Coconut Grove Homes and Condos for Sale

Archive for the 'Community Interest' Category

Arquitectonica Comes Home to Coconut Grove

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.

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

It’s August, and Thoughts Turn to… School

Where your children will get their education is a top concern to every parent. If you are new to Miami or have finally moved into the area of the Roads through Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and on to South Miami, you can check here for neighborhood public and private schools.

Coconut Grove Public Schools

Coral Gables Public Schools

South Miami, Shenandoah, and the Roads Public Schools

Miami-Dade Private Schools

Colleges and Universities in Miami

Choosing the Right School

Performance Reports

Geographic Boundaries for Public Schools

If you need to get moved in time for school, do yourself a favor and use a local expert in the neighborhood. Call me at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note here.

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How Different From Miami Can a Place Be?

I just came back from my favorite place on the planet, the Chautauqua Institution, in western New York state. The easiest way to describe it is as a place filled with families seeking intellectual pleasures. There are lectures and discussions, symphonies, ballet, or opera, myriad classes from which to choose, sailing, bicycles but few cars, religious studies and meditation groups, golf, tennis, and swimming. All of this happens during a nine week period each summer, and my family has been going there for the last 21 years!

To get a feel for the place, here are a few pictures taken there:

This home is currently for sale for $695,000. It has 4 bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, 3 stories, on a lot that is 40′ by 40′. Taxes are $12,242 per year!!

The home above has detail known there as Chautauqua Lace. In Miami we would call that “gingerbread”.

I’m writing this to let you know I’m back home, well-rested, feeling smart and cultured, and ready to continue serving your real estate needs!

If you are ready to list or sell your Coconut Grove home, call me at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note here.

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Summertime Money-Saving Tips

I think we all open that bill from Florida Power and Light with trepidation. As the summer heat endures we depend on our air conditioners like a fish does water, and for that, we pay!

There are many ways to fight the bill that are free or very inexpensive we all can do. And there are some bigger-ticket actions we can take.

Here are some no or low-cost measures for keeping the electric bill lower:

• Turn things OFF! We have so many appliances and electronics that sit in “ready” mode that we don’t use every day. Think about what doesn’t need to be plugged in all the time. A great example is your cellphone charger which always draws a trickle of power.
• Turn off lights and ceiling fans when nobody is in the room. The slight boost when turned back on is negligible and equals less than staying on all the time. And make sure those fans are blowing air DOWN.
• Lock your windows. Most windows have a weather seal no matter what type they are, and locking them makes the contact tighter. Also, make sure the window and door seals are in good shape and not worn down or misshapen.
• Close a/c registers in unused rooms, or at least lessen the flow of cool air into those rooms.
• Adjust drapes and shades to keep direct sunlight out of the house.
• Hang-dry your laundry outdoors on sunny days.
• Close the damper if you have a wood-burning fireplace.

For a little money the following can decrease your bill:

• Let’s assume you already change your a/c filters monthly. Now consider shading – not blocking –  that compressor outside from the direct burning sunshine.
• Install ceiling fans where there are none. Did you know the fan doesn’t actually lower the tempurature, but the moving air and drying moisture (think sweat) makes you feel cooler.
• Shade – not block – the unit’s outdoor compressor.
• Install refective films on windows and/or consider solar screens.

The more expensive fixes undoubtedly have the most impact over time, so if you can’t do these immediately think about getting to them when you can.

• Plant shade trees, specifically on the south and west sides of your property
• Insulation:  Make sure you have insulation at least in the attic. It’s estimated that undiscovered openings in walls, floors and the roof account for about 45% of cooling loss.
• Tankless Hot Water Heaters:  Because these provide hot water only when it’s needed, they remove the need for a big tank of hot water waiting to be used.
• Energy Efficient Windows:    These stop unwanted cooling loss and they can also block harmful UV rays that fade carpets and furniture. 
• Water Circulation System:  How much water goes down the drain while you are waiting for it to warm up?  It’s estimated that about 25 to 30 gallons of water daily can be wasted  this way, 10,000 to 14,000 gallons annually.   A water circulation system automatically recirculates colder water back to your water heater until it’s hot enough for use.

I’ve been playing a game with FPL for years. Every month I try to lower my bill, even if it’s only by $1. The satisfaction I get is, as they say, priceless!

If you have real estate needs I’m here for you. Call me at 305 794.6570 or leave me a message here.

