CBS4 News Magazine by CBS4 News Magazine & Newspaper

Contents

Key Biscayne November 2013

Featured Editorial

27 |

Obama Care: How Will It Affect Healthcare? With the start of the new year, having health insurance will be mandatory under the Affordable Care Act. Local professionals voice their concerns.

04|

“Banking Blacklists” Cause Consumer Headaches You’ve heard of credit reporting agencies but did you know there are companies tracking your banking history and any money mistakes you make?

09|

“Smart” Credit Cards Are On The Way It’s a small silver square sending a wave of ripple effects through retail industry. That silver square is a small microchip on the front of credit cards which is now being introduced to the US market.

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CBS4 Super Kid Soars Above Adversity To Achieve Dream

Sponsored By

There was a time in life when 18-year-old Michael Williams did not want to look into his eyes, afraid of what he might see. That is no longer the case for this CBS4 Super Kid.

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Real Estate

PROPERTIES SOLD IN YOUR AREA

How To Deal With A Horrible Boss It is the number one reason people leave a job: they hate their boss.

12|

Special Sections

2013

HURRICANE SEASON Guide And Tracking Map

Road Rangers To The Rescue We see it all the time. A car broken down on the side of the road or a vehicle rear-ended by a distracted driver. When a driver runs into trouble on some of South Florida’s highways, the first people to arrive are not police or fire rescue, but the road rangers.

Home Improvement

Marketplace

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[ 4 ] November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne

Could You Be On The

Bank

By Rhiannon Ally

CBSMIAMI.COM

You’ve heard of credit reporting agencies but did you know there are companies tracking your banking history and any money mistakes you make? Most banks look at your consumer report before allowing you to open a checking or savings account. If your record is not good, you could end up literally “blacklisted by banks.”

atasha Carmon pays her bills by driving to individual businesses, then going inside and settling up with cash or a money order. “It’s definitely frustrating,” Carmon said. Frustrating because she would rather pay by check, but each time Natasha tried to open a checking account at several different banks she said she got the same surprising news. “They all denied me and they all said that it’s because you owe this bank ‘x amount’ of dollars,” Carmon said. She said four years ago she got hit with a bank fee and when she could not pay it the charges piled up and her account was closed. “The fees just got so extreme that I couldn’t keep that up,” she said. Unpaid fees and involuntary account closures are just some money mistakes banks and credit unions may report to two different tracking companies - Chex Systems and Early Warning. These consumer reporting agencies receive information about people who have had financial mishaps or even fraudulently bounced checks. Before they approve a new account many banks check your past records with these companies.

“Federal law says you can request a free banking history report each year, and dispute any incorrect information.” “It’s a good indication of whether the person can manage the account and what risk they present of causing the bank to lose money,” said Nessa Feddis of the American Bankers Association. An FDIC survey reveals 65-percent of banks deny checking account applicants who have prior mismanagement in their consumer reports.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 7 ]

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“A

consumer who bounced a check once is not a deadbeat, a consumer who bounced a check once may not even have made a conscious mistake,” said Ed Mierzwinski of the National Association of State Public Interest Research Groups. Mierzwinski said potentially millions of Americans are “blacklisted from banks” and consumer advocates worry financial institutions could be shutting out some people whose records were dinged by accident.

“There could have been an automatic payment that the consumer had canceled but the company by mistake continued to try to take out of their account, and that is happening more and more often today,” Mierzwinski said. Federal law says you can request a free banking history report each year, and dispute any incorrect information. Chex Systems said if consumers find errors

it is ”committed to resolving all such disputes as quickly as possible.” Early Warning declined comment. As for Natasha, she said she is going to have to keep hitting the road to pay her bills, at least for now. “I don’t like it but until I can find a bank who is willing to give me a checking account, then that’s the options that I have,” she said. The American Bankers Association says banks do not report you if you overdraw your account but take care of it. When you don’t pay the overdraft fee, though, that could cause you to have trouble getting accounts in the future. Some banks offer alternative “cash only pre-paid card” accounts for people who can’t get traditional accounts. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulates these reporting practices. You can find information on those regulations by visiting this website: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/

Blacklisted.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 9 ]

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Smart CredIt CardS Are On The Way

“T

It’s a small silver square sending a wave of ripple effects through retail industry. That silver square is a small microchip on the front of credit cards which is now being introduced to the US market.

