Key Biscayne has always taken its 4th of July celebration quite seriously. This small community of “islanders” has made a point to celebrate America’s Independence day as a day long experience starting at 11:00 am filled with music, festivities, picnics and its traditional parade. From sea to shining sea this island will be illuminated by a astonishing display of fireworks that will begin at 9:00 pm. I’ll be there all day so if you see someone in red around with a beautiful 18 month old (yes I am one of those bragging moms), a camera and a very cute husband wearing an Archie’s cap ; ) say hello!

My advice to you:

- If you want to be near the stage (during the parade) make sure to arrive early to “The Green”. That will be the best location being that the judges/ master of ceremonies stage will be visible and close
-SUNBLOCK, SUNBLOCK and MORE SUNBLOCK

Below is the itinerary:

11:00 am : The 50th annual Key Biscayne parade starts with a flyover of jets. The parade will go south on Crandon Blvd starting on Harbor Drive and ending on West Enid. This years parade will be titled “Parades in Paradise”.

- Following the parade will be The Annual Old Fashion BBQ on The Village Green where there will be a variety of food vendors for you to choose from.

9:00 pm: Fireworks begin so make sure to be at the beach a little earlier to grab a nice spot.

All events are free of charge. Enjoy your 4th of July!

The Commodore Club, one of Key Biscayne’s most traditional gated communities is composed of three buildings: The Commodore Club West, The Commodore Club East, and The Commodore Club South. All  located on Ocean Lane Drive,on the north end of the Village of Key Biscayne.

These three towers were built in the early 1970’s and most units have been updated beautifully. The Commodore Club is surrounded partially by the Atlantic Ocean and Crandon Park. Many units will offer direct ocean views and others tropical views of Crandon Park that years back was the home of the local zoo. Each building has their own concierge and 24 hour security , an exercise room, and a heated swimming pool (for those rare, cold Miami nights). Pets are welcome;as long as they are under 20 lbs.

Not until recently did the beach in front of the Commodore Club give you the comfort of providing owners and their guests with lounge chairs and umbrellas for those extra sunny days. Personally, I like being a little lazy on my days off. Just the thought of having to carry my beach bag, lounge chairs, towels,  an umbrella and running behind my  18 month old son is too much work for a  Sunday morning.  So this new addition to the Commodore Club beach, makes it all  a lot simpler and extremely comfortable. I enjoyed a great day at the beach last week at the Commodore Club with my family.

If last year’s trend continues, the summer should be a busy one for Coconut Grove real estate.  Keep in mind that any first time home buyer looking to get their $8,000 tax refund has to close by the end of this year which should help the lower end townhouse and condo market significantly.

Click here to see a list of all single family homes that have closed in Coconut Grove the first half of 2009.

2009

2008

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Coconut Grove, please give me a call at 305.342.1623 or send me a note here

Charles Lindbergh would have loved living at this magnificent Mediterranean 11+ acre Estate in Lindbergh Landing seated in Miami, Florida.

The signature of success is ascribed to you as you cross the threshold of the double wrought-iron gates of your Lindbergh Landing estate  designed by renown architect Ramon Pacheco.

Seated on over eleven acres totally surrounded with the proverbial white fence in a private, gated community, tucked away in the southwest corner of Miami, Florida is a magnificent Mediterranean estate that has a manor home, game house,  equestrian center complete with six-horse stable, training center and grassing areas, fifteen-car garage, pools, terraces with a summer kitchen, fountains, playground with playhouse, miniature golf, basketball and tennis courts, three koi ponds with cascading waters, a helipad and an FAA-approved airstrip.

The manor greets you as you cruise up the extended, circular paved driveway. A fountain dons the majestic entrance with its cascading waters allowing you to escape the high-energy city scene to serene, rural tranquility.

The Manor (17,285+ Square Feet – 6 bedrooms/7.5 baths) This 17,285+ square foot residence, designed by architect Pacheco, is a smart home and contains an electrical room that controls the security, pool area, lighting, music and ambiance of the estate. Light beams from every room with the manor’s many traditional and contemporary chandeliers, lamps and wall sconces.

