I love Miami.

Miami Beach Real Estate Blog Postings have been few & far between and I plan to post a lot more in 2011. This year has been another record setting year for MiamiDreamRealty.com with more sales than in prior years and a Google dominance noted daily as the 4 niche websites and 4 blogs outperform others with customer inquiries growing by the month. I’ve started a large referral business in 2010 with very competent agents handling transactions and will be adding to this Miami Dream Team in 2011. I’ve added more great real estate information and new waterfront listings to the monthly e-Newsletter by MailChimp and encourage you to sign up for local monthly updates.

This annual report will be the 2010 year in review comparing this year’s condo sales to 2009 & 2008 for a 3-year snapshot on sales & trends.

As of December 31st 2010, there are 4,216 total Miami Beach condos for sale via MLS (S.E. Florida Multiple Listing Service) including all Miami-Dade oceanfront communities (plus North Bay Village). For general purposes, we’ll review all price ranges and in the coming weeks, I’ll post an updated pricing band analysis for select beachfront locations such as South Beach & Sunny Isles Beach condos.

MIAMI BEACH CONDO SALES

• 2010 – 3,066 condo sales (18% increase over 2009)
• 2009 – 2,522 condo sales (17% increase over 2008)
• 2008 – 2,099 condo sales (8% increase over 2007)

AVERAGE ASKING PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT

• 2010 – $310 sp/psf (6% decrease over 2009)
• 2009 – $329 sp/psf (26% decrease over 2008)
• 2008 – $442 sp/psf

AVERAGE SELLING PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT

• 2010 – $283 (3% decrease over 2009)
• 2009 – $292 (30% decrease over 2008)
• 2008 – $416

AVERAGE BUYER DISCOUNT & DAYS ON MARKET

• 2010 – 6% | 141 DOM
• 2009 – 9% | 148 DOM
• 2008 – 10% | 151 DOM

CLOSED BANK OWNED (REO) & SHORT SALE (SS) INVENTORY

• 2010 – 695 REO | 665 SS
• 2009 – 566 REO | 466 SS
• 2008 – 85 REO | 133 SS

Conflicting evidence with positive growth indicators showing condo sales increasing, inventory decreasing and buyer discounts decreasing. On the flipside of the equation, selling price per square foot of condos are also decreasing year over year. On a pricing band analysis, I suspect we may see a different story such as properties over $1M vs. properties under $250k. I find it interesting that with 4% of our Miami Beach condo inventory as bank owned and 17% of active inventory as short sales, that 2010 proved to be a very big year for bank owned (REO) sales now surpassing short sales! I’ll be reporting on new 2011 condo sales, statistics and trends so check back often for new updates on the local Miami Beach real estate market. For more information visit the many real estate websites or call toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

Just 10 hours left until 2011.. Have a happy & safe New Year!

After the Miami Herald picked up a Tweet I did on a client & real estate transaction subject to Bank of America’s foreclosure halt, CNBC called that day to interview both of us.. After an hour and a half of interview tape, CNBC used less than 20 seconds (lol)..

Here’s a quick clip of us on the TodayShow..

Yes, it’s true with South Beach Lincoln Road showcasing a new parking garage “masterpiece” hailed as one of the best architectural designs of the year. This new garage is news worthy in the fact of its artistic curb appeal and excellent addition to the North West gateway to Lincoln Road’s pedestrian promenade across from the Lincoln Theater. Featuring ground level retail with shopping, dining, residential living and an open space (300 car) parking experience for Miami’s residents and visitors.  Constructed of concrete & glass, 1111 Lincoln Road is described by architect Jacques Herzog as pure Miami Beach; “all muscle without cloth.”

Preview the Parking Garage Floor Plan here.

Visit the Photography Blog Garage Post by Dezeen.

The condo residences offer immediate access to Lincoln Road within a peaceful retreat plus an urban energy like no other. Residential interior square footage consists of 2,500 light filled, Lincoln Road condos. The ground level retail boasts 40,000 square feet for 11 well positioned, street level concept stores, three restaurants as well as a 5th floor retail store. There is additional office space, offering 110,000 square feet of commercial space for creative businesses. This structure was developed with an awesome rooftop floor area for large events and outfitted with 25,000 square feet including catering & audio visual equipment for outstanding entertainment when hosting world class events.