By Eliott Rodriguez

he big benefit for the chip card is all about fraud reduction,” said industry analyst Ron Shevlin. Shevlin says the microchips are a lot harder to counterfeit than those traditional magnetic strips. Many countries have already made the switch to these so-called smart cards. In fact, so many countries have already starting using the smart card, there’s a chance your current card might not work if you travel overseas. “It’s worth it to consumers for sure, because we’re talking upwards of 10 to 11, even more, billions dollars of fraud every year that will be eliminated,” explains Shevlin.

The switch will be costly since every charge card customer will eventually need a new card and all those retail credit card terminals will need to be updated or completely replaced. The government is not mandating this change but credit card issuers are pushing ahead with hopes of making a full transition by 2017. “There will be a confusing period of time. Especially, if you have multiple cards from multiple issuers,” says Shevlin. Retailers could run the risk of being held liable for any fraud, if they fail to convert to the new system.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 11 ]

HOW TO DEAL WITH A

HORRIBLE

BOSS

By Brian Andrews

It is the number one reason people leave a job: they hate their boss.

rom being micro-managed, talked down to like a child or having a manager who drew conclusions before having all the facts, a lot of workers have “Boss from Hell” stories. One poll found 35 percent of workers would choose a pay raise to make them happier at work. Sixty-five percent said they’d take a better boss. The problem for a worker is the boss is the one who has the power. Elaine Varelas, a human resource consultant at Keystone Partners, said workers need to try hard to understand their superior’s pressure points, like stressed budgets or unrealistic corporate expectations. “The more you understand about where those pressure points are, the less inclined you will be to add to those specific points. So stay away from those, they’re live wires you don’t want to go near,” said Varelas. Conflict often emerges because of

different work styles. Varelas said the onus here is on the worker to adapt. “Your job as the employee is to learn to deal with different styles of managers,” said Varelas. Varelas added that a worker doesn’t have to love a boss, but should think about what they can learn from them. Going to human resources or a personnel department should be done only after some careful deliberation. “You don’t want to use those resources to complain about your manager, talk about your dislike for him or her, you really want to talk positively about building a relationship because ultimately once that information is out there, it is not going to go away,” advised Varelas.

“Your job as the employee is to learn to deal with different styles of managers”

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“35 percent of workers would choose a pay raise to make them happier at work. Sixty-five percent said they’d take a better boss”

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 13 ]

A True Inspiration By Michele Gillen

Michael Williams There was a time in life when 18-year-old Michael Williams did not want to look into his eyes, afraid of what he might see. That is no longer the case for this CBS4 Super Kid. Eyes shining with hope, wearing a broad a smile and braces, today he says he is proud to look into a mirror.

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“W

hen you look into your eyes, what do you see?” asked CBS4 Chief Investigator Michele Gillen. Williams didn’t hesitate to answer. “Greatness.” Williams answered. “Every day I wake up in the morning, I say ‘thank you God.’ And I say, ‘I don’t know why you saved me but I’m glad you did.’ Every morning. I look in my eyes and say ‘I don’t know why you saved me, cause I came to some near death experiences, but thank you’.” Walking the South Florida campus he adores and considers home, Williams is a freshman at Florida Memorial University. He is a student leader who is full of passion and promise. “When you see me, I lead by example. I service the need of the people. And I stay full of character I mean, I’m a character. Don’t get me wrong I do have fun,” he added with a wink and contagious laugh. In fact, Williams now finds joy living the adventure of a lifetime. He is a would be inventor, studying physics and fascinated by mechanical engineering. But the mission dearest to his heart is harnessing the ultimate potential of humankind, beginning with himself. “I came from one of the worst cities in Miami, Liberty City, I grew up in the Pork and Beans, I grew up in Opa Locka. I grew up in West Park; I grew up everywhere you can think of in Miami. Every neighborhood that has problems, I grew up in that area,” Williams told Gillen, pointing out those neighborhoods on a map he keeps posted behind his bed in his dorm room. The map is a reminder of the neighborhoods, he someday hopes to help make better.

