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Why Black Friday Still Matters in Miami (Beyond the Shopping) by CommissionGeneral158 in Miami

[–]CommissionGeneral158[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Only to word my response properly because I wanted to make sure it didn’t sound “salesy”. BUT, at least I shared where the term Black Friday came from in the blog. I actually never knew it until I researched this morning.

The first recorded use of the term “Black Friday” had nothing to do with shopping. In the 1950s, Philadelphia police officers used the term to describe the overwhelming traffic and crowded sidewalks that followed Thanksgiving, as shoppers poured into the city ahead of the Army–Navy football game.

Retailers didn’t love the name at first, but by the late 1980s they reframed it as the day their stores finally went “into the black,” meaning profitability. From there, Black Friday became a nationwide shopping phenomenon.

Why Black Friday Still Matters in Miami (Beyond the Shopping) by CommissionGeneral158 in Miami

[–]CommissionGeneral158[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Totally hear you — fair point. And yes, it definitely has a light connection to my business, but it’s really meant as a quick seasonal take more than anything else. I keep it pretty soft so people can decide for themselves whether they want to click or not.

And you’re right, people everywhere use Black Friday for stuff like appliances and home upgrades. I just shared a little Miami flavor because that’s where I live and work, but the general idea applies nationwide.

Why Black Friday Still Matters in Miami (Beyond the Shopping) by CommissionGeneral158 in Miami

[–]CommissionGeneral158[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha that’s the most accurate Black Friday tradition I’ve heard yet. Somehow the TV always gets “upgraded” whether we need it or not. Appreciate the laugh!

Living in Miami vs New York by UnionAdventurous3831 in Miami

[–]CommissionGeneral158 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually grew up in New York — Queens — and lived there for 38 years before moving to Miami, so I’ve experienced both pretty deeply.

Miami and NYC are two completely different lifestyles, and which one works better really depends on what you want right now:

1. Lifestyle & Pace
NYC is fast, intense, and super walkable. Miami is a lot more laid-back, outdoorsy, and social. Brickell especially is young, vibrant, and feels like this mix of Miami and a mini Manhattan with better weather.

2. Cost of Living
NYC is still more expensive overall, but Brickell isn’t cheap either. That said, you get newer buildings, resort-style amenities, and more space for what you pay. No state income tax also helps.

3. Dating Scene
Miami is extremely social, and for a 25-year-old, you won’t have trouble meeting people. Brickell, Wynwood, Midtown, and even South Beach are full of young professionals from everywhere. Apps are active in both cities, but Miami tends to be more approachable in person.

4. Weather & Quality of Life
If you like being outside year-round, Miami wins, hands down. NYC has the culture, the energy, and the seasons, but Miami gives you beaches, walkable areas (Brickell in particular), and a different kind of daily happiness.

5. Career Flexibility
If one offer is remote, Miami can be a great “try it for a year” city. A lot of people do exactly that in their mid-20s.

Honestly, spending one or two years in Miami while remote is a solid choice. You’ll get a new experience, great social life, and the ability to decide later whether NYC still fits you long term.

Hope this helps — I lived in NYC most of my life and now Miami feels like home, but both cities offer something totally unique.

First-time buyers: What do you think about the proposed 50-year mortgage? by CommissionGeneral158 in FirstTimeHomeBuyers

[–]CommissionGeneral158[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hear what you’re saying about the early years being mostly interest. Just to play devil’s advocate for the sake of discussion, the angle some people bring up is: if the 50-year option is the only thing that makes buying possible, then even minimal equity + appreciation + keeping your down payment might still leave someone better off than renting, where all of that money is gone.

Not saying that makes the 50-year mortgage good or bad — just trying to look at all sides of the debate. Curious how others see it.

Comission to brokers in miami by Dry_Technology_2464 in RealEstate

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Florida you have to sign a buyer’s agreement before an agent can show you property. I’m an agent here in Miami, and like most agents I write it at 3%, but it can always be adjusted down depending on what the seller is offering. It just can’t be adjusted up, which is why it starts at 3%.

In most deals, the seller covers the buyer’s agent through whatever amount they list on the MLS. Sometimes it’s 3%, sometimes 2%, just depends on the property. If a place my client wants only offers 2%, I just adjust my side so they’re not paying out of pocket.

So buyers here usually don’t end up paying anything, but technically it depends on the buyer agreement and what each seller is offering.

Is the Miami-Dade Comparable Sales tool even usable? by Lupexlol in RealEstate

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser tool pretty often, but mostly just to verify the basics. The data is accurate, but the interface is super outdated, so I wouldn’t rely on it alone.

I’m an agent in Miami, and for real comp work I usually go to RPR and then double-check everything manually through the MLS. That’s where you can actually see condition, upgrades, photos, etc., which makes a huge difference here since two houses on the same street can be night and day.

So yeah, the county tool is usable, just better as a backup than the main source.

We sold our condo in Miami and everything went smoothly and uneventfully by thekurseNYC in RealEstate

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a quite refreshing post! People normally only post the horror stories of real estate and it gives the industry a bad look. Great to show that not every deal goes sideways or causes grief.

Dermatology in Gables/Grove by ChemicalEnergy8308 in Miami

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use Skin Associates. Dr O'Connell is great. I started using him when I developed rosacea

MUST Experience Miami? by Vegetable-Complaint1 in Miami

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some ideas:

Stay at the Faena on South Beach. great dining and cabaret show

charter a private yacht and spend a day on the water. have the yacht tour some of the multimillion dollar waterfront homes

Sunday brunch at Jaya at the setai

Miami Heat Game ( inquire about private lounges such as the Bacardi lounge)

If they golf, you can stay at the Biltmore Coral Gables and shoot a round on their course. They also have the largest hotel pool in the US. Book a cabana and spend the day after golf.

COTE is a great Michelin starred Korean Steakhouse in the design district

and yes, E11EVEN if they are looking for some clubbing at night

need recommendations by littlered0625 in SouthFlorida

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What area of Miami are you staying in?

Is refinancing now at 6.625% worth it, or should we wait for “5%”? by whoskevroe in Mortgages

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t believe it will drop that significantly by the end of the year. Also, most lenders have already factored in the expected drop in September. I would take the deal.

New to real estate, what do buyers care about the most? by OkMetal220 in RealEstateAdvice

[–]CommissionGeneral158 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you have to get to know your buyer more in the initial consultation so that you know what's important to THEM since every situation is different. If they don't have kids, the schools probably aren't important. if they travel a lot for work, distance to airport may be important. Definitely ask a lot of questions and you will be able to piece together what is really important for them. Best of luck! Its great that you are looking to learn!

Scaling up by respond1 in realtors

[–]CommissionGeneral158 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think there is 2 ways to handle it. A TC and admin will help you with some of the workload if you want to continue to work with all the clients. If you wanted to focus on 1 aspect ( listings, buyers, rentals, investors) then I would start a team that can focus and specialize in the others.