MJ Miami Real Estate

Miami Luxury and Commercial Real Estate Seller Services

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:17:00 +0000

It is more crucial than ever to be represented by real estate professional who understands the intricacies of multi-million dollar transactions and who can influentially convey the value of your home with confidence, especially in these uncertain economic times.

I am experienced with a proven track record of selling Miami luxury homes and Miami Commercial real estate. My focus is to give the client solid guidance throughout the selling process, precise information, and overall the best quality of service. My comprehensive marketing campaign is tailored for each individual property, I am always personally available for showings, provide negotiation techniques aimed to protect and position you, and close guidance through the inspection and escrow process. I value every transaction and will be there from beginning to end.

My combined sphere of influence with Sunny Realty's distinguished reputation as one of the most visited websites in the Luxury and Commercial Miami real estate market, creates one of the largest personal real estate networks in the Miami area. With an average of 100,000 unique visitors monthly looking for Miami commercial and luxury properties this is unparallel exposure. Couple this with more traditional techniques such as direct mail, brochure, narrated video, broker open house and classified ads in luxury periodicals you have a winning strategy.

Become a Premier Seller and meet with me today. Contact me directly at 305-335-4144 or Matthew@MJmiamirealestate.com You can also complete a Real Estate Contact Form and I will follow-up with you within 24 hours.

Carbonell “The Jade Condo” of Brickell Key…

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:42:00 +0000

When you usually think of luxury condos in Brickell, the Jade Condo most likely comes to mind and if it doesn’t let me educate you. The Jade Condo Brickell was designed by Revuelta Vega Leon, which is responsible for developments such as Bristol Tower, Santa Maria Condominiums, Porto Vita and Jade Residences as well as Carbonell, just to name a few. You know when you step into a Revuelta Vega Leon development you are getting the very best of Miami luxury real estate. Let me not digress from the true focus, which is Carbonell the luxury condo development located on Brickell Key. This is kind of an “in the know” development for the simple reason it was not marketed to the public originally but to residence on Brickell Key. Carbonell was built in 2005, with 284 units. This was Revuelta Vega Leon subsequent development from Jade Brickell, which was built in 2004. He corrected all the design flaws from Jade, but kept the luxurious feel. If you are looking for a rental in this building then you are out of luck, you wont find one. Owners’ focus is to keep the integrity of the building and they have definitely succeeded.

The location of the building is ideal to be close enough to the action of Brickell but secluded enough to avoid the noise pollution. Also, if you are into fitness you will be hard pressed to find a development with a more complete array of equipment. The fitness center even has two racquetball courts! So this development definitely has the trinity of location, design and amenities. Come see for yourself why Carbonell is one of Miami top luxury condo developments. Also, take advantage of some of the great deals available!

An outing with Brazilian family to find their luxury vacation condo in Sunny Isles…

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:58:00 +0000

I had a great opportunity work with a Brazilian family in Miami searching for their second home in Sunny Isles. They were looking for a minimum of 3 bedrooms with no less than 2200 sqft. They expressed that it must have a spa with first-class treatments as well as a view of the ocean and intercoastal. The developments on the top of their list were Jade Beach, Jade Ocean, Trump Royal, Trump Palace, Trump Towers and Acqualina. An important aspect of the floor plan of the luxury Sunny Isles condo was the size of the bedrooms. Our first visit was Jade Ocean, which is one of the premiere luxury condo developments in Sunny Isles. Upon walking into the lobby there were very impressed by dramatic lobby. We viewed both the four bedroom “E” floor plan, and the three bedroom “D” floor plan. Even though they wanted the larger unit they felt the “E” floor plan layout was not functional because the fourth bedroom was too small. They really preferred the “D” because its layout was more functional.

The second visit on was Jade Ocean’s sister development Jade Beach. They were equally impressed by the dramatic views of the Ocean from the lobby and the layout of the 3-bedroom floor plan “A”. They loved the two wraparound balconies, which had both Ocean and intercoastal views. In a compare and contrast with Jade Ocean and Jade Beach they preferred, Jade Beach’s floor plan but Jade Ocean’s amenities.

