Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami Real Estate

“Penelopeacock” is Number Three on my Tour

 

While driving past The Mayfair one morning, I spotted this vivid array of colors out of the corner of my eye.  Turns out it was “Penelopeacock”, the next stop on my Peacock tour.  Penelopeacock stand prominently on the corner of Grand Avenue and Virginia Street, right outside the entrance to one of my favorite spots, the Bookstore in the Grove.

 

  

 

An interesting feature for Penepeacock that I hadn’t noticed on the others is her head.  If you look closely, there is actually a face painted on the forehead.

 

  

 

The sponsors are Prince Media and Rodez Gallery.  George Rodez is not only the sponsor but he is also the artist.

 

Click here for an interactive map of the locations for all the Coconut Grove peacocks.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove real estate, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

Next Stop on my Coconut Grove Peacock Tour – Milams Market

 

Milams Market is Coconut Grove’s “neighborhood” grocery store.  The reason it was my next stop on the tour was due to necessity.  I needed to pick up something for dinner.  Upon arrival I spotted their peacock immediately, in full display, right at the entrance of the store.  What a beauty.  

“Majestic Peacock”, as it has been named was painted by local artist Eileen Seitz.  Eileen is know for the tropical nature of her work, bright colors and nature inspired paintings. 

To see “Maj” up close and personal, visit Milams Market on the corner of 32nd Avenue (McDonald) and South Dixie Highway. 

Click here for an interactive map of the locations of the Coconut Grove peacocks.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove real estate, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

Closing Deadline Extended for the Homebuyer Tax Credit!!

See updated article – Correction-First Time Homebuyer Closing Date Extension not a Done Deal!!

Yesterday the Senate voted and passed an amendment extending the closing date for the Homebuyer Tax Credit.  Due to the overwhelming demand for completion of closings by the previous June 30 deadline, the closing agents were inundated.  This amendment was designed to release some of the pressure and allow the closings to move forward.

This change will affect home buyers who already had a fully executed contract by April 30, 2010.  Instead of the June 30, 2010 closing deadline they will now have until September 30, 2010 to close the deal and still receive the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

If you are interested in buying, selling or renting real estate in the Miami area and are looking for a professional who specializes in Miami, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

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Tri-City Market Update – May 2010 – Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami

Here we are again with the updated statistics for Miami’s Select neighborhoods, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami.  This month I chose to include the data for condominiums and townhomes in addition to single family homes.  Condos seem to be trending in the right direction and based on the below statistics, making the most significant improvements overall.

As in my previous posts, I have segregated the information into categories, single family under $500K, $500K to $1MM, over $1MM and Condos and Townhomes.  I hope you find it interesting and informative.

Single Family homes up to $500,000.

The under $500K market is moving steadily in the right direction with the supply reduced by more than 100 homes (23.4%) over the last 12 month.  The sold homes are slightly lower than last year but the pending sales (under contract) are up almost 14%.  Something I think important to mention are the pending sales vs. closed sales.  Even though there are more homes going under contract, there are less homes actually sold.  With appraisals and financing being more difficult than ever, getting from contracting to closing is the biggest challenge. 

Single Family homes from $500,000. to $1,000,000. 

Single Family homes over $1,000,000.

The over $1MM market shows a slight reduction (8%) in supply over last year, sales are up slightly but the pended dropped to half of what was slotted last May with just 7 homes going under contract this month.

Condominiums and Townhomes

As you can see from the above graph, the outlook for condominiums and townhomes is trending in the right direction. Compared to the May ’09 numbers there is a decrease in supply of 13.8%, a 63% increase in sales and a 66.7% increase in pending sales.  All very hopeful signs.

For more concise market information for Coconut Grove, Coral Gables or South Miami just click on the city name and you will be re-directed to the market data specific to each.  Or, if you would like a similar report tailored to your neighborhood, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

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My Top Three Coconut Grove Properties

Being a realtor here in Coconut Grove affords me the opportunity to see many spectacular properties.  Since I love viewing these amazing homes, I wanted to bring them to you.  Here are my top three.   

First on my list is the DeGarmo Estate which is located at 3710 DeGarmo Lane and is listed for $2,975,000.  Built in 1921, this two story Spanish Villa was designed by famed architect, Walter DeGarmo as his personal home.  It has 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths with 7,761 square feet of living area.  It has been totally renovated and updated but kept in they style in which it was originally intended.  What makes this home a stand out is the central courtyard, grotto with waterfall and the attention to detail of the renovations.  It is truly breathtaking.  

Next is Villa Valentino located at 1855 South Bayshore Drive currently offered at $2,885,000.  This historic property was built in 1910 in the Moorish style up on coral rock bluff overlooking Biscayne Bay.  The this compound boast of 3 living areas.  The main house has 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with 2 separate cottages offering an additional 5 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Completely renovated just a few years ago, it offers old world charm with new world conveniences.

