It is a common topic right now, and I decided to write about it because I want people to think beyond the immediate tax savings. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t want to pay less in taxes, which is exactly why I think Amendment 3 deserves a closer look.

If approved, the amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with future inflation adjustments. It would also reduce the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.

For many homeowners, that would mean meaningful tax savings. It would also reduce local property tax revenue. Florida’s fiscal analysis estimates the loss could eventually approach $12 billion annually.

So the question is not only, How much will I save? It is also, What happens next?

What Could Change?

Property taxes help pay for police, fire rescue, roads, stormwater systems, infrastructure and other local services. With less recurring revenue, cities and counties may have to:

• Delay or reduce services and projects
• Rely more on fees, assessments or other revenue
• Shift costs to residents in other ways

The impact will vary. Communities with different tax bases and budgets will face different challenges. But the money removed from property taxes will still have to be replaced, reduced or shifted elsewhere.

New Residents May Receive the Benefit Later

People who were not permanent Florida residents by December 31, 2026, would generally receive the current homestead exemption when they qualify but would not receive the expanded exemption until their fifth year.

As a result, two homeowners with similar properties could have different taxable values based on when they became Florida residents. New buyers should consider this when calculating the cost of owning property in Florida. And for a state that relies on people moving in, this may ultimately cost us.

Could Development Become More Important?

Because Amendment 3 would reduce taxes on existing homestead property and limit assessment increases on non-homestead property, new construction and redevelopment could become more important to local governments seeking to grow their tax base.

This does not mean every development proposal will be approved. But in places like Miami, where growth, density, infrastructure and resiliency are already major issues, the financial implications deserve attention. In smaller cities that have worked hard to preserve their identity and character, greater dependence on new taxable value could also create pressure for redevelopment, potentially changing the very nature of those communities.

Could Borrowing Become More Expensive?

Cities and counties borrow money for roads, bridges, water systems and stormwater projects. If property tax revenue falls, some governments could appear less financially secure, potentially increasing borrowing costs.

S&P Global Ratings has warned that Amendment 3 could create financial pressure for some local governments. Higher borrowing costs could make infrastructure projects more expensive or lead to delays and budget cuts.

Before We Jump to Yes

I have read countless chats, posts and discussions about Amendment 3, and the reaction I keep seeing is an almost immediate yes. I understand why. We need tax reform, and I have yet to meet anyone who argues that we do not.

But supporting tax reform and supporting a particular method of tax reform are not the same thing.

Before voting, I encourage you to dig deeper than the promised savings and investigate how Amendment 3 could affect your own city or county. Every municipality has a different tax base, budget and level of dependence on property tax revenue, so the consequences will not be identical everywhere.

The uncomfortable possibility is that property tax reform could save you money on one line of your tax bill while ultimately costing you somewhere else. That is difficult to swallow, especially when the entire premise is tax relief, but it is exactly why we need to understand the consequences before changing the Florida Constitution.

The Bigger Question

Amendment 3 could provide real tax relief for many Florida homeowners. But voters should also consider:

• Will local services be reduced?
• Will fees or assessments increase?
• Will costs simply shift elsewhere?
• Could infrastructure borrowing become more expensive?
• Will new development become more important to local budgets?
• How will the five-year rule affect new Florida residents?

We may not know exactly how every city and county will respond. That is why these questions should be discussed before the amendment passes.

I am not asking anyone to vote against tax reform. I am asking you to look beyond the headline, investigate what this amendment could mean where you live, and make an informed decision about whether this particular version of tax reform gets us where we actually want to go.

Tax relief may be the goal, but understanding who pays for what comes next is just as important.

The post Florida Amendment 3 Explained: What Property Tax Reform Could Really Cost appeared first on Miamism.

After decades of plans, approvals, promises and delays, the stadium is headed to a public referendum in the City of Miami on August 18. This is not the final vote, but it is a critical step toward finally moving the restoration forward.

My history with the Marine Stadium goes back to 2013, when I wrote The Miami Marine Stadium Needs You after touring it with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, preservation advocates, my former University of Miami architecture professor Jorge Hernandez, and the stadium’s original architect, Hilario Candela.

I still remember hearing Hilario talk about the building he designed and everything it had witnessed as Miami changed around it. What stayed with me most was his excitement about its future.

