Good news regarding Miami real estate.

Statistic for the month reflect 4,263 total condos for sale along the oceanfront communities of South Beach to Sunny Isles, down 19% over this time last year:

South Beach Condos – 1,590 for sale | 85 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 141 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $385/Sold $349

Miami Beach Condos – 1,159 for sale | 58 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 143 | Average Buyer Discount 3% | Average PPSF Asking $312/Sold $285

Bal Harbour Condos – 224 for sale | 3 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 132 | Average Buyer Discount 10% | Average PPSF Asking $511/Sold $445

North Bay Village Condos – 238 for sale | 14 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 98 | Average Buyer Discount 2% | Average PPSF Asking $135/Sold $129

Sunny Isles Beach Condos – 1,052 for sale | 46 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 140 | Average Buyer Discount 8% | Average PPSF Asking $276/Sold $245

Video is related to Downtown Miami which is also improving in condo sales; see Lucas Lechuga’s MiamiCondoInvestments.com for Downtown & Brickell results. For more information along the Miami beaches call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

Resort Certification Demonstrates Expertise in Second-Home and Resort Market

Miami Beach, Florida, April 5th, 2010 — Introduced in January 2006, the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification is a nationally-recognized certification awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® to real estate professionals who wish to demonstrate and promote – to consumers and their peers alike – their expertise in the varied specialty.

According to an NAR survey, more than 140,000 REALTORS currently work in resort area and second home markets. Just about every market contains second-home properties, not just obvious resort areas. In addition to classic vacation homes, the niche also includes college housing and properties for investment purposes.

“The RSPS certification program is unlike any other professional certification or designation,” said Allan ‘Dutch’ Dechert, 2008 chair of the NAR Resort & Second-Home Committee and a RSPS. “It takes specialized skills and knowledge to maximize the business opportunities in resort and second-home markets. You need to be able to communicate your proficiency in this aspect of real estate. RSPS Certification lets everyone know you’re serious about lifestyle real estate.”

The program focuses on developing the knowledge and skill base that real estate professionals need to specialize in buying, selling, or managing second homes in a resort, recreational, and/or vacation destination and properties for investment, development, or retirement. In order to achieve the RSPS Certification, REALTORS are required to take two core courses. They must also complete two electives or hold the ABR, CIPS, CPM or CRS designations. REALTORS or consumers interested in learning more about the program may log on to www.Realtor.org/Resort or contact NAR Resort Specialties at 800/874-6500, Ext. 8393.

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

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!

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 Green Real Estate

California and the west coast are not the only green conscious areas. Miami Beach and surrounding area homeowners are just as energy conscious. They recycle, conserve water and energy.  Here are some energy tips that can help you make your home more green:

• Save up to a third of your energy bill by purchasing EnergyStar Appliances.
• Insulate the attic and walls to prevent heat from coming in, thus making a huge difference on your power bill.

• Install programmable thermostats which automatically adjust your home’s temperature whether you are home or away. Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees.  Clean and maintain your air filters every 90 days. It can increase air conditioner efficiency by 5 to 15 percent.  Here in South Florida you don’t need to worry to worry about your heating bills like the people in the Northeast or Midwest.
• Install ceiling fans and cut down on your air conditioning use. In the Florida winter months, you can get by with using your ceiling fans and keeping your windows open so you can enjoy the fresh air.
• Use green cleaning products. Look for cleaners in large containers or bulk packages, and buy concentrates, which use less water. Look for products packaged in post-consumer recycled plastic or cardboard.
• Heat your pool with a solar cover or blanket. Use natural alternatives to pool cleaning chemicals as well.
• Use light paint colors outside. They will keep your home cooler inside. Look for low or no VOC paint. VOCs create ground-level ozone pollution and carry potential health risks
• Recycle your grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. The clipping recycle and you save water use and fertilizer and waste disposal removal costs as well.

• Use caulking and weather stripping to prevent your air conditioning from escaping and moisture from coming in your home. Moisture is a big problem here in South Florida causing mold and other problems.
• You can also save costs on your energy bill by doing your laundry and running your dishwasher on off peak hours between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Wash your clothes with cold water. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use.
• Cut down on your water consumption with low flow toilets and showerheads and recirculation systems in your hot water heaters.  Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth.  You will save at least two gallons of water.
• Repair any plumbing leaks immediately.
• Install a drinking water filter under your kitchen sink. This way you don’t have to buy bottled water, and you can save the environment by cutting down the use of plastics.
• You would be surprised on how much of a savings installing insulated and impact resistant windows can make.  Insulated windows help with noise as well.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce less heat and are more efficient.

• Plant leafy trees on the south and west side of your home to add shade.
• Use an electric lawn mower instead of gas.

Visitors and area residents appreciate the beautiful eco friendly environment that Miami Beach real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate, South Beach real estate and Bal Harbour real estate each have to offer. With miles and miles of expansive beachfront property consisting of luxury condos and homes, Miami Beach and the surrounding area residents are conscious of preserving its extraordinary habitats and surroundings while enjoying the South Florida lifestyle.

