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Bal Harbour residents have long advocated for improvements to their beach, which has shrunk to small dunes in some places thanks to natural erosion and several active hurricane seasons.

Bal Harbour real estate is placing a band-aid on its beaches which have seen major erosion in the past few years. Currently the replenishment project is underway with the city dumping money ($8.2 million!) and truck loads of sand to assist prior to the hurricane season in an effort to remedy the problem and prepare for any additional erosion. Congress woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has been working diligently with the US Army Corps of Engineers to allow foreign sand to be brought in thus speeding up the re-nourishing process. Last week, one of many Caterpillar trucks hauling beach quality sand from Orlando to Miami Dade began dumping it’s cargo on Bal Harbour’s beach. The sand is being dumped to add height and width to beaches in Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Beach. State and county funds are being used for the re-nourishment project, which will cost an estimated $10 million and expected to last six more weeks. The beaches are open to the public except for the immediate areas where dumping is taking place.

Are you a resident concerned on the erosion of Bal Harbour? I’ve noticed Bal Harbour beaches have it the worst out of all Miami Dade Beaches with very little room for additional erosion as you can see in the picture above. An additional concern is seeking quality sand and where this source may be found. Let the readers hear your thoughts and suggestions on the erosion remedy.. Inquiring minds would like to know!

Trump Royale North East Views

Hello friends.. I would imagine the famous Miami problogger is doing a stellar business even with the start of the summer months as regular blog postings from my favorite Downtown expert Lechuga have gone from daily to… every so often. I do wonder the state of the Downtown Miami market? I can attest the consumer confidence is much higher along the beaches with fantastic deals from $50k to $10M. I’ve been very busy promoting real estate package deals to my database, selling great properties, listing new buys and leasing with very little time to post. I’ve also had writers block yet have new ideas on great posts to implement soon. Most of my posts include research, statistics, analysis plus my opinions & outlook on the data while I also like to throw in the pretty photos to entice the right brain thinkers. There are a few new trophy properties that I’m looking forward to promoting here soon such as a luxurious 4,000 SqFt. oceanfront townhome  and another distressed sale on a luxurious 4,000 SqFt 2 Story Penthouse property along with a 5 unit package deal with immediate flip potential.

I do believe resort towns such as Miami Beach FL & Sunny Isles Beach attract a more affluent crowd as we have a tremendous amount of wealth here with many “locals” coming for 6 months each year (winter) and staying at their other homes during the rest of the year. Just a decade ago, higher income earners were concentrated in counties with large numbers of financial, real estate and professional jobs. But the Internet & wireless technology, plus the ability to fly in and out of almost any airport in the country have freed the entrepreneur to move where they like in significant numbers. With condo values going down 30% to 50% since 2005, many are now finding awesome oceanfront opportunities for a new life and business operation at a distance. It’s great to bring your clients down here, when you say you’re in South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour or Sunny Isles Beach and your clients are up north, it’s not too hard to get them to come visit you to see what your offer is. People from all over the globe choose to live here with the average tropical temperature at 80 degrees, orange sunshine, blue skies & green palms. This paradise is topped with an amazing lifestyle offering just about anything the affluent could want from golf, boating, fine dining, arts & entertainment galore. When earning an income significantly above the norm, why not live in the most desirable locations to enjoy life’s successes.

Write in and Speak Your Mind…

Hello friends, it’s April 15th Tax Day!! I’ve been so busy with real estate I’ve made no time for blogging… I can attest that consumer confidence is on the rise with Miami Dade “Beaches” showing sales increases at 20% over last month while Miami Dade 71% (condos YTD) over this time last year! The REO’s have become hard to catch with multiple offers and delay strategies used by the bank representatives while they collect offers. Properties that used to sell for $800k (oceanfront) priced as low as $350k (ie. La Gorce Palace). In between, I’ve also been busy finally obtaining my Broker’s license through the State of Florida, having my 32nd Birthday and doing many new deals from multiple luxury rentals to 5 pending offers on condos to even negotiating a commercial property on Biscayne Boulevard.

It’s refreshing to see strong activity and a majority of factors in favor of a stable market, I see a halt on price depreciation by 4th quarter… { Miami Beach }. I don’t relay what’s happening in Miami Dade County (Downtown Miami Blog) but more so on a local specialty area of the Miami Dade Beaches. The Jade Condos Sunny Isles website and blog are getting loads of attention but I have yet to take on a listing to market. Maybe this is a good thing as seller expectations have now (are now catching) caught up with true market values (or at least in the right direction for sales activity). JADE Beach Unit 4008 is a deal and will sell soon.  The MiamiDreamRealty.com website has climbed very high on the search engines with over 20,000 visitors each month and ranking very well organically for Sunny Isles Real Estate, South Beach FL real estate, South Beach FL Condos, Miami Beach FL Condos, Bal Harbour Real Estate and so many more keywords. I’ve got big goals and plans in store for each website and blog this year and a new collaboration with a trusted colleague as we build a blogsite for what will soon be the most desirable condo hotel… More coming this month. Here’s a short video clip of a unit which sold in 2007 for $1.450M and is now on the market at a fraction of the price (under contract).