From the moment you enter the double-glass doors with light-filled arch, you are taken in by the breathtaking coffered ceilings. Rich in their design, these eighteen-foot tray and coffered ceilings with millwork moldings adorn the estate with details, make a statement, and provide an enchanting sound barrier caused by the reverberation of the marble-inlay flooring. You attempt to take it all in – however, the reception area or grand foyer with its equally majestic chandelier, art niche and graceful marble medallion beckon you further — into the main living areas of the residence.  With details at every turn, the wood crown molding and equally notable baseboards, bay windows boasting Silhouette blinds and the wood-burning fireplace, you are called into the light of the living room. This awe-inspiring space touts an entire wall of double-French doors with glass arches showing off the greenery and fountain just beyond, and the impressive mirror over the cherry wood fireplace balancing art niches on either side.

At the heart of any home is the kitchen. With the South Florida sun peeking in through the skylight to brighten the cheeriest of chefs, he gladly rolls up his sleeves to enjoy the gourmet’s best – double-Viking stainless steel convection ovens, Viking warmer, Viking microwave and a six-burner electric Viking stove.  Take out a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon from your Viking wine cooler for a relaxing glass before your guests arrive.  The Sub-Zero, double wood-paneled refrigerator blends in with the deep, cherry wood cabinetry with its own crown molding. With a breakfast area and extended island with granite throughout, the party will certainly start in the kitchen as a double paddle fan send the aroma of garlic and onions wafting through the air as pollo asado and all its trimmings is being prepared. The Miele coffee maker will be a great after-dinner plus when we pass out the red velvet cake or tres leches with the Coldstone Creamery vanilla bean ice cream hiding in the nearby butler’s pantry.

You review the place settings in the dining room which dons crown molding, two built-in wood china and glass displays, and two pewter chandeliers as well as a table that easily seats a dozen guests.

The family room has a stone fireplace, wood shutters and plush carpeting, plenty of French doors and windows and is super bright with a view of the pool, terrace and gardens.

The library is rich with woodmill work, wood shutters and a double paddle fan and skylight.

The master suite is spacious and exquisite – intended for royal celebrity.  With quick access to the pool, patio and terrace area, you venture for that private midnight swim prior to retiring.  Bay windows, wood shutters and a skylight adorn the suite as well as double paddle fans to lull you into deep, tropical slumber.  The “smart” aspect of the manor continues into this suite with its on/off automatic lighting in all the closets.  There exist his-n-her custom design dressing rooms and his-n-her sinks, vanities and private toilets with bidet.  A steam shower and Jacuzzi are added bonuses.

With six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half baths, this split plan provides privacy for owner and guest alike.  Each bedroom has custom designed closets with on/off automatic lighting, its own private bath and wood blinds embellish the windows.

The manor home is complete with its own entertainment room; a television area, bar with granite counter tops, Viking ice maker for those cool, refreshing Mojitos, and a view of the courtyard, and double paddle fan, you can see yourself watching the game or taking a Sunday-afternoon nap (or both) during the South Florida spring rainfall.

There exists a three-car garage with a loft which is attached to the manor.  In addition, a fifteen-car detached garage is on the estate for the collector.

The Game House (Over 3000 Square Feet, Full bath, Theater, Storage) On your 11+ acres sits a “game house” waiting for a chance to entertain both young and old alike.  With its full bar area, Viking wine cooler, dishwasher, ice maker and refrigerator, there is no need to traipse back to the manor for supplies. There is a storage room for all those snacks and drinks and a bar area with ample seating. With floors of exquisite walnut, this is quite the entertainment spot.  A stage for would-be American Idols or Kiddie Karaoke, sixteen arcade games to keep the young quite occupied, two poker tables, a Black Jack table, and slot machine will make you think you are dining first class at a club on the Las Vegas strip.

