Edition #8 of the January 2012 Sunny Isles Condo Index

We’ll be reviewing the latest  trends and comparing the luxury oceanfront market from the 1Q 2011 Condo Index to today’s updated 1Q 2012 Sunny Isles Condo Index including premier oceanfront towers such as Turnberry Ocean Colony,Acqualina, JADE Ocean, JADE Beach, Trump Palace, Trump Royale, Ocean Four, Sayan, Trump Towers, Pinnacle & Millennium. I’ve excluded condo hotel properties from this research including  Trump International Beach Resort, Merenas Resort, Ocean Point and Sole on the Ocean.

Sunny Isles Beach Condo Index (1Q 2012)

As of January 2nd, we are noting 688 total condos for sale in Sunny Isles Beach down 19% from the May 2011 Condo Index.

In the prior 30 days, there have been 62 total closed sales. In the last 90 days, 212 condos have sold averaging $264 per square foot with a 94% Sale to List Price Ratio and 163 days on market. In the same 90 day period of January 2nd 2011, there had been 207 condos sold averaging $221 per square foot (Sold values UP 16% over January 2011) with a 93% Sale to List Price Ratio and 123 days on market.

What will be analyzed more specifically in this post are luxury oceanfront condo building statistics & new trends for the most desirable luxury towers along the coastline of Sunny Isles Beach.
Percentage Available Inventory, Average List Price & Average Price Per Square Foot for leading luxury condo towers currently listed & Active on the MLS

• Acqualina- 17875 – 17885 Collins Avenue | 16 of 247 or 6%| Ave List Price $2.257M | Ave PPSF $880
• JADE Beach – 17001 Collins Avenue | 19 of 248 or 8% | Ave List Price $2.645M | Ave PPSF $828
• JADE Ocean (Sold Out 2011) – 17121 Collins Avenue | 11 of 250 or 4% | Ave List Price $2.785M | Ave PPSF $1,081
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North Tower – 16051 Collins Avenue | 7 of 130 or 5% | Ave List Price $2.802M | Ave PPSF $931
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South Tower – 16047 Collins Avenue | 10 of 130 or 8% | Ave List Price $2.734M | Ave PPSF $932
• Trump Palace – 18101 Collins Avenue | 20 of 275 or 7% | Ave List Price $1.611M | Ave PPSF $738
• Trump Royale – 18201 Collins Avenue | 12 of 384 or 3%| Ave list Price $1.186M | Ave PPSF $619
• Trump Tower I – 16001 Collins Avenue | 28 of 271 or 10% | Ave List Price $1.285M | Ave PPSF $571
• Trump Tower II – 15901 Collins Avenue | 12 of 271 or 4% | Ave List Price $1.322M | Ave PPSF $583
• Trump Tower III – 15850 Collins Avenue | Developer Inventory Now Selling
• Sayan- 16275 Collins Avenue | 13 of 88 or 15% | Ave List Price $968k | Ave PPSF $533
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue | 18 of 281 or 7% | Ave List Price $913k | Ave PPSF $509
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue | 17 of 215 or 8% | Ave List Price $1.413M | Ave PPSF $473
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue | 8 of 254 or 3% | Ave List Price $1.070M | Ave PPSF $472
• Ocean One – 19333 Collins Avenue | 5 of 241 or 2% | Ave List Price $956k | Ave PPSF $412
• Millennium – 18671 Collins Avenue | 6 of 120 or 5% | Ave List Price $1.223M | Ave PPSF $578
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue | 11 of 244 or 5% | Ave List Price $1.164M | Ave PPSF $554
• La Perla- 16699 Collins Avenue | 17 of 326 or 5% | Ave List Price $700k | Ave PPSF $482

