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Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

March 2, 2010

There were 117 Miami Beach condos sold in January 2010 with the lowest sale being a pool cabana at Casablanca Condo for $16,000 and the next highest a 1 bedroom condo at Normandy Place Condo (which was a bank owned property).  Now to the good stuff.

January’s Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sale

The Continuum on South Beach:  50 S Pointe Drive, #TWN6 – Miami Beach, FL 33139

Listed for $4,353,000 and sold for $3,482,400 on 1/29/2010

continuum TWN6 Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

The Continuum needs no introduction – it’s 2 towers are the only 2 oceanfront uber luxurious high-rises in the area knows as South of Fifth in South Beach.  This unit was listed on January 13th, 2010 and was under contract by the 17th!  WOW! (but there are not even interior photos of the unit on the MLS, so it was obviously sold before it listed).  Here’s the MLS description:

Enjoy 12 Acres of Oceanfront Living at Continuum II! Spacious, large balcony with magnificent views!  Italian kitchen with stainless steel Miele appliances, Subzero refrigerator, granite countertops and marble floors.  Luxury amenities include 24 hr security and valet parking, full-time concierge service, 2 large lagoonpools with pool and beach-side services from patio restaurant.  Three pro-clay tennis courts, 23,000 sf Sporting Club and spa with infinity lap pool!

Screen shot 2010 02 21 at 11.54.25 PM Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

Features:

  • 2,901 square feet of living space
  • built in 2008
  • 4 bedrooms / 4.5 bathrooms
  • 2-car garage
  • Direct Ocean Views
  • Beachfront condo
  • Facing South
  • Balcony
  • Decorator ready
  • Maintenace Fee – (not disclosed)

January’s Second Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sale

Il Villaggio:  1455 Ocean Drive #1102 – Miami Beach, FL 33139

Listed for $2,195,000 and sold for $1,850,000 on 1/05/2010

il villaggio 1102 Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

This unit was purchased for $2,700,000 in June 2007 and was on and off the market starting on February 2008 with an asking price of $3,590,000.  The sellers lost $850,000 in this real estate transaction, but you can only speculate that they enjoyed Il Villaggio’s views and amenities in the 2.5 years they owned it.

The ultimate “south view” residence at South Beach’s very own Il Villaggio.  This sleek, sexy floor plan provides wrap-a-round views of the ocean, Lummus Park and the seductive South Beach coastline.  Three expansive terraces, dramatic foyer entrance, custom bamboo flooring, gourmet kitchen, marble baths, & a luxurious master suite.  Luxury building offers the finest, personalized services of any building in South Beach, oceanside promenade and community room.  Live the life you’ve always imagined…

Screen shot 2010 02 21 at 11.55.35 PM Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

Features:

  • 1,700 square feet of living space
  • built in 1998
  • 2 bedrooms / 2.5 bathrooms
  • 1 parking space
  • Beachfront condo
  • Facing South
  • Balcony
  • Maintenance Fee – $1835/month

January’s Third Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sale

Canyon Ranch – 6799 Collins Ave #505 – Miami Beach, FL 33141

Listed for $1,900,000 and sold for $1,550,000 on 1/29/2010

canyon ranch 505 Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

Canyon Ranch is Miami Beach’s latest craze bringing life to Mid-Beach with luxury and style.  This particular residence was listed on March 2009 for $1.9 Million and had no price adjustments.

One of a kind, amazing beach house facing East w/ direct ocean views.  This is a must see! 2 Bed + den/media room (could be converted to 3rd bedroom)+ a private rooftop terrace, directly on the ocean.  Spacious layout w/10 ft ceilings, stunning baths and custom kitchen.  Canyon Ranch offers every luxurious amenity including all spa services and on-site restaurants.

Screen shot 2010 02 21 at 11.56.12 PM Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Condo Sales – January 2010

Features:

  • 1,965 square feet of living space
  • built in 2008
  • 2 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms
  • 1 parking space
  • Beachfront condo
  • Decorator ready
  • Facing East
  • Balcony
  • Maintenance Fee – $2500/month

Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

February 24, 2010

When it comes to Miami Beach Homes, there were 11 sales in the month of January 2010.  Two of these sales in exclusive La Gorce Island and the other one was a Pinetree Mansion.  The lowest sale in January was at Biscayne Beach and as per the MLS description, “buy this house and get a free car”…can’t tell you the details on the car – but the house was on a dry lot at 965 79th Terrace and sold for $225,000.