So, now are you ready for some peace and quiet?  Step into the cool, dark fourteen-guest home theater with comfortable leather seating to watch Hepburn or Bullock!

As the evening cools, retreat to your heated pool with Jacuzzi spa.  The temperature is remotely controlled from inside the manor.  The pools are easy to maintain with their auto-chlorinator cleaning system.  The spacious terrace can accommodate an entire wedding party including guests and would be the perfect place for an unseasonably cool outdoor wedding.  The terrace boasts lush, professionally-designed landscaping with five designer statues, outside rock fireplace, summer kitchen with a Pro-Fire Barbecue, and  bar with a Viking ice maker. There is a convenience cabana bath and pool storage area with a changing room. A playground waits nearby for the children. Above is an observation deck and sunning area for the most private of tanning!

The Play House. Not only is there a playground, there is an air-conditioned playhouse with beautiful wood ceilings and floors.

The Equestrienne’s Dream. Your guests will never complain about not having enough activities!  With a stable that boards six horses, a training ring and grazing fields, this estate is now an equestrienne’s dream – not only for the horses but for the people who love them!

Sports Enthusiasts. Strike up a game of basketball on your private outdoor court, a game of tennis – or perhaps eighteen holes of miniature golf!  Keep the entire family in shape after one of those gourmet dinners! There is time to compete in a quick game of B-ball on your own court with the little guys or a quick game of tennis as the sun sets over the preserve marking the end of another fruitful day.

Antique Car Enthusiasts (Over 4000+ Square Feet Detached Garage). For the collector, there exists a fifteen-car, totally electrically equipped, air-conditioned garage, complete with tool room and two over-sized garage doors for easy access.

Ease of Access. With a helipad for quick in-and-out as well as an FAA-approved air strip which can land a King-Air airplane, your travel from your private retreat into the city or other metropolitan areas is a snap. A mini-golf cart path surrounds the property for ease in traveling from the manor home to the ancillary structures.

Words and photos cannot truly express the magnificence of this estate.  You must experience it for yourself.

The public schools in the area:

• Elementary: Norma Butler Bossard (FCAT Scores)
• Middle: Jorge Mas Canosa (FCAT Scores)
• High School: South Dade Senior High (FCAT Scores)

Offered at $6,999,000.
_________________

CAVEAT: School boundaries are subject to change. Prior to purchasing any property, please check: dadeschools.net – property locator. All square footage are estimates or are according to the tax rolls and may slightly differ.

Live the Life you have always dreamed you could!  Be the envy of all as you live it up in your one of a kind designer beach front condo.  Every inch of this exquisite home is brand new.  Dreamy views of ocean & Intercoastal.  Two master suites and guest room.  Finely appointed upgrades include coral wall and columns, polished Travertine floors,hard wood flooring, customized doors and frames.  Granite counter tops in the kitchen.  condo is wired for speakers throughout.  Faux  finishes and designer window treatments.

This beautiful rental can be yours for $2,990.00 a month with water and cable included.  Feel like your on vacation every day.

In South Coconut Grove, I just listed an 11,600 square foot lot priced at $550,000 ($47.00 psf).  It sits on Ventura Avenue between Braganza Avenue and La Playa Boulevard.  The lot size is 11,600 square feet.  The beauty of this lot is that it sits in the center of a great street surrounded by million dollar homes and has already been cleared and is ready to build.  See photos below.

So far this year in the South Grove there have been 3 land sales.  The first was a 10,000 square foot lot on 3855 Poinciana Avenue with a list price of $495,000 and a sale price of $450,000 (sold for $45.00 per square foot).  The second was a 15,000 square foot lot on 4060 Battersea Road with a list price of $749,000 and a sale price of $550,000 (sold for $36.00 per square foot).  The third was an 11,287 square foot lot on 3777 Irvington Avenue with a list price of $425,000 and sale price of $412,000 (sold for $36.50 per square foot).

