EWM Realtors » South Miami http://blog.ewm.com Public Blog Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:54:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables – High Pines Active, Pending & Closed Sales http://blog.ewm.com/2009/11/17/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-high-pines-active-pending-closed-sales/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/11/17/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-high-pines-active-pending-closed-sales/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:17:48 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=27887 MLX reports as of November 16, 2009 13 active listings in High Pines. 7 were built from 2005 to 2009 while the remaining 6 were built 1949 to 1953. The last 6 months has seen 12 closed sales -7 of the homes were built in the 1950s, 4 in the 1940s, and 1 in the 1990s. There are presently 4 pending sales. Interestingly 2 were from homes built in 2007, 1 from 2008 and 1 from 1960. The closed sales ranged from a high of $890,000 to a low of $415,000.  The pending sales (and all we can use is the asking price as the contract price is not known until the actual closing occurs) were $1,764,000, $1,499,000, $1,180,000, and $499,000. It is too early to tell if the pending sales reflect an interest in the newer higher priced homes or if the sellers of these homes “had” to sell and radically dropped their prices.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/11/17/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-high-pines-active-pending-closed-sales/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables – City Of South Miami Commision Meeting http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/12/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-city-of-south-miami-commision-meeting/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/12/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-city-of-south-miami-commision-meeting/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:15:50 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=26426 Though the City of South Miami handled the budget crisis much more adroitly than other cities, it hasn’t escaped unscathed as the city commission unexpectedly fired the city manager last Tuesday. They had decided to appoint a new interim city manager Thursday, but didn’t do that so they could have more time to interview candidates. In addition the city commission could not determine how much severance pay to give to the former manager. On the one hand the city manager’s contract specifies that he is entitled to 6 months while the city’s charter specifies that he should receive 30 days. Lets hope the city doesn’t spend more in fees determining the answer than the 6 months he might be owed. More to come on this matter.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/12/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-city-of-south-miami-commision-meeting/feed/ 1 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables – Making a Beer Run http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/09/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-making-a-beer-run/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/09/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-making-a-beer-run/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:01:28 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=26389 One of the great aspects of our neighborhood is our immediate proximity to the University of Miami. In just a few minutes we can be on campus and hear and see the likes of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Barack Obama, go to great sports events, or work out in the modern Wellness Center. But one item that is usually overlooked is the great collection of beers at the “Stop N Shop” at 5885 Ponce De Leon, Coral Gables about a 1/4 of a mile south of Alex Rodriquez Park. Undoubtedly this startling collection of beers would never be at the this location if it weren’t for its proximity to the main entrance to the University Of Miami. So, if you are looking for beer, I would suggest that you forgo the other other local establishments  selling beer and head directly for the “Stop N Shop” .

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/09/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-making-a-beer-run/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables – What is going on at the South Miami City Hall http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/08/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-what-is-going-on-at-the-south-miami-city-hall/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/08/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-what-is-going-on-at-the-south-miami-city-hall/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:40:08 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=26316 Last week I commended the City of South Miami commission for bringing in a good budget at a good tax rate. This week I am sitting at my desk scratching my head thinking “what in the devil are they doing.” Apparently at Tuesday’s meeting the commissioners fired their city manager on the spot for who knows what reason on a 3-1 vote. The mayor who voted against the firing  according to the Miami Herald “stormed out of the room after casting the dissenting vote because he wanted no part of that disgraceful show”. The Vice Mayor had to adjourn the meeting after the mayor left as there no longer was a quorum. Bet there is more to come on this topic.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/08/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-what-is-going-on-at-the-south-miami-city-hall/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables – Gables Estates http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/07/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-gables-estates/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/07/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-gables-estates/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:20:27 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=26191 As of Oct. 7, 2009 there were 10 homes listed for sale in Gables Estates with list prices ranging from a high $49,500,000 to a low $4,999,999 with per sq. ft. prices ranging from a high of $2,372 to a low of $785. The median price is $14,700,000. In the past 6 months there have been 5 closed sales in Gables Estates ranging from a high of $5,500,000 to a low of $4,300,000. Per sq. ft prices have have ranged from $776 to $620 except for 1 where the per sq. ft. price was $420. There is one pending sale which had a list price of $6,900,000 and a price per sq. ft. of $869. The actual sale price and price per sq. ft will not be known until the closing occurs.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/07/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-gables-estates/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables – Casa Larios http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/06/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-casa-larios/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/06/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-casa-larios/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:46:05 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=26133 I have lived in High Pines for such a long time that I  probably have tried most all of the restaurants in both South Miami and Coral Gables. One of my favorites, and the one I frequent the most is Casa Larios at 5859 SW 73 St., South Miami. In trying to figure out what is the best part of going there I keeping going back to the “Mojitos”. Mojitos are a drink that can be easily corrupted and Amercanized, but trust me that does not occur at Larios, as we call it. The mojitos really hit the spot, but you can’t drink too many as the bartenders know that rum is the key ingredient. Notwithstanding the mojitos Larios serves breakfast, lunch,and dinner. All three meals are good, not too expensive, and the help is nice. I am a gringo so I don’t really know how “true” Cuban the food is, but, whether it is or not the food is good. So, I would recommend you try Larios and definitely drink a mojito or two, just not for breakfast. That is the time to hit the cafe con leche. Hope to catch you there.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/10/06/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-casa-larios/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/30/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-20/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/30/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-20/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:02:18 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=25847 After 3 budget meetings the City of Coral Gables commissioners approved a 2009-2010 budget but not with out increasing the new tax rate to $5.895 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Last year’s figure was $5.25. Even with the substantial tax rate increase layoffs will occur in the city. 60 workers already are facing job losses but more will as the City Manager had based his original budget figure at a tax rate of $5.995.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/30/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-20/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines and Coral Gables http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/27/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-19/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/27/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-19/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:25:54 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=25744 Congratulations to the City of South Miami commissioners who approved a lower tax rate and approved the city’s budget. The city commissioners did this by eliminating cost of living raises for non union employees (saving about $131,000) and by reducing the legal department’s budget from $412,000 to about $250,000. The city’s budget totals $19. 2 million. The city had planned to spend $35,000 to install a new sound system in the community center, but decided that the money would be better spent in resuming weekly visits of a social worker to the city’s senior center.

