Boating Safety, Fishing, and Family Fun in Key Biscayne Fl

 

A day of fishing and family fun plus learning all about boating and water safety awaits residents of waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne and all water-lovers on August 8, 2015 at 6th Annual Fishing and Spearfishing for Boating Safety Tournament  at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Key Biscayne, FL

The Monica Burguera Foundation is a local cause committed to preventing boating accidents and saving lives by educating the community on water and boating safety through community outreach and events such as  6th Annual Fishing and Spearfishing for Boating Safety Tournament.

The MBF also offers a free “Florida Safety Boating Course” once a month in partnership with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. After completing this one-day course, participants get a USCG Auxiliary Certificate and the Florida Boater’s ID.

Registration fee is $500 per boat and $50 for extra anglers. Part of the proceeds will go to supporting the foundation’s boat safety initiatives  and also includes Captain’s Reception, tournament shirt, boat goodie bag, post tournament cocktail party, and award ceremony.

For guests and residents of Key Biscayne waterfront condos who don’t want to go fishing but still want to attend and support the cause can pay $35 for adults and $25 for kids.

If you are interested to join this event, sponsor, or volunteer, visit www.mbfBoatingSafety.org. There will be a Captain’s Meeting on August 6, Thursday.

For more information on great events and the hottest Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos, visit http://www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

Why Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos Are Better than Single-Family Homes

There are so many options for housing in Miami that a homebuyer might be faced with the hard decision of whether to buy a single family home or a condominium.

Waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne offer lots of benefits including luxurious amenities, shared maintenance cost, structurally sound architecture, privacy, great views, and the perfect beachfront location.

Here are the pros of buying Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos versus single-family homes:

Amenities. Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condos offer luxurious amenities not available to single-family home owners. With a pool in each building, an Olympic lap pool in the center of the complex and an oceanfront pool set amid 40 acres of lush tropical landscaping, you get resort-style living everyday without leaving the comforts of your home! Other amenities include a gym, 12 tennis courts, a jogging path, and underground covered parking. You won’t get that in a single-family home!

Security. Key Colony condos is a gated community with 24-hour manned gates, providing residents with security and safety. If you are living alone or if security is a major concern for you, this can be a major consideration.

Maintenance. One of the best things about living in a condo is the low-maintenance lifestyle. The monthly dues cover the maintenance costs so you don’t have to lift a finger in maintaining the grounds, cutting the grass, fixing the roof, etc. This could be great for first-time homeowners who do not have much experience or skills with home maintenance and repair, for people who always travel, or for those who just don’t like to deal with home maintenance issues. Owners of single-family homes have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for the repair and upkeep of their homes, not to mention the money they spend to hire contractors and landscapers, which will not be an issue if you live in a condo.

Affordability. Condos are often cheaper than single-family homes. If you want to be a homeowner,  a condo can be a great first option.

Location and lifestyle. Sometimes the main deciding factor of what type of property to buy all boils down to the location. Waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne Fl offer luxurious resort-style living close to the beach while being near to the conveniences and amenities of the city. This benefit is something you wouldn’t get with most single-family homes.

If you are ready to buy your first Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo, check out the latest listings at www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

5 Improvements to Boost the Value of Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos

Are you planning on having some home improvements done this summer? If so, there are many options available that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but also add significant value. Whether you’re planning on putting your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL in the market now or in the future, here are some inexpensive projects you can do this summer:

Reinvent a room. Do you feel the need for more space? You can always reinvent the existing space in your Key Biscayne waterfront condo without tearing down walls or doing major renovations. Make your living room more open and functional by decluttering and removing unnecessary stuff. You can also maximize space with proper storage and multi-functional furniture.

If you need a home office but you’re short on extra space, why not transform a corner and turn it into your own private space or remove armoires and bulky dressers to give your bedroom more space? Remember, spacious-looking homes are very attractive and having a versatile interior can attract  more potential buyers.

Paint the walls. Painting  your interior walls is the cheapest and easiest way to freshen up your place. Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated – and that spells value. If your living room is bright orange, it’s time to paint it over with some cool neutral colors. Keep in mind that potential buyers need to be able to visualize how their own stuff will blend inside the home so you need to carefully select neutral shades that will appeal to most people.

Makeover your kitchen. Most people consider the kitchen as the heart of the home so any upgrades in this area could add a lot of resale value. In fact, experts suggest that you can expect to  recoup 65% – 100% return of your investment on a kitchen remodel.

