Tag Archives: Buying a home in South Florida

Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Tours

access_timeApril 21, 2020personScott Patterson

As we navigate a new normal, many homebuyers are taking to the internet to check out the latest listings…virtually! Virtual tours have been around for quite a while, but in the age of social distancing, they’ve become an essential tool that can make your home search a whole lot easier.

The 3 Most Popular Types of Virtual Tours

Not all virtual tours are created equal—but they can definitely help you decide whether or not you’re interested in a property. Here are some of the most common types of online home tours that you should know about.

Video Tours

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words…but a video is definitely worth a thousand pictures! Video tours can give you a good idea what a home really looks like on the inside and provide a level of depth that goes beyond just a photo. Most video tours will feature full 360º views of the most important rooms in the house, such as the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom.

Some agents really love go above and beyond with their videos—they might add commentary on a home or drone footage of the property. A great video tour will also provide the price, square footage, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

3D Tours

There’s nothing quite like walking through a home and touring it yourself. Believe it or not, it’s still possible to explore every square inch of a listing from the comfort of your couch! Three-dimensional (3D) tours utilize an advanced 360º camera to create a fully-interactive experience. Some cameras are even capable of rendering a floorplan of a home, which makes it easy to click from room to room.

These types of tours are highly beneficial to buyers, as it lets them virtually “walk” through a home without actually being there in person. You can turn around, go forward or backward, and click on the exact rooms that you want to see. Best of all, you won’t be limited by time—feel free to check out the home for as long as you’d like!

Virtual Open Houses

Many agents are turning to social media for a more personal approach to online tours. Virtual open houses allow buyers to check out a home in real time via live video streaming. Some buyers also enjoy the authenticity that comes with viewing “raw footage” of a home.

Facebook Live, Zoom, and FaceTime are all popular platforms for virtual open houses, but if you’d like to make special arrangements, just contact your agent. And while you’re “touring,” be sure to ask plenty of questions—this is your chance to get an insider’s perspective on a listing!

Want to Schedule a Virtual Tour?

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, we’d love to help you navigate every step of the process. Just give us a call to learn more about South Florida’s ever-changing market. The Scott Patterson Group has all the tools you need to find your perfect place!

6 New Year’s Eve Parties & Celebrations Around South Florida

access_timeDecember 13, 2019personScott Patterson

Every time we cross into a new year, it’s a special occasion, but this year, we won’t just be entering into a new year—we’ll also be kicking off a new decade.

As we say goodbye to the 2010s, it’s a great time to reflect on the changes and growth that this decade brought…but it’s also the time to celebrate what the 2020s have in store! Wondering what sort of New Year’s Eve celebrations are happening around the communities of South Florida? Here’s your quick guide.

Fontainebleau’s New Year’s Eve with the Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers, this year's headliner for Fontainebleau Miami Beach's New Year's Eve event. — Photo courtesty of hollywoodreporter.com

When: December 31st, 9pm

Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach

What: Every year, Fontainebleau Miami Beach brings in a big name artist for 21-and-over New Year’s Eve celebration. This year, the Jonas Brothers will be hitting the stage and playing poolside all night long! There are a variety of ticket packages available, including reserved tables right by the action, and a family experience area for guests under 21. The base ticket for premium admission also includes access to an open bar!

A Night of Elegance

A man wearing a tux for a New Year's Eve event.

When: December 31st, 8:00pm

Where: Leona’s Palace, Hollywood

What: If you’re looking to ring in the New Year in style, then A Night of Elegance is the red carpet event you’ve been waiting for. Live music will be provided by Gairy Sweetness, DJ Squeeze & DJ Capone, and complementary glasses of champagne will be distributed before the midnight countdown.

Bayfront Park New Year’s Eve

When: December 31st, 8pm

Where: Bayfront Park, Miami

What: One of the largest free dance parties in the city and home of the “Big Orange” drop, the Bayfront Park New Year’s Eve event consistently tops lists as one of the best celebrations in the country of its kind. In addition to the free celebration, Miami local Pitbull will be hosting a VIP event at the park, filled with gourmet food, craft cocktails, and live music from Mr. Worldwide himself.

