The Peacock Garden Cafe in Coconut Grove is the answer to Where’s J Wo September 29 outing. The whimsical decor and beautiful gardens make it feel like you are eating at a friend’s house instead of at a restaurant. It is the perfect place for outdoor dining, especially when our cooler weather arrives!
The Peacock Garden Cafe in Coconut Grove is the answer to Where’s J Wo September 29 outing. The whimsical decor and beautiful gardens make it feel like you are eating at a friend’s house instead of at a restaurant. It is the perfect place for outdoor dining, especially when our cooler weather arrives!
Since schools start today, I thought it only appropriate that my answer to my August 10 “Where’s JWo” was school related. This pirate is located on Ransom Everglades’ Middle School Campus, one of the top private schools in Miami-Dade County. In addition to high educational standards, the middle school campus boasts some of the most amazing waterfront property in Coconut Grove.
According to the school’s website, the middle school campus also houses two buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The Pagoda, built in 1903, and the Paul Ransom Cottage, built in 1909.
Since schools start today, I thought it only appropriate that my answer to my August 10 “Where’s JWo” was school related. This pirate is located on Ransom Everglades’ Middle School Campus, one of the top private schools in Miami-Dade County. In addition to high educational standards, the middle school campus boasts some of the most amazing waterfront property in Coconut Grove.
According to the school’s website, the middle school campus also houses two buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The Pagoda, built in 1903, and the Paul Ransom Cottage, built in 1909.
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.
The King Mango Strut is today at 2:00 p.m. In downtown Coconut Grove. An irreverent parade with themes plucked out of the year’s headlines, the Strut is sure to make you laugh. I have been a faithful attendee since I saw the “Bobbit Brigade” years ago…I still get a chuckle out of that one.
Market information from the Multiple Listing Service for single family homes for the month of January are as follows:
Distressed sales made up less of the sales going to contract in January, but made up the majority of closed sales. the actual closings for the month are of regular sales. Based on the number of active listings, distressed sales make up 13% of the market.
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. Cash was king in the distressed sales for January, so if you are going in with financing, make sure you have a very tight offer, including your pre-approval letter for a mortgage, a realistic deposit, and good timing for inspections and other due diligence.
What does this mean if you are a seller? You have a lot of competition so price really does matter, especially in the higher price ranges (84 of the current active listings are over $1,000,000, but the highest closed sale for January was under $600,000). 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.