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Great Wine and Tapas Bar – In a Gas Station!
Miami Tapas Bar
The other day I was heading back to the office and I was starving so I pulled into a gas station that I knew had awesome sandwiches. Guess I haven’t been in there for a really long time because when I walked in, there was wine everywhere and the back of the gas station had been converted into a mini “taverna”, called El Carajo, complete with a wine bar and small wooden tables. Since I was starving, I ordered a bunch of tapas to go: Tortilla de Chorizo, Croquetas de Bacalao, and Boquerones. They were all delicious and I had enough to snack on later that evening and the next day. I only wish I hadn’t had to go back to work so I could have done some wine tasting. They had an amazing selection and very reasonable prices. I will definitely be back.
Housing in Miami, Florida vs Charlotte, North Carolina
Just heading back from Charlotte, North Carolina, where the real estate market is still really slow. This 1993-built, 1472 square foot, 3 bedroom 2.5 bath, pool home in a neighborhood close to an amusement park, shopping and downtown is being offered at $164,900, which is less than the the median home price in Miami-Dade, ($182,900 in August, 2010). Although the pricing is lower than our median price, they have had very few showings since it was listed. For the most part, single family houses in Miami-Dade under $300,000 are selling fast and with multiple offers. There are currently only 74 active listings in Miami-Dade on the MLS that were built in 1993 or later, with 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths, under $200,000.
Miami Rentals Still Plentiful, Depending What You Are Looking For
I have had several customers moving to Miami wonder where all the cheap rentals they are reading/hearing about are? There are still plenty of rentals in the downtown Miami area, but that is a generalization. Most renters are looking for a specific type of building, location, price range etc., all of which are limiting factors. One of my clients wanted a 3 bedroom 2 bath and her specifications meant there were only two available rentals.
Here is what is available in the MLS if you are looking in the Brickell/Coconut Grove area for unfurnished condos built since 1990:
- There are 24 three bedroom two (or more) bath units ranging in price from $2,500 up to $8,000
- There are 47 two bedroom two (or more) bath units ranging in price from $1,650 up to $7,500
- There are 67 one bedrooms for rent ranging in price from $1,300 – $5,500
You would be surprised by how much your specifications will either shrink or increase the availability of rentals in the Miami area.
Pinecrest Gardens To Charge Small Admission Fee
Pinecrest Gardens will be charging a minor entrance fee. $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children is all it will cost to spend a beautiful day cruising the gardens. Children will love feeding the fish, looking for turtles, visiting the butterfly garden, going to the petting zoo, playing on the playground or splashing in the water park. Although many people have been enjoying the park for free, the Village of Pinecrest decided to reinstate an admission fee, though much lower than previous fees, to help cover the $1.5 million it costs to maintain the gardens and increase the programing.
Green Commercial Buildings Worth the Increased Cost
A recent Costar report found that even during the recession, buildings that have implemented LEED or other sustainable building practices both command a premium in rents and save on costs.
You Have Heard It, But Do You Believe It?
Now is the time to buy a home, really. If you don’t believe me, read who is saying that buying a home now is a smart move.
Credit Do’s and Don’ts if You Are Thinking of Buying a Home?
Fannie Mae is requiring more stringent reviews of loans from lenders so if you are going to be in the market for a home in the near future keep the following in mind:
- don’t incur any new debt, especially between the time you apply for the loan and the closing on your property;
- don’t apply for credit cards or anything that would require a credit check, as they are going to be looking at all credit inquiries, especially those prior to closing;
- do have plenty of documentation on the source of any large deposits as these are going to scrutinized a lot more closely. If you are getting a gift from a relative for the down payment, make sure you have a gift letter. If you are selling stocks or bonds have a copy of the transaction from your financial institution.
Happy Fourth of July
Whether you are celebrating with a BBQ, on the boat, at the beach, or some other wonderful venue, I wish you and your family a happy and healthy Fourth of July.
Luxury Homes Sales – EWM is #1
Hollywood Beach
Art Deco buildings, wide beach, easy parking, and walking distance to Le Tub. What more could you ask for for a great day at the beach!
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