Sunny Isles Beach Real Estate Up-Date

I began offering an overview of Miami's residential real estate market activity that I am seeing as a Real Estate Agent in the marketplace. Working with Optimar International Realty, our office is consistently ranked among the Top Brokers in the Beach area.

My focus this month will be on Sunny Isles Beach. Conveniently located a few miles north of South Beach, 

Sunny Isles Beach was incorporated as a municipality in 1997 and today is known as the "Florida's Riviera," the most desirable and sought-after neighborhood. Among its greatest assets is having one of the best beaches in the world.

Community amenities include the highly-rated public school "Norman S. Edelcup" K-8, seven public parks, houses of worship, restaurants, and easy access to Miami Airport, Ft Lauderdale Airport, and Port of Miami. 

Sunny Isles is close to the Internationally-known Shoppings of Bal-Harbour and Aventura Mall. 

Sunny Isles Beach is better known for its ultra-luxury oceanfront condominiums. We have a fine collection of luxurious waterfront residential estates with private marinas only a few miles from Haulover Inlet and our white sand beaches on the Intracoastal Waterways.

And the convenient location has been a magnet for families since the mid-1930s. Sunny Isles Beach has 27 single-family homes listed for sale on September 30, 2015, ranging in price from $829,000 to  $5 million. However, current listings represent only 25% of the number of properties available for sale five years ago. 

From January 1, 2015, to September 30, 2015, there were 15 sales, with prices ranging from $650,000 to $2,200,000. As a result, sunny Isles has under a year's supply of remaining inventory, considered by industry observers to be close to a healthy market within six to nine months.

Breaking down the Sunny Isles Beach Condominium market, there are currently 443 Apartments listed for sale under $500,000, representing 44 % of existing inventory, making this price range one of the most accessible condominiums price close to the ocean. 

There have been 609 sales in the last nine months, representing 4.52% of all Miami-Dade sales.

Between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000, there are currently 183 Condos for sale in Sunny Isles Beach, representing 18 % of all condominium inventory. Corresponding sale numbers in this range are also quite strong. 

In the last nine months, there have been 87 sales, representing 16.93 % of all Miami-Dade closed transactions.

The remaining 38% of the inventory, priced from $2,000,000 to $40,000,000, has had 55 sales in the last nine months and is currently 188 units available for sale. While the months of inventory of $2,000,000+ Condos are higher than both of the other groups.

This is not uncommon for the luxury real estate market, where condos and homes generally remain on the market longer. 

It will be necessary during 2016 to watch the number of sales in the highest price range, along with the number of new listings, as ideally, the months of supply should be a little lower. 

And with fall and winter around the corner, traditionally the luxury market's busiest selling seasons, we expect an uptick in sales over the next six months.

Whether you are interested in a specific location or the Miami-Dade area generally, I hope you will appreciate my periodic perspectives on the residential Waterfront Homes and Luxury Condominiums market conditions in South Florida. 

I look forward to keeping you further informed.

Gladis Henriquez – Real Estate Agent – Optimar International Realty – 305.281.8653 – Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Aventura Mall – The Second Biggest Mall-To-Be in The Country.

Aventura Mall was built in 1983 by four partners at the Oxford Development Company in Philadelphia. It's now owned by one of their heirs, Jeffrey Soffer. Aventura Mall is the biggest mall in South Florida with 2.7 million square feet and is about to get bigger.

The plan is to add a new, three-story retail wing and a seven-level garage. While we can't imagine there are enough other iterations of Abercrombie to justify 4.2 more football fields worth of shopping space, the additional parking spots will undoubtedly do much to curb

Last year, the place did about $1.4 billion in sales, with the average customer spending about $340 per visit. It's also about four times the national average, which means that Aventura shoppers are rich....Very Rich. 

The second biggest mall-to-be in the country, Aventura Mall, will look like when it has completed its third major expansion since the mall was built three decades ago. (the first was the southern wing with the movie theater and two department stores, and the second was the Nordstrom wing, which still feels brand new). 