But the cost of kitchen remodeling can quickly add up so you need to watch your budget. Give your kitchen a fresh appeal by adding a fresh layer of paint or changing old cabinet knobs and handles with something more modern and decorative. You don’t have to tear down your cabinets, either. A facelift (also known as refacing or resurfacing) can give your cabinets a clean and brand new look.

Modify your bathroom. Bathroom upgrades also provides solid returns. But because of the high cost of bathroom essentials (i.e. toilets, sink, bath tub), any significant bathroom renovation may cost you hundreds of dollars. However, you can  glam up your bathroom with affordable new features such as pull-out  shelves to keep necessities in order, dramatic mirror and glass for that wow effect, and accessories like a new shower curtain and matching towels.

Add or change the lighting. A well-lit home can make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Proper lighting can also emphasize the natural beauty of your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo as well as the fabrics and furniture you have inside.

Allow natural light to stream in by  pulling curtains back and shades up during the day. Remove furniture in front of the window or close to the sides that might be blocking the sunlight. You can also enhance your indoor lighting by strategically placing track lights in the right areas of the home such as the living room, kitchen and bathrooms.

Summer is the perfect time to start working on the areas of your home that might need some remodeling. There are plenty of ways to add value to your home without putting a dent in your wallet. All you need is some creativity and a bit of hard work.

To know more about how other Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos, visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you need help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo and for any other real-estate related inquiries, don’t hesitate to call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. Allow me to help you find the right home that suits you perfectly.

Should I List My Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo Now?

 

Selling a home is not always an easy decision to make. A home is a major investment and you’ll naturally want a successful sale to get the best return  for your investment. If you’re still undecided on whether you should put your Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condo on the market, here are some questions that can help you decide:

Why am I Selling?

Your reason for selling is the most important factor in determining the right time to list your home. Your reasons may be personal such as job change, retirement to a different location and desire to be closer to family members, or financial in nature (increase or decrease in income, debts, etc.).

Your reason also dictates the urgency of the sale. If you’re in a rush to sell and move, it’s better to list the home right away and be prepared to accept a lower price or other concessions.

The main objective is to maximize the value of your home and make a successful sale within your allotted time frame. Once you have made up your mind that you want to sell, it’s time to look at the other factors that will affect the success of your sale.

Is it the right season?

Many sellers opt to put their homes in the market in the spring because that’s when many buyers are looking. Summer is also a great season for those homes are located in sought-after school districts because buyers with school-age children want to settle in before school starts.

Fortunately for you, Florida has a year-long good weather which appeals to many young professionals and empty-nesters. This means sellers of waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL have a high chance of successfully selling any time of the year regardless of the season.

Are the current market conditions in my favor?

The following essential market factors will determine if the market is in your favor or not:

• Buyers’ market vs. sellers’ market.
• Interest rates.
• Number of days comparable homes stay on the market.

If these market conditions are in your favor, you’ll have better chances of having a successful sale.  Although the real estate market is unpredictable, you can check recent sales price of comparable homes in your community to get your home’s fair market value and come up with a good listing price.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about comparables and homes for sale in the Key Colony Key Biscayne area.

How long will it take to prepare my home?

Preparing your home for showings also takes time. The whole process of  cleaning, decluttering, repairing and staging your home may take weeks, even months to complete. You may also need to invest a little for some upgrades in your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Can I afford the moving costs?

Another key factor in determining factor if you’re ready to sell now is the moving costs. Moving from one home to another isn’t cheap especially if you’re moving across the country. Can you afford the price of hiring professional movers as well as the amount of insurance and other expense?

The questions listed above will help you determine if you’re ready to list your home now. If you need an expert’s advice, don’t hesitate to ask an experienced Key Biscayne real estate agent. Once you’ve made the decision to sell, it’s time to get the ball rolling!

If you need help in selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo and for any other real-estate related inquiries including home inspections, call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. Let’s make home selling a good experience for you!

Why Living in a Key Biscayne Waterfront Condo is Good for Your Health

 

It’s easy to see why living in Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos would be beneficial to anyone. Fresh air, exceptional views of the lush tropical landscaping and glittery pristine beaches, and an active lifestyle make this island paradise a perfect escape from a busy urban lifestyle.

But do you know that there’s also another amazing benefit from beachfront living in Key Biscayne? Yes – and that is better health.

A study conducted by the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom suggests that living near the ocean greatly affects a person’s health and well-being. In fact, the same study shows that people noted feeling more relaxed when viewing photographs of the ocean compared to viewing other scenic photographs.