South Beach to Sunny Isles Real Estate Consultant, Micro Economist. If you’re thinking of placing your luxury estate on the market, contact me for a marketing overview and pricing band analysis to determine the proper selling price. If you’d like to receive the latest local real estate news via blog postings & updates, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper right column) or by email above every time a new posting occurs. Preview the JADECondosSunnyIsles.com website exclusive to Jade Beach & Jade Ocean Condos! Have a great week and call any time toll free 1.888.383.7326 or view new condos here.

Ocean Drive Commercial Space at $250,000?!

Welcome to a premier Art Deco building on Ocean Drive called the Barbizon Beach Club with only 3 commercial zoned units. The Barbizon building was built by Henry Hohauser in 1937 and is extremely well maintained with a large reserve fund and new hurricane impact windows coming this year. This space is ideal for any start up company in the most sought after location of South Beach. The space is only 450 square feet but comfortable with a bathroom and desk space adequate for 4 people to make things happen in South Beach. High Productivity in the mix of it all…

This is a Commercial Condominium. Ideal for any type of office use or limited retail use, the property currently is being used as a real estate office with 4 large desks, a private bathroom and a separate area for a conference area and meetings. The Barbizon building has a manned front desk, security phone entry system and a large Art Deco lobby which serves well as a waiting room. The building also has valet parking, an owner who’s motivated hence the price and in my opinion, and excellent buy! That’s why I’m relaying it here…

Located right on World Famous Ocean Drive! South Beach commercial space is rare and typically very pricey for the location. For more information or to schedule a showing call 1.888.383.7326

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach has opened its doors to the long awaited North tower (6899 Collins Avenue) within this distinguished development. I’ve added some of today’s photographs for you to see the beauty in it…

Here’s the amazing SW View from the 22nd floor. Notice the historic Carillon hotel sign maintained with the Canyon Ranch project. Just below the Downtown skyline is La Gorce Island then the new NoBe on the Bay condos (which seems to have come to a standstill), Aquasol and the King Cole far off to the right.

The Canyon Ranch North tower pool was inviting with a large jacuzzi and beach access & services. There’s far less setback from the other tower and hotel. All amenities are included throughout this health conscience complex

The hallways were bright, elegant and spacious..

A slick uber modern Canyon Ranch kitchen with Miele & Sub Zero appliances

The lobby was classy and well done with beach accents including shell chandeliers along with modern bamboo style columns and a waterfall

The front entryway had valet with a great big smile and an immediate attention at the front from concierge. An Excellence in service..

Welcome home to Canyon Ranch Living Miami Beach. This great new development plus the addition of MEi Condos add a new dimension to this Miami Beach real estate market. To preview all Canyon Ranch condos for sale click here or Rent for details on updates & availability call me at 1.888.383.7326.

Lookout South Beach for the unveiling of South Pointe Park!! This Sunday at 3pm, the city of Miami Beach will be officially opening this exceptional park location again after a multi million dollar renovation. After 2+ years and over $22 million in renovations, this park will be a huge draw for locals and tourists alike. One of the countries world renowned parks, South Pointe Park consists of roughly 17 acres with a face lift including hundreds of new trees, grass that thrives on salt water, a boardwalk made of seashells, serpentine walkways, interactive water features and new public “playground” facilities with elevated promenades offering the very best views of Government Cut, South Beach & Fisher Island.

Come out to 1 Washington Avenue this Sunday from 3pm until dusk and see what all the excitement is about with free musical entertainment, refreshments and children’s activities! South Pointe Park will offer something for everyone~ It’s going to be a gorgeous day park so mark your calendars and don’t miss it.

View South Beach FL Condos for sale here or call 1.888.383.7326

Shutterbugs and the passionate photographers, come and play on South Beach March 22nd for the 5th annual South Beach Photomarathon! This year the first clue is given out at 11am and the photographer can use their creativity to photograph related content. A clue will be given out meant to inspire interpretations of the subject. Last years clues were: Green, Refreshing, Wild, Style and Only on South Beach. Each hour a new clue will be given out and the event runs until 4pm that afternoon. The participants who register before March 13th get a discount on the entrance fee… read more here on the South Beach Photomarathon.