The next on our list to see was Trump Royal and Trump Palace. They had high hopes for both developments and were not disappointed. In the lobby while waiting for the developer’s agent we discussed Brazil’s political situation with President Lula leaving office and his choice of Brazil’s finance minister Rousseff to be his successor. This conversation was cut short once the private elevator opened to the dramatic view of the 3-bedroom “A” floor plan. As soon as the elevator doors open you are greeted by a spectacular view of the ocean. The bedrooms are proportional and there is a view from every window. One aspect that gives the Trump’s Sunny Isles condo developments an advantage is the setback of the buildings are closer to the Ocean than any other buildings in Sunny Isles. The next stop was the Trump Royal, which is located directly to the North of Trump Palace. The Trump Royal is a newer than the Trump Palace, which my client immediately noticed once they walked into the lobby. Even the elevators are a new generation without buttons for residence’s floor; you just swipe your fab and it automatically jets you to your floor. Our focus in Trump Royal was on two floor plans, the “A” floor plan, (3 bed/ 3.5 bath 4025 sqft under AC) and floor plan “B”(3 bed/3.5 bath 3016 under AC). My clients were so impressed by Trump Palace and Trump Royal, they insisted on viewing Trump Towers too, so that was our next stop.

After being spoiled by Trump Royal’s lobby and stunning 4000 sqft unit it was hard to imagine something which could stand next to it. Even though Trump Tower’s lobby was impressive, Trump Royal had it beat but as soon as we walked into the unit it was demanding our respect. The “A” (2928 sqft under AC) unit with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths seamed flawless. As soon as the doors open the ocean rushes to greet you. The rooms are proportional, with a view in every room. The unobstructed south views from Tower 3 are priceless. As for the amenities no corner was cut and there is a gourmet restaurant in Tower 2, which all 3 Trump Towers share.

The last Sunny Isles luxury development on our list was Acqulina, which some consider the crown jewel of Sunny Isles Luxury Condos. My Brazilian clients said from the start Acqualinawas on the top of their list because a world-class spa was important. As soon as we pulled into the valet and the eagerly gracious staff greeted them, my clients looked at me with approval. As the lobby’s double doors were opened for them you just felt this building’s service was on a different level. The floor plan of focus in Acqulina was the Toscana, which is a 3-bedrooms/3-bathrooms (2,750 sqft). This corner floor plan offers unbelievable views from the Ocean and intercoastal. Another unique feature is all the units have a gas stove for the cooking enthusiasts. We looked at the last designer ready unit in the building, which is just a blank canvass for an exquisite designer.

They said choosing is the difficult part after seeing the best of what Sunny Isles luxury real estate has to offer. They are cash buyers so they have more leverage with a quick closing and no contingencies. It has been a pleasure working with them and it will be interesting to see how they come to their decision.

Our area of specialization is luxury condos, luxury homes and commercial properties

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:01:00 +0000

Our area of specialization is luxury condos, luxury homes and commercial properties in the Miami-Dade and Broward areas. We have extensive knowledge, marketing capacity, advanced technology and expertise to get the property sold quickly. Our international and local Internet exposure has made Sunny Realty a trusted and reputable name in South Florida real estate.

In this volatile market, you have to be able to adjust and with certified REO specialists we bring our clients first rate expertise to get distressed properties off their books. On our team, we have experienced and seasoned licensed certified REO specialist:

Sales agents
Mortgage planners
Technology specialists
Marketing specialists
Asset preservation
Licensed contractors
Legal and title specialists

Legal Affiliations

We have partnered with some of the most talented attorneys in the business to provide the highest quality legal services available. We provide you top lawyers with some 40 years of experience representing buyers, sellers and lenders. Our in-house counsel works to facilitate closings while advising clients to ensure they fully understand their rights and obligations. In fact, we take special care in familiarizing our clients with all aspects of the transactions they are considering.

Our attorney, Mark S. Schechner, specializes in residential and commercial transactions and financing, as well as:

Reverse mortgages
Credit repair
Foreclosure defense
REO/Short-sale negotiations
Equity loans

With direct access to the highest-rated and most-respected lawyers across all areas of our practice, our attorney functions as a liaison to legal specialists in a number of fields. We work with a bilingual law office (fluent in Spanish) and our client base stretches from South Florida to South America, Europe and Canada.

Mr. Schechner received his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University in 1969 and has been a member of the Florida Bar and American Bar Association since 1970.

Robert Hernandez joined the Law Office of Mark S. Schechner, P.A. in 2006 as a real estate paralegal. In his current role, Mr. Hernandez is responsible for conducting research on property titles, the preparation of legal documents and settlement statements, short sale negotiations and conducting real estate closings.

Concurrently, from 2006 to 2008, Robert also worked as senior loan officer and processor at Promark Mortgage, LLC, a boutique reverse mortgage correspondent lender, where he managed a team of four loan officers. Robert also has prior experience as a commercial real estate sales associate at Ash Property Group, Inc. and Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc., where he specialized in industrial and office properties as well as market analysis/financial modeling.

