I’m one of those who considers my pets to be family members so I understand the importance they are to renters. Finding a place to lease with your pets can be frustrating as there are condo rules that prohibit tenants having pets, and homeowners who don’t want to rent to people with pets.

They are heartless souls, if you want my opinion. But there are plenty of places for rent that do allow pets! Breaking it down below are all the homes and condos, furnished and unfurnished available for rent in Coconut Grove now.

Furnished Homes, Townhouses, and Condos

Unfurnished Homes and Townhouses

Unfurnished Condos

There are rules for the size or number of pets in most condominiums and homeowners usually require a refundable pet deposit, but you can find a rental for yourself and the whole family in Coconut Grove!

If you need help finding a rental, or you need a Realtor to help you find a new tenant give me a call at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note.

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Did you know that Coconut Grove residents and people who work here can receive great discounts at cooperating merchants by using the Code 33 card? To get your card simply email mcconnell28@msn.com stating whether you live or work here, and your address and email. The card will be mailed to you.

The savings are great and include discounts on restaurants, salons, jewelers, clothing stores, and so much more. You can check out the entire list of participating businesses at  The Village of Center Grove Homeowners Association.

Once you have your card, look for the Code 33 decal in store windows to find out if they’re in the program. You can honestly save a bundle!

If you are looking for someone who knows Coconut Grove real estate and can save you even more money by quickly selling your home or negotiating a better price on your purchase, call me at 305 794.6570 or leave me a message.

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The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is February 19 – 21 this year. This is the “Big One” to Grove residents, marking the middle of winter for the rest of the world, and to us an annual homage to conviviality and balmy weather.

There’s the Rolex Regatta January 23 – 29, the Miami Marathon on the 30th, and the South Beach Food and Wine Festival between February 24 and 27. And there’s still enough time to grab one of the great small condos in the heart of the Grove.

There are currently twenty-four apartments for sale for less than $250,000 situated right in the center of downtown Coconut Grove. From the European feel of a Grove Square loft to the amenities of a Sonesta condominium that can be rented for you when you aren’t in town, there’s something for you here. The average asking price per square foot has come down from $217 a year ago to $198, and sale averages dropped from $207 to $179 per square foot.

Taking it a step up you can choose from another 31 condos priced between $250,000 and $500,000 located in or just by the picture above, which is precisely where you’ll find the Arts Festival. The asking price per foot has remained the same at $340 but sales averages have lowered from $325 to $294 per square foot.

There are more expensive places to be had, to be sure, but this post is about finding you your own piece of the Grove paradise for the least amount of coconuts!

Call me at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note and we can talk about your real estate needs. If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to receive the next one? Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a follow-up email.

The Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove is composed of two high-rise buildings.The Executive Residences at 3350 SW 27th Avenue, is a 5-Star hotel with a private entrance to the individually owned condos accessible only to residents. The Tower Residences next door is only for private owners. The name Ritz Carlton sets the standard for luxury and impeccable service throughout the world, and owners enjoy all those amenities.

Sales in 2010 are up exponentially from last year. While there were only 2 sales in the Ritz Carlton last year, there has  been 13 apartments close in 2010. Since there are no pending sales now, this is most likely the total for the year.

The average sale price in the Tower Residence, dedicated to private owners exclusively, is $833,000 ($430 per square foot) while the average for the Executive Residences is $720,000 ($387 per square foot).

There are currently 30 apartments available for sale at the Ritz Carlton ranging from a one-bedroom short sale for $320,000 to a 3 bedroom penthouse listed at $3,600,000. In the entire complex there are no foreclosures and five short sales at the moment.

Closed sales this year include no foreclosed properties. Sales were between $390,000 and $1,745,000 (from $300 to $610 per square foot).

If you are interested in seeing any of the units at the Ritz Carlton give me a call at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note. If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to receive the next one? Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a follow-up email.

