Imagine the cultural challenges of a young teen leaving the comforts of home from half way around the world to a new world of extreme lifestyles,divers religions and varied aspirations.

As a proud Iranian-American, I now confidently call Miami “home”—Miami-a place where multi-cultural living is intertwined with the tropical colors of her urban and suburban lifestyles. Where else in the world can you be seriously shopping in the morning, sunning on one of her beautiful white sand beaches late afternoon, and boarding a jet to New York by evening!

Living in Miami has afforded me growth both personally and professionally. It is in Miami that I enjoy the unique freedom this great country has to offer blended with rich fabric of my own heritage, culture and native language of Farsi, I sincerely can say “doostet daram, Miami” which means “I love you, Miami !”

The architect of Miami-Dade County’s $3 billion Florida Marlins stadium giveaway is seething at a New York Times report that pinpoints some of the boondoggle’s worst aspects.

The article “took unwarranted editorial liberties and omitted important facts about our decision,” County Manager George Burgess wrote in a letter to reporter Ken Belson that he copied to the paper’s top executives, county and city executives and elected officials and, of course, the Marlins.

The article, headed “In Lean Times, Miami Pays Most of Cost for New Ballpark,” pointed out that the deal proceeded in the depths of the recession and that in return for the county and City of Miami covering three-quarters of the stadium costs they “will receive no new revenue from the park, and the team can keep all the money from the 50 luxury suites, concessions and advertising, as well as from naming rights, which alone could generate more than $100 million.”

To read the remainder of this article, visit: http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/091008/story-viewpoint.shtml

Animal Relief Areas at Miami International Airport

As part of the $2.6 billion Major Capital Improvement Program that will continue through the year 2010 4 Animal Relief Areas have been created at Miami International Airport. MIA is the third largest airport in USA, on 2008 it served 16.1 million passengers; after NY Kennedy (#1) and LA International (#2). On 2008 MIA ranked #1 in International Freight.

Despite the volume of activity the flow at the airport moves very efficiently. The ability to check at the curbside, even for International flights, is a time saver. Another thing I noticed in my last trip is that now Immigration for Residents/US Citizens and Visitors are done in two completely separate areas; the set up looks improvised…I don’t know if it is something temporary or permanent.
As it reads in their web site:
“Miami International Airport’s (MIA) and the General Aviation Airports’ annual economic impact is $26.7 billion. MIA and related aviation industries contribute 282,043 jobs directly and indirectly to the local economy. That equates to one out of 4.1 jobs.”

At MIA there is always something new going on!

Animal Relief Area at South Terminal MIA

What IS a short sale ?     A seller, SHORT the money needed to pay off their mortgage, asks the bank to accept less than the full repayment of the mortgage … eliminating part of the stigma of  going into full foreclosure.   By attempting to sell their house at less than what they may owe on the mortgage, the buyer feels they are getting a deal.  Not always the case!  Often the houses listed for SHORT SALE were purchased at the height of the the market.  They are not necessarily the BEST DEALS, but the owner may have overpaid.   Markets fluctuate. Prices drop.  A homeowner wanting to sell something they bought at the height of market will be hard pressed not to take a hit if they are forced to sell in a housing market that has dropped.    Take a look at properties purchased years ago …   with sellers happy to reap the benefits of a natural market progession, and a decent profit on their original purchase.   Don’t limit yourself to looking for hardship cases, of sellers who paid at the peak of the market and can’t hold on any longer.  Look for the MULTITUDES of deals there are out there.  Get a realtor to help sort through them and guide you.

This property is really ALL ABOUT THE OUTDOORS, and the LIFESTYLE OF LIVING on E-LAKE!

The ONLY thing hard about living on E-Lake would be leaving  for work in the morning!   Fortunately the location is central and  just minutes to Coral Gables, South Miami, Coconut Grove, Miami International Airport and the expressway.

Wild horses couldn’t  tear me away!                                                            May I invite you to see it?

Perhaps you’d like to know a little something about the inside the house at 9200 SW 140 St?     Beautifully UPDATED 4 bdrm/ 2 bath home with rich amber-colored travertine flooring and  Brazilian cherrywood floors throughout…   a comfortable flow. 

Spacious and elegant kitchen design,    perfect for entertaining…  granite counters,  warming drawer, wine fridge, self-closing drawers, exquisite cabinetry work, and stainless steel appliances.

There’s a charming breakfast room … with glass  doors overlooking the garden and pool.   This E-lake house is available now, listed for sale at $1,195,000.00 ( 9200 SW 140 St – Miami – Florida 33176 )

The interior of the home is light and open… the family room framed by a massive fireplace  that just begs to be lit (…even if you might have to crank up the air conditioner first!).  Glass doors overlook  the grounds. There’s a separate, formal,  comfortable dining room for entertaining.

