REAL ESTATE

It Snows in Miami

YES, WINTER MONTHS IN SOUTH FLORIDA ENJOY SNOW … WELL, snowbirds. These northerners descend to our warm, tropical climate and often fall in love with the energy here and our dazzling blue skies. This year, we will likely see an uptick in visitors because of Hurricane Ian’s destruction along the west coast. This will inevitably spill over into the real estate market, making the first quarter of the year an ideal time to list your home.

Housing inventory remains low, and while the market is not as explosive as early last year, South Florida’s luxury market is predicted to be the second top luxury market in the world in 2023, according to Robert Frank, CNBC. “Miami remains a popular haven for the wealthy, given its low tax rates and growing number of financial firms locating their headquarters or offices in South Florida.” Add snowbirds into that mix and Coral Gables and nearby homeowners will be in a unique position if they choose to sell their property.

The unprecedented increased equity many have witnessed in our area also adds to the unique opportunity to sell your property, particularly if you are looking to downsize or rightsize. While the percentage increase varies by state and city, the national average shows the typical homeowner who’s owned their property for 5 years has seen an incremental value of over 60%. Those homeowners who have owned their home for 30+ years have seen an increase of over 288%, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

All these factors are very enticing for those of you considering selling a property. However, in order to maximize the potential profit when selling your home, I recommend aligning with a local, established Realtor with national reach. My team and I receive weekly calls from out-of-town Realtors referring clients. This type of networking is indispensable when trying to widen your net for potential buyers. Additionally, ask any prospective Realtors if they advertise in key relocation markets such as New York, Boston, Chicago, California and Texas. A Realtor who invests in feeder markets knows the value of balancing local prospects and transplants.

CAROLE SMITH HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN AMONG THE TOP FIVE REALTORS IN CORAL GABLES FOR OVER 25 YEARS. AS A HARVARD-TRAINED NEGOTIATOR, IT'S NO WONDER SHE SECURES TOP DOLLAR FOR HER SELLERS QUICKER THAN THE MARKET AVERAGE. TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT REAL ESTATE MOVE WITH HER, EMAIL CSMITH@VERYSPECIALHOMES.COM OR CALL 305.775.5330.

Winter in Miami is my favorite time. The weather, the festivals and, yes, even the snowbird traffic. I delight in sharing our paradise with others and making them new neighbors while helping locals prepare for their next chapter.

THE DOG FROM IPANEMA Making Your Pet Look Like A Champion Everyday.

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Hand Stripping • Show Cuts Express Service/Parents Always Welcome The Best Selection of Collars In Town

We’ll make you proud of the natural beauty of your adopted baby.

Named Best of Miami, Best of South Florida & Best of South Miami by Reader Polls

Tues - Sat: 8am - 5pm 305-663-1712

7230 SW 57th Avenue • South Miami, FL thedogfromipanema.com

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Locally Owned & Nationally Known

Visiting Angels connects clients with caregivers, allowing your senior loved one to remain where they are the most comfortable… in their own home.

• Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Grooming • Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders • Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship • Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families

305.728.3153

VisitingAngels.com/Miami

MEET Charli

CHARLI IS A SIX-MONTH-OLD FEMALE MALTIPOO. Although she only weighs five pounds, she is not afraid of dogs 10 times her size. Her favorite people are her three siblings (Olivia, Luca and Eva), and her favorite thing to play with is their socks. Charli also enjoys sleeping all day, eating and car rides! One of her favorite things to do is run up and down the stairs while playing hide-and-seek with her siblings. Charli’s dislikes include baths, vacuum cleaners (terrified of) and loud noises. Even though Charli has only been with her family for a few months, they don’t know what they would’ve done without her!

Your Pet Could Be Our Pet of the Month!

Every month, The Florida Villager randomly picks a Pet of the Month winner. Enter your pet today! Email entries to cgpet@thefloridavillager.com. Please send a high-resolution photo with your entry and tell us a little bit about your pet: animal name and breed, age and gender of animal, favorite person, favorite toy, likes and dislikes, and favorite thing to do.