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

• Acqualina- 17885 Collins Avenue | 4 Closed Sales at $823 PSF (12% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 87% SP/LP | 185 DOM
• JADE Beach- 17001 Collins Avenue | 12 Closed Sales at $582 PSF (11% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 93% SP/LP | 221 DOM
• JADE Ocean- 17121 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $724 PSF (6% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 84% SP/LP | 276 DOM
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North Tower – 16051 Collins Avenue | 1 Closed Sales at $716 PSF (3% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 89% SP/LP | 234 DOM
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South Tower – 16047 Collins Avenue | 5 Closed Sales at $700 PSF (5% decrease in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 88% SP/LP | 406  DOM
• Trump Palace- 18101 Collins Avenue | 6 Closed Sales at $516 PSF (9% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 94% SP/LP | 310 DOM
• Trump Royale – 18201 Collins Avenue | 11 Closed Sales at $500 PSF (6% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 95% SP/LP | 181 DOM
• Trump Tower I – 16001 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $534 PSF (3% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 97% SP/LP | 18 DOM
• Trump Tower II – 15901 Collins Avenue | 6 Closed Sales at $438 PSF (13% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 91% SP/LP | 71 DOM
• Trump Tower III – 15850 Collins Avenue | No Closed MLS Sales & Resales
• Sayan- 16275 Collins Avenue | 5 Closed Sale at $326 PSF (1% decrease in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 96% SP/LP | 354 DOM
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue | 9 Closed Sales at $410 PSF (6% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 94% SP/LP | 169 DOM
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue | 5 Closed Sales at $386 PSF (14% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 92% SP/LP | 298 DOM
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue | 9 Closed Sales at $401 PSF (23% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 93% SP/LP | 168 DOM
• Ocean One – 19333 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $299 PSF (1% decrease in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 89% SP/LP | 337 DOM
• Millennium – 18671 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $489 PSF (18% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 93% SP/LP | 255 DOM
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue | 9 Closed Sales at $405 PSF (5% decrease in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 93% SP/LP | 358 DOM
• La Perla- 16699 Collins Avenue | 11 Closed Sales at $362 PSF (2% increase in PPSF since 2Q 2011) | 94% SP/LP | 314 DOM

Sunny Isles Beach Condo Index Summary

Sunny Isles Beach condo inventory is down hovering 688 total condos for sale while property values have increased considerably (16% YTD) as International & domestic buyers purchase these new 2012 deals. Oceanfront condo towers now have very healthy inventory figures as shown above in blue with all but Sayan showing less than 10% available as condo inventory for sale. Each building & property tells a different story and the bottom line is that the Sunny Isles Beach condo market has shown significant signs of improvement since 2009 on oceanfront real estate. It’s still an excellent time to buy Miami Beach real estate as long as you & the family will use the property and enjoy it for years to come.

Selling or Leasing Your Condo? Are you trying to sell or lease with no solid results, little communication with market value updates, aggressive global marketing & overall progress in meeting the goal… Call or email me now for a personalized market report and global marketing plan surely to gain proper exposure for your condominium. Let’s start today at 1.888.383.7326 or direct 1.305.978.7704.

Buyer’s ready for a great property? Call or email for the very best condo deals along Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village, Miami Beach & South Beach. The buyer advantage is still selection & leverage but we are consistently seeing multiple cash offers and dwindling inventory which are driving up values as we noted the 16% gain from a year ago today. The low-end residential condo market is accelerating with 60% of condo sales under $250k. As this new year progresses and inventory continues to decrease, I believe prices will show in favor for continued improvement in the transition back to a sellers market. If you’d like to receive local Miami Beach FL real estate news via these valuable blog posts, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper right column) or by email each time a new real estate news post occurs. Visit JADE Condos Sunny Isles website & JADE Condo Blog relaying great information on JADE Beach & JADE Ocean along with Turnberry Ocean Colony Sunny Isles website & Ocean Colony Condo Blog for intimate luxury condo knowledge! The truth is in the numbers 1.888.383.7326 and I welcome your knowledge, opinions, comments & feedback.

Showing You the Very Best from Sunny Isles to South Beach!

(Figures are derived from the South Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service January 2012)

Hello friends and only 5 days until 2012! As KT would say, I am a ‘Realtor first and a blogger second’ so please forgive the delay in posting new local information. What we’re reviewing below is the Miami Beach condo sales & trends for 2011 compared to prior years. I plan on doing an updated Sunny Isles Beach condo index soon so stay tuned!

Miami Beach Condo Sales vs. Selling Price Per Square Foot (SP$/SF):

• 2011 – 4,067 Sold at $315 SP/SF (UP 10% YTD)
• 2010 – 3,220 Sold at $282 SP/SF (Down 3% YTD)
• 2009 – 2,515 Sold at $290 SP/SF (Down 30% YTD)
• 2008 – 2,100 Sold at $415 SP/SF (Down 7% YTD)
• 2007 – 1,922 Sold at $448 SP/SF

Available condo inventory today rests at 2,819 with 248 sales last month for an 11 month supply.

All figures derived from the South Florida MLS (Multiple Listing Service) including Miami Beach, South Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village and Sunny Isles Beach.

