Saturday, March 30, 2013

Buying Cocoplum Real Estate for Under $2.5 Million

Coral Gables is a part of Miami-Dade County that exudes history and culture unlike any other part of the area.  These great qualities draw some of the most elite residents to live in one of the exclusive neighborhoods like Cocoplum.  As one of the most affluent areas of Coral Gables, Cocoplum offers the privacy and security on which residents of this distinction insist.  Inside this low-key neighborhood with winding streets, lush tropical landscaping, a private yacht club and marina, tennis courts, and more, residents find a tranquil refuge to call home.

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The estate-size homes in Cocoplum vary with options of waterfront and non-waterfront homes as well as wide-ranging architectural styles that bring together the old charm of Florida, the truly traditional, and the newly constructed homes with a Mediterranean flair.  With home values ranging from about $1 million to well over $10 million, potential buyers have the ability to buy Cocoplum real estate for under $2.5 million.


8400 Old Cutler Road, List Price:  $1,650,000
Situated on the edge of Cocoplum and Gables Estates, this lovely home is tucked away on a lot just over an acre of beautiful and mature tropical foliage.  With four bedrooms and three and a half baths, it is a wonderful opportunity to own a gated home with French doors, screened porches, lots of space and unique architectural characteristics throughout the inside.  There is certainly room for a pool and extensive patio on the property and so many more updates.

139 Rosale Court, List Price:  $2,350,000
High ceilings, large and spacious rooms, and a formal living room and dining room are just some of the special features of this home.  With a tall privacy hedge, it is ideal for a buyer looking for complete privacy.  The open family room leads out to a large covered terrace and pool and outdoor living area surrounded by perfect landscaping.  This home is also very close to the Club and perfect for a family as it is also close to excellent public and private schools in Coral Gables.

8303 Old Cutler Road, List Price:  $2,395,000
This contemporary-designed home is another that is situated inside Cocoplum but very close to Gables Estates. Updated in 2003, this one-story home is gated for privacy on a lot that is just less than one acre.  It features a brick paver circular driveway and includes both formals and a large gourmet kitchen with high-line, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops as well as a large family room that leads out to a great patio with built-in pool, summer kitchen, and perfect landscaping.  The large master bedroom includes a grand master bath and unbelievable his and hers walk-in closets.  This is truly a dream home.

7133 West Lago Drive, List Price:  $2,475,000
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This gorgeous Mediterranean styled home is set away from the street on quiet cul-de-sac. Fully updated, this home has excellent curb appeal with a beautiful entrance that leads to a tranquil retreat.  Some of the features include both formals, a huge, newly updated gourmet kitchen that leads to a large family room.  The tropical terrace overlooks an elegant pool area, cabana bath and lush backyard.  The large master suite opens up to its own balcony and has large walk-in closets and an elegant master bath.  The best part about this home is that it is vacant and ready for new owners.

280 Carabela Court, List Price:  $2,490,000
Huge windows let in tons of light everywhere in this contemporary home that is situated on a corner lot in the Marina section of Cocoplum. With double volume ceilings and large, open spaces, this is a fabulous home.  It features a huge, downstairs master suite with his and hers bathrooms (now we are talking), a large gourmet, eat-in kitchen with updated high-end appliances and French doors that open to covered terrace and private pool/patio area.  A second family room with open loft is upstairs with three bedrooms that have private baths and walk-in closets. 

275 Veleros Court, List Price:  $2,495,000
One of only two canal-front homes priced under $2.5 million, this home is ideal for boaters as it has a 75-foot dock and direct access to Biscayne Bay and the ocean.  The home is contemporary in its design but still very warm and welcoming with lush and tropical landscaping.  With an open floor plan that features a gourmet kitchen that was remodeled in 2006, the entire home is open and airy.  Unique details like a flagstone floor and wood-beamed ceilings in the glassed-in sunroom and a stone, floor to ceiling fireplace in the enormous family room are just some of the features that stand out in this wonderful home. 

