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Archive for the 'Neighborhood News' Category

Housing Reports Expected Next Week

While the local real estate news has been giving us a snapshot of what has been happening in Miami’s real estate housing market, several housing reports are due out next week, which will give us a national picture of how the housing recovery is fairing.

• Tuesday -  S&P Case Shiller home price index:  this index tracks changes in the value of residential real estate at both a national level as well as in 20 metropolitan regions (Miami is one them).  Although it is calculated monthly and is released on the last Tuesday of every month, it is published with a two month lag.  Tuesday’s report will include values through December 2010.

• Wednesday – new home sales :  this report is based on a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that starts with the number of building permits authorized for single family homes .

• Thursday  – pending home sales :  this index is prepared by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).  Because this report looks a homes that are currently under contract, it gives a good picture of where the housing market is headed in the next couple of months.  Although many of the pending sales fall through due to a variety of reasons (buyer’s don’t qualify or they get impatient waiting for a bank to approve a short sale are the main reasons in today’s market), many of the sales will close thereby absorbing inventory.

As of today, pending home sales in Coral Gables currently stand at 72 (24 since 1/1/11) versus an inventory of 410 active listings (45 new listings since 1/1/11).

Pinecrest pending home sales are 30 (7 since 1/1/11) and active homes for sale are 196  (17 added since 1/1/11).

Tags: buying real estate, Coral Gables Luxury Real Estate, Miami Real Estate, Pincrest Real Estate, Selling Real Estate

Fairchild Chocolate Festival This Weekend

The chocolate festival starts tomorrow and runs all weekend.  Yum!! In addition to learning all about chocolate, there are chocolate tastings and sales.

Tags: Things to do in Miami

Miami Real Estate – How Will Panama Canal’s Expansion Effect It?

The Panama Canal is undergoing a massive expansion to allow bigger vessels to pass through.  Since the Port of Miami is  the closest U.S. Port to the Panama Canal, Miami is in a strategic position to benefit from the increase in America/East Asia trade.

The Port of Miami is building a tunnel to the Port,  so truck traffic can bypass downtown Miami, and is seeking federal funds to dredge the harbor to minus 50-feet, which would make it one of only three ports that can handle the new, larger container vessels.

This increase in trade at the port will mean there will be new demand for warehouse space and housing for the estimated 33,000 new trade-related jobs that are expected.

Tags: Investment Real Estate, Miami Real Estate

Village of Pinecrest – Mayor to Give State of the Village Address

Mayor Cindy Lerner will be giving her State of the Village Address on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens.

One of her announcements will probably include the capital improvements taking place at the Banyan Bowl, which will be hosting its first Jazz in the Gardens Concert, featuring the Rodriguez Brothers, on Saturday, January 29, 2011.  The Community Foundation of Pinecrest is assisting with the Banyan Bowl Capital Campaign to raise the necessary funds.

Tags: Pinecrest Gardens

Miami Beach – Last Day of Art Deco Weekend

Today is the last day of Art Deco Weekend on Miami Beach.  Take advantage of our glorious Miami weather (Boston had a high of 26% yesterday)  and head to the beach to learn about our backyard.  Events and tours start at 10:00 a.m. so if you are a football fan, you still have plenty of time to tour and get home for the Patriot/Jets game at 4:30.  Or better yet, enjoy it at one of the many restaurant/bars, such as the Clevelander,  Big Pink or just about any other bar on the beach!

Tags: Art Deco architecure, Miami Beach, Miami Beach Condos, Things to do in Miami

City of Miami Traffic Light Camera Locations

With local economies in the tank and municipalities hurting for income due to lost revenues, many cities are putting up traffic light cameras to help them catch drivers that run red lights, block intersections, or don’t make a full stop before turning right on red.

Aventura is notorious for its high fines.   The City of Miami is about to join the ranks.

Key Biscayne – Kid Friendly!

Key Biscayne is a perfect place for children, especially young ones.  The beaches are a lot calmer than those on South Beach, there are beautiful parks,  a wonderful community center, bike paths, and a truly walk-able neighborhood!

Wine Tasting in Miami

Looking for something to do tonight?  Try Wolfe’s Wine Shop‘s “Save the Tatas” , an all women winemaker tasting to benefit mammography for those who can’t afford screening.  Tonight from 7-9 pm.  $20 with RSVP/$30 at door.  RSVP jeffrey@wolfeswines.com or tweet @wolfeswines.
Wines to be tasted:
Jean Marc Lafage Cote Est, Cotes Catalanes 2009
Patricia Green Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Oregon 2009
Honig Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2008
Cote Bonneville Chardonnay”DuBrul”,Yakima 2006
Ercavio Tempranillo Roble, La Mancha 2007
Peay “Scallop Shelf” Estate Pinot Noir 2007
Doamine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape 2006
Paolo Scavino Barolo 2005

Another wine tasting a little further south at 9563 South Dixie Hwy:
L’Atelier Gourmet & AB Fine Wines

Come and have taste of a Chardonnay from Mendoza,
a 90 pts Robert Parker Ribera Del Duero, a Sauvignon blanc Pouilly Fume, and a wonderful Syrah Granche
from South of France.  While you are there, pick up some of the pastries for a late night snack.  Their macaroons are amazing!

Tags: Red Wine, Things to do in Miami

Pinecrest, FL Real Estate – Short Sales Currently Available

There are currently 16 short sales, single family homes,  listed on the MLS in Pinecrest.  They range in price from $2.5 million down to $349,000.

Tags: buying real estate, Pincrest Real Estate

Ironman Triathalon Coming to Miami

http://www.vimeo.com/15462209The  Rohto Ironman 70.3  is coming to Miami this Saturday, October 30.  The event will mean street closures  and increased traffic so be prepared.  The biking portion will affect the most areas.   Let’s be hospitable to these incredible athletes, share the road, and be patient!

These areas should be avoided from 7a.m – 12 p.m.  These are not all of the streets, so check the map.

In Coconut Grove:

• South Bayshore Drive
• Tigertail Avenue
• Oak Ave
• Grand Ave
• Main Highway
• Poinciana Avenue
• 37 Avenue from Ingraham Highway to Main Highway
• 42 Avenue  from Poinciana Ave to 72 Street/Sunset Dr.

In South Miami/South Gables:

• Sunset Drive from Cocoplum Circle to Ponce de Leon
• Ponce de Leon to SW 88 Street

In Pinecrest:

• SW 88 Street westbound lane from SW 57 Avenue to SW 67 Avenue
• SW 67 Avenue southbound lane to SW 120 Street
• SW 120 Street westbound lane to SW 82 Avenue
• SW 82 Avenue southbound lane to exit out of the Village at SW 136 Street
• Old Cutler Road/SW 57 Avenue northbound lane to exit into Coral Gables

In Palmetto Bay:

• SW 82 Ave to 168 Street
• SW 168 Street to 84 Ave
• SW 84 Ave to SW 174 Street
• SW 174 to SW 87 Ave

Tags: Coconut Grove, Pinecrest