Metroplace Realty

Metroplace Realty Metroplace Realty is a unique an innovative boutique Real Estate Brokerage servicing the South East

Metroplace Realty is a unique an innovative boutique Real Estate Brokerage servicing the South East Florida market. Whether a seller, a buyer, or an investor, we think of our clients as family. Rest assured, we are here to keep the process fluid, successful and stress free. Thanks to more than 20 years of combined experience as real estate professionals, we are proud of our reputation for excellent negotiation skills, cutting-edge marketing, and invaluable connections, both locally and globally.

One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their hous...
05/04/2022

One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month.

Those sellers expecting to sell quickly are following recent buyer trends. With mortgage rates and home prices rising, buyers in today’s market are serious about finding a home quickly. But with the limited number of homes for sale, there are very few options for those buyers to choose from. That means many may be willing to take on projects after they purchase.

Because of this, you may be able to focus on less time-consuming tasks before putting your house on the market. According to the survey mentioned above, some of the top things recent sellers completed before listing over the past year include landscaping, making minor cosmetic updates, and touching-up paint.

Of course, each situation is different, and knowing what repairs or updates your house needs to stand out in your local area is critical. Your trusted real estate advisor knows the ins and outs of the market in your specific area. They’ll help you identify the places where you should and shouldn’t spend your time and money – and that can enable you to list quickly.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the incredible conditions for sellers in today’s real estate market but are worried about the time it’ll take to get your home ready, you might be closer than you think. DM me so you can see what you need to do before listing your house today.

If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because recent home price appreciation has increase...
04/08/2022

If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because recent home price appreciation has increased your equity. Your equity grows as you pay down your loan and as your home increases in value. Over the past year, the average homeowner’s equity grew by $55,300.

Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if ...
04/05/2022

Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if you know which features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are just nice bonuses, you can land a home that fits your needs. Danielle Hale from realtor.com explains, “Focus on the goal you set out for yourself, like your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves and your budget, . . . Stick to that. Be persistent.”

The first step is to get pre-approved for your mortgage. Once you have a good grasp on your budget, you can begin to list all the features of a home you would like. Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:

>>Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.).
>>Nice-To-Haves – These are features that you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-To-Haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of the these, it’s a contender (examples: a second home office, garage, etc.).
>>Dream State– This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner (examples: farmhouse sink, multiple walk-in closets, etc.).

Crafting your home search checklist may seem like a small task, but it can save you time and money. It’s also one of the keys to being successful in today’s competitive market. DM me so we can work together to find a home that fits your wants and needs.

Here’s a look at a few of the non-financial and financial benefits of owning a home. If you’re looking to buy a home tod...
03/25/2022

Here’s a look at a few of the non-financial and financial benefits of owning a home. If you’re looking to buy a home today, think about all the ways homeownership can impact your life.

>>Homeownership Has Impactful Personal and Emotional Benefits
Owning your home gives you a significant sense of pride because it’s a space which is truly yours. And as a homeowner, you can customize your home to your heart’s desire. Having a space you’ve put your stamp on enhances the pride and sense of ownership you may feel. And that sense of ownership can extend beyond your shelter to help create social, community, and civic benefits as well. As NAR says, “Living in one place for a longer amount of time creates an obvious sense of community pride, which may lead to more investment in said community.”
>>Owning a Home Is a Significant Step Toward Financial Stability
In a financial sense, homeowners benefit from home price appreciation, equity gains, and having a shield against some of the effects of inflation. These benefits can have a big impact on your life. As you gain equity through home price appreciation and paying down your mortgage, you build your net worth. And in times of inflation, your 30-year fixed rate mortgage can help you stabilize one of your largest monthly expenses for the duration of your loan. Knowing you’ve made a good investment soon after your purchase is powerful. And that may give you confidence in your decision to buy a home.

To learn how homeownership can help you, DM me to start the conversation today.