These were the first loft-style condos to be built in South Florida in 1976, and they are as “today” as anything being built in 2010! There are 3 interior levels connected by a stunning wood floating-staircase. The wall facing each private garden also frames all the interior levels, and it’s entirely glass! Each one has a rooftop terrace with outrageous views of the Grove, and an attached two-car garage.

My friend and co-worker, Leslie Jones, has just listed the only one to come on the market in quite a while at 3126 Center Street. It’s original loft floor plan has been kept intact with extensive updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, and the master suite has been enlarged and enclosed for bedroom privacy. The second bedroom has room for an office overlooking the garden with a cozy sleeping loft over its bathroom.

• List Price: $469,000
• Square Feet: 1,591
• 2 Bedrooms, 2 and a Half Baths
• Deck Off Master Suite
• Rooftop Decked Terrace
• 2-Car Garage Attached with Laundry Area
• Community Pool
• Monthly Maintenance: $300

This is a special place to live and I’d love to show it to you. Call me at 305 794.6570 to arrange an appointment.

In February I wrote about a new small commercial building being built on Oak Avenue across from the Fire Station and behind Mayfair. It was especially interesting to me because it’s designed by Arquitectonica, one of Miami’s premier architecture firms.

As it turns out, this building will become their new headquarters when it’s completed! So, Arquitectonica  is returning to our village where it all began in 1977.

To stay updated with all Coconut Grove real estate you may want to subscribe to my posts. Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a follow-up email. 

If you are selling, buying, or renting I can help. Give me a call at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note here.

Pictured below is a home in the north end of the Grove at 2627 Halissee Street. It’s a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with 2043 square feet on a gorgeous lot with a pool. It was listed at $599,000 in January as a regular sale, then as a short sale for $567,000 by Coldwell-Banker in April. Today the asking price is $499,000.  That’s $244 per square foot, not out of line for such a great location, when the average asking price per square foot for all these homes is $226.

Of the forty-four homes on this list, 16 homes are short sales. Because any purchase requiring financing depends on the appraisal price we have finally reached a point where there’s really no striking difference between a regular, traditional sale and a short sale. Savvy sellers know that their properties must be priced similarly to comparable homes, even if that other home is a short sale, and they are much more willing to make the adjustment if it gets their property sold.

To see all the homes listed for $500,000 and less click here.

If you would like to see a list of Coral Gables homes listed under $500,000 refer to my recent post here.

It truly is a great time to buy! Interest rates are lower than ever before and there’s a great selection of homes for sale. If you would like to see 2627 Halissee Street or any of the homes in this price range, please call me at 305 794.6570 or you can leave me a note here .

The Coconut Grove Peacock Tour is the brainchild of Heather Bettner shown in the picture above, a long-time Grove resident, and is  fashioned after the Chicago Cows and the Miami Beach Flamingos. The idea is to create a unique interactive public art exhibit, drawing people to the area and increasing revenues for every type of local business.

After being on display for 6 months the peacocks will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefitting local non-profit organizations and charities.

To see each of the Peacocks and take the tour yourself, follow the map embedded below. It’s really worth the little bit of effort!

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you would like more information on the tour, please give me a call or 305 794.6570.

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The End of A Great Time at the Dog Park!

So many families include pets, and a lot of the canine population likes to have the occasional play-date. Miami isn’t known as a particularly dog-friendly city, but we do have several dog parks where they can be off-leash and play to their heart’s content.

Designated Dog Parks are usually located within a larger park and allow dogs to frolic and play and run free within a fenced-off area.  They feature site furniture and equipment for dogs to play with and perform stunts.  Additional features include shade structures, hosing stations, water fountains for both pets and owners, and “Mutt Mitts” or bag dispensers and waste baskets, so owners can pick up after their pooches.

Blanche Park at Virginia Street and Shipping Avenue in the center Grove is where I take my own dogs. There is a good blend of “regulars” and our dogs look forward to meeting up for a romp. A large bare spot, which the dogs appreciated but the people came to dread, has been re-sodded successfully. No more muddy dog paws in the car!

