So far this year, there have been 120 condo sales out of 1,061 total Sunny Isles Beach condos. Last year there were 665 total sales. What I’m looking at with you here are the number of buyers given certain pricing bands from January 1st 2009 to March 15th 2010. It’s simply used to show us where the activity is concentrated on “real” buyers.

$249 less – 469

$250-499k – 126

$500k-799k – 93

$800k-$999k – 34

$1M-$1.499M – 37

$1.5M-$1.999M – 14

$2M-$3M – 8

$3M-$4M – 1 with the record high sale at Acqualina #3003 which set a Sunny Isles Beach condo sales record at $3.1M (cash) or $702 psf (November 2009)

Are you trying to sell your Sunny Isles Beach condo? Contact me here and let’s go over the tried & true marketing plan in getting your condo sold! 1.888.383.7326

News is arriving of a new proposal to add a mega aquarium known as the Wometco Aquatic Center and a destination park in the vicinity of Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard & Collins Avenue. The arrangement is between the City of Sunny Isles Beach and the highly reputable real estate developer J. Milton & Associates which is the mastermind behind Sunny Isles Beach projects such as Pinnacle, King David, Sayan and the new St. Tropez. J. Milton came up with the idea and this Sunny Isles Beach aquarium would give the city a mega boost as a tourist destination plus the St. Tropez condo tower will boast a major new amenity.

J. Milton is a visionary developer.. He sees the finalization of the St. Tropez luxury condominium, the high-end retail shopping it will attract below, this new Wometco Aquatic Center and the magnitude for Sunny Isles Beach. J. Milton knows what this desirable combination will do for the St. Tropez demand and the growing City of Sunny Isles setting a new milestone for the resort destination and premier location. St. Tropez opened with the C.O. last year on waterfront land across from the ocean and adjacent to the proposed park offering 3 intimate towers at approximately 60% sold with developer financing and great buyer incentives. The park, aquarium and complex should be finalized by 2013.

“St. Tropez residents would be steps away from a lush park elevated high enough to afford water views. The plan commissioned by the Coral Gables developer would transform a strip mall near Collins Avenue and Sunny Isles Boulevard into an elevated park with shops, restaurants and an aquarium run by the owner of the Miami Seaquarium. Sunny Isles spent about $20 million acquiring the land over the last two years, including a $1.5 million parcel owned by J. Milton. Sunny Isles expects to spend an additional $15 million building the park and a 350 car underground parking garage. An open air movie theater would mark the western end of the complex, with broad steps resembling a Mayan temple leading to the glass walled aquarium and retail center. Plans call for street level shops and two restaurants. A three-story reef tank would be the main attraction inside. The two upper floors would house enough banquet space for 1,000 people, said architect Eduardo Castiñeira of Miami’s Axioma3.” - MiamiHerald

St. Tropez Condos for Sale | St. Tropez Condos for Rent

Related Group was bought out by Dezer Properties selling at new, discounted prices..   I decided to take the forbidden tour of the Trump Towers Sunny Isles Beach in January after years of stressful phone calls from speculators trying to sell & get out. To top it off, the news came from every direction of the Dezer family buying out Related’s stake in the entire project assuming the remaining debt after paying off Tower I. After seeing the finishes both condo interior and throughout, noting the well appointed amenities & hearing what had occurred with financial backing by the lender for the next 4 years, I’m now promoting it with all the other Sunny Isles Beach ”greats“ to clients & customers looking for the very best values on new oceanfront construction. Here are the interesting facts on the buyout..

Following months of negotiations with lenders, Dezer Properties assumed the former partnership’s $265 million loan on Dec. 31, 2009 with the bank then renegotiating the construction loan with Dezer Properties directly after seeing successful performance from Tower I sales allowing Dezer to then lower the prices by 30% and now causing a success of new sales in Trump Tower II.  Tower II was relaunched to the public as the premier tower of the three offering an onsite restaurant with an oceanfront setting and great food along with 2 swimming pools to choose from depending on which side of the bed you wake up on.

 The Dezer’s are the real estate moguls & godfather of Sunny Isles Beach condo development. The Dezer family owned business holds 45 acres of oceanfront land in Sunny Isles Beach, with sites for eight more buildings. Gil and father Michael Dezer have also developed and almost sold out Trump Grande in Sunny Isles Beach, a three building premium oceanfront enclave that includes the Trump International Beach Resort built in 2003, the Trump Palace (2006) and the latest Trump Royale (2008) which is now 60+ percent sold out. In addition to their South Florida properties, the Dezers’ holdings include 27 buildings in New York.

