Location
228 Almeria Avenue Coral Gables, Florida 33134

We're Select Properties Of America, Inc. the Coral Gables home to over 115 associates. With support from our staff of dedicated managers, many of them have amassed impressive sales figures.

Among the preeminent real estate professionals in South Florida, we are dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground.

We go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That's why we constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one. We also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract potential buyers.

In 1988 Miriam Cruz and her son, Jose A. Cruz, Jr., co-founded Select Properties of America, Inc. Miriam brought to the Company 17 years of experience and expertise in both Commercial and Residential Real Estate, along with a hard-earned reputation for integrity, commitment and results. Jose brought determination, a willingness to listen, and a love for real Estate.
 
Licensed in 1972, Miriam immediately became the top producer at Carbonell Realty, then one of the premier firms in Dade County. Pairing with her husband, Jose A. Cruz, Sr., Miriam won the top salesperson award year after year. In fact, throughout the 1970's she rated as a multimillion producer every year, selling hundreds of homes, including many multi-million dollar luxury estates.
 
In 1980, she decided to join the ranks of commercial brokers. She became one of the top land brokers in Dade County. She brokered the sales of dozens of huge commercial parcels throughout the 1980's, among which was the site for Lennar's enormous "Three Lakes" Community on 154th Street and 124th Avenue, the site for the Sable Chase Shopping Center, the site for "The Best Of The West" Residential Community in Hialeah Gardens, and many others. During this time, she continued to sell homes, duplexes, and large income properties.

In the late 1980's she began focusing more on large shopping centers and apartment buildings. Since then she has surpassed the $10,000,000 annual sales mark five times. Although she has focused primarily on commercial sales since 1980, she has remained an outstanding residential broker as well, and with the establishment of Select Properties Of America, Inc., a formidable recruiter, administrator, trainer, and businesswoman. She has effectively redirected some of her boundless energy into the formation of a top Real Estate firm. Today, Select Properties Of America, Inc. is the Coral Gables home to 115 associates, many of whom have themselves, with the support and loyalty of Miriam and Select Properties, amassed impressive sales figures.

The Company reflects the founders' philosophy: honesty and commitment to results and client satisfaction. Select service does indeed produce Select Results!
 

We're Select Properties Of America, Inc. the Coral Gables home to over 115 associates. With support from our staff of dedicated managers, many of them have amassed impressive sales figures.

Among the preeminent real estate professionals in South Florida, we are dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground.

We go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That's why we constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one. We also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract potential buyers.

In 1988 Miriam Cruz and her son, Jose A. Cruz, Jr., co-founded Select Properties of America, Inc. Miriam brought to the Company 17 years of experience and expertise in both Commercial and Residential Real Estate, along with a hard-earned reputation for integrity, commitment and results. Jose brought determination, a willingness to listen, and a love for real Estate.
 
Licensed in 1972, Miriam immediately became the top producer at Carbonell Realty, then one of the premier firms in Dade County. Pairing with her husband, Jose A. Cruz, Sr., Miriam won the top salesperson award year after year. In fact, throughout the 1970's she rated as a multimillion producer every year, selling hundreds of homes, including many multi-million dollar luxury estates.
 
In 1980, she decided to join the ranks of commercial brokers. She became one of the top land brokers in Dade County. She brokered the sales of dozens of huge commercial parcels throughout the 1980's, among which was the site for Lennar's enormous "Three Lakes" Community on 154th Street and 124th Avenue, the site for the Sable Chase Shopping Center, the site for "The Best Of The West" Residential Community in Hialeah Gardens, and many others. During this time, she continued to sell homes, duplexes, and large income properties.

In the late 1980's she began focusing more on large shopping centers and apartment buildings. Since then she has surpassed the $10,000,000 annual sales mark five times. Although she has focused primarily on commercial sales since 1980, she has remained an outstanding residential broker as well, and with the establishment of Select Properties Of America, Inc., a formidable recruiter, administrator, trainer, and businesswoman. She has effectively redirected some of her boundless energy into the formation of a top Real Estate firm. Today, Select Properties Of America, Inc. is the Coral Gables home to 115 associates, many of whom have themselves, with the support and loyalty of Miriam and Select Properties, amassed impressive sales figures.

