Sunday, June 23, 2013

Fun Things to Do in Coral Gables

Coral Gables is a city just south of Miami with a tropical feel in a very upscale atmosphere.  With so many things to do in Coral Gables, we thought we would feature our favorite places to go and see in our “city beautiful.”

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.  For locals and visitors alike, Fairchild is an enchanting place to visit.  There is so much to see from fragrant tropical plants and flowers to the world’s largest collection of palms, this is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day exploring the gardens, science village and special events.  The Science Village features an interactive exhibition that showcases nature at its most elaborate with over 3,000 butterflies and more in which visitors of all ages can participate.  It captivates and mesmerizes everyone who steps into this venue of exploration.  In addition to offering some of the most beautiful flowers, trees and plants, the garden is a catalyst for education and conservation.  We love the annual events like the Mango Festival in July and the Bird and Edible Garden Festivals in October.  For kids, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden offers Free Days at Fairchild every first Wednesday, June through November – no better way to keep kids thinking and learning through the summer!

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Matheson Hammock Park.  For anyone who wants to be at the beach very quickly, Matheson Hammock Park is the perfect place.  As the first county park in Miami, this 630-acre park showcases a man-made atoll with palm trees all around the area.  This is great for families who want to let their kids safely play in the water and enjoy a day at the beach.  With a snack bar, restaurant and picnic areas, it really makes for a perfect day in the Florida sunshine.  Kite boarders love launching at Matheson because of the calm waters and active breezes.  On top of all of this, there is a full-service marina that accommodates vessels up to 50 feet.  After spending one day there, everyone will see why we love Matheson so much.

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Venetian Pool.  The Venetian Pool is just simply cool.  One of our clients calls it a “chunk of paradise” and that is it in a nutshell.  Made from a coral rock quarry in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, people from all over the area come to spend the day at this magical wonder.  We always suggest it to clients as a “must see.”  The interesting thing is that it is the largest fresh water pool in the United States where the water is displaced every day from artesian wells – over 800K gallons EVERY DAY! 

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Family Day on Aragon.  The second Saturday of each month between 11am and 4pm, Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables Art Cinema and Books and Books join forces to offer a family friendly day of cultural activities.  It includes story-telling, music movies in an air-conditioned theatre (after all, this is South Florida) and so much more -- even pilates!  We love going to each place by itself but, as a group effort, they really hit the nail on the head as a wonderful Gables event.  For families, this is a very inexpensive day where everything is free or extremely discounted.  Kids love the movies and stories and parents love to meander through the museum. 

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Miami Science Museum.  For now, it is a Coral Gables landmark…until the completion of the Frost Museum of Science in Brickell.  Located just across from Vizcaya, there is so much to see and do at the Miami Science Museum.  Current exhibits showcase moving things, hurricanes, Miami climate and more.  Other fascinating things to see are the planetarium, an energy tracker, Florida birds and other exhibits.  Kids can participate in summer camps and other summer fun.  We always recommend this place to clients because it is enthralling to see everything.  To take it one step further, the new museum set to be completed in 2015 offers a virtual tour on the website so that anyone can watch the progress of the new construction.

Much More to See and Do

With so much more to see and do, these are five of our favorite things to do in Coral Gables.  Surrounded by phenomenal Coral Gables real estate, residents are so fortunate to have these outstanding venues at their doorsteps.  No wonder everyone loves Coral Gables!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Top Quality Education in Coral Gables Schools

With the top ranked University of Miami located in Coral Gables, it is no wonder there is such an emphasis on the education systems in the “City Beautiful.”  One of the advantages of living in Coral Gables is the top quality education in area schools – public and private.  Students receive the highest level of learning and continue on to college and beyond.  Within the Miami-Dade School system, Coral Gables has some of the most esteemed schools as well as in the state and receives the highest ratings from state and national organizations.  Because of this, many people choose to live in Coral Gables.

Private Schools
Private schools in Coral Gables are among the best in the country offering extensive international programs and advanced studies.  While several private schools like St. Philip Episcopal School and St. Theresa Catholic School have religious affiliations, there are others such as the Riviera Day School and the French American Schoolof Miami that are considered nonsectarian.  With smaller class sizes and such a focus on academic excellence, tuition plays a huge role in the decision to place children in one of the private Coral Gables schools.  
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Annual tuition associated with private schools range from about $10,000 to over $25,000 with other fees added to these amounts.  High tuition is a primary reason that many of them are situated close to upscale Coral Gables neighborhoods like Journey’s End, Gables by the Sea, Snapper Creek Lakes and more.  These neighborhoods feature Coral Gables real estate with home values topping $10 million. 