If you’re a current homeowner, you should know your net worth just got a big boost. It comes in the form of rising home ...
03/22/2022

If you’re a current homeowner, you should know your net worth just got a big boost. It comes in the form of rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Today, you’re building that equity far faster than you may expect – and this gain is great news for you.

Here’s how it happened. Home values are on the rise thanks to low housing supply and high buyer demand. When you own a home, the rising prices mean your home is worth more in today’s market. And as home values climb, your equity does too. As Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains, “Home prices rose 18% during 2021 in the CoreLogic Home Price Index, the largest annual gain recorded in its 45-year history, generating a big increase in home equity wealth.” According to CoreLogic, the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $55,300 over the last 12 months.

In addition to building your overall net worth, equity can also help you achieve other goals like buying your next home. It works like this: when you sell your house, the equity you built up comes back to you in the sale. In a market where you’re gaining so much equity, it may be just what you need to cover a large portion – if not all – of the down payment on your next home. To find out just how much equity you have in your home and how you can use it to fuel your next purchase, DM me so you can get a professional equity assessment report on your house.

As a homebuyer, it’s important to plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home. Here’s som...
03/16/2022

As a homebuyer, it’s important to plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home. Here’s some information to help you get started so you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home.

>>What Are Closing Costs?
One possible reason some people are surprised by closing costs may be because they don’t know what they are or what they cover. According to U.S. News and World Report:

“Closing costs encompass a variety of expenses above your property's purchase price. They include things like lender fees, title insurance, government processing fees, upfront tax payments and homeowners insurance.”

In other words, your closing costs are a collection of fees and payments made to a variety of individuals and organizations who are involved with your transaction.

>>How Much Will You Need To Budget for Closing Costs?
According to the Freddie Mac article mentioned above, the costs to close are typically between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price of your home. Let’s say you find a home you want to purchase for the median price of $350,300. Based on the 2-5% Freddie Mac estimate, your closing fees could be between roughly $7,000 and $17,500.

Keep in mind, if you’re in the market for a home above or below this price range, your closing costs will be higher or lower.

>>What’s the Best Way To Make Sure You’re Prepared At Closing Time?
The best way to understand what you’ll need at the closing table is to work with a team of trusted real estate professionals. An agent can help connect you with a lender, and together they can provide you with answers to the questions you might have.

DM me so you have the knowledge you need to be confident going into the homebuying process.

For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s wh...
03/03/2022

For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from NAR shows, “For first-time home buyers, 29 percent said saving for a downpayment [sic] was the most difficult step in the process.”
If you’re finding that your down payment is your biggest hurdle, the good news is there are many down payment assistance programs available that can help you achieve your goals. And it’s not just first-time homebuyers that are eligible for these programs. Downpaymentresource.com notes, “You don’t have to be a first-time buyer. Over 38% of all programs are for repeat homebuyers who have owned a home in the last 3 years.” That means no matter where you are in your homeownership journey, there could be an option available for you.

There are also multiple down payment assistance resources designed to help those who serve our communities. Teacher Next Door is just one program that seeks to help teachers, first responders, health providers, government employees, active-duty military personnel, and veterans reach their down payment goals.

And, most importantly, even if you don’t qualify for these types of specialized programs, there are many federal, state, and local programs available for you to explore. And the best way to do that is to connect with a local real estate professional to learn more about what’s available in your area. To learn more about your options, DM me so you can start your homebuying journey today.

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. While everyon...
02/11/2022

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more within your reach than you realize.

According to data from NAR, “When asked specifically about purchasing a home, half of nonhomeowners say student loan debt is delaying them from purchasing a home (51%).”

In the same NAR report, data shows many current homeowners have student loan debt themselves. “Nearly one-quarter of all home buyers, and 37% of first-time buyers, had student debt, with a typical amount of $30,000.”

That means other people in a similar situation were able to qualify for and buy a home even though they also had student loan debt. You may be able to do the same, especially if you have a steady source of income. Apartment Therapy drives this point home. “. . . buying a home with student loans is possible, experts say. The proof is in the numbers, too: Some 40 percent of first-time homebuyers have student loan debt, according to the NAR study.”