Let’s go “green” Miami!

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.

Miami Beach WiFi Internet service is finally warming up.

Last week, the city began a soft launch by neighborhood. There will still be a 90 day reliability period. The official wire-cutting was on Friday, October 30 in front of Miami Beach City Hall. Wireless Miami Beach will provide FREE public access to all residents, visitors, and businesses across the City.

For Miami Beach Hot Zones Click Here. It’s now LIVE and FREE!

Added Benefits of WiFi Miami Beach

IBM (Lenovo) offers discounts to residents to purchase IBM equipment at discounted prices. To purchase IBM equipment today, click here.

For assistance using WiFi Miami Beach, please call 305.722.1917.

Mocha Shakes Miami

The mystery begins this year on November 7, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. with the Mocha Shakers Mystery event. This Mystery Dates charity fundraiser is organized by the MOCA Shakers, the museum’s young international patrons. The proceeds will benefit MOCA exhibitions of new and experimental artists.

Expect an evening of art, fabulous food and mystery guests. Festivities start with a party at Museo Vault, a state of the art storage facility located in Wynwood at 349 NW 29 Street, Miami, FL 33127. You can enjoy specialty Grey Goose Vodka cocktails, great music and terrific appetizers.

From there the party moves on to a post modern home in Coral Gables, a MiMO Morningside home,  and then to a beautiful South Beach condominium.  The mystery is what glamour surprise dinner guest will attend each dinner. Guests will learn which dinner they will attend as well, as the festivities move on from there.

Tickets for the event range from $125.00 – $1,000.00. For seating information contact address is http://www.mocanomi.org/mystery-dates/#, and the phone number is 305 893-6211. Chair Persons, Ivonne Ronderos and Erin Newberg.

Experience the Excitement and Beauty of Miami Beach and Surrounding Areas

This is just one of many exciting charity events, festivals and music events held in the Miami Beach and surrounding areas throughout the year. There is also the Miami Beach Dance Festival held in April each year, the Jazz Roots Larry Rosen concert series, and don’t forget the Festival of Miami music festival, which is the opening of Miami’s Art Season.  The festival closes this year on October 30, 2009 at 8:00 p.m at the  Gusman Concert Hall at the University. of Miami Frost School of Music with the “Open Me First” with Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton concert series.

That’s why so many buyers choose to live, work and play here.  International buyers and celebrities recognize that  Miami Beach real estate, South Beach real estate, Bal Harbour real estate, Sunny Isles Beach real estate and Golden Beach real estate is some of the most gorgeous and affordable real estate found anywhere in the world. With luxury condos and homes at today’s affordable prices, there are no better bargains than here.

If you are looking for an international flair with great cuisine, shopping and beaches and a luxurious and exciting Florida lifestyle, you won’t be disappointed by the many area attractions, outstanding architecture and beautiful eco surroundings of the Miami Beach, South Beach, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach and Golden Beach areas.

Bal Harbour is a lot like the rest of the Miami Beach area.

It’s packed with plenty of luxury condos and homes, including waterfront and oceanfront condos. It’s got sunny skies, white, sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters and cool ocean breezes, along with plenty of beautiful people. In other words, it’s paradise.

But all that idyllic, outdoorsy stuff isn’t the only reason people think of Bal Harbour as heaven on earth.

For some people, the best, most wonderful, most amazing thing about Bal Harbour…is a mall.

But then again, the world-famous Bal Harbour Shops isn’t just any mall. There’s not an Old Navy in sight. There’s no food court offering greasy pizza or fast food. And the only Gap in the place is for kids.

Instead, the Bal Harbour Shops is a very different kind of mall. Think less “mall” and more “temple.” If shopping is your passion, a visit to the Bal Harbour Shops is more like a pilgrimage than a shopping trip — kind of like taking in the Sistine Chapel, the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal all at once.

The reason? The Bal Harbour Shops is a mecca devoted solely to the very best in fashion. Anchored by top end department stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus, this collection of over 80 shops reads like a Who’s Who of the biggest names in design – from (dare I say it?) Armani to Zegna.

While prices are all definitely perched at the high end of the spectrum, there’s something for just about every taste, with legendary brands like Chanel, Dior, Prada and Versace standing side by side with new industry stars like Tory Burch and Custo Barcelona. There are jewelry stores like Bulgari and Tiffany, shoe stores including Jimmy Choo and Tod’s, and just about everything else a fashionista could ever desire.

Okay — except, maybe, a bargain.

by Lisa Canfield

Miami Beach Art Basel 2009

The popular four day Miami Beach contemporary Art Basel show will be held this year on December 3-9 at the Miami convention center. The festivities have grown into a week-long celebration and an international meeting place. You will find festival exhibitions, music, and film events sprawling from South Beach to the Miami Design Center. What better place to hold an international art festival than Miami Beach with its perfect climate, gorgeous beaches, art deco architecture, some of the best cuisine in the world, chic boutiques and so much more!