The new wing will extend out from where the mall's current Food Court is located, and, from the looks of the drawings, it appears the Food Court will not be replaced.

A sizeable new garage will be located between the new wing and JCPenney, including a transit facility on the ground floor. 

The three-story branch will have a two-level shopping concourse, but what will occupy the third level remains a mystery. However, it may be a unique feature' like the Equinox Gym and AMC movie theater on level three of the other two expansions.

And call me once you join the movement South to Aventura, FL, 33180.

Mansions at Acqualina Condominium

The highly desirable real estate market in Sunny Isles Beach is about to get even hotter with the development of the most highly anticipated new project, Mansions at Acqualina.

The developer is The Trump Group, renowned developers known for their dedication to style and ultra-luxury condos. Mansions at Acqualina have been under construction for two years, with a completion date aimed for 2015. Units in Mansions at Acqualina are on the market, with sales already in millions of dollars.

 The penthouse in Mansions at Acqualina is rare and unique. One of a kind, Two-story totally furnished by “Fendi Casa” with 6 Bedrooms, 8.5 Baths, indoor/outdoor theatre, dining, family room, wine room, billiard room, grand stairs, 2 fireplaces, and over 5000 SqFt. of terrace area.

This 15,000-SqFt. Penthouse is currently the most expensive real estate listing in Sunny Isles Beach. However, with fewer than 80 total units and developers targeting buyers rather than investors, the time is now to purchase. Insiders point to a 2014 sell-out window, and condos are moving quickly in this luxury community.

Mansions at Acqualina Condos are designed to feel more like mansions in the sky than typical condominium units, with square footage ranging from 4,600 square feet to 15,000 square feet. In addition, there are different floor plans to choose from: three, four, and five-bedroom, as well as larger units that feature elements such as grand salons, summer kitchens, and staff rooms. 

If you are in the market for a high-end oceanfront condo, you should consider The Mansions at Acqualina. When it is completed, there will be virtually no place more pleasing in the Sunny Isles market. The project will feature only the finest of everything, including the art, materials, appliances, and another finishing’s throughout the common areas and units.

Call me now to see current availabilities in this stunning project that will redefine the SunnyIsles Beach real estate market. Gladis Henriquez | Optimar International Realty | Sunny Isles Beach – 305-281-8653 www.sunnyislescondosre.com

How to Stage Your Condo-Home When Selling

Aventura Real Estate for Sale

If you're thinking of selling your oceanfront condo- home, the most important thing you can do aside from selecting an experienced real estate specialist is to properly stage your home for sale.

Staging your oceanfront condo home for sale means making sure that your home's best assets 'pop' so that potential buyers see them right away. 

After all, if a buyer has to search for the potential in your home, they may just pass on it. So here are a few tips to help you stage and style your home to sell quickly.

Make Sure Your Home has Curb Appeal:

You want to do all that you can to boost your home's curb appeal. You have heard this a thousand times, but do you really know it? 

Curb appeal means that when people look at your home from the outside, the house is attractive and inviting. 

People are most likely to drive by the home, sometimes more than once, before they ever take a look inside. This is where staging can make a difference.

Cleaning from the Outside In

We all know that first impressions are the most important. This is especially true when staging your home for sale in South Florida. First, you will want to power wash the walkways, siding, etc. 

Be sure that the house numbers are visible, clean, and easy to read. Fresh greenery and flowers in bloom are always a nice touch if they match the exterior décor.
The yard should be manicured and clean. 

Sod can be added as needed to keep curb appeal up. Windows should be maintained and sparkling clean for as long as the home is on the market. 

Pay special attention to the front windows. Finally, the entryway must say "welcome home" to those potential buyers visiting. 

Ensure that your outside lights are on in the evening if a potential buyer comes through. Illuminating lights aligning the walkway is also a good idea generally.

