80/20 Rule

 I’m a listing agent. Eighty percent of the time. I partner with smart sellers in distinctive South Florida areas who have a very special home. I market and sell my listings…80% of the time.

 The other 20% of my time is dedicated to real estate buyers. Savvy, knowledgeable ones and inexperienced, hesitant ones.

 Given that this is a buyer’s market, the percentage may have shifted a bit. I find myself taking out more buyers in Coral Gables , Coconut Grove and Pinecrest than in the past. Some are quick and decisive. Others are cautious to a fault attempting to read the Miami real estate market as if they had a crystal ball.

 Both type of buyers need an experienced Realtor (luckily for me!). The market is changing daily, it seems. With this reality, I feel my consultant role is magnified. “Steer clear of this lender.” I hear myself advising. “Don’t celebrate until after the appraiser comes through,” I gently caution.  “Here are the items I recommend you request the seller contributes towards,” I counsel.

 A buyer’s agent 80/20 rule: 80%: guidance; 20%: finding the right home.

Snapper Creek Lakes is one my favorite luxury communities in Coral Gables . I’m fortunate to have three spectacular listings in the magnificent enclave right now.

The largest property, 10225 Coral Creek Road , sits on over 1.25 acres of one of Coral Gables most breathtaking, private gardens. Showing this property is always such a treat. I feel like I’m going to Fairchild Gardens in the middle of the work day!  The lush landscape twists and turns leaving one to discover new pockets of wonder each time.

The interior of the home is equally as majestic as the gardens. Unparalleled craftsmanship is evident throughout the entire home. Custom-builts in, intricate moldings and exquisite hardwood floors are rivaled only by the natural sunlight that darts around the house illuminating an understated elegance.

This property truly has it all, amazing grounds, spectacular interiors and an enviable address in Snapper Creek Lakes. I can’t wait to find the perfect family for this perfect home!

What’s better than listing a picture perfect house? Listing it during last week’s brilliant blue backdrop. I know I’m spoiled – there’s all but 2 clouds today and I’m already nostalgic for last week’s spectacular weather.

 

Luckily, I do have my new picture perfect listing at 5910 Maggiore Street in Coral Gables. This storybook home’s climbing ivy and flowering bougainvillea exude charm that graces this corner lot home. Once inside the home, a bank of French doors ricochet sunlight throughout the great room, upgraded kitchen and provide a terrific glow on the wood floors.

 

This 3/2.5 plus office listed at $749,000 has gotten quite some traction. Every time I show it (quite a few times for 7 days!), everyone comments on the spacious master bedroom and private backyard — this home really is as enchanting as a fairytale. Come take a look for yourself. I’m sure this is going to have a happy ending!

New construction in historic Coral Gables is always tricky. Often new homes lack the character that makes Coral Gables unique. I’ve just listed one, though, that exudes character and architectural nuisances.

 

This 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home located at 4500 Ridgewood Road has a Tuscan inspired design inside and out. Archwways, rich wood moldings and an exquisite coffered ceiling exude luxury typically found in more expensive Coral Gables homes.

 

The virtuoso homebuilder also paid close attention to how light would illuminate this home.  With a timeless design including wood floors, fireplace and a sophisticated kitchen – this home hints at old world panache but is elevated by modern conveniences. Literally. This Coral Gables home is elevator ready!

 

If you are “purchase-ready”, you can ascend into this premier home.

Suze Orman on the Oprah Show

Yesterday’s Oprah Show featured Suze Orman. You know, the tough talking woman that’s been preaching about financial responsibility for decades now… She’s long heralded home ownership as a wise thing to do in lieu of renting.

 

 

 

I know most people would bet that Suze Orman isn’t singing the praises of home ownership now. Ironically, those people would lose the bet.

Oprah asked Suze Orman yesterday if it was a good time to buy property given “the deals out there.” Suze Orman’s answer was “Yes. If you have can afford the mortgage and can qualify for a loan.” “You are not only going to get a deal – but you could get a deal of a lifetime.”

 

I couldn’t agree more. I’m seeing deals for properties that are beyond undervalued given the mortgage loan debacle and the conservative, border-line irresponsible appraisals that are being conducted in the South Florida market. The low property appraisals seem almost arbitrary. But until markets – both financial and housing – stabilize, consumers need to be prepared to capitalize on blatant opportunities in this real estate market.

 

If you are considering buying a home, this is an extraordinary time – sellers are open to creative incentives and Realtors are privy to terrific inventory. This isn’t a time to be shy. This is a time to capitalize on opportunity.

Great Room

 

Unlike many long-term brands that have lost their standing, the Ritz-Carlton hotel and residence brand remains akin to elegance and a higher social echelon. This is definitely true of my posh listing in the Coconut Grove Ritz Carlton — one of the largest units inthe building.

