South Beach Real Estate: Housing Bottom

South Beach single family homes (especially waterfront luxury properties) that are truly good deals continue to be in short supply. I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight two latest sales in the island communities off Miami Beach which are indicative of a price bottoming trend:

Di Lido Island Turnkey Endless Water Views

Tropical paradise for that was on the market for sale for just 12 days at the final asking price of $2.9 Million. Master bedroom is surrounded by water and sunlight which opens to pool/deck. Wide bay views at the north tip  of Venetian Island. The oversized living room, completely updated, is very comfortable and sunny. Courtyard/ circular driveway decorated  bytrimmed landscaping and wrought iron sliding gate. Fabulous private pool overlooking the open bay, dock and other boat equipment.

Key “Market Bottom” indicators:

“For Sale” Price: $2,950,000 (12 days on the market at this reduced price point)
Original List Price : $4,700,000 (July, 2008)
Previous Price Reduction: $3,450,000 (January, 2009)
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
House S.F.: 3,734
Land S.F.: 13,408
Closed Price per S.F.(Land): $194
Closed Price per S.F.(House): $698
Previous Sold Date: 2004 ($3,150,000)
Closed Price: $2,610,000 (Sept 2, 2009)
Discount from Latest Asking Price: 11.5%

Rivo Alto Island Waterfront Charm- Completely Remodeled

South Beach Rivo Alto Island homes

Over 100 linear feet on Biscayne Bay, on the preferred southern side of the Venetian Islands. This Mediterranean delight greets with a beautiful courtyard setting reminiscent of a European Villa. Gracious living areas and authentic touches throughout.  Upstairs are 3 bedrooms with Water Views in main home. The sale also included a separate two story adjacent guest house.

Key “Market Bottom” indicators:

“For Sale” Price: $2,590,000 (19 days on the market at this ACCURATE price point)
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
House S.F.: 3,894
Land S.F.: 13,382
Closed Price per S.F.(Land): $175
Closed Price per S.F.(House): $740
Previous Sold Date: 1998 ($950,000)
Closed Price: $2,350,000 (Sept 1, 2009)
Discount from Latest Asking Price: 9.2%
Biscayne Island- Incredible Land “Steal”

DOUBLE LOT ON BISCAYNE ISLAND THIS HOME NEEDED TO BE UPDATED.  BISCAYNE ISLAND IS ONE OF THE VENETIAN ISLANDS LOCATED ON THE MIAMI SIDE.  LOCATED AT THE END OF THE STREET IN A PRIVATE CUL DE SAC SURROUNDED BY MILLION DOLLAR HOMES.  THIS ONE SOLD FOR WELL BELOW LAND APPRAISED VALUE.  LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM THE NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, BEACHES, LINCOLN ROAD, OCEAN DRIVE, THE AIRPORT, DOWNTOWN, ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING AND MORE.

Key “Market Bottom” indicators:

“For Sale” Price: $700,000 (207 days on the market at this price point)
Original List Price : $1,500,000 (July, 2007)

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
House S.F.: 1,888
Land S.F.: 14,760
Closed Price per S.F.(Land): $38
Closed Price per S.F.(House): $301
Closed Price: $570,000 (July 24, 2009
Discount from Latest Asking Price: 18.5%

What we’re seeing (again) is that South Beach waterfront and non-waterfront single family homes that are priced RIGHT have multiple offers and sell relatively quickly.

If you’re a potential buyer interested in purchasing, NOW is the time to pull the trigger if you qualify for a mortgage (count on putting 30% cash down of appraised value) or have the cash to invest in remodeling a home.  My advice is that under no circumstances should buyers be seeking to potentially “flip” or plan on making a profit on their property for AT LEAST five years.