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Important Filing Deadlines for 2016 Homestead Exemption

Important Filing Deadlines for 2016 Homestead Exemption:

March 1, 2016 (timely filing)

September 19, 2016 (absolute late filing deadline for exemptions)

The timely filing period for Homestead Exemption for 2016 is March 3, 2015 through March 1, 2016. The absolute LATE FILE deadline for any 2016 exemption — if you miss the March 1st timely filing deadline — is September 19, 2016. State law (Sec. 196.011(8), Fla. Stat.) does not allow late filing for exemptions after this date, regardless of any good cause or reason for missing the late filing deadline.

Here is the updated link to file for Homestead Exemption in Miami-Dade County: miamidade.gov/pa/

Year in Review Market Viewpoint is Here!

The Year in Review Market Viewpoint is brought to you by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. It is an excellent source for local real estate statistics and trends for all of Florida.

Miami Worldcenter Video Tour

Have you checked to see how much your home is worth lately?

Have you checked to see how much your home is worth lately? You might be in for a pleasant surprise. Home prices went up considerably in 2015, and there’s a strong chance your home is one of them.

Click here to get an instant price update on your home.

I'm very proud to represent the Coldwell Banker brand. Take a look at the market share reports below and see why there is no better partner to help you sell your home.

Don't forget to click here and receive a custom evaluation for your home including comparisons to other homes recently sold as well as those currently on the market.

What Does The Fed Rate Hike Mean For Mortgage Rates?

News flash from Sunbelt Lending's Senior Loan Officer, David Caporini. David works with us at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Hollywood, Florida. Here's some great info from David on what the Fed interest rate hike means for mortgage rates.

97 Percent Financing is BACK!

Great news from Sunbelt Lending's Senior Loan Officer, David Caporini.

Buying your first home just got a little easier. Now you can buy your dream home with as little as 3% down.

Happy New Year! Wishing you happiness and continued success in 2016.

Where toasts are made, celebrations take place and new dreams are imagined. — This is Home.

Wishing you and yours a new year filled with joy, happiness and good health. 




Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Wishing you peace, joy, prosperity, and good health!

As we celebrate the glory of this miraculous holiday, may our homes be filled with love, peace, and joy. And may these blessings follow us throughout the New Year.

The Paramount Miami WorldCenter is SPECTACULAR!

http://theparamountmiamiworldcenter.com/

"For two years we traveled to the world's most dynamic metropolises, like Berlin, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore - both modern and ancient - to frame our vision for the future of Miami's downtown, and to help put into place our dream for a true 'city within a city.' " Art Falcone, CEO of Miami Worldcenter

Miami Worldcenter, the 2nd Largest Development in the U.S. is one of the most exciting urban developments in the U.S. – offering a diverse mix of retail, residential, office, hospitality, and entertainment components. Conveniently located next to Interstate 95 and 395, several Metromover stations, an adjacent train station, and just minutes from the Miami International Airport, Miami Worldcenter offers unmatched accessibility. Paramount Miami Worldcenter, will truly be a residential gem in the epicenter of Downtown Miami.

The Paramount Miami WorldCenter is truly SPECTACULAR! View more:

theparamountmiamiworldcenter.com

Turkey Tips You Need To Know Days Before Thanksgiving

Miami Real Estate Continues Strong Momentum in 3Q

Miami Real Estate Continues Strong Momentum in 3Q

MIAMI — Miami-Dade County real estate posted a robust third quarter as total residential sales, singlefamily home transactions, existing condo transactions and median prices grew compared to the same period in 2014, according to a new report by the 40,000-member MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) and the local Multiple Listing Service systems.

Miami-Dade County had 7,811 total residential sales in the third quarter of 2015, a 2.3 percent increase compared to the 7,632 sales in the third quarter of 2014. Single-family home transactions rose 4.1 percent, growing from 3,522 to 3,699. Despite a rise in supply of Miami pre-construction condo units east of Interstate 95, existing condo transactions increased 0.8 percent from 4,080 to 4,112.

“Miami real estate remains a bargain compared to other world-class global cities,” said Christopher Zoller, a 27-year Miami-based Realtor and the 2015 Residential President of MIAMI. “Miami singlefamily home prices are at 2004 levels, considerably lower than world cities such as New York, London and Hong Kong. Today’s prices coupled with historic-low mortgage rates and South Florida’s diversified job market are encouraging more consumers to purchase property in Miami.”

