5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional Today!

July 23, 2015July 23, 2015 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

We Help each other to reach the goal

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers and/or buyers think that they can sell and/or buy through a for sale by Owner also known as FSBO.

The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but have rather been strengthened due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to recover.

1. What do you do with all this paperwork?

Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.

2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?

According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, there are over 230 possible actions that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, who knows what these actions are to make sure that you acquire your dream.

3. Are you a good negotiator?

So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible), to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process.

4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?

It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $208,700 compared to $235,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”

Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.

5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?

There is so much information out there on the news and the internet about home sales, prices, mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a low-ball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying/selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line:

You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic. Why would you make one of your most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional?. We at the ASSAL team want to make sure you reach your goal faster, easier and with a smile on your face! Give us a call today at 786.554.8063 or send us an email at george@georgeassal.com– you can count on our help every step of the way.

What is a Housing Bubble? Is One Forming?

July 12, 2015July 12, 2015 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ 1 Comment

The recent talk of Greece and its financial challenges has some questioning whether the U.S. could also return to the crisis we experienced in 2008. Some are looking at the rise in real estate values and wondering whether we are in the middle of another housing price bubble.

What actually is a price bubble?

Here is the definition according to Jack M. Guttentag, Professor of Finance Emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania:

“A price bubble is a rise in price based on the expectation that the price will rise. Sooner or later something happens to erode confidence in continued price increases, at which point the bubble bursts and prices drop. What makes it a price bubble is that the cause of the price increase is an expectation that the price will increase, which sooner or later must reverse itself.”

Does Professor Guttentag believe we are in another housing bubble?

In a recent article, he explained:

“My view is that we are a long way from another house price bubble. Home buyers, lenders, investors and regulators now understand that a nationwide decline in house prices is possible — because we recently lived through one.”

What are home prices doing?

Though home values are continuing to appreciate, the acceleration of the increases has slowed to year-over-year numbers which reflect a healthy housing market. Here is a chart showing year-over-year appreciation since January of last year:

We can see that appreciation rates have dropped from double digit numbers to more normal rates of 5% or lower.

Bottom Line

We think Nick Timiraos of the Wall Street Journal put it best in a recent tweet:

“Predictions of a new national home price bubble look unfounded for now, according to data.”

Interested in selling your home or looking to buy one, give us a call today at 786.554.8063 or send us an email at george@georgeassal.com. We will look forward to hearing from you!

For Sellers – Two Graphs That Scream List Your House Today

June 29, 2015June 29, 2015 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

The spring and summer months have always been known as a very popular time for homebuyers to start the search for their dream home. This year is no different!

We all learned in school that when selling anything, you will get the most money if the demand for that item is high and the inventory of that item is low. It is the well-known Theory of Supply & Demand.

If you are thinking of selling your home, here are two graphs that strongly suggest that the time is now. Here is why…

DEMAND

According to NAR, “Foot Traffic has a strong correlation with future contracts and home sales, so it can be viewed as a peek ahead at sales trends two to three months into the future.”

According to research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer activity this year has far outpaced the same months in 2014. Purchasers who are ready, willing and able to buy are in the market at great numbers.

SUPPLY

The most recent Existing Home Sales Report from NAR revealed that the current supply of housing inventory is at a 5.1 month supply, which remains below the 6-months necessary for a normal market.

Buyer demand is far outpacing the supply of homes available for sale.

Bottom Line

Listing your house for sale when demand is high and supply is low will guarantee the offers made will truly reflect the true value of your property. Interested in selling your home or looking to buy one, give us a call today at 786.554.8063 or send us an email at george@georgeassal.com. We will look forward to hearing from you!

Silver Bluff: One of Miami’s best-kept secrets

January 29, 2015January 29, 2015 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Most of the time, when I recommend looking at places in Silver Bluff to my customers, I’m met with a blank stare. A little known area right outside Coral Gables off Coral Way (zip code 33133 & 33145), Silver Bluff is one of the best and most affordable residential neighborhoods in the city. Often grouped in with the Gables, Brickell Hammocks or The Roads, there are few “secrets” in the Miami real estate market, and this is most certainly one of them.