January’s Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sale

92 La Gorce Circle – Miami Beach, FL 33141

Listed for $13,500,000 and sold for $9,500,000 on 1/25/2010

92 la gorce cir collage Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

This house was on and off the market since September 2005, starting at $17,500,000, was also for rent for $100,000 and finally sold for $9.5 Million.  MLS description:

Set on approx. an acre, this remodeled 9700+sf Mediterranean estate offers privacy and elegance.  200+ft of wterfront.  7 brs, ofc, 8.5 baths, fine marble and hardwd flrs, dbl living room w/marble fireplc overlooking the water.  Media rm, family rm w/granite bar & spacious kitchen w/breakfast area, sumptuous master suite w/soaring ceilings.  Notable exterior features of the grand estate include hand-laid keystone appointments, stone fountains and interior courtyard loggias surrounded by coral stonework.

Screen shot 2010 02 21 at 10.21.51 PM Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

Features:

  • built in 1939
  • 9,719 square feet of living space
  • 7 bedrooms / 8.5 bathrooms
  • waterfront
  • 42,749 square foot lot
  • 200 feet of water frontage
  • House faces East
  • Guard-gated island
  • 2-story Mediterranean Revival home
  • Private dock

January’s Second Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sale

5745 Pinetree Drive – Miami Beach, FL 33140

Listed for $5,990,000 and sold for $4,650,000 on 1/4/2010

5745 Pinetree Dr collage Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

This home was known for it’s short term rentals and was showing on the MLS available for rent for $19,500/month and $27,000/month (long and short term rentals).  It had also been on and off the market starting in 2000 with highest listing price of $7,900,000.  Personally, Pinetree has never done it for me – some of these homes facing condos across the canal, but you can’t take away the splendor and grand scale of a lot of these Pinetree Homes.  Description on the MLS:

Classic, renovated estate on stately Pinetree Drive!  All new hurricane impact windows and doors to be installed!  Approximately 9000 sf, 5 bedroom, 8 bath home with 150 ft of protected water-frontage!  owner will consider financing or trade for other property including condos!  Renovations are finished and all doors and windows are in!!!!!

Screen shot 2010 02 21 at 10.38.22 PM Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

Features:

  • built in 1929
  • 8,689 square feet of living space
  • 5 bedrooms / 6 bathrooms / 2 half-baths
  • waterfront
  • 26,700 square foot lot
  • 150 feet of water frontage
  • House faces East
  • 2-story Mediterranean Revival home
  • Private dock

January’s Third Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sale

55 La Gorce Circle – Miami Beach, FL 33141

Listed for $3,300,000 and sold for $2,200,000 on 1/19/2010

55 la gorce cir collage Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

This home was listed in 2007 for $4,400,000 and then again for $3,300,000 on August 2009 – I’m guessing the million dollar price reduction made the difference with this dry-lot home (meaning NOT waterfront).

Sophistication reigns supreme on this exquisite property.  Located on guard-gated La Gorce Island, this beautiful 4 bedroom/5 bath, 5,387 sf home, situated on a 13,750 lot features an abundance of stunning details and amenities such as a luxury kitchen, pool area, high ceilings, master suite with his/her bathrooms and a 2-car garage.  Unmatched, awe-inspiring elegance and style.  just a few minutes to world-renowned South Beach and downtown Miami.

Screen shot 2010 02 21 at 10.49.08 PM Top 3 Most Expensive Miami Beach Home Sales – January 2010

Features:

  • built in 1968
  • 5,387 square feet of living space
  • 4 bedrooms / 5.5 bathrooms
  • 2-car garage
  • 13,750 square foot lot
  • House faces West
  • Guard-gated island
  • pool

Blog Action Day at Prime Miami Beach

October 15, 2009

bad 300 250 Blog Action Day at Prime Miami Beach

This year over 9,000 blogs across the world have registered to write about Climate Change because there is power in numbers and together we can make a difference.

So how does Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate relate to Climate Change? easy, think of green products, how real estate is built, what waste is produced, what appliances are used, the “walkable” factor of your real estate to shopping and business. No matter the industry, there is something you can do to help our planet.