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.95 percent for 3Q 2015, according to Freddie Mac. That’s down from the 4.14 percent average in the same quarter a year earlier.

National, State Residential Sales in 3Q

Nationally, total existing-home sales for single-family and condominiums increased 3.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million in the third quarter from 5.30 million in the second quarter, and are 8.3 percent higher than the 5.06 million pace during the third quarter of 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Statewide, closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 74,141 in 3Q 2015, up 14.7 percent over the 3Q 2014 figure, according to Florida Realtors. Florida’s townhome-condo market totaled 28,860 during 3Q 2015, up 8.9 percent compared to 3Q 2014.

Miami Median Prices for Single-Family Homes, Condos Climb in 3Q

The median price for single-family homes in Miami-Dade County increased to $273,200 in the third quarter, a 9.3 percent jump from $250,000 in the same period last year. The median price for existing condominiums increased 4.8 percent year-over-year from $189,900 to $199,000. Miami-Dade County has now seen 15 consecutive quarters of price growth for single-family homes and condominiums.

Despite the increase in median prices, Miami’s residential properties remain more affordable than other global cities, according to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Buying Activity of International Clients. NAR analyzed the cost of a 120-square meter condo in a number of foreign cities based on prices reported in the Global Property Guide. A 120-square meter condo in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach cost $149,900 on average. The price for the same condo in London ($960,840), Hong Kong ($776,280), and New York ($1.6 million) were at least five times higher.

Nationally, the median existing single-family home price in the third quarter was $229,000, up 5.5 percent from the third quarter of 2014 ($217,100), according to NAR. The national median existing– condo price was $215,200 in the third quarter, up 2.0 percent from the third quarter of 2014 ($211,000).

Statewide, the median sales price for single-family existing homes in 3Q 2015 was $199,900 up 9.8 percent from the same time a year ago, according to Florida Realtors. The Florida median price for condos during the quarter was $150,000, up 7.9 percent over the year-ago figure.

Miami Total Active Listings Rise in 3Q

Seller confidence in Miami’s housing market continued to expand in the third quarter. Miami real estate had 17,837 active listings in the third quarter, a 2.0 percent increase from the 17,480 listings at the same time last year.

The inventory for single-family homes decreased 5.4 percent compared to the same period from last year. A record-level of single-family home sales in Miami has created the lower inventory. A total of 10,799 single-family homes were sold in Miami from January 2015 and September 2015, which puts the market on pace for 14,396 transactions. The annual Miami record is 13,521 sales, established last year.

Miami existing condos, which are also having a banner year with 12,265 existing condos sales from January 2015 to September 2015, saw a 6.3 percent year-over-year increase in active listings in the third quarter of 2015.

The Miami single-family home sector is in a seller’s market, while existing condos are leaning toward a buyer’s market. At the current sales pace, the number of active listings represents 5.1 months of inventory for single-family homes and 8.7 for condominiums. A balanced market between buyers and sellers offers between six and nine months of supply inventory.

The median days on the market for single-family home listings during the third quarter was 39 compared to 45 a year ago, a decrease of 13.3 percent. The median days on the market for condominiums was 60 compared to 57 last year, an increase of 5.3 percent. New listings for Miami single-family homes decreased 0.2 percent, from 6,237 to 6,223. New listings for condominiums decreased by 1.5 percent year-over-year from 8,366 to 8,238.

Miami Cash Sales More than Double National Average

Miami continues to register more than double the U.S. average of residential cash buyers. About 48.8 percent of Miami closed sales in the third quarter of 2015 were all cash. In comparison, just 24 percent of U.S. home properties are made in cash, according to the latest NAR statistics. About 54.9 percent of all Miami housing transactions were made in cash in the third quarter of 2014.

Statewide, cash sales represented 41 percent of all closed sales in the third quarter of 2015, down from 46 percent during the same period last year.

Miami’s existing condo market has more cash-only transactions with 62.5 percent of all transactions made in cash. In the single-family sector, about 33.5 percent of all transactions are made in cash.

The high percentage of cash buyers reflects Miami’s top position as the preeminent American real estate market for foreign buyers, who tend to purchase with all cash. About 81 percent of international buyers in South Florida pay all-cash, compared to 60 percent of international buyers purchasing across the U.S., according to the 2014 Survey of International Home Purchases conducted by NAR for MIAMI.

