0 South Beach Luxury Condo Building Reaches Max Capacity

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Sean Greco

The luxury condominium development in South Beach, Ocean House, has recently closed the sale of its last unit that was bought for a cool $12.1 million. This recent wave of buyers scooping up Ocean House units speaks to a continued interest in the luxury real estate market, regardless of the recent decline in overall property sales noticed over the past few months. South Beach luxury condos are clearly still in high demand, which is in part due to the increased interest in Miami and surrounding areas by foreign and local powerhouses.

Ocean House was originally built in 1946, but recently undertook major renovations aimed at making the space reflective of its A-List address. Located at 125 Ocean Drive, the building has direct access to a strip of beautiful South Florida beachfront and is surrounded by some of the most notorious properties in the country. The building changed ownership in 2009, and since then has been transformed through extensive renovations and redesigns at the hands of the renowned interior decorating company Interiors by Steven G so as to fit the image people have come to expect from South Beach luxury. The units were reconstructed in a modern, Art Deco-style that has recently been very popular in the area, and residents can expect amenities such as private beach access, a fitness center, a beachfront pool, and a private theater room. Ocean House has 18 residences total that range in size from two to four bedroom condos, multiple penthouses, and two beachfront homes.

This recent closure on the final available Ocean House unit illuminates the continued demand for luxury real estate in South Florida despite larger market trends. This persistent investment in the area’s high-end property is a product of both the rising status of Miami and South Beach and the desire to bask in the Florida sunshine when temperatures cool up north. If you would like to know more about either residential or commercial listings in the area then feel free to contact a RE/MAX agent today or they would be help to assist you with all your real estate needs!

0 South Beach Real Estate Expands to Include Self-Storage

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Sean Greco

South Beach Real Estate has long been know for its variety of glamorous properties, from commercial spaces to residential homes, which are often some of the most luxurious listings in the country. Recently however, the array of South Beach real estate has expanded to include self-storage as well, thanks to the visionary minds of Ken Edelman and Alan Potamkin, whom just received approval from the city planning board to build a 22,500 square-foot storage facility. It is set to be located at 633 Alton Road, just off the exit ramp from MacArthur Causeway, and according to Edelman will not exactly look like what typically comes to mind when people think of self-storage. The two businessmen have hired architect Manny Gutierrez to design the building in a way completely different from the customary, boxy structure usually seen. The self-storage facility is designed in a very modern style, with clean lines and beautiful exterior detail, which both men feel will give the building that certain South Beach glamour that the area’s architecture is famous for. This project has been in the making for four years, as it took a lot of convincing to get the city to approve the changes to zoning laws that had previously forbid self-storage facilities in the historical district. Everyone involved is very excited to finally be moving forward with the construction phase of the job. Edelman maintained his belief in the project throughout the wait, feeling that his facility would fill a gaping hole in the community, “the market is very underserved. There’s not enough self-storage on the beach. Everywhere you go in any community, there is a certain amount of self-storage needed to serve the needs of people.” The proposed storage facility will not only provide residents with the space they desire, but do so in a way that is on par with the characteristic South Beach glamour.

South Beach Real Estate

This new storage center will help to expand South Beach real estate even further, and in addition will stimulate demand for other South Beach properties in the area. The facility will make it easier for people who would like to buy or rent a space for a portion of the season, or those who are just in need of a convenient and luxurious place to store their extra stuff. If you are interested in checking out current available listings, whether in South Beach or anywhere across southern Florida, then feel free to contact a RE/MAX agent today!

0 South Beach Commercial Property Bought For More Than Double Its Original Value

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Sean Greco

An ideal piece of South Beach Commercial Property, a retail space, was recently sold for $18 million, which is more than double what the original buyer had paid for it in back in 2006. The building is located just north of South Pointe Park and west of the Continuum South Beach, so naturally the listing was in high demand given its prime location. The 300,000-square-foot listing was purchased on January 15 by 500 South Pointe Investments, who plan to rent the space out to TD Bank, Danny Jelaca Salon and Dolce Vita Gelato Café. Demand for South Beach Commercial Property in Miami Beach has skyrocketed recently as a result of both the rebounding economy and the growing status of the area as a hub for international business. The fact that this property has more than doubled in value over less than a decade speaks to this increase in demand, and predicts still more prosperity to come in the future for Miami Beach businesses and specifically, South Beach Commercial Property.