I have talked about Green Urbanism because it’s a topic dear to my heart and somehow it seems like Miami is distant from many of the walkable communities concept because of Urban Sprawl. I’ve even talked about Green Designer Finisher for your kitchen, identifying recycled glass counter tops. My favorite is Miami Green Houses from the past where I identify 3 Green Mid-century architects and their masterpieces. And lastly, 5 Green conscious moves for your home (anyone can do these).

Take a look at who else is participating in this year’s Blog Action Day:

Miami Beach Luxury Home Sales – October 11, 2009

October 11, 2009

There have only been 43 Miami Beach Luxury Home Sales this year above $1,000,000.  Think of the implications… last year at this same time there were 71 sales ranging between $1,000 and $13,100,000 which should make you believe that the “recuperating market” is not as palpable as some in the industry are leading you to believe.

I have to admit that certain areas are seeing more movement than others, there are more buyers out there as well, but they are also a lot pickier and not as willing to pull the trigger as they have been in the past….even in the Miami  Beach Luxury real estate market.

click here to see list of all closed Miami Beach Luxury Homes

The Link above will provide a list of all the closed home sales in Miami Beach over $1,000,000 this year.  The Average price per square foot for Miami Beach Luxury Homes is currently $542.00 – but I need to stress, as I always do, that generalizing whole real estate markets like this is never a good idea.  This number pulls North Beach and Star Island together, for example, which are not even close to being comparable areas – it also pulls dry lots and waterfront properties.

Miami Beach Luxury Home Sales - average $/sq.ft.If you separate the different areas and do calculations by location, you get a better idea of what the real average price per square foot is.  Obviously, when there is only one sale, like Shaq’s house on Star Island – the average will not say much.

Also note that all the sales in La Gorce Island were all dry lots, so the $348 per square foot average will not even come close to a waterfront property on the island.  Similarly, some of the Pine Treearea sales were also dry lots, so comparing the average price to North Beach would be preposterous in my opinion.

Venetian Islands are down over $100 per square foot from last year – that should be a big eye opener to all those sellers that are not being flexible – some Realtors in the area keep giving a false sense of the market to their seller clients – please make sure you remain realistic….even in a recuperating real estate market.

Jade Ocean – Luxury Condos

October 8, 2009

jade ocean - sunny isles beach

Jade Condos have been associated with Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate and great design, and not at all surprised that Jade Ocean in Sunny Isles Beach continues that tradition.  Designed by none other than famed architect Carlos Ott, the whole building’s concept is about framing vistas and creating interesting perspectives with angles and unusual shapes.  I have to admit that at times I find the use of angled soffits and materials to be a bit much, but ultimately, the experience is appealing to the senses.  From the time you arrive at the oceanfront valet (yes….the valet is on the ocean side instead of the usual street side) – to the sumptuous Fendi designed Lobby, tea-room, sunrise/sunset pool area, and each balcony view….you are transported to a world of luxury and indulgence.

jade ocean - miami beach luxury real estate

Jade Ocean is a 50 story glass tower with 256 residences, 2 floors of common areas and unbelievable views of the Atlantic ocean.  Price ranges vary anywhere between $595,000 for a 1 bedroom residence, to $6,000,000 for a 6,000 square foot Penthouse.

The scoop on Jade Ocean is that it was 100% sold in pre-construction and as usual, some buyers have decided not to close and now have 27 units back in inventory.  The price ranges start at $580 per square foot for lower floor units (yes negotiable), and the maintenance is .71 cents per square foot.

jade ocean condo by fendi casaHere’s a 3-bedroom unit completely designed by Fendi Casa – with a private elevator lobby and views of both the ocean and Intracoastal.  I have to admit that it was “too Fendi” for me with Fendi logos everywhere you looked, but I could see how this can appeal to a lot of people.  According to the developer, designer ready 3 bedroom residences start in the $1.3 million range (that’s without Fendi).

Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate - jade ocean

What’s great about these units is that they can accommodate any taste, from the very traditional to ultra modern.