New Year’s Eve at GG’s Waterfront

Four glasses of champagne served for a New Year's Eve event.

When: December 31st, 4pm

Where: GG’s Waterfront

What: This year, Hollywood’s popular GG’s Waterfront restaurant will be serving up their five-star seafood and waterfront views all day long. Early dinner kicks off at 4pm with a chef’s prix fix, and a Gala party will be held at 9pm, where guests can also enjoy live music, dancing, an open bar, and party favors.

Miami Beach New Year’s Eve Cruise 2020

When: December 31st, 9pm

Where: Anticipation Sternwheeler, 1200 N. Ocean Dr.

What: Celebrate the new year from one of three decks right on the water, as you cruise from Hollywood Beach to Miami Beach on the Anticipation Sternwheeler. Not only will you have prime views of the fireworks all around the area, but you can also enjoy bouncing from deck to deck to enjoy the festivities. On the first deck, you’ll find a DJ and casino games, the second offers dancing and live music, and the third slows things down with fresh air and scenic views.

New Year’s Eve Party at Miami Shores Country Club

A man wearing a suit for a New Year's Eve event.

When: December 31st, 8pm

Where: Miami Shores Country Club

What: Bottomless bubbles, an open bar, fresh seafood, delicious desserts, party favors, live music—Miami Shores Country Club is pulling out all the stops for their New Year’s Eve bash. It’s sure to be equal parts elegant and exciting!

Ring in the New Year in South Florida

New years are for new beginnings…and what better way to start anew than by finding a home in South Florida? If you’re thinking of relocating to the area, I’m here to help. Take some time to explore my in-depth guides to the area, browse my resources for buyers, and narrow down your options with my specialized search tool. Once you’re ready to take the next steps, I’m just a phone call away!

Looking Back on 2019: The Top Home Design Trends of the Past Year

access_timeDecember 6, 2019personScott Patterson

With each new year comes new trends—in food, in fashion, in entertainment, and, of course, in interior design. This year was all about sleek minimalism, and you can expect much of the popular trends of 2019 to carry through into 2020.

Here’s a look back on the top design trends of the past year—and which ones you can expect to stick around next year.

Nordic Touches

If you put industrial design and minimalism into a Venn diagram, Nordic influence would be the overlap in the center. In practice, Nordic touches look like muted tones of gray and blue, dark metal and rich wood accents, and plenty of natural lighting. It’s clean, it’s bright, and above all, it’s stylish.

Here to stay?

In 2020, you can still expect to see many elements of the Nordic trend in interior design, particularly in color palettes. Keep an eye out for ways to increase the lighting and draw attention to colors in your own space!

Statement Pieces

This year was all about minimalism, but that’s not to say there wasn’t room for creative expression. Statement pieces—whether in furniture, lighting, rugs, or any other feature—were all the rage for pulling rooms together, including intricate wall lighting, ornate rugs, and curved couches and chairs.

Here to stay?

In our opinion, statement pieces will stick around next year, but in a different way. We expect there to be a move away from actual physical statement pieces, and instead a use of colors to draw in the eye—especially through furniture.

Plant Life

Houseplants, a popular 2019 interior design trend.

This year, everyone—but especially millennials—went all in on house plants. Check any hip Instagram or Pinterest account, and you’ll see rooms filled with potted plants on shelves, hanging plants suspended from the ceiling, and greenery atop every table. And it makes sense—plants not only boost your mood, but are also a great way to fill space in your home!

Here to stay?

Plants can be a bit of a commitment, so unless people accidentally kill theirs off, you can expect them to stick around for a while…at least through 2020. Next year, we may even see favor shift to larger plants!

Geometric Patterns

Honeycomb shelving, geo terrariums, octagonal mirrors—you couldn’t walk into a store this year without seeing some form of geometric home decor. The trend was in part influenced by its ability to mesh well with other popular designs, like industrial and boho chic.

Here to stay?