The condo market in Brickell has returned from the bowels.

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:15:00 +0000

The condo market in Brickell has returned from the bowels of the condo crash to only return a veritable force in Miami’s diverse real estate landscape. I lived in Brickell myself for three years when we were in the midst of the real estate collapse and it has completely changed for the better. When I lived in Brickell there were empty units everywhere, developers were desperate for renters and would basically lease to a tenant if they had a pulse. In the association’s defense they were just trying to keep revenue flowing to keep the building operating. Regardless, this seemed to only make the situation worse because they were renting to very undesirable tenants to say the least. I resided in a high-end condo in the middle of Brickell (I won’t say their name) but there were many nights I came home to someone passed-out intoxicated in the hallway. It was not unusual to enter the elevator with smell of alcohol, vomit, dog urine and cigarettes. It was such a tragedy to witness something that was conceptualized for an upscale lifestyle, degraded to a frat house for a bunch of jackasses, which had no vested interest in the building.

It has been amazing to watch how much things have changed in the past year. I just sold a unit in the same building to a family excited to take ownership. The building does not even resemble the abused, neglected and unappreciated objectivity of Miami’s condo glut. A lot of factors have contributed to this change, first being the association they finally took a tough stance and must have suffered cognitive dissonance from turning away renters when both the association and owners were desperate for cash flow. Their actions were one piece of the puzzle, the affordable prices attracted buyers, whom were cash buyers and started paying association fees. The building was transitioning to actual owners that could afford the unit and had a vested interest in the building. This is happening throughout the Brickell condo market. After speaking with the principle of Florida Foreclosure Transaction LLC, he stated the two buildings he is excited about in investment terms is One Miami and The Club at Brickell Bay. He has put his money where his mouth is by purchasing multiple units in each building. He feels the value is there, with reasonable association and a high demand for renters. That is not saying he will buy anything, it seems the investor price per sq ft is fluctuating between $160-$200 depending on the unit.

The Brickell condo market is also being helped by more than just investors but end users. Brickell is the home to many professionals such as bankers, lawyers and physicians who are taking advantage of the market. Either way you look at it Brickell is on the rise again, snubbing its nose at the naysayers and roaring back even stronger than before.

Brickell Condo Investor deals

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 00:37:00 +0000

The words positive cash flow and Brickell condos were two words usually never uttered in the same sentence until recently. There are few buildings, which can still boast this claim, but one building which investors seemly love is The Club at Brickell Bay. There are many attributes which make this a great buy looking at it through investors eyes, the first being its stellar location in the heart of Brickell Miami’s financial artery. Brickell is a high rent district, with rents steadily rising due to inventory being quickly absorbed by large influx renters. The renters in Brickell tend to be more on the professional side, being surrounded by employers from large international corporations and hospitals. There is also a large influx of buyers due to the incredible purchase deals. The South American’s have been a driving force in Brickell’s new renaissance.

One great deal in Brickell condos is the approved short sale at The Club at Brickell Bay unit 2421 for $125,000. It has all the markings of a great steal for investors. The first is it already has income of $1500 a month with a highly desirable professional tenant. The Club at Brickell Bay is lease friendly being zoned hotel/condo. If you look at carrying cost for this unit they are minimal, with the yearly taxes being $1980 and the association fees of $460 a month. The association fee includes insurance, cable, water and Internet, which will reduce a tenant having to hookup some services. It is a remodeled unit with parquet flooring throughout, 2 marble walls, stainless steel appliances and black galaxy counters. It has a partial bay and city views from balcony and is a large one bedroom at 850 sqft under AC, plus 150-sqft balcony. There are two walk-in closets and has entry to the balcony from both the living room and bedroom. All windows and sliding doors are high impact hurricane resistant glass. This unit has one coveted reserved corner parking spot. It is a full service building with valet and front desk 24-hour reception check-in for guests. It also has two pools, hot tub and gym. The building has secure electronic keyed access to enter elevators and garage.

Nestled in the middle of Brickell, which is Miami’s financial hub and within walking distance to Mary Brickell Village, you can’t beat this condo deal. This is the lowest priced unit in the building and the bank is taking nearly a $200,000 loss. This a great deal whether you are an investor or just a buyer looking for a steal.

