Posts
Choosing The Right Realtor to Sell Your Home
By Freddie Santiago
When you're looking to sell a home, naturally you want to find a real estate agent with integrity and your best interests in mind. You need someone you genuinely like because you are about to spend a lot of time in their presence. You can start by asking,family,friends or neighbors,especially ones that have sold a home in the past year.
You want an agent who is familiar with the neighborhood and somehow understands your tastes so he, she can focus in getting you to the properties that best suits your tastes. We all know someone who has spent endless hours driving around with a chatty, agent only to end up looking at houses that are not suitable for the family dog.
Finding an agent who can assist in the onerous transaction process is just as crucial. They should be able to recommend a mortgage broker and real estate lawyer to get the deal done. Knowledge of the latest trends in mortgage loan products and property taxes are certainly helpful, too.
Once you obtain a few names, set up an interview with each agent try to keep it to 30 minutes or less. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recommends asking the following questions before committing to working with a Realtor:
How long have you been working in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? Real estate, like many other professions, is mostly learned on the job. And keep in mind that experience is not a guarantee that the person is successful.
1. What are your credentials? The agent should be licensed by your state, which means the agent has met minimum levels of education, training, and testing. Designations such as Graduate Realtors Institute,( GRI) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), which require the agents to take specialized real estate training, are held by only about one-quarter of real estate pros.
2. How many homes did you sell in the last year? How many homes did you find for buyers? Ask the agent for the addresses and selling prices for the homes bought and sold recently.
3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? This information also determines the agent's track record of marketing homes. Remember that real estate markets vary by location.. Make sure the Realtor's record is in line with local conditions
4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? If there are very large discrepancies between asking and final sale prices, ask for the reasons behind that. As a seller, you should listen to the agent's advice about what the competitive price is so that you're not over pricing your home. The first tow weeks of your home being on the market is when you are going to generate the most traffic, so it is important that your home is reasonably price or else your traffic will be slow. When you're a buyer, the realtor will provide the current price ranges for that local market. And it's not always just about price. Agents need to know how fast you're able to close the deal. And in the stringent lending environment, they also want to know if you're pre-approved for a mortgage.
5. When I'm selling my home, what types of marketing approaches will you use? Look for someone who has aggressive, innovative approaches. You don't want someone who's going to put a sign in the yard and hope for the best.
6. How will you keep me informed about the process? Decide how you want to communicate, email, phone or personal visit;and how often. Finally, references are crucial. Ask for the names and phone numbers of the agent's three most recent clients. Make sure to call these references to find out their experience with the agent.
7. Finally, references are crucial. Ask for the names and phone numbers of the agent's most recent clients. Make sure to call these references to find out their experience with the agent.
Looking to sell your home or to buy a home? visit my website: http://www.eastkendallrealestate.com and sign in to requst information or email me at: freddiesantiago12@gmail.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddie_Santiago
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
How to prepare your Home when you are selling.
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
By Freddie Santiago
Prepping your home Every seller wants their home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it's not luck that makes that happen.It takes planning, hiring a good Real Estate agent and knowing how to prepare your home, that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.
Here's How:
1.Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
•Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
•Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.
2. De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal and family photographs and memorabilia.. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
3.RemoveFavorite Items.
Remove every thing that is not going to be included in the sale of your property. If you are not including a ceiling lamp, remove it. If the buyer never sees it they will never want it therefore they will not covet it and it will not ruin your deal.
4. Make Minor Repairs.
•Patch holes in walls.
•Fix leaky faucets.
•Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
•Consider painting your walls neutral colors,
•Replace burned-out light bulbs.
•If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
5. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
•Neatly stack dishes.
•Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
•Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
•Line up shoes.
6. Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around.
7. Make the House Sparkle!
•Wash windows inside and out.
•Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
•Clean out cobwebs.
•Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
•Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
•Clean out the refrigerator.
•Vacuum daily.
•Wax floors.
•Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
•Hang up fresh towels..
•Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Get a a fresh smelling air freshner Odors are a no-no..
8. Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
•Keep the sidewalks cleared.
•Mow the lawn.
•Plant colorful flowers or group flower together.
•Trim your bushes.
•Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number
Home prices are on the rise again. it is now the time to sell your home if you have been thinking about it
visit my website at: http://www.eastkendallrealestate.com and input your contact information.,iIf you would like more information on sellingyour home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddie_Santiago
By Freddie Santiago
Prepping your home Every seller wants their home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it's not luck that makes that happen.It takes planning, hiring a good Real Estate agent and knowing how to prepare your home, that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.
Here's How:
1.Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
•Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
•Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.
2. De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal and family photographs and memorabilia.. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
3.RemoveFavorite Items.
Remove every thing that is not going to be included in the sale of your property. If you are not including a ceiling lamp, remove it. If the buyer never sees it they will never want it therefore they will not covet it and it will not ruin your deal.
4. Make Minor Repairs.
•Patch holes in walls.
•Fix leaky faucets.
•Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
•Consider painting your walls neutral colors,
•Replace burned-out light bulbs.
•If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
5. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
•Neatly stack dishes.
•Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
•Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
•Line up shoes.
6. Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around.
7. Make the House Sparkle!
•Wash windows inside and out.
•Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
•Clean out cobwebs.
•Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
•Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
•Clean out the refrigerator.
•Vacuum daily.
•Wax floors.
•Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
•Hang up fresh towels..
•Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Get a a fresh smelling air freshner Odors are a no-no..
8. Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
•Keep the sidewalks cleared.
•Mow the lawn.
•Plant colorful flowers or group flower together.
•Trim your bushes.
•Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number
Home prices are on the rise again. it is now the time to sell your home if you have been thinking about it
visit my website at: http://www.eastkendallrealestate.com and input your contact information.,iIf you would like more information on sellingyour home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddie_Santiago
Monday, August 13, 2012
Coming up events and Some Real Estate news
*Avocado Festival
Saturday, Aug 18 9:00a to 5:00p
at Unity Center of Miami, Miami, FL
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: There are no tags.
CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH UNITY CENTER OF MIAMI'S EVERYTHING AVOCADO FESTIVAL.. PURCHASE HOME GROWN HOME PICKED AVOCADOS. ENJOY MUSIC, FOODS & DRINKS. FACIALS, HAIR & MASSAGE with Avocado Based Products.
August 18, 2012 9am-5pm @ 16320 SW 147 Ave Miami, Fl
*Wine by the Bay Presents a "Beer Tasting"
Thursday, Aug 16 7:00p
at Wine by the Bay, Miami, FL
Price: Call for Details
Phone: (305) 455-9791
Age Suitability: 21 and up
Tags: wine tasting event downtown miami cultural art
Tonight we will be tasting some of the best beers Germany has to offer. Lederhosen is optional! RSVP is required to info@winebtb.com or 305.455.9791.Wine by the Bay is Downtown Miami’s best source of wine for all tastes and budgets, Champagne, exotic beer, Foie Gras, and caviar. Plus art exhibits and cultural events! Free delivery to select areas with a purchase of 6 bottles or more.
*Sunset Marketplace
Saturday, Aug 18 10:00a to 6:00p
at Sunset Place, Miami, FL
Price: Free
Phone: (305) 531-0038
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: fruit, organic, honey, vegetable
The market will include organic foods, fruits and vegetables, soaps, tropical fruit smoothies, plants and baked foods
*Nestor Torres to Perform and Introduce New Musical Acts Towynwood Kitchen & Bar Weekly Music Series
Thursday, Aug 16 7:30p
at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Miami, FL
Phone: (305) 722-8959
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: There are no tags.
As part of Wynwood Kitchen & Bar's music series, curated by Grammy Award-winning jazz flautist Nestor Torres, musical talent Big Brooklyn Red will be performing Thursday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The series continues through the summer and until further notice. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
*Miami Raymi
Saturday, Aug 18 7:30p
at Area Stage Company at Riviera Plaza, Coral Gables, FL
Price: $ 15.00
Phone: (305) 776-1073
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: music, folk, peru, andes, miami, kuyayky, raymi
"Miami Raymi"
Back by public demand
“Miami Raymi” is a unique and spectacular show that features Andean music, dance, video and photography as an allegory of the “Inti Raymi”also known as the Festival of the Sun, one of the biggest ceremonies
in honor of nature performed by the people of the Andes.