The Lincoln Road garage which cost $65 million to build and opened earlier this year, can be rented out for parties & weddings. For more information contact me today to provide you with more information on whatever aspect of 1111 Lincoln Road interests you the most… 1.888.383.7326. On a good note, you don’t have to worry about parking!

Developers Video

Related articles by Zemanta

• Miami’s Incredible $65 Million, Wall-free Parking Garage [Infrastructure] (jalopnik.com)
• There’s No Such Thing As Free Parking (treehugger.com)
• Miami through the Windshield (archidose.blogspot.com)

The Historic Seville Hotel

The Seville on Miami Beach was listed as one of the last remaining distressed properties back in September 2009. As of August 2010, Ian Shrager’s taking it over through a recent partnership with Marriott turning the now shuttered oceanfront hotel into a luxury boutique ‘Marriott Edition’ brand over these next 3 years.  The 278,000 square foot Seville was built in 1955 with a previous attempt at a comeback in 2005, when developers announced new plans to turn it into a condo and fractional ownership complex under the Ritz-Carlton brand. Part of the old property would have been knocked down to make room for two 21 story towers, but the project couldn’t get off the ground as lenders balked in an unfriendly credit market of 05. Marriott acquired the property in July 2010 in a $57.5 million short sale from owner 2901 Beach Ventures, a partnership between Lionstone Group led by Alfredo Lowenstein and Fortune International Management, County records show, which is nearly $10 million less than a foreclosure lawsuit that had been filed on the property which has since been dismissed.

Ian Schrager Revisits The Beach

Schrager left Miami Beach a few years ago with the sale of his interest in the Morgans Hotel Group which started in 1984. Ian Schrager is well known for the Delano’s “urban resort” style & success (along with Studio 54 and Palladium) introducing the concept of a “boutique hotel” to the world. In recent years, Schrager has focused on luxury residences and a hotel in New York City along with creating the Edition brand, aimed at sophisticated travelers.

“Mr. Schrager’s latest venture, a partnership with Marriott International, intends to create a new brand of as many as 100 hotels that will combine the personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience that he created with the operational expertise that Marriott is known for on a global scale.” -IanSchragerCompany.com

Marriott’s Edition Brand in SoBe

Marriott’s portfolio includes the luxury brand Ritz-Carlton, the upscale JW Marriott, quality brands including Marriott and Renaissance and moderate hotels Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott. In addition to Edition, it also recently created the Autograph Collection, currently featuring 10 hotels with an individualistic ambience. Edition seeks to set itself apart by creating individualized hotels in busy markets that reflect the cultures of their surroundings with an emphasis on sophistication and service. Other planned Edition locations include Mexico City, Bangkok, Istanbul and Barcelona. Schrager and Marriott announced the partnership three years ago. Initially, plans called for the South Beach Marriott at 161 Ocean Dr. to become an Edition, but that failed to materialize as the recession hit.

South Florida’s historic hotel Seville, which sits on nearly three acres of beachfront property at 2901 Collins Ave., is expected to open in three years after it undergoes significant renovations during a continued market upswing. For more information check back here regularly or sign up for emailed updates or the RSS feed in the upper right column.

Seville Hotel Grounds

I had free passes to the largest boat show in the world at the Miami Beach Convention Center and was impressed with the “toys”.. Here’s a few of my favorite photos from the show..

Hexatech IV 3CTR Model @ Cruden.com

Miami Beach.. Bling, Bling!

Where's my bathing suit at the Miami Beach Boat Show 2010?

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

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!

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 —>

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

Photo by Alexia Fodere

Say you’ve just purchased a prime piece of Sunny Isles Beach real estate. Now, let’s also say you have a spot in your gorgeous new luxury condo that just cries out for a big piece of art. You know, the kind that makes a real statement about who you are and what you’re all about.

What do you do?

Do you wander down to your local gallery in search of the ideal painting or sculpture to compliment your décor?

Do you perhaps commission a local artist to create something just for you?

You could.

Or you could have your car mounted on your wall.