Miami Condo positive cash flow

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Miami Condo positive cash flow

BUYING A MIAMI HOME WITH THE BEST RESALE VALUE

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:40:00 +0000

When many of us buy a Miami home, we sometimes consider just the superficial appeal and do not devote much thought to Miami market resale value. We may be blinded about our South Florida home purchase and are thinking about how we will decorate it; as well as the years of enjoyment we will derive from this home.

However, most Miami home buyers do not spend more than five to seven years in a house and consideration should be given to resale value as well as current satisfaction.

The Miami property location of the dwelling in a residential neighborhood is important and you have to look at the Miami real estate market trends to judge future value. There are the basics to keep in mind like, avoid living on a busy street with a great deal of traffic especially if you have small children. Backing on a main street is also undesirable due to the possible noise factor and lack of privacy. There are are certain Upper East side neighborhoods in Miami which limit drive through traffic such as Morningside and Belle Meade.

An important consideration is the safety factor. The local police department will be able to provide information on crime statistics in the neighborhood. Another important point to research is the Miami neighborhood zoning.

MARGIN LOAN vs. SECURITIES-BASED LINE OF CREDIT

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:05:00 +0000

A margin loan is capped at 50% advance rate against your portfolio. During these tough economic times and tight credit markets you will need more than 50%. The securities based institutionally-managed credit line offers SIPC-insured accounts and allows for 70%-95% against the securities portfolio. That additional cash may be the difference of obtaining a perfect Miami real estate investment opportunity or losing it. This program allows the Miami real estate investors to leverage securities with cash advances higher than those available through conventional margin accounts, without selling shares.

Federal regulations will not allow the use of these credit lines to purchase more securities, but it could be the solution for purchasing a new Miami home, an Miami investment property, purchasing a business or any other purpose that may be desired.

This is a true “NO DOC LOAN” , no appraisal, no credit report, no income or employment verification Just proof of securities owned. Quick closings.

Q & A on Miami Real Estate Market

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:38:00 +0000

Questions: By Tean Wong; www.teanwong.com, Mon Sep 13 2010, 14:47
Is it still a good time to buy there? What do you see changing in FL market from last year?

Answer: By Matthew Jacocks, Tue Sep 14 2010, 07:25
I can not speak for all of Florida because I only work in Miami and the Miami real estate market does not follow the same trend as all of Florida. The Miami market is "night and day" compared to last year. In some areas the prices have started to rise because" normal" sales are closing, as opposed to REOs or Short Sales. I am speaking of neighborhoods where the starting homes prices are $350,000. International buyers are definitely driving the market, which is what makes the Miami market different from the rest of Florida. Most of the foreclosures have multiple offers and most short sales already have offers submitted to the bank. One aspect that is stalling the market from a faster recovery is the sellers which have their properties listed for 1 or 2 years due to overpricing. The sellers can not or will not take the same loss as a bank, therefore that inventory has become stagnant. So basically, buyers and sellers are having a standoff on defining the normal market value; but sellers are slowly facing reality and now sometimes buyers meet them halfway. The opportunity is in the purchase of a waterfront condo or home, because unlike Dubai, Miami can not create any more waterfront land.

Miami real estate market depression means it is a great time to buy

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:19:00 +0000

In light of the current Miami real estate market depression means it is a great time to buy that Miami waterfront home or Miami waterfront condo you have always dreamed of. Don't run with the heard and buy when prices start to rise but capitalize on current market conditions.There are some unbelievable Miami real estate waterfront home deals on the market. One great deal that will not last is 1350 NE 101St in Miami Shores. This house was first listed for $2,895,000 and is now currently listed at $1,495,000. This house boasts direct bay views in the private upscale Miami Shores neighborhood. This is not a Miami short sale or Miami Foreclosure but just one of the great opportunities to purchase a Miami Waterfront home. The neighborhood of Miami Shores, Florida is a 100-year old historic community of North Miami stretching inland from Biscayne Bay. This Miami Shores neighborhood includes luxury Miami homes, Miami businesses, Florida International University and Johnson and Wales University, Barry University and 11 parks. Miami Shores, Florida remains a quaint village at heart, with a small town appeal with a main street and luxury Miami private homes on palm tree-lined streets. Miami Shores Country Club offers golf, tennis and a new water park.

If you are in the market for a Miami waterfront condo then it is a great time to take advantage of the deals on South Beach condo development Bentley Bay South. A must see is Bentley Bay Unit # 1402. This Miami Condo unit was first listed for $1,200,000 and is now currently listed at $675,000. There are many amazing South Beach waterfront condo deals to take advantage of in this market. If you are thinking of buying a Miami condo in timeless South Beach, where the nightlife and restaurants are an international destination, then now is the time to act.