So, how exactly can living near the beach help you?

Here are some reasons why living in Key Biscayne waterfront condos can do wonders for your health:

Good for body and soul. The notion that being near the beach makes one feel healthy is not new. The sound of waves can soothe the body and soul by bringing up feelings of relaxation and tranquility. Scientists agreed that the ocean induces a mild meditative state that heightens awareness of the surroundings and one’s own emotions.

Imagine how refreshing it would be to wake up to a gorgeous sunrise with the first rays of the sun streaming through the windows of your Key Biscayne beachfront condo, or listening  to the relaxing sound of waves from the nearby beach as you look over the balcony while drinking your coffee. You’ll surely feel invigorated and ready to embrace the day!

Improve well-being. According to Matthew White, a researcher at Exeter, “moving near the ocean significantly improves one’s well-being.” These improvements could be due to having easy access to an environment that encourages activity as well as stress reduction.

You can go running or jogging barefoot in the sand and feel the muscles of your feet increase in strength or swim by the beach and work on those cardiovascular muscles. A morning walk along the beach can be just as invigorating. Indeed, in Key Biscayne, the possibilities for improving your health are endless!

Better sleeping habits. Have you ever noticed that you sleep better after walking in the sand or spending the day on the beach? Well, it’s because of the sea air. It is charged with healthy negative ions that increase our body’s ability to absorb oxygen. These negative ions help balance levels of serotonin, which affects mood, nerve impulses, contraction of smooth muscles and sleep. This is the reason why we feel more alert, relaxed and able to rest more soundly while on a beach vacation.

Also, if you visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com, you’ll notice that waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne are designed to provide cozy comfort that is conducive to ultimate relaxation. To top it all, this island paradise has a very low crime rate (62% below the national average).  Surely, these are more than enough reasons to give you the exquisite pleasure sleeping peacefully every night!

There is no question that living near the beach can be beneficial to your health. The key is  choosing a home and location that’s suitable for you.

If you need help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo, call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

How to Negotiate the Best Price When Buying Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos

 

Once you found the perfect one among the waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne, the next step is to make an offer, and hopefully, negotiate the sale. As a buyer, you obviously want the lowest possible price and terms that suit your budget; the seller, on the other hand, wants to make a profit and a good return on investment.

In a perfect world, both you and the seller would get exactly what you want. But in reality, each has to make a concession to arrive at a reasonable settlement. So how will you get a fair deal on a home you’re prepared to make an offer on?

Here are 6 tips that will help you strengthen your position as a buyer and cement the deal:

• Make sure your finances are in order. Your offer will have more bearing if you include a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval means a lender has verified your information and documents (bank statements, tax returns for the past several years, your employment and credit score) and has determined the specific mortgage amount for which you are approved. This will also help you set your limit and not go beyond your budget.

• Know your market. Are you experiencing a buyer’s market or seller’s market? Study the current market conditions and be aware of how much other Key Biscayne waterfront condos are selling for, and how quickly they are selling. This information will be very valuable when you come up with  an offer and during the negotiation.

You can visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to know more about comparables and homes for sale in the Key Colony Key Biscayne area.

• Base your offer on the home’s fair market value, regardless of the listing price. Why? Because the property may be overvalued or undervalued, depending on the seller’s strategy. Work with your Key Biscayne real estate agent to come up with an starting offer price that is fair, competitive and in line with your negotiation strategy. Avoid the mistake of giving an unreasonably low offer as it can be insulting to the sellers.

• Don’t be afraid to ask. Once you have the home inspection results, feel free to use it as leverage to ask for repairs, other concessions and probably negotiate a lower price.

• Be flexible. Flexibility is very important in negotiations. You don’t want to lose on your bid for your dream Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo because of small issues like window treatments or carpeting, right? Let the little things go. If you are willing to compromise, you can generate good will that can improve your chances in later negotiations.

• Trust your agent. Remember, your agent is your negotiator so you should be upfront about your budget and desired outcome. An experienced and trusted Key Biscayne real estate agent with hundreds of negotiations under his or her belt will carry out the negotiations on your behalf and protect your best interest.

When it comes to making an offer, there are no guarantees. The key is to find the perfect balance that will leave both you and the seller satisfied with the deal. Remember, a good negotiator always leaves the other party believing they have won the negotiation.