“I came from one of the worst cities in Miami, Liberty City, I grew up in the Pork and Beans, I grew up in Opa Locka. I grew up in West Park; I grew up everywhere you can think of in Miami. Every neighborhood that has problems, I grew up in that area” His fingers trace the dangerous streets on which he nearly got lost amid drugs, chaos and arrests. “At one point in time, when I got incarcerated there was no drugs. And I had to sit down and really think. And when you’re in a cell and you’re by yourself that’s all you can do is think,” he shared with Gillen who asked him if he thought it ultimately was a blessing that he got arrested. “Yes. Yes it was. I’ve had my run with the law many of times and on my last occasion, I’ve been arrested four times, and I don’t say that to brag about it because when I look at my record, the crimes I’ve been arrested for it’s like ‘come on Mike you’re better than this. Posession of marijuana? Come on Mike you’re better than that. Robbing and stealing? You’re better than that’,” and he’s learned he is better than that and more. Now, Williams is eloquent in his speech and elegant in his dress. One would never imagine that he “hit bottom” as he describes it, at 14-years-old. He said his footsteps into danger came precariously close to death. “I’ve seen my brother at gunpoint almost get killed in front of me,

twice. Not once, twice. We were actually at gunpoint in fear of our lives and I said, ‘I’m going to die today.’ After all of the bad things that I’ve done it’s payback time. And hey, I made the bed hard and I have to sleep in it. But then, I said, ‘No this isn’t it for me, this isn’t it for me’. From that point on, I felt as though you’ve slipped through the grip of death so many times, let’s stop playing with our lives Michael and straighten up because I don’t know how many more chances God is gonna give you,” he humbly shared with Gillen. It was the embrace and opportunity offered by leaders of the Black Male College Explorers Program, based at Florida Memorial University that became his life raft, out of a sea of misery, onto a new horizon of hope. His conversations are infused with lessons of hope taught him by a man he considers his mentor, Director of the program, Kareem Coney. “They stuck with me and they made me see that I was better than what I could see I was. And even at that moment I couldn’t see how great I was, they saw the potential in me.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 15 ]

And after they sparked that furnace inside of me it inspired me to just be great. And I have a sign up in my room and it says ’Hello my name is greatness’ and that inspired me to just be great at everything you do,” he explained. It was at Florida Memorial University, amid the lush greenery and fertile environment of hope, he began a transformation, inside and out. His new wardrobe is from a thrift shop; $12 tie, $8 shirt, $22 pants. But it is priceless to him. He reflects on how he once dressed and how he did not care about what others thought he looked like. “I had gold teeth in my mouth, I had my pants sagging. I was just a poster child for, ‘oh, you look like that, you must be from the hood’,” he recalled. “And going nowhere?”

“I have a passion for this, I have a passion for doing amazing things with young people and showing their potential. It’s something that I truly live and breathe” Gillen asked. “And going nowhere, exactly. And I said ‘Well, maybe I ought to care about what other people think’. And from that point on I said you know what, Bill Gates is a billionaire. But I don’t see him wearing big chains and gold teeth in his mouth and I looked at some other people that I respected in the world and I said you know when they go to handle their business, they look professional cause they look the part. So every time I step out of my house, I step out of my dorm, I put on my uniform because I go to handle my business. Because even though I’m on the

[ 16 ] November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne

road to success I haven’t got there yet. So every day I have to dress for success because just like today, you never know who can come see you,” he explained. Now, he is a young man with a very big plan. He dreams of helping his old neighborhood and ultimately, the world, with inventions that can better everything from transportation to serving fast food. A far orbit for a the little boy who struggled early on. His young years were rocked he said, by divorce. He now boasts a smile through braces, a reminder to

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him of tough times. “Actually, as a child, when my mom and my dad divorced there were some nights where I didn’t eat. So the only thing that was in the refrigerator was ice. So when I said I’m hungry but there’s nothing to eat, well I guess I’ve got to crunch on ice tonight. And my teeth took shape and I had an ugly smile, so to speak. And I never liked to smile cause I was ashamed of how my teeth looked because of the fact that I had to chew on ice,” he shared with Gillen. Gillen asked, “Did your heart hurt?” “It did. It did,” he responded. “Honestly, I’m still in the healing process. But it started at Florida Memorial, and that’s why I consider this to be my home. Because through the Black Male’s College Explorers Program. I’m tearing up right now,” he shared. But while healing, he is on the road to realizing the dreams, the inventions he says thought up as a child. So Gillen wondered? “In that scheme of creating and inventing, if there was somebody in the world you’d like to meet who would it be?” “Barrington Irving. Most definitely,” Williams responded. Barrington Irving is the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo. A pioneering inventor and builder and a man with a very big heart. When contacted by Gillen and told about Williams story and his potential, Irving didn’t hesitate to join in on the path to help. And as CBS 4 cameras captured, sometimes moments are too big for words. A gasp of delight, would describe Williams reaction to seeing Barrington Irving at the inventors beloved home base, a special hanger