Declutter Your Home First

This is very important as it sets the tone for a potential buyer's visit. The goal is to maximize a feeling of openness and space so that potential buyers can see themselves living there.  

Clutter needs to be thrown or packed away and moved out of the home. A storage unit may come in handy because if you are like most, you likely have at least one room with extra furniture that just doesn't match the rest of the room.  

The floors should be clear of anything unnecessary, with the cabinets and walls minimally decorated. The goal is to maximize open floor space so that a potential buyer "feels" that your rooms are spacious.

While you are still living in the home, keeping a showroom appearance may be challenging, and that is ok. 

A balance is healthy. Small touches like flowers, your favorite vases, and decorative (or fresh) fruits on the counter are all good rules of thumb.

While you are at it, keep that dining room table fully set. It should be as inviting as it would be for a holiday feast but not too formal.

You'll want to ensure that your bedroom's décor and colors are as neutral as possible. 

One of the most demanding areas to de-clutter is the primary bedroom, as it has most of your everyday personal items and often many of your valuables. 

Ideally, all valuables are moved to a safe deposit box in your bank. Another option is to move all of your valuable possessions (i.e., jewelry) and personal items to a spare suitcase.

And lock that anytime you leave home (you never know when someone will visit your house if it's listed on the MLS and your agent has put a lockbox on the front door). 

Of course, you'll need to keep the linens fresh in all of your bedrooms and reduce the artwork to a few contemporary pieces.

When there is a scheduled viewing or open house, it's a good idea to keep the closets open, but you'll want to free up at least 30% of the closet space for potential buyers to really appreciate the size of the closet.

You want to be sure that you have hidden all personal accents other than new and appropriate things in the bathrooms. Even the soap should be clean and fresh. Everything should be looked at as if you were a visitor.

If you have an upper floor placing an eye-catching piece just at the top of the stairs may help entice your potential buyer to view the entire house rather than leaving after just looking at the first floor. 

You do want to add a pop of color or an exciting piece of art here and there to keep visitors' interest throughout the tour. 

If you have a bit awkward area, like a room under the stairs or a nook, find a unique way to showcase that area. 

An office area or built-in shelves could turn that once awkward area into the home's most significant selling point.

If you have pets, an essential item is eliminating pet odors as much as possible. Numerous sprays and air fresheners do this, and you'll have to ensure it is done daily. 

The goal is to remain vigilant in keeping everything picked up, odor-free, and clean.
Remember, staging your home to sell is really important, and it should not be taken lightly. 

The sooner you address this, the better, as it really is time-consuming and requires planning. In addition, buyers will examine your oceanfront condo from every angle, so make sure that your home is inviting and appealing from top to bottom, inside and out.

If you're thinking of selling your oceanfront condo or your home and don't know where to start staging your home, please contact me today. 

I can provide you with expert advice after visiting with you, or if you'd like the help of professionals, I can refer you to local staging experts we've worked with in the past.
Gladis Henriquez- Real Estate Agent – Optimar International Realty – 305.281.8653 – Aventura, FL 33180

Sunny Isles Beach 

Aventura

Aventura Marina

Hidden Bay Aventura

Atlantic Island Homes, Sunny Isles Beach

Golden Beach, Fl 33160

Porto Vita, Aventura 

The Mansions at Acqualina, Sunny Isles Beach

Trump Tower I, Sunny Isles Beach

Trump Tower III, Sunny Isles Beach

Trump Tower II, Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach, Fl 33160

South Florida Residential Market Rebounds

 

The South Florida Residential Market should continue strong price performance in 2013. Low inventory in the top-end will be a crucial cause of rising prices. 

International buyers will continue to come to Miami searching for a "Safe Home."
A strong luxury market fueled by International Buyers was one primary reason for the rebound. 

Average prices for single-family homes and condos ended last year with double-digit increases. However, 2013 started with average prices more than double median prices, a statistic that is indicative of strength at the higher end of the market.

