Miami Real Estate Blog

We have gotten bombarded this past week by people wanting to rent - it's almost out of control. I already told you that the The Miami Rental Market is HOT! and what that means according to real estate cycles. The reality is that our business may not concentrate on rentals, but we are always willing to help anyone looking to rent.

We had a couple of experiences this week with real estate agents that had no clue what they were doing - they represented the landlord, and not only could they not answer trivial questions about the terms of the lease, but had never even seen a contract to lease, and made absolutely bogus requests. I could go on and on about how unprofessional these agents were, but it's easier to share an e-mail from one of our customers:

"I hope I am not coming across rudely when I am referring to the other realtor on this transaction. I realize that when I have a message to relay to her, I think my tone is aggressive. Sorry about that. Please do not take it personally. My intent is not to offend you, however, it is trying to convey that although I am pretty easy-going, I do not want to be taken advantage of. I feel it is a real shame that this agent who clearly does not have the professionalism or the experience you have will be receiving a "standard" commission on this property that would equal yours even though your expertise and experience in the field are far more deserving. Perhaps the agent should take a cut in the commission check and pass that savings on to the people she has been inconveniencing."

Anyone who wants to rent a property out should know that it is just as important that their Realtor know what they are doing. If you were the owner of a property reading this e-mail from a prospective tenant, what would you think?

One building stands out from the rest.  It is truly majestic and its simplicity and proportions leave me in total awe.  That one building that seems to be fighting its surroundings is Ten Museum Park designed by Chad Oppenheim.

The concept behind this building as explained by the architect is "A crisp, well proportioned exoskeleton engages a pure crystalline volume soaring 50 stories above the baya dynamic beacon for the majestic cruise ships as they return from their voyages around the globe.  Framing fragments of water, city and sky, every personal and communal space within the complex was designed to serve as a backdrop for life in its most beautiful form.  Exuding power and grace within the skyline the structure creatively organizes inherent rhythms to distort scale and abstract typological references becoming a sublime sculptural expression".

Architecture is an art form, it is poetic and it is sculptural, this one building is the perfect example.  When growing up, the principal of the private music school I attended told me that "architecture was crystallized music"......I will never forget those words, thank you Emil Friedman, for inspiring me.

My interpretation of the exoskeleton (if music, art and poetry can be interpreted, so can architecture) is protection, protection against those evil forces that are closing in, protection against the negative condo real estate energy that surrounds our city, protection agains a Miami in despair.

Oppenheim Architecture+Design is also responsible for other great projects around Miami and the world, including The Montclair Lofts, Villa Allegra, Casa, Cor, Cube, Element, Ice, Ilona and others. 

Ten Museum Park is definitely one of my favorite buildings in our Miami Skyline, I hope it can overcome adversity.

**top photo courtesy of www.oppenoffice.com** **article also appears in miamism.com**

There are several key factors or elements seen in  Mediterranean Revival Architecture.  I have told you about the style and what makes it special, I have also gone into detail about Historic Cuban Tile.  Now I will describe the type of paint that is most appropriate for these homes - LIME-BASED PAINTS. 

I don't know about you, but when I think Mediterranean, I think of Venice (OK, it's the Adriatic sea.....let's not get technical here.....but I'm doing this to make a point about COLOR).

In the Mediterranean (and surrounding areas), it was customary to paint stucco facades with lime based paints.  Lime, being an organic material was often mixed into the stucco and plaster surfaces with different hues and these surfaces would not have to be painted again.  The organic nature of these paints or aggregates is what gives these building exteriors such depth and personality. 

The surfaces are ever changing depending on the intensity of the sun or rain. When studying facades painted with lime, you may see darker lines, or wear-patterns,  you will also see discolorations and an uneven nature to the surface.  This is what makes lime so beautiful.  There is a rustic, aged look that goes hand in hand with painting with lime and if you want a clean and uniform look, lime based paints are NOT for you!

In Miami Shores, while serving in the Historic Preservation Board, I often recommended lime-based paints to home owners of Mediterranean Revival homes.  This ended up turning into a very controversial subject because the city did not agree with strong hues customary to the style (ochre yellow, terracotta orange, and olive green), nor did they want a "weathered look" to these homes.  Anyone wanting to restore a historic home should first check with each city to make sure they agree with the correct historic restoration process.