Since it debuted in 2002, Art Basel, the sister event of Switzerland’s Art Basel, has attracted art lovers and art curators and dealers from all over the world. It is the largest art festival in the country. This year, expect to find more than 250 international art galleries participating in the festival from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The show ranks as the third largest show at the convention center, along with the car expo and the boat show. The 2009 event will feature 20^th and 21^st century artworks from more than 2,000 artists. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss this spectacular event!

Life Styles of the Rich and Famous at Affordable Prices

Miami Beach’s melting pot of nationalities attracts visitors not only to its many cultural and tourist attractions, but also to its resort style living featuring luxury waterfront/oceanfront condos and homes. With miles of gorgeous beaches, world class golf courses, international fine dining, fishing and diving, there is something for everyone. It is a favorite vacation, second home and retirement destination to millions of people worldwide. Miami Beach real estate and the surrounding South Beach real estate offer some of the most desirable real estate in the world. So if you are looking for a lifestyle of the rich and famous at today’s affordable prices, look no further. With its close proximity to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, you can see why Miami Beach attracts so many buyers to its luxury condos and homes.

Miami Beach Auto Show

I spent the afternoon yesterday walking around the South Florida International Auto Show and was stunned by the concept Caddy which runs for 40 miles on electric and has a backup generator holding 5 gallons which will provide hundreds of miles on 1 tank. This car is amazing as was the show…

Chevrolet Camaro

Interactive Race

See a lot more of the Cars here on Flickr Photos.

For more information or to see the SoFl Auto Show schedule click here.

Leave Your Luxury Condos and Homes behind and Celebrate Halloween – Miami Beach Style!

Okay, so there’s no chill in the air, no leaves falling, no howling wind whipping through the trees (not that we don’t get a few of those a little earlier in the year). But here in the Miami Beach area, we don’t need the traditional trappings of fall to do Halloween right.

In fact, despite the absence of a layer of ice on our pumpkin patches, dare I say that we do Halloween better than anyplace else in the country?

Here’s a brief rundown of how to celebrate the spooky season in style.

Since you’ll likely be spending the night pigging out on treats (and not necessarily the candy variety), have a healthy Halloween morning by running in the Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon! Not only does the race give you a head start on burning the day’s calories, it also gives you an opportunity to score some great prizes for running in costume.

If you have kids, swing by the Miami Beach Botanical Garden for Halloween Family Day for a few hours of pumpkin carving and other seasonal arts and crafts. Or, head south to the MetroZoo for the annual MetroBoo! Party at the zoo.

Of course, after hours is when the holiday really heats up, and nowhere more so than in South Beach. Halloween in SoBe isn’t about trick or treating – it’s more about treats for the over-21 set. There’s the official Playboy Halloween Party, with a bevy of bunnies and a sprinkling of centerfolds, at the Shore Club. While for those who prefer their adult entertainment to be scary rather than sexy, Mansion will host the release party for the latest “Saw” movie all weekend long at the House of Jigsaw Halloween Weekend. Or if theme parties are more your thing, pull out your best 1920’s attire for the Raleigh’s speakeasy-themed Cat’s Meow party.

Of course, all this partying may have a downside. With no one home to pass out candy to the trick or treaters, don’t be surprised if a lot of prime South Beach real estate gets egged on Saturday night!

by Lisa Canfield

Another reason why Miami Beach Real Estate is so sought after…

It’s more than just the opportunity to live next to endless white sand beaches, to warm, turquoise blue water and to beautiful scenery as far as the eye can see.

(And yes, by beautiful scenery I do mean unbelievably great-looking people wearing the smallest amount of clothing imaginable.)

It ‘s more than just for the most amazing nightlife, restaurants, club scene and people watching in the whole U S of A.

It‘s more than that. It’s for the CULTURE.

I’m serious. You can stop laughing now.

For those of you who think Miami Beach is all about seeing and being seen, that it’s a city just for the shallow and beautiful, I have reason to beg to differ.

That reason is Sleepless Night.

This November 7, the City of Miami Beach will celebrate what is being referred to as “the ultimate cultural all-nighter” – a free extravaganza of the arts lasting from six at night until seven the next morning. There’ll be a total of more than 130 events and 80 different destinations in indoor and outdoor locations across the city.

You can expect to see all kinds of art designed especially to be seen at night – which is bound to be incredibly cool – including animation, digital drawings, interactive films and more amazing and bizarre stuff you can’t hang on your living room wall. There’ll be more traditional art at indoor locations – maybe even some stuff you CAN hang on your living room wall. Plus music, poetry, comedy, acrobatics and a range of live performances you’ll basically have to see to believe.

Sleepless Night is sure to be the kind of wild, all-night party only Miami Beach can throw, but it’s not about drinking, or dancing, or decadence of any kind. Instead, it’s a celebration all about culture with a capital “C.”

Just one more reason Miami Beach Real Estate remains too hot to cool down!

by Lisa Canfield