Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami Real Estate

Laid Back Bahamian-Style Living in the Heart of Coconut Grove

Leigh Fortuna — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:02:08 +0000

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

Leigh Fortuna — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:36:54 +0000

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

Today’s Brokers Open – Unique Styles Abound

Leigh Fortuna — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:33 +0000

Today’s Brokers Opens offered quite the diversity in styles here in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Normally I would write about my favorite of the day but today I had three, all unique and worth mentioning.

6704 Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables

First was this Cape Dutch South African style home in Coral Gables. It was designed in the 1920′s as part of the founder of Coral Gables, George Merrick’s grand “City Beautiful” plan. It has been completely updated and renovated adhering to the style in which it was built. This home has a main house with a spacious courtyard leading to the separate guest house. It is listed for $1,250,000. by Coldwell Bankers.

3941 Park Ave, Coconut Grove

If contemporary is your style, and for many people it is, this may be the home for you. This home was recently renovated and updated with amazing outdoor entertainment areas. It offers 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths with 3,876 sq. ft. of living area on a cul-de-sac in South Grove. It is listed for $1,595,000. by EWM Realtors.

3617 Bayview Road, Coconut Grove

Last but definitely not least is this lovingly renovated historic Old Spanish. Though the style may be old, the updates certainly aren’t. All top of the line appliances with special attention paid to the true character of the home with antique fixtures and details throughout. The main house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths but there is also a spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest house. This home is listed for $899,000. by One Sotheby’s Int’l Realty.

2011 A Year in Review – Tri-City areas of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami

Leigh Fortuna — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:34:15 +0000

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.

2012 – Looking forward to it!!

Leigh Fortuna — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:12:52 +0000

“Hello” to a brand-new year, and “good-bye” to the one just past…

May each new day that comes your way be happier than the last!

Coconut Grove Guest House for Rent

Leigh Fortuna — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:49:11 +0000

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.

Coconut Grove – Then and Now

Leigh Fortuna — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:42:08 +0000

If you want to catch up on your Coconut Grove history and see some really interesting photos, check out this post in the Miami Social Diary, Coconut Grove: From Arquitectonica to Zen, by Augustus Mayhew. It is kind of a photo tour highlighting Coconut Grove, past and present.

His article includes information on several areas such as Dinner Key (back when it was the Pan Am Seaplane Terminal) Mayfair in the Grove, Main Highway, North Grove and The Kampong.

Whether your new to the area, a longtime resident or considering a move to our bayside community, this article offers interesting tidbits for all.

And as always, if you are considering buying or selling your home in our lovely, historic village, please call me at 305-987-2644 or email me at Fortuna.L@ewm.com.

Top Ten Reasons to Own Rather than Rent

Leigh Fortuna — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 01:06:34 +0000

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

Leigh Fortuna — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:34:05 +0000

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.

2806 Granada Blvd

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

Leigh Fortuna — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:58:49 +0000

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.