Marie Story-Broker Associate Pinecrest (Miami), FL

You have found the house you want to purchase; you’ve gone through all the negotiations, loan requirements, inspections, appraisal, etc. Weeks have gone by and now you’re at the closing table – the key is just a few minutes away, but wait, there’s one more hurdle - the HUD Settlement Statement.

The HUD statement (Department of Housing and Urban Development) is a document that itemizes all debits and credits to the Buyer and the Seller. It’s a list of what you are paying, to whom and for what, and what credits are being given to you. You really should receive your HUD statement at least one day before closing; but in real life, that usually doesn’t happen. Most times you will see the HUD statement a few hours before closing and sometimes not until you get to the closing table. In the anticipation of closing and the excitement of moving into your new home some folks don’t take the time necessary to really look over the HUD statement; and that can be a costly mistake.

Fees such as processing fee, post closing fee, scanning fee, image fee, research fee, negotiating fee, signing agent fee, etc. all are questionable. Have the person conducting the closing go over every line of the HUD statement and explain it clearly to you and your real estate agent. I saved a client of mine $350.00 this week because I knew there was a fee on her HUD statement that was no longer legal and the title company was collecting it.

So, go over your HUD statement carefully, and if everything looks good to you, sign away – and congratulations!

Pinecrest Fl rentals are available and at a wide range of prices. We have condos, townhomes and single family homes for rent. Now that being said, a Pinecrest Fl rental will usually be more expensive because of the demand and the relatively low inventory.

The demand is high because Pinecrest Florida is one of the most desirable areas of Miami-Dade County; and families with children want to move to Pinecrest because of the excellent schools. The inventory tends to be low because it is very expensive for investors to buy properties in Pinecrest for rental purposes.

As an expample, here is a report on the Pinecrest Fl rental market for all 3 bedroom properties listed. There are properties smaller and bigger than these, but these will give you an idea of what to expect when thinking about a Pinecrest Fl rental.

If I can be of assistance or if you have any questions, just give me a call.

Sunday, September 27th, 2009, Fairchild Tropical Garden is dedicating this day to "man's best friend".

Bring your dog out to visit the gardens and take the tram tour with you. Tours on Sunday are given both in English and Spanish; you never know, your dog might be bilingual! Please make sure your dog is friendly, has all vaccinations up to date and bring plenty of water - it will be hot, hot, hot.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables Florida. The gardens will be open from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Pinecrest Florida Real Estate Report - August 31, 2009

Currently there are 211 homes for sale in Pinecrest Florida.

42 homes are under contract schedule to close.

In August 18 contracts were closed/sold.

August’s highest sale was for $2,325,000 lowest was for $270,000

Click Here for Details

Every once in a while I'll get a call from a Pinecrest FL homeowner wanting me to go over and list their home because their agent hasn't gotten it sold. Today I am once again confronted with the task of telling a homeowner their listing hasn't sold because it is overpriced for today's market. I let them know that they might not like what I have to say, but it will always be the truth; and usually presented in black and white.

Some agents will take any listing at any price to get their name out there; reasoning that it is "free" advertising and you just never know, someone might call you. It has happened to me, I have gotten many clients off of sign calls. And yes, there are homeowners that will shop agents to see who will list their property at the highest price.

But I just can't take an overpriced listing though. I just can't in good conscious tell the homeowner and the public that I feel this property is worth what I've listed it at, if it's overpriced.

What is your policy on taking an overpriced listing?