Miami Pending Home Sales Continue to Rise

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:23:00 +0000

The Pending Miami home sales which are compiled of both Miami condos and Miami Single family homes have risen 33.7 percent in August which contrast August 2009, from 7,570 to 10,119, and increased .06 percent from 10,113 to 10,119 from previous months according to Miami Association of Realtors and South East Florida Multiple Listing Services.

This rise is largely accredited to international Miami real estate buyers, which bucks the national trend which is suffering from the expiration of the tax credits. Another benefit of international buyers is they tend to be mostly cash purchases. If you compared Miami condo sales to Miami single family home sales, condos are still out preforming Miami single family homes.

According to South Florida's commercial real estate insite "in August, condominium pending sales increased 49.7 percent compared to the previous year, from 3,848 to 5,759 and increased 0.7 percent, from 5,720 the previous month. Pending sales of Miami single family homes in August increased 17.1 percent from the previous year, from 3,722 to 4,360, and decreased a slight 0.8 percent from the previous month when pending sales totaled 4,393, showing a preference for condos in August."

This shows that Miami real estate market is slowly recovering and the distressed property inventory is being absorbed. The pending sales would be higher but there is a standoff between sellers and buyers about current Miami property values.

Tax implications of a Miami short sale

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:01:00 +0000

If you are considering a Miami short sale of your home, you will need to take into consideration that you may receive a form 1099-C for the amount of the lender’s losses. The reason being is this is considered loan forgiveness by the IRS. Also, you might need to consider that if you have assets the amount on the 1099-C might be taxed as regular income. These are all things to take into consideration in a Miami short sale. You should consult a qualified tax and legal counsel to see if these circumstances apply.  We offer free consultations on Miami short sales and explain the process so that you can make an informed choice. This is an important financial decision and you should be fully aware of all possible implications that apply to a short sale.

Invisible Detector

Epic Condos and Hotel - Miami Waterfront Luxury Condo Residence and Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:27:00 +0000

Epic Condos and Hotel - Miami Waterfront Luxury Condo Residence and Hotel

The Miami Luxury Epic Residences Hotel has become one of the premier residences in Downtown Brickell real estate condo market. Famed architect Ugo Columbo's has created a luxury addition to the Miami skyline. Epic Condo will have two towers, the Epic West Tower will contain the hotel aspect which is managed by Kimpton Hotels. The Epic hotel is from the 16th to the 30th floor.

Epic Condos are along the North side of the Miami River featuring two story, two bedroom townhomes on floors three to fifteen. The Epic Conds above the hotel are large 1,000 sf ft one bedrooms, 1,500-1,800 sq ft two bedrooms and 2,500 plus three bedrooms. The penthouse levels from the the 31st to 45th to the 52nd floor will have ten foot ceilings. The 53rd and 54th floors will feature 3,300-4,500 sq ft Tower Suites.

If your a fan Ugo Columbo's creation such as Santa Maria, Bristol Tower and Grovenor House. Epic Condo will not disappoint those searching for the best Miami luxury condos. Click here to view the active listings in Epic Residences.

The Miami Design District Homes and Condos for Sale.

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:01:00 +0000

Miami Design neighborhood is north of Midtown in Miami, Florida, United States. It is roughly divided by NE 36th Street to the south, NE 43rd Street to the north, NW 1st Avenue to the west and Biscayne Boulevard (US 1) to the east. Miami Design District is fast becoming a major contender in Miami real estate market. Buying a home in Miami Design District or Buying a condo in Miami Design District is a solid investment in Miami real estate market. It is home to over 130 art galleries, showrooms, creative services, stores, antiques dealers, eateries and bars. Every 2nd Saturday of each month a community wide Art & Design Night is held from 7-10pm. A popular event, Art Galleries and Design Showrooms open their doors to the public for music and refreshments. Some of the popular condo developments in Miami Design District are Blue Condo, Star Lofts, Midtown Miami, Platinum, Onyx on the Bay.

Click here to view current active listings in Miami Design District.

There are also great deals on Luxury Miami Design District Condos by taking advantage of a Design District foreclosure or Design District Short Sales. Please contact me directly with any inquiries.