“Prices now range from $350 per square foot for most units to $600 a square foot for penthouses. Each of the three 45 story towers has 271 units. Tower I has 260 units sold, and Tower II is about 40 percent sold with 105 sold, Dezer said. During the next two to three months, Dezer will send out closing notices to those who put down deposits on Tower III, and give them the option to move over at a reduced price to Tower II. Tower III was sold out at an average price of $720 per square foot, with some sales at more than $1,000 a square foot!“    - MiamiHerald

 We’re seeing the very best value on a price per square foot basis at $350-$600psf as the low end price point of the luxury oceanfront condos are now reflective along the Miami Dade Beaches.. Sunny Isles Beach real estate specific to condo inventory, has seen a decrease in inventory consistently with 1,053 total condos on the market (Southeast Florida Regional MLS) with 272pending contracts, 96 of which went pending in the last 30 days. Our Sunny Isles Beach short sales are comprised of 193 (18%) condos down from 33% a year ago. Bank owned REO’s make up only 13 Sunny Isles Beach foreclosures or 0.01%. Call to chat 1.888.383.7326 or Contact me here.

Trump Towers Sunny Isles Condos for Sale | Trump Towers Condos for Rent

Shaky but Worthy; Sunny Isles Beach Video (2008)

The Real Estate Channel reported this week that the Caribbean Tower South Beach bulk sale (August 2009) is showing great returns for the investor that took on the risk. The bulk buyer, 3737 Caribbean Group LLC, has sold a combination of 35 units in the 107 unit complex consisting of two towers both the new 19 story tower and the original 35 unit Art Deco Caribbean. The bulk sale was reported to be between $50-55M averaging $323-355 psf for each unit which are now selling from $550-650 psf many of which are under contract today. Prior to this new positioning on price the units were asking around $865 psf so for South Beach real estate, there is a solid demand at these new values.

South Beach luxury condos – Last 90 day comp sales report Caribbean Stat Report

Caribbean Condos for Sale | Caribbean Condos for Rent

Golden Beach Single Family Homes – Trends & Stats 2010 Q1

Golden Beach Single Family Homes are limited along the ocean & bay and today’s inventory show us an excellent selection with 62 homes on the market in this small community ranging from $579k to $27,500,000 while there are only 39 on the water for sale ranging in values from $1.7M & up. In review of waterfront homes of Golden Beach, we see 2 homes under contract today ranging from $1.375,555M to $3.2M. What we see in these attachments below are what appears to be the local market values of Golden Beach peaking in 2007 with the average list price per square foot at $1,635 psf with a selling price per square foot of $1,222 and boasting the lowest number of days to sell at 297. As of 2009, the average selling price per square foot was only $625 psf for a 62% decrease in selling values since the peak and a 41% decrease over 2008! Preview the very best Golden Beach homes for sale in 2010.

• As of 2009 – 9 Golden Beach Home Sales & Sold Statistics
• 2008 – 5 Golden Beach Home Sales & Sold Statistics
• 2007 – 5 Golden Beach Home Sales & Sold Statistics
• 2006 – 9 Golden Beach Home Sales & Sold Statistics
• 8 Golden Beach homes expected to sell in 2010.

I’ll report again on the local Golden Beach real estate market changes in 6 months so stay posted if you have an interest in this premier location… contact me for more information 1.888.383.7326!

Edition #5 of the 2010 Sunny Isles Condo Index

I’ll be reviewing & comparing the luxury oceanfront market from the 1Q 2009 Sunny Isles Condo Index to today’s updated 1Q 2010 Sunny Isles Condo Index including premier oceanfront towers such as Turnberry Ocean Colony, Acqualina, JADE Beach, Trump Palace, Trump Royale, Ocean 4, Sayan, Ocean One, Two & Three, Pinnacle & Millennium and now including JADE Ocean. I’ve excluded condo hotel properties from this study including the Trump International Beach Resort, Le Meridian (now known as Merenas Resort), Ocean Point and Sole.

Sunny Isles Beach (1Q 2010) Condo Index…

As of January 25th, we are noting 1,055 total condos for sale in Sunny Isles Beach down 17% from July 2009 and 28% from this time last year. So far, there have been 27 total closed sales (ALL figures are derived from the Multiple Listing Service MLS on JAN 25th, 2010) this year. What will be analyzed in this post are statistics & trends for the most desirable luxury towers along the coast of Sunny Isles Beach.