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181 Vera Court, List Price:  $2,499,000
As the second of two canal-front homes priced under $2.5 million, this is truly a luxurious home with no details omitted.  From the elaborate fixtures and finishes throughout the home to the unbelievable chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances and granite counter tops, this home is well thought out in its planning.  A large pool area and manicured backyard are adjacent to a large private dock with lift on a wide and deep canal that has direct access to Biscayne Bay.

Live in Cocoplum
Cocoplum is an ideal neighborhood for full-time and part-time residents.  Upon driving through this gated community, it is easy to see why so many people want to live here.  While it is a very high-end neighborhood, there are lots of opportunities to live on or off the water.  Cocoplum real estate draws tons of “Ooo’s” and “Ahh’s from many people throughout Miami-Dade County and it is very easy to see why.  

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Coral Gables Riviera

Coral Gables Riviera is the kind of neighborhood that appeals to a broad range of homeowners.  From older homes in contemporary and traditional styles to newly constructed Mediterranean estate-like homes, there is definitely a home to fit most needs and desires as well as accommodate buyers looking for a permanent residence, vacation home or investment property.

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Coral Gables Riviera Location
As a fairly large neighborhood, Coral Gables Riviera is situated just a short jaunt from Merrick Park, the University of Miami and the exclusive Riviera Country Club.  West of Coconut Grove, the residents of Coral Gables Riviera enjoy spending time shopping, dining and enjoying everything in Coconut Grove.   

Coral Gables Riviera Highlights
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Coral Gables Riviera is bound by 72nd Street to the south and considered by some realtors as part of the Coral Gables Platinum Triangle.  This elite part of Coral Gables is home to some of the most exclusive homes in this stylish Miami-Dade County city.  Considered a waterfront community, some of the homes back up to Coral Gables waterways and provide access into Biscayne Bay while others are surrounded by land and tropical, green foliage.  The waterfront homes have direct access to Biscayne Bay with fixed bridges.  The fixed bridges along the area waterways have 7 to18-foot clearances and accommodate boats 20 to 40-feet.   

For golf lovers, the Riviera Country Club is very close to Coral Gables Riviera making it easy for residents to hit the links.  And families find the neighborhood ideal as it is close to some of the best private and public schools in the entire state. 

Real Estate in Coral Gables Riviera
CoralGables Riviera real estate features some of the most beautiful estate homes in all of Coral Gables.  On that same note, the neighborhood is also home to the quaintest and coziest Florida bungalows that showcase unique characteristics and charm.  One thing that all the homes in this exclusive neighborhood have in common is the care and lush landscaping that surround each and every home. 

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Throughout the community, architectural styles vary from classic “old Florida” bungalows built in the early to mid-1900s to newly-built mammoth estates and everything in between them.  Many of the older homes have either been remodeled over the years to incorporate modern amenities and updates or are in need of some tender loving care. 

Because the home values range from just under $500K into the multi-millions, Coral Gables Rivierareal estate appeals to many different buyers.  Currently, there are 46 homes listed for sale with prices falling between $460K and just under $7 million.  There is also a lot for sale in the mid-$300s. 

Recent sales indicate that almost 30 homes have already sold in Coral Gables Riviera since the beginning of 2013 with a wide range of sale prices between $360K for a home in need of remodeling and $3.75 million.  And, more importantly, the average number of days on the market is only 62 days.  The interesting thing to note is that only three of the 28 properties that sold were on the market more than 100 days. 

In terms of Coral Gables Riviera rentals, because there is such a wide range of homes, it is common for investors to seek out investment property in this neighborhood.  For those who go this route, monthly rental rates typically range from about $2,000 to over $9,000. 

A Very Desirable Neighborhood
Coral Gables Riviera is a very desirable neighborhood that appeals to a diverse group of home buyers.  No matter the size or style of home, this is a neighborhood where the residents love where they live and take great pride in preserving the appearance and atmosphere.  It is definitely a top pick in Coral Gablesreal estate.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Mutiny Park -- Coconut Grove

Mutiny Park is a beautiful condominium in Coconut Grove that was built in 2001. With 22 stories and 211 condominium residences, Mutiny Park lends itself more as a boutique Coconut Grove condominium because of its warm and inviting atmosphere.  Its setting in Coconut Grove only adds to the ambiance of living at Mutiny Park. 

