Commitment in Real Estate
The state of the Miami Beach Real Estate sales industry is currently in a state of change and consolidation. Having started my career in 1998, I have been very much successful during the “boom” market of 200-2006 and in the current “bust” market. During the “boom” years, everyone and their uncle had a real estate license. Real Estate was “the” topic of discussion- due both to the lucrative commissions and also the cultural and social appeal of shows such as House Hunters, HGTV, etc. Everyone wanted to be part of this Real Estate phenomenon, and this was easily attainable via easy mortagages and equity lines of credit.
The “easy” money in earning a real estate commission from the sale of a property is long gone. Today’s market requires Agents and Brokers who have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, intimate knowledge of realistic market values, a close relationships with lenders, patience, and most importantly strong negotiation skills. The task of taking a buyer around and showing him some good “deals” is just the beginning of a successful real estate transaction. In this market, the key is to provide a strong value-added service to the customer (both to buyers and sellers).
My professional strategy for the last few years has been to focus on investing in both the people who comprise my team and in marketing resources for our clients. This involves such mundane but important tasks as maintaining meticulous files and a system for following up with pending offers and contracts, as well as investing in new marketing resources that allow us to promote our clients properties to influential Brokers around the world. My highest priority, however, has been to build and retain a trained, motivated, knowledgeable, and honest team of agents that are committed to the business.
A few of the latest successfully CLOSED sales of Miami Beach single family homes that are worthy of note:
Palm Island Luxury Home
Palm Island Luxury. Granite kitchen counters w/stainless viking equipment. Marble floors and terrace with hard wood in bedrooms. Large master with walk in closets & balcony. Infinity set river rock pool w/paver deck and wet bar. Seperate maid quarters. Full emergency generator and Gated entry to prestigious Palm Island.
Sales Price: $690,000
Previous Asking Price : $1,150,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
House S.F.: 2,694
Land S.F.: 6,000

South Beach Home
Rare single family home in South Beach by renowned 1930s architect. $325k+ renovation incl new: tile roof, PGT impact windows, HVAC, elec, plumbing, lighting, heated salt pool, marble paver deck, prof landscape. New in 2008: sleek custom kitchen w/ Sub-Zero/Thermador/Bosch, exotic stone; 3 new marble baths – Hansgrohe/Duravit/Toto fixts, body sprays, wenge vanities. Original wood floors, 11′ ceiling in sunny rotunda Living Room w/ honed coral-rock fireplace, Moorish detail arches. Corner lot in Flamingo Park neighborhood of Miami Beach.
Sales Price: $1,139,750
Previous Asking Price : $1,350,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
House S.F.: 2,142
Land S.F.: 7,500
Venetian Island Waterfront Home
Prime Venetian Island property, 60 x 175 waterfront lot with 10,500 Sq. Ft. Minutes from South Beach, The Performing Arts center, and Downtown Miami. Panoramic Bay views of Downtown Miami, the cruise ships, and Palm Island. This home offers Miami Beach waterfront living at its finest!
Sales Price: $1,970,000
Previous Asking Price : $3,350,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5
House S.F.: 3,268
Land S.F.: 10,500
60 ft. of waterfront
Add comment April 15, 2009
A Historical Tour of the Hibiscus Island and Palm Island – And a Great Deal on Single Family Waterfront Home
Hibiscus Island and Palm Island in Miami Beach has a grand and illustrious history. That history can be visible right at the entrance of Palm Island. As one proceeds onto the island, the first thing you pass is a children playground full of swing sets, slides and see-saws. But half a century ago this location was an altogether different sort of playground, it was the site of the Famous Latin Quarter Nightclub.
Owned by Lou Walters, father of The View’s Barbara Walters, the Latin Quarter was a mid-century mecca for big-named entertainers who performed for winter crowds of tourists and celebrities arriving in Miami Beach each December. Entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, Jack Benny and Tony Bennett all intermingled with waves of high-kicking chorus girls to perform three shows a night at the Latin Quarter.
