The news all across the nation is that LeBron James purchased a waterfront mansion in South Beach. Let it be known that 3590 Crystal View Court is located in north Coconut Grove!

It’s really a stunning home with all the amenities a celebrity could wish to have. It was listed by EWM, of course!

The annual City of Miami Christmas tree lighting was held this evening at City Hall on Pan American Drive. It’s the first night in over a week that it’s really warm enough for people to enjoy hanging around outside, and there must have been a good crowd of neighbors on hand for the ceremony.

The Second Annual Holiday Boat Parade will be held on Sunday, December 19th. Beginning at 6 pm and led by the “Effortless”, boaters are welcomed to follow her out the channel and join in the caroling. Everyone is invited to the Coconut Grove Sailing Club after the parade to enjoy desserts!

I thought you would like to know what’s happening around town, especially during this fun time of year. There’s no place like the Grove anywhere. If you’re looking to find your first or next piece of Coconut Grove, give me a call at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note. This is my village and I want to be your real estate connection here.

To refresh your memory, this place was built in 2007 and the hand-crafted attention to detail gives it the character of  an older, more established home. It’s over 11,000 square feet of living space with 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms and 2 powder rooms, billiard room, meditation room, guest suite, 3-car garage, and much much more, sitting on a lot that’s over half an acre.

The closing is expected soon, and I’ll post the selling price when that happens.

The latest sale of a super-luxury waterfront home in Coconut Grove was 3590 Crystal View Ct in the north Grove 2 months ago. It was listed for $11,900,000 and closed for $9,000,000, $739 per square foot.

There are currently 8 Coconut Grove homes on the market asking over $5,000,000. One of them is 3650 Klebba Lane, an original Walter DeGarmo design constructed for the pioneer Hugh Matheson family in 1926. It’s been extensively updated to today’s standards, but retains the stamp of those old Grove estates.

When you think Coconut Grove, think of me. This is where I live, work, play, and have been selling real estate since 1989. Questions? Ask me by calling 305 794.6570 or leave me a note. I have the answers to all your Coconut Grove real estate needs!

To stay updated with all Coconut Grove 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.

One of the most enjoyable things imaginable is to walk out your door, get on your boat, and cruise straight out to the ocean, whether it’s Columbus Day or not. Here are the fabulous homes for sale in Coconut Grove now that have their own docks.

The following EWM listing is located in the south Grove at 3575 Battersea Road. It’s got 160 feet of seawall with a boat and water-ski lift, and sits right on the open bay. Notice the tile mural in the pool of a mermaid and dolphins. Nice touch!

Details of this one-of-a-kind home include:

• Over 11,000 square feet under air
• Lot Size of 39,000 square feet
• 5 Bedrooms, Six Full Bathrooms and One Half-Bath
• A One Bedroom Guesthouse
• Home Theater Seating 10 Persons
• Listed For: $7,999,000

There are currently 17 homes with their own docks for sale in Coconut Grove.

Comparing Closed Sales in 2010 to those closed at the same time last year, the average per square foot price is WAY down. Last year the price was $709, now it’s $399!

If you are thinking of buying or selling your own waterfront piece of paradise, you want a neighborhood specialist working for you. Please call me at 305 794.6570 to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs.

First is 2001 Tigertail Avenue, at the corner with Seminole Street. Almost invisible from either street, this 3 bedroom/3 bath home has fabulous original terrazzo floors polished to perfection in all the family areas. Terrazzo makes so much sense in our climate, staying cool to the touch all year. All the bedrooms have gorgeous wood floors and their own bathrooms, all the windows are impact glass, and there’s a new 2-car garage. There’s no pool, but one would fit easily in the oversized lot. The asking price for this 1948 beauty is $950,000 or $336 per square foot.

To see all pictures and information about this EWM listing click here.

The other home is at 2485 Swanson Avenue. Originally this was a 2/1 cottage like so many built around the time – 1952. Over the years two additions were made, one adding a master suite and another adding the great room and one of the coolest kitchens I’ve seen in a house listed under $700,000.

Features here include 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, all Viking appliances, clerestory windows, and exposed-beam vaulted ceilings.  There are original hardwood floors everywhere except the family room and kitchen, where travertine marble is used. There is typical Coconut Grove lush landscaping and an ancient oak tree on the lot.

This one is priced at $689,500 or $324 per square foot.

To see all the details and pictures of this house listed by GSL Properties, click here

The northern part of the Grove is my neighborhood and there isn’t a tree or lizard I don’t know personally! If you are looking to buy, sell, or rent here give me a call at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note.

To stay updated with all Coconut Grove 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.

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 .

Vizcaya is the Italian-Renaissance estate built between 1914 and 1923  for the industrialist James Deering which is now owned by Miami-Dade County and open to the public. If you’ve not been there recently it is well worth another visit. If you’ve never been there, make it a priority the next time you can!

Back to Bay Heights, though! This is a community of 185 homes with 24 hour a day, seven days a week patrolling police presence. It can be accessed only through its 2 entryways, one at Tigertail and Alatka and the other where Samana Drive joins South Miami Avenue. The original homes were built during the mid-1950s and over time most have been updated.