As I mentioned in my last post, I would never sell a house I wouldn’t live in, and just as importantly, I would never sell a house in a neighborhood I wouldn’t live in either. So that would be why Silver Bluff comes so highly recommended by me—I live there! Therefore you have a relator’s stamp of approval of the area, and let me tell you a few reasons why…

Proximity: Silver Bluff is close to everything in Miami. Only 5-7 minutes to Coconut Grove, 10-15 minutes to Brickell and Coral Gables and 15-20 minutes to South Beach.
Safety: The area has a low crime rating.
Neighborhood: Silver Bluff is known as being a calm, residential area with lots of trees, ample parking and families. Relationships with neighbors are important here, and there is a real sense of community.
Investment: Buying a house here is a good investment with growing property values, and a much lower selling price than other areas in Miami. This is a great place for a first investment or first home because you get a lot of bang for your buck. Being so close to so many desirable areas in the city, there is only room to grow.
Schools: There are three schools in the area, and the Silver Bluff Elementary School is graded “A”—perfect for all the families in the area.
Source: http://www.city-data.com/

If the above still hasn’t convinced you and you would like to check out the neighborhood yourself, I’ll let you in on a few local Silver Bluff “secrets”:

For wine lovers, Xixón Cafe , hip & modern Spanish eatery with multiple levels including dining room, wine cellar & bakery/deli, located on 21^st and Coral Way, El Carajo is a must. Hidden away inside the BP gas station on 17th Ave and US1, they serve Spanish tapas and have an amazing bakery. At the Mighty Gastropub on Coral Way and 22^nd Ave, they serve craft beer, sausages with an ambiance you can’t beat. Daily Bread Marketplace, boasts some of Miami’s best Mediterranean Food, and is located on 24 Ave and 27th St. And if you’re looking a twist on a Latin classic, Casabe 305 offers an incredible fare of Caribbean-Venezuelan Fusion and is located on Coral Way and 17th Ave.

So whether as a place to grab a great bite, an investment, a first home to raise your family or just as someone seeking refuge from the city and its high rent, Silver Bluff is a fantastic option. In fact, if you are interested in taking a look, I would be more than happy to meet you at any of our local spots and discuss your options and the places currently available.

My goal is to help you, even if we aren’t in direct contact, and I’d love to hear from you with any questions.

Interested in Selling, Buying, Renting, Investing in Brickell, Downtown, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Silver Bluff, Doral and surrounding areas? Call me 786.554.8063 or email me George@GeorgeAssal.com, I can help, because working with someone who knows the numbers and area is crucial.

Onyx on the Bay – For Rent

November 20, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Onyx on the Bay is the name given to the tallest building in the Onyx on the Bay is a luxury building/complex in Miami, Florida, United States. Located in northern Midtown Miami, the tower was completed in 2007.

Onyx on the Bay - Exterior — Onyx on the Bay – Exterior

It is 27 floors and 308 feet (94 m) tall with 118 units, there are six different floor plans raging in size from 886 to 3,386 SQF, there are also five penthouses. The building is located on Northeast 25th Street between Biscayne Avenue and the oceanfront, also known as the Art District; it is a development of BAP/GGM development.

The unit that I’m presenting you today, is a sensational 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, completely renovated with, marble floors throughout including the balconies, custom made closets, Italian kitchen and granite counter tops.

Living in Onyx on the Bay is like living in a heaven with his beautiful exterior and interior design and their VIP service with 24hrs concierge. Onyx on the Bay is minutes away from Downtown Miami, Brickell, South Beach, Midtown, Shops and Restaurant.

Interested in Selling, Buying, Renting in Brickell, Downtown, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and surrounding areas? Call me 786.554.8063 or email me George@GeorgeAssal.com, I can help, because working with someone who knows the numbers and area is crucial.

BRICKELL ROADS TOWNHOUSE – FOR SALE

October 14, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

*** LOCATION – LOCATION – LOCATION ***
240 SW 15th RD #105 Miami FL 33133

240 SW 15TH RD – GARAGE

Rare opportunity to own this unique 3 story corner unit with laminated wood floors, open kitchen, 2 assigned parking spaces, full bedroom at the entry level, walk-in closets, high ceilings with interesting angled walls, (not your typical boring rectangular room), this unit has the largest backyard, centrally located, pet friendly and gated community, most important… seller motivated. Asking $350,000.00

LIVING / KITCHEN

Contact me for more info

The Roads one of Miami’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

September 8, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

The Roads is a neighborhood of Miami in Miami-Dade County, it is a triangular area located south of SW 11th Street, between SW 12th Avenue and SW 15th Road, just west of Brickell.

The Roads is known for its old homes, historic public schools, and its tree-covered streets. The Roads is very close to Downtown and Brickell, but is a historically residential neighborhood. It is also off the normal Miami street grid, and thus all the streets in The Roads are named roads, instead of streets and avenues, as is the case in the rest of Miami. Since 1986, the Miami Roads Neighborhood Civic Association has worked on a variety of projects to support the neighborhood.

The Roads neighborhood is served by the Miami Metrorail at the Vizcaya station to the south and by the Brickell station to the north.

The Roads – triangular area located south of SW 11th Street, between SW 12th Avenue and SW 15th Road, just west of Brickell

The Roads, originally called “Brickell Hammock” was designed, platted and developed by Mary Brickell in January 1922 days before her death. Mary Brickell had designed the Roads as a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, with wide streets with median parkways and roundabouts with native Miami plants. Mary Brickell gave the streets, parkways, sidewalks, and electric lighting to the City of Miami in 1922. All the properties were sold in a single day on February 1, 1923.

