Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami Real Estate
Archive for the 'Buying' Category
Laid Back Bahamian-Style Living in the Heart of Coconut Grove
What I love about this home is that it epitomizes the ambiance of Coconut Grove and what brings thousands to the area every year. Upon entering through the carved wooden gate you wind your way along the Chicago Brick pathway through the lush tropical landscaping.
From the claw foot tub in the guest bathroom to the blue sky ceiling on the porch, this home just breathes character and charm.
Located at 3571 Linden Lane, this home features two bedrooms, two baths, a two car garage and 1,668 sq ft of living area. At an asking price of $475,000., this home is worth every penny.
Click here to view additional photos and the entire video tour.
If you or someone you know are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami realty, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Miami named as “Most Outrageous and Most Positive” City on the Road to Real Estate Recovery
In a recent interview on CNBC, Ron Peltier, CEO of Homeservices of America, stated that he believes that we are on the road to real estate recovery and expects price stabilization in the second half of the year. He specifically mentioned Miami as having the “most outrageous and most positive” turnaround regarding market stabilization.
Mr. Peltier said that we have reached a “tipping point”. Much of this is due to the increase in rental prices. Many rentals are higher than the cost of owning a home. Additionally, he feels that there are many people that have been sitting on the sidelines for years that are now ready to purchase a home.
All of this is great news for us here in South Florida and frankly, as Realtors, we have been seeing the signs for months now. If you would like to see the entire interview just click on the link below.
Buffet CEO Ron Peltier interview with CNBC
If you or someone you know are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami realty, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
2011 A Year in Review – Tri-City areas of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami
2011 was a great year for the areas of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami. Total gross sales were up significantly over the 2010 numbers with condos sales increasing 13.5% and single family home sales up 29.5% overall.
In most segments of the market, the inventory has been dropping steadily leading us towards a more stable market. The surprise though would be the over $1MM condos. Check it out below. There seems to be a few more for sale each month.
In the below graphs you will find the data regarding home sales, pended homes (under contract) and homes for sale on a month by month basis for all of 2011. I have segmented them by single family homes, condominiums and price range.
Single Family Homes up to $500,000.
Single Family Homes from $500,000. to $1MM
Single Family Homes for over $1,000,000.
Condos for under $300,000.
Condos from $300,000. to $500,000.
Condos from $500,000. to $1MM
Condos over $1,000,000.
If you or someone you know are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami realty, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Top Ten Reasons to Own Rather than Rent
With all the conversation regarding the real estate market bottoming out and if buyers should buy now or wait, I thought it was important to remember that not all home ownership decisions are financial ones.
The Florida Association of Realtors recently reported the top ten reasons to buy a home, rather than rent. I felt is was worth repeating….
1. You own it: With no landlord, you make the decisions.
2. You deduct it: Mortgage interest, property taxes and some costs involved with buying a home can be deducted from federal income taxes.
3. Interest rates: The cost to borrow mortgage money is at an all-time low. If you’re going to buy, this is the time to jump into the market.
4. You invest in it: Rent money is gone forever. Mortgage payments build home equity ownership interests.
5. You save for the future: Home equity is a ready-made savings plan. Sell it and you can make up to $250,000 cash without owing any federal income tax on the profit.
6. You can predict expenses: Unlike rent, a fixed-mortgage payment doesn’t get more expensive over time.
7. You pick it: Choose from different neighborhoods, styles and price ranges.
8. You create it: Decorate, renovate, get a pet or paint the walls whatever color you want – it belongs to you.
9. You live in a neighborhood: You and your neighbors take pride in the local schools, roads and more – and you work together to build a friendly community.
10. You spend money on yourself: When you buy a chandelier or hardwood floor or kitchen cabinet, you’re spending hard-earned money on yourself and building your equity at the same time.