Edition #7 of the 2011 Sunny Isles Condo Index

We’ll be reviewing the latest  trends and comparing the luxury oceanfront market from the 3Q 2010 Sunny Isles Condo Index to today’s updated 2Q 2011 Sunny Isles Condo Index including premier oceanfront towers such as Turnberry Ocean Colony, Acqualina, JADE Ocean, JADE Beach, Trump Palace, Trump Royale, Ocean Four, Sayan, Trump Towers, Pinnacle & Millennium. I’ve excluded condo hotel properties from this research including  Trump International Beach Resort, Merenas Resort, Ocean Point and Sole on the Ocean.

Sunny Isles Beach Condo Index (2Q 2011)

As of May 19th, we are noting 852 total condos for sale in Sunny Isles Beach down 22% from the July 2010 Condo Index. So far in 2011, there have been 361 total closed sales (Figures are derived from the South Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service May 2011) this year. In the last 90 days, 177 condos have sold averaging $247 per square foot with a 99% Sale to List Price Ratio and 140 days on market. In the same 90 day period of July 14th 2010, there had been 176 condos sold averaging $256 per square foot (Sold values down 4% over July 2010) with a 93% Sale to List Price Ratio and 164 days on market.

What will be analyzed more specifically in this post are luxury oceanfront condo building statistics & new trends for the most desirable luxury towers along the coastline of Sunny Isles Beach.
Percentage Available Inventory, Average List Price & Average Price Per Square Foot for leading luxury condo towers currently listed & Active on the MLS

• Acqualina- 17885 Collins Avenue | 22 of 247 or 9%| Ave List Price $1.979M | Ave PPSF $862
• JADE Beach – 17001 Collins Avenue | 32 of 248 or 13% | Ave List Price $1.754M | Ave PPSF $722
• JADE Ocean (26 Developer units remain) – 17121 Collins Avenue | 16 of 250 or 6% | Ave List Price $1.731M | Ave PPSF $765
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North Tower – 16051 Collins Avenue | 9 of 130 or 7% | Ave List Price $2.684M | Ave PPSF $857
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South Tower – 16047 Collins Avenue | 14 of 130 or 11% | Ave List Price $2.787M | Ave PPSF $863
• Trump Palace – 18101 Collins Avenue | 21 of 275 or 8% | Ave List Price $1.316M | Ave PPSF $638
• Trump Royale – 18201 Collins Avenue | 18 of 384 or 5%| Ave list Price $1.027M | Ave PPSF $577
• Trump Tower I – 16001 Collins Avenue | 31 of 271 or 11% | Ave List Price $1.179M | Ave PPSF $527
• Trump Tower II – 15901 Collins Avenue | 11 of 271 or 4% | Ave List Price $1.188M | Ave PPSF $520
• Trump Tower III – 15850 Collins Avenue | Developer Inventory Selling
• Sayan- 16275 Collins Avenue | 12 of 88 or 14% | Ave List Price $1.112M | Ave PPSF $489
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue | 29 of 281 or 10% | Ave List Price $1.006M | Ave PPSF $504
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue | 18 of 215 or 8% | Ave List Price $1.181M | Ave PPSF $458
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue | 11 of 254 or 4% | Ave List Price $1.025M | Ave PPSF $456
• Ocean One – 19333 Collins Avenue | 12 of 241 or 5% | Ave List Price $886k | Ave PPSF $395
• Millennium – 18671 Collins Avenue | 2 of 120 or 2% | Ave List Price $1.325M | Ave PPSF $597
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue | 13 of 244 or 5% | Ave List Price $1.037M | Ave PPSF $496
• La Perla- 16699 Collins Avenue | 21 of 326 or 6% | Ave List Price $676k | Ave PPSF $434

