Invest Well, Live Well
with the Mike Ugarte Group
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Committed to Helping Our Clients Succeed
24+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE
Buy
Our extensive knowledge of the current real estate market, combined with a vast network of homes for sale, ensures that you have access to the best properties that meet your specific needs and budget.
Sell
Our strategic approach, coupled with our deep understanding of market trends, enable us to attract the right buyers quickly and efficiently. We pride ourselves on our negotiation skills and attention to detail, ensuring your selling experience is smooth and profitable.
Invest
As seasoned investors, we understand the nuances of real estate investing and are committed to helping you maximize your returns while minimizing risks. Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned pro, we are here to guide you through every step of the investment journey.
Property Search
Every Home Purchase is an Investment: Invest Well, Live Well with our Expertise.
We help families and investors buy and sell real estate in South Florida.
We know that buying and selling a home can be both exciting and stressful. The many unknowns, such as when to buy or sell, what price to set, how long it will take, and who to trust, add to the stress and fear of moving.
That is why we meet with every one of our customers before we begin working with them. Our goal is to clearly understand why you're moving and put together a winning strategy unique to your situation.
Our process is proven and predictable. It ensures our customers get the home they want, at the price they want, with the terms they want...every single time.
Serving Families, Serving Communities
It's not about making a sale, it's about making a difference.
1,235+
Happy Smiles
We are humbled by the opportunity to have served our customers and families, recognizing that this number reflects the significant impact and positive difference we've been able to make in their lives and communities.
$105K+
Donated to our Community
We take great pride in our ability to contribute to our community by participating in the Homes for Heroes program.
512+
Properties in our Investment Portfolio
We're dedicated to nurturing vibrant communities by building lasting value, boosting the local economy, and creating more opportunities for residents.
We Guarantee You'll Love Working with Us.
The real estate agent community didn't want us to do this. They said we were crazy. Maybe we are. But we don't care about what they think. We only care about what you think.
Because no one wants to hire the wrong agent.
You might be asking yourself "How do I guarantee I'm hiring the right agent?"
You don't. To be honest, we don't even know if we would be the right agents for you.
But we are the only agents 'crazy' enough to offer our Easy Exit Guarantee.
It's real simple. If you are ever unhappy with our service and would like to cancel our agreement, you can do so at no charge.
Everyone else has some kind of cancellation fee (that's why they're so mad at us).
Whenever you are ready, click the button below to Book a 15 minute Strategy Call to find out if we would be a good fit.
Real Stories, Real Results:
See Why Our Customers Love Working with Us
R. Vejerano
They are very impressive on how they were able to come up for a strategic plan, and to resolve any issues. They are very professional and easy to work with the whole time. I have my faith to me that they would be able to help sell the property immediately and THEY DID IT!! I WAS SOOO HAPPY! I am grateful to work with GREAT people!! I mean GREAT, THEM!!!.
A. Misha
Judy and her team helped my girlfriend and me find a fantastic apartment when we moved to Miami from NYC. Best part, because of Covid, they did this completely virtually, while we were across the country. About four months later, they helped me correct an incorrect bank transfer (mistake on my end), and they did so quickly and effectively. My experience of the team has been that they are professional, knowledgable, and responsive. Recommend without reservation.
Read Our Latest Blogs
How Banks Determine How Much Home You Can Afford.
How Banks Determine How Much Home You Can Afford: Understanding the Ratios
If you're wondering, "How much house can I afford?" you're not alone. When it comes to approving a mortgage, banks don't rely solely on your credit score—they have specific financial criteria to assess how much home you can comfortably buy. Two key ratios guide this decision: the housing expense ratio (front-end ratio) and the debt-to-income ratio (back-end ratio). Let's break down what these terms mean and how they help determine your ideal home budget.
Housing Expense Ratio (Front-End Ratio):
This ratio shows how much of your gross monthly income should go toward your housing expenses. Housing costs include your mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. Lenders generally recommend that these costs shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.Example:
Imagine your annual household income is $100,000. Your gross monthly income would be about $8,333. The bank will calculate that your monthly housing expenses should ideally be no more than $2,333 (28% of $8,333). This guideline ensures you can handle your mortgage and related costs without putting undue stress on your finances.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (Back-End Ratio):
The back-end ratio gives a broader view of your monthly financial obligations. It includes your proposed mortgage payment along with any other recurring debts, such as car loans, student loans, and credit card payments. Banks typically recommend that your total monthly debt payments shouldn't exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.Example:
Using the same gross monthly income of $8,333, lenders will advise that your total monthly debt payments shouldn't surpass $3,000 (36% of $8,333). So, if your non-housing debts add up to $1,000 per month, your maximum allowable monthly mortgage payment would be $2,000.
Finding Your Home Budget:
Banks will use these ratios to help establish the upper limits of your affordability range. By staying within these guidelines, you can ensure that you won't overextend yourself financially while enjoying your new home.
Understanding these ratios is crucial when planning your home search, helping you set realistic expectations and feel empowered as you navigate the homebuying process. Ultimately, it's about finding that sweet spot where your dream home and a comfortable budget meet.
Ready to take the next step toward finding your dream home? Let us guide you through the homebuying process with personalized advice and expert support. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to make an offer, we're here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let's make your homeownership dreams a reality!
