Thankfully, the geographic real estate market which we service dodged the natural disaster of a direct hit from Irma. During my family’s evacuation, and amid the impending threat, we reviewed the effect of a major hurricane on the market. Selling real estate here is how our family makes a living…time for a new beginning?
Twenty-five years after Andrew we have a vibrant and healthy market. One month after Irma, the same is true. Grateful can only begin to describe our state of mind and spiritual awareness.
New activity in the market during the second half of September was dismal, however, the contracts in effect before the storm held and are closing. There were some additional steps enforced by lenders and insurance companies that delayed the closings. They required re-inspections of properties and additional due diligence prior to closing. In this time of heightened stress and emotional responses the real estate service providers and customers we dealt with worked closely with each other to facilitate the process. The closing agents, attorneys, inspection companies, lenders, insurance carriers, realtors, buyers and sellers came together and got the job done. The opportunity to align was embraced and made all the moving parts function in unison.
The Florida Keys, Barbuda, St. Maarten, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico among others were not as fortunate. We will contribute through Keyes Cares to lend the much-needed support and invite you to join in. To aid those suffering in the Florida Keys as a result of Hurricane Irma, The Keyes Company will be collecting items at any of our branch offices. Items can be dropped off by Friday, October 13. For a list of donation items please visit our Facebook page at DeValdivielso Miami FL Team.
People that live in the areas affected are making changes. The ones that can afford it are moving and starting over. The climatic similarities are attractive as are the multitude of cultures and the wonderful housing that is available. Miami is a natural destination. Our community will benefit directly with new business for all industries and service providers. Welcome to Miami!
However, some out of town buyers from the north that were considering buying a second home in Miami have had a change of heart. Perhaps, they will reconsider after December 1st comes around and the season for hurricanes is past us. That, plus their season of snow and winter winds will re-ignite those thoughts, certainly.
Some homeowners in our market have called to let us know that “this is it! We’re out of here”.
Another called to let us know they would be selling their home in Pinecrest and moving to Brickell where the building all got their electric and water service back. Time will decide if this type of response will continue. Soon, if not already, we’ll be back to a normal market.
In the meantime, the opportunity for all of us to improve our real estate market is to come together and clean up our streets. Showing buyers around with all the debris from the storm takes the conversations to Hurricanes and their impact on living in South Florida. Yes, it’s part of the landscape but is only part. Opportunities abound, indeed.
Frank DeValdivielso, a member the Miami FL Team and The Keyes Company, is based out of 2423 Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information you can reach Frank at his office, 786 378 8450, or cell, 786 273 8507. You can also email him at RealEstate@MiamiFLTeam.com and please be sure to visit www.MiamiFLTeam.com for the latest listing and news regarding real estate. Call to sign up for a free monthly market report of your zip code.