at the Opa Locka airport that sports his inventions and dreams. Irving , an ever proud graduate of Florida Memorial University, was ready to help Michael’s dreams take flight. “How are you doing? I have heard so much about you, Michael,” exclaimed Barrington Irving as he embraced the young man who has admired him from afar for as many years as he can remember. Williams asked his hero what motivates him “I have a passion for this, I have a passion for doing amazing things with young people and showing their potential. It’s something that I truly live and breathe.” And continuing on that mission, Irving shares with Williams a surprise intended to help Williams with his dreams. “So we are going to give you the opportunity to fly to Wichita, Kansas and work directly with engineers from Beechcraft on this airplane. The airplane I am going to fly around the world. You are going to work with the best of the best engineers, doing hands on activities and

“Now I realize the opportunity that I have. Because it’s not about me anymore. It’s something greater than me” we will make this happen for you.” Williams gratitude was etched in his smile. He whispered, “I’ve never been on an airplane before.” Irving shook his hand and underscored the ride of a lifetime soon to be experienced. “You are going to get to fly on an airplane now!” Thanks to an American hero, a young man who’s feet are now firmly planted on the ground is walking in the clouds his vision of tomorrow as clear as the hope that fuels his heart. Summing up this new chapter of his life, Williams, declared, “Now I realize the opportunity that I have. Because it’s not about me anymore. It’s something greater than me.”

Real Estate Sponsored By

Listings in this section are based on properties sold in the month of july 2013 and retrieved from zillow.com. Not all properties sold are listed. Not responsible for typographical errors and/or omissions. Photographs are for illustration purposes only.

[ 18 ] November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne

Content provided by www.Zillow.com

What to Expect When

By VERA GIBBONS

REFINANCING The Mortgage Bankers Association is forecasting that mortgage rates will rise throughout 2013 — up to 4.4 percent by the fourth quarter, from a current rate of 3.4 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage. Should you rush to refinance now? Here are a few things to consider: What are you trying to accomplish? Before deciding whether to refinance, know what you’re trying to accomplish, taking into consideration timing and personal circumstances. Then, run the numbers, checking out

“consider skipping the refinance altogether and going with a more flexible option” various scenarios. Zillow’s refi calculators — and app — make that easy. You may find that trading in a 30-year fixed for a new 30-year fixed with lower payments isn’t the best option for you. Perhaps it makes better financial sense to trade it in for a 15-year with slightly higher payments? Or, maybe you should consider skipping the refinance altogether and going with a more flexible option, such as making extra payments as you see fit. It’s a personal choice.

Gather docs/find the right lender Beyond needing ample home equity (Think: 20 percent for the best rates), you’re going to need proof of income (two recent pay stubs), copies of your asset information, two years of tax returns and more. Once you’ve gathered up the necessary paperwork, research your loan options, shop around and get some quotes, keeping in mind that while rates and fees are important, if a lender can’t get you to closing, those rates and fees you were quoted become irrelevant! An easy way to find out if a lender provides good service is to read online reviews. As for your original lender, did you work well with him/her? Did your styles mesh? Then by all means, approach him/her, too. After all, this is someone you’re going to work closely with for at least a few months. And who knows? Maybe they’ll streamline the process and only have you jump through several hoops instead of many.

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Submit application Once you’ve decided who go with and you have a good sense of what’s ahead, you apply, and the lender pulls your credit score. Then the lender has three business days to give you a good faith estimate, which shows all the loan costs. These numbers should not surprise you, unless your credit score or home appraisal is lower than you expected. That could be more problematic than you think, resulting in your paying more, accepting a smaller loan, or worse: not qualifying for a refi.

Hurry up … and wait It could take 60 or even 90 days to close. Lenders are looking things over with a fine-tooth comb, and there’s lots of back and forth.

They may ask you where certain large bank deposits came from; they may ask you for additional clarification as it pertains to your job; they may ask you for recent divorce papers, even though you qualify for a loan without child support payments; they may ask you for more bank statements and pay stubs. Be patient!