The dynamic nature of geometric patterns doesn’t fit too well with minimalistic design, so you shouldn’t count on this trend lasting into next year.

Dark Colors

A dark kitchen, a popular 2019 design trend.

Perhaps influenced by the blues and grays of Nordic design, dark colors were splashed throughout homes everywhere this year, particularly in kitchens. Edgy shades of black, grey, and blue blended well with metallic and wood accents and preserved that modern and minimalistic atmosphere.

Here to stay?

Dark colors certainly fit the bill for next year, but we also wouldn’t be surprised to see them moving out of favor as people gravitate towards lighter pastels and muted tones—which tend to open up the space a little more than the former.

Stay on Top of the Latest Trends

Whether it’s interior design or the hottest new spots in South Florida, my team is here to make sure that you don’t miss out any of the latest trends. Be sure to stay up-to-date with out blog, and check out my top picks around the area!

Thinking of making the move to South Florida? Browse my buying resources, use my specialized search tool to narrow down your options, and check out my area guides to learn about what life here has to offer. Once you’re ready to get started, I’m just a phone call away.

6 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events Happening in South Florida

access_timeNovember 27, 2019personScott Patterson

If you haven’t pulled out the holiday decor and started playing “Jingle Bells” yet, then you’re going to have to get started soon. November is almost over, and we’re nearly at peak holiday season—and the South Florida area is coming alive with celebrations!

From festive parades to snow-filled festivals, here are the top holiday events to check out around the area this year.

45th Annual North Miami Winternational Thanksgiving Parade

When: November 28th, 10am

Where: Along 125 Street from NE 6 – 12 Avenues

What: Marching bands, giant floats, festive characters—the North Miami Winternational Thanksgiving Parade has been going on for decades and is quite the staple in the South Florida area. If you need some plans on the morning of your Turkey Day, be sure to come out and watch.

North Miami Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

A Christmas tree with lights on it at a holiday event.

When: December 5th, 6pm – 8pm

Where: City Hall

What: Ring in the start of the holiday season with the rest of the North Miami Beach community at the annual Tree Lighting. Not only can you witness the dazzling lights come alive on this year’s tree, but there will also be Christmas carols and refreshments available. It’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade

A person holding a candy cane beside twinkling lights at a holiday parade.

When: December 7th, 7pm

Where: Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

What: Fun fact: the Hollywood Beach Candy Cane parade is one of the longest running parades of its kind in the entire country. What started as a small gathering in the 1950s has grown to become a tradition for thousands! If you’re curious what sort of floats and entertainment to expect, you can check out a few videos of the previous year’s parades here.

Christmas Near the Beach

When: December 14th

Where: Arts Park @ Young Circle

What: A giant Christmas tree, a Christmas pageant, Santa Claus, live music, dancing, giveaways—Christmas Near the Beach packs all of the holiday highlights you can think of into one event. The celebration lasts for five hours and is totally free to attend, and often brings in several thousands visitors of all ages from around the area.

Snow Fest & Community Safety Day Parade

When: December 14th, 5pm – 11pm

Where: City Hall

What: Snow in Florida? At the Snow Fest celebration—one of the biggest holiday events in the area—anything is possible! Last year, over 10,000 people came out to enjoy the giant snow mountain, rock climbing wall, carnival rides and games, food and drinks, live music, and more. This year promises to be even bigger than the last!

Winterfest Boat Parade

Fireworks over a body of water at a holiday event.

When: December 14th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: 512 NE 3 Ave., Fort Lauderdale

What: Heralded as “the Greatest Show on H20,” the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade lasts for 2.5 hours and stretches 12 miles along the waters of New River, to the Intracoastal Waterway, to Lake Santa Barbara. The pre-show features tons of non-motorized vehicles, while the main event brings in giant showboats and yachts, each decked out in holiday decor and dazzling lights. You can also expect live music and special guests throughout the night!

Discover Life in South Florida

You don’t have to miss out on celebrating all of the best holiday events—not when you find your home in South Florida! Take some time to get to know a little more about what life here has to offer by browsing my area guides and top local picks.

