Drew Kern
September 18, 2015
For Sale By Owner. We’ve all passed a home with a handmade sign on the front lawn or stumbled onto a self-listed charmer on the website forsalebyowner.com. Maybe you have even wondered whether you really need to enlist the services of a realtor as you prepare to put your home on the market. I can understand the appeal, of course: avoid paying commission and conduct the sales process on your own terms. As tempting as the unaided approach may seem, it comes with significant risks—for both buyers and sellers. Buyers of a FSBO listing assume all the risks that come from working with an uneducated seller: Will they disclose everything they should about the home and its condition? Is […]
September 11, 2015
The last in my series of posts detailing Coral Gables city planner George Merrick’s seven themed enclaves is the French Country Village. (The other six are: the Florida Pioneer Village, the Italian Village, the French City Village, the French Normandy Village, the Chinese Village, and the Dutch South African Village.) This collection of homes was inspired by 18th-century rural French building design and, unlike the other villages, contains two distinct styles of architecture. Between 1925 and 1926, leading French-style architect Frank Forster designed a series of country homes and farm buildings, while architects Edgar Albright and Philip L. Goodwin created several bucolic homes that are more reminiscent of rustic chateaux from the era. Together these mini estates form the […]
September 4, 2015
Scoping out Florida real estate in the hot and humid summer months is no picnic. But some of the best deals can be had during this relative slow season. Luckily, the charming neighborhoods of South Miami are home to the ultimate antidote to soaring temps: a nice, creamy, cold scoop of ice cream. For current listings to check out, contact me or just click here; for the tastiest ice cream shops along the way, see below. Sweet Chemistry at Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream Location: 8271 SW 124th Street Neighborhood: Pinecrest One of two Miami-area outposts, this high-tech concept parlor uses liquid nitrogen to flash-freeze its creamy, fresh treats in flavors like Nutella, peanut butter, and mixed berries. Choose some toppings […]
August 28, 2015
Of infamous Coral Gables city planner George Merrick’s seven themed villages, the French Normandy village showcases some truly historic and elegant period architecture. (Previous posts have featured the Florida Pioneer Village, the Italian Village, the French City Village, the Chinese Village, and the Dutch South African Village.) One of three enclaves designed to reflect various eras of French architecture, the Normandy homes (also sometimes called the French Provincial section) were based on a 15th-century French village. Miami architects John and Coulton Skinner, who also were responsible for bringing the Florida Pioneer and Italian villages to life, constructed the 11 homes that belong to the French Normandy neighborhood in 1926 and 1927. The grouping is bound by LeJeune Road, […]
August 21, 2015
Newcomers to Florida and Miami often are concerned about the brutal summer months and wonder how locals survive the heat. In other regions of the state, I imagine July and August seem to drag on forever, but luckily in Miami and its surrounding suburbs, there is no shortage of ways to keep busy—and cool—when you’re maxed out on beach time. I previously wrote about some of the area’s best museums and estates and great pools; today I am sharing three more amazing attractions that provide a welcome break from the sun and sand. The Planetarium at the Miami Science Museum Planetariums, in my opinion, get little appreciation nowadays, but they offer a truly unique learning experience for kids […]
August 7, 2015
The greater Miami area is a diverse and high-energy place, offering something for every taste and interest. Attending a special festival or event, whether it’s a onetime event or an annual tradition, is a great way to take in the local flavor and get a feel for whether a certain area is a good fit for you and your family. Whether you have your sights set on one of the city’s family-friendly southern suburbs or are still exploring your options, these cool August events are a great way to experience the signature Miami magic. For Football Enthusiasts: The Miami Dolphins Friday Night Festival & Scrimmage When: Friday, August 7 Where: Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium What: Get […]
July 31, 2015
Though we can’t control the climate of the place we choose to live, buyers often want to know if a prospective neighborhood has amenities and cultural offerings to help keep busy when the weather is less than perfect. I previously wrote about some of the area’s best pools—but some days you need a break from swimming, or boating, in the sun. Luckily, Miami has plenty of other ways to beat the heat, whether it’s spending the afternoon at a museum or strolling the shady perimeters of a historic estate. The Coral Gables Museum This neighborhood cultural hub, which also serves as the City Beautiful’s official visitors’ center, puts on a full roster of events both on the museum […]
July 21, 2015
As a parent, I understand the importance of having access to solid summer-camp options. It’s especially nice when a town has several more specialized programs, too, for kids with focused interests. The family-friendly neighborhoods of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay offer many great options, many of which are already under way for the season—in which case, you can always stop by for a preview and make plans for next year. Most area schools provide summer programming for their students, too, so check with your child’s institution to see what’s on offer. Camp Palmetto Bay The Village of Palmetto Bay runs the 8-week multidisciplinary Camp Palmetto Bay in June and July, which takes advantage of local attractions to keep kids engaged […]
July 13, 2015
Think you’ve tried the best Miami has to offer when it comes to restaurants and bars? With so many options and the never-ending cycle of openings and closings, many of our city’s best culinary delights get lost in the shadow of celebrity chefs and flashy upscale eateries. Here I suggest four establishments to add to your must-try list, if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting them already. For Wine Lovers: Happy Wine Though this modest Mom-and-pop wine shop in Calle Ocho (there is a second, fancier location in Coconut Grove) has been recognized for its caliber as a place to buy wine, it’s also a local favorite spot for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. Stop by to test […]