@inspire_me_home_decor – 4.6 million people are following Inspire Me! Home Décor. Founder Farah Merhi curates both exquisite exterior and interior home designs. This page has a great mix of different interior spaces that will give inspiration to any home project. Many of the finishings can be purchased through their online shop for instant décor satisfaction.
@kenparkindesign – Ken Parkin Design specializes in residential interior and home renovations in Canada. This account serves as a gallery of both tasteful and luxurious projects. If you are looking for modern, yet timeless interiors, checking out Ken Parkin Designs is a must!
@ashleytstark – Ashley Stark Kenner, Creative Director Stark Carpets, should be named “Instagram’s Queen of Carpets.” Her unique designs will add flair and sophistication to any space. Besides showcasing beautiful flooring options, @ashleytstark’s photos will make you consumed with interior design envy.
@thehomeedit – Consider yourself slightly OCD? Then this Instagram account is your dream! The Home Edit takes home organization to another level, mixing style and functionality. The Home Edit online store offers custom labels to maximize organization and sophistication.
@highfashionhome – The handle says it all! Browse through endless photos of picturesque interiors. Spot a must have item? You can shop the furniture and accessories shown directly through their online store. @highfashionhomes has a great selection of quality home staples and fun, unique accent items.
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POTTERY BARN – FAUX FUR STOCKINGS
These soft faux fur stockings come in a variety of neutral colors and subtle animal prints. They will compliment popular interior paint colors and add a chic twist to the traditional red stocking.
Photo Credit: www.potterybarn.com
Z GALLERIE – LED GLITTER WREATH
Sparkle and shine with Z Gallerie’s LED Glitter Wreath. You can add your personal touches with ornaments or use as is. The light’s battery pack does not limit on where to display. We suggest hanging it on a door or use as a decorative centerpiece on your holiday table.
Photo Credit: www.zgallerie.com
RESTORATION HARDWARE – NORTHERN GLOBE STRING LIGHTS
Upgrade your small lights on green wires to this string of stunners. These are great for indoor or outdoor decorating. The “lights within a light” would compliment your tree, mantel, or stairwell and grab the attention of all your guests.
Photo Credit: www.restorationhardware.com
WAYFAIR.COM – CHRISTMAS SANTA CLAUS INFLATABLE
Lawn inflatables weren’t even in consideration for our list, until we came across this 5 foot Santa inflatable. In addition to a more realistic look (versus the more common cartoon inflatable), it has LED lights, music and a real Santa suit. Don’t be surprised if your front lawn is filled with letters to Santa from all the neighborhood kids.
Photo Credit: www.wayfair.com
]]>The vast majority of South Florida millennials rent vs. buy. With astronomical rent prices and no financial gains, it might be wise to consider purchasing a home in the near future. Below are 5 reasons why putting money into a home, rather than the latest iPhone, might be advantageous for today’s millennials.
1. Mortgage payments are the same (if not less) than rising rent prices
The average rent in the Downtown Fort Lauderdale area is $1900/month (apartment around 750 square feet, with 1 bedroom/ bathroom). What does that equate to in the home buying world? Depending on your down payment, you can most likely purchase something around $300,000. This price range could give you 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and double the square footage.
2. Options, options and more options
One of the many benefits of purchasing the home is options. Now that you can obtain a larger living space, you can have a roommate(s) to share expenses. It is mutually beneficial. It is more affordable for them and allows you to add equity on someone else’s dime. Got a new job offer and need to move? Renting your property could be an option. This allows you to hold onto your assets and maybe even make a little extra every month from rental income.
3. There are many financial benefits
Some financial benefits include tax deductions and appreciation. Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage insurance and property taxes when filing each year. Owning a home is an investment. With the South Florida real estate market continuing to rise (with foreseeable stop ahead), a person can make a quick return on their investment.
4. You don’t need to have 20% down
For qualifying mortgagees, you can put as low as 3.5% down when purchasing a home through an FHA loan. This is sometimes is equivalent to first, last and security deposit when renting. It would be wise to contact a licensed Florida mortgage lender for a complimentary pre-approval before signing a lease. This will open your eyes to options.
5. Don’t pay for someone else’s property
In a nutshell, renting only benefits the landlord. Each month, you are paying for someone else’s mortgage. In addition to building a stranger’s equity, you will be spending your hard earned dollars making someone else’s place nice. Wouldn’t you rather hang that new 65-inch TV on the wall YOU own?
If you are thinking about taking the home buying leap, reach out to a licensed real estate professional. There are not additional costs for buyers to use a real estate agent. Let the experts guide you.
For a FREE step-by-step guide to buying a home, download the Complete Guide To Buying Your First Home CLICK HERE
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Miami-Dade County – 46 Star Island Drive $65,000,000
Represented by One Sotheby’s International Realty, 46 Star Island is packed with the luxury punch. This waterfront stunner is 20,000 square feet of living space and sits on 61,000 square feet of prime real estate. This home features 40 rooms, a ballroom sized living room, a 3,000 bottle wine cellar, staff quarters and 255 feet of panoramic views. There is no doubt that even your star-studded neighbors will be impressed with these digs!