This event is produced by Kuy Productions and the Kuyayky Foundation.
REAL ESTATE HAPPENINGS
*Indian Creek mansion sells for record $47 million
In the latest sign that luxury property is hot, especially in South Florida, an estate at 3 Indian Creek fetched $47 million, a Miami-Dade record.
This bayfront Indian Creek mansion sold Tuesday for $47 million, marking the highest price paid for a residence in Miami-Dade County history.
A spectacular bayfront Indian Creek mansion sold Tuesday for $47 million, marking the highest price paid for a residence in Miami-Dade County history, according to real estate agents.
The new 10-bedroom, 14-bathroom resort-style estate at 3 Indian Creek is nestled on a lot that measures 200 feet by 400 feet — that’s a little less than two acres — facing west to the aquamarine waters of Biscayne Bay. It was constructed along a series of pavilions connected by stone walkways and garden walls.
The original asking price was $60 million, later marked down to $52 million.
The largely glass home, which brings in natural light and integrates the outdoors, features a 100-foot swimming pool and cabana, six wet bars, a rooftop sky bar and Jacuzzi, plus a spa and glass-enclosed waterfront gym at the home, which spans 22,000 square feet of enclosed space. Its beach has pink sand imported from the Bahamas.
There is a 3D theater, a recording studio, a vertical garden and indoor reflecting pools
*Insurance ‘sticker shock’ for home buyers
As rates rise at Citizens Property Insurance Corp., real estate professionals say Florida’s housing market is taking a hit
TALLAHASSEE -- Justin and Ashleigh Leto were ready to buy their Florida dream home. The property was perfect, the price was acceptable and the sellers were ready to hand over the keys to the first-time homebuyers.
One problem: insurance.
The home, a four-bedroom in Coconut Grove, had been deemed risky by all licensed private insurers, leaving state-run Citizens Property Insurance as the only company willing to cover it. Due to recent changes at Citizens, the quote for the annual insurance premium was far higher than anything the Letos had budgeted for. The deal nearly fell through.
“If I didn’t have friends who had warned me about the high cost of insurance, I would have been shell-shocked,” said Justin Leto, who closed on the house in June but still worries about the $11,000 annual insurance premium. “For a lot of people, this is going to make it impossible to buy a home.”
It’s a scenario playing out across the state, as rising insurance premiums play an increasing role in the home sales market, according to real estate agents and home builders.
RECENT SALES
*10170 SW 125 AVE$417,000.00 Buyer: ORTEGA, VALERIA C
Assessed value: $415,533.00
Recording date: 08/03/2012
Seller: PIONEER INVEST ENTERP INC TRU
Beds/baths: 4/2
House square feet: 2829
*10301 SW 117 AVE$293,000.00 Buyer: PERNUDI, KIMBERLY S
Assessed value: $291,713.00
Recording date: 03/27/2012
Distance: 1.6 miles
Seller: VELEZ, MARIO
Beds/baths: 3/2
House square feet:2490
*9300 SW 153 PSGE$275,000.00 Buyer: PRIVATE LENDING GRP LLC
Assessed value: $275,035.00
Recording date: 06/01/2012
Distance: 2.7 miles
Seller: PINO, SERGIO
Beds/baths: 4/3
House square feet: 3077
Saturday, Aug 18 9:00a to 5:00p
at Unity Center of Miami, Miami, FL
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: There are no tags.
CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH UNITY CENTER OF MIAMI'S EVERYTHING AVOCADO FESTIVAL.. PURCHASE HOME GROWN HOME PICKED AVOCADOS. ENJOY MUSIC, FOODS & DRINKS. FACIALS, HAIR & MASSAGE with Avocado Based Products.