There is a local painter, by the name of Emilio Ciansoni who has the perfect product when it comes to Lime-Based Paints.  He has developed a registered product called Calcem Lime Paint and is known for painting not only The Vizcaya Mansion, but also Ca' Ziff and Fairchild Tropical Gardens.  Lime paints are not cheap and the application is not easy, so make sure your painter knows what it entails (especially the prep work involved).

It is important to note that although used for historic homes, lime paints are also popular in the modern world because of its organic nature, and are also used for interior applications.  I personally find that lime paints add not only character to historic facades, but also that perfect finishing touch that completes a project.

Other articles about Mediterranean Revival architecture:

• Historic Preservation in Miami Shores - Mediterranean Revival architecture
• Historic Cuban Barrel Tile

**this article also appears in miamism.com"

I think most of us have been through a meme or two, but this time I was tagged by my dear friend and colleague, Ann Cummings.  This meme is different because it's about books I love - not a bad idea at all, nothing like encouraging reading and sharing a good book.

Needless to say, it was a really difficult task to narrow the list down, but I decided to mix it up a bit and give you a variety of my favorite books.

I do apologize for not being able to narrow it down to 5 books, but this does give you an idea of what I'm about.  I have to admit that I've gone through periods in my life where I've been hooked by series like Agatha Christie's mysteries or Sidney Sheldon's adventures (talk about fun you can't put down!).  

I also like spiritual books that tell me about me and our world, nothing like Dr. Wayne Dyer or Kahlil Gibran to do that.  I also like to read in Spanish, so I had to read Cien Años de Soledad by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the Colombian master.  I could not leave out a classic like Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451 because it is the type of book that you have to read a couple of times in your lifetime (maybe it's time to pick it up again).  And finally, a blogging book........Naked Conversations is one you MUST read and then you will learn to "scobelize"!  (make sure you click on each book to take you to its proper Amazon link).

This would not be a real meme if I wouldn't tag someone, so Susie Roscoe - Lynda Eisenmann - Lisa Hill - Aziz Abdur-Raoof - and - Jennifer Wilson TAG!!!! you're it!

8041 Fisher Island Drive - Fisher Island, Florida 33109

Amazing beach front residence with wrap-around terrace located in Oceanside, Fisher Island.

FOR SALE $ 4,200,000

Fisher Island has the most exclusive Real Estate in South Florida. The only access to the island is via ferry, boat or by private helicopter. It is a private getaway perfect for the most demanding buyer. Fisher Island has everything you need, from tennis to golf and even polo. It has its own Island Market, The Fisher Island Club and Beach Bar, a marina and yachting center, the Fisher Island Hotel and Resort, well know Spa Internazionale and a day school.

PROPERTY FEATURES:

• built in 1989
• 3 bedrooms + den /3.5 bathrooms
• 3,140 square feet
• wrap around terrace
• Carrara Marble floors
• designer kitchen with SubZero refrigerator, wall ovens and granite counters
• golf cart
• en-suite bathrooms
• ocean-front residence
• master suite with private balcony, hot tub, his and hers walk-in closets
• large common areas with wet bar and fireplace overlooking the ocean
• Accordion hurricane shutters

For more information, please contact RICK & INES at 305-758-2323 and visit www.FisherIslandDrive.com

I think most of you would agree that Luxury properties are marketed differently.  We find that single listing websites with localized domain names, in addition to the rest of the marketing we do, produces better results.

Looking for web designers that specialized in single property listings, we found the nicest guy in the world that produced not only a great looking site, but he did it quickly and to our specifications.  Here's a screenshot of the site - by clicking on the picture, you will be redirected to the site.

The listing is located in exclusive Fisher Island that can only be reached by Ferry or Helicopter, so providing Fisher Island Drive and Fisher Isle as a domain name was perfect.  Jeff Micou, the web designer and owner of LRE (Luxe Real Estate), was able to provide the domains as well design the sites quickly and professionally.

I also invited him to Active Rain to get him some business, since we are so happy with the sites.  Take a look and tell me what you think.  Give Jeff a call if you have any questions, I am sure you'll be very satisfied with the work.