The competition allows amateurs and professionals a chance to show the sandy beaches, colorful characters and eclectic architecture in a different light. ”We want people to gain an interest in the art of photography and develop their creativity through the event. ‘Our main focus is creativity and we want people to have fun,” said Chendo Perez, president of Fotomission, the nonprofit organization that organizes the event.

Anyone from amateurs to professionals are asked to come out for a good cause supporting a portion of the proceeds go to Waiting Exhibition, which features artistic photos of foster children. Photographers may use any camera whether digital or film with participants having the chance to go around South Beaches culturally rich atmosphere and use there creativity.  Any type of transportation is allowed and the day concludes at The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens where you turn in your film or digital camera card at 4pm. You have the ability to share your story (or listen) on how you captured your images at the cocktail party that evening. Last year 100 people took part in this event with the top 25 entries featured in the Tropicolor Gallery in MAY. There will also be prizes for the top three contestants.

Expect a diverse crowd both young & old with an amazing day of photography! Register here. I thought of finding a video to represent the South Beach Photomarathon but decided it was an oxymoron. This blog post inspired by The Miami Herald here.

According to statistics recently released by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, people are still coming to Miami to spend their travel and leisure dollars. Although hotel occupancy and rates declined in January 2009, Smith Travel Research reports that for the month of January 2009, Miami ranked second in hotel room occupancy at 68.3%. Miami also ranked third in average daily room rate (ADR), at $177.50 among the Top 25 Hotel Markets in the U.S. despite declines in occupancy and room rate. Miami Is Still A Highly Desirable Destination For Today’s Traveler. (by RAMB)

During this same time period, all but one of the Top 25 Hotel Markets in the U.S. reported declines in occupancy and room rate. Due to high demand during the Presidential Inauguration, only Washington, DC experienced an increase in January.

Occupancy (January 2009) TOP 5 MARKETS:
% Full
% Change vs. 2008

1. Oahu Island
69.6%
-9.40%

2. MIAMI
68.30%
-11.20%

3. Orlando
60.60%
-7.80%

4. New York
59.50%
-16.10%

5. Houston
59.20%
-0.80%

I love old videos.. This one is from 1983!

For well priced Miami Beach Vacation Rentals directly on Ocean Drive, visit SouthBeachVacationRentals.us or call 1.888.383.7326 ext.2

flickr photo by zzzack

First time homebuyers have exactly 273 (Dec 1st) days to buy a home if they want to pocket $8,000 tax free. It’s not long. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. Every homebuyer has unique circumstances, however, and specific questions. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has launched a consumer Web site with detailed information and an extensive list of common questions.

This homebuyer resource is found at: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Everyone who knows me, knows I’m a workaholic yet occasionally, I get out and have some fun…  It’s also rare that I get off track and change the subject of real estate but I wanted my friends and anyone else interested in seeing the entertainment of South Beach, Lincoln Road (Halloween October 08) fun… this community knows how to throw a fun, family Halloween event!

Beautiful Girls of South Beach

Always a Great Laugh!

80

Come and see us next year on Lincoln Road! If you’d like to receive the latest local real estate news (& occasional community fun) via blog postings & updates, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper left column) or by email above every time a new posting occurs. Have a great week and call any time toll free 1.888.383.7326 or view new condos here.

Florida now surpasses New York for the number of Millionaires. Compiled from the I.R.S. & WSJ, a new wealth statistics report released shows Florida grabbing the #2 spot for the nations wealth statistics with 199,000 residents showing a net worth of $1.5 million or more as of 2004 numbers. New York was just behind with 168,000 residents though California continues to rule the nations wealthiest position which boasted 428,000 total millionaires. This is likely to be the first time in history that the I.R.S. has documented Florida beating New York for number of millionaires. This could be due to Florida not having State Income tax as wealthy retirees see Florida as the prime retirement destination. Texas rates as the top 4 position with 108,000 people with a net worth over $1.5M with Illinois rating 5th place.

Sunny Isles Beach

An interesting trend to note reveals the nations top millionaire states as deriving their net worth from real estate, which the I.R.S. calculates. About 40% of California’s residents net worth was directly in real estate (remember these are 2004 figures). Florida was slightly more than 20%, and New York was slightly less than 20%. The new updated figures should be very interesting with the real estate market downturn of 2005. This should be especially noted to the California & Florida millionaires with New York being less volatile these past 3 years. Many investors are now seeing Miami Beach FL real estate as an opportune time to begin investing again with the bottom in sight. It’s time to start building your wealth! If you’d like to receive new blog postings & updates once available, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper left column) or by email every time a new posting occurs. Have a great week and call any time toll free 1.888.383.7326.