Public Schools
While Coral Gables features some of the most exclusive real estate in all of Miami Dade County, it is a city where the upper-crust and middle-class co-exist in harmony.  Many of the schools mirror the ethnic and international atmosphere that exists here.

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Since there are many Coral Gables home owners who cannot (and will not) pay the tuition associated with a private school education, the public schools work hard to provide a top quality education for its children.  In fact, Coral Gables public schools are among the most renowned schools in Miami Dade and the entire state of Florida.  The highest ranked schools like George Washington Carver Middle School and Coral Gables Preparatory Academy accommodate elementary and middle school grades and receive district, state and national honors as both have the recognition of being National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.  George Washing Carver Middle School is also ranked as the #1 traditional middle school in the State of Florida.  High schools continue this merit pushing students to excel in their studies in order to continue their education.  Whether attending Coral Gables Senior High or the International Studies Preparatory Academy, the standard of excellence associated with our schools is very prevalent.

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Top Florida Schools

No matter the approach to children’s education in Coral Gables, it is a city with filled with top rated Florida schools which creates a need for many families to relocate here.  Coral Gables real estate reflects the impact that this demand for a top quality public or private education.  Whether opting for a home in one of the gated communities or a lovely home in one of the close-knit neighborhoods in the center of the city, one thing is for sure -- a top quality school is within a short walk or ride.  

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Grove Isle Condominium -- Coconut Grove

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Grove Isle is a tropical oasis situated just off the northern end of Coconut Grove on a 20-acre island that juts out into Biscayne Bay.  With 24-hour manned, gated security, this secluded piece of paradise is the epitome of Old Florida.  As a self-contained island, Grove Isle features a resort, restaurant and more in order to create quiet retreat from all of the activity in Miami.  This is definitely a very well sought after address in terms of Coconut Grove real estate.

Buildings
Built between 1979 and 1981, Grove Isle Condominiums includes three 18-story buildings with a total of 510 residences in all three buildings.  The three buildings house residences of different sizes: Tower One features two, three, and four-bedroom units that range between 2,614 square feet and 5,012 square feet; Tower Two houses two and three-bedroom units that are 1,642 square feet to 2,424 square feet; and, Tower Three has the most variety with one to six-bedroom residences ranging from 1,404 square feet to 5,812 square feet.

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Grove Isle Location
A short distance out into the Bay from Coconut Grove, Grove Isles Condominiums is perfectly situated to be the focal point on the man-made island.  This idyllic condominium is located just minutes from historic Coconut Grove and Dinner Key Marina as well as Cocowalk and the Magnificent Mile.  Brickell, the Design District and the beaches are only about 15 minutes away allowing residents to frequent these areas while still escaping to a tropical paradise.

Grove Isle Amenities
Grove Isles Condominiums offer the utmost in quality extras when it comes to amenities.  When it comes to community amenities, first and foremost, there is manned gated security at the entrance to each building.  From there, there is 24 Hour Valet Parking; a state of the art fitness center; Spa Terre; a heating outdoor pool overlooking the Bay; an 85-slip marina for boat and yacht owners; a tropically-landscaped jogging path; a US Open Hard Court tennis court and 11 Har-Tru clay courts; dry cleaning and baby service; and, more. 

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Inside each residence, because the buildings are up to 15 years old, many have been updated and remodeled to give them a modern look.  It is not uncommon to see more individuality in the design, updated gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances, upscale fixtures and finishes including marble floors, sleek lighting fixtures, and so much more.  A common design element throughout every home is the floor to ceiling windows that showcase the amazing views of the Bay, city and even out into the Atlantic Ocean creating a huge “WOW” factor every time you enter each room.

Grove Isle Real Estate
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Grove Isle real estate is always in demand.  Where most buildings have about 5-10 percent of the residences for sale, Grove Isle has only a mere one percent on the market.  List prices fall between about $600K and over $1.2 million. 

So far, this year, 11 properties have sold with an average sale price of about $650K.  Most of the properties were listed between the mid-$400s and mid-$700s with only two properties listed over $1 million. 

With Coconut Grove rentals, Grove Isle properties come on the market every so often and are available on an annual basis.  Currently there are two-bedroom properties available with rental rates falling between $3,400 and $3,800 per month. 