See more of 46 Star Island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3ZpppM0alc&t=56s
Broward County – 534 Bontona Avenue $39,000,000
Designed by renowned architect, Jeffrey Smith, 534 Bontona Avenue has you dreaming of Venice. The Venetian inspired estate, listed by Trump International Realty, has 7 bedrooms, 6 ½ bathrooms, priceless views, and a big price tag! If 17,352 square feet of living space, king and queen master suites, a 350 foot dock, elevator, panic room, putting green, tennis court and basketball court doesn’t impress you, maybe its numerous awards will. This home has received awards for waterfront estate, volume ceilings, landscaping and 10 various recognitions from the Construction Association of South Florida.
See more of 534 Bontona Avenue – http://tours.southfloridavirtualtour.com/898312?idx=1
Palm Beach County – 2000 South Ocean Boulevard $165,000,000
Gemini, represented by One Sotheby’s International Realty, is a15-acre ocean-to-lake-estate that will make most one percenters jealous. Located in Manalapan, Gemini has a whopping 62,200 square fit on living space with 33 bedrooms, 38 full bathrooms and 14 half bathrooms. $165,000,000 will get you a mega mansion sitting on a dune with 360 degree views, 1,200 feet of beachfront and 1,300 feet of lake front. Annoying neighbors? Not here! Enjoy total privacy and tranquility because there isn’t another home for miles.
See more of 2000 South Ocean Boulevard – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HuLFyAiYbU&t=4s
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2 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION – Hollywood is the perfect area for commuters. Access to I-95, Florida Turnpike, State Road 7 , Federal Highway and 595 are all in your backyard. Within 20 minutes, you can be in Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Let’s not forget about the beaches! You can hit the famous Hollywood Boardwalk, sip cocktails at Margaritaville, relax by the pier or enjoy nature at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park.
3 WATERFRONT LIVING – Dreaming of a waterfront property? Hollywood Lakes features some of the most beautiful homes on the intercoastal. You can go in your backyard, hop on your boat and enjoy the endless dining and entertainment options along A1A. What will the ultimate Hollywood living set you back? Premiere waterfront estates in Hollywood Lakes are currently on the market from $1.7-$5 Million.
4 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY – Emergency planning is not usually taken into consideration when moving. Schools, commute and price sometimes take precedent. It is extremely comforting to know that one of the nations best hospitals resides in Hollywood, Fl. Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital are both nationally ranked for adult and pediatric care.
5 FAMILY NEIGHBORHOODS – Hollywood Hills is located in between I95 and State Road 7. It is one of the most desirable neighborhoods for families. This area features A-Rated public and private schools. The homes average between 1,800 to 3,000 square feet of living space and have lots up to 13,000 square feet. Large plazas such as Sheridan Plaza and Oakwood Plaza are ideal for convenience shopping.
6 DIVERSE PLACES OF WORSHIP – Beautiful places of worship can be found within the city. This helps create the culturally diversified community that Hollywood is. Many places of worships are also affiliated with some of the best schools in the area.
7 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – The entertainment options are endless! Besides the beaches, TY Park and ArtsPark at Young Circle are great for those of all ages. Looking for dinner and drinks? Head Downtown and choose from several international cuisines or a wine bar. Are you an art lover? Stroll through the amazing street murals and art galleries on Harrison Street. There is literally something for everyone to enjoy in Hollywood, Fl.
]]>It is no secret that a good bartender can make $500 a night slinging drinks. In South Florida, where the hospitality industry thrives, there is no shortage of people who make a great living from being a service industry professional. Cash is king in nightclubs. Not claiming some of that cash will have you living like a peasant.
You are a VIP bottle server in one of Miami’s hottest clubs. You can make a couple thousand dollars in a few nights work. After renting for a couple years, you get the itch to buy a house. Of course you can afford a mortgage payment! You can make that in one good night! Your trusted realtor finds you the perfect house and you don’t sweat the down payment and monthly mortgage payments. You can afford it, right?….WRONG!
The mortgage lender crushed your dreams because you “don’t make enough on paper.” Splurging on that fancy handbag instead of paying it forward to Uncle Sam, has come to bite you in the you-know- what.
When applying for a mortgage, they are going to look at last two years of tax returns to calculate a debt to income ratio. If you are not claiming those hard-earned cash tips, your tax returns are going to reflect a low income. So it doesn’t matter how much you have in your pockets, it’s all about how much you have on paper.
Before starting the home hunt, contact a licensed mortgage lender. They will be able to let a person know if they qualify before they start picking out furniture on that dream home. Turning to a licensed accountant to guidance on what you should be claiming for your upcoming tax returns is also highly recommended.
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Always turn to a licensed real estate professional when making one of the most important purchases in your life. Would you rather make a $350,000 purchase with a person who can physically assess a property, give you accurate listing information, set up a personalized profile with your search criteria, and negotiate the best deal for your dollar? Or would you rather throw your hard earned money thrown into cyber space?
One of the biggest misconceptions about not using a real estate professional is, you will save money. Contrary to popular belief, it is quite the opposite. Here are a couple examples on how to make more with the help of a licensed professional.
Consider a real estate agent as your personal “home concierge.” Let the experts do the work. Use your online searching skills to research local licensed realtors. It is important to match yourself with a person you feel comfortable and confident with.
by Jade Weiss, Realtor
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