August 18, 2012 9am-5pm @ 16320 SW 147 Ave Miami, Fl
*Wine by the Bay Presents a "Beer Tasting"
Thursday, Aug 16 7:00p
at Wine by the Bay, Miami, FL
Price: Call for Details
Phone: (305) 455-9791
Age Suitability: 21 and up
Tags: wine tasting event downtown miami cultural art
Tonight we will be tasting some of the best beers Germany has to offer. Lederhosen is optional! RSVP is required to info@winebtb.com or 305.455.9791.Wine by the Bay is Downtown Miami’s best source of wine for all tastes and budgets, Champagne, exotic beer, Foie Gras, and caviar. Plus art exhibits and cultural events! Free delivery to select areas with a purchase of 6 bottles or more.
*Sunset Marketplace
Saturday, Aug 18 10:00a to 6:00p
at Sunset Place, Miami, FL
Price: Free
Phone: (305) 531-0038
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: fruit, organic, honey, vegetable
The market will include organic foods, fruits and vegetables, soaps, tropical fruit smoothies, plants and baked foods
*Nestor Torres to Perform and Introduce New Musical Acts Towynwood Kitchen & Bar Weekly Music Series
Thursday, Aug 16 7:30p
at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Miami, FL
Phone: (305) 722-8959
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: There are no tags.
As part of Wynwood Kitchen & Bar's music series, curated by Grammy Award-winning jazz flautist Nestor Torres, musical talent Big Brooklyn Red will be performing Thursday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The series continues through the summer and until further notice. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
*Miami Raymi
Saturday, Aug 18 7:30p
at Area Stage Company at Riviera Plaza, Coral Gables, FL
Price: $ 15.00
Phone: (305) 776-1073
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: music, folk, peru, andes, miami, kuyayky, raymi
"Miami Raymi"
Back by public demand
“Miami Raymi” is a unique and spectacular show that features Andean music, dance, video and photography as an allegory of the “Inti Raymi”also known as the Festival of the Sun, one of the biggest ceremonies
in honor of nature performed by the people of the Andes.
This event is produced by Kuy Productions and the Kuyayky Foundation.
REAL ESTATE HAPPENINGS
*Indian Creek mansion sells for record $47 million
In the latest sign that luxury property is hot, especially in South Florida, an estate at 3 Indian Creek fetched $47 million, a Miami-Dade record.
This bayfront Indian Creek mansion sold Tuesday for $47 million, marking the highest price paid for a residence in Miami-Dade County history.
A spectacular bayfront Indian Creek mansion sold Tuesday for $47 million, marking the highest price paid for a residence in Miami-Dade County history, according to real estate agents.
The new 10-bedroom, 14-bathroom resort-style estate at 3 Indian Creek is nestled on a lot that measures 200 feet by 400 feet — that’s a little less than two acres — facing west to the aquamarine waters of Biscayne Bay. It was constructed along a series of pavilions connected by stone walkways and garden walls.
The original asking price was $60 million, later marked down to $52 million.
The largely glass home, which brings in natural light and integrates the outdoors, features a 100-foot swimming pool and cabana, six wet bars, a rooftop sky bar and Jacuzzi, plus a spa and glass-enclosed waterfront gym at the home, which spans 22,000 square feet of enclosed space. Its beach has pink sand imported from the Bahamas.
There is a 3D theater, a recording studio, a vertical garden and indoor reflecting pools
*Insurance ‘sticker shock’ for home buyers
As rates rise at Citizens Property Insurance Corp., real estate professionals say Florida’s housing market is taking a hit
TALLAHASSEE -- Justin and Ashleigh Leto were ready to buy their Florida dream home. The property was perfect, the price was acceptable and the sellers were ready to hand over the keys to the first-time homebuyers.
One problem: insurance.
The home, a four-bedroom in Coconut Grove, had been deemed risky by all licensed private insurers, leaving state-run Citizens Property Insurance as the only company willing to cover it. Due to recent changes at Citizens, the quote for the annual insurance premium was far higher than anything the Letos had budgeted for. The deal nearly fell through.
“If I didn’t have friends who had warned me about the high cost of insurance, I would have been shell-shocked,” said Justin Leto, who closed on the house in June but still worries about the $11,000 annual insurance premium. “For a lot of people, this is going to make it impossible to buy a home.”
It’s a scenario playing out across the state, as rising insurance premiums play an increasing role in the home sales market, according to real estate agents and home builders.