That summer, the Miami City Commission approved plans for the stadium, Gloria Estefan became involved as the “Voice of the Stadium,” and it felt like restoration was finally within reach. By 2016, I was writing about the efforts being “back” again and describing the process as painfully slow.

Here we are in 2026.

What Happens August 18

City of Miami voters will decide whether the City can move forward with an agreement to activate and manage the historic Miami Marine Stadium and surrounding Flex Park.

You may have seen the campaign asking voters to choose YES, #172. Approval does not complete the restoration or reopen the stadium. More planning and approvals remain, but a positive vote allows the process to continue.

After all these years, continuing matters.

Why This Stadium Matters

As an architect, I have always seen the Marine Stadium as much more than an abandoned grandstand.

Hilario Candela designed something uniquely Miami, with its dramatic cantilevered concrete roof, Biscayne Bay as its setting, a floating stage and the skyline beyond it. Architecture, water and performance were conceived as one experience.

You could not pick this building up and put it somewhere else and have it mean the same thing.

The stadium also holds generations of Miami memories, from boat races and concerts to graduations and community events. Its architectural and cultural importance has been recognized nationally for years.

What it needs now is not another conversation about whether it is worth saving. It needs the opportunity to actually be saved.

Miami Marine Stadium Needs You. Again.

If you live in the City of Miami and believe this landmark deserves a future, vote YES, #172 on August 18.

Then share this with another City of Miami voter, because this is one of those moments when caring about Miami’s history requires doing something about it.

Learn more about the campaign at BringBackMarineStadium.com.

I still think about Hilario standing inside the stadium and talking about its future with such excitement. He is no longer here to see what happens next, but the building he created is still waiting

Enough waiting. Let’s give the Miami Marine Stadium its next chapter.

More from the Miamism archives

The Miami Marine Stadium Needs You | 2013

Gloria Estefan and the Miami Marine Stadium

Miami Marine Stadium Plans Approved by City Commissioners | 2013

Miami Marine Stadium Restoration Efforts Are BACK! | 2016

Volunteer on Aug 18th at election polls – link below

https://www.bringbackmarinestadium.com/volunteer-election-day

The post Miami Marine Stadium Needs You. Again. appeared first on Miamism.

Data through July 2026 | Rolling 12-Month Residential Analysis

Surfside Market Summary – July 2026

Pricing

• Closed sale price per square foot: $1,293
• Average closed home price: $3,500,000
• Average active listing price: $10,500,000
• Price per square foot premium on active listings: 18 percent
• Average negotiation: 9 percent below asking

Market Activity

• Properties sold past 12 months: 39
• Active listings: 7
• Total households: 3,196
• Market absorption rate: 1.2 percent
• Total sales volume: $134.8 million

Market Timing

• Average days on market: 188 days

What Is Happening in the Surfside Real Estate Market?

The defining story in the Surfside real estate market is no longer just low inventory. It’s the widening gap between asking prices and what buyers are actually willing to pay.

Recent sales averaged $3.5 million, while current active listings are averaging $10.5 million.

That doesn’t necessarily mean values have tripled. It likely reflects a combination of ultra-luxury inventory entering the market and sellers testing price points well above recent comparable sales.

The same pattern appears in price per square foot. Buyers have been closing around $1,293 per square foot, while active listings are asking $1,523 per square foot.

Even in one of Miami’s most desirable beachfront communities, buyers continue to anchor their decisions to recent sales rather than aspirational pricing.

What Has Changed Since February?

The market has become even more selective.

Back in February, the average closed sale was $2.6 million. Today it stands at $3.5 million, reflecting stronger pricing for homes that are actually selling.

The bigger shift is on the listing side.

Average active pricing jumped from $5.4 million to $10.5 million, while available inventory dropped from 29 listings to just 7.

At first glance, that might suggest an exceptionally strong seller’s market.

Instead, active listings are now averaging 342 days on market, compared to 139 days in February.

Luxury inventory may be scarce, but buyers are proving they will still wait for the right property at the right price.

Is Surfside a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

Surfside continues to challenge traditional market definitions.

Inventory is exceptionally tight, a condition that would normally favor sellers.

Yet buyers continue negotiating an average 9 percent below asking, and current listings are remaining on the market significantly longer than homes that recently sold.

The result is a market where scarcity alone is not enough to justify aggressive pricing.

