Wednesday Open Houses- 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We will be kicking off this TODAY with 2 open houses for 2 of our listings which we consider to be GREAT family homes in Great locations!

The Ultimate Family Home

8505 SW 109 Street Miami, FL 33156

This home is both unique and very spacious with 6 bedroom and 4.5 bathrooms. Perfect for a family with in-laws, teenagers, or someone who simply likes to entertain. This home is essentially 2 homes in 1 with two kitchens and living areas, with shared access through the laundry room, garage, or covered patio/ pool area. (Additions built in 1993) 

Open the sliding glass doors to this home and enjoy a day by the pool with family or guests, this home has the perfect set up for just that.  Located in a lovely neighborhood and large landscaped lot. Plenty of parking with 2.5 garage, carport and  additional side parking.

Welcome to Paradise 

13026 Nevada Street Coral Gables, FL 33156

This luxurious waterfront home is located in Gables by the Sea one of Coral Gables most coveted neighborhoods. This home has a new price and new look! Come see this beautiful home and appreciate its grand size and bright spacious formal areas. This 5 bedroom/ 5 bath home has everything you expect from a luxury South Florida home.

Exquisite finishings including marble, onyx, granite, and Brazilian teak. Features include soaring ceilings in living room with fireplace, chef’s kitchen with breakfast area, family with a pre-wired sound system throughout, and much more. Wonderful views to the beach-entry pool and ocean access canal. No bridges to bay, extra wide canal, and 100 ft. of sea-wall.

Coral Gables is not only a city known for its aesthetic appeal, but also security. Along with the Coral Gables Police Department neighbors assist in added surveillance with the Crime Watch program. This program is sponsored directly through the Public Affairs Unit under the Coral Gables Office of the Chief of Police.

The Crime Watch goal is to provide residents, businesses, and visitors with tips for prevention of crime.

Keeping You Safe

Proactive in their goal for increased safety, meetings with neighborhood and business associations are held frequently where crime watch signs are provided. In addition, other programs are offered (most of them at NO COST) such as:

• Park Smart Program: Free “Park Smart” signs to increase awareness of one of Miami’s major theft problems, car burglary.
• National Child Identification Program: (in partnership with American Football Coaches Association) Free identification kits for children in case they are lost or injured.
• Walk Safe Program: Working with Middle Schools, for safer walking routes to and from school

What you can do…

• If you see it, TEXT it:  Anonymously report information through text message, in the TO line of your text message window enter 274637 (crimes) and in the message window type tips 139, then the information you would like to report. SEND
• Home and Business Security Checks: On- site security check to evaluate way of reducing the chance of your home and business falling victim to a crime. (no cost)
• Direct Connect for Business’s: Direct alarm wire to Police Department, simultaneously giving notice to the department and your alarm company.(only cost is for initial hook up)
• Data Dot Program: Data  Dots free of charge to residents or business owner to place on valuable belongings.

Spreading the Word, For Better Safety

The Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch participate in community events such as the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade and Farmers Market on Saturdays, where they provide handouts on crime prevention. They also help fund Neighborhood Block Parties where they reach families in a fun and safe environment while providing  helpful and useful information.

In closing, if you would like to set up a security program please contact 305.442.1600 ext. 4153

Villa Majorca is a new boutique building in Coral Gables offering an elegant and sophisticated lifestyle for residents. Exclusive, with only 36 apartments and townhomes, it is solely a rental building. Perfect for those with a high standard of living and want little or no maintenance. Also, convenient for the frequent traveler and those who would rather not deal with the obligations of owning. Security and superb amenities, with no hassle of fees.

What can you expect?

Designed for living the ultimate lifestyle in Coral Gables. Residents will receive a complimentary Biltmore Club Membership. In addition there is an in-house limousine service which is available to take you to the Biltmore, Miami Airport, and other destinations.

2-3 bedroom units have a functional layout with up to 2,000 square feet of living area. Features include top of the line appliances and finishings, and an added bonus of 2 balconies in each unit with views of the Miami skyline. Pricing ranges between $2,295-$3,500 per month.

The perks of this building are outstanding. You can expect typical amenites such as gym, pool, sun deck, and more!

Driving, cumbersome?