If you or someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo, call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

Energy Efficiency Tips for Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos This Summer

 

Have you noticed your energy bill shooting up during the summer months? Summer and the hot temperature it brings increase your energy consumption. It’s time to take control of the situation. Here are some proven and effective ways to reduce the energy bills of your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL without sacrificing your home’s comfort level.

Air Conditioning

If the sound of your air conditioner running matches the sound of your bank account drying up, better move fast. Typically, air conditioning uses more electricity than anything else, especially during the summer months. Keeping your Key Biscayne waterfront condos cool and comfortable while watching your energy usage, can be challenging.  Here’s what you can do:

• Make sure the filters of your AC units are regularly cleaned and maintained.  Dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and use more energy.
• Set the thermostat on the most comfortable setting when you’re at home and to 85 degrees or off when you are away. According to the Department of Energy, this can save you 5 percent to 15 percent on your air-conditioning bills.
• Heat producing appliances should be placed away from the air conditioning thermostats to prevent inaccurate temperature readings.
• Use ceiling or room fans to allow air movement on the room. Fans allow you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. Just make sure your fan is blowing down so it’s blowing away warmer air from your body.

Insulation

Proper insulation can help you save money, too. If there are spaces between walls, cool air will leak and outside air will enter. Fill these gaps with insulation. Also, when you’re not at home and during the hottest part of the day, close the blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun’s glaring heat.

Household

There are lots of simple things you can do to reduce the energy consumption of Key Colony Key Biscayne waterfront condos this summer. By making energy efficient choices, you’ll be cutting your energy costs significantly.

• Make “switch it off when done” a smart household habit for all lights and devices. Consider using a smart power strip which automatically cuts power when devices don’t need it.
• Do household chores that produce moisture – washing clothes, mopping – during early morning or night-time hours. The humidity from these activities can make your home uncomfortable.
• If possible, skip the stove-top boiling and oven baking during the day as they can make your AC work overtime. Use a microwave oven for cooking or reheating small items.
• Stock up your fridge. Having lots of food keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open.

Saving energy this summer shouldn’t be too difficult. With these tips, you can enjoy the summer season, without the hassle of higher electricity bills.

To know more about homes for sale in the Key Biscayne FL area, visit www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com.

If you or  someone you know needs help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

How to Make Waterfront Condos in Key Biscayne FL Stand Out This Summer

 

Summer is the best season for many things and putting Key Biscayne waterfront condos up for sale can be one of them. With kids out of school and the weather generally good, some consider summer as the perfect time for home searches and going to open houses.

Aside from the usual preparation which includes cleaning, depersonalizing and making obvious repairs, there are some special things you can do to make your home stand out. Visiting online websites such as www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com can give you a clear picture of how other homes are prepared and staged this summer.

So if you’re planning on listing your home this season, here are some simple things you can do that will give you a head start.

• Stage your home with summer-themed accents. Staging is the key to making your home look impressive and memorable to potential buyers. Start by decorating with cool refreshing colors such as white, blues, greens and beige. You don’t have to repaint your walls, just add summer themed accents like throw pillows and woven baskets and bring in fresh flowers or a flowering plant to achieve that wonderful beach-themed look.

• Let the air in. It’s summer, so you might as well open your windows to let the cool breeze in. Remember, unventilated rooms are off-putting. You don’t want buyers to take one sniff and walk out of the door before they even see the wonderful features of your home, right?

• Create a spa-like ambiance. Most people look forward to going home and relaxing after a hectic day. What better way to make your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo stand out than to create a cozy and relaxing spa-like ambiance? This effect can also be easily achieved. Just place scented candles in coconut and mint or spearmint flavors (there are many other choices available) in your living room for that perfect summertime fragrance.

• Highlight the view from your windows. Just as you accessorize your clothes to showcase your individual taste and style, you can do the same for the windows of your home. Just make sure that the glass, including the window sills, are impeccably clean before you pull the curtains back  (this will make the rooms look bigger and lighter) and it’s time to make potential buyers fall in love with the gorgeous views  your home has to offer.

As the housing market heats up for summer, now is the best time to ensure that your Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo is not only  a “must-see” but also a “must-have”. With these tips, you can create that comfortable, cool environment where potential buyers can envision themselves happily relaxing or entertaining.

Need help in selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo? Call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. Let’s make home selling a good experience for you!

5 Fun Things to Do Around Key Biscayne Waterfront Condos This Summer

 

Key Biscayne FL is the perfect destination this summer. Home to some of the most brilliant, white sandy beaches in the Sunshine State, this idyllic island town offers tranquil living in the midst of picture-perfect scenery.

