Moving to miami with 3 kids (Miami Beach, Kendall: foreclosures, to rent, condo)

[Alia21]

Hello, we are moving to miami and looking at public schools in coral gables and coconut grove!
The move is happening in the middle of the school year... moving after Christmas!

we’re also looking at houses with a low budget for these areas! 400k i know its a stretch but any input on Realestate, recommendations for schools and coral gables vs coconut grove will be really a great help!!!thank you!

[Marc Middleton]

Both areas have great schools but $400k, not gonna happen. The Grove is more expensive than the Gables just because of the lack of inventory.

Gables is your better bet but you might have to rent for a little while. If you can go a little further South, then look at South Miami before Pinecrest. Good schools , more affordable homes. I have a lot of clients like you that don't have/want to drop $650k+ for a 3 bedroom in the Gables so they go there.

Also, Miami shores isn't a bad option but you'll need to be in the upper 400s to get a real 3 bedroom. A lot of the homes are just 2 bedrooms with converted garages which can be a problem if they aren't done right.

If you can find a 3 bedroom Condo some place in Miami Beach, that would be good too. North Beach Elementary, South Pointe Elementary, Ruth K Broad K-8 Center are all great schools. Houses in Mid Beach run about $1ML+ and Surfside about $500k+. You could find a home in Normandy Island though for $400k and be able to attend one of those schools. Not sure about your high school option though (could be Beach High or it could be something on the mainland).

Aventura would be an excellent option but its about an hour commute in rush hour to the Gables from there each way. Still close to the beach and all the fun stuff Miami has to offer.

Let me know if you need more help or suggestions!

[cfbs2691]

I agree with Marc.
Your budget isn’t going to allow what you’re looking for in those areas.

[AnnRyan]

$400K will get you a single family in Doral or Kendall. Doral has the better schools.

[Eldemila]

My parents have a home near Gables High School. House was built in early 1950's. It's a 3/2, 1 car garage (which is their den) and is about 1600 square feet. Tiny kitchen. Master ok in size, others are small, though growing up, they were big enough. One hall closet. Definitely NOT enough storage space. Tiny lot. Driveway space for 1 car. Don't dare try parking on YOUR lawn, the City Beautiful will ticket you.


Zillow estimates the house at $640K.


Maybe you need to look in to foreclosures???

[Marc Middleton]

Originally Posted by Eldemila

Maybe you need to look in to foreclosures???

Foreclosures sell like any other home unless it needs a lot of work or has many violations/open permits that require it to be a cash only deal.

For the average buyer getting a mortgage, you'll pay just about the same as Foreclosure as you would a regular seller. Plus, seller occupied homes tend to be better taken care of, aren't missing a whole bunch of things, and after inspection, you have a chance of them fixing things. A bank isn't going to do anything and just hurry you through the transaction with no knowledge of the home.

Most buyers should avoid Foreclosures. They aren't a big discount, that was only during the post-recession crash in 2010-2011.

Just hire a good agent, look for the home you love or a home that has a motivated seller and get your offer in early!

[WrongStreet]

I agree with the others, $400K in The Grove or Coral Gables just won't happen. Even the rare small 2/1 home in those areas won't sell for that price. Maybe a condo north/west of US-1. There are some newer buildings popping up around Ponce De Leon and Bird Rd.

Otherwise, for a single-family home, you might be able to find a small home in the Coral Terrace area, which is right next to Coral gables, very nice neighborhood. But it's getting expensive due to the location. Best bet is to look at areas to the South or West.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by WrongStreet

I agree with the others, $400K in The Grove or Coral Gables just won't happen. Even the rare small 2/1 home in those areas won't sell for that price. Maybe a condo north/west of US-1. There are some newer buildings popping up around Ponce De Leon and Bird Rd.

Au contraire.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal...91_rect/16_zm/

[Marc Middleton]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

Au contraire.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal...91_rect/16_zm/

I get your point to the person above but 3 kids and 2 adults sharing 1 bathroom?

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by Marc Middleton

I get your point to the person above but 3 kids and 2 adults sharing 1 bathroom?

As you noted, this was simply in response to the poster who stated that you couldn't find a 2/1 for $400k in Coral Gables. It was not meant in any way for the OP to consider and I apologize for the slight derail.