How Competitive Is the Surfside Housing Market?

Surfside remains one of Miami’s lowest-turnover neighborhoods.

Only 39 homes changed hands during the past year among 3,196 households, representing an annual market absorption rate of approximately 1.2 percent.

Despite the limited number of transactions, annual sales volume reached $134.8 million, confirming Surfside’s position as one of South Florida’s premier luxury coastal communities.

When inventory becomes this limited, every listing has a meaningful impact on market statistics.

Why Are Homes Taking Longer to Sell?

Closed sales averaged 188 days on market.

Current listings are averaging 342 days.

That 82 percent increase suggests today’s asking prices are meeting resistance.

Luxury buyers have options beyond Surfside. They compare neighborhoods, waterfront locations, architecture, lot size, and long-term value before making decisions.

In today’s market, pricing strategy remains more important than inventory levels.

What Is the Biggest Risk in the Surfside Market?

The greatest challenge is the growing gap between seller expectations and market-supported values.

Recent buyers have paid an average of $1,293 per square foot.

Current sellers are asking $1,523 per square foot.

That difference may not sound dramatic until multiplied across a 4,000 or 5,000-square-foot home.

Pricing discipline remains the single biggest factor influencing whether a property sells or continues to accumulate days on market.

Surfside Real Estate FAQ – July 2026

Why are there so few homes for sale in Surfside?

Surfside remains a low-turnover community where homeowners tend to hold properties for many years. Limited inventory is one of the defining characteristics of this market.

Are Surfside home prices increasing?

Closed sales continue to support strong values. However, asking prices are increasing much faster than completed sales, creating a wider pricing gap than earlier this year.

Why are homes taking longer to sell if inventory is so low?

Luxury buyers remain disciplined. Even with limited inventory, they are unwilling to chase pricing that exceeds recent comparable sales.

Is Surfside still a strong long-term investment?

Yes. Surfside continues to benefit from its beachfront location, limited land supply, and strong long-term demand. Short-term pricing adjustments do not change those fundamentals.

Coastal Markets Require Precision

Surfside is a low-turnover, high-value coastal market. I’ve worked Miami’s waterfront and barrier island properties for over two decades and now lead a 200-agent team navigating markets like this with discipline and clarity. If you’re buying or selling in Surfside, do it with someone who understands both luxury positioning and the numbers behind it.

About This Surfside Real Estate Report

This Surfside Real Estate Market Report is compiled and interpreted by Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Managing Partner of Avanti Way East Miami and founder of Miamism.

Data is sourced from MLS activity and reflects rolling 12-month residential performance through July 2026. Reports are published consistently to create a structured, data-driven archive of Surfside real estate trends.

The post Surfside Real Estate Market Report – July 2026 appeared first on Miamism.

Every August and September, restaurants across Greater Miami and Miami Beach offer specially priced multi-course menus during Miami Spice, giving locals and visitors the perfect excuse to explore the city’s incredible dining scene.

There’s something about sitting down at one of your favorite Miami restaurants and hearing the server say, “Would you like the Miami Spice menu?” Instant smile. Even if you’ve been there dozens of times, it suddenly feels like the perfect excuse to order something you’ve never had before.

What Is Miami Spice?

Miami Spice is an annual dining event featuring prix fixe lunch, brunch, and dinner menus at participating restaurants throughout Greater Miami and Miami Beach. It’s one of Miami’s most anticipated summer traditions and a great way to discover new restaurants, revisit old favorites, and experience some of the city’s top chefs at promotional prices.

When Is Miami Spice?

Miami Spice takes place every year during August and September.

How Do You Find Participating Restaurants?

The official Miami Spice website makes planning easy. You can browse participating restaurants by area, cuisine, or meal service, and even preview menus before making a reservation.

If you’re looking for inspiration, don’t miss the Signature Dining Experiences, featuring curated menus from some of Miami’s most celebrated restaurants.

• Official Miami Spice Guide
• Participating Restaurants by Area
• Signature Dining Experiences

How Do I Make the Most of Miami Spice?

A few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Make reservations early, especially for weekends.
• Finally try that restaurant you’ve been talking about all year.
• Explore the neighborhood before or after your meal. One reservation can turn into an evening discovering a part of Miami you haven’t visited in a while.
• Remember that beverages, tax, gratuity, and some menu upgrades may not be included.