Luxury waterfront homes for sale in Morningside

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:25:00 +0000

Luxury waterfront homes for sale in Historic Morningside

Morningside homes are an integral part of Miami history. The recent history of this neighborhood has seen the Miami homes for sale constantly ascend to become a premier Miami waterfront community. If you are looking for upscale home in the $300,000 to $5,000,000 range Miami Morningside might be the high-end Miami gated community for you. Morningside is located east of Biscayne Boulevard in one of Miami’s most historically-important areas, Morningside Miami real estate was originally known by the moniker “Bay Shore”. During the mid-1900’s, this neighborhood was very fashionable and one of the best places to live in the city. The 1960’s and 1970’s, however, brought economic uncertainty followed by a downturn. During the same period, people were interested in living farther away from the city, as well, which caused the neighborhood to suffer hard times for a period. However, changing sensibilities and different desires on the part of homeowners gradually led to the complete rebirth of this neighborhood which has not only reached its former glory but has actually surpassed it. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me directly.

There are also great deals Morningside foreclosures and Morningside Short sales.

The Lebron Effect on Miami's Economy...

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:05:00 +0000

With the signing of Lebron to the Heat what New York Mayor Bloomberg tried so hard to accomplish Mickey Arison did. This will have a profound effect on Miami Real Estate. This has already created a buzz for Downtown Miami Real Estate across from the American Airlines arena for developments like Ten Museum, 900 Biscayne, 50 Biscayne, Epic, Marina Blue and the new Marquis Miami. The buyers who were on the fence just got off once they heard the news that Lebron picked Miami. This will also inject much needed revenue for the city.

“If James played for a team like the woeful New York Knicks or the disastrous New Jersey Nets, the economic impact on the area would be immense. According to the New York City Economic Development Corp. (EDC), each Knicks or Nets playoff game would deliver some $3.6 million to the region. And if you are ready to dream the impossible dream, an NBA title could inject close to $60 million into the local economy."

See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/citk0z

Belle Meade homes in Miami, offers a private get-a-way in the city..

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:49:00 +0000

Belle Meade Miami neighborhood is a gated community located on the east-side of Biscayne Boulevard and on the West banks of Biscayne Bay, in Miami's Upper East Side. Miami Belle Meade real estate offers many waterfront luxury Miami homes with immediate access to Biscayne Bay private dockage. Some of the most remarkable Miami luxury homes are located in Belle Meade Island which boast wide tree-canopied streets. Another feature of Belle Meade Homes are the large lots, peaceful community, feature impact windows and doors, designer finishes, tropical South Florida real estate landscaping, infinity pools and outdoor beach cabanas. The price-range of homes start from $200,000, which is usually a REO or Short Sale, all the way to $3,500,000. Please contact me directly for more information on any Belle Meade Homes.

Why Miami? Come see why with a vaction rental and make your reservation online!

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Miami as one of the most visited vacation spots along the Atlantic coast, it is also the epicenter of culture, entertainment, fashion, commerce, arts and trade. Besides being a major international holiday destination and the finest spring break vacation spot worldwide, Miami is the home to the world's busiest passenger port for cruise ships. The city also features a huge concentration of banks and has an important business and banking district called Brickell, where the headquarters of many multi-national corporations and television studios are located.

The mix of business and paradise make Miami and Miami Beach prime regions for both Miami real estate investment and relaxation. Designer Hotels with boutique rooms, central location and very expensive price tags, hotel chains with tiny rooms that are affordable in price but often come with noisy neighbors, are also part of the stay if one chooses this accommodation. There is yet another option for accommodation in Miami and it is preferred by an increasing number of holiday-makers and business executives. Renting a serviced holiday apartment in Miami is an intelligent solution for those in search of quality accommodation with central Miami Real Estate address, proximity to the entertainment zone, the finest restaurants and the most tempting shopping places. Fully furnished and excellently equipped, the Miami apartments are providing comfortable layouts, provide privacy and are coming with reasonable prices. The rental of a Miami apartment could be organized and paid for online, which further helps the travelers to plan and enjoy their memorable Miami holiday.

In the midst of this real estate crisis Governor Crist signed in SB 1196 & 1222 into law

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:10:00 +0000

In the midst of this real estate crisis Governor Crist signed in SB 1196 & 1222 into law. Below are some major points of the bill.

Bulk Buyers- There are now two classifications, "bulk buyer" and "bulk assignee"

"A 'bulk assignee' acquires more than seven (7) units in a condominium, and also receives an assignment of some or substantially all of the rights of the developer, which can be set forth as an exhibit to the deed from the original developer, or as a separate instrument. The assignment is to be recorded in the public records of the county where the property is located."

