Condition of Sea wall - It is important for anyone buying a waterfront property to get a seawall inspection by a structural engineer or a seawall specialist. Inspections should include not only the actual seawall but also settling cracks within the main house, patios and pool as well as dock areas. Because most canal systems in Miami and Miami Beach are artificially made or made with landfills, the integrity of the seawall could ultimately determine the integrity of the structure of the home. Doing a visual inspection of seawalls of adjacent properties is also recommended in order to avoid future settling.

Type of waterfront property – If you look at an aerial view of Miami Beach, you will notice that there are numerous types of waterfront properties: lakes, rivers, canals with direct ocean access, canals with fixed bridges, canals with no ocean access, non-navigable canals, and bayfront homes, to name a few. Depending on the type of boat you have, you will need to consider fixed bridges (clearance heights), depth of canals, and proximity to bay and or ocean access.

There are several waterfront communities in Miami Beach that have direct ocean access but you have to navigate at idle speed for miles which can mean being on your boat for a couple of hours before you can really do some boating.

Boat Dock – it is important to inspect not only the condition of an existing dock, but also if the type of dock can accommodate your boat. There are a lot of canals in Miami with natural coral sea walls and no docks – you may not want to dock your boat next to natural coral. If there is no dock on the property, it may be a good idea to contact DERM (Department of Environmental Resources Management) about what kind of dock they will allow in a particular canal. DERM may even send an inspector out to the property in order to make recommendations.

Davits and/or Boat Lift – depending on the size of the boat, most boat owners will not keep the vessel inside the water and use davits and/or boat lifts to raise the boat out of the water while not in use. Whichever your choice, make sure to inspect existing davits or make sure the existing seawall can accommodate a boat lift of your choice.

Protection from the elements - Bayfront homes are obviously the most desired type of waterfront property but can also leave your property very exposed to the elements (weather and hurricanes). Canal front properties are said to protect not only your house but boats as well in case of increment weather. This doesnt mean that you should not purchase a bayfront home, it means you should consider location when purchasing.

Location of home within a canal – because of the intricate design of canals in Miami and Miami Beach, some canals may be comparable to dead-end streets. These canals, depending on currents and wind may accumulate debris and garbage that can become a nuisance. If a property is located at the end of a dead-end canal, make sure you ask about accumulation of debris throughout the year.

Insurance Costs – just keep in mind that property insurance costs will be higher for waterfront homes, especially open bay properties.

There is nothing like owning a waterfront home in Miami Beach. To be able to enjoy our beautiful weather as well as the views is priceless and it is what makes Miami Beach Waterfront Real Estate so unique.

Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate – St. Regis Resort & Residences – Bal Harbour

In the middle of what many are calling a Miami housing slump, there are on-going developments like The St. Regis Resort & Residences in Bal Harbour. Total luxury, the best amenities, and a perfect location for your vacation getaway, indulging lifestyle and elegant living.

Experience the future of Legendary Luxury. St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour is a peerless haven of oceanfront elegance; quiet, unwavering taste; and anticipatory service.

Legendary Luxury

St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour is a medley of personalized service, exquisite design and unmatched amenities that create a lifestyle like no other on Florida’s Gold Coast. Just steps away from the famous Bal Harbour Shops and minutes from the whirlwind energy and Art Deco magic of South Beach, St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour is a world of compelling amenities and impeccable standards.

This Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate project is currently under construction and the site is where the known Sheraton Bal Harbour that attracted people from all over the world because of its magnificent beaches, once stood – 9 acres of stunning oceanfront property. I feel a bit nostalgic about this project because of the fond memories I have at The Sheraton, but know The St. Regis will do those memories more than justice. Also good for you to know that the project is self-financed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and The Related Group, which makes the estimated completion date of “end of 2010″, very believable. The location is 9701 Collins Avenue, Florida 33154.

The pricing is high, no questions about it. According to a St. Regis’ sales representative it is 2-3 times what everybody else is, but justified by the land, amenities and because it is a “trophy property”. The average price per square foot is $1650 – properties range between $2,000,000 and $11,000,000 and the best sellers are the biggest and most expensive units. Maintenance fees will range between $1.05 to $1.15 per square foot.