Lock in rate & close When you lock your rate in, you get that rate — guaranteed. It might be for 30 days; it might be for 60 days. Regardless, you’re protected from rising rates (and committed if they fall!). Final step: closing. Before you sign off — out with the old and in with the new! — look everything over carefully, and if you have any questions whatsoever, ask.

This Article is Provided by Zillow.com November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 21 ]

Real Estate

Sold Properties in Key Biscayne November 2013

881 Ocean Dr, Apt TH18, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

650 Ocean Dr, Apt 3C, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

151 Crandon Blvd, Apt 639, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,042 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1971 Sold: 8/27/2013 | $640,000

3 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,162 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1983 Sold: 9/10/2013 | $760,000

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,547 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1980 Sold: 8/6/2013 | $775,000

1111 Crandon Blvd, Apt A604, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 251 Crandon Blvd, Apt 1033, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 251 Crandon Blvd, Apt 720, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,409 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1972 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $840,000

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,532 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1979 Sold: 9/24/2013 | $850,000

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,485 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1979 Sold: 9/17/2013 | $850,000

161 Crandon Blvd, Apt 221, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

225 E Enid Dr, # 44, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

628 Ridgewood Rd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

4 Beds / 4 Bath | 3,440 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1981 Sold: 9/25/2013 | $1,170,000

4 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 2,442 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1980 Sold: 9/20/2013 | $1,260,000

4 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 1,600 sq. ft. | 7,500 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1951 Sold: 9/30/2013 | $1,450,000

Listings provided by www.Zillow.com

781 Crandon Blvd, Apt 405, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

455 Warren Ln, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

799 Crandon Blvd, Apt 1106, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 2,100 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1999 Sold: 9/24/2013 | $1,565,000

4 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,151 sq. ft. | 7,633 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1951 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $1,640,000

3 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,605 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2002 Sold: 9/13/2013 | $2,300,000

175 Hampton Ln, Miami, FL 33149

799 Crandon Blvd, Apt 1004, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

571 N Mashta Dr, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

6 Beds / 6.5 Bath | 3,948 sq. ft. | 8,450 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 2013 Sold: 9/11/2013 | $3,300,000

3 Beds / 5 Bath | 3,084 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2002 Sold: 9/20/2013 | $3,265,000

3 Beds / 3 Bath | 3,239 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1967 Sold: 9/12/2013 | $6,700,000

575 Crandon Blvd, Apt 510, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 555 Crandon Blvd, Apt 71, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 575 Crandon Blvd, Apt 506, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 1 Beds / 1.5 Bath | 1,013 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1975 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $301,200

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,100 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1966 Sold: 9/9/2013 | $370,000

1111 Crandon Blvd, Apt C904, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 170 Ocean Lane Dr, Apt 610, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,311 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1975 Sold: 9/25/2013 | $450,000

230 Sunrise Dr, Apt 11, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

1 Beds / 1.5 Bath | 1,114 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1972 Sold: 9/13/2013 | $460,000

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,335 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1981 Sold: 8/27/2013 | $522,000

3 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 1,822 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1966 Sold: 9/13/2013 | $559,000

55 Ocean Lane Dr, Apt 2033, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

101 Crandon Blvd, Apt 476, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

151 Crandon Blvd, Apt 702, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

3 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,734 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1982 Sold: 8/28/2013 | $615,000

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,600 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1981 Sold: 8/12/2013 | $650,000

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,506 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1980 Sold: 9/24/2013 | $795,000

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 23 ]

Real Estate

L u xu ry P roPerties

Miami-Dade County

3500 Saint Gaudens Ct, Miami, FL 33133

17885 Collins Ave, Apt 4501, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

4549 Pine Tree Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140

10 Beds / 9.5 Bath | 26,981 sq. ft. | 5 acre Lot | Built in: 1964 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $11,700,00

5 Beds / 6.5 Bath | 6,320 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2006 Sold: 9/17/2013 | $11,500,000

8 Beds / 9 Bath | 14,453 sq. ft. | 1.54 acre Lot | Built in: 1929 Sold: 9/4/2013 | $10,200,000

6010 N Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33140

100 Golden Beach Dr, Golden Beach, FL 33160

700 Lake Rd, Miami, FL 33137

6 Beds / 7 Bath | 10,614 sq. ft. | 0.49 acre Lot | Built in: 1958 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $6,250,000