South Beach over Lummus Park

Well, well… I almost wrote a blog on the Senate passing the housing bill helping borrowers and suddenly thought… boring next please! Read about it here on CNN and here on MiamiCondoInvestments blog. In the meantime, we’ll look at recent ratings on South Beach real estate noted by AskMen.com as the worlds most popular beach cities. AskMen.com recently wrote on their Top 10 Beach Cities with South Beach rated as #1! South Beach was compared with other fantastic beaches such as..

• Dubai, UAE
• Barcelona, Spain
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Los Angeles, USA
• Brighton, UK
• Sydney, Australia
• Mumbai, India
• Venice, Italy

Arguably the world’s most famous beachside city, Miami is where the world’s jet set come to top up their tans, fill up on cocktails and dance until the early hours with the rich and famous. Aside from being a tourism hub for its beaches, Miami’s beachside location also enables it to reap valuable trade for the rich city, with Miami Port being one of the busiest in the United States. Welcoming both cargo and cruise ships, the port contributes more than $16 billion each year to the state of Florida from international trade, providing countless jobs and ensuring that the city looks as glamorous as it does in the movies. +AskMen.com by Scott Mills Travel Specialist (Thanks Scott!)

Best beach.. South Beach Just 90 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from Cuba, South Beach is Miami’s most iconic stretch of sand, and is bordered by Ocean Drive’s row of art deco restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels. The beach is so flashy, it’s even got its own workout equipment built right into the sand just in case beachgoers have one too many cheesy quesadillas at lunch.

South Beaches Colony Hotel

A great blend of outstanding beaches I must say. South Beach as Numero Uno is impressive. It seems there criteria went on cities above 100,000 people, atmosphere and overall identities. I’d like to add the beautiful people that make up South Beach. The cultural diversity, the food, the entertainment, the weather, and did I mention the gorgeous people of South Beach!? Oh btw, if you’d like to receive blog updates once available, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper left column) or by email every time a new posting occurs. Reach out toll free 1.888.383.7326

In Celebration of our Independence on the 4th of July and God Bless America! Thank you troops for placing your live’s on the line for our great country and oil freedom.

In reviewing an excellent condo hotel deal of Sunny Isles real estate (Click Here for Property) with a customer, I decided to relay the answer here on the MiamiBeachRealEstateBlog.us…

The maximum residency in a condo hotel (zoning) is 6 months. With the typical financing at 20 to 30% down, income MAY cover costs. The rental income through Ramada management is a good way to offset taxes and maintenance fees with a small portion of principal. Through owner management or property management outside of Ramada, net income could be slightly higher as the current owner rented this unit out at $525 weekly plus $50 cleaning plus 13% tax. On the flip side, I like the idea of Ramada’s network which may keep occupancy higher hence netting an equivalent as owner/management.

These oceanfront condo hotels are purchased by the vacationer/investor looking for passive income with stress free management in place. The potential for appreciation is great based on the price point ($110k) as anything oceanfront less than $200k, in a highly desirable area, plus high tourist area, should be rare in the coming years.

• Taxes Estimated Yearly at $2,082 or $173 month
• Maintenance fees at ~ $550 month
• At 25% down ($27,500) the remaining balance is $82,500 at 7% (example only) the monthly would be $548.87
• Total monthly expense is estimated at $1,272!

By negotiating more often you not only put more money in your pocket but also increase your negotiating skills. You’ll also soon find that bargaining can be a very profitable and fun way to spend your time whether buying or selling. Here are 10 ways to focus on this week to better your bargaining position…

Mistake #1 Being Afraid to Bargain Some people are a bit shy when it comes to negotiating because they’re afraid of being rejected. In reality, there is no rejection in negotiating. The power to choose is now in your hands. You have the choice of continually paying full price or take your business elsewhere. It’s up to you as your in control.

Mistake #2 Everything is Negotiable Great bargainers are constantly aware that anything is negotiable under the right circumstances. You would be surprised to find what others will do to earn your business as long as you keep in mind there must be a benefit of doing business with you.

Mistake #3 Believing It’s Not Worth Haggling Over Small Items Many Americans only think about negotiating when it comes to big ticket purchase itmes like their homes and automobiles. The real savings will come when you get discounts on things you buy more frequently.  (continue reading…)

In keeping up with the latest blog postings for Miami Dade County, I came across Lucas Lechuga’s excellent blog posting on ‘Brickell Condo Index’ and in reviewing his comments, realize we really do need this for the oceanfront communities of Miami Dade. So here is the first Sunny Isles Beach Condo Index showing stats and trends for the most desirable luxury towers along the ocean. This data was collected from the Multiple Listing Service (Live MLS Here) on May 3rd, 2008.