Residence Features include:

  • Flor-to-ceiling exterior glass walls and open terraces offering expansive views of city lights and Atlantic Ocean
  • Open floor plans maximizing views
  • European cabinetry with complementing counter-top and backsplash finishes
  • Miele and Sub-Zero stainless steel state-of-the-art appliances
  • European bathroom fixtures by Philippe Starck and Dornbrach faucets.  Master baths with effervescent hydrotherapy tub
  • Revolutionary steam oven
  • Built-in coffee system
  • Frameless glass shower enclosures
  • Walk-in closets
  • Service entrance and elevators available in all units
  • Full laundry rooms with washers and dryers

jade ocean - sunny isles beach There are 3 penthouses currently available at Jade Ocean – the one pictured above is priced at $5,900,000 and has 7,641 square feet and 6,141 square feet under air conditioning.  With 2 stories, double story living room, interior elevator and maids’ quarters.  The distribution was a bit choppy for my taste, but it is designer ready, so I expect anyone coming in to move a few walls and make changes.

Jade Ocean Building Features:

  • Six-story cascading waterfall and lush landscaping
  • Unique oceanfront porte cochere with drop off, overlooking beach and ocean
  • Two-story grand entrance lobby with expansive ocean view
  • Infinity-edge pool with sunrise and sunset views
  • Wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the Tower and Resort Deck
  • Personal Identity fingerprint access in high-speed elevators, opening to private foyers in most residences
  • Technogym – the most cutting-edge equipment in personal training
  • First generation Mirigi “intelligent home” software, including in-residence lighting/dimming, integral audio selections in the kitchen, and wireless Internet
  • A touch screen offering instant access to amenities such as concierge, requests to valet, reservations for common areas, building activities information, package arrivals, and general information
  • QUINTESSENTIALLY, a global high-profile member’s concierge service, focused on providing access to the inaccessible, and making life richer, easier and more fun.

Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate – MEi

August 20, 2009

mei exterior Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate   MEi

Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate redefined in none other than Millionaire’s Row! MEi was designed as an architectural icon by Hirsch Bedner Associates (known for hospitality design and projects including the Mandarin Oriental in Miami) together with famed designer Jaya Ibrahim (designer for the Setai in Miami Beach). Here’s the concept behind this fabulous oceanfront condo:

Introducing MEi, the ancient mandarin symbol for beauty. An exotic architectural creation in shimmering glass, flowing water, silk and teak, MEi is an immediate icon on Millionaire’s Row in Miami Beach. Mei is a world of timeless Asian design and 21st century technology, with exquisitely finished 1, 2 and 3 bedroom residences and an intimate atmosphere of personal service and indulgence. Every detail at MEi has been designed to give its residents a sense of tranquility and serenity. From the incredible Lobby to the TEA Lounge, the Zen library, Spa and Poolside, residents at the MEi will enjoy the ultimate in privacy and relaxation. MEi is located on the beautiful white sands and bright aqua waters of Miami Beach and to the west it overlooks the intracoastal Waterway with panoramic views of the downtown Miami skyline.

mei panoramics Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate   MEi

The density of MEi is really comfortable if you’re not into the 500 unit high rises that are common nowadays. It’s a 22-story building with 134 residences and located on 175 feet of prime Miami Beach beachfront property – what else could you ask for? The maintenance fees, according to the sales Director will be between $1.05 and $1.10 per square foot and the developer (PMG) is guaranteeing those HOA fees for 2 years.

mei common areas Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate   MEi

Some of the amenities include:

  • Asian inspired tea lounge
  • Zen library
  • Spa
  • Yoga tudio
  • State of the art Technogym Fitness facility with private massage rooms, steam rooms and lockers
  • Ocean view pool deck with lagoon pool, infinity edge pool and misting pool
  • Fire pit in pool area
  • Pool attendant
  • Valet parking
  • Security
  • Concierge

mei finished unit Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate   MEiEach residence includes advanced 21st century technology system which consists of pre-wired and pre-installed fiber optic connections for: Satellite TV, Email boxes, local and international telephone, voice mail service, wireless hi-speed Internet, music and video library.

mei designer ready units Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate   MEiHere’s the MEi 411 from the sales director – The project sold out in pre-construction in 2005 and 24 units defaulted once they began closing in May of 2008. Of those 24 they have already sold 10. The units sold in pre-construction at an average price per square foot of $1,100 and 12 residences were flipped between $1,200 and $1,300 per sq. ft. – Here’s where it gets painful – those units are now selling for a blended average of $650/sq.ft. (OUCH!) – and that, my friends…..is negotiable!

