony

When putting your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne up for sale, you hope to get some really good offers. After all, you’ve spent weeks and a lot of effort preparing your home for the sale. But choosing which offer is the best could be a tough call. Would you just simply choose the highest price offer? Or are there other terms to consider?

The whole process of selecting the right offer can be tedious, one that needs a thorough examination of what’s really important to you so you can get the best deal. It would also help if you have a trusted Key Biscayne real estate agent to help you. Here are some tips when handling multiple offers:

Set your priorities. As with any negotiation, it is always important to have a clear sense of what really matters most to you and what you wish to accomplish at the end of the sale. You may also need to set a realistic timeline so you can adjust your expectations accordingly. Ask yourself, “How much time and effort am I willing to spend to the home-selling process?”

If you want to sell your home for its fair market value or higher, you must be willing to extend your patience and add some upgrades. But if you want to sell your home fast, you should be prepared to accept an offer lower than the home’s fair market value and make compromises.

Make a plan. Most agents have their own “strategies” when it comes to taking offers and negotiating. Work with your agent to make sure his or her system works well with you. A good real estate agent can be flexible to help you achieve goals, within your timetable. He or she will help you analyze the offers and make sure you get the best deal possible.

Understand how “offers and negotiation” work. It would be wise to have a clear understanding of how to deal with offers and the negotiation process even before you start selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo. Understand that although all offers are negotiable, you can turn down any offer you don’t like. You can also give a counter offer and request for changes in the terms of the offer to suit your preferences.

Carefully study every offer. With your home attracting a lot of interested buyers, it would be wise to slow down and be not tempted to accept the first offer that comes your way. Thoroughly scrutinize every offer. Pay particular attention to details such as the terms, earnest money deposit,  the amount of money the buyer will be mortgaging, target closing and contingencies, and others. Remember your priorities and previously set plans and make a prudent decision based on those. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your Key Biscayne real estate agent for clarifications.

There’s nothing more exciting than getting several offers when selling your waterfront condo in Key Biscayne FL. With the right goals and preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to accept the best offer and have a successful sale.

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!

6 Things Buyers Look for in a Key Biscayne Real Estate Agent

6 Things Buyers Look for in a Key Biscayne Real Estate Agent

Most people believe that working with a  trusted agent is very crucial to the success of the sale of a home. In fact, according to the 2014 report of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 88% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker.

Although there are a lot of real estate agents out there, choosing the right one to market and sell your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne can be challenging, and for good reason. Since you’ll be sharing personal information and spending a lot of time with your agent, you need someone whom you can be comfortable with and whose style and personality is in sync with yours.

Here are the top traits buyers look for in a real estate agent:

Good communication skills. One of the biggest frustration of home sellers is lack of communication from their agent. Since home selling is time-sensitive, you need an agent who will give you constant update on the standing of your home and the offers you get from potential buyers. Whether you want to communicate via text, email or call, a good agent promptly replies to your questions or inquiries in the most convenient manner for you.

Technology savvy. Technology is constantly evolving and changing. So does the real estate market. For this reason, agents should have up-to-date knowledge on the latest trends and technicalities. For example, a marketing strategy should not only promote your home through facebook, twitter, youtube and other social media channels but also include brilliant pictures to attract more buyers.

Vast local knowledge. Agents get hired because of their experience, skills and local knowledge. Thus, it is important to hire someone thoroughly familiar with the community (schools, local parks, safety, restaurants) and market conditions of the Key Biscayne area.

Proactive. Keeping clients well-informed and updated is what proactive agents do. They are clearly client-motivated and put the seller’s interest on top of their own. They go about doing all they can to get potential buyers and make things happen.

Honest. They say, “Honesty is the best policy”, and when it comes to selling your Key Biscayne waterfront condo, this is true. You need an agent who will not be afraid to speak his/her views, correct you, and guide you in every  step of the selling process.

Can give previous clients as references. The best way to know about their performance is to talk to past clients. Any good agent should not hesitate to give you a name of past client for reference.

When selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo, there are many reasons why you need the help of a professional real estate agent. With the right agent helping you every step of the way,  you’ll have bigger chances of a successful sale.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about other homes for sale in the Key Biscayne FL area.

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!

The Basics of Making an Offer for a Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

The Basics of Making an Offer for a Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

Finding the right Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo to buy is the easy part. The real challenge? Determining how much to offer for it. You don’t want to offer too much and make the mistake of paying more than the home’s actual worth, yet you don’t want to lose to another interested  buyer by giving a lowball offer.

So, how do you make the right offer for a Key Biscayne waterfront condo? Here are some suggestions on what you can do and not do as you make a bid for your dream home:

1.  Look at the comparables. Search for similar homes sold in the last 6 months in the Key Biscayne area with similar features. Analyze whether they are selling under or over the list price. That should give you an idea on how much to offer. However, avoid looking at comparable sales out of your target market as it will provide a wrong perspective and reference and will only confuse you.

2.  Consider the current market conditions. Is it a seller’s market or a buyer’s market? In a seller’s market, the sellers probably have several offers and might not consider any offer less than the list price while in a buyer’s market, they are more willing to compromise and accept below-asking offers.

3.  Learn the seller’s situation. Why is the seller selling? How long the home had been on the market? In the event that the seller is in a hurry to sell or move, he or she might be more willing to accept a quick offer and make a deal.

4.  Find out if there are other interested buyers or offers. If there are several offers for a home, it means you’re likely up against a bidding war. To make a stand-out bid, you need to make an offer the sellers can’t resist. Win them by writing a financially competitive offer with as few contingencies as necessary and  increasing the amount of earnest money you’re willing to deposit.

5.  Do not forget to hire a qualified Key Biscayne real estate agent. He or she will help you make the best offer, keep you right on track with your budget and provide a good, dependable perspective.

6.  Do not pay too much attention to inputs from non-experts. Friends and family who reside in the Key Biscayne area may give you advice from their home buying experiences. Though these tips are welcome, rely more on the up-to-date information you obtain from your Key Biscayne real estate agent.

There’s no reason to stress yourself too much when making an offer for a Key Biscayne oceanfront condo. To make the most rational decision, it is important to keep your emotions in check and carefully consider your moves. With the right information and the assistance of a trusted Key Biscayne real estate agent, you can surely make the best offer that will land you the home of your dreams.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about other homes for sale in the Key Biscayne FL area.

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!

Carpet vs. Hardwood Floors: Which is Best for Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo?

Carpet vs. Hardwood Floors: Which is Best for Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo?

When searching for your next home among the beautiful Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos, you will most likely come across the 2 most popular options when it comes to floor surface covering - carpet and hardwood.  Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make an informed choice about which material you’d want in your new home.

Carpet

Carpet is known for its comforting warmth that makes any house feel like a home. One of the benefits of having carpet is that it is soft, comfortable and warm. It also feels great beneath bare feet and can be particularly soothing especially when standing for long periods of time. On a chilly morning, you’d really appreciate how carpet helps insulate your bedroom, keeping it warm and cozy. You wouldn’t want to step on a stepping on the freezing cold floor, right? Also, the fact that it is so soft and cushioned makes carpet a safe choice as protection against falls.

Although less expensive than hardwood materials, carpets’ soft materials can easily get damaged and must be replaced every few years. Spills can leave stains that attract and hold dust and microorganisms making it potentially unsafe for people with allergies. Carpets also require high level of maintenance and many people find it difficult to deeply clean them. A dirty carpeted floor looks terribly unattractive and unsightly.

Hardwood

Most homebuyers prefer homes with hardwood flooring. In fact, according to the data from the National Association of REALTORS®, 54% of  home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with one. There is no denying that because it is a natural material, hardwood flooring looks impressively elegant. It comes in different patterns and style. Its solid surface allows for convenient cleaning making it easier to maintain than carpet. It can also be refinished to look like new. In fact, some Key Biscayne oceanfront condos have hardwood floors that have already lasted for quite some years.

Installing hardwood flooring is a bit expensive and can be a tedious process. But if you’re buying a Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo with hardwood flooring already installed, you don’t have to worry about that, right? A major complaint about hardwood floors is that wearing certain types of shoes can make walking on them very noisy. If installed on higher levels, the sound can be heard downstairs. Also, it can become very slippery making you vulnerable  to accidents.

Carpet and hardwood both have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that there is no perfect flooring type. As you weigh your options, consider not only your personal taste but your budget as well as the best resale value you can get. Also think about the care and maintenance required for your floor surface.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about other homes for sale in the Key Biscayne FL area.

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!

How to Decide What Size of Waterfront Condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne to Buy

How to Decide What Size of Waterfront Condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne to Buy

After countless hours of looking through dozens of gorgeous waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne, it’s time to choose which home you particularly love. Aside from the external and interior features, another factor that heavily affects your choice would be the size of the home.

This is an important factor since other decisions  - such as whether you need to downsize or if you have to rent additional storage - depend on the size of your new home. Here are some things you need to evaluate when deciding on what the size of your new waterfront condo in Key  Colony Key Biscayne should be:

1.  How long will I stay in my new home?  Determining how long do you plan to live in your new home is the first step.  Will you be staying for 5 years? 10 years? In real estate, there’s a so-called 5 Year Rule which basically means you have to stay in your new home for at least 5 years  before selling or else, you might take a financial hit.  You also need to evaluate how your needs will change over that period of time.  Will you be needing more home space in the future? It is wise to choose a home that will not just satisfy your immediate needs but will also meet your possible future needs.

2.  How much furniture do I need? If you’ve decided that you don’t want to maintain your large home anymore, then moving to a cozier one is definitely a good option. But this might mean you’ll be needing smaller furniture and less belongings. Are you willing to let go of  your large antique table where you enjoyed countless dinners and memories in favor of a smaller, more functional one? In deciding the size of your new home, it is important to consider how much of your furniture you are willing to let go.

3.  Do I need extra rooms for guests? People will want to go visiting, won't they? This is especially true if you have families and friends from all over the country who want to visit you in this Sunny State. In considering whether you need a home with extra guest rooms, first evaluate how often do you expect to have guests stay overnight (I’m thinking children with grandkids in tow, 2 nights max). Will you be having them once a year? Aside from the need for additional beds, your guests will be bringing their own stuff like suitcases, clothes and gadgets, so you also need to be prepared to  allocate a place for these things.

4.  How do I plan to clean and maintain my home's interior? Amidst your busy schedule, are you planning on hiring a housekeeper or do you plan on tackling the task yourself?  The larger the home, the more interior cleaning and maintenance you will most likely have and if you hire a housekeeper, it’ll cost you more. However, if you buy a smaller Key Biscayne waterfront condo, you’ll be compelled to accumulate less and therefore would have to clean less as well.

Knowing how much square footage you need will help you narrow down the range of suitable homes to consider and give you more than enough time to focus on those that meet your requirements.

Visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com for more information on Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos available in the market.

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 Simple Home Staging Ideas for your Waterfront Condo in Key Biscayne

5 Simple Home Staging Ideas for your Waterfront Condo in Key Biscayne

When putting your waterfront condo in Key Biscayne FL on the market, you want to do all that you can to sell it as quickly as possible and get the best deal. This is where staging comes in. Since approximately 90% of buyers begin their search on the internet, you’ll have better chances of having a successful sale if you stage your home and present it at its finest.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to stage successfully. There are simple ways to make your home attractive without shedding tons of cash. Here are some simple steps for a low cost  yet effective home staging:

1.   Clean, clean, clean. You want to wow each potential buyer who walks in through the door. A pristine, well-organized living room can do that. Clean all windows, dust all door frames, wipe all light switches and light plugs, and wipe down all walls. Potential buyers like to look everywhere so don’t leave a single area  in your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo untouched.

2.   Depersonalize. As difficult as it may be,  you have to start packing away personal items inside your home. The reason? Potential buyers will have difficulty in visualizing how their stuff will fit in with all your picture frames and collection displayed all over the place.  Start by putting away photos, paintings or images hanging on walls. Also take down those prized trophies, awards and framed certificates. Don’t forget those snow globes on the counter tops, too. Remember you will be moving anyway, so what better time to start packing than now?

3.   Add light. There’s no question that a well-lit home looks inviting and welcoming. Let natural light shine through the windows by keeping the curtains and blinds open. If your home has dark hallways or has rooms with little natural light,  add overhead fixtures with maximum watt bulbs to create a cheerful impression.

4.   Make necessary repairs. Unfinished projects give an impression that the home is not well-maintained and can quickly turn-off potential buyers. So go ahead, change light bulbs, fix dripping faucets, and repair any broken windows and door handles before potential buyers walk through the door.

5.  Step up your room decor. Even if your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo is already beautifully decorated as it is, there are still things you can do to step up its fashion style and make it look trendy yet welcoming. You can put flowers in vases around the house, use sheer curtains instead of heavy draperies, or you can mix in some oversized throw pillows with your common sized ones. The idea is to make your home look cozy and comfortable that potential buyers fall in love with it.

Staging is about highlighting your home’s best features so that potential buyers can envision themselves living a stress-free, happy life in it. Think about what you want buyers to feel when they first walk in the door, and take necessary steps to create that feeling. Keep in mind that a well-staged home would also look gorgeous in pictures and will surely attract a lot of interest.

Want to know how other Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos are staged? 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!

5 Must Have Gadgets for Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

5 Must Have Gadgets for Your Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo

Having the latest smart technology at home is increasingly becoming important to most people, including homeowners of waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne. In fact, a recent survey conducted by ERA Real Estate and HGTV indicated that 51% of consumers polled  would consider installing smart home technology to make their homes more appealing to future buyers.

Let’s take a look at the five must-have gadgets for homes these days:

1.  Programmable Thermostats. Although programmable thermostats have been on the market for a while, some people don’t often take the time to use them properly. However, new generation thermostats are much easier to program and can save you as much as 20% on your heating and cooling bills by scheduling the times you turn on your heating or air conditioning. With different sleek designs and functions available such as WiFi and sensor-enabled thermostats that you can remotely manage using your smart phone, tablet, or laptop, choose the one that complements your needs and lifestyle.

2.  Smart Smoke Detectors. From the traditional shrieking beep, smoke detectors have gone through major transformations and upgrades. Now, smoke detectors can be connected to your smartphone and can notify you when there’s immediate danger or trouble. They can also monitor the air quality inside your Key Biscayne waterfront condo, tracking dust, soot and other health dangers and alert you if carbon monoxide is high.

3.  Robot Vacuum Cleaner. Remember those old sci-fi movies wherein the future robots can take over cleaning the household? Well, the future is here as vacuuming and sweeping floors can now be outsourced to a robot! Today's robot vacuum cleaners offer a host of features, such as sensors to avoid obstacles, automatically empties its dust bin, and recharges when power is low. Here’s the best news: the best robotic vacuum cleaners can be programmed to start working at a specific time, even while you’re not at home. So you can now come home to clean, dirt-free floors!

4.  Hi-tech Alarm Systems. Taking control of your home security has become easier with smart alarm systems. These days, you’ll  find a variety of internet-connected alarm systems to choose from depending on your security needs and the size of your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo. Some amazing features include built-in motion sensors that can detect when windows and doors are opened and closed, facial recognition cameras  that send notifications to your phone when someone enters your home and back-up battery system that will keep on running even if the electricity goes out.

5.  Smart Washers and/or Dryers. Manufacturers are putting more and more emphasis on designing machines that are not only bigger, more attractive and  energy efficient but also allows you to get through that dreaded laundry task in half the amount of time. Just by using their mobile app, you can receive alerts when its time to add  more detergent, or when your laundry is done.

With many of today’s products becoming “smart”,  life has become easier. These modern advancements have given us considerable ways to improve our lives and do the things which matter the most - spending more quality moments with the people we love the most.

Visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about the gorgeous Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos.

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!