 

This stunning, luxurious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condominium on the 19^th floor offers sweeping views of the city while offering magnificent Brazilian cherry wood floors, a vast amount of built-ins and tremendous storage. Amazing finishes abound and the amenities as you can imagine are beyond compare. I couldn’t tell you which amenity is better than the next – a luxurious pool area, state-of-the-art exercise center, sauna and massage, beauty salon and a concierge complete the package. Hmmm, thinking it through I think my favorite amenity would be receiving discounts at all Ritz Carltons around the world including at their shops and restaurants!

 

Let’s not forget a key benefit to this unit– the highly desirable Coconut Grove location, with easy access to Dinner Key marina and local restaurants, this condo is also just a short drive from South Beach, Coral Gables, downtown Miami and MIA. If you like to “puttin’ on the Ritz” – this is the place for you! Offered at $1,199,000.

Modern Nature

My readers (thanks Mom!) can tell I’m on a kick to blog about my listings. I feel most connected to my listings when I’m showing them or writing about them – so I felt compelled to squeeze in a few blogs about my very special homes.

 

In reviewing my present listings, I realized I have something for everyone (who wants to live in the best of Miami’s neighborhoods and enjoys luxurious abodes – I am, afterall, a Realtor for the people J).

I have a waterview condo in the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove, a chateau-inspired residence in Ponce/Davis, a Key West-style home in Pinecrest and a modern property set amidst a tropical Florida setting – just to name a few…

 

The latter is my most popular listing presently. Located at 9740 SW 60 Court in Pinecrest this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home embodies modern sophistication with unique architectural features while being situated in a park-like setting. Great living spaces. style and sophistication, a terrific master with sitting room and a patio and garden which are beyond compare set this apart from a typical ranch or Mediterranean Pinecrest home.

 

Prospective buyers and Realtors alike, often comment that this home is “different”, “there’s nothing like it.” When I originally described it I felt it was a home for an individualist who shuns cookie-cutter, common architecture. All agree!

 

This Pinecrest home boasts a terrific family-centric location surrounded by first-rate schools and a host of convenient restaurants, shops and more.

 

If you crave originals and one-of-a-kind things, 9740 SW 60^th Court should be at the top of your list while it’s still available.

 People often ask me how I spot “the perfect home.” Perfect is subjective, of course, but I can tell you what helps is when the builder of a home resides in it. Such is the case with my 5 bedroom, 6 bath listing in one of Miami’s best neighborhoods, Ponce/Davis.

 

This stately jewel’s attention to detail is extraordinary – you can tell the builder designed it for himself! The interior rooms are beautifully proportioned with fine moldings, custom cabinetry, ceiling treatments, and impact-resistant glass. (Take that Hurricane Ike!)

 

The grand staircase sweeps to the second floor and seems to be a favorite of prospective buyers. The handsome mahogany library also inspires ooohs and ahhhs. The large kitchen and family room exudes charm and comfort with a farmhouse sink and a Viking Professional gas range. The sumptuous master bedroom does not disappoint – it has a sitting room, huge bath with his/hers vanities and onyx floor. The details are so plentiful—I’m impressed, can you tell?

 

This luxury home is not perfect for everyone but it is beyond ideal for most with its prime location in 5150 SW 77 Street in Ponce/Davis and its exquisite attention to detail – schedule a private showing and let me know if you are impressed too.

Where have the “Leave it to Beaver” neighborhoods of old gone? You know the ones – where children play outside and trees dot the street? That neighborhood where homes are just that–homes where families make memories and plant roots…

I know that place. I have a beautiful home listed in just that place! A Key West style 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom residence located on 11520 SW 70 Avenue in Pinecrest, Florida. It’s being offered for $1,995,000 or for rent for $8500 per month.

This graceful, luxurious home deserves to be on one of the most idyllic streets in Pinecrest. Its finishes are dazzling and boast exceptional craftsmanship. Its expansive 6836 square ft. footprint allows for  2 fireplaces, a  wine room, great floors, a gorgeous kitchen and baths, a whole-house generator and impact windows. There are 2 bonus rooms plus 5 ensuite bedrooms. A 60 foot lap pool sits amidst lush landscaping and a great patio rounds out this ideal home in the most ideal of Miami neighborhoods.

This Pinecrest residence is among my favorite listings. Come for an exclusive showing and I’m certain it will be a favorite of yours too.

My last blog entries have a recurring theme – long lapses between posts. And for this, I’m sorry but I’ve been busy people! There are houses to list, sales to close…media outlets to prove wrong.

If I hear about Miami’s real estate doom and gloom one more time – I may um, hmmm, um — continue to ignore them. There are opportunities to be had and prospects searching for them.

Yesterday I held two open houses – 6904 Mindello Street in Coral Gables and 9740 SW 60 Court in Pinecrest - I was MOBBED! I had people lined up outside at one home waiting for me to arrive. I had serious prospects. These people see good values in desirable locations and see interests rates going up and are jumping on oppurtunities.

Later in the day, I showed one of my Edgewater listings and am expecting an offer. South Florida real estate is not dead – its realigning itself. Location and pricing are key and that’s the message that we need our local media to get out.