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The Coconut Grove Peacock Tour Has Begun

I wrote earlier about the incredible larger-than-life fiberglass peacocks painted by local artists and sponsored by local businesses that were unveiled at the Mayfair last month. EWM partnered with Casa Valentina to host one of the birds, and “Valentina” arrived at our office on Thursday morning!

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!

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

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Who Let the Dogs… In?

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.

The Coconut Grove 2010 Peacock Tour Unveiled!

In about three weeks you’re going to begin seeing some unusually large and colorful birds around Coconut Grove. They’re all the same size - huge -  and they’ll only be around for 6 months. It’s not a new migration of  a strange species of bird, it’s the Coconut Grove 2010 Peacock Tour!

Each peacock has been sponsored by Grove businesses and their individuality is the fantasy of the artist who was selected to create it. EWM partnered with Casa Valentina to sponser a peacock designed by Ed King. Our “Valentina” appears below.

The back looks like this…

Casa Valentina is a home in the Grove for young women who must leave the foster-care program because of their age but who are not ready to transition to life completely on their own.

When the Tour ends all the peacocks will be auctioned off, and the entire auction proceeds will go to non-profit beneficiaries. In the case of our peacock, all the money will go to Casa Valentina.

Eileen Seitz, one of the Grove’s most beloved artists,  was selected to design two peacocks, one for Milam’s Market and the other for the Patrick Sessions family. Her inspirations appear below.

 

 

Another local legend is Erica King, who created the next peacock featuring her signature collage of local luminaries and loonies.

 

You can see more pictures from the evenings event as the Peacocks were unveiled for the first time last Saturday evening at the Mayfair in Coconut Grove!

Do You Know Where This Is?

There aren’t many funky coconut palms around the Grove like there once was. I saw this one the other day and it brought back memories of the days before lethal yellowing and mega-developement. Do you know where it is?

Let me know where you think it is. I’m not offering a prize, just giving you the chance to test your brain!

 It takes a specialist to correctly price homes in this unique area of Miami and someone who knows the character and nuance of every street to help you find your new one. If you need a realtor who knows the Grove and the Gables like her own back yard, give me a call at 305.794.6570 or leave me a note.

21 Things Your Burglar Won’t Tell You

When I ran across this article I couldn’t wait to share it with you. It’s just too good not to pass along. It was included in an email sent through the Quail Creek Homeowner’s Association in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Twenty-one Things Your Burglar Won’t Tell You:

Business and Pleasure on Gifford Lane

First, here is Gifford Lane in Coconut Grove!

Now, let me tell you about real estate on Gifford!

Gifford Lane is a sleepy little street in the Center Grove that has many newer townhouses built since the late 1990’s mixed in among the older homes. This is in general an area of townhouses and low-rise condos, the original single family homes having been replaced by newer construction throughout the decades.

In the whole 3 blocks of Gifford Lane there is only one place for sale at the moment. It’s a townhouse built in 2003 at 3144 Gifford Lane with 2,500 square feet, 3 bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms in two-stories with a pool and one-car garage. It was originally priced at $675,000 in February of 2008, and reduced just days ago to $589,000 or $235.60 per square foot. It’s listed by Florida International Real Estate and has been on the market for 744 days. I suspect the price adjustment will bring renewed interest by buyers.

3144 Gifford Lane   $589,000

There is currently one short sale pending at 3125 Gifford that was asking $500,000 or $185 per square foot that hd been on the market since November 2008. This one, too, is a two-story 3 bedroom, two and a half bathroom built in 2007 with 2,695 square feet.

In the last 3 months two townhouses have closed. 3152 Gifford Ln closed for  $500,000 ($223 per square foot) in January and 3242 Gifford closed in December 2009 for $435,000 ($247 psf).

At this writing there is only one place for rent at 3074 Gifford Lane. It’s a 1226 square foot 2 bedroom, two bathroom  one-story townhouse  built in 1978 with its own pool. It’s asking price is $2000 per month.

Finally, here’s the latest fun on Gifford Lane!

Sunday, the 13th of March, marked another Gifford Lane Art Stroll which is a fun one-block long mini-art festival, mostly visited by locals who look forward to affordable art, live bands, inexpensive food and drink, and catching up with one and other.

It takes anywhere from 15 minutes to all day, depending on whom you run into there, to take it all in and it’s really the most pleasurable of all the art shows in South Florida. If you ask me!