3Q Miami-Dade Statistical Reports — visit SFMarketIntel.com

Note: Statistics in this news release may vary depending on reporting dates. MIAMI reports exact statistics directly from its MLS system.

About the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®

The MIAMI Association of REALTORS® was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating 95 years of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Comprised of six organizations, the Residential Association, the Realtors Commercial Alliance, the Broward County Board of Governors, the Jupiter Tequesta Hobe Sound (JTHS) Council, the YPN Council and the award-winning International Council, it represents more than 40,000 real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local Realtor association in the U.S., and has official partnerships with more than 130 international organizations worldwide. MIAMI’s official website is www.miamire.com.

source

29 Ways It Pays To Work With A Realtor®

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home on your own, consider all the steps you may personally have to complete.

For a home seller, it is not easy to price your home without the input of a market expert. Here are a couple of recent blog posts on pricing your home: I Know Why Your Home Didn't Sell and What is Confirmation Bias and How Can I Use it to Price My Home?

Here are 29 steps you may have to personally complete which includes having to find an attorney to draft the real estate purchase contract.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy a new home, sell your house or relocate, I would love to hear from you. Even if I'm not in your immediate area, wherever you are, I can connect you or anyone you know with a top real estate agent. (305) 306-7677

I Know Why Your Home Didn't Sell

Were you given the right exposure in today's real estate market? Not getting the right exposure may be a reason why your home didn't sell. Another reason why your home didn't sell may be competitive pricing. Click here to read a previous post on using confirmation bias to price your home.

Home For The Holidays Has A Whole New Meaning

Wouldn't it be great if you could sell your home and purchase a new one before the end of the year? Home for the Holidays will take on a whole new meaning once you move into your new home... just in time for the Holidays!

If you or a friend are thinking about relocating to another state or even halfway around the world, I can introduce you to a skilled real estate professional who is familiar with your destination and can assist you with your home buying, selling or rental needs. I will keep in touch to be sure you find the perfect place in your new home town.

Wherever you're going, I will help you find another Real Estate Agent like me! Call or Text me (305) 306-7677

Fall 2015 Issue of Homes & Estates Magazine On My Blog

Source: Coldwell Banker Previews® Inside Out | A Look Into Luxury Home and Style

This Is The House You'll Want To Be Owning When American Dream Miami Arrives

Courtesy Of: The Valencia Group

Located within 2 and 1/2 miles of the 225 acres where American Dream Miami mall and theme park will be built — which is projected to be the largest in the United States — this perfectly polished gem is the house you'll want to own... and here's why:

Where in Miami can you find unobstructed views of a beautiful, lush green golf course without having to pay club membership fees? That's right. This section does not require club membership. Not only that, but there is NO ASSOCIATION which means no monthly maintenance fees.

Courtesy Of: The Valencia Group

Here's another tidbit... No association means no rental restrictions. And with the recent popularity of Short-term, seasonal rentals many would rather opt to pay for an entire week for a single family home rather than paying nightly for a hotel. 

As a matter-of-fact, just a few houses down, the neighbor has already been offering his home for weekly and monthly rentals. Check out his Facebook and Website. 

So technically, like the neighbor a few houses down has done, you really don't have to wait until American Dream Miami is built in order to start renting out your new polished gem in Country Club of Miami Estates. 

But, boy oh boy does this gorgeous house have the potential to be — when the huge mega-mall-theme-park-ski-slope-water-park arrives and the throngs of tourists begin to visit NW Miami-Dade — a tremendous money-maker! Who will be able to resist a master suite that opens up to such spectacular golf course views with soothing sounds of a fountain, pool and waterfall? It will be like owning your own mini-resort.

Courtesy Of: The Valencia Group

Can you believe this house is only being offered at $498,695? This is truly a hidden gem.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. 

Call me today! (305) 306-7677

Miami Herald Names Me As The Area Expert And Trulia Likes It

On September 20th, the Sunday edition of the Miami Herald featured a cover story about "New Housing Hot Spots" in South Florida. I'm humbled and thankful to have been a part of the cover story. It was exciting to be in front of the camera and talk about the place where I call home. I felt like a natural — I was born to be in front of the camera. (Okay no, not really, I was actually very nervous!)