Percentage Available Inventory, Average List Price & Average Price Per Square Foot for leading luxury condo towers currently listed & Active on the MLS

• Acqualina- 17875 Collins Avenue | 17 of 247 or 7%| Ave List Price $2.186M | Ave PPSF $775
• JADE Beach (99% Closed as per County records) - 17001 Collins Avenue | 41 of 248 or 17%| Ave List Price $1.439M | Ave PPSF $642
• JADE Ocean- (80 rec. deeds per County records) – 17121 Collins Avenue | 4 of 250 or 2% | Ave List Price $2.107M | Ave PPSF $765
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North Tower – 16051 Collins Avenue | 12 of 130 or 9%| Ave List Price $2.598M | Ave PPSF $799
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South Tower – 16047 Collins Avenue | 17 of 130 or 13%| Ave List Price $2.274M | Ave PPSF $747
• Trump Palace – 18101 Collins Avenue | 29 of 275 or 11%| Ave List Price $1.329M | Ave PPSF $629
• Trump Royale – 18201 Collins Avenue | 19 of 384 or 5%| Ave list Price $1.124M | Ave PPSF $565
• Trump Tower I- 16001 Collins Avenue | 29 of 271 or 11%| Ave List Price $1.135M | Ave PPSF $487
• Trump Tower II – 15901 Collins Avenue | 9 of 271 w/Developer units remaining | Ave List Price $927k | Ave PPSF $433
• Trump Tower III – 15850 Collins Avenue | No MLS records
• Sayan- 16275 Collins Avenue | 22 of 88 or 25%| Ave List Price $1.211M | Ave PPSF $572
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue | 40 of 281 or 14%| Ave List Price $997k | Ave PPSF $508
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue | 28 of 215 or 13%| Ave List Price $1.142M | Ave PPSF $459
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue | 19 of 254 or 7%| Ave List Price $1.096M | Ave PPSF $479
• Ocean One – 19333 Collins Avenue | 8 of 241 or 3%| Ave List Price $728K | Ave PPSF $330
• Millennium – 18671 Collins Avenue | 6 of 120 or 5%| Ave List Price $1.015M | Ave PPSF $446
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue | 45 of 244 or 18%| Ave List Price $960k | Ave PPSF $494
• La Perla- 16699 Collins Avenue | 39 of 326 or 12%| Ave List Price $654k| Ave PPSF $430

Ave. Price Per Square Foot on Condos SOLD within the last 6 months, Sale Price to List and # Days On Market

• Acqualina- 17875 Collins Avenue | 4 Closed Sales at $673 PSF (7% increase in PPSF since 1Q 2009) | 88% SP/LP | 247  DOM
• JADE Beach- 17001 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $427 PSF | 89% SP/LP | 89 DOM
• JADE Ocean- 17121 Collins Avenue | Released (TCO) June 2009 with No Closed MLS resales
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North Tower – 16051 Collins Avenue | 8 Closed Sales at $679 PSF (22% increase in PPSF since 1Q 2009) | 86% SP/LP | 143 DOM
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South Tower – 16047 Collins Avenue | 7 Closed Sales at $499 PSF (26% decrease in PPSF since 1Q 2009) | 90% SP/LP | 195  DOM
• Trump Palace- 18101 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $450 PSF (19% decrease in PPSF since 1Q 2009)| 86% SP/LP | 162 DOM
• Trump Royale – 18201 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $451 PSF | 95% SP/LP | 111 DOM
• Trump Tower I- 16001 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $386 PSF | 78% SP/LP | 493 DOM
• Trump Tower II – 15901 Collins Avenue | No Closed MLS Sales
• Trump Tower III – 15850 Collins Avenue | No Closed MLS Sales
• Sayan- 16275 Collins Avenue | 0 Closed Sale at $N/A | only 1 resale last year at $308 PSF | 86% SP/LP | 84 DOM
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue | 15 Closed Sales at $367 PSF (5% decrease in PPSF since 1Q 2009) | 94% SP/LP | 228 DOM
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $353 PSF | 94% SP/LP | 316 DOM
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue | 7 Closed Sales at $384 PSF | 91% SP/LP | 175 DOM
• Ocean One – 19333 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $291 PSF | 86% SP/LP | 288 DOM
• Millennium – 18671 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $336 PSF | 81% SP/LP | 101 DOM
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue | 6 Closed Sales at $351 PSF | 97% SP/LP | 234 DOM
• La Perla- 16699 Collins Avenue | 15 Closed Sales at $354 PSF (2% decrease in PPSF since 1Q 2009) | 91% SP/LP | 127 DOM

Sunny Isles Beach Condo Index Summary

Sunny Isles Beach inventory is decreasing month over month while property values have also dropped considerably causing more sales to occur. The majority of oceanfront towers now have healthy inventory figures as shown above with anything less 15%. Each building tells a different story and the bottom line is you cannot go wrong in 2010 with oceanfront real estate as long as you & the family will use it and enjoy it for at least the next 2 years.

Sellers, are you attempting to sell with little communication on values, marketing & progress…? Call me for a personalized market report for your condo and let’s get started today. Buyer’s ready for a great buy? Call or email for the very best deals along Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour & South Beach. The buyer advantage is still selection & leverage but we are again seeing multiple cash offers driving up values again on the lower end residential market. As inventory decreases I believe prices will start to show favor for stabilization if it hasn’t already.. If you’d like to receive local Miami Beach FL real estate news via blog postings & updates, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper right column) or by email above each time a new posting occurs. Visit JADECondosSunnyIsles.com website & Blog relaying great information on JADE Beach & JADE Ocean and the brand new TurnberryOceanColonySunnyIsles.com website & blog! The truth is in the numbers 1.888.383.7326 and I welcome your knowledge, comments & feedback here. South Beach to Sunny Isles Real Estate Sales & Marketing.