When you’re not in the limo, you can enjoy all that Coral Gables has to offer just outside the steps of your home. Located in the the heart of “The City Beautiful” this building is just blocks away from Miracle Mile. Walk to shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Truly a great addition to the Coral Gables community.

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the ribbon cutting for Villa Majorca. If you would like to see the article click this link.

I would be happy to show you what this building has to offer. Please feel free to contact me here.

This time of year provides a perfect Florida day for a fun, family event.

Who: Over 360 artists and craftsmen wil have their works on display in various tents.

What: The cost for admission is $10 per day, children under 12 years old are free. (For Grove residents with valid ID, there is a discounted rate of only $5 per day!) No pets or outside beverages are permitted.

When: February 19-21, 2011 (this weekend), 10AM-6PM

Where: The festival runs along the streets of McFarlane Rd, South Bayshore Drive and PanAmerican Drive.

For additional information, visit http://www.coconutgroveartsfest.com/index.php.

In an effort to bring together Gables residents as well as visitors and other South Floridians, there is a gathering set up for the first Friday of every month, called Gables Gallery Walk. On this special night, over 4,000 aficionados will walk to local art galleries located within the blocks to the north and south of Miracle Mile, to view works of art by various artists from all over the world. Shuttles are provided as well as free appetizers at occasional stops.

To review the list of participating galleries, see this link,  http://www.coralgables.com/CGWeb/fineart.aspx.

After you enjoy the galleries, head over to Giralda Under the Stars, also occuring the first Friday of every month, 6PM to midnight, located on the 100 block of Giralda Avenue between Ponce de Leon Blvd and Galiano Street. Alfresco dining and entertainment will abound at Coral Gables Downtown Restaurant Row where you can get a fantastic dinner and enjoy some live entertainment.

Here is a list of participating restaurants: Bangkok Bangkok II, Castellucio Ristorante,  La Dorada, Las Vegas Restaurant, Miss Saigon Bistro, Las Lenas Argentinian Steakhouse, Mister Wings, The Bar, Talavera, Spris Restaurant, Il Grissino, The Local (coming soon).

Click here for more information, http://www.gableshomepage.com/events/giralda-under-stars.

Get your boots, chaps, and lassoe ready because there’s going to be a hoedown! Cowboys and cowgirls will be gathering in Homestead to participate in the 62nd Annual Rodeo Championship. Hosted by the Homestead Rodeo Association, you can expect to see a  variety of riding, roping and racing. Bulls and broncos, yeeee haww!

When: Friday 8PM, Saturday 2PM, Sunday 2PM

Where: Doc’ De Milly Rodeo Arena at Harris Field, US1 & Campbell Drive

Cost: $15 for Adults, $5 for Children

For more info visit: www.homesteadrodeo.com

Dishing it up! Tour of Kitchens

Hungry for some action in Coral Gables? Take a tour of tastings. This self- guided tour will lead you through some of the most fabulous private kitchens in North Gables, where you will experience food demonstrations and delicious tastings from some of our most well known local chefs. What restaurants can you expect to participate in this event? Morton’s, Seasons 52, Angelique Euro Cafe, Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine, Talavera, and Peterbrooke Chocolatier. Hosted by CoralGables@HOME this fundraiser is sure to be a treat.

When: Saturday 9AM- 1PM

Where: Snaidero Kitchens + Design showroom, 4110 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Cost: $35 in advance, $45 at the door

Shakespeare in the Park

Feeling romantic? The tale of star crossed lovers is returning to Coconut Grove. This classical production features professional acting, period costumes, live music and dance. Have a picnic while you watch Romeo and Juliet under the stars.

When: Friday 8PM, Saturday 8PM, Sunday 2PM & 8PM

Where: Shell Lumber, 2733 SW 27 Avenue

Cost: FREE! Chairs available for rent $1

For more info visit: www.shakespearemiami.com

Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens

Feeling a bit more up- tempo? Enjoy a night of jazzy tunes in the Village of Pinecrest. Listen to the sounds of the Rodriguez Brothers, influenced by Afro- Cuban and traditional jazz elements. These piano and trumpet players, were born in New York and schooled in Miami. Arrive early to enjoy the botanical surroundings and garden delights.

