Categories
Florida Life Pinecrest Resources

Assistance For Aging Relatives

Like most friends and co-workers I know, I have been dealing with many older relatives and neighbors in the last couple of years.  Many of them are living independently, still driving, and have increasing health issues.  An article in Tuesday’s Miami Herald, Assessing an aging relative, made me think of how difficult it is to tell whether or not an older person is truly okay living on their own or whether or not they may need assistance.  The labyrinth of social and medical programs that are out there to help people age in their homes are confusing and hard to navigate.  Luckily, Nancy Stein, an adjunct professor at UM, found the same issues facing her in caring for her parents so she brought the information together on a website called Seniority Matters.

The Village of Pinecrest has made a concerted effort to provide programming for seniors at the parks and community center, has a quarterly Pinecrest Pioneers luncheon for residents over 80 years old, and, in recognition of how much history our seniors provide, has been recording their oral histories.  All of these local services and resources help our seniors remain involved in the community, live independently, and give all of us caregivers peace of mind and assistance when needed.

Categories
Buying Coconut Grove Foreclosures Neighborhood News Selling

What Is Going To Happen To The Miami Real Estate Market In January?

I have had several long-time customers ask me what I think is going to happen to the Miami real estate market come January.  Although I don’t have a crystal ball, and the real estate market in Miami in general has been doing well with inventories down and prices up,  with bidding wars happening as multiple offers come in, I decided to use a building that I am currently working on to throw a bit of a reality check into the current market euphoria.

2734 Bird Ave., Coconut Grove

In October of 2011, one bedroom units in this building were selling for between $45,000-$50,000.  The last sale this year was for $90,000 and there are multiple offers on a foreclosure listed for $99,900.  According to property tax rolls, nine out of the 39 total units in the building are in some stage of foreclosure.  Whether or not any or all of them will go into foreclosure, short sale, or have a loan modification worked out, is yet to be seen, but if you look at the iMapp, Inc.  snapshot of what is going on around this building, I have to believe that there are still going to be buying opportunities out there next year and that prices could go down.  All of those little hammers are properties that are in the foreclosure process.  Since the process takes over a year, where these all are in that process and how fast they come on the market will all come into play in the supply and demand cycle of 2013.

Foreclosure Around Bird Ave in the Grove

Not all markets look like this.  Brickell has a lot less hammers.  If you are a buyer, find out what the foreclosure map in the area you are considering purchasing looks like.  Don’t be discouraged, just be realistic in your offer and your expectations as to where the market really is.  If you are a seller, you also need to look at the map in your area.  The map, along with relevant sales in your area, will help you set your list price in a range where your property will sell.  Whether you are looking short term or long term, your perspective on where the real estate market is headed in 2013 depends on whether you are a glass half full or half empty person.  Oh, and then there is the fiscal cliff…. Where do you think Miami’s real estate market is headed?

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Buying Neighborhood News Pinecrest

Updated North Pinecrest Home Is Move-In Ready

This is only half of the living room!

This beautifully updated north Pinecrest home is ready for your personal touches.  Granite kitchen counter tops, accordion hurricane shutters, 3 year-old roof,  refinished pool, and crown molding throughout, are just a few of the many improvements that make this a great buy.  It is located on a builder’s acre corner lot in prestigious north Pinecrest, walking distance to Pinecrest Elementary, Pinecrest Gardens,  the Pinecrest Community Center and Library and Wayside Market.

Categories
Brickell/Downtown Miami Coconut Grove Coral Gables Miami Beach Restaurants

Best Waterfront Restaurants In Miami

Smith and Wollensky Restaurant at South Pointe Park

Whether you are in town for Miami Art Week 2012 or just visiting Miami to enjoy our beautiful city, you will want to visit one of these restaurants.  Although Miami is surrounded by water, there aren’t that many waterfront restaurants.  In my opinion, these are, in my opinion, the best waterfront restaurants in Miami.

Smith and Wollensky at South Pointe Park,  Miami Beach

Il Gabian0 at Met One

Azul at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key

Crazy About You at the Mark

Gibraltar at the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa

Red Fish Grill in Matheson Hammock Park, Coral Gables

 

 

Categories
Miami Beach Things To Do

Visiting Miami For Art Week? Check Out The James Royal Palm Hotel

Photo Courtesy of The James Royal Palm Hotel

The James Royal Palm Hotel is the perfect place to kick off  Miami Art Week 2012 before the opening with Art Miami on December 4.  The James Royal Palm not only features  “An Ocean Apart,” a carefully-curated art collection curated by Lauren Rottet, it also supports an Artist in Residence program for local emerging artists, and has a rich history.

Art@TheJames includes Alex Prager, Carrie Sieh, Gavin Perry, Gerry Stecca, Portia Munson, Stephanie Jaffe Werner and Troy Stanley.

Categories
Miami Beach Restaurants

What Do All Of These Restaurants Have In Common?