The Company reflects the founders' philosophy: honesty and commitment to results and client satisfaction. Select service does indeed produce Select Results!
 

John Kallergis was born in Canton Ohio and raised in the Bahamas. In 1977 Mr. Kallergis moved to Miami, Florida to attend the University of Miami. Mr. Kallergis obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Miami, in 1981.

Shortly after graduation Mr. Kallergis started his career, in Real Estate Finance, with AmeriFirst Mortgage Corporation. Mr. Kallergis held several management positions within the Mortgage industry including five years with Norwest Mortgage as an area manager for Miami Dade County.

Mr. Kallergis has extensive experience in financing commercial properties and has worked for Thomas D. Wood and company, one of the largest commercial mortgage banking firms in Florida. In 2003, Mr. Kallergis joined Gables Direct Lending Corp. He brings with him over 20 years of lending experience in Miami Dade County.

Mr. Kallergis’s responsibilities with Gables Direct Lending include marketing and production as well as cross training of all real estate sales persons. Mr. Kallergis is a licensed Mortgage Broker and Real estate salesperson.

Annie Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba and raised in Miami from the time she was 3 months old. Ms. Cruz attended the University of Miami where she received her Bachelors of Arts and a Master of Business Administration.

Shortly after graduation she went into Corporate America where she had a successful career with Xerox Corporation and later Ikon Ofiice Solutions. She opened Gables Direct Lending, Corp. in January 2001.As an affiliated company to Select Properties she has spent hours encouraging and helping the realtors in all areas of their sales. She has seen many succeed with the support given to new realtors as well as the more tenured realtors.

At Gables Direct Lending she continues to work with her loan officers to help sales volumes increase and make both companies stronger. Her goals for the future are simple,To make Gables Direct Lending a leader in the Miami Dade county area.

We're Select Properties Of America, Inc., since 1988 committed to the realization of the American dream in South Florida for people from all walks of life and every imaginable background. We have helped thousands of  buyers and sellers undertake and complete thousands of  profitable transactions, both residential and commercial. Our experienced and well-trained associates,with support from our staff of dedicated managers, have amassed impressive sales figures,and of course, made our customers happier and wealthier in the process!

Among the preeminent real estate firms in South Florida, we are dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground.

We go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That's why we constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one. We also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract potential buyers.

In 1988 Miriam Cruz and her son, Jose A. Cruz, Jr., co-founded Select Properties of America, Inc. Miriam brought to the Company 17 years of experience and expertise in both Commercial and Residential Real Estate, along with a hard-earned reputation for integrity, commitment and results. Jose brought determination, a willingness to listen, and a love for real Estate.
 
Licensed in 1972, Miriam immediately became the top producer at Carbonell Realty, then one of the premier firms in Dade County. Pairing with her husband, Jose A. Cruz, Sr., Miriam won the top salesperson award year after year. In fact, throughout the 1970's she rated as a multimillion producer every year, selling hundreds of homes, including many multi-million dollar luxury estates.
 
In 1980, she decided to join the ranks of commercial brokers. She became one of the top land brokers in Dade County. She brokered the sales of dozens of huge commercial parcels throughout the 1980's, among which was the site for Lennar's enormous "Three Lakes" Community on 154th Street and 124th Avenue, the site for the Sable Chase Shopping Center, the site for "The Best Of The West" Residential Community in Hialeah Gardens, and many others. During this time, she continued to sell homes, duplexes, and large income properties.

In the late 1980's she began focusing more on large shopping centers and apartment buildings. Since then she has surpassed the $10,000,000 annual sales mark five times. Although she has focused primarily on commercial sales since 1980, she has remained an outstanding residential broker as well, and with the establishment of Select Properties Of America, Inc., a formidable recruiter, administrator, trainer, and businesswoman. She has effectively redirected some of her boundless energy into the formation of a top Real Estate firm. Today, Select Properties Of America, Inc. is the Coral Gables home to 160 associates.

 The Company reflects the founders' philosophy: honesty and commitment to results and customer satisfaction. Select service does indeed produce Select Results!
 

