Tag Archives: miami beach real estate

Elegant Sophistication at ICON

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 4.21.04 PMOne of the first Miami Beach condos that makes its presence known as visitors and residents make their way into the city is ICON located on Alton Road. The ultra stylish building has a fantastic location within the South Beach area and provides just about anything and everything you’d expect of a high end condominium. Stellar vistas of Biscayne Bay, plenty of amenities, luxurious residential features, you’ll find it all and then some at ICON.

Today we’re turning our attention to one of the many incredible units at ICON, Unit #2202 to be exact. This two bedroom, two bathroom residence has nearly 2,000 square feet of living area and has a number of great features. Start by admiring the stunning views from each room in the unit, relax in the spacious living area, prepare a meal in the open kitchen featuring modern appliances or walk outside the unit to soak in the cool breeze from your wraparound terrace. This impeccably decorated unit emanates sophistication and is unquestionably a must see.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Tech Savvy Agents Lean Heavily on Social Media

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At least a portion of a broker’s business was at one point the selling of information. However, with the huge advances in technology and the easy reach of the Internet for most, people now have this information available at the touch of a button. At least one of the most effective ways to reach and service clients is through social media, namely Facebook Live and Snapchat.

Snapchat and Facebook Live aren’t exactly revolutionary as video chats and live video have been around for a while, but it’s their implementations that are opening ways to connect with clients. Snapchat for example provides an ideal way to build relationships with prospective clients and use it as an education tool to share industry knowledge or a walkthrough of a home. Snapchat dramatically decreases the length of time it takes to build trust since users see a person in their daily life, unfiltered and unedited.

For other real estate agents, Facebook Live provides a seamless way to showcase the features of a property in real time through a quick home tour while also allowing the user some degree of insight into the agent’s personality and style. Since these videos show everyone who has viewed it, agents can potentially follow up with those may be interested.

How have you used social media to connect with clients?

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Experience a Permanent Vacation at Beachwalk

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We’re shifting our focus from Miami Beach and taking a look at a project in the city of Hallandale Beach. Beachwalk is a pre-construction Hallandale Beach condo found along the Intracoastal Waterway. The building’s developer is the highly prolific Related Group which has created a number of buildings throughout South Florida. Beachwalk features 300 upscale units with 216 of those being two bedroom residences that come fully furnished, decorated and intended to be used as a part time home or a rental.  The other 84 units have two or three bedrooms and do not require any rental program.  You’ll find between 1,100 to 1,800 square feet of living area as you explore the various Beachwalk residences.

Once you check out the 31st floor of Beachwalk you’re eventually going to come across what’s called the Cielo Room which boasts an infinity-edge pool deck among other features.  You’ll also receive beach club access, there is a fitness facility with a “cardio theater” and views of the ocean, plenty of beach services, a restaurant on site and tons more.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Miami Real Estate Transitions Towards Stability

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Miami’s residential real estate market has managed to slow down during the past year, but this does not mean bad news. In fact, it’s not so much crashing as it is showing signs of stability, which is actually a good sign considering stability has been rare in a market that has become more well-known for its cycles of booms and busts. This stability means positive signs that the market will become more sustainable.

Miami Beach home sales fell by 25 percent during the second quarter of this year. Greater Miami and its suburbs also saw sales drops of just over 12 percent annually. Despite the drops, both of these managed to stay well above their historical averages. The Miami Beach market includes other neighboring areas like the village of Bal Harbour, upscale Fisher Island, the two Bay Harbor Islands and even Key Biscayne.

Besides the signs of stability, the market is also shifting into one that caters to buyers as sellers are having a tougher time unloading their homes, forcing sellers to adjust their expectations.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

South America Comes out on Top

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In case it wasn’t already obvious, South Florida real estate continues to draw the attention of South American buyers, with the latest research showing these buyers at the very top of the list of people searching for South Florida real estate.

Colombia has been the top country of origin for five consecutive months in a row and four out of the top five countries are located in South America, per the data from the Miami Association of Realtors. Right below Colombia in second place is Venezuela followed by Argentina in third place and Brazil in fifth place. Only Israel in fourth place was the exception to the South American influx.

Colombian home buyers managed to tie with Argentina in purchasing the most Miami real estate among foreign countries, coming in third place. The two countries were also responsible for 10% of all foreign South Florida transactions. Venezuela with 13% and Brazil with 12% came in first and second place, respectively.

Buyers from Colombia looking to move to South Florida typically fall under the category of upper middle class and consist of people seeking to enjoy the fruits of their labor earned in their homeland as entrepreneurs and professionals. Colombians accounted for an average purchase price of about $516,000.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Fourth of July in South Florida

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Independence Day is next Monday, and by now you’ve probably figured out what you’re going to be doing to celebrate the county’s independence from the British Empire. If you’ve yet to figure out what you might like to do, rest assured that there are plenty of events happening around South Florida where you can enjoy great food and fireworks.