Happy New Year friends and this will be post #1 of 2010. Here’s a shocking new thought for 2010… Just because it sold for that price in 2008 & 2009, does it mean you can buy it for that price today? It seems to be happening again and again as inventory decreases.. Will there be a tough time understanding & coping just opposite to the seller reluctancy seen in 2007 as the Miami Beach real estate market came to a standstill?

The buying window of opportunity in “catching the bottom” may be leaving in 2010. My 2010 forecast will be coming in the next few posts as I discuss market stats, trends and the direction this year could go in as relay that NOW is the time to find the bottom of South Beach to Sunny Isles Beach. Sale to List Price Ratio have jumped from 88% to 92%.

On the flipside, we will always find opportunities so if you wait this year to watch I am certain you can find the “deal.” Some buildings are already seeing appreciation. Space 01 for example went up 23% in the last 90 days! 11 Island Avenue has gone up 13% in the last 6 months. Roney Palace is on the direction up and more (FNMA Financing now Approved) to come..

Many would consider condo deals to be under ie) $250k but from $150 to $5.5M, here are my top choices for January 2010 in which I expect sales to occur within the next 60-90 days. I have previewed the majority with customers and these have been the top choices.. these links are LIVE so we’ll all soon find out once the Status changes from Active to Pending to Closed.

• #1 $199k – Indian Creek Club Marina #6F (Short Sale)
• #2 $299k – Bay View Loft #206 (Approved Short Sale)
• #3 $439k - Roney Palace #1539
• #4 $445k – Oceania V #1852 (Corporate Owned)
• #5 $480k - La Perla #3406 (Approved Short Sale)
• #6 $649k – Trump Palace PH5103
• #7 $1.350M – Trump Palace #4902
• #8 $1.399M – Ocean Four #1101
• #9 $3.690M – Jade Ocean D2 (Flow Through only 1 of 2) Penthouse
• #10 $5.395M - Il Villaggio #1405

Preview Daily Updates on Miami Beach | Sunny Isles Condo Deals & Repos

2009 Trophy Property Sales from South Beach to Sunny Isles Beach.

Amazing to see 199 (733 for sale today) luxury condo sales over $1M for the YTD MLS (Multiple Listing Service) records covering the Miami Dade oceanfront communities of Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Surfside, Miami Beach & South Beach. Over $4M there were 11 sales, $6M there were 6 and $8M there was 1 luxury condo sales in 2009.

South Beach Luxury Condo Sales

With 871 total YTD 2009 sales, South Beach had 93 closed sales over $1M. South Beach set the area records with high sales at Continuum (PH-1) selling at $9.9M, Il Villaggio (PH 6&7) selling at $7M and Murano at Portofino (3801) selling at $7.450M

Continuum PH-1 – LP$/SF=$2,027 SP$/SF=$1,342, DOM 562, Closed 05/15

Il Villaggio PH 6&7 – LP$/SF=$2,438 SP$/SF=$1,228, DOM 107, Closed 02/12

Murano at Portofino – LP$/SF=$2,508 SP$/SF=$1,557, DOM 714, Closed 01/21

Bal Harbour Luxury Condo Sales

One Bal Harbour had 16 sales alone over $1M with a record high for Bal Harbour real estate at $5.2M along with The Palace & Bellini right behind selling at $2.6M & $2.3M respectively.

One Bal Harbour 2008 – LP$/SF=$1,196 SP$/SF=$987, DOM 182, Closed 09/29

The Palace at Bal Harbour 15F – LP$/SF=$799 SP$/SF=$705, DOM 266, Closed 10/08

Bellini 1601 – LP$/SF=$654 SP$/SF=$602, DOM 75, Closed 02/13

Sunny Isles Beach Luxury Condo Sales

With 623 total YTD 2009 sales, Sunny Isles Beach had 49 closed sales over $1M and a record high sale over $4M which was Acqualina (PH4506) selling at $4.999M, Trump Palace selling at $2.875M and Turnberry Ocean Colony which sold at $2.1M.

Acqualina PH4506 – LP$/SF=$1,231 SP$/SF=$779, DOM 40, Closed 09/02

Trump Palace 1009 – LP$/SF=$862 SP$/SF=$710, DOM 106, Closed 07/10

Turnberry Ocean Colony 2604 – LP$/SF=$629 SP$/SF=$562, DOM 582, Closed 10/13

(continue reading…)

New studies by Yahoo Travel show that Miami is the number one tourist destination and the number one holiday destination in the world. 