  • 1 bedroom residences start in the low $500,000’s
  • 2 bedroom residences start in the low $700,000’s
  • 3 bedroom residences start between $1 and $1.1 million

I personally like the location – 5875 Collins Avenue – perfect Miami Beach Luxury Condo setting….. right next to The Bath Club and close enough to the action but the buildings directly west are not very aesthetically pleasing – fortunately the ocean views are breathtaking and takes away from the eye sores. The unit finishes are not my favorite either – particle board kitchens with veneers and glass tops (most people will be redoing those) – but the common areas have a nice scale and the finishes are what you would expect from Jaya…not to mention the wrap-around balconies, which are amazing! And did I mention the spectacular views?

mei views Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate   MEi

7 things to consider when buying a Miami Waterfront Home

August 2, 2009

If you are buying a Miami Beach waterfront home, you are likely to have a boat or will be considering a boat in the near future. We are constantly asked a number of questions regarding waterfront purchases and Rick and I decided to write a list of 7 important factors to consider when buying a waterfront home in Miami Beach.

Miami Beach Waterfront Home

    Miami Beach Waterfront homeCondition 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.
    Miami Beach Luxury HomeType 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.
    Miami Beach waterfront real estateBoat 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.
    Miami Beach Real EstateDavits 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.
    Miami Beach Luxury HomeProtection 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.
    Miami Beach Luxury Real EstateLocation 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.
    Miami Beach Luxury HomeInsurance 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 Mansion destroyed by Fire

July 19, 2009

Friday Morning I woke up to news on Twitter that a Miami Beach Mansion was on fire.  After getting a link to CBS4News I could recognize one of the dragons from the roof top flames and new immediately it was “The Castle“.  There is a lot of hearsay about the house being abandoned and even in foreclosure.  What I know is that it was listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for $6,900,000 and does not show as a bank owned property.  The MLS description reads as follows:

Spectacular North Bay Road “Castle” with unique Architectural design features amazing downtown views! This property offers billiard room, home theater, and separate gym, indoor and outdoor pools with professional landscaping. This 10 bedroom, 7.5 bath residence boasts unforgettable city and bay views! Property is in need of restoration renovation. Excellent dockage for a large boat

Miami Beach Mansion - The CastleTalented local photographer and friend, Tanya Diaz, had documented The Castle a few weeks before and you can see the amazing photos at AbandonedMuse.com – I am so glad she was able to capture the essence of the place before it was all lost to fire.

The Miami Herald states the following:

An abandoned mansion in Miami Beach once owned by the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises family was destroyed by fire Friday morning.

Firefighters received a call at 8:09 a.m. about the fire at 4462 N. Bay Rd., north of Mount Sinai Hospital.

The house was once owned by the owners of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, a longtime family business born after a night of drinking in 1947. Michael Burke woke up the next morning and found himself the owner of a $600 sailboat he named the Hangover. Capt. Mike Burke’s six children were later involved in the business.

The company later went through financial troubles and in 2007, president Daniel Burke checked into a cheap hotel and died after a night of cocaine, Xanax and beer.

The remnants of the business went to auction last year.

Burke was living alone in the house in March 2007 when he sold it for $7.6 million to Antonio Rodriguez.

4462 N Bay Road – Miami Beach, FL

  • Listed for $6,900,000
  • 11,146 square feet of living space
  • Built in 1925
  • Lot size 145 X 175 – 25,425 square feet with 145′ of water frontage
  • 10 bedrooms / 7 bathrooms / 1 powder room

While standing there on our boat looking at the remains of The Castle, I felt a bit melancholic.  How many times did we show this property to people visiting Miami as the perfect representation of eccentricity?  You could smell the ashes and could still see smoke coming from the remains.  It was a Miami Beach Landmark and I’m sad to see it gone.

900 Biscayne Bay Luxury Condo in Miami

July 12, 2009

900 Biscayne Bay Luxury CondoRick and I visited 900 Biscayne Bay Condo and there are tons of positive and negative things I can say about the project but for the most part it will be positive.

The location is central and ideal if you like to be close to the action. You can actually see The Center for Performing Arts from the building, are almost in front of the American Airlines Arena, can walk to Bayside Marketplace, you have the Metro-mover right behind the building to take you to Downtown Miami and I-395 within a stone-throw away that takes you to Miami Beach.