Beginning with the financial crash in the early 1930’s, Palm Island became the winter home of such notables as Al Capone and celebrities, who took to Miami Beach’s incredible beauty. They built various incredible waterfront estates on Palm and Hibiscus island. Many of these estates were restored to their full glory (and more) during the real estate boom of the last decade.
For the savvy buyer today, I’d like to highlight a spectacular waterfront opportunity on Hibiscus Island. This is a REAL, motivated waterfront home seller:


Debtor Approved Price: $2,600,000
Previous Price : $3,250,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4
House S.F.: 3,590
Land S.F.: 10,500
Waterfrontage: 60′ (complete privacy)
Scenic Bay and City views from this completely updated tri-level turnkey home. Offering an open and spacious floorplan with stone and wood throughout. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and pantry all with pool and water views. The oversized master suite with bayfront balcony and downtown city views includes a sitting area, plenty of closets, and a spacious master bath with Jacuzzi, shower, and double sinks. This bayfront beauty comes complete with high impact glass windows as well as storm shutters and power generator. Ready for the boater with new dock and quick easy Ocean access with no fixed bridges. Ideally located between Downtown Miami and South Beach, including new tropical landscape, two-car garage and double driveway for plenty of parking.
Add comment March 27, 2009
Miami Beach Foreclosure Condo Deal- Bank Approved condo unit at the Bentley Bay in South Beach
The latest bank approved foreclosure condo at the Bentley Bay represents a genuine value for real estate investor or potentinal owner/user. The current approved price is far below the original price. The annual rental income on this premier luxury Miami Beach condo is approx. $4,500/month for short term rentals (High Season) and $3,200/month for annual rentals (Low Season). The Bentley Bay offers incredible unobstructed views of both the downtown Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the Ocean. At the current price, it is one of the best deals in Miami Beach.
The Bentley Bay condo was completed in 2005 (with subsequent bank supervised rehab of balconies) and is a boutique building located just North of Fifth Street. Offering direct and easy access to all major expressways, it is considered the gateway to South Beach. The downside to the Bentley Bay – the relatively high maintenance fees (due to having two towers and relative small number of units), but I believe that the flexible rental policy and the premier waterfront location in the heart of South Beach make up for this. Also, the planned retail development by Crescent Heights on 6th Alton as well as the 5th and Alton Shopping Center will completely transform the neighborhood over the next few years.

Bank Approved Price: $500,000
Previous Sales Price (comp units): $1,150,000
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2
Today’s Price/S.F.: $400/S.F.
My team and I are committed to providing strong value added service to our clients, which means delivering the best purchasing opportunities to today’s buyers of Miami Beach luxury condos. Contact us at 305-673-3809 for more information on this foreclosure condo.
Add comment March 17, 2009
Miami Beach Real Estate – Latest South of fifth Street Sales
Miami Beach condos that are in foreclosure and bank controlled have drawn interests of many of my new and former clients. The level of interests in these properties have increased significantly in the past few months. The strongest downward price pressure is occuring due to distressed and short sales. However, condos in South Beach area, especially those located in the South of Fifth street neighborhood (Icon south beach, Murano grande, Murano at Portofino, Continuum South Beach, Apogee, and Portofino Tower), still have great demand in terms of overall prices $/sq.ft.
Bank-owned properties, also known as REO, or short sale properties usually a lengthy complicated process with no guarantee of success in actually getting free and clear title for the buyer. Working with a real estate professional who knows the parties involved in the transaction (attorneys, banks, other realtors, and misc. creditors) so that the property can be successfully acquired by the interested buyer. Due diligence, follow up with large volumes of paperwork, and often times complex negotiations with lenders is essential for ultimate success.
If you are a potential short seller, this is especially important to keep in mind in choosing a listing agent, as NOW is the time when savvy buyers are purchasing spectacular waterfront condos in the above mentioned buildings (as well as many others).
A quick look at a few more prominent closed sales (& short sales) in some of the premier condo buildings in the South of Fifth Street area of Miami Beach:
Continuum on South Beach- South Tower #2703

Continuum Condo - unit 2703
Beautiful unit on a high floor. Great condition! Stunning views of the Bay, Government Cut, Ocean and Downtown Miami. Several upgrades throughout, including a modern Master Bathroom.
