Miami is an incredible city filled with beaches, sports, endless cultural expreiences, an amazing array of fine arts, and so much more in addition to some incredible neighborhoods with great schools and parks.
Last year brought many challenges and also brought to light the desire for larger yards, pools, home offices, and home gyms. Florida has also seen a huge influx of translpants from other parts of the country.
All of this has driven the South Florida real estate market to new highs, but for many buyers it has caused an emotional roller coaster.
Buyers save, plan and dream of the home they wish to buy. Then they start their search, excited and ready. As we are currently in a "seller's market," much stress can be caused by lack of inventory, competing in multiple offer situations, knowing when and just how far to push the budget.
The key to a successful purchase is to have a plan in place. Priortize what features are most important and which you can live without or add down the road. Have a realistic budget, based on pre-qualification from a reputable lender, and know just how much of a cushion you are willing to stretch to get into a new home. Work with an agent that can provide knowledge as to certain home conditions that could affect that budget either through repairs or insurance costs.
I frequently remind my clients that there are many homes and when the time is right everything will fall into place. I also encourage them not to make emotional purchases. The numbers need to work.
This can be an exciting process given the right tools and guidance. Happy househunting!