The views are nothing short of spectacular and will never be blocked because of Museum Park right on the bay across from the building. We had the pleasure of seeing a few pent-houses as well as smaller units and lower floor units. My general opinion is that the bedrooms were small and sometimes the distribution a bit choppy, but I really liked the kitchens with European style cabinets, marble tops, Miele appliances and Subzero refrigerators.

When you are buying into any of the 4 side-by-side buildings which include: Ten Museum Park, Marina Blue, 900 Biscayne Bay or Marquis (currently under construction), you are buying for location and for the view. Any small flaws in design are compensated by the amazing views of Miami, Miami Beach and The Port of Miami.

The building was designed by Arquitect Luis Revuelta and to me it was very obvious because of the labyrinthian quality of the floorplans and common areas. The hallways are quite confusing when coming in and out of elevators, but will only experience that when going to the common areas.

The Interior Design and finishes done by Sam Robin are spectacular – for me to say I have nothing to critique is huge. I loved every material and method of execution used by Sam. The spaces are somber and elegant and leave no questions unanswered.

900 Biscayne Bay - Miami Luxury Condos

Something else to expect is that the extreme units will be close to the adjacent buildings, some of our customers would consider it too close for comfort, but that can be overcome by buying an inside unit with a straight view of Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay.

This is the description of the 900 Biscayne Bay by the developer:

The downtown Miami mixed-use development by Terra Group was designed by acclaimed architect Luis Revuelta. The building is a fusion of cutting-edge architectural design, state-of-the art technology and grand hotel-style amenities that is located in the heart of Miamis burgeoning museum and performing arts district on Biscayne Bay.

Architect Revuelta captured the bay views by angling the building and creating an undulating façade. Its unique architectural design is complemented by the vision of celebrated designer, Sam Robin, who has created a serene yet strong interior that will showcase modern art and design.

900 Biscayne Bay - Miami Luxury Condos

900 Biscayne Bay - Common areas

900 Biscayne Bay - pool deck

Building features are as follows:

  • Private Elevators for select units
  • Concierge
  • Valet
  • 2 Main Pool Areas
  • Garden Lounge and Observation Deck with exquisite views of Biscayne Bay
  • Wet Bar
  • Massage Rooms
  • Jacuzzi, Steam, Sauna and Cool-Down Rooms
  • Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment & free weights
  • Residents Club
  • Private Screening room
  • Wireless access (WiFi) throughout the building
  • Office, Retail and Commercial Space available

Unit size / features:

  • 1 3+den Bedroom Units from 970 to 2,300 sq. ft.
  • Penthouses from 2,700 to 3,800 sq. f
  • Custom interior design packages available per unit
  • Pre-wired units offering a variety of voice/data/television options
  • Private terraces
  • European style kitchens with stainless steel appliances, stone countertops and stone master baths

We visited PH 5901 (A line) – with 3,493 square feet under air conditioning, private elevator – 3 bedrooms plus a den and 4 and 1/2 bathrooms.

900 Biscayne Bay PH

PH 5903 (B line) are 2,825 square feet, have 3 bedrooms and 3 and 1/2 bathrooms and start at $1,945,000 (Penthouses run from the 59th to the 63 floor)

900 Biscayne Bay PH

We also visited tower unit 3301 (A line) also with private Elevator, 1,796 square feet under air conditioning – 2 bedrooms plus a den and 3 and 1/2 bathrooms. These units start at $772,000

900 Biscayne Bay tower units

The building also has town homes from the 5th to the 15th floor and Flats on the 3rd and 4th floors. They are 2 bedroom units plus a den with either 2 and 1/2 baths or 3 bathrooms and start at $682,000. Flats are on the 3rd and 4th floors with either 1 bedroom plus a den or 1 bedroom, 2 baths and the prices were not yet available.