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Old Florida Style with a Modern Twist
Grove Isle Condos offers old Florida style with a modern twist for Coconut Grove real estate.  Each residence has its own flair and character to appease the tastes and desires of Coconut Grove condominium buyers.  This is a wonderful place to call home and probably never leave.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Most Affordable Coral Gables Rentals

Coral Gables is one of the best cities in Miami-Dade County.  With some of the most affluent shopping, dining, and arts and entertainment, it is very easy to see the appeal of this “city beautiful.”  While many residents seek to own property in Coral Gables, others are happy with renting single family homes and condominium residences in close-knit neighborhoods.  Following are the most affordable Coral Gables rentals:

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2003 Red Road, Coral Gables, Rental Rate:  $2,700
This is a charming and classic Florida bungalow in a wonderful part of Coral Gables.  With lots of space under 1,967 square feet, there are lots of fixtures and finishes to make this a perfect home.  It has a nice center courtyard surrounded by the home and a wonderful shaded backyard as well as lots of closet space and a nice sized kitchen with a center cut out with counter top that goes to the den and out into the backyard making cooking out a breeze.   Centrally located in Coral Gables, this home is within a 15 minute drive of Miami International Airport, CocoWalk, the Miracle Mile and some of the top area golf courses.  At $1.37 per square foot, this home is perfect for everyone from families to retired couples. 

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2350 SW 24th Street, Silver Bluff, Rental Rate:  $2,250
Enjoy this charming two-bedroom/two-bath home in sought after Silver Bluff.  Silver Bluff is centrally located within a mile or two of CocoWalk, the Miracle Mile and Dinner Key as well as only about 15 minutes from Miami International Airport and South Beach.  The fixtures and finishes include an updated kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, hurricane shutters and a beamed ceiling in the Florida room.  This rental comes fully equipped with appliances including a stackable washer and dryer. A new roof and A/C system make this a great annual rental for the monthly investment with a price per square foot at only $1.40.

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215 SW 42nd Avenue, #807, Plaza Condo, Rental Rate:  $1,700
Le Jeune Plaza Condominium is a highly sought after property rarely having an available rental.  It conveniently located to the Miami beaches and Miami International Airport as well as walking distance to the Miracle Mile and Merry Park Shops, restaurants and more.  With ceramic flooring, a wonderful balcony with views of the Bay, city and more, the two-bedroom, two-bath condominium unit features a nice size kitchen with plenty of counter space and fully equipped with appliances.   At a monthly rate of $1,700, this annual Coral Gables rental has a $1.43 price per square foot.

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1545 Cantoria Avenue, Coral Gables Country Club, Monthly Rate:  $5,000
This beautiful contemporary styled home in Coral Gables Country Club is the epitome of a classic Florida home with tons of space and six bedrooms, five bedrooms under almost 3,500 square feet.  It features a gated front courtyard, screened-in pool in the backyard and so much more.  The kitchen is large with tons of counter space and the rooms are open and spacious and have unique characteristics.   Coral Gables Country Club neighborhood is just a couple of blocks from the historic Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course as well as about 15 minutes from Miami International Airport, Brickell and the beaches.  Centrally located in Coral Gables, CocoWalk and the Miracle Mile are only five minutes away.  While the monthly rent is more when compared to other Coral Gables rentals, it is a much better value with a $1.44 price per square foot.  This is a great home in a great neighborhood.

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3401 Road, 1st Floor, #2, Coconut Grove, Monthly Rental:  $2,200
Located in Southeast Gables, this classic unit in a multi-family property has tile floors, a large patio, tons of unique characteristics and more.  It is fully equipped with appliances and in very good condition.  Its location is ideal as it is very close to some of the area’s best golf courses, the Miracle Mile, CocoWalk, and Dinner Key no to mention being within about a 15-minute drive to Miami International Airport, the beaches and Brickell. With 1,528 square feet, the price per square foot is $1.44 per square feet. 


Affordable Coral Gables Rentals

There are tons of affordable Coral Gables rentals available for seasonal and annual leases.  From older homes in older Gables neighborhoods to units in high-rise condominiums, there is something to fit every budget and desire.  