One of the best renovations of an original Bay Heights-style home sold in June this year at 62 Bay Heights Drive that was listed by Kimberly and Associates. Pictured below, it has 5 bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms on 3 levels. It’s larger than the typical 1950s homes in the neighborhood with 4339 square feet and a lot over 17000 square feet. It has 10′ ceilings, terrazo floors, impact-glass windows, a truly gourmet kitchen, and complete guest or in-laws quarters (with kitchen) on the lower level. There is a huge wraparound deck in the backyard and plenty of room for a large pool.

[slideshow id=6]

This property sold for $1,200,000 or 8% less than the asking price. This is in line with the other closed sales this year, except for one sale at 105 W. Shore Drive which sold for 20% less than asking. Check out all the closed sales here.

There are currently 7 homes on the market in Bay Heights, none of which is a short sale or foreclosure. This is a stable and desirable place to live, literally as close as you can live to downtown and still be in Coconut Grove! See all listed homes here.

 General statistics for the area are as follows:

• Average square footage of homes: 3120
• Average list price: $733,615 or $235 per square foot
• Average sale price: $668,000 or $209 per square foot
• Sale price to listed price average: 90.5%

I’ve lived in the north Grove for over 30 years. If you want a real specialist in the area give me a call at 305 794.6570 or leave me a note here. To stay updated with all Coconut Grove 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 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.

The closed sales reflect activity within the last 90 days, which is the time appraisers use for establishing value for financing purposes. If you’re thinking of selling your home, besides inviting you to give me a call, I hope this will be a good guide for you as you consider the value of your home.

I researched Coconut Grove and Coral Gables by specific criteria, waterfront and non-waterfront, or dry lots. I further broke down Coral Gables as everything north of Bird Road, and then the homes south of there.  Coconut Grove is generally known by its three areas, and the center Grove has so few single family homes that it isn’t included in this table.

In South Miami I show data for High Pines and the Ponce-Davis neighborhood, then the rest of the area in its own line.

To stay updated with real estate information about these neighborhoods, receive my blog posts via email by subscribing here.  Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a follow-up email. To reach me immediately, call me at 305.794.6570 anytime.

1600 South Bayshore Lane Condos in the north Grove is a nine-story building with only 32 units, four per floor. There is rarely anything for sale here as owners tend to hang on to them. The apartment I am selling is 8-D, one floor below the penthouse level, and has a spectacular view across the bay, even though it is on the northwest corner of the building. In fact, every unit there has a great view!

This building is really unique. It’s super pet-friendly, has individual storage for each unit on the ground floor that is air conditioned, and has plenty of secure parking for owners and guests. There is a community room with a full kitchen by the barbeque area and bayside pool. To me the biggest draw is the dockage for residents that goes for only $100 a month, no matter the size of the vessel. There’s about 6 feet of draft at low tide and a channel out to the deeper water to the bay. Several sailboats are docked here.

The D line is the only one bedroom apartment in the building, but it’s only slightly smaller than the C line, a two bedroom layout. So, it has one large bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. The hallway to the full bathroom is lined with closets anyone would crave, and there’s a full-size washer and dryer.

This apartment has been completely reconfigured and renovated, opening the kitchen to the living and dining rooms creating a “great room” atmosphere for true Florida living. The balcony is large and deep with plenty of room for whatever your heart desires. Table and chairs? Chaise lounges? You name it!

To see more photos of this condo click here

• $345,000 List Price
• 1,025 square feet
• One Bedroom One and a Half Bathrooms
• Completely Renovated
• 2 Parking Spaces in Gated Lot
• Secure Bike Storage on Ground Floor
• Individual Unit Storage under A/C
• Dockage Available for $100 Per Month

If you are interested in seeing this condo, give me a call at 305.794.6570. I’d love to show it to you.

If you need a residential real estate expert in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Shenandoah, the Roads, or South Miami I hope you’ll think of me. This is what I do all day, every day. You may also leave me a note here or subscribe to receive my posts by email. Once you register, you must activate the subscription in a follow-up email.

Grove Isle is unique among condos in Coconut Grove. It sits on its own private20-acre island just off the mainland between Dinner Key and Mercy Hospital, and has its own marina, hotel, restaurant, tennis courts, paved walking path, and private beach.

The three towers were built between 1980 and 1982, but the age hasn’t diminished their luster. Everything is impeccably maintained, the landscaping is gorgeous, and the employees are professional, friendly, and attentive.

Originally there were 4 floorplans – two bedrooms and  two bathrooms in 1642 square feet or 1882 square feet, and three bedrooms 2 and a half bathooms in 2398 or 2614 square feet. The larger 3 bedroom units make up the corner units in each building. These sizes do not include the generous balconies each apartment has. Over the years  some owners have put units together to create larger, and in some cases, two-story homes in the air.

As of April 14, 2010 there are 28 apartments for sale among the 510 units in the 3 buildings,  just over 5% on the market. In the first quarter of this year there have been 8 closed sales, the median sales price has been $709,000 or  $340 per square foot.

In the graph below you can see how the  asking prices are coming down and the sales prices coming up. In a healthy market, we see these  two numbers being close together. It’s encouraging to see this trend at Grove Isle as it is a great place to live!

It’s best to work with someone who knows the area; so if you are interested in seeing apartments in Grove Isle, or any condominium in Coconut Grove, please leave me a note or call me at 305 794-6570.