The study focused on consumer interest and activity and found that Miami came in second only to Las Vegas as a tourist destination. 

Cancun was number three, and Miami beat out Orlando and all its theme parks; it came in at number eight. 

Tourists say they love the beaches, the food, the cultural flair, and of course the amazing weather of the Miami Beach area. There aren’t many places the US where you can wear flip flops shorts and a t shirt outside in December. 

And if you sometimes get annoyed by the influx of slow driving tourists, remember that tourism is Miami’s number one industry, providing jobs and hotel taxes. 

Though tourists are flocking here in high numbers despite the bad economy, room rates in hotels have dropped, meaning less tax dollars for South Florida. 

YAHOO TRAVEL STUDY RESULTS: 

1.) Las Vegas, NV 

2.) Miami, FL

3.) Cancun, Mexico 

4.) San Diego, CA 

5.) Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 

6.) New York City, NY 

7.) San Francisco, CA 

8.) Orlando, FL 

9.) Honolulu, HI 

10.) Paris, France

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, okay. Maybe a Miami Beach holiday isn’t exactly your thing. But if you’re looking for a holiday packed with fun, excitement and things to do – with the added bonus of gorgeous, sunny weather – the Miami Beach area has everything you’re looking for, and more. So read on for just a taste of what’s on tap for this holiday season.

If you’re a traditionalist (or a ballet lover), no holiday season is complete without taking in a performance of “The Nutcracker.” Well, the Miami area has not one, not two, but a whopping FOUR places to experience the annual favorite. Check it out downtown, at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts OR the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, in North Miami Beach at the Julius Littman Performing Arts Theater, or in Little Havana at the Miami-Date County Auditorium.

For something a little more – alternative – to the traditional Christmas concert, Miami’s Gay Men’s Chorus will present the humorously-titled “You Bet Your Brass” at Temple Emmanu-El, Miami Beach. Since it’s taking place at a temple, I can only assume it will have a little celebration for the Hanukkah celebrant as well!

Of course, if you really, absolutely must have that “winter wonderland” experience during the holidays, don’t miss Winter Nights & Lights at Key Biscayne’s Miami Seaquarium. This annual event, which runs through the New Year, gives Miami residents the sense that they are far, far away, in a place that’s cold. Like North Dakota.

Of course, for most of us, experiencing a warm, sunny, Miami Beach Christmas is one of the main reasons we invested in Miami Beach real estate in the first place! So deck the halls of your luxury condos and homes and get ready to celebrate another beautiful holiday in the sun with your family and friends.

After all, that’s what the holiday season is all about.

by Lisa Canfield

Whether you want Santa to bring you this…

Or this….!?

Once you buy that piece of pricey Miami Beach real estate, you need to decorate it. Which is why this year’s eighth annual Art Basel Miami Beach, held at the revamped Miami Beach Convention Center, was an essential stop for those with bare walls, those who love art, and those who just wanted to check out some really cool and beautiful things — along with celebrities like superagent Mike Ovitz and movie star Val Kilmer.

The mood at the VIP opening was decidedly bright, with attention actually focused on the art instead of the economy (unlike last year’s post Wall Street crash event). Several pricey pieces sold. In fact, opening night guests were more intimidated by the width of the aisles at the convention center and the amount of walking necessary to get from booth to booth than they were by the prices.

Artists represented at the event ran the gamut, from top artists like James Rosenquist and Guillermo Kuitca (who has a current retrospective at the Miami Art Museum), to those known for a different kind of artistic talent, like “Rambo” and “Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone. Apparently, he is a very accomplished oil painter. Who knew? Top galleries from around the country were on hand showcasing their top talent, and many were pleased with the results of the show.

Of course, not all the works exhibited fell under the heading of “serious artwork.” Unless you consider a chubby tree made of silver pipes, or a beach umbrella festooned with Christmas decorations, or a bunch of silver chains arranged to spell the word “Prozac,” serious art.
There’s always room for the wild and wacky at Art Basel, including the Chinese artist who has changed his name to MadeIn. As in “Made in China.”

Or, if one if his pieces winds up hanging in the wall of one of Miami’s luxury condos and homes, “Made in Miami.” You never know.

by Lisa Canfield

<— Worth a Click —>

Retail addicts around the world know the Bal Harbour Shops as one of the greatest destinations in the world — a true Shopper’s Paradise.

Now, truly dedicated shoppers are about to be presented with an opportunity to have this world-class shopping destination…as their neighbor.

Located directly across the street from the shops on Collins Avenue, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will offer the ultimate home base for dedicated shoppers and luxury lovers.

Developed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is located right on the ocean (for those times when you want to concentrate on pursuits other than shopping) at the northern tip of Bal Harbour. It will be made up of three separate, 27-story towers, each housing ultra-luxurious one, two, three and four-bedroom residences complete with huge balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and amazing views of the Atlantic and the bay.

