Miami Realtor Lilliam Del-Gado

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

Please click on the link below to view the latest Housing Trends eNewsletter.

http://lilliam.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Lilliam Del-Gado

...Housing Trends eNewsletter- Lilliam B. Del-Gado Get a detailed report showing market trends in your neighborhood, including recent listings, sales prices and average time on market.

NEED A MOOD BOOST?

Get a peppermint plant! Not only is easy to care for, will enhance any room’s décor and act as an air purifier… the plant’s natural scent is known to act as a trigger of a chemical (norepinephrine) in our brains that when activated brings about a natural sense of balance --thus improving temperament.

So, besides boosting our mood and making our homes pretty, its many medicinal and even bug repellant uses, consider its other uses in sauces, salads, and Mojitos!

HELOC LOAN TO PAY FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS?

A new tax law that came into effect this year that allows for the deduction of the interest paid on home equity loans, have homeowners thinking about borrowing against their home’s equity for improvements and repairs, and consolidating debts at a lower interest rate.

Homeowners should take into consideration that only improvements that add “significant” value to the home will help rebuild some of the equity taken out.

Also consider, using your home as collateral puts you at risk of foreclosure if unable to repay the lender.

One final word, carefully review and assess your situation before signing on the dotted line.

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR YOUR HOME, ARE THEY SAFE?

Keyless entry systems have become quite popular, and you don’t have to be a tech savvy homeowner to enjoy it. However, if anything “smart” intimidates you, keyless locks are not for you. These systems rely on codes or combination numbers to gain access to the property and if you have trouble memorizing codes… again, it is not for you. Fancier home entry security systems also integrate face recognition. And if you worry about power outages, relax, most models also use battery power that serves as a backup power source during outages.

Although not common, tech savvy burglars have used what is called "lock bumping" to enter properties. With that said, most rate the keyless entry systems as a great safe feature.

http://www.bdcmagazine.com/keyless-entry-door-locks-safe/

READY!

You’ve finally found a house with all the features you were looking for, and you’re feeling you can really call this one home… so what’s next?

Determine your price

Ideally, you would have been pre-qualified. Knowing how much you can afford will give you confidence for setting your comfortable price.

Submit an offer

Your real estate professional will help you put forth a solid offer.

Negotiate the counter offer

Counter offers are made when sellers receive multiple offers. Your real estate professional will review the changes with you. But only you will decide whether to accept or reject the changes.

Act fast!

Because home inventory remains low, you want to seal the deal before any other offers are presented.

SHOULD A SELLER HAVE A PRE-LISTING INSPECTION?

Few sellers do and are caught off guard when inspection related issues come up.

Just like in the buyer’s inspection, a pre-listing inspection focuses on the proper functionality of the major systems and components of the home (heating/cooling, electrical, and plumbing, roof and structure, doors and windows).

Having prior information on the condition of the home gives the seller control over repairs, and minimizes potential issues to later have to negotiate during the transaction.

https://lilliamdelgado.sef.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/
https://www.proxioshowcase.com/px/lbdelgado

HAPPENINGS

As a result of a continuing improving economy, at their most recent quarterly meeting, Federal Reserve committee members voted to again raise the current interest rate by another quarter point. Another increase is projected before the year’s end. Consumers across the nation will start paying higher interest rates on new home loans.

If you are looking to buy, doing it sooner rather than later will save you money.

https://lilliamdelgado.sef.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/
https://www.proxioshowcase.com/px/lbdelgado

COUNTEROFFER?

So you’ve found your dream home, submitted an offer, and… the seller responded with a counteroffer!

A counteroffer simply means that your offer was low and/or that multiple offers were received.

Ideally once notified, you will act fast and decide if you will accept the new terms, negotiate, or walk away. Your real estate professional will help you evaluate the deal for you to make the best decision.

Be reminded though, the seller is looking for the best offer and the longer you take to respond, the greater the chance of someone else nabbing your dream home!

WHAT’S IN YOUR FUTURE?

If you are serious about selling, I can help you obtain the most value for your home. Take a moment and review the reasons that made you consider selling in the first place. If your reasons remain valid, why wait?

As the current construction of new homes is rapidly closing the demand/supply gap, now is the best time to sell.

https://lilliamdelgado.sef.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/
https://www.proxioshowcase.com/px/lbdelgado

NEXT!

Inspired by the successes of Brickell, Wynwood and the Design District’s panache, the Miami commission is eager for the next transforming real estate development to begin.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article217863705.html

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/making-miamis-little-haiti-neighborhood-great-again/4340797.html

NEW TOY!

Just wondering if I should take up Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. and FPL’s special offer (valid throughout the month) on the purchase of the 2018 LEAF?

Did you?
https://www.fpl.com/energy-my-way/FPL-3000-Fleetail-Offer-2018.pdf

DREAM HOME

As part of a survey regarding construction needs, people nationwide were asked to describe their perfect dream home. The overall majority indicated their desire for a functional home, to include some practical features, to accommodate the family needs. Some of the top preferences include:

* Single floor homes
* Wider entryways
* Taller ceilings
* Master bedroom suite
* Outdoor living space
* Storage space

Do you agree?

www.houselogic.com/remodel/remodeling-tips-advice/ideal-house/?site_ref=right-rail

SELLING?