RECENT SALES
*10170 SW 125 AVE$417,000.00 Buyer: ORTEGA, VALERIA C
Assessed value: $415,533.00
Recording date: 08/03/2012
Seller: PIONEER INVEST ENTERP INC TRU
Beds/baths: 4/2
House square feet: 2829
*10301 SW 117 AVE$293,000.00 Buyer: PERNUDI, KIMBERLY S
Assessed value: $291,713.00
Recording date: 03/27/2012
Distance: 1.6 miles
Seller: VELEZ, MARIO
Beds/baths: 3/2
House square feet:2490
*9300 SW 153 PSGE$275,000.00 Buyer: PRIVATE LENDING GRP LLC
Assessed value: $275,035.00
Recording date: 06/01/2012
Distance: 2.7 miles
Seller: PINO, SERGIO
Beds/baths: 4/3
House square feet: 3077
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
events and real estate news for this week
* Burger, Beer & Meatball Bash
Saturday, Aug 4 4:00p to 10:00p
at The Miami Circle™, Miami, FL
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: taste of brickell
Celebrating Miami Spice Month - Burger, Beer & Meatball Bash in Brickell at the Miami Circle which is located at the mouth of the Miami River and Downtown Miami, behind the Icon at Brickell on Biscayne Bay. Over 30 meatball and burger samples to choose from & unlimited craft beer tasting. Event 4pm to 10pm. After party begins at 10pm at Club 50
*Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival
Saturday, Sep 29 10:00a to 6:00p
at Peacock Park - Coconut Grove, Miami, FL
Price: Adults $10.00 Kids $5.00
Phone: (954) 916-7946
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: rides, community, kids, festival, food, shopping, performances, fun, pumpkin patch, miami, coconut grove
South Florida families, join us for a wonderFALL autumn celebration – The Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival! This 2-day festival will feature a variety of fun activities and rides for the whole family. Come hungry, as there will also be a Foodie Feast area serving breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day! And don’t worry about bringing a camera, we’ll have a professional photography station set up at the Pumpkin Patch to capture memories of your fun-filled day with the whole family!
*Mary Brickell Village Sunday Market
Sunday, July 29 10:00a to 5:00p
at Mary Brickell Village, Miami, FL
Price: Free
Phone: (305) 531-0038
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: crafts, art
Year round Sunday market features handmade crafts, art, jewelry and orchids
*Wine by the Bay Presents "Great Wines of Italy"
Thursday, July 26 7:00p to 8:30p
at Wine by the Bay, Miami, FL
Price: $20
Phone: (305) 455-9791
Age Suitability: Senior Citizens
Tags: wine tastings downtown miami
If you’ve been curious about trying something otheTHE event for you. RSVP is required to info@winebtb.com or
*Nestor Torres to Perform and Introduce New Musical Acts to Wynwood Kitchen & Bar Weekly Music Series
Thursday, July 26 7:30p
at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Miami, FL
Phone: (305) 722-8959
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: There are no tags.
As part of Wynwood Kitchen & Bar's music series, curated by Grammy Award-winning jazz flautist Nestor Torres, musical talent Taylor Vega will be performing Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.
The series continues through the summer and until further notice. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m
Real Estate News and Recent Sales
* Miami-Dade and Broward home prices rose in June
By Martha Brannigan The Miami Herald
With inventory tight, median prices of single-family homes and condos rose in Miami-Dade and Broward in June, reflecting an improving market. One big uncertainty: looming foreclosures.
The median price of an existing single-family home in Miami-Dade rose 5 percent in June to $194,250 from a year earlier, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year price increases, the Miami Association of Realtors said.
Miami-Dade condos were the hottest items, with the median price of an existing condo spiking 34 percent in June to $160,000 from a year earlier amid a dramatic 29 percent drop in the inventory of residential units listed for sale, the group said.
The number of single-family homes sold in Miami-Dade dipped 1.8 percent in June from a year earlier, reflecting the scarcity of listings, but condo sales increased 4 percent over that period
Rising prices
Existing home prices rose in Miami-Dade and Broward in June from year ago.