In the process of establishing a great source for our green customers, we are looking for information and resources in the following disciplines:

GREEN ARCHITECTURE

GREEN ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS

NEW GREEN COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

GREEN COMMERCIAL RENOVATIONS

GREEN COMMERCIAL INTERIOR PROJECTS

LEED CERTIFIED CONTRACTORS

LEED CERTIFIED SERVICE PROVIDERS

LEED CERTIFIED PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS

Please use the comment section below to add any companies, groups or individuals that we can include in the Green Resources Directory.  You can also include a link to your blog that make reference to thse disciplines or any other contact information.

There is nothing better than waking up any given Sunday Miami morning and going to one of the best known brunches around.  It can get a bit pricey, but we are in Miami, you will enjoy atmosphere, good food and may even share the room with a celebrity or two.

• Biltmore Sunday Champagne Brunch

Located at the Biltmore Hotel - 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables - (305) 913-3202.  The atmosphere is elegant and the spread is magnificent, from French Champagne to lobster and caviar.   Reservations are recommended.  The price is $65/person and it is open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Delano Sunday Brunch

At the Delano Hotel's Blue Door Restaurant - 1685 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach - (305) 674-6400.  Here's the best place to sit alongside a celebrity, could be J-Lo or even Madonna. Reservations are required and the price is $62/person.  Served from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Nemo Sunday Brunch

Located at Nemo's - 100 Collins Avenue in South Beach (area known as SoFi) - (305) 532-4550.  This one is my favorite - the food is outrageous (I am salivating as I type) and the atmosphere does not get any better.  The price is $29/person.  Served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Ritz-Carlton Sunday Brunch

In Bizcaya restaurant at 3300 SW 27th Avenue in Coconut Grove - (305) 644-4680.  Surrounded by gorgeous views and opulence, includes free flowing champagne and everything you can imagine.  The price is $68/person.  Served from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM

• Rusty Pelican Sunday Champagne Brunch

Located on Key Biscayne at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway - (305) 361-3818.  The Rusty Pelican is not a fancy place but the views are breathtaking - enjoy your champagne and Mimosa brunch overlooking the Miami Skyline with a fabulous spread.  The price is $27.95/person, you need reservations and it is served from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Emeril's Sunday Brunch

Located at Emeril's Miami Beach - Loews Miami Beach Hotel - 1601 Collins Avenue - (305) 695-4550.  Start it of with a  BAM!  What I love about this place is the attention to detail, from the time the server takes your order to the time the dish is delivered to the table.  The menu is a-la-carte and although reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcome.  Served from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM

There you have them - my favorite Sunday brunch spots in Miami.  One thing they all have in common.... bring an appetite!!  Feel free to comment on your experiences and let me know if you have a favorite Sunday Brunch that I did not include.

 **thank you Mariana for the idea! ** photo courtesy of The biltmorehotel.com **  This article also appears in www.miamism.com **

I KNOW a lot of you missed Nicky Mississippi's post a couple of days ago, (Shave your Head for Charity - Nick's fund raiser) so I thought I would lend a helping hand to get this great cause under way.

I know Nick is going to kill me for this but a lot of you know that his wife is a social worker.  She is an awesome lady and is always looking for ways to help people in need.  A couple of weeks ago Nick asked us what we thought about the idea of him having a fund-raiser to help his wife and could shave his head as a way of saying thanks. (for those of you that have not met THE NIXTER, he has GREAT HAIR....so THAT's what I call sacrifice!).

We thought it would be a beautiful idea and encouraged him to take on the challenge.  So now, it is up to all of us to contribute.

Please don't make us look bad, we told Nick that with the giving spirit of Active Rain, it should be a piece of cake.  Here's what Nick had to say:

100% of the proceeds will go to Hugs for Kids, and specifically the Healthy Families Program. The money is for basic necessities to help support these families. We are talking about diapers, formula, high chairs, new car seats, bus passes for medical checkups, thermometers (which there is a great lack of), baby clothes and whatever else is needed."

Here's how you can help: 

• Make checks out to:
  Hugs for Kids
  in the memo put:  Healthy Families
• Mail to:
  ATTN: Nick the Appraiser
  Quantum One Realty
  3307 Northlake Blvd, Suite #103
  Palm Beach Gardens Florida 33403

I really think this is a great chance for all of us here in Active Rain to get involved and show we care.  You can bet my check is already in the mail and I do hope a lot of you will participate.