Original Asking Price: $2,395,000
Sold: $1,375,000 ($778/SF)
Closing Date: 12/08/08
Price Drop (original asking vs. actual sales price): 42%
Continuum II on South Beach- North Tower #2301
This massive two bedroom unit is in a corner location, with walls of glass looking out towards the beach, Government Cut and Downtown Miami.
Original Asking Price: $1,850,000
Sold: $1,535,000 ($798/SF)
Closing Date: 02/18/09
Price Drop (original asking vs. actual sales price): 17%
Portofino Tower – #PH4306
Breathtaking views of the ocean from this 43rd floor Penthouse. South Beach, Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami views. 2 large terraces.
Original Asking Price: $1,995,000
Sold: $1,600,000 ($678/SF)
Closing Date: 2/18/09
Price Drop (original asking vs. actual sales price): 25%
Murano Grande – #1606
Stunning 16th floor direct-bay unit at South Beach’s Murano Grande. A middle bedroom was removed, making this one of the largest and most-spacious 2 bedroom units in the building.
Original Asking Price: $1,449,000
Sold: $1,320,000 ($652/SF)
Closing Date: 1/28/09
Price Drop (original asking vs. actual sales price): 9%
Bentley Bay #412

DIRECT BAY VIEWS to Star Island & DOWNTOWN Miami with extra large Balcony.
Original Asking Price: $539,000
Sold: $325,000 ($417/SF)
Closing Date: 1/28/09
Price Drop (original asking vs. actual sales price): 40%
Statistics from: The Southeast Florida Regional (SEFR) MLS
Add comment March 5, 2009
South Beach Newest Condo Hotels – W South Beach – Mondrian South Beach – Gansevoort South Beach
W South Beach Hotel and Residences – Miami Beach, FL
W Hotel and Residences in South Beach will be open in May 2009 with 511 luxury units. Located in the heart of South Beach on a prime oceanfront property, the luxury W South Beach condo hotel is the newest boutique condo hotel in Miami Beach. With the interiors designed by Yabu Pushelberg – W South Beach will complement its modern style with spectacular ocean views, terraces facing the pools, and steps from South Beach’s famed nightlife.
A Paradise on the Ocean
W South Beach Condo Hotel is a fantasy oasis surrounded by lush garden landscapes and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views with the spectacular Bliss Spa, and a spectacular hotel comprised of 395 unique suites with ultra contemporary and luxurious décor. The W South Beach Hotel residences will also open in 2008 with over 500 condo-hotel suites ranging from oversized studio suites (just under 600sf) to large two bedroom suites (1200 s.f. and larger) that rival most luxury condos in South Beach. There will also be a range of beautiful bungalows and penthouses, which will undoubtedly become the new “IN” place for South Beach’s “A” listers.
Gansevoort South Beach – 2399 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The Gansevoort in South Beach, completed in mid-2008 and boasting a 50,000 S.F. state-of-the-art David Barton spa and fitness center, and residences with over 100,000 square feet of commercial retail space.
A 1920’s playground for the rich and famous is reborn as a magnet for trendsetters. Gansevoort South Hotel * Spa * Residences is the new southern outpost of New York City’s Hotel Gansevoort.
Gansevoort South boasts 334 guestrooms averaging over 730 sq ft. Sporting spectacular views of the ocean, bay, and shining city skyline, the guestrooms offer state-of-the-art technology, oversized bathrooms with separate shower and bath, and a blend of modern and dramatic design with suede walls punctuated by splashes of magenta and yellow, custom designed tables, sofas, lounge chairs and oversized mirrors in a range of materials from wood to leather.
Adding a playful air and a one-of-a-kind vibe to the spacious sun-filled rooms are custom 1930’s and 40’s style pin-up photographs. The 3,400 sq ft two master bedroom suite, the “Sony Cierge” suite features two balconies with ocean views, a gourmet kitchen and dining room, an entertainment room equipped with Sony’s finest electronics, Italian pool and fooseball tables, oversized jacuzzi baths and hand-picked custom designed furnishings.
