Coconut Grove, Coral Gables & South Miami Real Estate

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.

 

Coconut Grove – Then and Now

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 [email protected].

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.

Open House – 2929 Center St, Coconut Grove Sunday, Aug 14, 2011 – 1:00 to 3:00

Thinking of buying or selling your home yourself?

All you need to know in just 65 seconds.  Get your pencils ready!!

If you still think buying or selling a home without the assistance of a professional is for you, I wish you all the best.  But if you decide that a real estate professional with many years of experience might be the way to go, give me a call at 305-987-2644 or send me a note here.

Coconut Grove’s Melrose Place

There is an investment property here in Coconut Grove that I think is rather special.  I am calling it Coconut Grove’s Melrose Place because it has four one bedroom cottages, each with their own walled yard, surrounding a lovely pool and courtyard area.

   

This is truly a “Grovey” place.  The cottages all have coral rock accents and are surrounded by mature oak trees and lush foliage.  The cottages all need a bit of TLC but for the right price, I think that it is a gem.  The address is 3311 Franklin Avenue and it located one block from Main Highway and right around the corner from the heart of the village.

If you are interested in this property and 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

Move-in ready homes are moving

Fixer-uppers are no longer the rage.  A recent article by the Florida Realtors Association stated that 87% of first-time homebuyers prefer a move-in ready home.  I think that one of the main reasons may be the initial costs of purchasing a home.  Many lenders are now requiring 25% or more for the down payment and that’s not including the closing costs.   All of this adds up to alot of money up front and after all that, who wants to fork up the cash to renovate a bathroom. 

So Sellers that are willing to do what it takes to make their homes free of clutter, address maintenance and cosmetic repairs are going to get their homes sold and at a better price.  I have even noticed that even some of the banks are fixing up foreclosures prior to putting them on the market.  I was recently in a foreclosure that the lender had not only maintained the yard but they painted the walls and even re-finished the wood floors.  I was so surprised that I called the agent to confirm it was a foreclosure.  The banks must be realizing that if they want to get more of their money back, they need to put in a bit of work.

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

EWM Realtors – South Florida’s Luxury Real Estate Leader

 

Need I say more?

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

My Top 3 Homes for today’s Coral Gables Open Houses

Every Wednesday, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and South Miami area realtors open their listings to local agents.  These “Brokers Opens” allow other realtors to view the inventory and familiarize themselves with what is available for their buyers.  This week, most homes were located in the northern portion of Coral Gables.   Here are my top three.  I have provided a link below with additional photos and information for all the homes mentioned in this article. 

This home, located at 1425 Tangier Street, is absolutely spectacular.  It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and was totally renovated in 2007.  It features cherry wood floors, fireplace, imported Brazilian solid wood kitchen cabinets, marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances and center island.  It has 1,595 sq ft of living area and is listed for $599,000.   

What I love about this next home is the vintage feel and original architectural details.  Located at 1013 Obispo Avenue, this property has a 3 bedroom, 2 bath main house with 1/1 cottage.  It features two artisan tiled solarium’s, a fireplace and beautifully refinished hardwood floors throughout.  Including the cottage, there is over 2,700 sq ft of living area and it is listed for $645,000.

 

This home caught my eye because it is just a really good buy.  It is listed for $369,900. and they are offering owner financing.  With the way banks are behaving right now, this could be a determining factor for many buyers.   Located at 1248 Ortega Avenue this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home features a lovely Florida room, large bedrooms, deco details, wood kitchen, new stainless steel appliances, new bath and newer roof (2007).

Click here for additional photos and information for all of these homes.

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.

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.