South Beach Commercial Property

South Florida has long been known for its glamorous nightlife and endless beaches, however recently the area has emerged as one of the major commercial cities in the US, with companies of every sort moving to Miami Beach and the surrounding towns in order to get in on the action. Large REITS have been snapping up South Beach Commercial Property along world famous Lincoln Road, a very telling sign of the draw South Beach has. Now is the perfect time to invest in South Beach Commercial Property while value is still on the rise, and whether you are interested in commercial or residential listings, RE/MAX Paradise would be happy to help you find the perfect space for all your needs, so feel free to contact an agent today!

0 Pet Policies

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Sean Greco

For many pet owners, their animals are like family members. There is a reason that dogs are considered man’s best friend. Dogs (and cats we suppose) are excellent additions to any family, especially because, unlike children and other relatives, they don’t talk back. Plus, their love is unconditional, and they view their humans with the utmost adoration. Of course, when searching for a Miami condominium, it can be tricky to know whether your pooch will be welcomed because pet policies vary greatly. There is no hard and fast rule, and condo associations can impose animal restrictions (for example, no iguanas), breed restrictions (usually no pit bulls), and weight restrictions (50 pounds seems to be the standard maximum), among many other possible rules or regulations.

It can be especially difficult to find a pet-friendly place if your canine companion is considered a large breed, a dangerous breed, or a yappy breed. In addition, if you are interested in renting a privately owned condo unit, it is highly possible that the individual owner’s pet policy will differ from the policy of the building. For example, some Miami condo buildings readily accept 50 pound dogs, but an owner who just spent a great deal of money to put down new wood flooring in his or her unit may not be as accommodating. Specifically, many owners impose their own weight restriction, which often does not correspond with the condo association’s rules. This is generally because of an owner’s desire to protect flooring from getting scratched by an animal’s nails or furniture from being chewed or stained. The good news is that more and more places in Miami Beach are becoming pet-friendly. Hell, we’ve seen big dogs on leashes in Whole Foods Market!

Here at RE/MAX Paradise, we understand the importance of pets and strive to ensure that our pet-loving clients find the right home for all members of their family, both human and furry (or maybe scaly if amphibians or reptiles are your pets of choice). If you need help locating a pet-friendly building, whether rental or purchase, we have agents who are extremely adept at finding the perfect location, so please contact us to help!

0 South Beach Lifestyle

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Sean Greco

If you live in a South Beach condo you know that staying fit and healthy is a huge part of the South Beach lifestyle. The devotion to healthy eating and an active lifestyle is so prevalent that a cardiologist named his eating plan the South Beach Diet. If you haven’t heard of it or aren’t familiar with its core principles, this particular plan focuses on replacing bad carbs and fats with good carbs and fats. Of course, there are critics of the South Beach plan, which tends to be the case for pretty much any new way of thinking about food and eating. The South Beach diet may not be for everyone, but plenty of people can attest to its efficacy.

Even if the South Beach Diet isn’t your eating plan of choice, there are other aspects of the South Beach lifestyle that promote health and wellness. For example, South Beach residents log a lot more time walking than residents of other neighborhoods in Miami and many other cities. The South Beach neighborhood encompasses an area that is approximately 2.5 square miles, making it a very walkable location. In fact, South Beach is one of the areas in greater Miami where an individual probably doesn’t even need a car. Everything a person needs is within a very short radius. For anyone needing to venture beyond the borders of South Beach, the city offers Deco Bike, which is Miami Beach’s official bike sharing and rental program. In addition to being a healthier way to move around the city, it’s more environmentally friendly!

Obviously, there is so much more to the South Beach lifestyle than eating healthy and engaging in regular physical activity. The overall neighborhood vibe is very laid back, and most residents operate at a pace that’s a lot more relaxed than other urban centers. Anyone strolling along one of the main avenues is bound to see cafes with outdoor seating full of jovial patrons sipping on coffee in the morning or cocktails in the evening. South Beach dwellers know how to take care of themselves and enjoy life! It’s not surprising that a lot of folks from the northeast are eager to escape daily commutes, harsh winters, and all of the hustle and bustle in exchange for South Beach’s tranquility. For anyone looking to live it up South Beach style, please contact us so we can help you get settled.

