Happy Holidays to all! I know everyone is busy shopping, eating, partying, and getting ready for the holidays. The last thing on anyone’s mind is…. real estate. However, I thought I would spread somegood cheer regarding the market! In today’s Miami Herald (front page) it talks about condo sales being up. Our illustrious leader Mr. Ron Shuffield was quoted in that article and said he was extremely optimistic about the market in general. He feels the foreclosure freeze will mostly wear off in 2011 and the market will return to some normalcy. It’s a cycle and cycles don’t last forever. Prices are up from last year in both Dade and Broward. When you think back a few years when the market was on a high, many sellers today say “I could of sold for….”. Well, if you buyers don’t make a move, you will be saying, “I could of bought for….”. Don’t be that buyer….call me, I’m around! Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!!

By the way, on the same front page, the Jungle Island attraction is looking like the market…trying to survive. I remember when it was the Parrot Jungle. Good times. Every relative that came into town made the circuit, Parrot Jungle, Monkey Jungle, The Seaquarium, and the Beach!

Ok, like most of you, we all read the paper this morning and right there on the front page of the local news is “Lebron buys a house in Coconut Grove for $9,000,000. “ Are you kidding me, Coconut Grove! The Grove hasn’t been cool since earth shoes and head shops! Dude, what were you thinking!  Don’t you communicate with Dwayne and Chris? Well, 2 out of 3 isn’t bad!

Onward….this Sunday, December 12 from 2-4, I am holding open a terrific home at 5237 La Gorce Drive. Its a Mediterranean gem with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, pool, hardwood floors throughout, fireplace, impact windows. Stop by and take a look. All it needs is your personal touch! Offered at $869,000.

And hey, the ding dongs messing with the pink snails, stop it! You are suppose to enjoy them, not destroy them. They look great and are very fun and festive, especially this time of year, so quit it!

Happy shopping…see you Sunday!

Its that time of year….the weather has cooled off and Miami Beach has heated up! First off, I hope everyone had a joyous Thanksgiving. It is the best holiday; family, friends, food, and  football! It dosen’t get any better than that. It also kicks off the season starting with Art Basel. My partner Andy has been going to all the events and parties, but I wouldn’t know a Picasso from the drawings my kids bring home. What an eye! But Andy can spot a valuable painting a block away, and a good deal 2 blocks away, so he is having a blast! Since there will be so many people in town we are kicking it up this weekend with not one, but two open houses. It is the first time either of these properties are being held open so we should be very busy.

The first home 3757 Sheridan Ave. is terrific. It will be open from 1-3 this Sunday, Dec. 5. Everything in the house has been redone….roof, windows, AC, plumbing, electric, appliances, new baths, new kitchen, but it still has maintained its meditteranean charm. Original fireplace, original hardwood floors with mahogony inlay, and great architectural detail. Asking price is $539,000.

The second home we are holding open from 3-5 is 3001 Pinetree Drive. This magnificent South Beach Estate is a must see for the luxury buyer. An architectural gem by L. Murray Dixon has undergone a ground up restoration. This home has 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, original fireplace, gourmet kitchen, private pool and patio, and much much more. Offered at $2,200,000. Please come by and see us this Sunday!    

Stay warm and have a great weekend!

Lots of interseting things going on in Miam Beach. Please don’t be offended my friends to the north, south, and west, but Miami Beach is the place! Just look at the newspaper over the weekend. First, Jerry Powers, the founder of Ocean Drive magazine  has invested in Plum, a cable TV station and is kicking it up! He is hoping to target a wider audience which includes affluent consumers and keeps Miami Beach and its energy in the spotlight.   

Also, the pink snails are coming! It reminds me  of the time the artist Cristo wrapped the islands of Biscayne Bay in pink. Who remembers that or am I dating myself? Of course I was only 10 at the time!!! But this is fun and its also meant to send a message regarding enviornmental consciousness. This week, these pink plastic snails will pop up all over Miami Beach.  The snails are meant to send us a message to ”slow” down, stop running, and stop destroying our beautiful planet. Sounds good to me.

And last but not least, our newest listing at 3001 Pinetree Dr. is a magnificent home by famed architect L. Murray Dixon. This  was a ground up restoration and addition that was lovingly restored over 2 years. It has over 5,000 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, gourmet kitchen, beautiful pool and private garden. Asking $2,200,000. Call anytime!

Its been a while folks! I got so busy with the end of the summer, back to school thing that time just slipped away. I finally got smart and stopped buying everything on the the school supply list. Once I discovered I still had 12 duotangs (who came up with that name), boxes of #2 pencils, and 5 composition notebooks, it was time to stop! My youngest entered “middle school” and that was a big step. I”ve already had the dreaded back to school night  for both the middle school and the high school. The good thing is I finally didn’t get stuck in one of those chairs form my kids desk.  Elementary school was tough, when I stood up the chair came with me! I’m sure you can all relate…how embarrassing! Now on to real estate……..

We have been super busy. We got 2 new lsitings so far this month: 3757 Sheridan Ave which is a 3/2, 1930s home, very charming and adorable, cozy (realtor speak for not very big), cathedral ceiling, fireplace,and in move in condition.  Asking $569,000.

Our other listing is 4422 Alton Rd. which is a great deal. Its a short sale but its got 4 bedrooms, over 3000 sq. ft, pool, renovated, but neglected! Asking $539,000. We already have 5 offers! Go team go!

And…..we have 2 wonderful homes under contract:

725 W. 50 Street and 345 W. 34 St., and we will be closing at the end of the month. Of course I will keep you posted. I am always available for any questions, comments, and referrals.

My other listing is located at 4422 Alton Road. Its a short sale but an excellent opportunity for someone. It has a new gourmet kitchen, pool, stone floors, 3 bedrooms upstairs and 1 down, formal dining, just an all around nice big family home. In all honesty, its been neglected and needs some TLC. Asking $539,000. 

Speaking of short sales, I truly wish the banks could get it together with these  short sales and foreclosures. I have put a few under contract but by the time the banks gets them  approved  the property has deteriorated so much, the buyers are backing away or asking for credits. The bank laughs at the whole credit thing so you go back to square one and write another offer (lower of course). The banks need to give a response in 30 days. I know they are swamped, well hire more people. The last time I checked there were a lot of people out of work….hello!

Yea thats right, listen closely because thats opportunity knocking! There are some real good deals on Miami Beach these days. I remember a few years back when I would get calls and a buyer would want to spend about $500,000 on a property. I was so busy holding back my laughter that I never got their name and number. So if you’re out there, I am no longer laughing and I have a paper and pencil ready to write down your name, number, e mail address,  your kids birthday, …… But seriously, there is a foreclosure at

4320 Post Ave., Miami Beach. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, built in 1935, hard wood floors throughout, granite kitchen counters, garage conversion, and a nice yard. The asking is $403,900. I think its a great opportunity at a great location. Knock, knock!

5383 Alton Rd, knock, knock! Fab house on the golf course with guest house, fully renovated, gorgeous pool. Usually not a fan of AltonRd but this house is a winner. The front door is on 53 st with easy access onto the road, you don’t even know you are on Alton!  Asking $825,000….make an offer.

We all know the short sale process is a pain in the —( neck) but if you have the patience you can get a really good deal. Watch out, some of the photos can be misleading. The house looks fantastic from the pictures and you get all excited until you get to the house and boy what a dump!!!! Sometimes those good deals aren’t such good deals! So, if you have any questions or need any info please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Remember, “experience is priceless”.