Kennedy Park on South Bayshore Drive where Kirk Street ends has a large fenced area near the bay. It has separate areas for larger and smaller dogs, but less shady areas than Blanche Park and limited parking. My dogs seem to enjoy it completely, but since I also get a vote (and do the driving) we don’t go there often.

Tropical Park at 7900 SW Bird Road (SW 40th Street) is a bit west of this site’s coverage area but its dog park is worth the drive. Located at the widely popular Tropical Park, this 2 acre off leash site has 2 separately fenced areas to accommodate large dogs and dogs less than 35 pounds. The dog park has play equipment, doggy drinking fountains, waste disposal stations, water sprays, and ADA accessibility. Dogs must be sociable, current on all vaccinations and license, and under their owner’s control at all times. Dogs must be leashed when not in designated off-lead areas.

To check all Miami-Dade County Parks that allow dogs click here

For dog owners who may need a place to stay near Coconut Grove and Coral Gables I’ve compiled a list of nearby hotels that allow pets.

Grove Isle 4: One dog up to 25 pounds is allowed for a $45 per night, and there is a pet policy to sign at check in. Your pet must be in a kennel if you are out.

Residences Inn Coconut Grove at 2835 Tigertail Avenue: Dogs are allowed for an additional one time pet fee of $100 per room.

Extended Stay Miami- Coral Gables 3640 SW 22 Street (Coral Way) and Brickell – Port of Miami at 298 SW 15th Road: One dog is allowed per suite. There is a $25 per night additional pet fee up to $150 for an entire stay. When making an online reservation, type the following on the line that says ‘Do You Have Any Special Requests or Comments?’ on the reservation form: “I am bringing my dog.”

The Four Seasons at 1435 Brickell Avenue: Dogs less than 15 pounds are allowed for no additional fee. Dogs may not be left alone in the room. Pet sitting services are available.

Hampton Inn at 2500 Brickell Avenue: Well behaved dogs of all sizes are allowed. There are no additional pet fees.
When making an online reservation, type the following in the Comments section on the Guest Information Page of the registration form: “I am bringing my dog.”

To check all dog-friendly hotels in Miami click here

I can help you with pet questions, but my passion is selling real estate! If you need a help selling your home or buying a new one, please call me anytime at 305 794.6570.  Alternatively, you may leave me a note here.

If you would like to stay updated with all Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami, Shenandoah and the Roads real estate information, receive my blog posts via email by subscribing here.  Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a follow-up email.

I’ve just listed for rent one of the front row of townhouses that have private gated gardens with entrances onto the street. Although all the units have the same floorplan, I like the expanded outdoor room that comes with the eleven streetfront townhouses, as well as the covered front entryway inside the garden.

The rental address is 3041 Center Street, squarely in the middle of the row, and the price is $1700 per month. The owner will rent it for a year or longer. Pets up to 40 lbs are allowed, there is a washer and dryer inside, and this unit has two assigned parking spaces!

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 Details of 3041 Center Street:

• 2 Bedrooms,  One and a Half Bathrooms
• Ceramic Tiles Downstairs and Hardwood Floors Upstairs
• Master Closet With Built-ins
• Kitchen with Stove, Oven, Microwave, Disposal, Fridge, Double Sink, & Lots of Storage
• Washer and Dryer
• Pets Allowed
• 2 Assigned Parking Spaces Behind the Security Gate
• $1700 Per Month

 I have friends who live in Provence Village, and like it for its convenience to everything and the sense of community here. There are other similar sized townhouses to rent in the area, and you can check them out below.

Click here to see all the two bedroom townhouses available for rent now in the center Grove

If you would like to see 3041 Center Street or any rental in Coconut Grove just give me a call at 305 794.6570. You may also leave me a message  and I’ll get back to you.