Our own In-House Correspondent Mortgage Lender, Gables Direct Lending, provides expert guidance throughout  the mortgage process. For added convenience of local service GDL is located within Select Properties offices.  GDL is a full-service mortgage company  offering expertise in every area of mortgage lending. Our many years of experience will make your loan experience uniquely simple and prompt.  GDL has access to a full range of mortgage sources, and is dedicated to finding the right loan for you.

GDL Loan Officers will manage the loan-application process and will coordinate with your Select Properties of America Professional. We are your most important ally when searching for the best available finance rates for your new home.  GDL and Select Properties of America is your winning Real Estate and Mortgage Lending combination!

IN-HOUSE  MORTGAGE 
 
Our own In-House Correspondent Mortgage Lender, Gables Direct Lending, provides expert guidance throughout  the mortgage process. For added convenience of local service GDL is located within Select Properties offices.  GDL is a full-service mortgage company  offering expertise in every area of mortgage lending. Our many years of experience will make your loan experience uniquely simple and prompt.  GDL has access to a full range of mortgage sources, and is dedicated to finding the right loan for you.

GDL Loan Officers will manage the loan-application process and will coordinate with your Select Properties of America Professional. We are your most important ally when searching for the best available finance rates for your new home.  GDL and Select Properties of America is your winning Real Estate and Mortgage Lending combination!

Some Frequently Asked Questions
After I apply for a loan, what should I expect?

Once your loan application is received, whether you apply on-line or by mail, you will get notification from E-Loan that your loan is in process. Within several days you will receive a loan package in the U.S. mail with a set of loan documents for your signature. This mailing will also include a list of documents we will need to complete your loan approval.

Who do I contact for information once my loan is in process?

Once we have received your signed package and supporting documentation you will be assigned to a single customer service representative. If you have any questions prior to returning your loan documents, please call us at (888) 747-1112 between the hours of 7 am and 7pm Pacific Standard Time. Please note that our customer service specialists can not quote interest rates over the telephone due to state licensing requirements.

Who do I contact for general information and questions on using E-Loan's service?

If you have any inquiries prior to filing an application, please call (888) 356-2622 [ELOAN22] between the hours of 7 am and 7pm Pacific Standard Time. Please note that our customer service specialists can not quote interest rates over the telephone due to state licensing requirements.

How has E-Loan provided a secure environment for applying for a loan on-line?

E-Loan is very aware of the sensititive nature of loan application data. For this reason, we do not require account information on our on-line applications. There is ample time to obtain account details once your application is in process. We do however offer a secure server option for your application so that any information you send us over the Internet can not be read by someone intercepting the transmission.

Does E-Loan share client information with other companies?

E-Loan is committed to your right to privacy. For this reason we do not use cookies and we ask for the minimal information necessary to quote you products with accuracy. We do not share your personal data with anyone, unless you request us to do so. Once your application is in process you can be guaranteed that all client information will be protected so that you are the only person to view your data, along with only those individuals requiring the information to approve your loan.

Can I lock in a loan program and interest rate on-line?

Yes. For a full description of E-Loan's lock policy, please click here.

Can I apply for a purchase loan before I've found my property?

Yes, however due to current loan volumes, E-Loan is temporarily not accepting loan pre-approval applications . When you apply for a purchase pre-approval you simply assume a maximum purchase price, loan amount, and loan program. Once your loan has been approved you can change any of these variables to match the specifics of your purchase transaction. Please note that we can not lock in a loan until a property address has been specified.

On a purchase loan, is there someone who will work with my Realtor?

Yes. Since each loan is assigned to one customer service specialist who works with you until you close, he or she will be able to assist you or your Realtor at any time.

Can I get loan program rates over the phone?

Yes, if you select the pricing option which includes a loan agent. At any time during your loan process you can select to work with an agent if you require assistance in the selection of a mortgage product. Please note that the services of a loan agent are priced at a slightly higher rate than working without a loan agent.

How quickly will my loan be approved?

Once your application is received you can expect to receive an answer within three weeks. The processing of your loan will be related to how complete your application is and how rapidly you submit any required documents to your processor.