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Favorite Places in Coral Gables

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Coral Gables is often known as the “city beautiful.”  After one visit, it is easy to see why people love coming to this beautiful city.  The city is full of the best places to shop, dine and enjoy the arts and cultures for which this area is known.  From meandering along the Magnificent Mile to spending the day at Cocowalk in Coconut Grove, there is so much to do that the list can easily grow long.  In an effort to highlight some of the most popular and well known spots, following are some the community’s most favorite hot spots for visitors and newcomers to Coral Gables.

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Miracle Mile
Coral Gables is known, first and foremost, for the Miracle Mile.  Situated in the center of the business district of Coral Gables, the Miracle Mile refers to a section of Coral Way between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road.  It is filled with local eateries, high-end shops, and art galleries that make walking a pleasure.  Many residents of Miami and other parts of Miami-Dade come to Coral Gables to eat and shop along this stretch. Some of the favorite stops are Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge, Hillstone, and Tarpon Bend Food and Tackle for dining, and MiArte and Actors Playhouse for arts and entertainment.  The businesses and property
owners who live and work along the Miracle Mile work hard to make it a destination with festivals, art exhibits and more throughout the year. 

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In terms of Coral Gables real estate, there are several upscale, luxury condominiums located on Coral Way and within several blocks that are ideal for those who want to be near the Miracle Mile.  From boutique buildings like Gables on the Green and Gables Park Tower to exclusive condominiums like Segovia Tower to larger condominiums like Ten Aragon, there is property to fit many budgets with list prices starting in the upper-$200s and climbing into the multi-million dollar ranges.

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Village of Merrick Park
The Village of Merrick Park is what developers like to call an upscale lifestyle center.  In essence, this gorgeous mall, built in 2002, is Coral Gables’ quintessential shopping center with all of the upscale national retailers like Nordstrom, Tiffany, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and more.  Here, residents and visitors spend tons of time shopping and dining at well-known national, regional and local restaurants like Villagio, Café Bistro at Nordstrom and others not to mention working out at world famous Equinox Fitness. 

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For residents who want enjoy all that the Village of Merrick Park has to offer, there are several Coral Gables condominiums and neighborhoods within a short walk.  Two very popular communities are 55 Merrick and One Village Place each with list prices starting in the mid-$300s and offering all the amenities of a five-star resort.  Another building set to be completed in 2014 is Merrick Manor which is adjacent to the Villages of Merrick Park.  In this building, residence list prices will start in the upper-$100s and feature updated and elegant homes as well as amazing amenities for residents and guests.  As for single family homes, there are many homes on streets that surround this growing area of Coral Gables. 

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Cocowalk, Coconut Grove
Cocowalk is a wonderful outdoor mall of sorts with all of the popular retailers seen at most any high-end shopping center.  As a destination by many who visit and live in the area, Cocowalk offers tons of activity in addition to shopping and dining to create a very relaxing and happy environment.  Afternoon concerts on the piazza are a regular occurrence as are other events tied to different holidays and activities.  While many of the businesses are regional and national companies, people love coming out to Cocowalk to relish the outdoor atmosphere while enjoying a cigar from Coco Cigar or a Venti Iced Latte from Starbucks. 

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Because Cocowalk is situated in the center of the community, Coconut Grove real estate is plentiful for all types of buyers.  The Moorings and The Anchorage, exclusive gated communities; luxury condominiums like the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove and Grovenor House; and, secluded townhome communities like Cloisters on the Bay are all within a short drive or even walk from Cocowalk.   Investors see the draw to Coconut Grove and want to bring more residential development to the area with luxury projects like the Grove at Grand Bay.  Because Coconut Grove is a more exclusive area of Miami-Dade County, the area is in high-demand and offers many buyers the opportunity to buy with list prices starting in the upper-$200s and surpassing $10,000,000. 

A Great Place to Live
Coral Gables is a great place to live.  Residents and visitors from all over Miami-Dade County love to come to the Gables to enjoy all it has to offer.  For those who choose to call Coral Gables home, it is a city filled with so much.  Outside the most popular places to go, there are some hidden treasures to find which makes it obvious why Coral Gables is the City Beautiful.



Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Top Five Coconut Grove Rentals Under $10,000 Per Month

Coconut Grove is a very popular location for those who spend extended amounts of time in South Florida.   Rental properties are very prevalent in Coconut Grove and are available on seasonal and annual leases at rental rates from as low as $1,200 per month to around $20,000 per month.  Following are the top five Coconut Grove Rentals under $10,000 per month.