Gardens are tasefully and lavishly landscaped… and … the backyard will   absolutely TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY!  9200 SW 140 Street.  E-Lake is a totally RECREATIONAL lake in  Miami, Florida.

The setting and the ambiance give this  home a somewhat secluded feel (in the very best sense of the word)… E-lake, and this particular house at 9200 SW 140 Street, are a world apart from the hustle-bustle of Miami. What sets it apart most is the magnificence of the lake, the superb backyard and grounds, and the subtle elegance of the home itself.

Sun, shade, nooks and crannies  … You can      curl up under the palms and tree canopy with a good book … or wander   off to savor your   morning ‘caffe’ on a    shady terrace…. relax       in the backyard …  or stroll barefoot  along      the waterfront  …  burrowing  your toes in the sand.

Start the day out right, go for a swim… take the boat for a spin…then unwind in paradise after a day out in the ‘real world’.   Just come home… Living on E-Lake is unique … offering you an utterly enviable lifestyle … and this home offers  a rare chance to have that!

In the back there’s a spacious chickee hut surrounded by a moat/pond…a beautiful Koi pond with sounds of the waterfall that feeds into it. Property on E-Lake is not often available.  This home at 9200 SW 140th Street  is situated on a corner lot. It’s one of the most sought-after  locations on E-Lake… and the home itself  is beautifully re-done!  Waterfront with understated beauty and a lifestyle you won’t find anywhere else.

The outdoor allure of E-Lake is unique…        simultaneously offering you an active lifestyle along with a  tranquil twist.

Shady nooks and  crannies to curl up with a book … savor your morning ‘caffe’ …. or unwind after a day in the ’real world’.

Come home to paradise, to pampering… and to utter relaxation.

One of the most sought-after waterfront locations           on E-Lake!

Come home.   The REST is ALL ABOUT YOU!

Call the Restivo’s … and take a peak a what E-Lake is all about.  MiamiRealEstateCafe.com

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY August 23  (noon-2pm)

BROKERS OPEN: WEDNESDAY August  26 (noon-3)

Cristina Pastori, Jordin Sparks and Alexandra Restivo

Season Six American Idol winner Jordin Sparks made a stop at Y-100’s studio Wednesday morning with a secret performance and interview. A few lucky fans were treated to Jordin’s “One Step At A Time” and her current single “Battlefield,” as well as a Q&A with the audience. She is currently on tour with the Jonas Brothers and will be joining Britney Spears on the second leg of her Circus Tour, returning to the American Airlines Arena on September 2.

Watch the video, where Jordin sings two songs and mentions loving Miami as well as having family living in the area. The 20 year old singer is just as she was on the tv show…down to earth and sweet; very dedicated to her fans and appreciative of all our support.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to see a brochure and contact Vicki or Alexandra with any questions!

I sell homes in Miami… all kinds of homes, and all over… from the Keys up as far as Hallandale (mostly in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, South Miami and Pinecrest though) .

I’m asked (a lot of questions!) – not only questions about the house itself,  or about the buying-process, or for guidance on what to offer and why…   but as to what any  given ”neighborhood” is like.

Here’s what I suggest:  Driving by will give you a “rough idea”.   Rather than just driving by once though,  swing back by  again…. at another time of day.  If you’ve seen a house on a Monday morning,  spin by later in the afternoon or in the evening … or over the weekend.    Wander the neighborhood. Explore the streets. Talk with the neighbors.  Get a feel for what it would be like, to actually live there. Hang out for awhile.  Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make.  If it’s going to BE YOUR HOME,  take a few minutes to feel at home!  Miami is FULL of beautiful neighborhoods and homes to choose from.  It may be tougher than you think to narrow down the choices.  We look forward to welcoming you to Miami, and helping you find just the right fit!

LOOK AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD DESCRIPTIONS ON MiamiRealEstateCafe.com and  take a peak at the NEIGHBORHOOD BLOGS  (listed by BLOG CATEGORY )  … for insider information, tips, chuckles, and otherwise USEFUL insight!!!

One resource that’s very helpful for new residents is the Miami Dade Website… stocked full of information on schools and school boundaries, parks, libraries, utility companies, trash pick up dates, general community information.  Put in an address, and it will spit out a wealth of valuable information on that particular neighborhood…. That link to the  Miami-Dade Website  is a great tool.  We look forward to helping you find the right house… in a neighborhood you’ll feel at home in.   Beach?  Brickell?  Urban or suburbs?  High rise condo, townhouse or single family home?  Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Miami Beach or South Miami?  Miami has a wealth of possibilities to choose from!  Explore the listings on our website http://MiamiRealEstateCafe.com or call  305 793-1365.  Alexandra and Vicki Restivo would be pleased to help, whether you are wanting to buy, or looking to sell!