Prime One Twelve

What do Prime One Twelve, Prime Italian, Nemo, Shoji Sushi, The Big Pink, and Prime Hotel and Lounge have in common?  They have great food,  are great for spotting celebrities, are some of the trendiest spots on South Beach, and in case the word “Prime” in three of their names didn’t give it away, they are all part of the Myles Restaurant Group which is owned by Myles Chefetz

 

Categories
Coconut Grove Coral Gables Florida Life Miami Beach Pinecrest Restaurants Things To Do

Best Sunday Brunch Spots In Miami

Biltmore Brunch

There are a lot of great breakfast spots in Miami, from Wagon’s West in Pinecrest;  Greenstreet and Peacock Garden Cafe in Coconut Grove,  and one of my favorites, The Big Pink on South of Fifth.  But for Sunday Brunch, I want something a little more extravagant.  Here are some of my top brunch spots from Coral Gables to Miami Beach:

  1. Biltmore Champagne Brunch Coral Gables – Whether you enter through the grandiose lobby or by their gorgeous pool, the setting for the Biltmore’s Sunday Brunch reminds me of the Great Gatsby era and I love the history of the place.
  2. Gibraltar at Grove Isle Coconut Grove – This restaurant has one of the most gorgeous views in Miami.
  3. The National Hotel Miami Beach – Though not as decadent on the food end as the others on this list, the fact that it is so reasonably priced and comes with complimentary access to the hotel’s beach and pool
  4. Terrazza at the Shore Club Miami Beach – the outside open porch over looking the pool is so relaxing.
  5. Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Setai Miami Beach – It is the Setai, need I say more?
  6. The Forge Miami Beach – Fresh, seasonal ingredients make for a varied menu and great food.

The SouthFloridaGourmet.com has a much more extensive list of  locales serving brunch in Miami

 

Categories
Brickell/Downtown Miami Buying Coconut Grove Coral Gables Foreclosures Investment Real Estate Pinecrest Selling

Black Friday Buyers Are In Miami To Shop For Investment Real Estate

Black Friday brings out buyers looking for bargains and buyers looking for Miami real estate investment properties are here in droves.  While most people are enjoying time with family and friends, Realtors are busy selling properties.  Driven by news reports of increasing prices, decreased inventories, and increasing rents both local and foreign buyers continue to purchase Miami real estate for investment.

The top places where my buyers are looking, not in any particular order:

  1. Brickell:  Currently there are 526 condos for sale in the Brickell area.  They range from $146, 900 for 580 square feet to $16.8 million for 9080 square feet.
  2. Downtown Miami:  There are 567 condos for sale in Dowtown Miami.  Prices start at $124,900 for 400 square feet up to $4.4 million for 5650 square feet.
  3. Midtown, Wynwood:  The new “in” place to be does not have a lot of residential units.  There are currently 112 condos for sale in the Midtown/Wynwood area ranging in price from $82,000 for 872 square feet to $2.4 million for 3988 square feet.
  4. Downtown Dadeland:  There are 30 condos for sale in Downtown Dadeland with prices starting at $177,000 for 700 square feet and going up to $400,000 for 1,429 square feet.
  5. Coconut Grove:  Coconut Grove does not have a lot of condos and few were built during the boom.  There are currently 120 condos for sale in Coconut Grove that are either condos are town homes.  They range in price from $60,000 for 409 square feet up to $14.5 million for a 9110 square foot unit at the Grovenor House.
  6. Coral Gables:  There are only 100 condos for sale in Coral Gables.  They range in price from $91, 500 for a 994 square foot foreclosure with extensive fire damage to another foreclosure at $7.9 million for 11,402 square feet at the Gables Club.
  7. Pinecrest:  There are very few condos and town houses in Pinecrest, an area mostly comprised of single family homes, so it is not surprising that there are 13 condos for sale in Pinecrest.  The lowest price is $99,900 for a 574 square foot short sale at Monterey Gardens to a 2, 226 square foot unit at the Reserve at Pinecrest for $599,000.

These neighborhoods are all located near public transportation, restaurants, entertainment and shopping, and all of them are in demand with people looking to rent.

View Of Brickell From Coconut Grove

Categories
Restaurants South Miami

Barceloneta Coming to South Miami

As a huge fan of Pubbelly and Barceloneta in South Beach, I am thrilled that Barceloneta is coming to South Miami.  For those of you who have never been to the South Beach location, you are in for a treat.  Barceloneta is a hip, happening, low key tapas bar with great food and an even better vibe.  They are on schedule to open the first week in December where Origins Restaurant used to be.

Categories
Buying Neighborhood News Palmetto Bay Pinecrest

Which Is Better Transportation Mode: Rail or Express Toll Lanes on US 1?

Metrorail and US 1

The Village of Pinecrest is hosting a town hall meeting at Pinecrest Gardens to discuss the proposed MDX US 1 Express Toll Lane project.  Anyone who travels on US 1 (also known as Useless 1) from Miami to communities south, has experienced the frustrating traffic and knows that relief is needed.  As proposed, the current project would address traffic from Dadeland South to Florida City and would require overpasses the height of Metrorail be built at intersections along the route.  If the goal is to move traffic off of US 1, wouldn’t a much more progressive plan be to build the 21 mile South Link extension from Dadeland South to Florida City?

Several studies have shown that commute times and access to public transportation are important factors in the home buying process.  Millenials, individuals between the ages of 17 & 35,  especially have shown a preference for communities that rely less on cars for transportation.

I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for a long time and they have an amazing public transportation system.  Many who have moved from Boston, New York, the DC/Virginia area and Europe, often comment on the lack of public transportation.  Do you think Miami should try to move away from the car and expand on it’s public transportation system?