The key takeaway is, for many people, homeownership is achievable even with student loans. The best way to make a decision about your goals and next steps is to talk to the professionals. A real estate advisor can walk your through your specific situation, your options, and what has worked for other buyers like you. They can also connect you with other professionals in the industry who can help. You don’t have to figure this out on your own – lean on the experts so you have the information you need to make an informed, confident decision. DM me to discuss your options and find out how close you are to achieving your goal.

Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health ...
02/10/2022

Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us have spent more time at home and that’s led us to re-evaluate both what we need in a house and how much we appreciate having a safe space. If you’ve found your current home isn’t filling all your needs, you may be wondering if it’s time to find a new one.

There’s reason to believe a change of scenery could boost your happiness. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, says, “Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.” A move could be exactly the new experience you’ve been looking for. If that’s something you’re considering to better your lifestyle, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Buying and selling a home is a major life change, and it’s not a decision you should enter lightly. But, if you’re questioning whether or not a move would bring you more happiness, it’s important to explore if it’s the right choice for you. To find out more and discuss your options, reach out to a local real estate professional. They’ll explain the process – including how to list your existing house and search for a new one – in clear and simple terms. Moving could provide you with a fresh beginning and the chance to find happiness in your new home. DM me today to talk about your goals and options in the current market.

Many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group...
02/09/2022

Many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group, you may be balancing things like the ongoing health crisis, rising mortgage rates, and your own changing needs to determine your best time to make a move.

According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae, 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.

Consumers are incredibly optimistic today. In fact, survey respondents think it’s an even better time to sell a house today than they did in the lead-up to the health crisis. The latest survey results indicate we’re at one of the strongest peaks in seller sentiment since March of 2019, hitting highs when 77% of people thought it was a good time to sell only twice before in June and October of 2021.

From record-high equity gains to record-low housing supply and significant buyer demand, homeowners have more motivation than ever to sell. There are more buyers in today’s market than there are homes for sale, and that’s driving home prices up, making it a great time to sell your house.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the current supply of homes for sale today is at an all-time low. When the supply of homes for sale is low, sellers will likely see more offers, which is exactly what’s happening right now. As NAR notes:

“The average home for sale is receiving 3.8 offers today, up from 3.3 offers just one year ago.”

With the inventory of houses for sale so low today pushing home prices in an upward direction, it’s no wonder consumers think it’s a good time to sell. If you’re ready to take advantage of today’s favorable sellers’ market, DM me today.

Whether you’re buying or selling, there are many perks that come from working with a real estate advisor. Real estate pr...
11/29/2021

Whether you’re buying or selling, there are many perks that come from working with a real estate advisor. Real estate professionals are experts at navigating all aspects of the buying and selling process, including negotiating on your behalf. We can also explain today’s market and break down what it means for you. Don’t go at it alone. Let’s connect today so you have advice and an expert to count on each step of the way.

Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in hi...
10/13/2021

Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who worry they’ve missed out, rest assured today’s mortgage rates are still worth taking advantage of.

Even today, our mortgage rates are below what they’ve been in recent decades. So, while you may not be able to lock in the rate your friend got recently, you’re still in a great position to secure a rate well below what your parents and even grandparents got in years past. The key will be acting sooner rather than later.

In late September, mortgage rates ticked above 3% for the first time in months. And according to experts throughout the industry, mortgage rates are projected to continue rising in the months ahead.

For example, if rates rise to 3.55%, you’ll pay an extra $100 each month on your monthly mortgage payment if you purchase a home around this time next year. That extra money can really add up over the life of a 15 or 30-year loan.

Clearly, today’s mortgage rates are worth taking advantage of before they climb further. The rates we’re seeing right now give you a unique opportunity to afford more home for your money while keeping your monthly payment down. DM me so you can seize this opportunity before rates increase further.

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3105 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 400-P 5
Doral, FL

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