It’s only fitting that Realtor Liliana "Lili" Tufel is selling homes in the suburban area where she grew up, attended school, got married and is now raising a family – the Country Club and Palm Springs North areas of northwest Miami-Dade County. “This is my home.”

The Coldwell Banker agent believes that the neighborhoods, in an unincorporated section tucked between Miami Lakes and the Broward County line, offer families and first-time home buyers a lot of options priced well under $400,000.

View the article here.

Minutes after the article went live online, I received my first phone call. An owner-agent listing needed my help. Lili Tufel to the rescue! Can you believe people have gone out of their way to look me up? Exciting times!

Not that I needed any validation (I'm not gonna lie, it does feel good sometimes) but Donna Reid, my manager at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Hollywood, FL and President of Miami Association of Realtors® shared this on her Facebook page:

And after sharing the Miami Herald article on my Instagram, Trulia liked it! What? That's right, yeah. Trulia liked it!

Miami Herald Neighborhood Spotlight With REALTOR® Lili Tufel

Click here to view the article at MiamiHerald.com

MIAMI BEACH: 100 YEARS OF MAKING WAVES | Documentary

Miami Beach turned 100 in 2015. In honor of the Miami Beach Centennial, the documentary MIAMI BEACH: 100 YEARS OF MAKING WAVES will air on Monday, August 3rd at 9 PM Eastern on WPBT. The film is produced by California-based Symon Productions and it is based on a book of the same name written by authors Charles J. Kropke and Eleanor Goldstein.

The authors collaborated on the one-hour PBS documentary, and Charles Kropke narrated the film.

"Miami Beach has welcomed many waves of people throughout the decades," Kropke says. "Well before the city was officially incorporated in March 26, 1915, the earliest settlers came here in the mid-1800s, followed in the 1910s and 1920s with a flood of winter visitors from northern states. Then came an influx of retirees from the Northeast in the 1930s, followed by the U.S. military that trained on Miami Beach during World War II in the 1940s. Later, waves included Cuban refugees during the 1980s and the international influx of investors and visitors who turned South Beach into one of the world's most glamorous destinations." source

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

On a personal note, my family moved to Miami in 1980. I was seven years old at the time and a very impressionable child. I remember listening to colorful stories of the happenings in and around Miami Beach.

I grew up in the era of Miami Vice and frequented South Beach as a young teen in the late 80s and 90s.

I've been a witness to the transformation from the 80s to present-day Miami Beach. Nowadays, I enjoy living in a quieter suburban area but I'm also close enough to enjoy the luxury of visiting Miami Beach anytime.

As a professional Real Estate agent with Coldwell Banker, I can help you when you're ready to buy a new home or sell your home anywhere in Miami. Whether in the city or the suburbs, I'm your local expert.

Call me today! (305) 306-7677

What is the Top Occupation in Your City?

Every wondered what your neighbors do for a living? According to data from the US Census, every city has its own most popular occupation. For example, in Miami Lakes, Health Care and Social Assistance dominate. Did you know? Out of all the people who live in Miami Lakes, most work in the Health Care industry. Take a look at the chart below to see which career came in second.

According to these Neighborhood reports from Miami Association of Realtors and RPR, the cities of Coral Gables and Weston share the same top Occupational Category. Professional, Scientific and Technical came in first. But in Coral Gables, Education is the second most popular occupation among residents. And in the city of Weston, Health Care and Social Assistance came in second place.

Of the cities I'm highlighting today, Doral's residents live the closest to Miami International Airport, and one of the largest areas for import/export. This entire area is a vital hub for trade. It's no surprise that the leading Occupational category among Doral residents is Wholesale Trade, with Retail Trade a close second.

What do you think is the top occupation in your city? If you'd like a full report these or any cities in South Florida, don't hesitate to call me (305) 306-7677. 

Neighborhood Report - Miami Lakes, Florida 1985 and Today

Miami Lakes is one of the youngest cities in Miami-Dade county, incorporating in December 2000. "Urban planners nationwide have consistently praised the Miami Lakes Master Plan for its winding streets, lush landscaping, generous parks, peaceful cul-de-sacs, and controlled mixed use and exclusive business parks." — miamilakes-fl.gov

One well-known Miami Laker, Coach Don Shula, was a long-time resident of Miami Lakes. Today, Miami Lakes is home to Shula’s Steak House, Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club, The Spa at Shula’s and Shula’s Athletic Club.