Since the start of the financial crisis, Miami's Real Estate market has come 180 degrees. According to the Miami Association of Realtors, the number of home sales in the Miami-Dade market set a new record in 2012. Year-end sales of single-family homes rose 7.9%, while condo sales increased 1.2%.

To search completed MLS for free, go to https://www.sunnyislescondosre.com
For sale and for rent residential real estate in South Florida. Miami Condos and Homes For Sale. 

gladis henriquez, optimar international realty 305-281-8653 – Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Porsche Design Tower, Sunny Isles Beach

 

If you are not convinced that Miami Real Estate is HOTTER than ever, this should change your mind.
Not New York, London, or even Dubai, Sunny Isles Beach gets the world's first "Porsche Design Tower." 

The response has been phenomenal, and buyers worldwide are reserving their residences at this one-of-a-kind condominium.

No detail is spared in the Tower's three-story lobby, where a glass-enclosed car observatory acts as its striking centerpiece. 

Designed with the finest finishes and elaborate furnishings sourced worldwide, the lobby features an attentive 24-hour concierge, security, and valet service. 

Only 132 owners in the world will call "Porsche Design Tower Miami" Home.

Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

For more information contact:
Gladis Henriquez
Optimar International Realty
305-281-8653
ghrealtor18@gmail.com



To view all south Florida homes/condos for sale, go to www.sunnyislescondosre.com.

October Pending Homes Sales Highest in 5 Years

 

 

WASHINGTON – Nov. 29, 2012 – Pending home sales rose strongly in October with mixed regional results, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

Based on contract signings, the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) increased 5.2 percent to 104.8 in October from an upwardly revised 99.6 in September. As a result, the PHSI is 13.2 percent above October 2011, 92.6. The data reflect contracts but not closings.

“We’ve had excellent housing affordability conditions for quite some time, but we’re seeing more impact now from steady job creation and rising consumer confidence about home buying now that home prices have clearly turned positive,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.

Outside of a few spikes during the tax credit period, pending home sales are the highest since March 2007, when the index also reached 104.8. On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales have risen for 18 months.

Yun says there are clear regional patterns: “Contract activity surged in the Midwest and shows very healthy gains in the South, but was down slightly in the Northeast and West.”

“The Northeast saw some impact from Hurricane Sandy, but limited inventory in the West is keeping a lid on the market. All regions are up from a year ago, with double-digit gains in every region but the West,” says Yun.

The PHSI in the Northeast slipped 0.1 percent to 79.2 in October, but it’s 13.3 percent above a year ago. In the Midwest, the index jumped 15.6 percent to 104.4 in October, 20.0 percent above October 2011.

Pending home sales in the South rose 5.5 percent to an index of 117.3 in October, and it’s 17.4 percent higher than a year ago. In the West, the index declined 1.1 percent in October to 105.7, but it’s 0.9 percent above October 2011.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®

To view complete Real Estate Listings in South Florida (MLS), go to my website
https://www.sunnyislescondosRE.com

My real estate website is easy to navigate and available in multiple languages. I am fluent in English and Spanish.

Gladis Henriquez 305-281-8653 Optimar International Realty 18246 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Fl 33160

Sunny Isles Beach “Florida’s Riviera” Yesterday and Today

Southeast France has St. Tropez…Northwest Italy has La Spezia…and South Florida has Sunny Isles Beach, internationally known as "Florida's Riviera."

In 1920 a private investor purchased a 2.26-square-mile tract of land for development as a tourist resort. He named it Sunny Isles -- "The Venice of America."

When the Haulover bridge was completed in 1925, the area became accessible from Miami Beach, attracting developers who widened streams, dug canals and inlets, and created islands and peninsulas for building waterfront properties on Biscayne Bay.

In 1936 the Sunny Isles Pier was built and soon became a popular destination. In 1982 the ½- mile-long pier was designated a historic site.