6 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 6,417 sq. ft. | 0.59 acre Lot | Built in: 2004 Sold: 9/11/2013 | $5,282,500

5 Beds / 5 Bath | 5,166 sq. ft. | 0.44 acre Lot | Built in: 1981 Sold: 9/23/2013 | $5,116,000

720 W Dilido Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

6921 Valencia Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33109

6899 Collins Ave, Unit 2608, Miami Beach, FL 33141 4 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,670 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2008 Sold: 9/19/2013 | $3,450,000

Listings provided by www.Zillow.com

1455 Ocean Dr, Apt 1609, Miami Beach, FL 33139

10225 Collins Ave, Apt 802, Bal Harbour, FL 33154

6585 Allison Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33141

3 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 2,250 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1998 Sold: 8/16/2013 | $3,450,000

3 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 3,820 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2004 Sold: 10/3/2013 | $3,400,000

5 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 5,405 sq. ft. | 0.5 acre Lot | Built in: 1940 Sold: 9/17/2013 | $3,220,000

7741 Fisher Island Dr, #7741, Miami Beach, FL 33109

10225 Collins Ave, Apt 402, Bal Harbour, FL 33154

17885 Collins Ave, Apt 901, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

3 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 3,140 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1992 Sold: 9/5/2013 | $3,200,000

4 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 3,820 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2004 Sold: 9/3/2013 | $3,125,000

4 Beds / 4 Bath | 2,736 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2006 Sold: 8/2/2013 | $3,080,000

6050 Lagorce Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140

575 Sabal Palm Rd, Miami, FL 33137

284 Las Brisas Ct, Coral Gables, FL 33143

5 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 4,180 sq. ft. | 8,063 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1953 Sold: 9/19/2013 | $2,800,000

6 Beds / 7 Bath | 5,978 sq. ft. | 0.35 acre Lot | Built in: 2007 Sold: 9/4/2013 | $2,770,000

5 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 5,231 sq. ft. | 0.39 acre Lot | Built in: 1989 Sold: 10/2/2013 | $2,725,000

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 25 ]

Real Estate

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HARP

Can Be the Program for You In spite of recent improvements in the U.S. economy, a number of housing markets have not fully recovered from the national housing crisis. In these areas, the multi-year decline in home values continues to affect many homeowners, whose loan balances exceed the value of their homes, a situation often referred to as being “underwater” or having negative equity.

To assist these homeowners, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury worked with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to establish the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Originally launched in April 2009, the program was recently overhauled to extend the benefits of a refinance to more American households. HARP isn’t the only government program available to homeowners who are looking to refinance their mortgages, but it is uniquely designed for borrowers who are current on their monthly mortgage payments and who owe more than their homes are worth.

What can HARP do for you? If you bought your house a few years ago and are making your monthly mortgage payments but the value of your home has dropped, you may qualify for a refinance under HARP. Given today’s low interest rates, a refinance could enable you to reduce your monthly payments to free up

some of your income to meet other expenses; to shorten your loan term to pay down your mortgage faster and save you money over the life of your loan; or simply to switch from an adjustable to a fixed-rate mortgage for peace of mind that your rate won’t change in the future. More importantly, a number of program changes mean that more borrowers are eligible to take advantage of these benefits, so even if you’ve been turned down for a refinance before, now is definitely the time to review your options again.

Could you qualify? If you meet the following eligibility requirements you may qualify for a HARP refinance: Your loan must be owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and have been sold to one of these companies on or before May 31, 2009. (Check their online lookup tools to see who owns your loan.) You must be current on your mortgage — that means no late payments in the past six months and no more

than one late payment in the past 12 months. Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio must be greater than 80 percent. HARP isn’t limited to primary residences; second homes and investment properties can also be refinanced under HARP. In 2012, HARP was enhanced to make it easier to qualify for the program and help homeowners like you save money. Some of the most important changes include: Loan-to-value limits were removed, allowing homeowners above 125 percent to participate. Most homeowners will not have to get an appraisal or have their loans underwritten, making the refinance process smoother and faster. Certain fees were reduced and were removed altogether for borrowers choosing to refinance into a shorter-term loan. HARP was also recently extended through Dec. 31, 2015, and so far more than 2.8 million homeowners have taken advantage of the program.