Gansevoort South’s landscape showcases three oceanfront pools including a 110-foot rooftop pool, an expansive infinity-edge pool on the plaza level, a family friendly south pool, a mezzanine with private cabanas, and an exclusive oceanfront beach club. The outdoor areas are adorned with Gandia Blasco furniture, cabanas, and tee-pees which provide a perfectly unique setting.
With fine boutiques, restaurants, lounges and the first ever David Barton Gym + Spa spread over more than 100,000 sq ft of luxury retail space, few shopping, dining and entertainment experiences in Miami Beach compare to Gansevoort South. STK by The ONE Group and Philippe by Philippe Chow offer a combination of the sexy New York steakhouse and exquisite Asian cuisine, while the 50-foot long shark tank dramatically divides the hotel lobby and Opium Group’s exclusive VIP lounge, Louis.
The Gansevoort hotel in South Beach features a 50-foot long shark tank that divides the hotel lobby and Opium Group’s exclusive VIP lounge, Louis. Gansevoort South is a sun-drenched paradise with playful amenities, family friendly surroundings, indoor and outdoor activities, spectacular views and a South Beach oceanfront location that is second to none.
The Mondrian South Beach – 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
This ultra-contemporary condo hotel is uniquely situated in West Avenue of Miami Beach, with direct and spectacular views of the downtown Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. The Mondrian opened its doors for business with a spectacular grand opening party in early December, 2008 (to coincide with Art Basel week as well).
The Mondrian South Beach marks the first hotel outside of the Netherlands designed by Marcel Wanders, one of Fast Company’s 2008 “Masters of Design.” Conceived by the famed visionary, residents and guests will live within a modern fantasy. Wanders inverts traditional design elements to create chic, dramatic living spaces. The hotel residences are furnished with original pieces from his design studio, where he produces everything – from lighting to flooring, including chairs, tables and sofas.
Exteriors offer entry to a magical world, including an oasis of lush gardens that include a glamorous outdoor bar, private cabanas created with curtains of living foliage, and even a tented children’s space with a sandbox and toys. Also envisioned by Wanders, the hotel will feature Morgan’s world-renowned Agua Spa, debuting an exclusive skincare line and several new treatments. Jeffrey Chodorow also presents the latest Asia de Cuba restaurant, bringing a vibrant, social atmosphere with innovative menus that incorporate the best of Asian and Latin cuisines.
1 comment December 10, 2008
Tips for Choosing a Miami Beach Condo
The Miami Beach condos lifestyle isn’t for everyone but just like single family homes, they have their own appeal. While there is always research to be done regardless of what kind of Miami Beach real estate you decide upon (condo or otherwise), both scenarios have unique questions that should be taken into account. In this case we’ll focus on condo buying.
Among the first things you should look into is how old the condo in question is. Many of the older South Beach condos do not come with the latest technologies or amenities seen in recently built condos. The tradeoff here is that you probably won’t pay as much if you choose an older building but you do risk not having all the extra bells and whistles found in modern condos as well.
Speaking of extra bells and whistles, you should be aware that not all Miami Beach condos throw in amenities and features as part of the asking price. In some instances, the use of extra facilities like a fitness center or a high end spa requires additional money. This is also useful to know if you’re planning on bringing a pet along. Some South Beach condos allow pets but they will come at an additional one time or ongoing cost in order for them to live with you.
One of the biggest drawbacks of living in a condo is the amount of freedom residents have in terms of customization. This can vary considerably from condo to condo, with some associations relegating customization to simply being able to change the color of the paint of the walls.
Customization is one of the biggest factors in determining whether or not a Miami Beach condo is the right choice but it’s just as important to consider all of the other aforementioned factors. For some, a single family home might be a wiser option in the long run than choosing a condo with too many fees and restrictions.
Add comment December 4, 2008







In spite of the unusually low prices and record low mortgage rates, the country’s economic recession continues to have negative effects and 