The Miamism Take

Living in Miami means there’s always another restaurant to try, but it’s easy to fall into the habit of going back to the same favorites. Miami Spice is my annual reminder to branch out. I’ve discovered some incredible places over the years simply because they were participating, and many have become regular stops long after Miami Spice ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Miami Spice?

Miami Spice takes place every year during August and September.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations aren’t required at every restaurant, but they’re highly recommended, especially for popular restaurants and weekends.

What is a prix fixe menu?

A prix fixe menu is a multi-course meal offered at a fixed price. During Miami Spice, participating restaurants create special lunch, brunch, and dinner menus exclusively for the event.

The post What Is Miami Spice? A Local’s Guide to Miami’s Favorite Dining Tradition appeared first on Miamism.

Every year, while visitors head to the beach and many locals leave town, some of Miami’s best luxury spas offer special treatments at prices you rarely see the rest of the year. It’s called Miami Spa Month, and despite the name, it runs throughout July and August.

I’ve lived in Miami long enough to know we don’t always appreciate what’s in our own backyard. Miami Spa Month is my excuse to slow down for a few hours, recharge, and enjoy the city the way visitors do, without ever checking into a hotel.

What Is Miami Spa Month?

Miami Spa Month is an annual wellness event featuring promotional spa treatments at participating spas throughout Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Many are located inside luxury hotels and offer massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness experiences at special seasonal pricing.

When Is Miami Spa Month?

Despite the name, Miami Spa Month typically runs from July through August 31, making it one of Miami’s signature summer events.

How Do You Find Participating Spas?

The easiest way is through the official Miami Spa Month guide, which lets you browse participating spas by neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a spa in Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Bal Harbour, or elsewhere, the list makes it easy to find one nearby.

You can also explore the featured Signature Spa Experiences, showcasing unique treatments created specifically for Miami Spa Month.

• Official Miami Spa Month
• Participating spas by neighborhood
• Signature Spa Experiences

How Do You Make the Most of Miami Spa Month?

• Book early, especially for weekends.
• Check what’s included. Some spas offer access to pools, steam rooms, or relaxation lounges with your treatment.
• Turn it into a staycation by exploring the neighborhood before or after your appointment.

The Miamism Take

Living in Miami, it’s easy to forget we’re surrounded by places people travel thousands of miles to experience. Miami Spa Month is my annual reminder to slow down for a few hours, enjoy our city from a different perspective, and take advantage of something that’s right in our own backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Miami Spa Month end?
It typically runs through August 31 each year.

Do you have to stay at the hotel?
No. Most participating spas welcome anyone with a reservation.

Should you make reservations?
Yes. The most popular treatments and weekend appointments book quickly.

The post What Is Miami Spa Month? A Local’s Guide to Miami’s Summer Spa Event appeared first on Miamism.

As an architect and someone who’s called Miami home for more than four decades, I’ve always been drawn to the places that many people drive past without realizing their significance. Some are architectural masterpieces. Others are reminders of the people, ideas, and moments that helped shape the city we know today.

These aren’t necessarily Miami’s most famous landmarks, but I think they help define who we are.

1. Bacardi Building

You’ve probably driven by the Bacardi Building hundreds of times without ever really noticing it. And that’s a shame, because it’s one of Miami’s architectural treasures.

Designed by architect Enrique Gutiérrez as Bacardi’s U.S. headquarters, it’s one of my favorite examples of Modern architecture in the city. Today, the building is home to the National YoungArts Foundation, and one of my real estate offices sits directly across the street, so I get to enjoy it on a regular basis. I still catch myself looking up every time I walk outside.

And don’t miss the Jewel Box right behind it. Resting on its unmistakable orange base, its colorful stained glass artwork is just as bold and unexpected as the Bacardi Tower itself.

Here’s an article I wrote back in 2018

(address: 2100 Biscayne Blvd – Miami, FL 33137)

2. 1111 Lincoln Road

This may be one of my all-time favorite buildings in Miami, even if it is a parking garage.

When Herzog & de Meuron’s design was first unveiled, the exposed concrete structure caused quite a stir. It wasn’t what people expected, and that’s exactly what makes it so memorable.