The 268 residences will share the space with 37 condo-hotel suites, 183 hotel rooms and 24 fractional suites.

Because mundane tasks like grocery shopping, driving and housekeeping take away from valuable shopping time, the St. Regis will offer its lucky residents the same amenities as hotel guests, including grocery shopping service, room service, housekeeping, a chauffeur and more. There’s also a health spa, several swimming pools, sculptures, water features, lush gardens and more.

No wonder these luxury condos and homes start at a cool $1.9 million!

Modern technology will be featured throughout the resort, including a state-of-the-art air conditioning system that uses chilled water instead of heat pumps to cool the air.

It all adds up to a shopaholic’s dream home. But you can’t put one on your AmEx card just yet. While top off of the final tower is just around the corner, construction isn’t scheduled for completion until 2011.

by Lisa Canfield

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Across the United States, trees twinkling with lights and jolly, waving Santas dot the landscape. The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder. It’s difficult not to notice that the Christmas season is in full swing.

Believe it or not, the same is true here in sunny South Florida. Okay, so we may not experience frosty mornings or watch the sun go down at 4pm (not that we would want to!), but we have our own unmistakable sign that the holiday season is here.

I’m talking, of course, about the return of the Snowbirds.

The Snowbirds’ annual migration south is greeted with mixed emotions by those who view their piece of Miami Beach real estate is their primary place of residence.

Suddenly, the beaches are a lot more crowded – and often with pasty, pale looking people with nary a tan line to be found. There may be a wait to get in to your favorite nightspot – the same place where you could just wander in on a whim last July. And as for the traffic – it’s like the number of cars on the street suddenly quadruples.

Even for party-happy South Floridians, staying in and ordering a pizza might look like a more viable option than a night on the town.

But as once-empty luxury condos and homes across the Miami Beach area fill up once again, not everyone is suffering. For local businesses all over town, this truly is the season to be jolly – especially since it lasts until next spring. The Snowbirds are what keep our South Florida economy humming. And for that, we all hope that they never face extinction.

So if you happen to be a Snowbird, let me personally welcome you back for another warm and toasty winter enjoying our beaches and nightspots. Who knows? With Aventura real estate and Bal Harbour real estate prices so low – along with the rest of our beautiful beach cities — you might buy in and decide to stay year round!

by Lisa Canfield

Bay View Loft

Happy Holiday as we enter the day before thanksgiving with excitement & amazement both how much food we can stuff ourselves with plus the unfolding of the new year. Rounding off the final weeks of 2009, I am Very Thankful for all of you and my direct clients that have made this business thrive in a market that many would claim is quite challenging. So much will be unfolded in January with 2 new web sites and 2 new blogs surely to add value, substance and knowledge to the local Miami Beach real estate market. I end this week before leaving to see family with a blog post “deal of the month” that is under the radar because of it’s asking price yet will be a stellar beach pad (or should I say loft) for the savvy buyer. If you would like to see a new deal posted each month like this one, please comment below and let us know. Any questions pertaining, I’m easy to reach at 786.273.7326.

Welcome to Bay View Loft 206

Located in Miami Beach at 2000 Bay Drive right off the Kennedy Causeway as you enter East into the Miami Beach welcome sign. The loft complex is comprised of only 22, 2 story lofts with the vast majority facing out to the direct bay offering unobstructed bay views and the Grand View Palace Marina across the waterway. As of September, the association was financially healthy with a reserve fund in tact and a very low maintenance fee of only $435 monthly. It is unfortunately an owner occupied short sale so will take 3 to 7 months before possession occurs but for the patient buyer, should show great returns over the years. The rental income is $2,000 month and $2,500 for a seasonal lease (permitted at 3 month intervals).

• 1,515 Square Feet 2 bedroom 2.5 bath (fully equipped)
• 2 Parking Spaces (garage)
• Asking $324,900 (down from the $735k in 2006, $699k in 2007 $574,900 in 2008)
• Paid $469,900 in 2005
• Folio #02-32-10-059-0110
• 2008 County Assessed Value $646,800 (Assessed at $485,100 in 2009)
• 2008 Tax Bill $13,113.74
• Yours truly just sold #205 last month for only $240,000 as REO steal
• Therefore make an offer…
• More Photos here on Flickr
• MAP of Property

View Larger Map

View Larger Map

I know this is a cheesy video but had to do it along with saying HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Capri Condos South Beach

I went with a friend this weekend to preview the latest bayside complex known as Capri South Beach. The 3 buildings are simple & posh boasting a small lap pool and enormous gym featuring high tech equipment, marina with reasonable dock space ($25 per foot) and strong attention to detail from the staff. The Capri South Beach residence interiors offer generous floor plans with special views of both the Downtown skyline plus the historic Venetian Causeway. Finished in travertine marble floors, master bath areas offering the tub enclosed within the double rain shower glass and outstanding kitchens featuring Sub Zero & Wolf appliances for those enjoying superior cooking.