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

• Acqualina- 17885 Collins Avenue | 17 Closed Sales at $726 PSF (7% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 93% SP/LP | 145  DOM
• JADE Beach- 17001 Collins Avenue | 9 Closed Sales at $517 PSF (17% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 89% SP/LP | 215 DOM
• JADE Ocean- 17121 Collins Avenue | 3 Closed Sales at $678 PSF | 91% SP/LP | 203 DOM
• Turnberry Ocean Colony North Tower – 16051 Collins Avenue | 6 Closed Sales at $691 PSF (2% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 86% SP/LP | 116 DOM
• Turnberry Ocean Colony South Tower – 16047 Collins Avenue | 4 Closed Sales at $735 PSF (22% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 86% SP/LP | 122  DOM
• Trump Palace- 18101 Collins Avenue | 10 Closed Sales at $467 PSF (5% decrease in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 89% SP/LP | 92 DOM
• Trump Royale – 18201 Collins Avenue | 5 Closed Sales at $472 PSF (5% decrease in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 95% SP/LP | 174 DOM
• Trump Tower I – 16001 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $518 PSF (23% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 95% SP/LP | 92 DOM
• Trump Tower II – 15901 Collins Avenue | 1 Closed Sales at $379 PSF | 92% SP/LP | 62 DOM
• Trump Tower III – 15850 Collins Avenue | No Closed MLS Sales
• Sayan- 16275 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sale at $328 PSF | (4% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 103% SP/LP | 341 DOM
• Ocean Four – 17201 Collins Avenue | 12 Closed Sales at $385 PSF (5% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 92% SP/LP | 179 DOM
• Ocean Three – 18911 Collins Avenue | 8 Closed Sales at $332 PSF (3% decrease in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 93% SP/LP | 142 DOM
• Ocean Two – 19111 Collins Avenue | 1 Closed Sales at $309 PSF (26% decrease in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 92% SP/LP | 136 DOM
• Ocean One – 19333 Collins Avenue | 6 Closed Sales at $302 PSF (6% decrease in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 96% SP/LP | 134 DOM
• Millennium – 18671 Collins Avenue | 2 Closed Sales at $399 PSF (14% decrease in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 92% SP/LP | 90 DOM
• Pinnacle – 17555 Collins Avenue | 4 Closed Sales at $425 PSF (22% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 92% SP/LP | 158 DOM
• La Perla- 16699 Collins Avenue | 13 Closed Sales at $355 PSF (7% increase in PPSF since 3Q 2010) | 96% SP/LP | 195 DOM

Sunny Isles Beach Condo Index Summary

Sunny Isles Beach condo inventory is down hovering 852 total condos for sale while property values have increased (10% YTD) considerably as International & domestic buyers purchase these 2011 deals. The majority of oceanfront condo towers now have healthy inventory figures as shown above in blue with anything less 15% available for sale. Each building & property tells a different story and the bottom line is this Sunny Isles Beach condo market showing significant signs of improvement on oceanfront real estate. It’s an excellent time to buy Miami Beach real estate as long as you & the family will use it and enjoy it for at least the next few years.

Selling or Leasing Your Condo? Are you trying to sell or lease with no results, communication, market value updates, aggressive global marketing & overall progress in meeting the goal.. Call or email for a personalized market report and global marketing plan surely to gain proper exposure for your condominium. Let’s start today at 1.888.383.7326 or direct 1.305.978.7704.

Buyer’s ready for a great property? Call or email for the very best condo deals along Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village, Miami Beach & South Beach. The buyer advantage is still selection & leverage but we are consistently seeing multiple cash offers driving up values as we noted the 10% gain over a year ago today. The low-end residential condo market is accelerating with 60% of condo sales under $250k. As this year progresses and inventory continues to decrease, I believe prices will show in favor for continued improvement. If you’d like to receive local Miami Beach FL real estate news via these valuable blog posts, you can easily be notified by RSS feed (see upper right column) or by email each time a new real estate news post occurs. Visit JADE Condos Sunny Isles website & JADE Condo Blog relaying great information on JADE Beach & JADE Ocean along with Turnberry Ocean Colony Sunny Isles website & Ocean Colony Condo Blog for intimate luxury condo knowledge! The truth is in the numbers 1.888.383.7326 and I welcome your knowledge, opinions, comments & feedback.

Showing You the Very Best from Sunny Isles to South Beach!

The new year, new positive news plus an abundance of new buyers have figures on their way UP and Miami Beach real estate sales are looking stronger than ever. Inventory has fallen as a steady confidence builds along the beaches while news sources such as the Miami Herald, CNBC & Wall Street Journal relay that now is the time to own (if not last year) for the record real estate lows along the Miami Beaches.

Statistics for the month of March reflect 3,580 total condos for sale along the Miami-Dade County oceanfront communities of South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village and Sunny Isles Beach with condo inventory levels down 18% year to date; again this month condo inventory is down a whopping 9% over last with what is now an 13.6 month supply based on the previous 30-day closed sales:

** South Beach Condos: 1,286 for sale | 108 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 155 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $404 / Sold $373
** Miami Beach Condos: 954 for sale | 68 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 138 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $244 / Sold $224
** Bal Harbour Condos: 208 for sale | 9 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 123 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $334 / Sold $338
** North Bay Village Condos: 144 for sale | 19 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 98 | Average Buyer Discount 1% | Average PPSF Asking $117 / Sold $118
** Sunny Isles Beach Condos: 988 for sale | 60 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 143 | Average Buyer Discount 7% | Average PPSF Asking $290 / Sold $262