I can spend hours photographing this building. Every angle feels different. Every level reveals a new perspective. Sometimes it reminds me of an M.C. Escher drawing, where your eye keeps following lines and wondering how everything fits together. It’s part sculpture, part parking garage, and one piece of architecture I never get tired of visiting.

Here’s an article I wrote back in 2021

(address: 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139)

3. The Coppertone Sign

If you grew up in Miami, you probably remember the Coppertone sign. For years, it was one of those landmarks that let you know exactly where you were. When it disappeared, it felt like a little piece of Miami disappeared with it.

Thankfully, a passionate group of preservationists made sure that didn’t happen. The sign was restored and relocated to the MiMo District, where it continues to celebrate a different era of Miami, one defined by roadside architecture, neon, and optimism.

I love that Miami chose to preserve it. Cities don’t just need grand monuments. Sometimes they need reminders of the little things that made them memorable.

Here’s an article I wrote back in 2009

(address: 7300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138)

4. Alhambra Water Tower

Coral Gables has no shortage of beautiful landmarks, yet somehow the Alhambra Water Tower still flies under the radar.

Built in 1924, it wasn’t designed to look like a water tower at all. George Merrick wanted to conceal the steel water tank inside a Mediterranean Revival tower because his vision for Coral Gables extended beyond function. He was creating an idealized city where even utilitarian structures became part of the fantasy.

It’s one of those landmarks that reminds me Coral Gables wasn’t just planned. It was imagined.

Here’s a Miamism Fridays from 2010

(address: 2000 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134)

5. Temple Israel

Temple Israel is easy to overlook as you drive through Edgewater, but it’s one of Miami’s most important historic buildings.

Founded in 1922 as South Florida’s first Reform Jewish congregation, its historic sanctuary, designed by Robertson & Patterson, blends Moorish and Neo-Gothic influences in a way that almost feels Gaudí-inspired. It’s unlike anything else in Miami and worth slowing down to appreciate, even if you’re simply driving by.

(address: 137 NE 19th Street, Miami, FL 33132)

6. South Pointe Park

I never really need a reason to go to South Pointe Park.

Some days it’s to walk out onto the pier. Other days it’s to sit by the water and watch the cruise ships pass through Government Cut. The sculptures, open green spaces, winding paths, and endless views make it one of those places that always feels alive.

If you spend enough time there, you’ll notice people fishing, families picnicking, rollerblading, practicing yoga, and sometimes even doing acrobatics on the lawn as the sun begins to set. It captures something I love about Miami. We’re a city that lives outdoors.

(address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139)

7. Hotel Victor

Ocean Drive has no shortage of beautiful Art Deco buildings, but Hotel Victor always pulls my attention.

Designed by L. Murray Dixon, it’s one of my favorite examples of Art Deco transitioning into Streamline Moderne. I love its proportions, the graceful curves, and the way the neon feels like it was designed with the building instead of added later. At night, the soft glow makes it feel every bit as glamorous today as it must have decades ago.

Here’s a Miamism Fridays from 2012

(address: 1144 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139)

8. The Orb at The Betsy

One of my favorite surprises in Miami Beach is hidden in plain sight.

The Orb connects the historic Betsy Hotel with its contemporary addition designed by architect Allan Shulman. What could have been an ordinary passage between two buildings became an experience instead.

It’s one of those places that reminds me architecture isn’t just about buildings. It’s about how people move through them.

(address: 1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 – on the alley)

9. Miami Tower

I can’t remember a Miami skyline without the CenTrust Tower. That probably ages me a bit, but it will never quite be the Miami Tower in my mind.

Designed by I. M. Pei & Partners, it’s an elegant building during the day. At night, it’s when the fun begins.

I still catch myself looking up to see what colors it’s wearing. One night it’s celebrating another country with the colors of its flag. The next it’s pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, orange and teal for the Dolphins, or lit up for one of Miami’s many celebrations. Somehow it always seems to be part of whatever the city is celebrating.

Here’s an article I wrote back in 2017

(address: 100 Southeast 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33131)

10. Morris Lapidus Follies

Few architects have influenced Miami Beach more than Morris Lapidus.

The follies on Lincoln Road celebrate the architect whose playful, theatrical approach forever changed the look of Miami Beach. Their sweeping curves and sculptural forms feel perfectly at home here.

Years after they were installed, I still think they pull Lincoln Road together. They’re the glue that ties the pedestrian mall together, creating moments where people stop, gather, take photos, or simply sit and enjoy one of Miami Beach’s most iconic public spaces.