For Sale – Sold – Pending Sale

The Roads is also an entire off-grid plan section of the city of Miami. The streets and avenues in Miami-Dade County are aligned to a grid, where streets run east-west and avenues run north-south. The roads that run from Broadway to SW 32nd Road are roughly 45 degrees out of alignment with the grid-plan. The avenues running perpendicular to these roads are also 45 degrees out of alignment with their respective avenues coming from the north. The avenues in this section run northeast-southwest rather than the standard north-south that the ones in the rest of the county follow. This causes an abrupt change in numerical designation as they cross SW 12th Avenue (SW 5th Avenue turns west and becomes SW 18th Street, SW 4th Avenue turns west and becomes SW 20th Street, SW 2nd Avenue turns west and becomes SW 22nd Street, etc.) The most well known example of this confusion is when historic Coral Way being SW 3rd Avenue, makes a 45 degree turn onto SW 22nd Street as it crosses over SW 12th Avenue.

Average Sold Price

The Roads is served by Metrobus and Trolley throughout the area, and by the Miami Metrorail at:

Brickell (SW 11th Street and SW 1st Avenue)
Vizcaya (SW 32nd Road and US1)

Metrorail has stops throughout Miami with service to Greater Miami and Miami International Airport, all Miami-Dade County bus lines, Tri-Rail and Amtrak. The main bus station in Downtown is located next to the Arsht Center at the Adrienne Arsht Center Station.

Average days on Market

For more information about The Roads please contact me directly

Contact me for more info

ARIA ON THE BAY – It’s all about the atmosphere

August 26, 2014August 26, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Aria on the Bay located in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District, more specific 1770 North BayShore Drive Miami FL 33137. With 53 Stories into the sky, this project offers in all units, 9-foot glass from floor to ceiling, being the smallest 813 sqft and the biggest over 2,365 sqft plus balcony for the amazing water and city views.

From this enviable location, residents can enjoy immediate access to the neighboring Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Arts & Science Museums and Miami World Resort for shopping and entertainment along with a myriad of dining options and boutiques. In just 10 minutes one can be enjoying the pristine beaches of Miami, Brickell’s financial district. Design District, Wynwood and Midtown. Miami International Airport, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables.

Building Features:

.-2-Curved Sunrise and Sunset pools, .-Jacuzzi overlooking Biscayne Bay Expansive sun deck and lounge area, -.Expansive Indoor/ Outdoor social room with bar 24-Hour concierge and on-site monitoring,.-Controlled-entry garage with assigned parkingValet parkingStreet-level retail and office spaceHigh-speed wireless internet in social spaces, .-State of the art Gym and Yoga StudioOutdoor fire pit with custom seating, .-BBQ area with summer kitchen featuresGreat room with social areas including pool tables and flat screen TV’s, .-Private spa and massage treatment areasBlow-dry, .-manicure and pedicure stationsChildren’s PoolGame room and libraryScreening room/ theatreTeen lounge and Kid’s Playroom, .-Business center with conference room and offices.

Residence Features

1 to 3 bedroom+Den grand residences, .-Spacious, open-plan living, dinning and kitchen areas, .-Modern custom-designed cabinetry and European-style kitchens!Private elevator access on select units.

Floor Plans

Contact George Assal for more info

Park Grove in Coconut Grove.

August 21, 2014August 21, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Park Grove in Coconut Grove.

Most ambitious architecture/project to date

The New Park Grove Condo Project is selling quickly; this luxury condo project is located in Coconut Grove more specific in the middle of a newly developed waterfront park. The condo project has 3 towers with great investment values.

Designed by OMA and rem KOOLHAAS, the striking towers of PARK GROVE set a new architectural standard in the quiet seaside enclave of Coconut Grove.

Park Grove Residences will blow everyone expectations with their high-end waterfront project. With amenities that will take you to the next level and to better your experience, The Park grove Condo offers pools, fitness, yoga, a private chef, yes a private chef and much more.

As the first Luxury Condo in Coconut Grove to be built after Grove at Grand Bay, makes this project most ambitious architecture/project to date

Contact me For more info about Park Grove and any other projects / new constructions in Miami or South Florida

Real Estate Market Report | January – June 2014

August 19, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Investing in South Florida Real Estate? Here is all the information you need as Comparative Review of the Real Estate Market in South Florida. If you are undecided but interested in Investing South Florida real Estate and might already know that is time to buy, contact me immediately I will guide you to the right direction

Click here to view the Real Estate Market Report | January – June 2014

The ASSAL Team

South Florida Real Estate News

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