The City of Coral Gables’ budget meetings will be held this coming  Tuesday.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/27/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-19/feed/ 0 Living in South Miami, High Pines, and Coral Gables http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/26/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-18/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/26/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-18/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:27:56 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=25738 One of the first questions that arises when you move into a community is “where do I shop for my groceries”. We are pretty lucky in the Greater South Miami area as we have 3 major chain stores conveniently close by. Of course the selection is always a personal one, but my favorite hands down is the Whole Foods store located at 6701 Red Road. First of all it is easy to get into, has ample  covered (always a positive in rainy South Florida) parking on the 2nd floor, has wide aisles, a helpful staff, and best of all stocks good food. Whole Foods has a national reputation for high quality merchandise, and this store is no exception. I happen to like the large wine department,the meat department, prepared foods, and the in-store dining room. My second choice would be the Publix Market at 885 Monza.  Publix has been in South Florida for many years and has earned a well deserved reputation as a leader in the industry. Unfortunately the Monza store is a difficult store to move around in. First of all the parking lot is often filled, and you may find yourself forced to use a road side parking meter. Then you walk into the store and are often barraged by solicitors who want a financial contribution to their charity.  Once you get in the fun begins! The store is so crowded that you are always bumping into other shoppers in aisles. By the time you are finished you are exasperated with what you have gone through just to shop at Publix. That being said the store has high quality food, and the employees are nice. The third choice is Winn Dixie at 5850 SW 73 St. The store has good parking, and it is easy to access in downtown South Miami. It is a typical chain market which I have no problem using.

]]> http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/26/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-18/feed/ 1 Living in South Miami, High Pines, and Coral Gables http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/25/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-17/ http://blog.ewm.com/2009/09/25/living-in-south-miami-high-pines-and-coral-gables-17/#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:35:39 +0000 TK Heatley http://blog.ewm.com/?p=25679 Abutting High Pines and partially in Coral Gables and Dade County is the expensive section known as “Davis Ponce”. The major difference between the the homes in Davis Ponce and High Pines are the larger lots and larger homes in Davis Ponce . As of September 24, 2009 there were 31 single family homes for sale in Davis Ponce with list prices ranging from $6,250,000 to $1,190,000 and a median price of $2,900,000. The per sq. ft. price ranged from $956 to $254. In the past 6 months there have been 3 closings in Davis Ponce: 1 for $4,665,000 ($524 per sq. ft) on  3/31, 1 for $2,080,000 ($244 per sq. ft.) on 7/23, and 1 for $2,280,000 ($467 per sq. ft.) on 8/03. There are presently 3 pending sales: 1 with a list price $5,550,000, 1 with a list  price$1,950,000, and 1 with a list price $1,599,000.

Since the Davis Ponce area is such an upscale neighborhood with its attendant expensive homes, sales have been down. But, the community is beautiful,is close in, and is near a number of good public, parochial, and private schools so it is hoped that sales will increase as the economy improves.

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