Is there a cost to submitting a loan application?

Please be assured that you will not incur any charges until you agree to do so. At this time we are covering the cost of a credit report upfront and you will only be charged once you actually close on a loan. An appraisal fee is required at time of inspection. If you select a no closing cost loan, these fees will be refunded at closing.

228 Almeria Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 448-2929
Fax: (305) 448-6868

MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE 
 
Understanding the Loan Process
Many people describe the mortgage lending process as a tangled maze, difficult to navigate. Years ago this may have been true, however with the advent of Web lending services the process of securing a loan is becoming more and more simple. The following article is an introduction to the institutions that lend money to consumers for real estate, the process of securing a loan, along with some basic information on how lenders decide whether or not to lend to a borrower and his/her property.

Brokers versus Bankers - Product Selection

Some mortgage sources are direct lenders such as banks and mortgage bankers with retail establishments. Usually banks or mortgage banks will be competitive in one or several products, and will encourage their sales agents to sell these products to the consumer. Many times banks will not even necessarily try to be competitive in rate, but will instead try to fill a niche, such as quick approvals or flexible underwriting (easier approval) of loans.
 
Going directly to the bank or source was probably the way that your parents obtained their home loan, but the trend is clearly away from such direct establishments towards the brokerage or ``multi-lender platform'' as brokers are now being called on the Web.

Brokers or multi-lender platforms represent a number of lenders and offer these lender's products through a wholesale arrangement. The lender will then compensate the broker when they deliver a loan to them and this compensation is invisible to the borrower. Many banks that offer retail or wholesale loans will allow the broker to charge up to 1% of the loan amount for their compensation. By reducing this 1% fee, a broker can in fact be more competitive than the retail side of the same bank. This is happening more and more as brokers are moving their services to the Internet and reducing their costs of distributing loans to the consumer.

Multi-lender brokers on the Internet can be the most competitive source for mortgage loans available. However, be wary of multi-lender sites that limit their choice of lenders to less than 10 sources. Many such sites are charging the bank to participate and can not offer unbiased selection as they are captive to their lending sources.

Brokers versus Bankers - Service

Direct lenders are captive to their own products. That is, they will not provide unbiased advice nor selection, since by doing so they will possibly risk losing your loan to the company whose product truly provides you the most value. Brokers on the other hand can sell a variety of products, from multiple sources, and can be objective in their recommendations. The compensation provided from one lender is equal to that from another lender, therefore the outcome of the recommendation doesn't matter. What does matter is giving you the best loan for your needs.

If you walk into your local bank, S&L, or retail mortgage bank they'll usually take your application there, perhaps underwrite your loan there, and lend their own money. If your loan is declined for whatever reason, you will need to begin the process again with another source. With a multi lender source, you have another chance if one lender doesn't approve your loan.

For simplicity's sake, we'll describe the overall process that is common to all loan applications regardless of the source of funds.

The Application Process

Whether you walk into a bank, you apply for your loan on the Internet, or a mortgage officer meets you in your home, all lenders require an actual application. The form is standardized and known as the ``1003'' which is the Fannie Mae designation for this form.

The lender will want to verify certain information about the borrower(s) and will require additional information on the property. Borrower information will include verification of income and employment, assets, and credit history of the applicants. Some of this information will be provided by you, the applicant, as part of your application process. For example, you will be requested to provide copies of W-2 forms for 2 years, pay stubs, and bank statements for asset verification. Other information, such as your credit history, will be obtained directly from the credit bureaus even if you have a current credit report on hand. The lenders will always verify this information independently.

For the property itself, the lender will order an appraisal and a legal description of the property, such as a title report. Certain lenders will work with certain appraisal companies, so if you have an old appraisal it may not necessarily be accepted by the new lender. Even if the loan is to be made with a relatively large down payment, the lender still wants the property appraised. In the case of a purchase, other inspections may also be done, but are separate from the appraisal for the loan.