Building features and residence conveniences include:

  • 24-hour concierge available to assist with travel, dining and theatre arrangements
  • 24-hour valet services
  • Secured parking
  • 3-story lobby of distinction created by Sam Robin
  • State-of-the-art technology
  • High speed Internet access available in units
  • HDTV satellite outlets available in units
  • Wireless Internet capabilities in all of the buildings common areas
  • Staffed entry w/ 24-hour security staff w/ electronic observation and digital recording system
  • High-speed elevators with secure key access
  • Residents amenities spaces comprised of a pool deck lounge for relaxing, informal gatherings or hosting special events (serviced by a catering kitchen and bar), a “library” with sumptuous seating and original works of art, and a screening room with surround sound and seating accommodating for 50 guests
  • Professional building management
  • Concierge services

Retail and Offices

  • Signature restaurant and outdoor café fronting Biscayne Boulevard
  • Prime shops at Boulevard level
  • Over 80,000 sq ft of prime office space with views of Biscayne Bay and the Performing Arts Center

Fitness Center, Spa and Pool Area

  • Luxurious relaxation amenities with views of the pool terrace
  • Yoga / aerobics area
  • Men’s and women’s locker room, sauna and showers
  • Advanced exercise / cardio equipment with computerized system allowing instant monitoring and tracking of performance
  • Over 20,000 sq ft of recreation deck with views of the bay and the city
  • 2 temperature-controlled pools
  • Lush gardens
  • Whirlpool spa

Unit Features

  • Residents can choose from eleven floor plans for one, two or three bedroom spaces
  • Private terraces
  • Tinted, energy-efficient and impact-resistant sliding glass doors and windows
  • Energy-efficient air conditioning and heating system
  • Spacious walk-in closets
  • European style kitchens with stainless steel appliances and stone countertops
  • Stone master baths
  • Subzero refrigerator
  • Miele dishwasher
  • Miele wall oven
  • Miele cook top
  • Eurotech washer/dryer
  • Faber ventilation system
  • Miele coffee maker for penthouse

Miami Beach Luxury Homes Real Estate Market Reports

June 11, 2009

The Miami Beach Luxury Home market is moving….slowly…..but moving. There were 5 Luxury home sales in the month of May ranging from $1.2 million to $2.235 million and only 2 of those were waterfront properties.  We have been showing more properties in the past month and seems buyers are finally pulling the trigger, so let’s see if June sales show better numbers.  Here are the 5 home sales for May 2009:

6630 Sheffield Lane – Miami Beach

6630 sheffield ln - miami beachThis 5 bedroom, 4 and a half bathroom home in La Gorce Island sold for $1,200,000 on May 21.  With 3,515 square feet of living space, a 13,124 square foot lot (dry lot) – selling at $341 / square foot.  This house was originally listed for $2,400,000 on September 2008 with several status changes since.  Here’s the MLS description:

Priced to sell!!!  This is hands down the best deal on exclusive La Gorce Island.  Spacious family home with great floor plan including large master suite + 3 spacious bedrooms + maids room.  Beautiful open kitchen, large screened pool/patio area, formal living and dining rooms, two car garage, all on pristine 24-hour guarded gate and patrolled La Gorce Island.  Hurry this wont last long at this price!

That’s a 50% reduction in 8 months!! Love when Miami Realtors say “priced to sell” …hmmm…as opposed to what?

795 Lakeview Drive – Miami Beach

795 Lakeview Dr - Miami Beach

Here’s another 5 bedroom, 4 and a half bathroom home in Lake View Heights in Miami Beach (the are just North of Surprise Lake in Mid Beach).  This 3,722 square foot home sits on a 17,204 square foot lot with amazing pool.  Originally listed for $1,795,000 on March 11th, 2009 – it sold in only a little over 2 months (May 28th) for $1,590,000.  That’s $427 / square foot.  Here’s the MLS description:

FINALLY! A fantastic Lakeview home with all the bells and whistles! HUGE lot with over 17,000 sq. ft. of gorgeous pool, patio, beach, and green space. This wonderful property has 3 bedrooms up and  2 down with hardwood and terrazo floors throughout. Gorgeous state of the art eat in kitchen, formal dining and living, and fantastic family room overlooking magnificent grounds. Light, bright, open, spacious, and ready to move in. Incredible home…Incredible location…Incredible Opportunity!

