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Where’s J Wo?
Author: jenniferwollmann
A friend invited me to go on a kayak ride in the Grove today and I eagerly agreed –any excuse to get out on the water! We rented kayaks from Shake-A-Leg; paddled around the islands; got in a decent workout while catching up, enjoying nature and the Miami skyline; and made it back in time for my 11:30 showing. I can’t wait to go back.
If you have heard about Shake-A-Leg, you are aware of the great work they do helping people with disabilities enjoy sailing and other water activities. What you may not know is that they also rent kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, and paddle boards to the general public; are a fantastic venue for corporate events; and offer sailing lessons, after school activities and summer camps
I highly recommend you go visit Shake-A-Leg and feel any stress melt away as soon as your paddle hits the water. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours, the whole morning, or afternoon, appreciating this organization and the beautiful place we are lucky enough to call home.
There are several gated communities in the Village of Pinecrest. Most of them consist of only a handful of houses. I will be featuring these communities over the next two months.
The first one is Red Oaks. Located off of Red Road, Red Oaks is walking distance to Hirni’s Wayside Garden Florist, Pinecrest Wayside Market, Pinecrest Elementary School, Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest Library and Community Center.
Built between 1999 and 2002, Red Oaks consists of 5 single family homes that are approximately 5,500 square feet and sit on 15,000-20,000 square foot lots. There has only been one sale in Red Oaks in 2012. It sold for $1,550,000, which was $284 per square foot. Maintenance fees are $800 per quarter and include lawn maintenance.
A new condo project, Grove at Grand Bay, is coming to the center Grove. Overlooking Sailboat Bay and the Coconut Grove Marina, the stunning architecture will be a nice addition to the Miami skyline. There have been very few new condos built in the Grove; there are currently only 49 listed for sale that were built after 2000.
These two towers will have 94 residences, each with spectacular terraces and outdoor kitchens. The pre-construction pricing starts in the high $800,000s.
The moment you drive onto the Venetian Causeway, you know you are somewhere special. Stress melts away as the blue waters of the bay and intracoastal invite you to relax. Belle Isle is just steps away from all of the restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and beaches of Miami Beach. Overlooking Belle Isle park and bay, Island Terrace Condo is a Morris Lapidus building located right on the water.
5 Island Ave., 8B is an updated 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath unit, just listed for $260,000. Come live the south Florida lifestyle!
Miami Spice is worth staying in, or visiting, Miami during the hot months of August and September. In addition to the daily lunch and dinner specials offered at many of our best restaurants, some of the participants are offering happy hour specials.
There are so many participating restaurants this year, it is going to be hard to choose. If you live here, be adventurous and try a new restaurant, maybe even outside of your immediate neighborhood. If you are visiting, try Pubbelly and Barceloneta Bistro on Miami Beach; Atrio, Zuma and db Bistro Moderne in Downtown/Brickell; Ortanique and Graziano’s in the Gables; and one of my absolute favorites, Two Chefs in Pinecrest. Their desert souffles alone are worth the visit.
EWM’s Coral Gables office had another spectacular week, with over $16 million dollars in sales. The fact that values are off 48 % from the peak is just one reason. Add to that improvements to urban areas that took place during the boom, the financial problems in Europe, proximity to Central and South America, gorgeous water, established cultural and art venues, our numerous universities and hospitals, and our international flavor.
With views like this, who wouldn’t want to live here!
I have been spending too much time South of 5th! The area around Purdy Ave. is enjoying a mini restaurant boom. I “found” Pubbelly Sushi today, even though it has been open for a while. A friend and I were looking for a place to have lunch within walking distance of Belle Isle. He had suggested Pubbelly, the original restaurant next door, but they are closed for lunch. Lucky me! Very different sushi, but delicious. We shared the Octopus Ceviche Roll, Rockshrimp Roll, and Yellowtail Roll and were pleasantly surprised by the nontraditional presentations and combinations. Pubbelly’s menu is also not traditional for a sushi place as they have Tostones as appetizers and Pan Con Bistec on their limited sandwich menu.
Although I think I will skip those two items and focus on the sushi and sashimi, I will definitely be back. There is an item on the Snacks menu that I just have to try!
If you have never been to the Deering Estate, or if it has been a while since your last visit, take advantage of tomorrow’s free admittance to get acquainted or re-acquainted with this beautiful historic estate. Enjoy a variety of activities and programs, stroll through the house and grounds, and visit the Artist Village and see their works of art in progress. As you leave the Deering Estate, stroll down to the people’s dock and enjoy the wildlife.
Miami is a very international city with lots of foreign investors. If you are buying property here, you need to make sure to ask if the seller is a foreign investor or you could be on the hook for money owed to the IRS.
Under FIRPTA, Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, there is a mandatory 10% withoholding of contract sales price at closing for all foreign sellers of real estate. It is the BUYER’S responsibility to make sure the 10% is withheld EVEN IF THEY ARE WORKING WITH AN ATTORNEY &/OR TITLE COMPANY. The withholdings must be remitted to the IRS within 20 days of sale along with a special tax return.
There are exceptions to the withholding that your Realtor, title company or attorney can walk you through, but you first must ask the question.