 

Last but certainly not least, except in price, is this contemporary home located at 3636 Hibiscus Street listed for $1,900,000.  I have written about it previously but I think it is worth mentioning again.  Built in 2002 this home has 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths with over 4,800 square feet of living area.  Special features include a rare basement area that houses a private theater, game room and entertainment area.  Not to mention the state of the art kitchen and private pool and patio areas.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables or South Miami real estate, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

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Open House this Sunday at 2441 Swanson Ave. Coconut Grove

This weekend I will be hosting an open house on Sunday, April 25th from 2:00 to 4:00, at 2441 Swanson Avenue.  Swanson Avenue is a beautiful, quiet street in North Coconut Grove that runs parallel to Bayshore Drive between 27th and 22nd Avenue.

 

The home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and an office/den and a beautiful pool.  Some of the special features include wood floors, crown molding, a formal dining room and a large corner lot.

 

 

And did I mention the pool?  This large secluded pool is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.  Your own private oasis.

List price $549,000.

 

Click here for additional information and more photos.

If you are out and about, please make sure to stop by and say hello.  I would love to see you. 

And of course, if you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami real estate, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

Or, just subscribe here if you would like these blogs sent directly to your inbox.  After subscribing, you will recieve an email requesting activation.

New Sale in Coconut Grove’s Ye Little Wood

Last week we had our first sale in over a year the Coconut Grove community of Ye Little Wood.  It was listed for $599,000. and sold for $550,000.  The property has a 2/2 main house with a 1/1 cottage on a lot of over 14,000 sq ft.  With 2,504 of living area, it sold for just under $220 per sq ft.

I visited this property when it first came on the market and it definitely needed some TLC but there was huge potential there.  Good bones, interesting floor-plan and room to renovate.  The new owner plans on doing just that and making it into a ”green” home.

For those of you who are not familiar with Ye Little Wood, it is a private, gated community of 36 homes just off Douglas Road in South Coconut Grove. It is known for it’s exquisite homes on large tropical lots.

Click here to view the homes currently for sale in Ye Little Wood. In addition to the homes for sale, there is also a 12,050 sq ft lot listed for $899,000.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove and the surrounding areas, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

Or, just subscribe here if you would like these blogs sent directly to your inbox.  After subscribing, you will recieve an email requesting activation.

The Cloisters – Coconut Grove’s Luxury Waterfront Community

The Cloisters is a luxurious gated waterfront community nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove.  If you didn’t know it was there you might walk right on past.

The Italian-styled village consists of 40 villas, each with three levels of spacious living.  Built in 2004, the floorplans offer three to five bedrooms with a living area ranging from 4,500 to 7,900 sq. ft.  

Each unit boasts of epicurean kitchens, designer cabinetry, elegant marble floors, granite counters, huge living and entertaining areas and a spectacular rooftop terrace.  With a two-car garage, private elevator and private garden, you have clearly defined value and luxury throughout.

All of this is fits serenely into its lush surroundings – a natural hardwood hammock bordered by the historic Barnacle State Park, Peacock Park and Biscayne Bay.

Here is a link to the homes currently for sale in the Cloisters.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Coconut Grove, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

Or, just subscribe here if you would like these blogs sent directly to your inbox.  After subscribing, you will recieve an email requesting activation.

The 3 Top Farmers Markets of South Miami

One of the great things about living in South Florida is the abundance of fresh produce.  We are blessed to have several options throughout the year for locally grown and organic foods.  Here are my three favorites.

 

 

The Coral Gables Farmers Market is a small outdoor European-Style Green Market.  It is in it’s nineteenth season and is held every Saturday from early January through the end of March.  It is located in the town center with historic Coral Gables City Hall in the background.  There is something for everyone with cooking classes, Tai Chi in the park, gardening workshops and children’s activities.

 

The Coconut Grove Farmers Market is provided weekly by Glaser Organic Farms and offers year round produce and organic products.  Every Saturday you will find and extensive selection of locally grown, organic, raw and vegan foods.  Additionally they have prepared food area where people gather to enjoy some of the best tasting raw and organically prepared items.  Who knew eating healthy could taste so good?

 

The Pinecrest Gardens Green Market is open every Sunday and runs from December through the end of April.  Offering numerous vendors with organic and conventional foods, plants, arts, crafts and fresh produce.  Once you’ve had your fill of the market you can wander into the Pinecrest Gardens and see why it was voted one of the top 20 parks by Miami.com.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate professional who specializes in South Miami neighborhoods, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

New Yoga Studio in Coconut Grove

Just finished a fabulous yoga class and feel like I am walking on air.  In the heart of Coconut Grove is the recently opened Dharma Yoga Studio.

Located at 3170 Commodore Plaza, Dharma Studio is the collaboration of two popular local instructors, Loree Shrager and Natalie Morales.

Although they have been open for weeks, they will be celebrating their Grand Opening on Saturday, January 23 at 7:00 pm.  Come check out the studio while listening to live music and enjoying food catered by the Ivy and other local vendors.  Hope to see you there!!

Visit the Dharma Studio website  for additional information and the class schedules.

As always, if you have any questions about Coconut Grove and the surrounding areas, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or email me here.