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3672 Bayview Road, Ewanton Heights, Montly Rental:  $8,850
Situated on a 19,000+ square foot lot, this privately gated home has so much character.  It was built in 1922 and has been restored to combine the original details with an updated and modern twist.  Large rooms feature walls of classic window-pane windows that showcase the perfect landscaping and unbelievable pool and koi pond with waterfall.  The remodeled kitchen is a chef’s dream with high-end stainless steel appliances and lots of workspace on granite counter tops.  The entire property also includes two-bedroom/one-bath cottage in addition to the three-bedroom/three-bath main home.  This home is the epitome of style and refinement.

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1 Grove Isle Drive, #A1801, Grove Isle Condominium, Monthly Rental:  $8,500
This is definitely one of the most beautiful spots in Coconut Grove on Grove Isle.  This gorgeous residence at Grove Isle Condominium is perfectly decorated with marble floors throughout the home, a gorgeous master bedroom and spa-like master bath, a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, and breathtaking views from the fully rebuilt balcony and windows in every room.  This furnished home is close to Coconut Grove’s historic district as well as famed Cocowalk.

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2627 South Bayshore Drive, #706, Grovernor House, Monthly Rental:  $5,500
Grovenor House is one of Coconut Grove’s most prominent residences.  This home features beautiful bay views from the expansive terraces.  The contemporary designed kitchen includes gorgeous granite counter tops and Sneidero Italian cabinetry.  Grovenor House features wonderful amenities including a heated infinity pool, state of the art fitness center, 24-hour concierge and valet, tennis courts, children’s play area and more.  Residents enjoy living within walking distance to Dinner Key Marina, area parks, restaurants and Cocowalk.  This rental is available unfurnished on an annual lease.

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2507 Trapp Avenue, Ocean View Heights, Monthly Rental:  $4,500
This is a beautiful seasonal-rental in Coconut Grove with three bedrooms and two baths.  It is beautifully decorated with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.   Two bedrooms open up to terraces and the warm Florida sunshine.  Perfect for snowbirds who spend the winter in Florida, this home is a short drive from Cocowalk and Dinner Key Marina as well as Brickell and Miami Beach.  

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3400 SW 27th Avenue, #307, The Tower Residences, Monthly Rental:  $4,500 
To live at the Residences at The Ritz-Carlton in Coconut Grove is to live in luxury.  Not only does the residence offer all the amenities at the Ritz-Carlton, it features an extraordinary and contemporary design with high-end fixtures and finishes throughout the residence.  Rooms are spacious and flow from one to another.  Along with an expansive balcony and patio areas, the two-bedroom/two-bath home is offered furnished on an annual lease and is available immediately. 


Lots of Options
For those interested in Coconut Grove rentals under $10,000 per month, there are lots of options from which to choose.  Whether the desired property is a single family home or residence in a condominium, this exclusive community in Miami-Dade County is the perfect place to spend an extended amount of time as it is close to everything but just far enough away to allow a quiet and secluded lifestyle.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Top Five Coral Gables Condominiums Under $500K

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Living in Coral Gables carries with it sense of accomplishment since this gorgeous city offers some of the best shopping, dining arts and culture in the Miami-Dade metro area.  The city attracts many different residents from business people who want to escape the “rat race” to part-time residents who enjoy spending winters in the warm Florida sunshine to real estate investors interesting in acquiring rental property.  

While Coral Gables real estate can carry a hefty price tag in any one of the exclusive gated communities, there are still many condominiums that offer the luxury and exclusivity but at a much more realistic list price.  Following are the top five Coral Gables condominiums priced under $500K. 

For Sale at 55 Merrick
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55 Merrick Way, #702, 55 Merrick, List Price:  $499,000
Living in this two-bedroom/two-and-a-half-bath residence in one of Coral Gables most popular condominiums is perfect for anyone wanting to be in the heart of Coral Gables.  Located just off the Miracle Mile, this 1,273-square foot home features spacious rooms, a great kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, porcelain flooring and Berber carpet in bedrooms, walk-in closets and so much more.  Community amenities include a resort style pool and expansive pool deck, a state of the art fitness center, two-story clubhouse, security, concierge, valet, and a nice variety of retail on the first floor of the building.  There is definitely attention to detail throughout the condominium and each residence.