288 S. Coconut Lane – Miami Beach

288 S Coconut Ln - Miami BeachNow HERE’s a house!  Modest 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3,180 square foot home on Palm Island with direct bay views.  On a 14,000 square foot lot with 100′ of open bay frontage.  Selling on May 8th for $2,700,000.  Now this house has an MLS history and a half!  being on and off the market since 2001 but seriously “for sale” since August 2006 for $5,800,00 (sadly enough, if they would have priced more aggressively in 2006, they could possibly have made $1.5 to $2 million more….OUCH!). But still selling at $849 per square foot, which is the highest sale for May. Here’s the MLS description:

PRIVATE ISLAND GETAWAY. ENJOY THIS EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT HOME ON A DOUBLE LOT, LUSH LANDSCAPING, 100 FT OPEN BAY ON GUARDED PALM ISLAND. STUNNING VIEWS OF DOWNTOWN AND PARADING CRUISE SHIPS. PRIVATE DOCK AND BOAT LIFT, 2 CAR GARAGE, SAUNA AND OUTDOOR SHOWER, POOL, LARGE FAMILY/ENTERTAINMENT ROOM, REAL WORKING FIREPLACE, MARBLE AND WOOD FLOORS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, HURRICANE IMPACT WINDOWS. BALCONY AND COVERED PATIO TO ENJOY THE VIEWS.

Yes….it’s all in caps as if they were screaming at you (now I have to go back to my listings and make sure my office did not put me on the MLS as a screamer).

209 E Dilido Drive – Miami Beach

209 E Dilido Dr - Miami Beach

This is a fabulous house and close to my heart because I really saw some clients of ours living here (if you are reading, you know who you are).  From the moment you walked in this Dilido Island home, you knew the house had been updated with taste and great finishes (the full-mosaic tile pool was very impressive).  With 4 bedrooms, 3 and a half bathrooms, 10,500 square foot lot and 60′ of water frontage.  Selling for $2,235,000 ($593/square feet) and listed for $3,295,000 on June 2008.  Here’s what the MLS reads:

TODAY’S YESTERYEAR! IMAGINE THE MAGIC ALLURE OF 1935 MEDITERRANEAN WITH 2008 COMFORTS. ENJOY WIDE BAY VIEWS, HEATED TILE POOL, COVERED OUTDOOR DINING, MASTER JACUZZI OVERLOOKING THE BAY, SHINY ORIGINAL SPANISH TILE AND WOOD FLOORS, HIGH CEILINGS, LARGE AND LIGHT ROOMS, BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING AND A WONDERFUL ENTRY LOGGIA AND COURTYARD. THIS IS A FASCINATING, SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE HOME, UPDATED ALL THE WAY TO A STAND-BY GENERATOR. BEST TIME TO SHOW : M-F, 10am-2pm. YOUR BUYERS WILL LOVE YOU!!!

Another screamer – but true description to the house, all except “your buyers will love you” – (I’m yet to call clients “my buyers”).  $1 million discount, I’ll take 2 please!

5101 N Bay Road – Miami Beach

5101 N Bay Road - Miami BeachHere’s one of those acclaimed Miami Beach Luxury Homes on North Bay Road (dry side, but N. Bay Road still).  With 9 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms – 5,695 square feet of living space – 16,102 square foot lot and full of those “foo-foo” details so many people have come to love.  Selling on May 1 for $1,800,000 after being listed on and off for almost 2 years starting at $3,499,000 with several price reductions and time off the market in the interim. That’s $316 per square foot).

RARE FIND! NORTH BAY ROAD CORNER DOUBLE LOT-16,102 SF. ONE OF MIAMI BEACH’S LARGEST GATED ESTATES ON A DRY LOT. FLEXIBLE HOME WITH 7 BEDROOMS(INCLUDING A 3-BEDROOM GUEST QUARTERS)+ MEDIA ROOM (IT’S OWN WET BAR)+ OFFICE + 2 PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL RECORDING STUDIOS WITH PRIVATE ENTRANCE WHICH INCLUDES DRIVEWAY FOR TOUR BUS. PALM BEACH STYLE RESIDENCE WELCOMES THE OUTDOORS WITH POOL & COURTYARDS. .  CHARMING FAMILY ROOM W/ ORIGINAL 1930S DETAIL (WET BAR, FRESCOS). PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING OR AS A FAMILY HOME.


What’s great and not so great about Miami Beach Real Estate is that properties in close proximity can be so different.  Here you have 5 sales that are completely different one from the other and once again you cannot bunch them all together and come up with a bogus average price per square foot for Miami Beach Luxury Home Sales in May.

I am happy to announce that I left here to check Team Miamism’s listings on the MLS and we are not screamers!  Thank GOD!

**all information obtained from the SouthEast Florida Multiple Listing Service**