The Approval Process

During the ``processing'' and/or ``underwriting'' period, your credit, assets, income and other determinants are checked and compiled. At the end, your loan is either approved with conditions or approved without conditions or declined. Sometimes a loan is labelled suspended which while sounding harsh, is simply another way of saying that the lender requires more information to decide. Don't be alarmed if your loan is suspended, this is not necessarily a step towards being declined. Usually you can submit additional documents and turn a suspension into an approval.

Conditions are further documentation or checks that the lender needs to finalize your loan before funds can be dispersed. Many borrowers become frustrated by conditions that surface at the end of a loan transaction and can't understand why they are being raised so late. This is because the loan may go through several review processes prior to actual funding, and the final conditions are added on sometimes as late as after the loan documents have been signed. Just work with the lender and remember, the process is not perfect and the lender is simply trying to meet conditions imposed by other sources on them. Since most loans these days are sold and serviced by other parties, the lender must verify that the loan will be salable upon close. Whether or not you are serviced by your original mortgage lender or a new party shouldn't matter, your payment will simply be made to the new institution. No other terms of your loan can be changed after you have signed your final loan documents.

When all conditions are met, your loan documents are drawn up and forwarded to the place of settlement or closing. You sign everything and in some states the lender reviews the package one last time

TIP: Do not make any adverse changes to your financial ``picture'' during this delicate time between approval and when funds are dispersed. Believing the ``approval'' is the final stage or that the lender won't find out about the change in debt or income or other factors can lead to real headaches. Innocent mistakes range from applying for a new department store credit card to purchasing a refrigerator for the new house, to buying two new Mercedes Benz sedans, to quitting a job to go full time into a new business. These changes will at least force an explanation to be given and at worst may cause your loan not to fund and the approval to be withdrawn. Often a lender obtains another credit report and calls your employer one last time before funding the loan.

Simultaneous to funds being dispersed, an instrument is recorded at the county recorders office to give the lender security to your property. This last step varies from state to state.

The Lock Process

Sometime before your loan documents are drawn, you will ``lock in'' a rate for your loan with the mortgage source. The purpose of the lock is to allow you a loan at the ``locked-in'' rate if the loan closes before the lock period expires, even if rates are higher at the time of funding. This could be offered at the application, upon approval, or anywhere in between. Most multi-lender sources give you the choice of when to lock. Typically the shorter the time period between your lock and the actual closing the cheaper the interest rate or points.

To summarize, there are many ways to approach your home financing process beginning with the source that you choose to borrow from. The advantages of working with a broker or multi-lender platform on the Web are substantial and account for the shift away from banks and direct lenders. Understanding the loan process can minimize the likelihood of frustration during the loan transaction. Remember to work with a source that has established itself as a company with integrity that cares for the borrower throughout the experience.

BRIGHT FUTURES @ SELECT PROPERTIES OF AMERICA
 
Join Select Properties of America today. Our Firm possess strong name recognition in South Florida. Since 1988, Select Properties has been a force in the South Florida Real Estate Market. We are the Coral Gables home to over 115 associates. With the support and loyalty of our team, many of them have amassed impressive sales figures. We go the extra mile to help our agents achieve their goals.

Our long term success is a combination of a unique balance of tradition and innovation.  We are different from most corporate firms however, in that while we have embraced wholeheartedly the changes in the office environment that have occurred over the past 15 years, we haven't forgotten that a top-notch firm needs to practice not only professional discipline and use of the latest technology, but must also practice with the old-fashioned virtues of a family-owned business. 

Unlike corporate-styled companies, we promote loyalty, friendship, and patience while exercising flexibility in helping agents achieve their goals and solve their problems.

Whether you are a new agent who plans to hinge your long term success on a full time career in Real Estate ,or a seasoned veteran in the industry, you will recognize the many benefits of joining Select Properties of America, Inc. Our generous commission schedules allow you to keep up to 90% of your gross commission. But unlike so-called "Discount Brokers" who offer similar schedules but lack the sincerity to admit they are really just a place to "hang your license", we care about your career and provide you with what you need ( refer to "why join us section") to increase your sales volume. 

Select Properties holds a clear edge by offering In-House Mortgage services, allowing you to earn a substantial income as a loan officer.

Cutting-Edge Technology has allowed us to grow and expand our agents vision and reach.