When: Saturday 8PM; Gates open at 6PM

Where: Banyan Bowl in Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road

Cost: $18 & $23

For more info visit: www.pinecrest-fl.gov

These snails are slowly but surely making their way through Miami. Displayed first at Art Basel, they’ve made their way from trendy South Beach to the heart of Coral Gables. Resting in places like the Cartagena Plaza, Merrick Park, Biltmore Way, and other locations for us all to see. 

Here with a Message

These 8 foot tall snails are not just bold with their color, but with the message they bring. Currently resting in ”City Beautiful”, these over- sized creatures are here to remind us to not just keep our city beautiful, but also our planet. (They’ve come all the way from Europe courtesy of the Cracking Art Group.) Completely made of recycled plastic materials, they are here to promote sustainable living. 

They’ve caused quite the stir, some people loving them and others not. Bringing a kind and positive message, I say we enjoy and embrace their stay.

Rumor has it we can expect to spot mini versions of these snails at local Miracle Mile businesses. Keep an eye out for a snail near you.

This Saturday Miami is expected to have some cool weather, but it’s expected to be hot, hot, hot in Cutler Bay. So hot, that our local fire fighters will be there! Chefs will be coming from all over town to participate in the 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off. Residents, businesses, community groups, and even chefs from our fire department will be showing off their secret recipes. Free Chili!

Community Fun

Not a big fan of chili? There will also be contests for the best cornbread and salsa. This is a great event to enjoy with friends and family. There will be live music and children activities. Vote for your favorite dishes and help those hardworking chefs win a cash reward or trophy.

Don’t worry about your mouth watering, there will be plenty of refreshments and other foods available for purchase.

Who: Everyone is welcomed.

When: January 8, 2011  from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where: Cutler Ridge Park; 10100 SW 200 Street

Why: Because it’s fun!

Let me know what you think of the chili cookoff.

20030 Cutler Court

This lovely 3 bedroom/ 2 bath Cutler Bay home is located in the Serenity development which is in the north eastern part of Cutler Bay, just south of Palmetto Bay, right off Old Cutler Road. The walled-in community offers privacy and curb appeal and is composed of newer homes. Built in 1998, like other homes in the neighborhood,  it was made ”hurricane ready” (post Hurricane Andrew building code) and with an attractive design.

The interior features an open layout with bright living areas, volume ceilings, and crown molding throughout. The eat-in kitchen and breakfast area are spacious, open to the family room. Perfect for entertaining. French doors in the living room lead you to the patio, which is quite charming, currently furnished with a little bistro table and plants hanging from a trellis; the perfect place to have coffee in the morning or watch the kids play in the spacious back yard.  The master bedroom and bath are a treat; the bedroom has a walk in closet and access to the patio and there are dual sinks, tub, and shower in the bathroom.

Distinct from other homes in the area, this property is located on an over-sized lot of almost 20,000 square feet!  Landscaped, the yard has plenty of room to install a pool and patio, and even a kids swingset. And there is space to park a boat which is perfect considering you are a short drive away from Black Point Marina where you can access Biscayne Bay.

Make Serenity your home.

You may remember I have another listing in on the same street, at 20000 Cutler Court. You can click here to learn more about that home as well.

If you would like to explore the options of buying a home or would like to see one of my listings in Cutler Bay, please do not hesitate to contact me.

It’s a great event, open to both members of the Chamber and the community.  It will be held Thursday, December 2nd at 5:30PM in the Biltmore Hotel, Country Club Ballroom. Over 25 local vendors are already engaged and will be offering food and beverages for guests to enjoy. Plus this is this a great opportunity to network with business professionals in a festive and cheerful environment.  

Probably the most important component of the party is the philanthropic aspect. Each attendee is asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a child or a gift for an elderly individual. These toys and additional monetary proceeds will go directly to deserving charities in the Miami area. Participating charities this year are: CHARLEE Home for Children, Coral Gables Police Athletic League, Family Resource Center, Home Instead Senior Care, Merrick Educational Center and YMCA of Greater Miami.

As Chairman-Elect, I’m happy to be involved in such a fantastic event. Additionally we at Esslinger, Wooten, Maxwell Realtors., Inc are a sponsor. It’s early enough in the month, and on a week night,  so it should not conflict with any other holiday parties you are attending. I personally invite you to come out this Thursday and join us at the Biltmore.

For more information about the Holiday Party or the Coral Gables Chamber visit www.coralgableschamber.org.