Miami Condo

Architect for a Day, Home for a Lifetime

2007-10-07T01:04:00.000-04:00

Ever had the itch to design the architecture of your residence... but lack that degree in architecture? Miami's Oppenheim Architecture and Design says you can still be on the planning team!

From the original article (in Business 2.0 Magazine, also available online on CNN Money)

The $40 million, 15-story Cube, located in Miami's Design District, lets its residents-to-be choose the layout and size of their units by buying small cubes of space in the building.

[...]

There are more than 112 modules available - not counting the ones residents will design to jut from the sides.

More about Oppenheim Architecture and Design

Key Largo - Unique Real Estate Opportunity - Great Investment

2007-09-23T11:19:00.000-04:00

Buy a piece of paradise. This miniature resort of a hotel is located in Key Largo, Florida, overlooking beautiful ocean views. The hotel is so relaxing and enchanting, it led Trip Advisor to award it "Best Hidden Gem 2006"!

Key Largo boutique hotel

Completely Renovated
6 Guest Suites
Kitchenette in each Suite
Staff Quarters and Laundry Facilities

Key Largo Waterfront Property

1 Acre of Land
Private Dock
Beach

Kayaks
Two Tiki Huts
Grills

Far too much to list about this unique Key Largo Real Estate Investment!

$ 3.75 Million
Call Jim Haas (305) 801-6550
View my listing at EWM Realtors
View a virtual tour
View it on Zillow.com

Mortgage Fraud - FBI: "Epidemic"

2007-09-23T02:30:00.000-04:00

NBC 6 South Florida had a segment on mortgage fraud. According to the report mortgage fraud is being labeled as epidemic by the FBI. In what areas? It sounds as though it is widespread, but it is noted that it is happening "...in unlikely places - neighborhoods in Coral Gables, Pincecrest, and Pricey Gables by the Sea." EWM's own Beth Butler was quoted during the segment:

"In a week's time we might see more mortgage fraud offers than we do legitimate offers"
- EWM Realtor Beth Butler

The story is online including a link to view the video segment.

Londoner's Eyeing the Miami Condo Market?

2007-09-19T20:03:00.000-04:00

I was searching for reading material online today and came across an article that mentioned the Miami condo market. This article presents and interesting scenario from across the pond in London. I'll just quote the article to get it right:

On my frequent travels to the U.K., I am often asked for real estate tips from Londoners who want to buy a piece of the American dream. Who can blame them, since we are willing to sell our dreams so cheaply? It seems that the collapse of real estate prices in southern Florida, especially in Miami, is attracting quite a bit of interest from Europe and the U.K. After all, a flight from London's cold winter to sunny southern Florida takes just nine hours. Now that one Great Britain Pound is worth nearly twice the value of a U.S. Dollar, and there is a glut of available condos in the Miami area, expect to see more of our friends from the U.K. at the beach next year.

See you at the beach!

Miami Mover's Cheat Sheet

2007-09-15T23:39:00.000-04:00

I've prepared the list below for those moving to Miami from another city, state, or country. If you're looking for something and not finding it, don't hesitate to ask!

Florida and Miami Local News and Current Events

Miami Local Weather Conditions

Miami Utility Companies, Television and Internet Providers

Electricity: Florida Power and Light
Telephone and Internet: BellSouth - Residential, BellSouth - Business
Television (CableTV): BellSouth, Comcast
Water & Sewer: Miami-Dade Water & Sewer

Miami/Florida Sports Teams

Greater Miami Area School Information

Brickell Key Condo - 2/2.5 $599,000

2007-09-11T15:34:00.000-04:00

Live in a Miami Architectural Icon. This condominium is often referred to as the "Miami Vice Building," readily identified by its famed palm tree Sky Court and Red Stairs. This unique architectural masterpiece was instrumental in changing Miami's image.