Sunny Isles developed slowly until the 1950s, when the first single-family homes were built in the Golden Shores area. During the 1950s and 1960, more than 30 motels sprang up along Collins Avenue, including Ocean Palm, the first two-story motel in the U.S. Tourists came from all over to vacation in themed motels of exotic design along "Motel Row."

The popular oceanfront community gained many new residents (both year-round and seasonal) as condominium communities such as Winston Towers, and Arlen House were built in the 1970s. 

New mid-and high-rise multi-family buildings were constructed, adding to the residential options in Sunny Isles. The City's three single-family communities:

• Golden Shores
• Atlantic Island
• Golden Gate Estates

In 1997, the citizens of this area voted to incorporate as a municipality. As a result, sunny Isles Beach is now "Florida's Rivera" with mostly luxury high-rise condominiums, elegant hotels, and Multi-Million Dollars Oceanfront Homes.

Today, Sunny Isles Beach has an increasing demand from foreign buyers. They like the beach, prestige, and safety that the City provides to every resident. 

The Condo market here is solid. There's no inventory. Some of the hottest properties are Jade, Acqualina, and Trump.

We have new Luxury Residential condo developments coming into the market in the next 12-36 months: Porsche DesignTower, The Mansions at Acqualina, Regalia, 400 Sunny Isles Beach, and Chateau Beach.

To view complete Real Estate Listings in South Florida (MLS), go to my website
https://www.sunnyislescondosRE.com

Gladis Henriquez Optimar International Realty 305-281-8653 – Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Government: Home Prices up 1.8% in Three Months

 

WASHINGTON – Aug. 24, 2012 – U.S. house prices rose 1.8 percent from the first quarter of 2012 to the second quarter, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) seasonally-adjusted purchase-only house price index (HPI).

It’s the most significant quarter-to-quarter increase since 2005. The HPI is considered reliable because it looks at same-home sales over time, using price information from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Seasonally adjusted house prices rose 3 percent year-over-year from the second quarter of 2011 to 2012. FHFA’s seasonally adjusted monthly index for June was up 0.7 percent from May.

“Although some housing markets are still facing significant challenges, house prices were quite good in most areas in the second quarter,” says FHFA Principal Economist Andrew Leventis. 

“The strong appreciation may partially reflect fewer homes sold in distress, but declining mortgage rates and a modest supply of available homes likely account for most of the price increase.”

FHFA’s expanded-data house price index – a measure that adds transaction information from county recorder offices and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to HPI data – rose 2 percent over the latest quarter. Over the latest four quarters, the index is up 2.4 percent.

Findings

• The seasonally adjusted purchase-only HPI rose in the second quarter in 43 states.

• Of the nine census divisions, the Mountain division experienced the best prices in the latest quarter, posting a 4.2 percent price increase. Conversely, prices were weakest in the New England Division, where prices were flat over the quarter.

• As measured with purchase-only indexes for the 25 most populated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the U.S., second-quarter price increases were most significant in the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Statistical Area Division (MSAD.) That area saw prices increase by 8.3 percent between the first and second quarters.

• Prices were weakest in New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ MSAD, where prices fell 1.5 percent.

FHFA’s purchase-only and all-transactions HPI track average house price changes in repeat sales or refinancing the same single-family properties. 

The purchase-only index is based on more than 6 million repeat sales transactions, while the all-transactions index includes more than 46 million repeat transactions. 

Both indexes are based on Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's data for mortgages over the past 37 years.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®

To complete Real Estate Listings in South Florida (MLS), go to my website
https://www.sunnyislescondosRE.com
Gladis Henriquez, Real Estate Agent, Optimar Int Realty, 305-281-8653 – Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Miami's Ongoing Evolution – Icon Bay

ICON BAY by The Related Group

40 story tower with 300 units
Blocks from Downtown (cultural facilities-museums, performing arts center), Midtown, Wynwood, and Design District.
Minutes from Genting Miami World development and Paramount Bay Tower.
Few minutes from downtown Brickell.
Close to Miami International Airport.