Once you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your real estate journey, narrow down your options with my buying resources and specialized search tool, and give me a call to get started!

The Best Rainy Day Attractions in the South Florida Area

access_timeNovember 22, 2019personScott Patterson

We might not get typical winter weather in South Florida, but we’re not immune to a chilly rainy day here and there. Luckily, even when the weather doesn’t reflect our reputation as the Sunshine State, you’ll still find plenty of things to do!

Here are the top rainy day attractions around the South Florida area to check out during the next cold snap or downpour.

Dezerland Park

An arcade, virtual reality games, mini bowling, trampolines, a bar and lounge—Dezerland Park is a one-stop shop for all things entertainment. With over 250,000 sq. ft. of indoor space, there’s plenty of room to burn off that rainy day energy.

Perez Art Museum Miami

Miami’s flagship art museum, the Perez Art Museum offers stunning displays of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The building itself is quite the sight—designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects Herzog & de Meuron—with sleek and sharp lines jutting out to the waterfront. You could spend a whole day listening to the rain gently fall on the rooftop as your browse the latest exhibits.

Museum of Contemporary Art

If you want to make the art museum rounds, the the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami should be next on your list! The 25,000 sq. ft. building houses a rich collection of sculptures, paintings, and more created by local, national, and international artists. Keep in mind, the main gallery of the museum is closed until November 26th, but will reopen after the installation of two new exhibitions—Cecilia Vicuña’s About to Happen and Alice Rahon’s Poetic Invocations

Frost Museum of Science

A woman standing in front of the glass at an aquarium.

A beautiful new addition Miami’s Museum Park, the Frost Museum of Science stretches across four acres of land, offering a state-of-the-art planetarium and aquarium, as well as six floors of interactive exhibits.

The three-level aquarium mimics the Gulf Stream, with the top floor reserved for creatures of the open water like hammerhead sharks and mahi-mahi, the second floor for colorful parrotfish and damselfish, and the bottom level for fish of the deep—showcased through the breathtaking 30-foot oculus.

Not to be outdone, the planetarium offers an 8K visual system, which is twice what you’d find in a typical planetarium, as well as six 3D-capable projectors and 250 seats. If you haven’t visited the Frost Museum yet, it should be at the top of your list!

Pines Ice Arena

Want to get in the holiday spirit? Spend the day hitting the ice at Pines Ice Arena! The indoor rink hosts public skates sessions every day of the week and offers skate and helmet rentals.

HistoryMiami

HistoryMiami is a Smithsonian Affiliate in heart of downtown that’s committed to sharing and remembering Miami’s past. The museum houses over 37,000 artifacts, dating all the way back to the prehistoric ages, detailing over 10,000 years worth of local history. The current rotating exhibit is all about the highlights of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and you’ll also find collections on the Miami International Airport, the Whitman Family, and the history of our unique local culture.

Boxroom Escape Games

If you’ve never done an escape room before, it’s definitely worth a try—and Boxroom Escape Games was voted #1 in South Florida! Teams can be comprised of 2 – 8 people, and there are six rooms of varying difficulty to choose from. See if you can solve the puzzles and escape in 60 minutes!

Explore Life in South Florida

No matter the season or the weather, you’ll always find something new to explore around South Florida. If you need a few more suggestions for rainy day attractions, check out my top picks for local spots!

Thinking of making South Florida your new home? I can help with that, too! With years of local experience, a wide variety of helpful resources, and a commitment to achieving your goals, I’m here to make sure your real estate experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Ready to take the next steps? Just give me a call.

Buying in the Winter? It’s Easier than You Think!

access_timeNovember 11, 2019personScott Patterson

Many people believe that have to buy or sell their homes during the peak real estate season—but this is a common myth that you shouldn’t fall for! When you live in sunny South Florida, buying a home in the winter can be a breeze. It may come as a surprise, but here’s why you shouldn’t let the season stop you from buying.

Less Competition

When it comes to real estate, supply and demand is the name of the game. Most people are looking to buy a home from May to August, but don’t fall prey to all the hype. In Florida’s hot market, it’s easy to be swept away by the competition. If you want to move during peak season, be prepared to be outbid and go against thousands of other buyers.