Condo Details

The Atlantis on Brickell in beautiful Brickell Key - Unit 1403
2025 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
1,900 Square Feet
2 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath
Constructed in 1982
Listing Price: $599,000

Atlantis on Brickell Amenities

Bay Front / Water Front Property
Heated Pool and Spa/Hot Tub
Tennis Court
Clubhouse/Clubroom
Work out Facilities and Sauna
All Appliances
Washer and Dryer
Walk-in Closets
Central, Electric Heating
Alarm System and Fire Alarm

These units are rarely for sale - don't miss out on this one! Contact me for more information about this Brickell Key condo.

View Larger Map

Coconut Grove Realtor Profile: Jim Haas

2007-09-11T14:15:00.000-04:00

I recently joined up with a real estate web site network called ActiveRain. ActiveRain is full of information for real estate agents, mortgage professionals, buyers and sellers.

Currently (for today at least!) ActiveRain has me as the top listed Real Estate Agents in Coconut Grove! To view my profile on ActiveRain, click the ActiveRain image above.

Coral Gables Thrives in Troublesome Miami Real Estate Market

2007-09-09T12:52:00.000-04:00

With the news abuzz with tales of nightmarish situations for both real estate owners and real estate developers in the metropolitan Miami area, it's worth nothing that highly desirable areas can be relatively immune to deteriorating market conditions.

In the greater Miami area, one example of a resilient area is Coral Gables. Sales data indicates that the average selling price in Coral Gables rose from $1.2 million to $1.4 million, posting a $200,000 increase. During the same period, the greater Miami market posted declining numbers. What makes Coral Gables different?

First off, Coral Gables isn't alone, and, the factors that make certain communities immune to a shaky market aren't hard to trace. Consider Coral Gables:

Coral Gables is in an excellent geographic location
Coral Gables is a highly established, prestigious locality
Housing in Coral Gables is largely comprised of high-quality construction (whether newer or established)
Coral Gables boasts higher than average median household income and excellent schooling options
Coral Gables is close to employment and economic centers of Miami-Dade County

Consider newer, outlying areas which have been hit the hardest by the recent market challenges. You'll likely find these areas:

Were built at an explosive rate, with new construction
Mainly targeted the middle class, often with pricing that challenged their budget
Weren't necessarily located near established employment and economic centers
Lack the patina of a community like Coral Gables; often in an area socio-economically earmarked as low-to-middle class
Lack high quality schooling and cultural venues within a short distance

Coral Gables is an anomaly in the current conversation surrounding the South Miami property market. It's not the only one, however, and, regardless of situation, there are opportunities in Miami's real estate market worth considering.

Miami-Dade County School Information

2007-09-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

If you're considering moving to a greater Miami town (such as Coconut Grove, Biscayne Bay, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, or Miami itself) from another state, you're likely curious to get additional information about our education system and what options are available for education.

Public Schools
A great site that is free to use which has information on area schools is Public School Review. The site has statistics including the Median Housing Value, Total Number of Students Attending, and the Teacher to Student Ratio. You'll also find links to get more information from state sources (such as test scores).

View public high school, middle school, and elementary school information for Miami-Dade County.

Other Schooling Options
If you're more interested in Private, Boarding or Military schooling, the site does provide some information. While there is a link to Private Schools, it provides no information. There are, however, Private School listings intermingled with the Public School information. For College Prepatory and Junior Boarding schools limited details are provided.

Is a Condo Right for You?

2007-09-08T02:37:00.000-04:00

So, you're considering investing in a condo here in sunny South Florida! While you've likely put a lot of thought into the purchase of a condo compared with a single-family residence or townhouse, I still feel compelled to provide some food for thought in the decision making process.

You should consider buying a condo if...

You have no interest in performing any exterior maintenance on your dwelling
You like perks like a swimming pool, valet parking and a concierge
You aren't opposed to, or more clearly, you are interested in many close-by neighbors
You don't need a yard for a pet or child

And, lastly:

You're prepared to pay a premium for the aforementioned points - Condominium association fees, especially in the Miami condo market, are inclusive, but decidedly steep.