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Developed by the Flagler Group, which also developed the Meridian in South Beach, Mutiny Park was built in conjunction with the Sonesta Hotel as one of the area’s first condo-hotel projects in Miami-Dade County.  In a 2001 Miami Today article, Ricardo Dunin, President of the Flagler Group, stated that "condo-hotels such as Mutiny Park are in great demand among South Americans and Europeans who travel here frequently."  The success of this initial project by the Flagler Group was evident before construction was completed when about 65 percent of the units were sold at top off.  


Location
Located at 2889 McFarlane Road, in the heart of Coconut Grove, Mutiny Park is situated in an ideal location within walking distance to Dinner Key Marina, Coco Walk and all that Coconut Grove has to offer.  Coconut Grove real estate appeals to many area celebrities and professional athletes as it is an exclusive part of Miami-Dade County that offers residents a quaint atmosphere and lots of privacy.   As a village within the city of Coral Gables, it is a top destination for anyone living or visiting in the area.


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Amenities
Homeowners at Mutiny Park enjoy the use of the Sonesta Hotel’s amenities that include a resort-style swimming pool and luxurious pool deck on the 8th floor, a fully equipped, state of the art fitness center located on the top floor that offers the most amazing views from the floor to ceiling windows, 24-hour security and concierge as well as valet parking and a 24-hour, self-service business center.  Other amenities include assigned parking associated with the owners’ units, free shuttle service to the sister property, Sonesta Beach Resort at Key Biscayne, and the most amazing Bay and city views.  High-end retail shops and excellent restaurants on the ground level of the property add to the convenience of living at Mutiny Park.  Amenities in each residence include large balconies, walk-in closets, well-appointed details, and updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.  And, best of all, Mutiny Park allows owners and guests to have their beloved pets in the residences.


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Real Estate Information
Mutiny Park is most attractive to those who have retired to sunny Florida as well as part-time residents and investors and features one to four bedroom units of which many are turn-key furnished.  Sizes of the units range from 365 square feet to 2,358 square feet.   List prices range from the upper-$100s to about $1.7 million.  Recent sales indicate that five units have sold since January 2013 with sale prices ranging from the mid-$200s to almost $900K while 11 units sold in 2012 between the mid-$100s to over $600K.  

An ideal investment for part-time residents and investors, owning at Mutiny Park affords owners the ability to place their units into the hotel’s rental pool which are very popular with visitors who spend winters in Florida.   Mutiny Park rentals typically have monthly rates between just under $2,000 for a studio and about $7,000 for an upper floor, three-bedroom unit.  Rental rates vary depending on the size and location of the unit.

An Excellent Investment
The location, quality and amenities alone make Mutiny Park an excellent investment in Coconut Grove real estate.  When adding the advantage of using Sonesta Hotel’s rental program and its management services, the investment is even more enhanced.  Coconut Grove is an exclusive area in Miami-Dade in which many enjoy spending time.  Mutiny Park enhances the experience with everything in and around the property.  

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Top Five Homes In Coconut Grove

As beautiful as Coral Gables is, much of the real estate emphasis is placed on condominium living.  Because it is such a “resort-style” area, Coral Gables attracts many vacation home owners and investors.  But, in a part of the city lies one of the most elite areas in all of Miami-Dade County – we are talking about Coconut Grove.
 
There is a lot of history behind Coconut Grove as it is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood of Miami in all of Miami-Dade County.  Many notable professional athletes and other celebrities make their homes or have owned homes in the exclusive communities within Coconut Grove because of the atmosphere and the fact that while it is as luxurious and affluent as many affluent areas of the city of Miami, it is kind off the beaten path and offers privacy and a quieter lifestyle.