Source: Main Street via Facebook

Ernest Graham moved to Florida in the early 1920s. In the early 30s he took over a parcel of "swampland" which he turned into one of the most successful dairy farms in all of Florida. The Miami Lakes Master Plan was started in the early sixties. The plan included single family homes, town homes, schools, shopping, hotels and even a championship golf course.

Source: Main Street via Facebook

In the picture above — circa 1986 — construction was underway for what would be the city town-center known as Main Street. 

Source: Main Street via Facebook

"A twenty–two year old live oak was transplanted from the fourth fairway of the golf course to grace the main circle at Town Center’s Main Street. The twelve thousand pound tree was “walked” to its new location with the help of a forty–five ton crane." source

Source: Main Street via Facebook

Source: Main Street via Facebook

Below is the beautiful oak tree during the Holidays after the traditional lighting ceremony.

As a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate and a member of the Miami Realtor Association, I have access to very detailed neighborhood reports. Below are some Housing Stats and Charts for the Town of Miami Lakes.

Report updated 5/22/2015

Would you like to receive a complete (and most recent) report on the Town of Miami Lakes? Call or text me and I will send it to you! (305) 306-7677

Fisher Island Zip Code Has Third Highest Average Income in America

According to a new map from data compiled by the credit company Experian, my absolute favorite place to live - FISHER ISLAND - has the 3rd highest average income in America.

Growing up as a teenage girl in the 80s, I was convinced that 90210 had to be the wealthiest zip code in America. Back then, I couldn't have imagined that Florida one day would match the glitz and glamour of California, or even New York. But times do change. Florida not only has surpassed New York as the Nation's Third Most Populous State, but Miami's own Fisher Island (33109) is now the third-wealthiest zip code in America!

This very exclusive island - FISHER ISLAND - can only be accessed by yacht or seaplane, or a private round-the-clock car ferry. Residents and guests are greeted by the island's exotic birds like the colorful peacocks that parade around as its protectors.

These colorful creatures even have Bernard Lackner, CEO of Fisher Island Club, tweeting about them.

Fisher Island Club’s peacocks are showing off today! pic.twitter.com/O2P7d3Daun

— Bernard Lackner (@bernardlackner) April 28, 2015

The exclusivity and tranquility of its private pools and beaches; with its own restaurants and nightlife, it is no wonder the wealthiest people in the world are purchasing their very own luxurious property in 33109.

If you live anywhere in the world and are looking to purchase property in Miami, Florida my team can help! (305) 306-7677

Friendship...

Friendship • True Friends

Build Your Dreams!

If you don't build your dreams,

someone else will hire you to build theirs.

Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

Have a happy and safe ‎Independence Day!

Taking Twitter to the Next Level: Tweetdeck vs. Hootsuite

Taking Twitter to the Next Level:

Tweetdeck vs. Hootsuite

By John Enfield

In 2008, Tweetdeck and Hootsuite launched to help us get a better handle on our Twitter accounts. Both have much in common. Both of them can be used online with no downloads. They let you see your Twitter’s timeline, interactions and direct messages all at the same time which is the chief reason to have one of these programs in the first place. In Twitter, you have to do a lot of fiddling with the settings and check the email you linked with it to see all of these things. Both programs let you do the same things in Twitter such as replying, favoriting, retweeting, direct messaging and sending to an email. Both also let you schedule a tweet so that it appears on a future time and date. Very handy, especially if you do most of your tweeting once a day, but don’t want to flood your followers with a whole bunch of tweets at once.

There are two main aspects of each that set them apart: check out the full post here. 

John Enfield is Social Media Manager at Tufel Media and manages accounts for a variety of businesses.

Follow him on Twitter at @dukethepcdr

Classic Reads Blog Hop

What, for you, makes a book a classic?
As soon as I read what this blog hop was about, I knew I had to join! Not only because of the wonderful blog hop hosts who are great online friends of mine, but because of my great-great-great grandfather's Hispanic Literary Classic, Lejos Del Nido. 
The question for this blog hop is what, for you, makes a book a classic? To me, for a book to become a classic, it has to withstand the passage of time. There are many contemporary novels that have potential to become classics but in my opinion, only time will tell.
Thanks so much to my good friends and hosts of the blog hop! Check out their books below: