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!