Overall the complex is aiming for 1,000 per square foot and it seems Maefield Development are slowly getting it with recent sales in the $900’s. Not in desperation by any means, but enjoying a new South Beach condo project of only 72 residences worth bragging about.

View more photographs right here on South Beach real estate at Flickr! For more information or to set an appointment, call me at 1.888.383.7326.

Significant RESPA changes coming

The new RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) regulations that were published on November 17, 2008, are going into effect January 1, 2010.  These changes were primarily enacted to protect borrowers against excessive loan fee charges, and to make it easier for borrowers to understand their key loan terms and to determine the exact charges they are responsible for paying at closing. Such terms include:

• Loan term.
• Interest rate and whether it is fixed or variable.
• Whether there is a pre-payment penalty should the borrower choose to refinance at a later date.
• If there is a balloon payment.
• Total closing costs.

Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD-1 Regulations

HUD, the primary agency for enforcing RESPA laws, is requiring that loan originators (lenders and mortgage brokers) must provide borrowers with a standard Good Faith Estimate that specifically discloses all their key loan terms and closing costs. Closing agents (including title companies) must provide borrowers with the revised HUD-1 settlement statement. It will now be easier for borrowers to compare their GFE with their HUD-1 Settlement Statement because each designated line on the final HUD-1 will make a reference to the appropriate line from their GFE.

Borrowers can shop around and compare loan products quicker and easier as well. HUD estimates that consumers will also save as much as $700.00 at closing under the new regulations as a result of the elimination of many junk fees that lenders and closing agents were charging borrowers such as fees for courier, wiring, notary, photocopying, postage, overnight delivery, document preparation and document review.

The new regulations affect mortgage loan transactions and not cash transaction. However, cash buyers are also provided with a HUD-1 closing statement a few days before closing by the closing agent to determine their closing fees. Cash buyers should request a closing statement if it is not provided. These new regulations will help prevent lender fraud and make it easier for borrowers to shop for competitive loan products. For more information on the new regulations, visit the HUD website at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/resparulefaqs.pdf.

A Few More Reasons

Just a few more reasons why buyers should be taking advantage of the many loan products available today to help them with their purchase of Miami Beach real estate, South Beach real estate, Bal Harbour real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate, or Golden Beach real estate. These loan rates and affordable luxury condos & homes won’t be around for ever so take advantage now!

461 Ocean Boulevard

Rich and Famous Flock to Golden Beach.

Celebrities such as Bill Gates, Ricky Martin, Benjamin Rose, Paul Newman are just a few of the many past and present rich and famous residents of Golden Beach. Let’s not forget that famous Eric Clapton album and photo of 461 Ocean Boulevard, which was named after the Golden Beach house located at that address.

In fact, people from all over the world flock to Golden Beach, known not only for its luxury real estate and opulent life style, as well as its pristine sandy beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters, but also for the security and seclusion this community has to offer.

Did you know that Golden Beach has the largest police force of all the surrounding communities? Boy do they do a great job monitoring the streets and main road running through Golden Beach, Collins Avenue (also known as State Road A1A and Beachfront Avenue). This stretch of Collins Avenue does not even have sidewalks. If you want access to the beach, you need an invitation from a Golden Beach resident. There is no high rise construction or commercial development even permitted within the town limits.

Golden Beach is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the East, the Intracoastal Waterway to the West, and the coastal cities of Hallandale Beach on the North and Sunny Isles Beach to the South. Just a short drive to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale as well.

Located next to Golden Beach, you will find the famous Shoppes of Bal Harbour and some of the finest area dining, cultural centers and sports venues. You will also find the historic beach pavilion, three parks and much more. Golden Beach real estate consists of some of the most exclusive, upscale oceanfront luxury properties in the area as well as Intracoastal and dry lot homes. Prices are hefty starting in the million range up to $18,000,000+.

If you are looking for the life of luxury, then Golden Beach real estate, Bal Harbour real estate,  Sunny Isles Beach real estate, Miami Beach real estate and South Beach real estate are some of the best places to start. Golden Beach is centrally located and convenient to local area local airports. Only 18 miles from Miami International Airport and 15 miles from Ft. Lauderdale International and the Everglades.

Call for further information on the Golden Beach residential oceanfront community! 1.888.383.7326

St. Tropez Sunny Isles Beach

I had a spur of the moment urge to preview St. Tropez Condos in Sunny Isles this weekend and was overly impressed with not only the grounds but the pricing and confidence the developer has in them. Only 18 to 20 condos remain in each building (of 80 units per tower) with a select few having special developer default pricing. The price points range from $315 to $400+ per square foot and the majority of condos are 1,670 square feet. Spanning the Intracoastal waterway (600 lineal feet) along the final stretch before the Atlantic Ocean meets Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard, St. Tropez is definitely a building to appreciate. Below are a few of my favorite photographs from the tour.