Because it is under construction, I wasn’t able to give you my eagle-eye critique on finishes but the fact is that this project architects are Sieger Suarez Architects, and interior design done by Yabu Pushelberg, the same ones that designed Apogee in South Beach. There is a sales office where you can see sample finishes, including kitchen, bath and living room (pictured above).

St. Regis Residences

• extraordinary one, two and three-bedroom private residences
• Panoramic windows offer expansive ocean and bay views
• spacious outdoor balcony “living rooms” invite easy relaxation and carefree entertaining
• Contemporary five-fixture master bathrooms feature walk-in shower and expansive marble surface treatments throughout
• premium kitchen appliances and European style cabinetry
• pre-wired for state-of-the-art communications and other control systems, including up to four double telephone lines, satellite or cable provider
• 10′ ceiling heights
• Residential pool areas available exclusively to owners and their guests
• dedicated residential porte-cochere and interior lobby custom designed by Yabu Pushelberg

The St. Regis Hotel-Condominium Residences (condo-hotel)

• fully furnished condo-hotel residences will convey the inimitable style of award-winning interior design firm Yabu Pushelberg
• Spacious executive suites, one-bedroom suites and convertible two-bedroom suites
• Breathtaking ocean views
• integrated, self-contained Midnight Kitchenette
• spacious outdoor balcony “living rooms” expand your leisure and entertaining horizons
• State-of-the-art intelligent controls for climate, lighting, window shades, and in-room electronics
• walk-in closets with integrated European wardrobe cabinetry
• Four-fixture bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower with richly finished marble floors, vanities, and walls.
• Digital Video On Command (DVOD)
• Wired and wireless High-Speed Internet Access
• Hands-free telephones
• Personal safes large enough to accommodate a laptop computer
• 10′ ceiling heights
• Owner lock-out closet for secure storage of personal items

Services and Amenities

• Remede Spa
• 24/7 St. Regis Concierge team to assist with all arrangements and requests
• Celebrated St. Regis Butler Service
• 24-hour valet parking
• 24-hourr security
• 24-hour in-room dining service
• Bellman
• Busines services
• Full-time maintenance staff
• Newspaper delivery
• Preferred access and signing priviledges for owners
• Housekeeping
• Pre-arrival provisioning/grocery shopping and delivery
• In-room catering
• Personal chef
• Dry-cleaning and laundry services
• Plant care maintenance
• Overnight shoe shine
• Pet services
• Access to St. Regis events
• Shopping bag pick-up service from Bal Harbour Shops
• Oceanfront cabanas with flat-panel televisions, mini bars, ece makers and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Signature restaurants
• exclusive beach access
• state-of-the-art business center
• executive meeting rooms with integrated audio visual systems
• a Grand Ballroom and premier banquet facilities
• St. Regis Kids’ programming
• Preferred theatre, events, sports tickets
• Courier services
• IT personal support assistance
• Translation services
• Personal security

At the pool & on the beach: services and amenities

• refreshing cool-mist spritzers at the pool and beach
• revitalizing cold towels poolsize
• Gourmet lunch boxes for beach picnics
• Oceanfront cabanas with flat-planel screen televisions, mini bars, ice makers, and WiFi connectivity for laptops
• Pool bar and grill

Around town: services and amenities

• Personal chauffeur and limousine services
• Shopping bag pick-up service from Bal Harbour Shops
• St. Regis Personal Shopping Services and VIP invitations to exclusive trunk shows

Remede Spa

• A haven of pampering indulgences and advanced treaments
• Complete offering of spa treatments including customized facials, massages, body treatments, waxing and nail services based on the exclusive Laboratoire Remede skincare line
• The convenience of in-room treatments
• Steam, sauna and jacuzzi
• Couple’s room
• Vichy shower room
• Deluxe body treatment room

Fitness

• State-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment
• Certified personal fitness instructors
• Nutritionist services

Dining

• Signature restaurants
• St. Regis signature wine bar
• Pool bar and grill
• 24-hour in-room dining service

NOTE: If you are interested in getting a full-color brochure and additional information sent to you about St. Regis Resort and Residences, Bal Harbor, please e-mail us at info@miamism.com with your name and address and will be happy to make the arrangements (all information will be kept confidential)

*renderings courtesy of St. Regis Resort & Residences – Bal Harbour*