If you are interested in finding out more about this property, feel free to give me a call at 305.342.1623 or you can also contact me here.

Keeping buyers informed of the townhouse market in Coconut Grove, here are the following pending and closed sales for June of 2009.

June Pending Coconut Grove Townhouses:

June Sold Coconut Grove Townhouses:

To stay updated with all Coconut Grove real estate information, receive my blog posts via email by subscribing here.  Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a followup email.

This Week

The median condominium price in Aventura 33180 is $360,000.  Inventory has been tightening and days-on-market increasing recently.  The Market Action Index (MAI) has been basically flat, not providing strong indication for market conditions.

Price

This week we again see a downward notch for prices.  Pricing has been weak in recent weeks and versus their absolute-high level.  At this point, we will be looking for a persistent upward shift in the MAI as a leading indicator for a trough in prices.

Inventory

Inventory has been falling in recent weeks.  Note that declining inventory alone does not signal a strengthening market.  Look to the MAI and Days on Market trends to gauge whether buyer interest is changing with the available supply.

Market Action Index

In Aventura 33180 the MAI is strongly in the Buyer’s Market zone.  The 90-day MAI stands at 13, so with several months of inventory available at the current sales rate, buyers should find ample choice.

Days on Market

The properties have been on the market for an average of 292 days.  Half of the listings have come newly on the market in the past 301 or so days.  Watch the 90-day DOM trend for signs of a changing market.

For more information contact me at (305) 329-4929 or solovay.m@ewm.com

]]> http://whatsthepiontofaventura.com/2009/06/29/condominium-market-report-for-aventura-fl/feed/ 0 http://therealestatemango.com/2009/06/29/four-important-principles-to-follow-when-remodeling-a-room-or-the-entire-house/ http://therealestatemango.com/2009/06/29/four-important-principles-to-follow-when-remodeling-a-room-or-the-entire-house/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:02:06 +0000 leeheuer http://therealestatemango.com/2009/06/29/four-important-principles-to-follow-when-remodeling-a-room-or-the-entire-house/ People Aren’t Moving As Often As They Were Because It Is More Difficult To Sell Their Homes!!  The Result Is A Surge In Remodeling.

The following are some tips to follow to avoid very expensive mistakes:

• Engage a designer to execute a plan for all the changes you want to make
• Hire a contractor who will be able to read the plans and most importantly be able to hire the licensed and insured sub contractors who will work in the various parts of the job, like the plumbing, electrical, tile, glass etc.
• Be sure to have a legal contract between you and the contractor and have that contract examined and approved by an attorney
• When writing the contract, be sure to include a date certain for completion with penalties for over run.

• Before you go out and buy appliances and tiles, confer with the contractor and if possible, have him go with you to the suppliers to be sure you are buying the proper materials.

• Last, but not least, make sure permits are pulled for the work that requires it.  When you sell in the future, you will be asked if the work had been permitted by the county.

Lately, I have seen some homes that were remodeled and in the process, expensive mistakes were made.  Many people, that I spoke to, did not hire licensed and insured workers and had no recourse when the work was inferior.

Most people hired each worker separately and had no contractor to coordinate the work.  This is time consuming and fraught with potential problems since the average homeowner has no practical knowledge of the work involved.

You can contact me for more information and resources.

The market offers a variety of Argentinian goodies and meat cuts. At La Rural we can find the best steak for our Grill or if we don’t feel like cooking let them do it for you and stay in the Restaurant. The tables are in the Terrace overlooking a little lake in an extraordinary ambiance.The food is very good and the prices unbeatable. If you go don’t miss as appetizer the grilled provolone cheese with herbs along with a cup of red wine.

The owner is always there helping you find exactly what you are looking for and making sure the service is excellent.

On Friday and Saturday live music by Paul Stewart in the guitar allows you to enjoy a variety of melodies taking you to far away places.

Location: 2346 Weston Rd, Weston, FL‎ – (954) 389-5009‎