In this episode of the SoFlo Real Estate Show, hosts Athena Barrocas and Julie Dinda discuss the current state of the South Florida real estate market, exploring whether it's the right time to buy a home. They delve into market trends, mortgage rates, and strategies for prospective buyers, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding unique buyer situations. The conversation also touches on future market predictions and the factors influencing the South Florida real estate landscape.

In this episode of the SoFlo Real Estate Show, hosts Athena Chilicas Barrocas and Julie Dinda discuss the hidden costs associated with buying a home in South Florida. They explore various financial aspects that potential buyers should be aware of, including closing costs, title insurance, property taxes, and homeowners association fees. The conversation also reviews the challenges faced in the 2024 real estate market, emphasizing the importance of being financially prepared for unexpected expenses when purchasing a home. This is a must listen to episode for anyone thinking of buying a home.

In today's epiose Sealing the Deal: 5 Steps to Preparing to Move, Athena and Julie deep dive into sealing the deal on the sale of your home and the 5 steps to make your move to your new home a breeze. Preparing to move into your new home takes organization and a couple of secrets that we are going to share so when you seal the deal, you will be ready to move.

In this episode of the SoFlo Real Estate Show, hosts Athena Chilicas Barrocas and Julie Dinda discuss the top three questions home buyers are asking today. They explore whether now is a good time to buy a home given current interest rates, the financial requirements needed to qualify for a mortgage, and the hidden costs associated with purchasing a home. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the market, being aware of various financial tools, and recognizing the ongoing costs of homeownership.

In this episode of the SoFlo Real Estate Show, "Ask Athena and Julie Anything", Athena Chilicas Barrocas of Coldwell Banker and Julie Dinda of Radius Financial Group discuss the complexities of home insurance in South Florida, particularly in light of rising costs and recent storms. Joined by insurance expert Chrissy Trotta of Synergis Insurance. They explore the reasons behind high premiums, the importance of proper coverage, and practical tips for homeowners to protect their investments without breaking the bank. The conversation also addresses common myths about insurance and emphasizes the need for proactive measures during storm season.

Some Key Take-Aways include:

• Homeowner insurance costs in Florida are significantly higher than the national average.
• Insurance companies often reassess policies shortly after closing, leading to increased premiums.
• It's crucial for homeowners to understand the importance of wind mitigation and proper home upgrades.
• Self-insuring can be risky if homeowners do not have sufficient funds set aside for potential losses.

In this episode of the SoFlo Real Estate Show, hosts Athena Chilicas Barrocas of Coldwell Banker Realty and Julie Dinda of Radius Financial Group discuss essential tips for homeowners looking to improve their home's value before selling. They cover the importance of first impressions, current market trends, and provide a comprehensive list of ten actionable tips to enhance property appeal, including curb appeal, interior painting, and staging. The conversation emphasizes the significance of making strategic improvements to attract buyers and maximize sale prices.

In this episode, Athena Chilicas Barrocas of Coldwell Banker Realty and Julie Dinda of Radius Financial Group discuss the pressing issue of affordability in the current housing market and the five hidden costs associated with home ownership. They cover topics such as down payment, private mortgage insurance (PMI), closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance and repairs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of budgeting and being aware of these costs to make informed decisions when buying a home.

"Many first-time home buyers focus solely on the purchase price, but there are several other costs that can really add up and add up fast."

In this episode, Athena Chilicas Barrocas of Coldwell Banker and Julie Dinda of Radius Financial Group discuss the recent changes in the real estate industry and answer the top 10 questions home buyers are asking as a result of the NAR settlement.

They cover topics such as buyer agreements, compensation, transparency, and the impact on home prices. They emphasize the importance of hiring a real estate agent and not waiting to buy a home.

The key takeaway is to interview realtors and a hire a Realtor/s that understands the local market and who understands how to guide you so you can make informed decisions.