Due to popular demand, the Pinecrest Farmer’s Market is open through October, Sundays from 9-2.
Category: Neighborhood News
Information on real estate, schools, events and establishments in your area
Categories
Housing For Low Income Seniors
I was happy to read this article in the Miami Herald regarding housing for low income seniors. After reading all of the horrible stories about the sorry state of Florida’s assisted living facilities, I think it is extremely important that we find solutions to helping our senior citizens age with dignity and in comfort.
Categories
605 Alcazar, Coral Gables, FL
According to floor plans obtained from the City of Coral Gables microfilm, this beautifully updated Old Spanish home was once a parsonage. Built in the 1920’s but recently updated, it is the perfect combination of old world charm w/modern amenities. Marble floors, impact resistant windows, granite kitchen counters & updated bathrooms are the elegant finishes that compliment the Old Spanish design. The 1 bed/1 bath cottage is perfect as an office, guest room or gym.
This Wednesday night, enjoy a free night of music outside as Orchestra Miami presents
Market information from the Multiple Listing Service for single family homes for the month of January are as follows:
- Closed sales: 16. 2 short sales 2 REOs. 7 were cash sales, including the one for $3.86 million.
- Price range of closed sales: $3.86 million – $375,000
- Pending sales: 20. 3 short sales, 4 REOs
- Price range of pending sales: $2.950 million – $230,000
- Active listings: 316, 42 of which were listed in February. 18 short sales, 1 REO. 164 are waterfront
- Price range of active listings: $50 million – $199,000
Distressed sales are still making up the larger part of the market in terms of listings going to contract. Based on the number of active listings, distressed sales make up about 8% of the market, but half of the closed sales.
What does this mean if you are a buyer? Based on the number of active listings to closed sales, there is still a lot of inventory to work through, so it is still a buyers market. Once you narrow down your price range and specifications however, there won’t be as much to choose from, so use the statistics and market information to negotiate your price. If the house you like is a regular sale and it is priced right, you won’t have as much room to negotiate as you will on one that is overpriced. If you are going to make an offer on a short sale bring patience and realize that when the bank finally does answer, they may ask for more than what you offered, even if what you offered was the full asking price.
What does this mean if you are a seller? You have a lot of competition so price really does matter. Look at the active sales that most closely match your home in terms of size, location, updates, lot size, amenities. Consider pricing it 10-15% below your closest competition, make sure it has great curb appeal, and de-clutter and freshen up the inside with some elbow grease and a fresh coat of neutral paint. The good news is that if your house is priced right compared to your competition, it will sell.
The Ninth Annual Taste of Pinecrest takes place this Sunday at Pinecrest Gardens. This food and art festival is sponsored by the Pinecrest Business Association to benefit the Village’s public schools. In addition to student performances, an art show, rides and games, there are a number of local restaurants selling a “taste” of their menus. It is a great way to spend a day visiting, playing and savoring the many different flavors of Miami.
The Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens is in the middle of a renovation and the new sound and lighting system provided the perfect stage for Julian Marley’s performance last night.
If you have not had the opportunity to go see the updated Banyan Bowl, make a point to visit it during the upcoming Taste of Pinecrest or the next Pinecrest Gardens Jazz Series. The Community Foundation of Pinecrest‘s Banyan Bowl Capital Campaign is assisting in fundraising to complete the improvements. Please donate to the fund to keep this treasure as a cultural facility for all of us to enjoy for years to come.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zGS8lOS4KE[/youtube]
Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami is still building services to provide conveniences for new residents that have moved into the buildings that were mostly empty during the real estate collapse. Projects under, or soon-to-be-under, construction include Museum Park, the Port of Miami Tunnel, Whole Foods, and a multiplex movie theater.
With the increasing popularity of living in walkable communities, rents are on the rise in areas such as downtown Brickell and Coral Gables. The fact that there are so many new buildings with great amenities and upgraded finishes, such as granite counter tops and modern kitchens and baths, in these two areas have lead to an increase in demand and rents. An unfurnished 2 bedroom 2 bath condo in a newer building starts at $2000.
The Coconut Grove Art Festival takes place this weekend. In addition to seeing some fun, different art, it is a great time to stroll the streets, taste food, and bump into friends.
I love this year’s poster!