Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami Real Estate
Categories
Happy, Happy, Happy New Year!!!
Looking for Room to Run? I Have the Perfect Home for You!
If your looking for a beautiful home with lots of room, inside and out, I have just the home for you. Recently reduced to $339,000. this 4 bedroom, 2 bath pool home located on a 20,600 sq ft lot is a spectacular buy.
Located in the heart of Kendall, the coveted community of The Crossings offers Olympic sized pool, tennis courts, entertainment area and gym.
Newly resurfaced pool, spa and patio area in a completely fenced yard that seems to go on forever.
Eat-in kitchen with island adjacent to spacious family/entertainment area.
Master bedroom opens to the lovely view of the patio and pool/spa area.
Additional features are sunken living room, vaulted ceilings, separate family room and fireplace. All this and located directly across from a public park. Above are just a few photos of the many features this home has to offer. Click here if you would like to see more.
If you are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Miami realty, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
Low Mortgage Rates Aren’t Just for New Homebuyers
It’s everywhere, “Mortgage Rates at Lowest in 50 years”, even in my previous blog. But what if you aren’t a new homebuyer? What can this mean for you? Well, there are a few ways you might benefit from these lower interest rates. CNNMoney.com offers 3 suggestions for current homeowners.
1. Consider re-financing to a 15 year mortgage. A 15-year mortgage saves you in two ways. The interest rate is generally about a 1/2 point less than a 30-year conventional plus you can save tens of thousands in interest by paying off your loan in half the time.
2. Improve your Cash Flow. By re-financing your home at a lower interest rate, you will lower your monthly payment, thereby lowering your monthly expenses. Obviously you need to take into consideration your current interest rate and closing costs but you might find significant savings and be able to replenish that savings account or pay off some credit card debt. A good mortgage broker can assist you with the calculations to determine if this is a worthwhile option for you.
3. Double Down on Real Estate. If your future plans include a second home in North Carolina, a condo on the beach or maybe your looking for an investment property, now is the time to consider this purchase. While rates are low and prices are still favorable, if you have the money, the timing for that purchase is now.
To read the entire CNNMoney.com article just click here.
Of course, if you or anyone you know of is considering buying, selling or renting a home here in Miami, and would like working with a professional, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or you can email me 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.
Coconut Grove Luxury Home reduced by $300,000. under contract within 7 days
Recently my home for sale at 3835 Park Avenue, Coconut Grove, was reduced by $300,000. to an asking price of $1,499,000. It is a 6 bedroom, 6.5 pool home located on a cul-de-sac in South Grove. Within days it was under contract. Just goes to show that when a home is priced right, it will get attention.
New Coconut Grove Foreclosure Priced for Quick Sale
The house at 4130 Poinciana Avenue in south Coconut Grove just came on the market as a foreclosure and is priced to sell. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,615 sq ft of living area, pool in the front with a small back yard and screened patio. Asking price $396,000. $376,000.
It is so compellingly priced that it has recieved a lot of attention and I personally have shown it to two clients already. It appears to be in pretty good condition. This photo is from a previous sale but it gives you a good idea of the front of the home and pool area.
The list price is $245 per square foot which is approximately 15% less than the average price per square foot for Coconut Grove house sales this year.
As with most foreclosures in this price range, I don’t anticipate this property being on the market very long and I will be very interested in seeing what it actually sell for.
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.
Coconut Grove (Miami) to the Florida Keys – Short Trip, Big Vacation
For those of you that follow my blog, you may have noticed a little break in blogging this last week. I was on a much needed and truly valued vacation. The best part for me is that I didn’t have to go too far. One of the many benefits of living here in Coconut Grove (Miami) is it’s location to many coveted vacation spots. None more frequented by this native Miamian than the Florida Keys.
Within 1 hour’s drive you are in this vacation paradise. As a native, I have been going to the Keys all my life and for some reason, the minute I hit the infamous Card Sound Road I feel the stresses and tensions of everyday life just slip away. It is almost magical how it happens every time.
On this trip, we spent the entire time in Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S. The Florida Keys are known for their sunny days, spectacular sunsets and many water sports including boating, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. In addition to the above, Key West also boasts of a lively nightlife, a variety of eateries and a sunset celebration every evening on Mallory Square.
I couldn’t have asked for more. It was perfect. I feel rested, refreshed and have a tan to boot.
Well now I am back and ready to get back to work so, if you are looking for a real estate professional who specializes in Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables or South Miami real estate, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.
From Fresh Market to Shoppes of Mayfair, Peacocks, Peacocks Everywhere
As the 2010 Coconut Grove Peacock Tour progresses, there are new peacocks popping up all over town. Here are three peacocks you can see strutting their stuff at The Shoppes of Mayfair and Fresh Market.
Golden Ring Peacock
The “Golden Ring Peacock” is the work of The Miami Mosaic Academy’s founder Gina Hubler. The mirrored detail on the peacock actually makes it appear to glow from within. Sponsored by Gary Clark and Jeffrey Sibley it is a delightful and unique peacock. Located on the east side of Mayfair on the corner of Mary Street and Grand Avenue.
Night and Day, you are the one
“Night and Day, you are the one” was created by Fred Hunt and is sponsored by the Mayfair Center. Mayfair in the Grove is an open-air promenade lined with shops and galleries with a tiled fountain and seating areas that invite one to linger. This peacock sits at the Promenade entrance to Mayfair, located at 2911 Grand Avenue.
Coco Fresca
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.