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55 Merrick Way, #602, 55 Merrick, List Price:  $494,000
55 Merrick is located in the heart of Coral Gables right off the Miracle Mile.  This 1,273 square foot home features a nice-size kitchen with granite counter tops, GE stainless steel appliances and Italian cabinets, porcelain tile floors and Berber carpet throughout the home, wonderful city views and more.  Enjoy the state of the art fitness center, large resort pool, clubhouse that is excellent for entertaining, and concierge and valet services.  With retail on the first floor and dining and shopping within a very short walk, this is a perfect place to live in Coral Gables.


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For Sale at Puerto de Palmas
888 Douglas Road, #1009, Puerto de Palmas, List Price:  $490,000
Located in the heart of Coral Gables, this home is in a very prestigious condominium that is close to the Miracle Mile and everything in the heart of Coral Gables.  It features a wonderful gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliance and a very contemporary design as well as nine-foot ceilings, impact resistant sliding glass doors, and a balcony with wonderful city views and tons of space in this 1,300+ square foot home.  Community amenities a large, resort-style pool, well-equipped fitness center, outdoor meditation gardens, a clubhouse with billiards, media room, and outdoor entertainment plaza, private storage lockers and more.  This is an ideal residence for part-time residents and full-time residents who want to be in the heart of the city.


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1300 Ponce 
1300 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 1300 Ponce de Leon, #505, List Price: $489,000
Enjoy life in this 1,290 square foot residence with two bedrooms and two and a half bath.  With downtown Miami views from the 243 square foot balcony, this home is the epitome of luxury in Coral Gables.  It features GE stainless steel appliances, Italian cabinets and granite countertops as well as a fitness center, large pool with pool deck, clubhouse, security and more.  Just blocks from the Miracle Mile’s shopping, dining and culture, this is the perfect place for anyone who loves to walk to destinations!


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For Sale at Ponce Tower Condo
1805 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Ponce Tower Condo, #834, List Price:  $484,000
Ponce Tower’s European style and luxury move throughout the building.  With an elegant balcony overlooking the pool, this two-bedroom, two-bath residence is situated in a prime corner location and has marble flooring, 11-foot ceilings, European style cabinetry and granite counter tops.  Other amenities include a beautiful heated spa and pool, fully-equipped fitness facility, business center and more.  Ponce Tower is one of the most prestigious condominiums in Coral Gables.

Condos in Coral Gables
There are so many opportunities to buy condos in Coral Gables at a very reasonable price.  In addition to owning real estate in such a prestigious area, these condos provide an excellent stream of investment revenue.  It is no wonder that so many potential buyers seek out Coral Gables real estate.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Top Five Coral Gables Rental Properties Under $10,000

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For many Coral Gables residents, their time there is temporary.  Foreign nationals, corporate executives or, even those who want a change in scenery head to the Miami area for extended stays to enjoy the warm sunshine and outdoor activities as well as the business opportunities that abound in this part of the country.  
There are tons of options for Coral Gables rentals for those who plan to live in the area for a longer than normal period of time or those who are interested in investing in larger rental properties.  Rental rates vary greatly from as low as around $1,500 per month for smaller, dated properties to over $20,000 per month for a beautiful estate home in one of the Gable’s exclusive gated neighborhoods.  With all of the rental options, following are the top five vacation rental homes under $10,000 per month.

Gables by the Sea Rentals
http://www.gablesriches.com/forrent.aspx?city=coral%20gables&pricemax=10000&order=3
 13005 Zambrana Street, Gables by the Sea, Rental Rate:  $8,750/month
Gables by the Sea is a very popular, upscale and gated community in Coral Gables.  This annual rental is a canal-front home with four-bedrooms and three-baths in a  split floor plan that features covered parking for four vehicles, a wonderful updated kitchen with breakfast area, two master bedroom suites, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, a laundry room with tons of storage, impact windows, and a private dock with lift and a 100-foot seawall.  The canal is wide and deep and accommodates larger vessels with no bridges in the short ride into Biscayne Bay.


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12855 Red Road, Coral Gables, Rental Rate:  $8,500/month
Enjoy staying in this beautiful Mediterranean-designed custom home with tons of amenities.  Enjoy the outdoors with a grotto pool with heated Jacuzzi tub and large covered terrace looking out onto panoramic water views or spending time indoors on any of the three floors with an elevator to each one that features a large laundry room, huge gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and granite counter tops, private master suite with a spa-like master bath, two terraces on the second floor, and so much more.  Additionally, there is an emergency power generator, an electric gate at the property entrance, surveillance cameras and professional lighting for maximum security.   This home allows visitors to live like the upper echelon while spending time in Coral Gables.  