Want to take things at your own pace? Buying in the winter allows you to peruse the market without rushing. Homes sit on the market for much longer, so you won’t have to schedule a showing the day the home lists (unless you want to!). Less competition also means less stress, which will make the process that much simpler.

Prices Are Lower

As I mentioned before, lower demand means a higher supply. When it comes to real estate, that means buyers have more room to negotiate a lower price with motivated sellers. This is definitely the case in the winter—although you’ll have fewer homes to choose from, you could get a great deal that you wouldn’t find during the summer.

On average, home prices take the biggest dive in January, with November and December close behind. You can save tens of thousands of dollars if you time your move right—and sellers are often eager to work with a motivated buyer.

More Flexibility

Agent and client looking over a contract

Imagine not having to compete with hundreds of other people to book a moving company, find a lawyer to handle the closing, and handle all the other details of buying a home. Buying in the winter means you can avoid all of these hassles, which will make a stressful process a whole lot smoother.

Because fewer people are making a move during the colder months, you might even get a deal on a moving service. And because you’re in the South Florida area, you won’t have to deal with inclement weather or tons of snow! Even real estate agents are less swamped during his time of year, so there’s a good chance that your home search will be a breeze.

Thinking About Buying in the Winter?

There are so many reason to consider buying your next South Florida home during the colder months. Ready to take your next steps? Give me, Scott Patterson, a call. I’m here to be your all-in-one South Florida resource, and I have tons of buyer info to help you navigate the process. Just give me a call with any questions—I’d love to chat!

Halloween in South Florida: The Top Events Happening in the Next Week

access_timeOctober 25, 2019personScott Patterson

Happy Halloween, South Florida! With October 31st just around the corner, the next few days promise to be filled with tricks, treats, spooks, and scares.

Whether you’re taking the kids out for candy or looking for an evening of fun, here are the top Halloween events around South Florida.

Halloween Night of the Haunted Carnival

A stack of small pumpkins in someone's hand at a haunted carnival.

When: October 25th, 6pm

Where: Back Yard Concert Lawn & Plaza

What: A haunted house, a costume parade, carnival games, live performances, and more—the Haunted Carnival has a little something for ghost and ghouls of every age. Stick around until 10pm for a screening of Beetlejuice!

A Nightmare in Leah

When: October 26th

Where: Leah Arts District

What: Come out for an all-out, family-friendly block party in the Leah Arts District! You can enjoy live music, painting demonstrations, trick-or-treating, and a few special surprises.

Spooky Symphony

When: October 27th

Where: Miami-Dade County Auditorium

What: The Alhambra Orchestra and the Greater Miami Youth Symphony will be putting on their annual Spooky Symphony this Saturday, featuring music from Frozen, Wonder Woman, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes!

Ghosts in the Garden

When: October 27th

Where: Miami Beach Botanical Garden

What: Carve your own jack-o-lantern, take in some spooky art, and enjoy the creative costumes on display during the garden parade.

Not-so-Spooky Halloween Festival

When: October 31st

Where: Westwood Park

What: If you have a few kiddos, this is the event to check out. Come gather goodies at the trunk-or-treat, then stick around for a showing of Hocus Pocus.

Hallowave

When: October 31st

Where: Washington Avenue Business Improvement District

What: The Hallowave is a full mile of Halloween festivities, including trick-or-treating, games, iconic characters, and more. Don’t miss out on the dog costume contest!

Monster Mash Bash

When: October 31st

Where: City Hall

What: The Monster Mash Bash is sure to be a graveyard smash. A haunted house, live music, costume contest, carnival rides and games, vendors, prizes, and more—it’s the place to be on Halloween night!

Explore Life in South Florida

If you’re curious about all that life in South Florida has to offer, I’m more than happy to show you around. Check out a few of my in-depth guides to area, browse my buying resources, and give me a call when you’re ready to start your real estate journey!