Coconut Grove is hosting its 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks which includes the classic picnic at The Barnacle beginning at 11am, the hot dog eating competition in CocoWalk at 6pm, and the festivities being held at Peacock Park also beginning at 6pm. You’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks beginning at 9pm, also in Peacock Park.

The Greater Miami Symphonic Band will be performing at this year’s Fourth of July Celebration in Coral Gables. Rick Folbaum of CBS will be the master of ceremonies and attendees will be able to check out the golf greens and enjoy the fireworks beginning at 9pm.

America’s Birthday Bash is happening in Miami Bayfront Park.  The all-day event will have plenty of varied activities for kids and adults including yoga, a Kids’ Zone, and a Beer Garden open from noon to 10pm.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

The Unique One Thousand Museum

1000museumOne of the most active areas in terms of pre-construction developments is the Downtown Miami area, home to some of the tallest buildings in the city. As new projects are continually announced, they each bring something new to the table in architecture. Few have managed to reach the fervor and anticipation as that of the currently in development One Thousand Museum condominium. A project by the late Zaha Hadid, it has received a tremendous amount of attention for its unique “exoskeleton” comprised of glass-fiber reinforced concrete, a first in the United StatesOnce it’s tentatively completed next year, One Thousand Museum will boast amenities like a sunbathing deck, a spa and wellness center, a double height Aquatic Center featuring an infinity edge pool, and a SkyLounge designed for private events or just some casual socializing. Perhaps its most intriguing and unique feature is the private helipad located at the very top of the building, a feature that residents will be able to use to arrive or depart on their own schedule.

One Thousand Museum’s collection of residences will be made up of duplex townhomes, half-floor residences, full-floor penthouses, and a single duplex penthouse.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Common Buyer Mistakes

buyerMistakesThe Fourth Annual Mortgage Service Index by TD Bank reveals that over fifty percent of homeowners feel it’s a good time buy a home while just over seventy percent of those have spoken favorably about their buying experience.

When the housing market is active, competition for homes skyrockets. Making a wrong move during a saturated market could mean ending up with a home you’re not entirely happy with or spending more than you need to.

Considering most buyers only buy a home about three times during their lifetime, the first time can be extra challenging. Many first time buyers incorrectly decide to seek the assistance of the seller’s agent which is a big mistake. A buyer should seek out an Accredited Buyer’s Representative as these people are licensed professionals that are also members of the National Association of Realtors. They have a firm understanding of the challenges a first time buyer faces and they also have additional knowledge that goes well beyond an agent whose focus is on working with a seller’s property listing.

Keep in mind that buying the most expensive home isn’t always the wisest move. A lender has no clue the amount you should spend on a home, it only knows the maximum amount of money willing to be lent. Many buyers choose to spend as much as they can which leaves no room for savings.

Buyers should also consider making return trips to a home. Remember that the physical location of a home never changes, so it’s wise to familiarize yourself thoroughly with a neighborhood prior to making an offer. The home you’re interested in may be near a restaurant open late that has its trash collected during the midnight hours which could be less than ideal when you’re trying to get some sleep.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Murano Grande’s Two Bedroom Unit

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We previously explore the Murano Grande, one of the several upscale condominiums within South Beach area which shares its name with its neighbors like the Murano at Portofino. True to its location, the building is located in the South of Fifth or “SoFi” area on the western side of the island next door to ICON South Beach. Because of the location, Murano Grande has entirely unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay to the west plus the many manmade residential Miami Beach islands like Hibiscus, Palm, and Star Island.

One of the newest listings we have is found in the Murano Grande. Unit #2806 is a two bedroom, three bathroom residence with 2,183 square feet of living area. The ultra modern unit boasts elegant hardwood flooring, floor to ceiling glass windows that provide stunning views from the comfort of your living room, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite kitchen countertops, and much more. As you would expect of a South Beach condo, the terrace is incredibly expansive and the picturesque vistas you’ll enjoy are simply breathtaking.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

New Plans for Midtown 6

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The Midtown area of Miami continues to be one of its fastest growing segments, with a host of new projects in store. Soon to join that list of projects is Midtown 6, a sequel of sorts to its predecessor the Midtown 5 which broke ground in June of last year and recently topped off at 26 stories. Midtown 6 development is being spearheaded collectively by Magellan Development Group and Midtown Development.

Midtown 6 will be a 32-story mixed-use project with a total of 447 Miami residences for rent plus plenty of retail space on the ground floor. The number of units its a bump up from the original plan of 398 condo units. The project originally began with the goal of becoming a condominium tower, but Midtown 6 is now being envisioned as a rental apartment tower instead.

Upon completion the building will be located a short distance south of the Midtown 5 condo and its address will be 3101 Northeast 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137. Construction is expected to begin next year.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate.  Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities.  Call 305.588.2451 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.