Coral Gables Riviera Rentals
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6845 Veronese Street, Coral Gables Riviera, Rental Rate:  $8,500/month
For anyone who plans on an extended stay in Coral Gables or is not ready to buy a home but still wants to live in a luxurious home, this Gables Riviera annual rental is perfect.  Renovated with in an addition in 2011, it has five bedrooms and five baths with two master suites.  The upstairs master features a kitchenette while the second master is downstairs.  In addition, the rooms are open and spacious with Saturnia and wood floors throughout both floors.  Outside, the heated pool is larger in size and provides a relaxing atmosphere.  Additionally, there is a private covered terrace and indoor outdoor surround sound and internet accessible security cameras.  Situated in the perfect spot, this home is close to Coconut Grove, the Miracle Mile and the area marinas for entertainment, shopping and dining.  

Deering Bay Rentals
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13621 Deering Bay Drive, #101, Milano at Deering Bay, Rental Rate:  $7,800/month
Living in this 2,800+ Deering Bay condo rental is like living in a single family home with all the amenities of a five-star resort.  Residents enjoy 12-foot ceilings, contemporary design, fixtures and finishes as well as a private terrace with lush landscaping, three bedrooms and three baths, and a large, gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.  Other community amenities include a beautiful outdoor pool with tropical landscaping and more.  The home looks out over the golf course at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club.  This monthly rental is based on an annual lease.  

Gables by the Sea Rentals
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1385 Bella Vista Avenue, Gables by the Sea, Rental Rate:  $7,500/month
In exclusive and gated Gables by the Sea is this wonderful and privately gated executive home that features lots of unique fixtures and finishes as well as a large kitchen with cooking island and breakfast nook, large pool with deck for entertaining and balcony overlooking the wide canals, tons of storage and open rooms with tons of space.  Additionally, there is a built-in shutter protection system with accordion and motorized shutters.  Perfect for families, this home is within walking distance to top rated public and private schools.  

An Elite Lifestyle
Many of the Coral Gables rental homes offer residents an elite lifestyle.  With these homes and others, it is possible for those living in Coral Gables for an extended period of time to live in a home similar to those in which they are accustom to living.  Coral Gables is a fantastic city in Miami-Dade County and the real estate reflects what it has to offer.



Monday, April 29, 2013

Sunrise Harbour - Coral Gables

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Coral Gables is one of Miami-Dade's most luxurious cities.  Several neighborhoods like Sunrise Harbour take this luxury to a new level.  As one of the exclusive gated communities, it is filled with gracious estate-size homes.  Sunrise Harbour is a neighborhood that houses only about 80 homes and is an ideal neighborhood for families seeking larger homes in a tranquil location.  The landscaping around the beautiful homes and throughout the neighborhood features lush and tropical trees and plants that are native to this South Florida and offer a true feeling of living in paradise.  

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Sunrise Harbour Locale
Situated in the northern portion of Coral Gables, known as "North Gables," Sunrise Harbour is surrounded by other exclusive neighborhoods like Gables Estates, Snapper Creek Lake, Cocoplum, Tahiti Beach, and others.   It is in close proximity to Coconut Grove and all it has to offer as well as well-known sites such as the famed Coral Gable’s Miracle Mile, Fairchild Botanical Gardens, Vizcaya Museum and the area's top public and private schools.  Sunrise Harbour is only a 15-minute drive from Brickell and the Design District and a 30-minute drive from Miami International Airport and the Miami beaches.  

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Sunrise Harbour Highlights
Sunrise Harbour features several streets each flanked by deep and wide canals that offer easy access into Biscayne Bay with no bridges.  In fact, the homes situated at the end of the streets face out onto Biscayne Bay.  With only waterfront homes, most feature large docks that accommodate mega yachts and multiple vessels as most homeowners enjoy living on the water and choose to live in Sunrise Harbour because of its location.  This small and close-knit community enjoys the security and safety of living in a gated community that is a little off the beaten path.  

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Sunrise Harbour homes offer amenities expected in homes of this caliber.  As an older neighborhood with homes built as early as the late 1960s and early 1970s, it is not uncommon for properties to be purchased only to demolish the current home in order to build a new estate size home with many amenities.  Older homes offer a classic "Florida-style" appeal in their architecture but, for the most part, have been updated or remodeled inside to include gourmet kitchens and high-end fixtures and finishes.  Additionally, residents make the most out of life in such a glamorous and sophisticated neighborhood with extensive outdoor living areas that include outdoor kitchens and resort-like pool areas that open up to the beautiful panoramic views of the Bay.  