0 Top 4 International Real Estate Investors

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Sean Greco

There are a lot of foreign buyers interested in purchasing real estate in the United States these days. After the U.S. real estate market endured a rather lengthy rough patch, things have rebounded nicely over the last few years. As a result, many prospective investors believe that this is the right to time to get in on the action and invest in real estate in the U.S. Canada has the highest number of international prospective buyers, with Canadians making up 45% of the international pool of real estate seekers. Buyers from the United Kingdom come in at number two, making up 12.1% of the pool, followed by Australia at 11%.

We were pleased to learn that China and Hong Kong buyers are in the fourth spot, claiming 4.1% of the diverse group of international real estate investors. Thus far, it seems like most investors from Asia have been interested in other parts of the U.S. However, we are optimistic that change is on the horizon, and Chinese investors’ attention will be redirected to South Florida in the very near future.

The Miami economy is chugging along quite nicely, and the city just has so much to offer investors regardless of whether they are seeking a second home or a rental property. Sunny Isles Beach condos, Aventura condos, and of course the premier Bal Harbour and Fisher Island markets, in particular, offer the perfect combination of ideal location, luxury appeal, and proximity to world-class shopping and amenities.

Of course, we would be remiss not to mention the excitement of our one and only South Beach. Although we love all of Miami proper, we know that South Beach truly is a unique gem with its very own culture and lifestyle. And, we are so glad that the world seems to be taking notice. These days, every time we walk down the streets we overhear conversations in Portuguese, Italian, French, Swedish, and so many other beautiful languages. Miami truly is an international melting pot, and you can feel the excitement and energy as you stroll down the palm-tree lined streets bustling with folks from all walks of life.

In case you are curious, other top international real estate buyers come from France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. To all of you, we say:

0 Florida and Brazil: The Perfect Partnership

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Sean Greco

Florida and Brazil have quite a bit in common. Both places have thriving economies, strong tourism sectors, and plenty of sunshine and beautiful beaches. If you have strolled around Miami Beach lately, you probably noticed that a lot of people on the street are speaking the beautiful Portuguese language, the Brazilian version of course. This is due, in large part, to the thriving Brazilian economy. Brazil has seen remarkable growth that has led to tremendous socioeconomic progress, including a substantial reduction in poverty.

In addition, huge segments of the Brazilian population have seen their standard of living improve dramatically. This new and bourgeoning Brazilian middle-class seems to be eager and willing to invest their money on retail purchases and real estate, including real estate here in South Beach. Of course, many Brazilians are traveling to Florida because of tourism and spending plenty of money while they are here doing touristy things. However, many of them are coming here to invest in the Miami Beach condos for sale as well. It isn’t surprising that Brazilian culture meshes well with Miami Beach culture, and the fact that Brazilians are utilizing their purchasing power and sharing their wealth with the Florida economy is obviously a welcome investment.

There are many U.S. businesses and individuals currently investing in Brazil as well. In fact, billions of dollars of foreign direct investment from the U.S. and other countries have poured into Brazil because of its robust growth and strengthening economy. Hopefully, the Brazilian economy will continue to prosper, and this mutually advantageous partnership will continue to thrive along with it!

0 South Beach Wine and Food Festival!

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Sean Greco

Just last week, we were raving about how great Miami is this time of year. This weekend once again proves our steadfast belief on that matter. Now that the waterways have been cleared of yachts and sailboats, South Beach is gearing up for the premier festival for food and wine fanatics. That’s right sommeliers and cuisine connoisseurs; this weekend is the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. The festival brings a lot of people to town, and establishments across the city offer various deals and specials.

Of course, you may see one of the many celebrity TV chefs in and around the city, such as Emeril Lagasse, Tyler Florence, Giada de Laurentiis, and Masaharu Morimoto, among other notables. This is also a great time to learn about the local food scene and celebrate the culinary contributions of Nobu Matsuhisa, Jorge Llapur, and Thomas Connell. Although the crowds will be studded with celebrities, it may be easiest to spot a few local guys as Chris Bosh and Shane Battier are slated to attend a few of the weekend’s events in South Beach.