Coconut Grove real estate reflects this atmosphere and lifestyle with elegant and beautiful estates in some of the most elite neighborhoods in all of Miami-Dade County.  While the homes are architecturally different, their common attributes are the exclusivity of the neighborhoods, the privacy, and the absolute magnificence of the homes.  To highlight this level of real estate, following are the top five single family homes on the market in Coconut Grove. 

Hughes Cove is, without a doubt, one of Florida’s most elite communities.  Its draw for decadent living is obvious in the size and detail of each home in the small neighborhood.  With such a small number of homes set on multiple lots, the neighborhood features its own park, private dock and tennis courts secured with a gated entry and perimeter security wall.

3310 Devon Court, Hughes Cove, List Price:  $12,900,000
Built in 2003, this estate home exudes perfection.  The contemporary Italian-style architecture of the home showcases very unique finishes and details.  Situated on three lots, it offers five bedrooms, SMART home capabilities and the added extra of a rooftop haven.   Owners who enjoy entertaining will be enthralled with this home as the formal dining room accommodates 14+ with the outdoor dining area over 20.  On the Bay, the home features a gorgeous pool that overlooks the Bay and is close to the best public and private schools in the area as well as the quaint business district in Coconut Grove.

3316 Devon Court, Hughes Cove, List Price:  $12,000,000
Newly built in 2010, this home exudes privacy sitting on two walled lots and only 250’ off the Bay.  It features detailed finishes, an amazing kitchen with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances, mahogany doors, a gas fireplace, private library and an elaborate floating staircase that exposes all floors.  Along with elevator that goes to every floor, there is also a beautiful rooftop patio with cook area and unbelievable views of the Bay.  Additionally, there is a saltwater pool and deeded boat slip that is just a few steps away from the home.  No detail is left out in this magnificent work of architecture.

The Moorings is a gated community filled with large multi-million dollar estates many of which have private docks as well as the most stunning landscaping throughout the entire community.  Homes are extravagant in their appearance and amenities.  Situated near the home to the renowned CoCo Walk, The Moorings is a very relaxed community where residents buy here and stay here.  Be aware that when a home comes on the market in The Moorings, it is gobbled up quickly so it is necessary to be ready to move when this happens.  Close to top schools as well as Coconut Grove shops and dining, this is an ideal neighborhood for families and those seeking a generous amount of privacy.

3467 North Moorings Way, The Moorings, List Price:  $11,900,000
Built in 1929, this classic old Florida estate with a Mediterranean feel was remodeled and restored in 2002 to showcase updated fixtures and finishes while still maintaining the quality and uniqueness that only a home of that era has.  From the beautiful, intricate wood beamed ceilings to the custom made staircase to the handsome arches in interior doorways and entries, this home is a sight to behold.  On the grounds, perfect landscaping surrounds a beautiful lily pond as well as a multitude of gardens, a gorgeous pool, loggias and courtyards that offer a tropical oasis unlike any other.  Multiple large patios offer amazing Bay views.

Inside this tiny enclave of only eight homes, residents in The Anchorage enjoy living in a very exclusive community that is far away from the rest of the world but still close enough to walk into Historic Coconut Grove and its quaint shops and restaurants.  With estate style homes topping 10,000 square feet, this 24-hour, guard-gated community is home to the most discerning and affluent residents in all of Miami-Dade County.
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3501 Anchorage Way, The Anchorage, List Price:  $7,490,000
This unbelievable tri-level home is situated on the water and features beautiful Bay view.  With over 10,000 square feet of living space, there are seven bedrooms and eight and a half baths as well as large rooms ideal for entertaining and large terraces that offer the ultimate in relaxation.  An outdoor living area with bar and kitchen leads out to a crystal pool that overlooks a private dock and the bay.  An amazing kitchen with tons of counter space, high-end appliances and more awaits anyone with a love for cooking.  Other amenities that can only be found in a home of this caliber are a massage room, elegant bedrooms and spa-like baths, media room and large dining room that accommodates large parties.
   