Here’s a Miamism Fridays about Morris Lapidus

(address: Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach, FL 33139)

Final Thoughts

What I love about these landmarks is that they tell a different story than the postcards.

Some celebrate architecture. Others preserve history or culture. Together, they paint a richer picture of Miami than beaches and palm trees ever could.

The next time you’re exploring the city, slow down. Look up. Take a detour.

You might discover that the places you remember most aren’t always the ones everyone else is talking about. They’re the ones that quietly tell the story of Miami.

The post 10 Not-So-Obvious Miami Landmarks That Help Define the City appeared first on Miamism.

Some buyers are looking for something unique. A home with architectural character. A waterfront property with a story. A Mid-Century Modern residence. A thoughtfully restored historic home. A property that feels different from everything else on the market.

For buyers and sellers of unique homes, choosing the right real estate team can make a meaningful difference.

East Miami is home to some of South Florida’s most distinctive residential neighborhoods. Communities such as Miami Shores, Keystone Point, Morningside, Belle Meade, Bay Point, Surfside, and Normandy Shores offer a wide variety of homes, from historic properties and architect-designed residences to waterfront estates and one-of-a-kind renovations.

These homes often require a different level of understanding. Architectural details, renovation history, lot characteristics, waterfront considerations, and neighborhood context can all play a role in how a property is evaluated, marketed, and ultimately appreciated by buyers.

The Miamism Sales Team has become known for its focus on unique homes and distinctive neighborhoods throughout East Miami. Founded by architect, REALTOR®, and brokerage owner Ines Hegedus-Garcia, the team brings a perspective that combines real estate expertise with an appreciation for design, architecture, and neighborhood character.

Through Miamism, the team has spent nearly two decades documenting Miami architecture, lifestyle, neighborhoods, and real estate. That experience helps buyers understand the homes they are considering and helps sellers showcase the qualities that make their properties stand out.

For consumers searching for unique homes in East Miami, local knowledge, architectural insight, and neighborhood expertise can be valuable resources throughout the buying and selling process.

About Miamism: Founded by architect, REALTOR®, and brokerage owner Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Miamism helps buyers and sellers understand Miami’s neighborhoods beyond the listings. A Miami Shores resident for more than 40 years, Ines has been covering Miami architecture, lifestyle, and real estate since 2005, providing local insights that help consumers make informed decisions about where and how they live.

The post Who Is the Best Real Estate Team for Unique Homes in East Miami? appeared first on Miamism.

If you’ve been following Miamism for a while, you probably remember them. We traveled around Miami in search of the city’s best mojitos, rating each one and having way too much fun in the process. It was one of those projects that perfectly captured what Miamism has always been about: experiencing Miami one story at a time.

People still ask me for our mojito recipe

We filmed this “how to mojito” video in 2013, and it’s hard to believe that was over a decade ago. Time really does fly.

The video may be showing its age, but the recipe hasn’t changed much. We still make it this way on the boat, at home with friends, and anytime we want a little taste of Miami.

Maybe it’s finally time to film an updated version. Until then, here’s the original Miamism Mojito recipe. Cheers!

Miamism Mojito Recipe

Mojito Ingredients

• fresh mint
• fresh limes – whole and in quarters
• rum
• simple syrup (instead of sugar)
• soda

Mojito Instructions

1. In 12-oz highball glasses (or something similar), squeeze one whole lime, place 2 lime quarters, and 1-shot glass of simple syrup – muddle gently but firmly.
2. fill glass to the top with ice (not a fan of crushed ice….use whole cubes)
3. add rum (almost to the top of the glass)
4. shake with either plastic or stainless glass
5. add a squirt of soda and stir with long spoon
6. garnish if you are into that
7. Drink up!!

Mojito Instructions for our OCD Fans who need actual measurements (added upon request)

1. Cut lime into 8 pieces and place 2 of those (1/8) in 12-oz highball glass
2. Add 6 large mint leaves with stems
3. Add 1 oz. simple sugar
4. Add 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice (no fake stuff please)
5. Muddle
6. Fill glass with ice
7. Add 3 oz. of rum
8. Shake
9. Top off with Sprite and Stir with long spoon
10. DRINK UP!