That’s exactly what Trump Palace resident Gil Dezer, whose company also happened to develop the building, has done.

The thing is, 34-year-old Dezer really, really loves Porches. He owns eight of them. But apparently, his 1950 Porsche Spyder 550 is a lot more fun to look at than it is to drive. In fact, it’s so much fun to look at; he considers it a work of art.

So when he was told his new, 8,000 square foot condo needed a piece of art, Dezer knew he already had just the thing to fit the bill.

Of course, hanging a car on your wall isn’t like hanging any other work of art. You can’t just hammer a couple of nails in and try to balance it on a side-view mirror. And as you might imagine, they don’t make heavy duty picture hooks strong enough to support a motor vehicle – even a two seater!

Luckily, Dezer was already in the right business to get this particular job done. He commissioned a local construction company, Coastal Construction, for the job. And while it took six months of planning, engineering and even a crane, the actual job only took a few hours.

And Dezer now has a Porsche hanging over his front door.

Who knows what might be hiding behind (or over) the doors of Miami’s other luxury condos and homes? We’ll keep you posted…

by Lisa Canfield

We like to think of the denizens of our local Miami Beach Real Estate and surrounds as hip, happening, stylish types. But when it comes to the rest of the world, you won’t see Sunny Isles or Aventura listed next to Paris and Milan as a fashion capital.

Maybe the Style Gods haven’t gotten past those Mad Men-era memories of blue haired old ladies and old guys in brightly colored polyester pants. Or maybe they’re stuck in the “80s, with visions of Don Johnson and his rumpled, pink linen wardrobe stuck in their heads.

Or we could just blame the Kardashians.

Still, anyone who calls a piece of South Beach Real Estate home knows that while, yes, there are plenty of girls in barely-there dresses and guys in Ed Hardy T’s crowding the streets, most of those people don’t even live here! In other words, it’s the tourists – and maybe the Kardashians – who are giving our fair city a bad rap when it comes to style.

Well, those days are about to be over. While our lack of seasons – something I personally see as a plus – eliminates the need for winter coats, Miami style is about taking resort wear to the ultimate level. And come on, what would you rather be wearing than resort wear? A hundred-pound wool coat over your cashmeres, over your long johns? No clothing is more fun to wear than resort wear, and no one does it better than the city where it’s summer all year long.

So this Friday, come out and celebrate just how stylish our city is, when the Miami Fashion Association, shows off their stuff. The location is one befitting the occasion—the oh-so-chic Webster Boutique on Collins Avenue. The guest list will include local guests of honor, designers Julian Chang and Danny Santiago.

We don’t know if the Kardashians will be there, but we do know the drinks start flowing at 7.

by Lisa Canfield

It’s a Zoo Out There- Miami Zoo

With the holidays just around the corner, and everyone being cost conscious, here is a great way to spend an enjoyable and inexpensive family day by visiting the Miami Zoo.  The zoo offers many shows, tours and rides. Something for everyone.

The Miami Zoo is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177, Phone: (305) 251-0400, Fax: (305) 378-6381.   A day at the zoo and interaction with the zoo’s more than 2,000 residents is a perfect way to forget about your cares and woes, and have some fun!

Miami Zoo Shows and Rides

The zoo offers more than 100 exhibits, over 400 species, of which over 40 are endangered, and for nature lovers, over 1,000 different trees, palms and plants.

Here are just a few of the shows and rides you can expect to experience at your zoo adventure:

• Questzal’s World Show
• Wildlife Show
• Meet the Zookeeper
• Z.S.I. at Mercantil Commercebank Children’s Zoo
• Asia or Africa Safari Tram Tours
• Humpy’s Camel Rides
• Wildlife Carousel
• Behind the Scenes Evening Tours
• Behind the Scenes Keeper Tours
• Guided Walking Tour
• Little Wonder Tour
• Zoo Geographic Walking Tours
• Pineland Walking Tour

Charitable Donations

With tough economic times, the zoo and its wonderful inhabitants can really use your support. The Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) depends on charitable gifts to fund educational and outreach programs such as the summer and spring camps and just the general operation of the zoo. For more information about making a donation or zoo show times and prices, please visit the Miami Zoo’s website at  http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/visit-the-zoo.asp?Id=21&rootId=1

