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August 25, 2016

Pinecrest: The State of the Market

Year in and year out, Pinecrest is one of Miami’s most in-demand markets. And for good reason: it offers large houses on oversized lots with access to excellent public and private schools, a state-of-the-art library, and fantastic recreational facilities. With a population of about 20,000, and a total area of 7.6 square miles, it borders South Miami to the north, Kendall to the west, Cutler Bay to the south, and Matheson Hammock to the east. In the last 10 years, Pinecrest has devoted extensive resources to improving the quality of life for its residents, including the creation of new parks (Pinecrest Gardens is the crown jewel of the village’s park system), enhanced development of free Wi-Fi hubs in key locations, […]
August 16, 2016

When Is the Best Time to List Your Home?

It’s a commonly held adage that the best time of the year to sell your home is in the spring, as parents with kids will be shopping then to move over the summer and not disrupt their children’s school year. It seems logical, and it’s a large part of why you see so many homes hit the market in March and April every year. But here’s the problem: everyone else thinks it’s a good idea. That means your home potentially has a lot more competition to grab the attention of your future buyer than you would at any other time of the year. So what is a homeowner to do? With more than 18 years in the industry, here are […]
August 9, 2016

Tips for New Homeowners

The path from renter to homeowner is not always an easy one. Though it’s an exciting time, finding your dream home can be stressful, moving can seem like a herculean task, and tackling the unboxing and organizing process takes a bit of time. But once you’re in your new house and settled, the benefits of homeownership are many. One big change is that you are now in charge of all the little (and big) problems that can arise in your home. As a renter, your landlord took care of those little fixes that you are now responsible for. How can you take care of the little things and prevent unexpected home repair costs? Here are a few tips for proactive […]
July 27, 2016

Big City Mountaineers Has a Big Impact

I can’t speak for you, but this summer has felt like a scorcher to me. It just begs for an excuse to get out of the city, escape the heat, and head into the mountains. At the same time, I realize that doing so is a luxury that many never have the opportunity to do. This is exactly why I’m so proud to be so deeply invested (along with my family) in Big City Mountaineers. For more than 25 years, we have been involved with BCM, helping kids that have never had a chance to spend time in the wilderness, often that have never left the city where they were born, learn some important life skills and experience life outside […]
July 18, 2016

9 Ways to Beat the July Heat in Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, and Pinecrest

The summer is heating up, and the days are long and sticky. What can you do to escape the high temps and have some fun? Luckily, there are lots of great options in our area for July once the fireworks are gone. Coral Gables Miami Spa Month is actually two full months of self-love, starting July 1 and continuing through August 31. Treat yourself or a loved one to some deluxe downtime with signature spa services. Take advantage of special rates at luxurious Coral Gables spas and let your wallet benefit from some pampering, too. Two spas in Coral Gables are participating, The Biltmore Spa and Elemis Spa at Merrick Park. On July 22, experience Food Truck Invasion on Fourth […]
July 2, 2016

What is going on July 4th 2016

…. and where will you be celebrating America’s 240th Birthday? Join in the fun~ family~festivities around the Coral Gables & Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay areas at any of these free events.   The Biltmore Hotel: Center Terrace The Biltmore Hotel Fireworks Spectacular is one of the most popular places to be this Independence day with over 10,000 guests expected to attend. Bring a blanket or folding chairs, a picnic basket and grab a front row seat on the beautiful lush, sprawling 18 hole Golf course and enjoy the show.  Refreshments are available for purchase.  All will remember this fireworks display to celebrate “America the beautiful”. The grounds are located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables, Florida If you’re looking to secure […]
June 28, 2016

The Secret Art to Staging Your Home

If you do a quick Google search, you can (literally) find a million different sites with tips on how to stage your home to sell it quickly. Upon doing a little digging however, you find that each one offers contradictory advice. You’re supposed to either make your home look lived-in (like they could raise their family there) or a clean slate (so they can imagine themselves there). So what’s a home owner to do? There’s a simple answer: Curb Appeal We all know the quote, “You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.” When we’re talking about homes, that means when they pull up to the house. And trust me, I’ve been with many a would-be […]
June 14, 2016

Getting Your Kids Into Sunset Elementary

In my opinion, there are few (if any) gifts a parent can give their children better than education. And I know a lot of parents agree with me: it’s why I’ve been asked by a multiple clients about how to get their children into Sunset Elementary and had many only willing to look at homes within the school’s boundaries. For those of you that don’t know, Sunset Elementary is one of the highest ranked elementary schools in Florida. It’s an International Blue Ribbon School of Excellence that has been recognized with the National Elementary Magnet School of Excellence award with an International Studies Magnet Program, a Controlled Choice International Education Program, and a Science and Mathematics Gifted Program. Sunset’s boundaries […]
June 7, 2016

What’s Going on this June in Palmetto Bay

You can always tell the first week after school lets out because it takes twenty minutes less to get anywhere. All kidding aside, just because the weather is heating up doesn’t mean that you can’t get out and enjoy everything that living in South Florida has to offer. And the best part is you don’t have to drive across the county to enjoy some of the best Miami has to offer. There are dozens of events this month in Palmetto Bay that are worth checking out. First, you can kick off the summer with a splash at the End of School Summer Splash at Coral Reef Park on June 9th. There will be water slides, games, music, water balloons and […]