The next featured neighborhood is Crystal Bluff.  Not only is it gated but also walled and offers neighborhood patrol for maximum privacy and security.  Homes in Crystal Bluff are priced at levels starting at about $1 million and vary in size from modest 3,000+ square foot homes to larger homes that top 8,000 square feet.  This is a lovely neighborhood that features a nice walkway to an area that overlooks the Bay as well as Grove Isle.  With waterfront homes as well as interior lot homes, there are lots of styles of homes that appeal to different buyers. 

1872 South Bayshore Lane, Crystal Bluff Addition, List Price:  $6,749,000
This beautiful Mediterranean home faces Biscayne Bay and features an inviting patio area surrounding an infinity pool that seems to spill into the bay.  A chef’s dream kitchen with cooking island, tons of cabinets and high-end appliances as well as an elegant master bedroom and unbelievable bath make this a home in which potential buyers take notice.  In addition to the main home, there is a small, two-bedroom guest house or along with staff quarters and garage. 

The Elite of the Elite
The gated Coconut Grove neighborhoods cater to the elite of the elite.  With these grand estates tucked away in quiet secure neighborhoods, it is no wonder that the most affluent residents in Miami-Dade County choose to live in Coconut Grove. 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Journey's End -- A Tropical Oasis in Coral Gables

Located in South Coral Gables adjacent to some of the most exclusive homes in all Miami-Dade County is the neighborhood of Journey’s End.  This small enclave of only 18 homes, most of which are waterfront properties, offer the most beautiful landscaped estates for the most discerning and private home owners. 

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Location
Journey’s End is situated in a part of Coral Gables that is home to luxury estate neighborhoods.  Adjacent to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Matheson Hammock State Park, this very exclusive neighborhood is quiet and secluded offering maximum privacy and security. 

Journey’s End is within a very short drive to Historic Coconut Grove and Coral Gable’s famed Miracle Mile.  There, residents enjoy fine dining and culture as well as shopping in some of the most chic boutiques.   Coral Gables is a very special place where residents and visitors are assured the certain level of luxury in a true South Florida lifestyle.

The Neighborhood
Just like the other exclusive neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity, Journey’s End is gated with 24-hour security.  Many of the homes are waterfront homes on spectacularly beautiful lots with tropical foliage and perfect landscaping.   While there is a private, neighborhood marina, many of the waterfront estates feature private docks some of which accommodate mega-yachts and multiple vessels.   Landscaping is absolutely picture-perfect and provides a tranquil and serene environment.

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Although Journey’s End homes are, for the most part about 15 to 20 years old, many have been renovated or remodeled to feature the most modern updates.  They are gracious in size topping 10,000 or more square feet and offer luxury interior and exterior finishes.  Inside each home, the residents enjoy large rooms with expansive ceilings, designer finishes, unobstructed views of foliage and/or water, chef-worthy kitchens with granite or other high end counter tops, state of the art stainless steel appliances and so much more.  Outside, large one to two-acre lots feature extravagant lawns that accommodate beautiful swimming pools and extensive patios with outdoor living and kitchen areas.  Waterfront homes feature large, sturdy docks on canals that have direct access to Biscayne Bay with no bridges.  

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Real Estate Information
Because Journey’s End is such an affluent neighborhood, potential buyers can expect to see list prices starting in the millions.  In fact, currently, there are four Journey’s End homes on the market with list prices from just under $4.4 million to over $10 million.  In 2012, the average sale price for single family homes in the same area was about $3.8 million.  For potential buyers of homes in Journey’s End, price is not as much a factor as the privacy and exclusivity of the neighborhood which puts it at the top of the list with these considerations.

Coral Gables Most Elite
Some of Coral Gable’s most elite residents live in Journey’s End.  In fact, some of Miami’s most famous residents have homes throughout the neighborhoods surrounding Journey’s End.  It is a gracious community that offers privacy, luxury amenities and a lifestyle that is reserved for the most elite of South Florida.
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