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

• Acqualina – 17875 Collins Avenue I (26 of 247 or 11% active) I $2.375M I $759 psf
• Jade Beach – 17001 Collins Avenue I (7 of 255 or 3% active) I $1.724M I $874 psf
• La Perla – 16699 Collins Avenue I (55 of 326 or 17% active) I $655K I $447.44 psf
• M Resort – 18683 Collins Avenue I (35 of 210 or 17% active) I $581K I $518 psf
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue I (93 of 281 or 33% active) I $1.108M I $536 psf
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue I (28 of 215 or 13% active) I $1.344M I $531 psf
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue I (23 of 254 or 9% active) I $1.117M I $494 psf
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue I (62 of 244 or 25%) I $1.101M I $576 psf
• Sayan – 16275 Collins Avenue I (26 of 88 or 30% active) I $1.201M I $570 psf
• Trump Int’l Beach Resort – 18001 Collins Avenue I (83 of 374 or 22% active I $400K I $579 psf
• Trump Palace – 18101 Collins Avenue I (51 of 275 or 19% active) I $1.234M I $664 psf
• Trump Tower I – 16001 Collins Avenue I (30 of 271 or 11% active) I $1.389M I $579 psf
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North – 16051 Collins Ave I (31 of 130 or 24% active) I $2.661M I $814 psf
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South – 16047 Collins Ave I (29 of 130 or 22% active) I $2.332M I $780 psf

(continue reading…)

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

is a two mile stretch of white sandy beaches just 15 minutes north of Miami Beach and 5 minutes from Bal Harbour. In the 1950′s, Frank Sinatra and his cronies played here occassionally ducking out to bet on jai alai and dog races as it was once known as the Vegas of Florida. Now this former Rat Pack playground has come back to life with a fury and is experiencing an exceptional luxury oceanfront condo & condo hotel boom it has ever seen.

With the overcrowding and over hype of South Beach, sun seekers are coming to Sunny Isles as the area is seeing a proliferation of luxury development and high class restaurants. New celebrity residents and European Investors are seeing the great value along the ocean and snapping up shiny condo deals including Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys, according to the New York Times. Here we find the first class services South Beach offers yet a new exclusive location offering additional privacy and a lifestyle of luxury.

• Residents & Buyers + The newest of Oceanfront Condo Portfolio include the Turnberry Ocean Colony, Trump Towers I, II & III, Jade Beach & Jade Ocean, Sayan Condos, Trump Royale and St. Tropez (Bayside). Yes, Trump has been aggressively building seeing the future value as he always does. My favorite Trump quote is… “Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.”
• Vacationers & Guests + On the Luxury Condo Hotel side, we explore the finest in services at Acqualina (Rosewood Resort), Le Meridian (M Resort), Trump International Beach Resort, Ocean Point (DoubleTree) and Sole on the Ocean offering serenity, rejuvenation & enjoyment.

Acqualina consists of hotel and private condo residences located at 17875 Collins Avenue. Acqualina Hotel is currently the most luxurious condo hotel on the ocean consisting of 97 rooms and starting at $850 night. Acqaulina has attracted hordes of wealthy Brazilians and Russians who arrive in style driving Jaguars, Ferraris and Bentleys. This hotel has ESPA spa which offers Asian elegances with first class pampering.

If the royal treatments put you in the shopping mood, have the chauffeur drive you over to the Bal Harbour shops at 97th and Collins where you’ll soon find the most exclusive open air mall in the country. The Bal Harbour shops have hundreds of designer boutiques to choose from including Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.

For dinner there are many great places like Il Mulino (inside Acqualina) or La Vita e’Bella (at The Golden Strand) featuring Italian dishes. Ready for a Miami martini? Head over to Lime Lounge at the Trump International Beach Resort at 18001 Collins where you’ll mingle with a fashionable Miami crowd of locals & celebrities. This Trump Resort like the Acqualina is all about excess as the 32 story resort has groot style swimming pools, air conditioned cabanas and sumptuous rooms.

The next morning start your day walking the peaceful beach at sunrise and looking for that perfect shell. Now that the Rascal House has closed we’ll be patiently waiting for the new Epicure market (coming 2009) where breakfast will dominate Sunny Isles Beach! I continually add to this blog so if you’d like new updates once available, you can be notified by email or by RSS feed (see upper right column) each time a new posting occurs.