This Article is Provided by Zillow.com November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 27 ]

OBAMA CARE How Will It

Affect

Healthcare? Local Professionals Voice Their Concerns

By David Sutta

CBSMIAMI.COM

Millions of uninsured Americans now have access to health insurance. With the start of the new year, having health insurance will be mandatory under the Affordable Care Act. CBS4’s David Sutta takes a look at the impact that the ACA will have on healthcare.

imply put the movement to insure all Americans is founded in money. Healthcare has gotten so expensive that without doing something it would (some would argue has) be unattainable. In 2012 the United States spent nearly 18% of our money on healthcare. That’s the most on the planet, twice what is spent in the United Kingdom and Japan. In fact Americans spend more on healthcare than food and housing combined. Why? There are number of reasons but including the fact we are living longer, technological innovations are costly and demand for services is increasing. At the same time some would argue statistically we do not necessarily have the best healthcare in the world. We’re 33rd in the world for life expectancy. Nearly 70% of Americans are overweight which is contributing to skyrocketing rates of diabetes and cancer. A study done in 2005 found the United States has the highest rate of medical mistakes in the world. The ACA is an attempt to rein in costs and hopefully improve healthcare. Many in the medical community are skeptical. Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine told CBS4 “I think the major concern is you are going to have a lot more people being insured and whether we can meet that demand with the existing physicians supply.”

“There are some doctors that are very concerned how this will pay. Will our pay go down? That’s one concern. Other doctors are concerned that this means that the federal government is going to have more rules, more regulations” Doctors are not only expecting a rush of new patients, but existing patients are expected to come in more often. Co-pays for preventative checkups are being eliminated. Which brings us back to where we started – money. “There are some doctors that are very concerned how this will pay. Will our pay go down? That’s one concern. Other doctors are concerned that this means that the federal government is going to have more rules, more regulations,” Dr. Carrasquillo said.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 29 ]

“Overall the medical community is concerned about the unknowns. Change is always difficult, especially when it affects your income.”

verall the medical community is concerned about the unknowns. Change is always difficult, especially when it affects your income. Dr. Carrasquillo believes whatever happens, they’ll likely adapt. “When Medicare got implemented in 1965 a lot of doctors were extremely concerned. It was a new change. It was big and many doctors were very opposed to it. Within two years they saw much more number of patients, increased revenue and they all were extremely happy and they said ‘Why did we fight this? This has been very good for us’,” said Dr. Carrasquillo. Time will tell if this is history repeating itself. Already we know there are not enough nurses in the pipeline. For years we have had a shortage of nurses. This is expected to grow that problem. Who knows – maybe our insurance problems will help solve those job problems.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 31 ]

Share The Joy!

CBSMIAMI.COM

Adopt A FAmily THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

“L

ike the saying says, ‘it’s better to give than to receive.’ The feeling you get when you do something like that which is really genuine, and you see you’ve changed somebody’s life at least for the moment, it was a tremendous experience.” President of Miami based health care management company, Provider Network Solutions, Dr. Jose Pelayo, lights up as he recalls the experience of adopting a family last year. “Getting us together to actually help another family was a very rewarding experience. I recommend everyone to do that. It doesn’t take a lot. It takes a little bit of effort but the rewards are incredible.” His office rallied together to bring cheer to a family of six. A mother and father struggling to provide for their four daughters, two of which have on-going health issues. And adopting this family gave the office staff a sense of purpose the holidays. They were able to team up for a different kind of office project. They shopped for the family together, wrapped presents together and invited the family to the office for a luncheon where the children

were able to unwrap their gifts by the Christmas tree. The company’s vice president, Nancy Kanaplue, organized PNS’s Adopt-A-Family project and hopes other companies and businesses will

join them in adopting more families this year. “I would recommend it for anyone that has a heart. I would recommend it for anyone willing to help a family in need. I think the holidays are made for love and giving and supporting one another as a community.”

Clearly moved by the AdoptA-Family experience last year, Kanaplue shares they are very excited to adopt two families this year. Including a single mother whose family size suddenly doubled. “When I read up on the single mom who had three kids of her own and then brought upon herself her sister’s three kids, it just caught my heart, like wow, what a great heart for her to have. Being a single parent and taking on six children now, and they’re all little. So I said if she has that kind of a heart, how can we not help her?” Families and individuals in need are submitted to AdoptA-Family 4 the Holidays through Neighbors4Neighbors partner agencies. The process is simple. Just go online to www.neighbors4neighbors.org to register and you can start reading through the profiles submitted. “Being able to be part of an organized system like Neighbors4Neighbors and having that organization really makes it easier for us to adopt a family and give something back to the community,” said Pelayo. “It such a nice, simple way of finding families,” said Kanaplue. “We only wish that we can adopt 10.”