With only about 80 homes in Sunrise Harbour, there are never more than a handful of homes for sale at any given point in time.  Home values range from about $1.5 million to over $10 million mainly depending on the location, size and condition of the homes, and the views.  Currently, there are five Sunrise Harbour properties for sale with list prices falling between about $2.4 million and almost $9 million.  One property is listed for sale at just under $6 million and is a point lot facing out onto Biscayne Bay.  Because the home is much older and dated, the list price is based primarily on the value of the lot.  

sunrise-harbour-real-estateOver the past six months, six homes have sold with sale prices between $2 million and just over $4.1 million.  Most homes take about six months to sell on average but because of the size and amounts paid for each home, this is not uncommon.   

A Perfect Coral Gables Neighborhood
When it comes to looking at Coral Gables real estate, Sunrise Harbour is a perfect Coral Gables neighborhood.  It exudes all the class and grace that one at this level must have without the pretense that is found elsewhere throughout the area.  For those seeking an elite community with the safety of being gated and the tranquility of being set back away from all the excitement for which the area is known, Sunrise Harbour real estate meets and exceeds the expectations of anyone interested in this kind of property.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Gables Marquis

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Gables Marquis is a somewhat new condominium in Coral Gables.  Built in 2007, this 20-story building with 177 units stands out along the Coral Gables skyline with its distinctive architecture.  It is a very popular condominium with those in search of Coral Gables real estate as a second or vacation home as well as retirees who relocate to the area. 
  
Gables Marquis adds a touch of contemporary to an upscale area that has tons to offer its residents in terms of golf, boating, its close proximity to other popular areas of Miami Dade County and more.

Location of Gables Marquis
Located at 3232 SW 22 Street, in the heart of Coral Gables, Gables Marquis is just a couple of blocks from the famed Miracle Mile for which Coral Gables is known.  The condominium features unbelievable views of Coconut Grove, Sailboat Key and the unbelievable Miami skyline. 

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Coral Gables is a beautiful city in Miami Dade County that is known for its upscale atmosphere and excellent shopping.   It caters to an upper echelon crowd that enjoys the finest shopping, dining, arts and culture.  Its location is ideal for those who want to go to Miami for some fun or the Miami beaches for a day in the sun.  Additionally, it is close to the major transportation hubs and traffic arteries.   Without a doubt, Coral Gables is one of the most stunning cities in all of the state of Florida.

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Amenities
Gables Marquis has a modern feel to the architecture with the palazzo pool situated on a lush and tropically landscaped deck with white cabanas and pool attendants.  Other community amenities include 24-hour complimentary valet parking, concierge service, wireless high speed internet  throughout the community, a perfectly appointed club house, contemporary-designed lobby area, high speed elevators and more.

Residents enjoy perfectly decorated residences with a nice, open kitchen that has high-end stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops with lots of work space, spa-like bathrooms with marble countertops and flooring, a large master bedroom with walk-in closet in addition to other great features and finishes.

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Real Estate at Gables Marquis
Gables Marquis real estate is very much in demand.  Because the condominium features more affordable units along with amenities in condominiums with much higher priced residences, there are always only a few residences available for sale.  List prices in Gables Marquis are typically priced between the upper-$100s for one-bedroom homes and the mid to upper-$300s for three bedrooms.  Currently there are only two properties for sale priced from the mid-$200s to mid-$300s. 

Over the past six months, only five homes sold (all two-bedroom units) with sale prices from just under $200K to almost $300K.  The average number of days on the market for those five properties was only 78 days.  

For investors, Gables Marquis is an incredible investment opportunity.  Owners of Gables Marquis rental property can lease their units up to three times per year for a minimum of 90 days each.  Monthly rental rates range from about $1,300 to over $2,400.  

Affordable Luxury
Gables Marquis real estate is the epitome of affordable luxury when it comes to living in Coral Gables.  With all that it has to offer and the incredible list prices for a condominium in such a prime location, opportunities to own a home in Gables Marquis is one of which the most savvy real estate buyers take hold.  
Copyright 2012 Gables Riches. All rights reserved. 1800 SW 1st Avenue. Suite 504. Miami, FL. 33129. Tel (786) 344-4669. Fax (786) 533-3921 info@gablesriches.com