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival doesn’t just pull from the local talent. The list of world renowned chefs and business minds is long and distinguished. Originally from France, Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud own and operate some of the best restaurants in the country and are a constant force in the evolution of excellent cuisine. Spain’s Jose Andres, who is behind several eateries in Miami, will be among the attendees as well. Global food traveler and amateur existential philosopher Anthony Bourdain will bring his unique perspective to Miami, a city that offers a few of his loves (mainly an abundance of pork and drinks anchored with rum).

An annual event that gets bigger and better every year, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival promises to be an exciting time for everyone. With a perfect climate, beautiful beaches, and increasingly international population, it isn’t surprising that Miami regularly attracts the best events. You may not be able to cook salmon sous vide or distinguish between a Bordeaux or Super Tuscan wine, but anyone can be a part of the South Beach scene with so many great Miami Beach real estate deals available.

0 Miami International Boat Show Kicks off Today!

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Sean Greco

The “winter” in Miami is such a fabulous time of the year. In addition to the absolutely perfect weather, there are so many festivals and events taking place. This weekend will be quite busy given that Friday is Valentine’s Day, and it is a three day weekend because Monday is Presidents’ Day. However, what is even more exciting is that today the Miami International Boat Show kicks off!

Obviously, Miami has a lot to offer in terms of activities and entertainment. There is no doubt that the beautiful blue waters and the many water activities available are a huge part of Miami’s international appeal. Regardless of whether you have a boat, dream of buying a boat, or just enjoy boats, the Miami International Boat Show is definitely worth checking out. If nothing else, it is a great reason to hop over to South Beach and bask in the warmth of the sunshine that Miami will be lucky to have this weekend, especially considering what is happening to those poor northerners right now.

Just so everyone is clear, the event isn’t just about rich folks shopping for fancy boats, or not so rich folks getting depressed by seeing all of the beautiful luxury yachts that they probably cannot afford. The show also offers a lot of workshops and seminars in which participants learn about boats, boat maintenance, fishing, and other interesting water-related topics. There will also be a ton of different booths and vendors, and the stroll along the waterways will allow for lots of fun boat admiration and people watching.

For serious boat enthusiasts, the show will be a great resource, and it will be especially exciting for those who are considering tying a boat up at a Miami property with a boat dock. Just imagine cruising a shiny new sailboat, a superfast speedboat, or a luxurious yacht up to a dock like this, which would be in your backyard by the way.

There are so many beautiful waterfront properties available in Miami (both with and without dock space), including South Beach condos, Sunny Isles Beach condos, Brickell condos, and so many other amazing neighborhoods and areas. Of course, waterfront Miami properties that don’t have docks still offer spectacular views and amenities. And, more importantly, they offer location, which anyone serious about real estate knows is the key consideration!

Irrespective of your Miami real estate interests or desires, if you currently reside in Miami, are just visiting, or might be moving to Miami in the near future, be sure to check out the show this weekend- it’s a Miami event that shouldn’t be missed!

1 Beckham Exercises Option to Open Soccer Franchise in Miami

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Sean Greco

As the Mayor of Miami put it, “the world’s most popular sport is coming to the world’s hottest city.” On Wednesday, Beckham announced that he is exercising his option to purchase a soccer franchise, and he plans to do so in Miami. As previously mentioned, this is amazing news for Miami for so many reasons. Miami residents and the RE/MAX Paradise team aren’t the only ones eagerly anticipating the arrival of a Major League Soccer team in this beautiful city. Across the ocean, even the Daily Mirror in the U.K. has commented on the buzz surrounding this exciting development for Miami, reinforcing the city’s status as one of the top international destinations.

Beckham and his investors still need to secure a location for the stadium, and it appears that the Port of Miami remains the most likely contender. Of course, this is great news for current and prospective owners of South Beach real estate and Brickell properties, as well as developers in these two prime locations. The construction of the stadium and the development of residential and commercial real estate around it will add value to the nearby areas and further spur Miami’s already improving job market. In addition to Beckham and his team of wealthy investors injecting their capital into the local economy, their presence and interest in the city will likely attract additional capital from sources around the globe. It is such an exciting time in Miami!