"A 'bulk buyer' is also a party who acquires more than seven (7) units, but does not receive an assignment of developer rights other than the right to: 1. Conduct sales, leasing and marketing activities within the condominium. 2. Be exempt from making working capital contributions as a result of the bulk purchase, and 3. Be exempt from any rights or first refusal held by the association and otherwise applicable to subsequent transfers of title from the bulk owner."

Insurance - This is a great aspect because it lowers the cost of owning a miami condo by removing the requirement that every owner must carry hazard insurance. It does require minimum $2,000 of property loss assessment coverage included in the condo owner's coverage.

Sprinkler Systems - Repeals the requirement to update sprinkler systems in condos over 75 feet high.

Past-Due Assessments on Foreclosures- This increases the requirement of lenders to cover 12 months of past due assessments or 1% of the original mortgage amount, whichever is less.

Denial of Common Areas - This allows association to deny owners or any occupant the right to use amenities except (utility services, elevators or parking spaces) if the owner is 90 days past due on their association payments. The association has the right to also deny voting rights. You basically have to pay-to-play...

Diverting Tenant Rent - If an owner is renting their unit and not paying the association this rent can be diverted to the association. There are a lot of issues with owners renting their units that are in pre-foreclosure (short-sale) and pocketing the money never paying the mortgage or association. Now this income can go to the association to help pay for the amenities this tenant is using.

As far as comeback stories there are few neighborhoods which can boast "rags to riches" turn-around such as Miami Upper East Side.

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:00:00 +0000

As far as comeback stories there are few neighborhoods, which can boast "rags to riches" turn-around such as Miami Upper East Side. This eclectic area includes such historic neighborhoods as Bay Point, Morningside, Belle Meade, and Bayside. These are quiet neighborhoods, which have more character then almost any other neighborhood in Miami. These areas do not allow drive through traffic, which cuts down on the noise dramatically and exclusive Bay Point has a guard station, which is paid by the homeowner's association. Also, Bay Point is one of the few neighborhoods in Miami where the homeowners actually own the streets, not the city.

As for Morningside and Belle Meade, both neighborhoods have gates but allow public access and guards just write down guests' license plates as they drive through. Tucked away between 69th St and 72nd St is Bayside neighborhood, there is no gate just one entry thru 69th St. The advantage here is Starbuck's, Uva 69, Balan's, Dogma, Karma Car Wash and Metro Organic Bistro (just to name a few) are only a-walk-a-way. The home values in this area did take a hit, like most of Miami, but prices are on the rise again. The unpretentious atmosphere and good value, mixed with easy access to Design District, South Beach, 55th Station and Brickell make it very attractive for buyers. This neighborhood's home values will only go up as more people discover the hidden treasure of Miami's Upper East Side.

If you're thinking about buying or selling real estate in Miami

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:14:00 +0000

If you're thinking about buying or selling real estate in Miami, you probably want to deal with the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the industry. After all, for most people, real estate is the most expensive investment of their life. However, there are multiple pieces to each real estate transaction.

With over 20 years of experience in all aspects of real estate, Sunny Realty provides a full service turnkey solution. We offer in-depth knowledge of your building and area, top-notch personalized service in short-selling, marketing, legal, title and finance.

Today, over 90% of all real estate transactions are generated on the Internet. Sunny Realty has dominated the Internet with our unrivaled database of information regarding exclusive condo developments, exclusive neighborhoods and legal information. Please feel free to Google your particular building and chances are we are always on the first page, likely in the top position.

When selling your property, you need the most exposure. Our website is visited by 2,500 to 3,000 unique visitors daily who are searching for the property you want to sell! So piece that together with our services and experience, it equates your desired results. Please call us for a FREE consultation regarding any and all real estate matters.

Buy vs. Rent and the Top 10 Cities to Rent vs Buy.

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:06:00 +0000

Today Trulia announced America’s Top 10 Cities to Buy vs. Rent and the Top 10 Cities to Rent vs Buy. Trulia calculated the price-to-rent ratio using the average list price compared with average rent on 2 bedroom apartments, condos and townhomes listed on Trulia.com. To create the list, Trulia analyzed the largest 50 cities in America, by population.

Top 10 Cities to Buy vs. Rent

	City	Price-to-Rent Ratio
1.	Minneapolis, Minnesota	8
2.	Arlington, Texas	8
3.	Miami, Florida	8
4.	Fresno, California	8
5.	San Antonio, Texas	8
6.	Mesa, Arizona	9
7.	Jacksonville, Florida	9
8.	Phoenix, Arizona	10
9.	El Paso, Texas	10
10.	Las Vegas, Nevada	11

“At the peak of the real estate bubble, cities like Miami, Phoenix and Las Vegas were not affordable for many. Now the opposite is true,” said Pete Flint, co-founder and CEO of Trulia. “Home sellers in these hard hit areas are forced to lower their prices to compete with all the foreclosures on the market. As a result , these unattainable markets are so affordable it makes better financial sense to buy than rent.”

