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October 19, 2015
Time does fly…. I am honored to say that this marks my 13th year hosting the BNI Charity Golf Tournament, which takes place on Friday, October 23. This event is dear to me for many reasons. First of all, 100% of the proceeds from the tournament go to the Big City Mountaineers. For those of you who are not familiar with this organization, Big City Mountaineers is a non-profit that was founded in 1989 by my father, who firmly believes that nature is a powerful teacher. The organization’s mission is to provide urban teenage youth in need of positive adult mentoring with a challenging and safe wilderness experience led by qualified adult volunteers. Believe it or not, through these expeditions, […]
October 16, 2015
Miami is a city that loves Halloween—for both kids and adults. Whether you want a safe place to trick-or-treat with the family, a world-class haunted house, or an all-out wild party, you’ll find the perfect spooky event in the Magic City for this October 31. (For those more in search of a real estate-themed trick-or-treat outing, contact me and we can tour South Florida’s hottest neighborhoods.) FOR FAMILIES Spooky Zoo Nights at Zoo Miami October 30 and 31, 2015; 7 to 11 p.m. The zoo is full of safe, exciting Halloween fun for the whole family. The main event, Spooky Zoo Nights, features Dr. Wilde’s Creepy House, a spooky tram ride, and haunted trails throughout the zoo for […]
October 9, 2015
As many of you know, this year marks Coral Gables’ 90th anniversary. On April 29, 1925, its original charter was approved by the Florida legislature, and thanks in no small part to the extraordinary vision of founder George Merrick, today the City Beautiful is a vibrant, historically rich, multicultural destination, home to more than 49,000 residents. Due to my involvement with the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the fact that my office is located in Coral Gables, this city is like a second home to me. It is a true gem: ideally located close to Miami International Airport and Downtown Miami; comprised of neighborhoods that skew urban and also neighborhoods that appeal to those searching for a more suburban […]
October 1, 2015
If you read the real estate coverage of the Miami Herald with any regularity, you have probably taken note of the big development plans on the horizon for the historically quiet suburb of Coral Gables. Among the 16 proposed and approved new, high-density projects announced for the highly desirable enclave are the Mediterranean Village at Ponce Circle, a million square feet of hotel, condos and shopping across 6.7 acres south of the Mile on Ponce de Leon Boulevard; 33 Alhambra, a proposed 16-story residential tower to be built on the block behind the historic Coral Gables Elementary School; and the Collection Residences, a 10-story building with 270 luxury condos and 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. This […]
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 […]