Get in the Fall Spirit with These Seasonal South Florida Celebrations

access_timeSeptember 26, 2019personScott Patterson

Although we may not have autumn’s quintessential crisp temperatures and changing leaves, we still have plenty of fall fun in South Florida.

From Oktoberfest celebrations to food festivals to book fairs, you’ll find something happening pretty much every weekend! Check out a few of the top upcoming highlights, and add them to your schedule!

Miami Carnival

When: October 11th – 15th

Where: Locations vary

What: A celebration of Brazilian and Trinidadian culture, the Miami Carnival is one of the most lively and colorful events in the region. You can expect parades, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, and tons of food and drinks. The most popular parts of the carnival include the Junior Carnival and J’Ouvert!

Oktoberfest Miami

When: October 11th – 13th, 18th – 20th

Where: German American Social Club on Miller Drive

What: Celebrating its 62nd year, Oktoberfest Miami is the longest continuously-running Oktoberfest in the country! Come one of the two weekends for authentic German beer food, music, and more.

Grovetoberfest

When: October 12th

Where: Regatta Park

What: If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss Grovetoberfest. With over 500 craft beers, tons of tastings, and live music, it’s one of the largest celebrations of its kind!

Cardboard Boat Race

When: October 12th

Where: City of Hollywood Marina

What: Grab a team, assemble a boat, and see if you have what it takes to stay afloat for the Cardboard Boat Race! Boats can be built on or off site, and cardboard will be provided. The winners of the race get trophies and bragging rights! Check out some of the designs from last year, and get to building.

South Beach Seafood Festival

When: October 22nd – 26th

Where: South Beach

What: Named by USAToday as one of the Top 5 Specialty Festivals in the country and rated as the Best Seafood Festival in the US by the Travel Channel, the South Beach Seafood Festival is a can’t-miss. In addition to some of the best flavors in the country, you can also expect live music, games, demos, and plenty of drinks.

Miami Beach Pop Festival

When: November 8th – 10th

Where: South Beach

What: Jack Johnson, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, The Roots, Maggie Rogers—this three-day music festival is bringing in some big names. No matter what your favorite genre is—from dance and hip hop to pop and rock—you’ll probably find a familiar name on the lineup.

Miami Book Fair

When: November 17th – 24th

Where: Locations vary

What: Close out the season by curling up with a perfect book at the Miami Book Fair. For eight days, you can explore vendors, authors, and all things literature.

Explore Life in South Florida

Whether you hail from Hollywood or Miami, you’ll find that our area of South Florida is always busy with things to do. The best way to explore it all? Find your new home in one of our unique communities!

Take some time to get to know more about the South Florida area, and browse my buying resources for more information. Ready to get started? Just give me a call!

Find a Home for Fido: The Top Pet-Friendly Properties in South Florida

access_timeSeptember 4, 2019personScott Patterson

Pets play a pretty important role in our lives. In fact, 68% of households in the country own a pet! Since so many people have a four-legged family member, it makes sense that you’d want to move somewhere that works for them, too.

Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful South Florida homes and condos that are not only pet-friendly, but also surrounded by resources like dog parks, pet stores, and groomers. Take a look at a few of the top pet-friendly communities in the area, and let me know when you’d like to see a few listings in person!

Diplomat Oceanfront

The Diplomat is a high-rise, oceanfront building in Hollywood, filled with resort-style amenities and stunning views. The building is pet-friendly, so you’ll be able to enjoy it all with Fido by your side!

Just north of the building, you’ll find the Hollywood Dog Beach, which is open on the weekends and features some pretty prime beachfront, all for your four-legged friend. An added bonus: on your way home from the beach, you can also swing by the nearby Pet Supermarket and pick up a few treats!

Trump Royale

A 55-story condo tower that juts out above the rest of Collins Avenue, the Trump Royale building offers a lifestyle like no other, including luxurious amenities, oceanfront views, and pet-friendly units.

You won’t have to wander far from home to find some green space for your pup. Heritage Park is just a stone’s throw away and features a leash-free dog zone, perfect for making a few new friends. If your pet needs a little style boost, Le Chien’s grooming services are just down the road!