Top 10 Cities to Rent vs. Buy

	City	Price-to-Rent Ratio
1.	New York, New York	33
2.	Omaha, Nebraska	26
3.	Seattle, Washington	25
4.	Portland, Oregon	22
5.	San Francisco, California	22
6.	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	21
7.	Kansas City, Missouri	20
8.	San Diego, California	20
9.	Cleveland, Ohio	20
10.	Dallas, Texas	19

“It is not a surprise to see cities like New York and San Francisco on the ‘Rent’ cities but I was surprised to see areas like Omaha, Oklahoma City and Kansas City on our rental list, “said Flint “We’re not suggesting that it’s unwise to buy in these areas, though - just that it’s significantly more expensive than renting. In many of these cities, even though home buying is much more costly than renting, prices are still much lower than they have been in a long, long time.”

To see the Top 50 City Rent v Buy Index, please click here to download.

Trulia.com’s Rent vs. Buy Index - Interpretation Key

Price-to-Rent Ratio of 1-15: It is much less expensive to own than to rent a home in this city Price-to-Rent Ratio of 16-20: It is more expensive to own a home in this city are The total costs of ownership of a home in this city are greater than the costs of renting, but it might still make financial sense depending on the situation. Price-to-Rent Ratio of 21+: The total costs of owning a home in this city are much greater than the costs of renting.

Definitions: Total costs of home ownership include mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, hazard insurance, closing costs at time of purchase and ongoing HOA dues and private mortgage insurance, where applicable. Total costs of homeownership include an offset for the tax advantages of homeownership, including mortgage interest, property tax and closing cost deductions.

Total costs of renting include rent and renter’s insurance.

What does short sale mean?

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:49:00 +0000

Q. I can no longer afford my home and I just got a job in a different state. My home lost all of its value over the last couple years. There’s no way that I can pay a real estate agent commissions to sell my home. I keep hearing the termshort sale. Can you tell me what that means?

A. A short sale is a term used in the realestate industry when you sell your home for less than what you currently owe on your mortgage. For example, if you owe $200,000 to your mortgage lender on a home that is only worth $100,000, then this home would be considered underwater. If you wanted to sell your home for less than what you owe, you would then have to apply with your lender to get approval in order to perform a short sale on your property because they will need a sign off and accept any offer that you would recieve on your home.

Please be aware that the mortgage servicer is going to be in charge of the sale at all times. You do not get to provide any input or accept any offers that you might receive on your home. You or your real estate agent are going to have to submit a written purchase agreements with estimated closing costs (estimated HUD) to your mortgage servicer and then they will decide if they want to accept the deal or not. This is easier said, than done.

We are currently in a massive foreclosure crisis with thousands of homeowners looking for help. This is causing the system to be bottle-necked with many unnecessary foreclosures. Many loanmodifications and short sales end up failing because of this communication and employee breakdown. You may get 3-5 offers before one goes through. So, this is a numbers and patience game. You and your agent have to make sure at all times that you do not get lost in the system by being that greasy wheel.

The best thing that you can do is consult with two or three lawyers in your state to determine your best options. Maybe they will tell you that it is just better to walk away from your home and a short sale is not a good idea because your mortgage is non-recourse. In addition, you should seek out a couple of highly experienced short sale real estate agents that you can interview to get their opinions. A good agent will tell you the truth and be able to help you through this process. This experienced agent will handle most all the headaches that come your way when dealing with the sale. Please do not use any company or agent that charges you an upfront fee. Find a Realtor that will work on commissions only and if your home sales, your lender will pay the agent and other closing costs out of the sale proceeds.

http://www.loansafe.org/what-does-short-sale-mean-2

Posted by Moe Bedard

CONSUMER FINANCE: Home Buyers, Get The Most For Your Money

noreply@blogger.com (MJMIAMIRE) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:13:00 +0000

The nation's housing inventory is cluttered with foreclosures, short sales, and home builders willing to make a deal. If you are in the market to buy a home today, you are likely weighing the benefits of each type of property available for purchase.

Don't be fooled. Not all bank-owned foreclosures are sold at deep discounts. Not all builders are slashing prices. Short sales can be a crapshoot, with some buyers enduring months of waiting...wrote the Wall Street Journal.