St. Tropez Media Library

St. Tropez Front Entryway

Model Living Area

St. Tropez Kitchen

As you can see (more photos here on Flickr) it’s an amazing property by one of the most financially stable developers J. Milton & Associates who brought us Sayan, Pinnacle, King David and with C.O. in place, has so much to offer with with this new 3 tower complex. The location is awesome offering a Mediterranean shopping area with upscale dining, shopping meccas and the new City of Sunny Isles Towne Center worth Millions. The amenities include a Versace inspired clubhouse, state of the art gymnasium and featuring an oversized sauna and steam room plus an outdoor relaxation area complete with an enclave of sun beds and gardens. Call me for additional information or to preview the residences at 1.888.383.7326!

New Tax Credits for Home Buyers

Some good news for a change! Congress approved the extension of the $8,000 federal first-time home buyer tax credit, and President Obama signed the law into effect on November 9, 2009. The tax credit was supposed to expire December 1, 2009, and has now been extended through April 30, 2010.

Even better, there has been an addition to the law allowing existing homeowners who want to move up or down to another home to receive a tax credit in the sum of $6,500.00, so long as they have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.

Whether you are looking for Miami Beach real estate, South Beach real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate, Bal Harbour real estate or Golden Beach real estate, you should take advantage of these great tax credits, the current low interest rates and affordable prices these communities have to offer.  Those of who have been sitting patiently on the sideline waiting, you no longer have any reasons to delay the purchase of your Miami Beach and surrounding area luxury condos and homes.
Here are some highlights of the new tax credit law:

First Time Home Buyer Credit

• First time home buyers who purchase a home on or after January 1, 2009 and before April 30, 2010, are eligible to receive an $8,000 tax credit. If your purchase and sales contract is signed on April 30, 2010, and you complete your transaction by June 30, 2010, you will qualify for the credit.

• The IRS definition of first-time home buyer is a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during a three year period prior to their purchase.

• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.

• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less that are primary residences. No investment properties or second homes qualify.

• For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.

• For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Long-Time Residences/ Same Residences  (Move Up/ Down) Buyers

• Buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.

• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.

• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.

• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less that are primary residences. No investment or second homes are eligible.

• The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. If your purchase and sales contract is signed on April 30, 2010, and you complete your transaction by June 30, 2010, you also will qualify for the credit.

• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

In order to avoid fraud, the IRS will require a copy of the HUD-1 closing statement from all buyers.

Military Buyers

If a Military member is deployed outside of the United States for a minimum of 90 days between December 31, 2008 and May 1, 2010, the tax credit is extended on purchases to on or before April 30, 2011.  If a purchase and sale contract is signed on April 30, 2011, the transaction must close on or before June 30, 2011 in order to qualify for the tax credit.

The new law is expected to further boost and help strengthen our recovering real estate market because it is beneficial to buyers, sellers and the entire real estate industry.

Thank you Coldwell!

Let’s Go!

South Beach real estate may be a little on the pricey side, but that doesn’t mean the denizens of America’s hottest luxury condos and homes spend every day dining on lobster and caviar. Everyone knows, there are some times in a man’s (or woman’s!) life when nothing but a good, old fashioned American burger will do. Luckily, the Miami Beach area boasts some of the best burger joints around.

South Beach’s Cheeseburger Baby has a devoted (and vocal) following – just Google “Miami Beach” and “Cheeseburger” and you’re bound to stumble across a few blog posts singing the praises of this unassuming slice of beef-on-bun heaven. Of course, Cheeseburger Baby also charges a mere $5 to drink all day from their bottomless keg of beer. So maybe it doesn’t actually matter what those burgers taste like after all!

For those who like a little more meat on their buns, The 8 oz Burger Bar offers a full half pound of meaty goodness to their hungry customers. There is a second branch of this establishment in equally glitzy L.A., which begs the question – do the residents of the two cities that traditionally bare the most skin really need burgers that pack the most meat? It makes one wonder…

Finally, for those looking for a totally new – and yet comfortingly familiar – burger experience, there is…the Whopper Bar. Having launched their flagship branch in Orlando, Burger King, the chain that taught you how to “have it your way,” is coming to South Beach with a new concept restaurant dedicated solely to the Whopper. The “bar” will feature “Whopperistas” whose sole job it is to custom design your burger. There will also be a “visible toppings theater” to help you to decide just how to customize your meat and bun – and to make sure your Whopperista really is letting you “have it your way.”

So the next time you’re in the mood for something meaty, remember – in Miami Beach, you’re never far from a good beach — or a good burger.

by Lisa Canfield