Miami Condo Sales Volume and Price Statistics

2007-09-08T02:05:00.001-04:00

With all of the chatter about sales inventory and pricing in the greater Miami condominium resale market, I thought I'd share some hard numberes from a recent FAR (Florida Associaton of Realtors) press release.

Comparative Miami Condo Sales Report - Sales Volume

Existing condo Realtor sales

Q2 2006: 3,190
Q2 2007: 1,830
Change: 43% decrease

Comparative Miami Condo Sales Report - Median Sales Price

Existing condo Realtor sales

Q2 2006: $377,500
Q2 2007: $385,000
Percentage Change: 2% Increase

Miami Condo Spotlight: Asia Condo (Brickell Key)

2007-09-07T02:11:00.000-04:00

Located in Brickell Key, one of Miami's best examples of upscale urban living, Asia Condo provides the best in exclusive waterfront living.

The developer, Swire properties has an impeccable track record of exerting world class design, quality and history to each project it undertakes. Regarding ASIA at Brickell Key the condominium developer states:

ASIA is Brickell Key's most exclusive creation by Swire's US real estate development arm, Swire Properties incorporated.

That exclusivity is easily found in these luxury condos. A few facts regarding ASIA at Brickell Key:

36 stories
123 units
Property classification: Luxury condominiums
12 foot ceilings
Staffed workout facilities
1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom condos available
24 hour on-site security
Dual parking spaces for each condo
Advanced biometric security
Concierge Service
Valet Parking
Price range: $875,000 - $6,000,000
Completion date: Q4 2007/Q1 2008

Miami Condo Bust or Buying Opportunity?

2007-09-07T01:08:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that the brakes have been applied on the Miami Condo boom. The overly exuberant condo market which flourished in the first half of the decade created an unprecedented building spree-a spree which now finds itself without the aggressive purchasing trends which create it. From Biscayne Bay to Coconut Grove It's a tougher time to be a condo developer in Miami, but it's not all bad.

While there is more inventory on the market and sales cycles have lengthened, what most real estate agents and developers will tell you is that this is a correction, not a crash; expect things to stabilize, not spiral out of control. That said, a correction is a correction.

What does this mean for the Miami condo buyer? Good things, on several fronts.

First, now that the buying frenzy is officially a historical note, prices during this 'correction' should return to more realistic levels. Buyers edged-out by the purchasing frenzy will find themselves again able to consider a condo purchase. The luxury condo buyer won't see the same deep discounts that the mid-range shopper, simply due to the same overruns in the most exclusive price ranges, but expect discounts at all price points.

Second, buyers will be able to shop with more confidence that their purchasing power brings something to the table. The days are gone of a condo hitting the market on Friday and being sold by Saturday morning. The power of the pocketbook creates room for negotiation and concession.

Finally, more opportunity to choose the perfect home exists in the market now than in several years. Since you won't be faced with making a snap decision and plunking down tens (or hundreds!) of thousands of dollars in earnest money to protect your find the minute you walk in the door, you'll have the opportunity to shop the market and find that perfect condo.

Whatever your budget, if you're considering a condo in downtown Miami, South Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or Biscayne Bay watch the market closely. Monitor pricing fluctuations and weigh out the pros and cons of buying or waiting to see if prices continue their decline. You've seen that sunset, right? It's still beautiful southern Florida. Don't miss getting your piece of paradise hoping that prices will drop perpetually. This market has weathered its share of storms, and one thing is for sure-the buyers will be back.

Welcome to my Miami Condo Blog

2007-09-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome! My name is Jim Haas, and I'm a real estate veteran in the greater Miami real estate market. I work with buyers and sellers alike with the goal of providing exceptional customer service. I love being a real estate agent, and I love the Miami area.

Some of my favorite areas, and coincidentally some of the areas with the most interesting condos include Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, and Brickell Key as well as several premier localities in the greater Miami area.

If you find yourself with a question about Miami real estate, don't hesitate to ask. If you enjoy what you read here, please book mark my blog or subscribe to my RSS feed.

Best,
Jim Haas