Miami Beach Real Estate and Surrounding Communities

For those of you who are interested in making Miami Beach and the surrounding communities your home, there is a wide variety of waterfront/oceanfront condos and Intracoastal luxury condos and homes to choose from at today’s affordable prices. In fact, prices have not been this affordable, for a long time. If you are looking for Miami Beach real estate, South Beach real estate, Bal Harbour real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate or Golden Beach real estate, you will be amazed at the fabulous bargains waiting for you to discover.  With low interest rates, federal tax credits, and motivated sellers offering buyer incentives, what more could you ask for?

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!

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

Wondering why the denizens of Miami Beach and the surrounding area look so healthy on the outside? It could be because they’re just as healthy, or maybe even healthier, on the inside.

The reason? Miami residents have perfected the fine art of chilling out.

A recent survey of major cities across America named Miami America’s Most Relaxed City. Which probably isn’t a surprise to anyone who has the good fortune to live here.

At the other end of the spectrum sits Chicago, which has earned the dubious distinction of being America’s Most Stressed City. Which makes sense to anyone who’s ever tried to dig their car out of a snowdrift in the middle of a Windy City winter.

How do Miami residents spend the winter? At the beach, of course!

But the citizens of our fair city don’t have to rely on nature alone to keep them in optimum mental health.
If they need a little help achieving the ultimate state of Nirvana, there are plenty of places in the Miami Beach area dedicated to getting them there, with yoga centers, Pilates classes and of course, spas dotting the landscape. They can chill out and watch the people go by at a beachside café, or sip a refreshing beverage (or two!) at a local bar. And for those who find their bliss through retail therapy, the shopping in our little corner of the world is unsurpassed.

Basically, life in the Miami Beach area is a lot like life on vacation. Except it doesn’t ever have to end. You don’t need to spend hours on a crowded flight back to reality. Because if you’re lucky enough to live in Miami Beach, this IS your reality – 365 days a year!

No wonder more than two thousand people all over the world trade life in their their stressful cities for a piece of Sunny Isles Real Estate — or some other spot in the Miami area — every single day.

They know investing in luxury condos and homes and other forms of Miami Beach real estate is more than just buying a place to live.

It’s an investment in their well-being.

Miami Beach Treasure Dives

Here you will find beautiful artificial reefs, natural rocks and coral reefs, which offer scuba divers miles of great diving areas to explore.  The artificial reefs consist of planned wrecks, where you will find an abundance of all types of marine life close to shore for scuba divers and snorkels to venture in.  With over 75 diveable wrecks, Miami Beach is truly is South Florida’s treasure and a scuba divers paradise.

Here are a just a few places down under you will want to check out:

The Almirante- Known as the Queen of Miami. A 200 foot steel ship sunk in April 1975 off Elliott Key

Army Tanks – Two 40-ton Vietnam era combat army tanks sunk August, 1994 in about 50′ of water. Great place to find fish, lobster and moray eels.

Belcher Barge – A 185′ steel barge sunk in November 1985 in the Key Biscayne area. You can explore the inside of the wreck as well. To the South, about 100 feet you will find the Belzona II. South and then east of the Belzona II is the Belzona I and III.

Biscayne Wreck – A 120 foot freighter used to haul bananas from Central America.  Located in Key Biscayne Artificial Reef in about 55 feet of water. Expect to see all sorts of aquatic delights and great for night diving.

Blue Fire –  A 175’ wreck sunk in 1983. You will find large fish such as jacks, snapper, jewfish, barracuda and cobia.

Darrel’s Ledge – Two section reef with beautiful fish to view.

The Deep Freeze- A 210′ freighter sunk in October 1976 and is located in 135′ of water. Recommended for experienced divers and spear fishermen.

Emerald Reef – Miami’s largest natural reef. Good place to find lobster.  Speaking of which Lobster season is in full gear and runs through March 2010.

Of course, if you want to venture down to the Florida Keys, Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Marine Sanctuary is the place for diving and snorkeling. Its close proximity to the Miami area make it a great day trip.