As for shaving his head to a #1.....hmmmm.........I thought if he makes his goal, he should go to skin, buffed and shiny for us to see...........you think we can make him REALLY SHAVE IT?? WE WANT BALD!  WE WANT BALD!

Check out Nick's site created for this cause at www.shaveyourheadforcharity.com

take a look at other posts written by Active Rainers - this is an AWESOME COMMUNITY!!

Ruth & Jim Jacobs - Nicolas, Our Hero, Shaving His Head for "Hugs for Kids" 
Fran White - Bald in the Rain 
Maggie Dokic - Will You Give Up 1 Dinner Out To Help A Child? 
Sarah Cooper - Time to Strap On Your Wings!   
Sarah Cooper - Is That All You Got?! 
Celeste 'Sally' Cheeseman - A Broader Look at Our Active Rain Community: Support and Aid for those in Need
Shane Leady - Apella's Friday Community Connection - Active Rain Members Support Their Communities

Real estate  market conditions for the month of July show a slight increase in inventory from the previous month which is normal since July is historically one of the slowest months of the year (December being the first).  From the graph it is evident which price ranges are moving the most. 

Miami Shores Real Estate - shows the most inventory in the $400k to $600K range, but it also shows the most sales for the same price range. The months of inventory has dropped to 22 which shows the market is slowly stabilizing. 

Bay Harbor Islands Real Estate - shows the most inventory in homes priced above $1 million, but the most sales happened for the price range between $800k-$1 million.  The amount of inventory remains the same except there are different homes on the market (some have dropped and some have joined).

Surfside Real Estate - shows the most inventory in the range between $600k-$800K - and most sales in the range between $400k-$600k.  Surfside's inventory keeps rising, while sales are very limited.

El Portal Real Estate - shows the most inventory in the range between $400k-$600k - and most sales in the range between $200k-$400K.  Good news for El portal, the months of inventory has dropped since the amount of sales has increased, but not considerably.

• Highest priced listing:  $4,500,000
• Lowest priced listing : $275,000
• Properties currently under contract:  15
• Closed properties since 1/1/2007:  64 (14% of 2007 sales closed in July)
• According to the closed sales - there are 22 months of inventory in Miami Shores alone.

• Highest priced listing:  $5,800,000
• Lowest priced listing : $575,000
• Properties currently under contract:  1
• Closed properties since 1/1/2007:  4
• There are currently 38 months of inventory in Bay Harbor Islands with no closings in the month of July.

• Highest priced listing:  $4,900,000
• Lowest priced listing : $450,000
• Properties currently under contract:  7
• Closed properties since 1/1/2007:  25
• There are currently 23 months of inventory in Surfside with 1 closing in the month of July. 

• Highest priced listing:  $925,000
• Lowest priced listing : $260,000
• Properties currently under contract:  2
• Closed properties since 1/1/2007:  5
• There are currently 72 months of inventory in El Portal with 2 closings in the month of July.

If you are a seller, not only do you have to make sure that marketing of your property is aggressive, but you need to put extra effort in making your property easily available for showings, as well as making sure it shows beautifully.  The change in real estate market conditions should be used as a guide for how much effort to put into marketing a property.  For more specific information about this subject, make sure you read Mariana Wagner's article, Top 5 Tips for Selling Your Home in a Down Market.

Buyers, it is an easy time to be indecisive.  Seeing a lot of properties and not knowing how to pick can be mind boggling.  Make sure you sit down with a real estate professional and list what factors in the buying process are most important to you and which features you can't live without.  Working with someone that knows the area's inventory should ease the pain.

It is evident in the real estate market reports from the last 3 months that the market is still soft, but slowly starting to correct itself.  People constantly ask us how long this down market will last and we only wish to have a crystal ball with all the answers.  We can tell you that we don't see any drastic changes coming our way any time soon.  For sellers it means patience, for buyers it means focus.

If you are interested in seeing any other dade-county cities mentioned in these marketing reports, please leave a comment or send us a quick note.  We will be glad to oblige.

**article also appears at www.miamism.com**