If you’re a new homeowner of one of those gorgeous waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne, here some of the fun things you can do in this paradise island this summer:

1. Enjoy the Beach. With so many beautiful and pristine beaches to choose from in the Key Biscayne area, you’ll have your pick of exciting activities that suit your preference. Feel like getting some tan? Just lay down your favorite beach blanket, slather on some SPF and you’ll be all set. If you’re into sports, try windsurfing, scuba diving or joining a friendly volleyball competition.  Or you can simply pack a picnic basket, spread out your snacks on the sand and spent some quality reading your favorite book.

2. Go fishing. There’s no doubt that fishing is a very relaxing activity, one that you can enjoy with your friends and loved ones. Key Biscayne FL offers some really amazing spots where you can catch fish for dinner, breathe in fresh air and de-stress in the calmness and peacefulness of the environment.

3. Visit local tourist spots. What better way to enjoy your summer than to see and experience firsthand all the beauty this serene island paradise has to offer? Spend an entire day visiting popular attractions such as the expansive grounds and rich ecosystem of Crandon Park, the impressive lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, or watch a show at the Miami Seaquarium and more! If you’re the adventurous type, you can take your pick from airboat tours, dinner show cruise or airplane tours available in the area.

4. Wine and dine. Discover why residents and other owners of waterfront condos in Key Biscayne FL love the wide selection of exceptional cuisines local restaurants in the area has to offer. Enjoy a timeless dining experience with their excellent services, mouth-watering dishes, great wine list and a backdrop of breathtaking views. What more could you ask for?

5. Head to the dog beach. Summer is fun for everyone, including your beloved furry pets. Bring your canine friends to Hobie Beach, a wonderful stretch of clean, off-leash dog beach where they can run, play and swim. It’s also the perfect place where they get to interact with other dogs for some socialization.

Whether you love fine dining or long walks and adventurous outdoor activities, there’s always something for you to do around the waterfront condos in Key Colony Key Biscayne FL, not only this summer, but all year long!

If you’re planning on moving to Key Biscayne FL this summer, to you can sift through www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com to find amazing waterfront condos for sale that fits your needs and budget.

Need help in finding the perfect Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo?  Call me, Alicia Ale at 305-586-4160. I will help you find the one that suits you best!

How to Keep Your Waterfront Condo in Key Biscayne Safe When Selling

 

In last week’s article we discussed the ways on how to hold a successful Key Biscayne waterfront condo open house. This time, we’ll talk about the ways you can keep your home secure not only during an open house but the entire duration of the sale.

During the selling process, your home will be open to the public. Though the majority of people who’ll be checking your home through online websites like www.MiamiRivieraHomes.com as well as open houses and showings are genuinely interested, there’s also a possibility that burglars will also be interested. They might drop in to see if there are any valuables, as well as look for problem areas or any possible break-in points.

Before Selling

Recognize that when you place ads, not only interested buyers will pay attention, scammers will likely notice them, too. Here are some things you can do to keep your waterfront condo in Key Colony Key Biscayne safe, prior to selling:

• Remove all your valuables and hide them in a safe. This includes prescription medicine, important or private documents or anything with great resale value.
• In addition to having upgraded windows and door locks, you may also install security  system to deter potential burglars.
• In your advertising, consider including phrases such as “Appointment only” and “Driver’s license required” as well as putting a “Video surveillance in use” signage in the front door.

During Selling

Keep your Key Biscayne waterfront condo regularly cleaned and well-maintained even if you are not there all the time or if you are living elsewhere. Since burglars are very good at reading the signs that tell how occupied a home is, protect your home with these suggestions:

• Install  automatic lights that turn on when it gets dark to  give the impression of activity in the home.
• Ask trustworthy neighbors to keep an eye on things. They can easily notice if anything looks out of place and notify you immediately.
• During showings, ask your Key Biscayne real estate agent to gather as much information as possible from everyone that is shown the home. If you choose to have an open house, have a sign-in sheet for everyone who enters.

Keep your Key Colony Key Biscayne beachfront condo safe and burglar-free by having extra security and applying the above mentioned security measures. This way, you can focus your energy on the more important aspects of home selling.

If you need help in selling your Key Colony Key Biscayne oceanfront condo and for any other real-estate related inquiries including open houses call me, Alicia Ale, at 305-586-4160. Let’s make home selling a good experience for you!