Why list with an agent? Putting up your home for sale is quite an emotional event. Most homeowners find it stressful and nerve-wracking to do so without the assistance and guidance of a real estate professional.

Consider, your real estate professional has access to buyers, is experienced in handling the paperwork, has marketing expertise, is trained in sales and negotiation skills, has knowledge of service providers –should their services be needed, and will coordinate the closing process.

If you are considering selling and your goal is to receive the most value for your property, I welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and work with you to reach that goal in a seamless transaction.

https://lilliamdelgado.sef.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/
https://www.proxioshowcase.com/px/lbdelgado
https://ldelgadorealtor202.wixsite.com/website-2/blog

LET'S

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES | Homes | Real Estate by Lilliam A recent medical study concluded that maintaining a positive attitude (by not internalizing negative situations) and keeping regular social interactions were es...

DID YOU KNOW

More than 1 million children were victims of identity theft in 2017.

To help parents protect their minor children identities against theft and fraud, Experian® is offering a free, one-time Child ID Scan. The scan runs the minor’s social security number against a credit file history. If a file is found, a fraud resolution team is ready to assist.

To use the service, visit experian.com/childscan.

For continued monitoring, a family plan that monitors two adults and up to 10 children, is also offered.

NEED MORE SPACE?

If you've managed to collect a variety of single mugs that you don’t drink tea or coffee out of, don't use and have run out of ideas for a second life (i.e.: kitchen utensils holders, pencil holders, plant and flowers holders) is time to donate them!

And those cute plastic food storage containers? If they don’t have a mate, toss them!

HAVE A PROJECT IN MIND?

You will need a building permit if your project includes any of the following:

* Plumbing work
* Electrical work
* HVAC maintenance
* Window installation
* Fencing installation and repair
* Major room remodeling

Neglecting to obtain the proper permitting can lead to major problems with your municipality. In addition to issuing hefty fines, they can ask you to destroy the work already completed because they are not able to tell if it meets the existing code requirements.

Before starting your next project, contact your municipality for the permitting requirements you will need. It will save you money, time, and aggravation!

Homeownership is your and your family’s investment for the future.

FACTOR IN THE CURRENT RATES

* 4.25% on 30-year fixed interest rates for FHA loans up to 96.5% financing
* 4.75% on 30-year fixed interest rates for Conventional loans up to 97% financing

If you are seriously interested in investing in your future, work with a real estate professional who can help you determine how much house you can afford.

FEELING CHARITABLE?

Most of us believe in giving back to our community and identify with a charitable organization/foundation or two. In the recent past, a number of these organizations/foundations (old and new) have been found out to be fraudulent.

So before you give, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com to see if the organization is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and how much of the donation will go toward the individuals the charity intends to help versus operating expenses.

Be wise and let donation truly count where it will do the most!

Realtor Lilliam B. Del-Gado As a life-long Miami resident, I know South Florida’s communities inside and out.  Whether selling, buying or investing, as your real estate professional, I will pull out all the stops to negotiate great deals, and deliver exceptional results! 

DID YOU KNOW

* 6% is the average down payment for first-time homebuyers
* 677 is the average credit score for first-time homebuyers

If you are ready to invest in your future, contact me today!

https://lilliamdelgado.sef.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/
https://www.proxioshowcase.com/px/lbdelgado

WHAT'S YOUR RATING? | Homes | Real Estate by Lilliam Your credit score may have improved!  As part of a 2015 settlement agreement, major credit reporting agencies have started to remove consumers’ negative credit ...

SCRABBLE ANYONE?

Here's one inexpensive way to add to your wall décor! Any comments?

DID YOU KNOW

Senior citizens, more often than not are home alone and easily fall prey to telemarketers. It is recommended that they sign up to be removed from telemarketing calling lists at the Florida Do Not Call List at https://www.fldnc.com/. This is a free service. Telemarketers who fail to observe this are violating the law.

The National Crime Prevention Council recommends:

1. Never give personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers, to anyone over the phone, unless you initiated the call and know you've reached the right agency.

2. Do not send money to cover a "handling charge" or to pay taxes for something that telemarketers claim that you have won.

3. Be suspicious of anyone who tells you not to discuss the offer with anyone else.

4. If you don't understand all the verbal details, ask for it in writing.

YOUR STYLE?

According to the latest design trends, retro vintage accent items are all the rage in home décor right now.

MOLD OR MILDEW? | Homes | Real Estate by Lilliam Mold and mildew are fungi that no homeowner I know likes to find in their home.  Both grow rapidly on moist, warm areas where oxygen and organic material are pr...

HOW MUCH OUT-OF-POCKET? | Homes | Real Estate by Lilliam Most aspiring homeowners don’t realize that new (3% or less!) loan programs have emerged. In other words, many renters may be able to enter the housing market

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH?

Most will tell you that the choice between renting or buying is a tough one, however, looking at the chart of percentage income needed to rent (28.8%) versus the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.1%), the choice is clear.

https://lilliamdelgado.sef.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf

Put your housing costs to work for you by buying a home this year!

Lilliam Del-Gado - Agent As a life-long Miami resident, I know South Florida’s communities inside and out. Whether selling, buying or investing, as your real estate profes...

WEALTH BUILDER | Homes | Real Estate by Lilliam Homeownership offers you and your family the ability to build equity you can borrow against in the future.  For example, an average home purchased at $250,000 w...