June 2012
MIAMI-DADE BROWARD
Median price single family $194,250 (+5 percent) $215,000 (+8 percent)
Condo $160,000 (+34 percent) $85,900 (+14.5 percent)
No. closed sales Single family 906 (-1.8 percent) 1,310 (+1.3 percent)
Condo 1,368 (+4 percent) 1,485 (-4.4 percent)
Source: Miami Association of Realtors and Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors.
*Wells Fargo pays $175 million to settle lending discrimination case
By Martha Brannigan The Miami Herald
Wells Fargo agreed to pay $175 million to compensate minority borrowers who the Justice Department says were steered to pricier mortgages.
Wells Fargo Bank N.A. agreed to pay $175 million to settle Justice Department charges that the giant mortgage lender discriminated against African-American and Hispanic borrowers by steering them to subprime mortgages or other mortgages with higher fees and costs than those given to non-Hispanic white customers with similar credit quality.
About 4,100 Miami customers were victimized by the higher borrowing costs between 2004 and 2008, according to a civil suit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Among the 82 geographic markets in 36 states and the District of Columbia where unfair lending was identified, only Los Angeles had more minority customers discriminated against by the bank — some 4,500 — according to the suit, which was filed Thursday along with a proposed settlement that requires court approval.
About 4,000 African-American and Hispanic customers were discriminated against by improperly being steered to subprime mortgages and another 30,000 were hit with higher fees and rates than non-Hispanic white borrowers with similar credit profiles.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/12/2893222/wells-fargo-pays-175-million-to.html#storylink=cpy
Recent Sales
*933 HARDEE RD
$680,000.00 ($0.00 ppsqft)
Buyer: ACOSTA, ENRIQUE
Assessed value: $744,063.00
Recording date: 03/07/2012
Distance: 596 feet
Seller: QUITIAN, NUBIA
Beds/baths: 4/2
House square feet: 3,942
*10301 SW 117 AVE
$293,000.00 ($0.00 ppsqft)
Buyer: PERNUDI, KIMBERLY S
Assessed value: $291,713.00
Recording date: 03/27/2012
Distance: 2.6 miles
Seller: VELEZ, MARIO
Beds/baths: 3/2
House square feet: 2,490
*1010 ANDORA AVE
$700,000.00
Buyer: TORKINGTON, DAVID &W
Assessed value: $573,509.00
Recording date: 04/09/2012
Distance: 0.3 miles
Seller: BLANCO, FERNANDO J
Beds/baths: 3/2
House square feet: 2,257
Ihope you have enjoyed the information.
See you next week!!!!!
Saturday, Aug 4 4:00p to 10:00p
at The Miami Circle™, Miami, FL
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: taste of brickell
Celebrating Miami Spice Month - Burger, Beer & Meatball Bash in Brickell at the Miami Circle which is located at the mouth of the Miami River and Downtown Miami, behind the Icon at Brickell on Biscayne Bay. Over 30 meatball and burger samples to choose from & unlimited craft beer tasting. Event 4pm to 10pm. After party begins at 10pm at Club 50
*Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival
Saturday, Sep 29 10:00a to 6:00p
at Peacock Park - Coconut Grove, Miami, FL
Price: Adults $10.00 Kids $5.00
Phone: (954) 916-7946
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: rides, community, kids, festival, food, shopping, performances, fun, pumpkin patch, miami, coconut grove
South Florida families, join us for a wonderFALL autumn celebration – The Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival! This 2-day festival will feature a variety of fun activities and rides for the whole family. Come hungry, as there will also be a Foodie Feast area serving breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day! And don’t worry about bringing a camera, we’ll have a professional photography station set up at the Pumpkin Patch to capture memories of your fun-filled day with the whole family!
*Mary Brickell Village Sunday Market
Sunday, July 29 10:00a to 5:00p
at Mary Brickell Village, Miami, FL
Price: Free
Phone: (305) 531-0038
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: crafts, art
Year round Sunday market features handmade crafts, art, jewelry and orchids
*Wine by the Bay Presents "Great Wines of Italy"
Thursday, July 26 7:00p to 8:30p
at Wine by the Bay, Miami, FL
Price: $20
Phone: (305) 455-9791
Age Suitability: Senior Citizens
Tags: wine tastings downtown miami
If you’ve been curious about trying something otheTHE event for you. RSVP is required to info@winebtb.com or
*Nestor Torres to Perform and Introduce New Musical Acts to Wynwood Kitchen & Bar Weekly Music Series
Thursday, July 26 7:30p
at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Miami, FL
Phone: (305) 722-8959
Age Suitability: None Specified
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As part of Wynwood Kitchen & Bar's music series, curated by Grammy Award-winning jazz flautist Nestor Torres, musical talent Taylor Vega will be performing Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.
The series continues through the summer and until further notice. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m
Real Estate News and Recent Sales
* Miami-Dade and Broward home prices rose in June
By Martha Brannigan The Miami Herald
With inventory tight, median prices of single-family homes and condos rose in Miami-Dade and Broward in June, reflecting an improving market. One big uncertainty: looming foreclosures.
The median price of an existing single-family home in Miami-Dade rose 5 percent in June to $194,250 from a year earlier, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year price increases, the Miami Association of Realtors said.
Miami-Dade condos were the hottest items, with the median price of an existing condo spiking 34 percent in June to $160,000 from a year earlier amid a dramatic 29 percent drop in the inventory of residential units listed for sale, the group said.
The number of single-family homes sold in Miami-Dade dipped 1.8 percent in June from a year earlier, reflecting the scarcity of listings, but condo sales increased 4 percent over that period
Rising prices
Existing home prices rose in Miami-Dade and Broward in June from year ago.
June 2012
MIAMI-DADE BROWARD
Median price single family $194,250 (+5 percent) $215,000 (+8 percent)
Condo $160,000 (+34 percent) $85,900 (+14.5 percent)
No. closed sales Single family 906 (-1.8 percent) 1,310 (+1.3 percent)
Condo 1,368 (+4 percent) 1,485 (-4.4 percent)
Source: Miami Association of Realtors and Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors.
*Wells Fargo pays $175 million to settle lending discrimination case
By Martha Brannigan The Miami Herald
Wells Fargo agreed to pay $175 million to compensate minority borrowers who the Justice Department says were steered to pricier mortgages.
Wells Fargo Bank N.A. agreed to pay $175 million to settle Justice Department charges that the giant mortgage lender discriminated against African-American and Hispanic borrowers by steering them to subprime mortgages or other mortgages with higher fees and costs than those given to non-Hispanic white customers with similar credit quality.
About 4,100 Miami customers were victimized by the higher borrowing costs between 2004 and 2008, according to a civil suit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Among the 82 geographic markets in 36 states and the District of Columbia where unfair lending was identified, only Los Angeles had more minority customers discriminated against by the bank — some 4,500 — according to the suit, which was filed Thursday along with a proposed settlement that requires court approval.
About 4,000 African-American and Hispanic customers were discriminated against by improperly being steered to subprime mortgages and another 30,000 were hit with higher fees and rates than non-Hispanic white borrowers with similar credit profiles.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/12/2893222/wells-fargo-pays-175-million-to.html#storylink=cpy
Recent Sales
*933 HARDEE RD
$680,000.00 ($0.00 ppsqft)
Buyer: ACOSTA, ENRIQUE
Assessed value: $744,063.00
Recording date: 03/07/2012
Distance: 596 feet
Seller: QUITIAN, NUBIA
Beds/baths: 4/2
House square feet: 3,942
*10301 SW 117 AVE
$293,000.00 ($0.00 ppsqft)
Buyer: PERNUDI, KIMBERLY S
Assessed value: $291,713.00
Recording date: 03/27/2012
Distance: 2.6 miles
Seller: VELEZ, MARIO
Beds/baths: 3/2
House square feet: 2,490
*1010 ANDORA AVE
$700,000.00
Buyer: TORKINGTON, DAVID &W
Assessed value: $573,509.00
Recording date: 04/09/2012
Distance: 0.3 miles
Seller: BLANCO, FERNANDO J
Beds/baths: 3/2
House square feet: 2,257
Ihope you have enjoyed the information.
See you next week!!!!!
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