All units face Biscayne Bay with amazing views of South Beach.
All units with Private elevators.
Elevated 3rd-floor lobby directly connected to all elevators and private garage.
Ample parking
All units with 1 assigned self-parking space

Amenities:
Infinity waterfront pool
Party room
Complete fitted out gym and spa

Waterfront park:
20,000 ST fenced neighborhood park
Lush landscape with interactive fountains
400 SF of waterfront
10% Reservation
10% at Contract
20% at Ground Breaking (Approx. January/February 2013)
10% at Top Off (16 months later)

Balance at Closing (Approx one year after)

Preliminary Information. Subject to change without notice.

My real estate office is at 18246 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160. I specialize in selling condominiums, luxury property, waterfront homes, new construction projects, and Real Estate Investments throughout Dade County. 

My real estate website is easy to navigate and available in multiple languages. I am fluent in English and Spanish.

To view complete Real Estate Listings in South Florida (MLS), go to my website
https://www.sunnyislescondosRE.com

Gladis Henriquez, Real Estate Agent, Optimar Int Realty, 305-281-8653 – Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

 

Multiple Offers Possible in Tight Housing Market, Experts Say

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Aug. 23, 2012 – Bidding wars are back as the housing market continues recovering.

After years of lackluster sales and sagging prices, demand is growing while the number of homes for sale shrinks.

Those market conditions drive multiple offers in many areas. However, real estate agents and other housing followers say sellers still can take practical steps to boost the level of interest among buyers.

• Price it as low as possible. Many sellers and their agents obviously underprice homes to attract bidding wars. Douglas Rill, a broker at Century 21 America’s Choice in West Palm Beach, Fla., refers to the tactic as “drama pricing.”

Rill said he was instructed by the lender to list a West Palm Beach home with a leaky roof and other problems for $37,600, even though comparable sales supported a listing close to $50,000.

“Do you know what that does to my cell phone?” Rill said. “It blows it up.”

The bank’s strategy worked. More than 70 potential buyers toured the home, which eventually sold for $51,000.

At the very least, agents say, sellers should list their homes at the low end of market value, which will draw in buyers who sense they’re getting a good deal.

• Pay for an inspection, and lien search. Buyers typically cover those, but motivated sellers can go on the offensive to prove the home is in good condition and free of title problems that delay closing.

“You may be able to attract multiple offers just because the buyers will know what they’re getting,” said Marta DuPree, a broker for Keyes Co. in Broward County, Fla.

• Offer owner-financing. This only works for sellers who own the property outright. But it’s an option to consider, especially for condominiums in which government financing is limited.

• De-clutter. Getting rid of all those books, magazines, and board games you haven’t touched in years will help make the home seem more significant and appealing.

“Buyers are visual,” said Judy Trudel, an agent for Balistreri Realty in Lighthouse Point, Fla. “Clean and crisp sells.”

Sandra Holmes, a professional home stager in Weston, Fla., said properties should be “Q-tip clean” and free of smoking or pet odors. “If you can smell it, you can’t sell it,” she said.

A paint job freshens up a room, and it doesn’t cost a lot. Even replacing a light bulb to improve a room’s brightness can make a difference to a skeptical buyer, agents say.

“When a buyer goes in and flips on the light switch, and it doesn’t work, they think there’s an electrical problem,” Rill said.

• Spruce up the landscaping. Planting fresh flowers, laying mulch, and keeping the hedges trimmed will make a solid first impression on a buyer.

“When buyers walk up to a house that’s (in poor shape) – even if it’s just the landscaping – there’s going to be a sense that the seller doesn’t care about it,” said Ron Rosen, an agent in Broward. “And the buyers will think they can really lower their offer or won’t be interested.”

© 2012 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Paul Owers. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune News Service.

To view complete Real Estate Listings in South Florida (MLS), go to my website
http://www.sunnyislescondosRE.com

Gladis Henriquez, Real Estate Agent, Optimar Int Realty, 305-281-8653 – Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160