We, here at Miamism, remind you to DRINK RESPONSIBLY!! . Please Don’t drink and drive.  

The post The Original Miamism Mojito Recipe (And Why People Still Ask for It) appeared first on Miamism.

1. More Than 40 Years of Miami Shores Experience

The team is led by Ines Hegedus-Garcia, a Miami Shores resident for more than four decades. Few real estate professionals can offer the same long-term perspective on how the neighborhood has evolved over time.

2. Hyperlocal Knowledge

Miami Shores is not a one-size-fits-all neighborhood. Understanding the differences between streets, waterfront locations, lot sizes, architectural styles, and market trends can help buyers and sellers make more informed decisions.

3. Architectural Expertise

As a trained architect, Ines brings a unique perspective to the home buying and selling process. This can be especially valuable when evaluating historic homes, renovations, additions, and architectural character.

4. A Trusted Source of Information Since 2005

Through Miamism, the team has spent nearly two decades documenting Miami neighborhoods, architecture, lifestyle, and real estate. Buyers and sellers often benefit from this depth of local knowledge.

5. Detailed Market Analysis

The Miamism Sales Team regularly studies market trends, pricing, inventory, and neighborhood activity to help clients understand current conditions and make data-driven decisions.

6. Experience With Historic and Architecturally Significant Homes

Miami Shores contains some of Miami’s most interesting residential architecture. The team has extensive experience marketing and evaluating homes where design and character are important considerations.

7. Strong Marketing and Storytelling

Every home has a story. Through professional photography, compelling content, and strategic marketing, the team focuses on showcasing what makes each property unique.

8. A Consumer-First Approach

The goal is not simply to facilitate a transaction. The focus is on helping consumers understand their options, evaluate opportunities, and make informed decisions.

9. Deep Community Connections

Years of involvement in Miami Shores have created relationships and local knowledge that help clients better understand the neighborhood and its unique character.

10. A Focus on Long-Term Value

Whether buying or selling, the team helps clients look beyond today’s transaction and consider the factors that may influence enjoyment, functionality, and value over time.

About Miamism: Founded by architect, REALTOR®, and brokerage owner Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Miamism helps buyers and sellers understand Miami’s neighborhoods beyond the listings. A Miami Shores resident for more than 40 years, Ines has been covering Miami architecture, lifestyle, and real estate since 2005, providing local insights that help consumers make informed decisions about where and how they live.

The post Top Reasons to Choose The Miamism Sales Team for Miami Shores Real Estate appeared first on Miamism.

This past weekend, we were leaving the marina with my sister-in-law aboard, heading out into Biscayne Bay. As we idled through the canal, I pointed to the waterfront homes on our right.

“Those are on Belle Meade Island,” I said. “Many of those homes are worth three to four times more than the waterfront homes on the left.”

She looked across the canal.

“But they’re both waterfront.”

They are.

On the right is Belle Meade Island, a private, guard-gated island. On the left are waterfront homes in the City of Miami. They’re separated by little more than a canal, yet the difference in value is significant.

One of the reasons is something many people don’t realize until they spend time here. The streets on the City of Miami side experience significant flooding during king tides.

That conversation reminded me why I love seeing Miami from the water.

From the street, you notice architecture, landscaping, and curb appeal. From the water, you notice something completely different. You begin to understand how neighborhoods relate to Biscayne Bay and how subtle differences in location can have a significant impact on value.

That’s one of the reasons I enjoy helping buyers looking for waterfront property. Waterfront real estate is about much more than a house with a dock. It’s about understanding the neighborhood and all the nuances that make one location different from another.

I recently started an Instagram Highlight called “Waterfront,” where I share a photo or video of a home from the water, along with its location and price. The disparities can be shocking. That’s where local knowledge matters, filling in the gaps that no listing description or property search can.

One of my favorite things is showing up to a waterfront listing by boat. I’ll step onto the dock wearing a simple cover-up and flip-flops, and I can almost see buyers looking at me up and down, wondering if they’re meeting the right Realtor. Then I explain that I pulled up on our boat.

It usually gets a laugh, but it also changes the showing. We’re no longer just touring a house. We’re experiencing it the way they would as future owners.

That’s what I’ve learned about Miami real estate from a boat. Sometimes the best way to understand a waterfront home isn’t by pulling into the driveway. It’s by pulling up to the dock.

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