GREAT EARNINGS @ SELECT PROPERTIES
 
Achieve your earning potential with help from the Select properties management and staff. Our commission plan is built to benefit dedicated real estate professionals like you and meet your financial needs. If what you seek is to hinge your long term success on a full time career in real estate, our commission structure will truly maximize your earnings. If you are a veteran in the industry, immediate financial benefits will be realized through our commission structure. Our generous commission schedules allow you to keep up to 90% of your gross commission. But unlike so- called "Discount Brokers" who offer similar schedules but lack the sincerity to admit they are really just a place to "hang your license", we care about your career and provide you with what you need ( refer to "why join us section") to increase your sales volume.
 
In addition, we offer mortgage services. Our In-House Correspondent Lender allows you to earn substantial extra income as a loan officer. Our expanded services provide a one stop solution for your sales needs. Everything is under one roof!

Our focus and dedication to Technology has allowed us to grow and to help or associates build their careers.

ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH SELECT PROPERTIES

Name Recognition in South Florida since 1988.

Nationally Recognized Training Programs by Carla Cross and Others.

Excellent Industry Reputation.

Great Earnings Potential.  

Commission schedules that will allow up to 90% retention of gross commission, and the 100% commission option plan.

Access to the Latest Real Estate Technology.

Website with Online Forms and Support.

Great Supportive Office Staff.

In-House Correspondent Mortgage Lender.

Local family-operated tradition with a relentless commitment to service and professional standards of practice.

Additional substantial income as a loan officer.

Recognition that every agent is an individual with different needs.

One-on-one sales counseling to help agents achieve their unique career goals.

Centrally located office in prestigious Coral Gables with over 115 associates.

Strong presence in commercial market.

Lectures by knowledgeable motivational speakers.

Marketing support with brochures and marketing plan development.

Farming materials.

Coordinated marketing campaign.

errors and omissions insurance.

Free Facsimile (fax) transmissions.

Free voice mail and email.

DSL throughout State-of-the-Art Computer Network.

Free Hotline Service.

Cutting-Edge software such as Top Producer, Bressers, Fast Forms, and others.

A strong presence in Realtor.com.

A strong presence in the South Florida Luxury Market. 
 

JOIN SELECT PROPERTIES OF AMERICA
 
Whether you're an experienced agent or a new agent who needs training, the step you must take to build your career is to join a company that cares enough about you as a person to want to help you as an agent.
 

No other company can offer you the unique combination of a disciplined office and professional style with the sensitivity of experienced managers and trainers who care
 

Become part of our growing team…...and experience for yourself the many ways we help our agents become successful…... and stay successful……..we've been doing it for 18 years.

We’ve Been Keeping Our Agents Successful  Since 1988!

	My former company was great at marketing themselves but not much  else. I needed more than just talk or a place to hang my license. I  needed follow-through. Here I get a great split, and with residuals  and mortgage commissions I get a really great all-around package  that is tough to beat. I don't have to pay anything else, and Select  helps me pay for my ads, no matter where I want to advertise, not just the Herald. Also, the focus on the agents here is great; I've never  seen anything like it.
	Select has a lot of experience on how to bring out the best qualities in  their agents, how to develop sales skills in a short time. They actually  took a personal interest in what I do. Their training is great and I  really love the guest speakers they invite to their workshop and meetings.  I get the best of both worlds: the personal attention and the very  high professional standards.
	I've been with Select since 1990, what stands out is their true  commitment to the success of their associates, and their comittment  to quality in everything that they do. I also love the great commission  split and the fact there is no franchise fee, desk fee, monthly fee,  or fee of any kind. They also know quite a lot about commercial real  estate. I've sold many apartment buildings since I've been here.
	When I arrived at Select I was used to the corporate-style environment  of my previous company. They seemed more concerned with their rules  than with helping me develop as an agent. Select actually cares.  For  them it's not just about executing a business plan. They actually enjoy  seeing their agents grow and build rewarding careers. Their training is intensive and first-rate. I love the mortgage training too.

Premier Realtor Web Sites

Realtor	Link
Miguel Casanueva
Gladys Martinelli
Elsa Toledo