If you or someone you know are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami realty, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Coral Gables Art Deco Beauty in Need of TLC
Well, today was my lucky day. I must have driven by this home hundreds of times and something about it always drew my attention. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I found out that it just came to the market and I was able to see it today.
I have to say that it did not disappoint. This art deco home built in 1937 features a Spanish tile lined spiral staircase, arched windows, high ceilings, plastered moldings, wood floors and decorative wrought iron. It was truly stepping back in time. Unfortunately, the home has been vacant for 10 years and really needs a buyer that would enjoy the opportunity to bring it back to it’s original glory.
This home has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with 3,689 sq ft of living area on a 11,500 sq ft lot and is listed for $850,000. Since the average sale price in Coral Gables is $270 per sq ft, this home, priced at $230 per sq ft, was priced to get buyers attention and takes into consideration the current condition of the home. This home is offered for sale by Slesnick & Jochem, LLP.
If you are interested in seeing this home or any others in the Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, or South Miami areas. please give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Just Reduced – 2929 Center Street, Coconut Grove
I just reduced the price of my listing at 2929 Center Street in Coconut Grove to $380,000. What makes this townhome stand apart from the rest is the outdoor living area. There is approximately 1,500 sq ft of fenced, outdoor space with a gazebo, deck, garden and more than enough room to entertain you family and friends.
The interior is 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus den, impeccably maintained and beautifully tiled with an open, updated kitchen that leads to the sunken living room with garden views throughout the entire home.
The community is gated and has only has 6 units in total with a private pool exclusive to the residents. Each unit comes with 2 assigned parking spaces and visitor parking on premises. Spectacular location, just minutes from Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, South Miami and the Beaches.
If you are interested in seeing this home or any others in the Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, or South Miami areas. please give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Bank of America offering $20,000. to Short Sale home vs Foreclosure
A new program being tested in Florida may offer assistance to struggling homeowners looking at losing their home. If you are a Bank of America customer and possibly considering foreclosure, this may be an option for you.
The Palm Beach Post reported today that B of A is offering a $20,000. incentive to their homeowners that try to sell their homes in a short sale rather than just allow it to fall into foreclosure. This is a time sensitive offer. Only homeowners whose short sales are submitted for approval to Bank of America prior to Nov. 30 will qualify. The homes must have no offers on them already and the closing must occur before Aug. 31, 2012.
Click here to read the entire article.
Number 1 in Luxury Home Sales – EWM Realtors
So far this year, EWM is ranked as the #1 Realtor in Miami-Dade & Broward combined for sales in excess of $1,000,000.
For the past four months, EWM has averaged selling a million-dollar-plus property every 24 hours… averaging 33 sales per month.
When thinking of selling your home, choose a specialist with a proven record!!
If you or someone you know are looking for a real estate professional, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Open House – 2929 Center St, Coconut Grove Sunday, Aug 14, 2011 – 1:00 to 3:00
Patience and Perseverence Pays Off for this Coral Gables Condo Owner
Recently, I was trying to find a needle in a haystack or otherwise known in the real estate world as a “good deal on a condo that will be financed”. Yes, there are good deals out there and yes there are condominiums that can be financed, the trick is finding the two at the same time.
The good news is that with lots of patience and perseverance, my client just closed on this lovely condo on Coral Gables’ Edgewater Drive and she couldn’t be happier.
Many lenders will not provide financing in certain condominium buildings because of the amount of past due maintenance fees and foreclosure rates. This eliminates these buyers from getting the “good deals”. Also, it is not easy to determine which condos do qualify. You would think there would be a list or somewhere to look that explains which buildings would qualify for financing. That would be too easy. My solution was to investigate every building prior to visiting or submitting offers. Alot of legwork on the front end, but well worth in the long run.
As usual, everything worked out for the best. She got exactly what she wanted, where she wanted it and within what she could afford.
In this current climate, real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. Look for an agent that does their homework, will be there for you and knows the challenges of this market.
If you or someone you know are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami realty, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.



















