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7601 E Treasure Drive – Bank Approved Short Sale
This bank-approved short sale at The Grandview Palace in North Bay Village has water views from every room. Other features include:
- crown molding
- baseboards
- updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters & a pantry
- two full baths
- two good-size balconies
All this for $136 per squar foot!
Happy Earth Day!
Florida is a great place to celebrate earth day since there are so many activities that connect you directly to nature. Here are some suggestions for things to do today:
Crandon Park Kayak and Snorkel
Key Biscayne Bike Adventure
Party for the Planet at the Zoo
Natural Areas Tour at Deering Estate
Sounding Biscayne Bay Living Artists Concert at Deering Estate
Free Things To Do In Miami: New World Symphony Wallcast
Tomorrow night at 8:00, the New World Symphony Wallcast is Dual Forces. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner for a wonderful evening of culture and music on Miami Beach.
7925 SW 55 Avenue in High Pines, First Time Open 12:00-2:00
Come by for lunch and preview this updated home.
3/2, newer roof & septic, hurricane shutters, gas stove, room for pool and great price $449,000!
Miami Real Estate: Rent vs Buy? That Is The Question…
During a Sunday get together, the rent vs buy question came up and a lively discussion ensued. The individuals who were pro-renting argued that renting provided:
- cash flow/opportunity cost: not having money tied up in a mortgage, taxes, and insurance, allowed more money for investing, travelling, miscellaneous purchases
- flexibility: if they wanted to move into different neighborhood, change size , or relocate for a job, their choice is not dependent on first having to sell their home
- better lifestyle: they argued that they could rent a nicer place in a nicer area than they could afford to purchase
- maintenance-free living: don’t have to worry about repairs, yard work, pool cleaning
The pro-buyers argued that buying was better because:
- it builds equity: which helps build your net worth. It is basically a forced way of saving money.
- tax benefits: interest on a mortgage is currently tax deductible, thereby reducing taxes you owe
- gives you control over finances: you are not subjected to rental increases
- stability: since home ownership is fairly long term, owning a home creates a sense of security and community
- maintenance: don’t have to wait for landlord to change or repair something. Have control over quality of work of repairs and type of work done (i.e wood floors vs changing carpet)
Obviously both renting and buying have their pros and cons. The New York Times rent vs buy analysis says that overall, if you stay in a place for 5 years or more, you are better off financially buying. This analysis assumes that the landlord pays utilities, which for the most part in Miami-Dade is not the case. The tenant usually pays all utilities, except for those that are provided by, and included in, the condominium’s maintenance fee.
So what side of the fence are you on and why?
PortMiami Plans For Future
Last week’s Business Monday in the Miami Herald featured “PortMiami’s Big Dream” about the port’s master plan. I really liked their concept for developing the southwest corner. What do you think about making this working port a tourist and business hub?
7925 SW 55 Ave, High Pines
Location, Location, Location! This house is walking distance to South Miami plus:
- Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas stove, granite counters,
- Newer roof and septic tank
- Hurricane shutters
- 3bedroom/2 bath/1 car garage
$450,000. 7925 SW 55 Ave., details
Which Building in Miami Will Win “Florida’s Best Building”?
Today is the last day to vote for Florida’s Best Building. It was fun to go through the list and vote. I was surprised by some of the buildings that were on the list as well as by the ones that didn’t make it. The buildings are listed by city. Guess which is the only buildings in Coral Gables to make the list?
Free Things To Do In Miami: New World Symphony Wallcast
Tomorrow night at 8:00, the New World Symphony Wallcast is A Nordic Odyssey. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner for a wonderful evening of culture and music on Miami Beach.
Free Things To Do In Miami: New World Symphony Wallcast
Tomorrow night at 7:30, the New World Symphony Wallcast is Baroque Brilliance. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner for a wonderful evening of culture and music on Miami Beach.
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