Miami Beach | Sunny Isles Real Estate Summary

Miami Beach condo inventory continues decreasing month over month, sale-price to list-price ratios have maintained an average 5% buyer discount while active days on market have decreased to ~ 4 months to sell. Each of these indicators prove to be good signs for market improvement. Still I’m watching and beginning to see the selling price per square foot trending upwards depending on the location along the beaches. Sunny Isles Beach selling prices (Ave. per square foot) increased 12% over the prior period while Bal Harbour condo sales decreased 15%.  Over the prior 90 day period, selling price per square foot has decreased an average 2% along the beaches. For the prior month, Miami Beach (REO) Bank Owned foreclosures made up only 3% of our inventory and have sold at 101.6% sale to list while Miami Beach short sales made up 14% of our condo inventory and sold at 94% sale to list. 79% of all closed sales last month were cash transactions! Miami’s weather is perfect and the market shift is noted as trends move in favor of a new balanced market by the end of the year. Many buyers are in to enjoy the warmth (& coolness factor) of Miami Beach luxury condos and to explore what remains to be a vast amount of great opportunity along Miami-Dade County Beaches. For more information on oceanfront locations, luxury buildings or statistics & trends simply write, find me on ‘Live Chat’ or call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

February 2011 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

November 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

October 2010 – Real Estate Stats for the Miami Beaches

September 2010 - Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

June 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

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!

The summer time buyer mentality is that Miami Beach real estate sales slow down and although a steady confidence builds, the month of September again proved it to be so…

Statistics for the month reflect 4,434 total condos for sale along the oceanfront communities of South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village and Sunny Isles Beach and down 5% over this time last year; down 2% over last month:

** South Beach Condos: 1,621 for sale | 58 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 138 | Average Buyer Discount 4% | Average PPSF Asking $337/Sold $311
** Miami Beach Condos: 1,205 for sale | 39 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 150 | Average Buyer Discount 6% | Average PPSF Asking $255/Sold $236
** Bal Harbour Condos: 232 for sale | 4 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 147 | Average Buyer Discount 9% | Average PPSF Asking $380/Sold $332
** North Bay Village Condos: 232 for sale | 12 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 79 | Average Buyer Discount 3% | Average PPSF Asking $136/Sold $130
** Sunny Isles Beach Condos: 1,144 for sale | 51 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 142 | Average Buyer Discount 4% | Average PPSF Asking $240/Sold $231

Seasonal demand is huge and short term luxury rentals are rare. Customers will be in for the holidays to enjoy the bliss of Miami during winter and to explore the vast opportunity along Miami-Dade County Beaches. For more information on oceanfront locations, buildings or statistics simply write, find me on ‘Live Chat’ or call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

September 2010 - Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

The summer time buyer mentality is that Miami Beach real estate sales slow and although a steady confidence builds, the month of August proved it to be so…

Statistics for the month reflect 4,514 total condos for sale along the oceanfront communities of South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, North Bay Village and Sunny Isles Beach and down 8% over this time last year; up 1% over last month:

** South Beach Condos: 1,673 for sale | 60 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 145 | Average Buyer Discount 7% | Average PPSF Asking $371/Sold $333

** Miami Beach Condos: 1,229 for sale | 46 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 127 | Average Buyer Discount 7% | Average PPSF Asking $285/Sold $259

** Bal Harbour Condos: 225 for sale | 11 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 161 | Average Buyer Discount 10% | Average PPSF Asking $384/Sold $341

** North Bay Village Condos: 243 for sale | 17 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 102 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $139/Sold $129

** Sunny Isles Beach Condos: 1,144 for sale | 37 Sales in last 30 days | Average Days on Market 159 | Average Buyer Discount 5% | Average PPSF Asking $256/Sold $235

This video on the Today Show caused many web visitors to try and search for Miami Beach and South Beach Florida condo opportunities under $50,000, only to be greatly disappointed. Whether it be the lack of true condo inventory under $100k, quality of property, the taxes or the monthly fees, most were a bit mislead on the vast opportunity along Miami-Dade County Beaches. For more information on oceanfront locations, buildings or statistics simply write, find me on Live Chat or call me toll free at 1.888.383.7326.

June 2010 – Real Estate Statistics for the Miami Beaches

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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

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.

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

Bay View Loft

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

Welcome to Bay View Loft 206

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

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

View Larger Map

View Larger Map

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

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?

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!

New Tax Credits for Home Buyers

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

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

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

First Time Home Buyer Credit

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

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

• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.

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

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

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

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

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

Military Buyers

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

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

Thank you Coldwell!

Let’s Go!

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!