Golden Pointe

Located in Aventura, Golden Pointe is a gated townhome community perched along the Intracoastal Waterway. Not only do these homes offer plenty of space for your pet to roam around in, but you’ll also have a slice of outdoor patio space, as well!

When it comes to location, pet owners won’t find a much better option than the townhomes at Golden Pointe. Just down the road from the neighborhood is the Waterways Dog Park, which features 1.5 acres of off-leash space, doggie water fountains, and a shaded patio. Take a two-minute trip north of the park, and you’ll find all of the supplies you need at Petco!

For a local shopping option, Aventura Pups is a few extra minutes away.

Harbourwood Villas

A laid-back, townhome-style village, Harbourwood Villas is home to beautiful properties, coveted amenities, and either canal-front or garden-front views. It’s the perfect place to raise up your four-legged friend!

Just minutes away from your front door, you’ll find ample wide-open green space at Joseph Scavo Park, including a dog park area for both large and small dogs, and Petco is just down the road!

Find Your Home in South Florida

Whether you’re moving with your four-legged friend or not, you’ll find plenty of top-notch home options in South Florida, from luxurious condos to expansive townhomes. Take some time to explore the area and neighborhoods, and narrow down your search.

Ready to get started or need a few recommendations? Just give me a call!

First-Time Buyers: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home in South Florida

access_timeMay 7, 2019personScott Patterson

Even for seasoned real estate investors, buying a home can be a challenging process. From the initial search to figuring out the right mortgage options to navigating closing paperwork, buying a home comes with a long list of to-dos. For first-time buyers, the purchasing process can be both stressful and intimidating.

Are you looking for your first home in South Florida and feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry—my team and I are here to provide you with all of the resources you need to find real estate success.

Narrow Down Your Search

Take a minute to think about your dream home. Is it located right on the beachfront with easy access to waterfront recreation? Does it have a large, private backyard with plenty of room to roam? Or perhaps it comes outfitted with the latest in smart home technology?

Whatever is most important to you in a dream home is completely up to you, but my team can help you narrow down your options. Our specialized search tool was made specifically to help buyers search homes based on certain criteria, so give it a try!

Still need some inspiration since it’s your first time buying? Check out my featured listings ,and see what catches your eye.

Explore South Florida Areas

You might not initially think so, but finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right home. South Florida is made up of a wide collection of communities, each offering different benefits, from active nightlifes to easily commutable locations.

In the end, narrowing down the ideal neighborhood is a lot like the home search process; it’s all about what’s most important to you. Are you more concerned about the lifestyle of a neighborhood or the location? Would you rather be closer to the beach or your workplace?

Luckily, you don’t have to hit the streets and explore your options for yourself. My team and I offer a variety of in-depth guides to each community around South Florida, so be sure to take advantage of our browsing resources.

Figure Out Your Finances

One of the trickiest parts of buying a home—especially for first-time buyers—is figuring out your finances. After all, you need to find a trusted lender, decide which mortgage options work best for you, and calculate your budget for monthly payments.

Since I’ve been working around South Florida for years, I can help you find the best lenders with the best rates in the area. I also offer a number of helpful financial calculators that allow you to get a better grasp on what your payments might look like. And when it comes to deciding on mortgage options, my team can help you determine which choice fits your needs.

Get Answers to Your Questions

If it’s your first time buying, you’re probably going to have a fair number of questions about the process. Not only is that expected, but I have plenty of resources—from FAQs to exclusive buying guides—made to help you get some much-needed answers.

Still not finding what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out and give me a call or send along an email. With over 20 years of experience in the area, I’m more than happy to break down the intricacies of buying in South Florida.

Find Your Dream Home with the Scott Patterson Group

Buying your first home can be a daunting process, but when you work with the Scott Patterson Group, you’ll be taken care of. With years of experience, a wealth of local knowledge, and a wide variety of professional skills, my team has everything you need for a successful South Florida real estate experience.

Ready to get started on finding your dream home or have a few questions about local real estate? Don’t hesitate to give me a call!