Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami Real Estate
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Archive for the 'Rentals' Category
Coconut Grove Guest House for Rent
This lovely cottage recently came on the market on one of Coconut Grove’s premier streets.
The guest house, located at 4131 Raynolds Avenue, is a full 1/1 with living room and kitchen. There is a washer/dryer in the unit and electric, water, cable and wireless internet are all included in the rental price of $1,200.
If your looking for a wonderful opportunity to experience Coconut Grove living at it’s best without paying the big bucks, this is the home for you.
If you are interested in renting this guest house or any other home here in Coconut Grove, just give me a call at 305-987-2644.
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.
Three Coral Gables Condos with Surprisingly Spectacular Views
Recently, I was showing condos to clients relocating here from Washington D.C. Because of where they were coming from their first priority was the view. When people come here to Miami looking for a view, we generally think of coastal areas such as Coconut Grove, Brickell, Downtown or Miami Beach. But in the heart of Coral Gables is an area on the northern end of Ponce de Leon Blvd. that has three new construction buildings with surprisingly spectacular views. And even better, they and are priced very competitively for sale and rent.
The buildings located at 1300, 1607 and 1805 Ponce de Leon Blvd. are all mixed use buildings which means that they feature commercial space at the base of the building with residences above. Since they are the tallest structures in the area, many of the views are unobstructed for miles. We were very surprised being able to see downtown, the beaches and even the water to the east with limitless views of the Biltmore, golf courses and the residential areas surrounding.
All the Coral Gables shopping, restaurants and even golfing are within walking distance. Even better, you can jump on the Gables Trolley which provides public transportation throughout the day. The perfect urban style living.
Here are photos of each building with a link to the units currently available.
Additionally, all of these building have units for rent and since renting seems to be more prevalent, here is a list of the rentals for all three buildings.
Miami Rated Number 3 in Top Ten Cities to Buy vs. Rent
Earlier this week it was reported on CBS News Money Watch that Miami is currently rated number three in best places to buy a home versus renting. Right now many folks are renting as they are waiting to see where things settle. Based on this report, the tide is changing and renting may no longer be the best move for many folks.
Here are the highlights of the report:
- The high rating for Miami was assumed to be based on the significantly reduced prices of the homes and lower interest rates.
- Even though prices throughout the country are being reduced to stimulate sales, Miami is now well below the national average for close out pricing.
- Taxes and insurance are still significant costs and need to be taken into consideration in making this decision.
- You also need to consider how long you plan on staying in the home. If your plans are short term, renting may still be the most viable option.
- After everything is considered, even if buying is the best bet, financing can still be a major challenge.
Basically, if you plan on living in your home for more than 3 or 4 years and have the ability to purchase a home, real estate is still one of th best long term investments.
If you are interested in viewing the entire segment, just click here.
Mortgage Rates Lowest in 30 Years – 3.75% for 15-year Conventional Mortgages
Once again, rates continue to drop. This morning we had Todd Wheeler of HomeServices Lending stop by our office and he stated that right now 15-year rates are at 3.75% and 30-year conventional is around 4.5%. If you are thinking of buying, selling or re-financing, we may not see rates like this for many years, there is no time like the present.
So if you or anyone you know of is considering buying, selling or renting a home here in Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami and would like working with a professional, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or you can email me here.
Miami’s Brickell Key – Like the View?
This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath unit is available for just $2,500. a month. Located on 26th floor of The Courts on Brickell Key, this view just takes your breath away. It offers 1,397 square feet of contemporary living area and a spacious wraparound balcony. If you are not familiar with Brickell Key, it is a gated island community just east of downtown Miami. Centrally located and just minutes to all the hot spots, South Beach, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and Downtown. The island offers many amenities including spa, tennis courts, running path, restaurant, dry cleaners, travel agency and grocery store.
If you are interested in this unit or any other Brickell Key properties I can be reached at 305-987-2644 or email me here.