Consider making room on your holiday shopping list for someone in need in our community through the Neighbors4 Neighbors Adopt-A-Family 4 the Holidays program: www.neighbors4neighbors.org November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 33 ]

CBSMIAMI.COM

ROAD RANGERS To The Rescue

By Vanessa Borge

We see it all the time. A car broken down on the side of the road or a vehicle rear-ended by a distracted driver. When a driver runs into trouble on some of South Florida’s highways, the first people to arrive are not police or fire rescue, but the road rangers.

here are over a dozen who roam I-95 looking for drivers in need of assistance. It’s part of a free service funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. In order to make sure the road rangers find all of the drivers that need help, they rely on the men and women at the transportation management center in Doral. They watch more than 200 cameras over all of South Florida. There are about eight road rangers for every shift.

They each respond to about 5 to 10 cases a day. Most of those cases are stranded divers with flat tires or broken down cars. Drivers who find themselves in a bind should first pull over to the side of the road as best as possible. They should also remain in their vehicle with their seatbelt on and call *3-4-7 or F-H-P. That’s the Florida Highway Patrol dispatch number who will dispatch a road ranger to the vehicle’s location.

November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 35 ]

2013 CBS4 Hurricane Guide Special Section

Home Improvement

Content provided by www.Lowes.com

exTerior painT Buying guide Choose the best exterior paint or primer for your house. Types of exTerior painT painT Solvent-based (oil or alkyd): In oil-based paint the liquid solvent is mineral spirits. Oil-based paint dries more slowly than latex - usually taking 24 hours to cure. It cleans up with turpentine or paint thinner. Water-based (latex): The liquid is water. An advantage to latex paint is that it dries relatively fast, which may or may not be desirable in hot weather or direct sunshine. Clean up is faster, requiring only soap and water. Once you have decided your color scheme and type of paint, measure the area you are painting, including the door and window areas. Take these measurements with you when you go shopping. painT finishes Sheen is the term used to describe the degree of light reflection paint has. Usually the less sheen paint has, the less stain-resistant it is. Different manufacturers may have various trade names for them, but in general sheens are classified as: Gloss is the toughest. It cleans easily and resists scuffs better. Therefore, it’s a good choice for areas of high traffic or constant use, like door jambs and window casings. For shutters and other trimwork, gloss paint provides a sleek, eye-catching look. Gloss paint will, however, show imperfections in the surface more than other sheens. Semi-gloss paints are also durable and easy to clean, but have less shine than gloss. They are just as suitable for trimwork and casings. Satin (sometimes referred to as eggshell or low luster) offers a good combination of easy-clean and moderate sheen. It’s a good choice for siding that’s in good condition.

Flat paint is the best choice for vinyl and aluminum siding that is scratched or dented because it hides imperfections well and spatters less when applied. It’s also easier to touch up. If you want to change colors, buy a small quantity of your color choice. Try it out before purchasing several gallons. Paint a small area and wait a few days. Paints can react to each other and cast reflections that may change the appearance. CharaCTerisTiCs of QualiTy exTerior painT Hiding power is the ability of the paint to sufficiently cover or conceal the surface where it’s applied. Hiding power comes from the paint’s pigment and is affected by the manner and thickness of the application. Color retention refers to tinted paints only. The paint’s ability to maintain its original color during exposure determines its color retention. Chalking resistance prevents the white chalky powder from forming on the surface and lightening the color of the paint. Chalking occurs over a period of time by the binder slowly degrading. The telltale streaking of paint (chalk run-down) is one consequence of using a paint that isn’t chalk resistant. Blister resistance will keep excessive moisture from coming through the substrate and affecting the paint layer. If paint is applied over a damp or wet surface, blistering is imminent. Primer A primer will help paint adhere to the surface, providing a more uniform appearance. Use a primer when painting over new wood, bare wood, or repainting over existing bright or dark colors. Ask a Lowe’s associate and read the labels before making this decision. This article was provided by www.Lowes.com November 2013 CBS4 News Magazine Key Biscayne [ 49 ]

Home Improvement

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