Condo Insurance 101: What to Know When Insuring Waterfront Condos in Key Colony

Condo Insurance 101: What to Know When Insuring Waterfront Condos in Key Colony

Insuring your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne is far different from insuring a typical single family home. A residential homeowner is responsible  for the whole home (inside and outside) and the land it sits on while condo owners are normally responsible for insuring just a portion of their property on their own.

Before applying for condo insurance, here are some important components you need to know.

Master Policy

Part of the monthly dues you pay goes toward ensuring against physical damages on your building’s common areas - hallways, landscaping, community facilities, roof and exterior structure, etc - as well as personal liabilities claims caused by accidents in these areas. These are covered by the master policy.

There are two types of master policy: bare walls-in and all-in.

• The bare walls-in policy provides coverage from the exterior walls in. However, it  doesn't cover fixtures and installations within your condo unit.

• The all-in condo insurance policy provides a greater level of interior coverage including  installation and fixtures but may not cover upgrades and improvements made to the property.

Understanding what the HOA master policy covers is very important if you’re planning to get an insurance coverage for your unit and belongings. If your HOA master policy is a bare walls-in variety, consider getting a more comprehensive insurance coverage since everything within your unit is your sole responsibility.

Association Deductibles

Finding out how much your condo’s association deductible is and the number of owners who share that deductible is also important. In an event of an insurance claim through the master policy, all the condo owners are expected to equally share in the cost of the deductible for that claim. For example, a strong typhoon that caused damage to the condo community’s buildings and the insurance master policy has a 10,000 deductible, and the said amount will be divided among the total number of owners in the building.

HO-6 Policy

Having everything within the four walls of your Key Biscayne waterfront condo insured falls under your responsibility. An HO-6 policy benefits include coverage for damages to your interior walls, drywall, wallpaper, carpeting and even personal property. It can fill in the gaps of the master insurance policy and cover losses under master policy deductibles.

It is also advisable to have your valuable possessions such as jewelry  or art collections itemized and appraised so you can gauge how much coverage you need and if there’s a need for an additional coverage.

Having a condo insurance is vital in protecting your interests and possessions. However, it’s important to note that rules differ from complex to complex, and it's crucial to understand HOA’s master policy to make sure you’ll be fully protected but not overly insured.

Contact a trusted insurance professional in the Key Biscayne area to learn more about condominium insurance. You can also visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com if you’re interested to know more about the gorgeous Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos.

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!

How to Downsize When Moving to Waterfront Condos in Key Colony

How to Downsize When Moving to Waterfront Condos in Key Colony

A new life in your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne means a brand new start. But more often than not, moving also means downsizing your  belongings. But letting go of a lifetime’s worth of treasured memories and deciding which items to bring with you can be a daunting task.

If you feel more than a little overwhelmed about making this step, don’t worry, you are not alone. Thousands of elderly seniors across the United States are going through the same thing. Fortunately, there are strategies you can do when downsizing your belongings. Consider the following suggestions:

Start early. If possible, begin thinning out your belongings at least three months before the move. Once you’ve made the decision to move, start sorting through your things and packing.  This is more efficient than tackling the  whole house in one go and physically draining yourself a few days before the big move.

What to keep, sell, or donate. Classify your possessions into these 3 categories. You can donate some items to local charities or sell them online or through a garage sale. If you have quite a collection of valuables, have them appraised before selling. Then look for reputable antique and second-hand dealers to help you sell for the most profit.

Measure your new Key Biscayne waterfront condo. To help you decide which of your furniture to keep, get the dimensions of every room in your new residence.  It might also be a good idea to bring some pictures and decorations from your old place to give your new home a sense of familiarity.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about waterfront condos for sale in Key Biscayne FL and their styles and dimensions.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help.  The whole downsizing process  can be a lot for one person to take in. If you think you can’t do it all alone and might need help, ask for friends and family members’ assistance. Having others around to share memories with can make the task look less daunting, if not less painful. Or you may consider hiring professionals who are skilled and adept in helping seniors downsize their possessions.

Downsizing is an inevitable part of moving to your new Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo. But there’s no need for you to stress yourself out. There are things you can do and people who can help make the transition easier leading to a hassle-free and lighter load.

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!