South Florida Real Estate Blog

Apr 25

HistoryMiami Features Key Biscayne in Exclusive Art Exhibit

Posted in Key Biscayne, Uncategorized Comment

key-biscayne-lighthouse-painting-history-miami

Image courtesy of the Davis Family Collection via HistoryMiami.

Luxury living in Key Biscayne is the norm today but early pioneers had to rough it on this barrier island that lies between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.

HistoryMiami honors this history in its new exhibit, Key Biscayne: Island of Shifting Sands, which opened in March and runs through June 10, 2012. The exhibit focuses on cultural history from the time of European discovery to the turning point when the island was no longer a remote frontier.

Pictures, artifacts and maps trace Key Biscayne’s history from a variety of perspectives — travelers, passers-by, landowners, scientists, artists, soldiers and more.

A section of the exhibit focuses on images of life at Cape Florida around 1900. Cape Florida is the southernmost tip of the island, today’s Bill Baggs State Park, where locals can enjoy the beach, picnic pavilions, bicycle paths, hiking trails and kayak adventures in the waterways.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the park bounced back resiliently with native flora. It’s one of very few places in Miami-Dade to de-stress and enjoy a natural, old Florida vacation in one’s own backyard. Native sea grape trees provide shade and sea oats grow on the dunes, all just a stone’s throw away from condominiums.

Many of the Cape Florida images in the exhibit, which have never before been available for public viewing, come from albums belonging to the Davis family, landowners on Key Biscayne for almost one hundred years.

Curator Joan Gill Blank describes her enthusiasm about the exhibit: “I’m especially delighted to be able to bring alive a slice of history previously unvisited (1890-1913),” she said in a statement. “Including photographs and art discovered in trunks and attics of the Davis family of Cape Florida, that expands our understanding of pioneering island life and gives us invaluable visual understanding of the island’s role in the evolution of the Bay area and beyond.”

As the oldest known structure in South Florida, the lighthouse at Cape Florida is one of Miami’s most important historic sites. Established in 1825 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the lighthouse was the sight of a violent battle during the Seminole Wars yet still stands strong as a symbol of maritime history on the island.

For more information on the exhibit, museum hours and location, visit HistoryMiami. Click here for specific details on the Key Biscayne exhibit.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

Apr 24

Film and Real Estate unite as ONE | Sotheby’s sponsors the European Film Festival

Posted in Events, Key Biscayne Comment

Art is coming to Key Biscayne, this time in the form of film. ONE | Sotheby’s International Realty has partnered with the European Film Festival to present the most cutting edge films from Europe in Miami and Miami Beach throughout the month of May.

The first event of the European Film Festival will be the Kick-Off Party happening on May 4th in Key Biscayne. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of the ‘Ten Best’ short films created by young film-makers from European film schools. Taking place at the Village Green, (400 Crandon Boulevard) the open air Kick Off Party starts at 7:00pm and is free to the public. This promises to be a unique opportunity to watch the best short avant-garde movies with the Key Biscayne sunset as a backdrop.

The European Film Festival began six years ago in Miami and has since presented the most acclaimed movies from Europe to thousands of enthusiasts and industry professionals from all over the world. This year’s feature films include My Little Princess (about the intense relationship between a mother and daughter) and Jimmy Rivière (about the coming of age of a young gypsy who has to give up his passions). Other films France, Germany and Spain include titles such as, Implosion, Motel Nana, Behold the Lamb, The Losers Club and Beyond the Steppes, among others.

The European Film Festival begins on May 31st and will showcase independent first-run foreign feature films from around the world in Miami and Miami Beach. The Festival runs through June 7th with a closing night reception at the Biscayne Bay Marriott. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: europeanfilmfest.org

Mar 20

ONE | Sotheby’s Publishes TRENDS 2011 Year In Review

Posted in Aventura, Bal Harbour, Coconut Grove, Cocoplum, Coral Gables, Design District, Downtown Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Key Biscayne, OneSir Press Room Comment

ONE | Sotheby’s has published the 2011 Year in Review edition of TRENDS, which covers every area in South Florida and gives an overview of what happened in each market. From Coral Gables to Fort Lauderdale, TRENDS provides an in depth analysis of sales prices and transactions for both single family homes and condos.

By the end of 2011, Miami made it to the Top 10 Recovery list and now leads other cities as the market continues to shift from balanced inventory to a shortage. The ultra luxury section experiences especially high activity and ONE | Sotheby’s was involved in 3 of 4 sales closed over $20million.

Key observations in TRENDS show that prices are steadily increasing and some micro markets have seen a rise of over 40% compared to the same time in 2010. In Miami-Dade the price per square foot is up 14% and in Broward 3%, signaling a strong real estate recovery even with a lagging economy. The numbers also reflect the heavy influence of foreign and international investments.

The 2011 Year in Review TRENDS report contains more in depth information as well as precise numbers and statistics. To review TRENDS, visit this link: TRENDS 2011 Year In Review.

Mar 16

The Sony Ericsson Open Culminates Year-Round Tennis Lifestyle on Key Biscayne

Posted in Key Biscayne Comment

The main court at The Sony Ericsson Open.

Pro tennis players, tennis fans and celebrities are making their annual pilgrimage to tennis mecca Key Biscayne for the Sony Ericsson Open this month. The tournament, which attracted over 310,000 people last year with a broadcast viewership of over 150 million worldwide, starts March 19 and ends April 1.

Two weeks of tennis excitement at the Crandon Park Tennis Center feature riveting matches at the fifth largest tennis tournament in the world, now in its 28th edition. Players to do battle on the courts include Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki and Kim Clijsters.

And it’s not just about tennis. Celebrity musical performances, sponsored happy hours, fine food at the members-only Collector’s Club and high-end fashion complete the experience.

Venus Williams.

THE TENNIS LIFESTYLE

It’s no wonder the tropical island of Key Biscayne is home to the Sony Ericsson Open. Established in 1985 by Buch Buchholz in Delray Beach, the tournament found a permanent home on Miami’s Key Biscayne in 1987. But the pop and thud of tennis balls hitting rackets and clay had already been heard on the island since 1978. That year, a group of local tennis enthusiasts led a grassroots effort to establish the Key Biscayne Tennis Association.

ONE | Sotheby’s spoke to Pablo Arraya, a former professional player turned coach, about the evolution of the sport on the island. A native of Peru, Arraya came to Key Biscayne to in 1977 to train with world-renown coach Patricio Apey.

“I turned pro in 1980,” he said. “And around that time, Apey was mentoring many students from South America and all over the world in Key Biscayne, including Gabriela Sabatini. We had many aspiring professionals living here.”

“But it was the Ladies Leagues in the 1980s that really pushed tennis as something that everyone could enjoy,” he explained. “They’d bring kids to practice in the afternoons.”

GREAT TENNIS COMES IN SMALL PACKAGES

After the thrilling rush of the Sony Ericsson Open, it’s back to practice for everyone on quiet, lush Key Biscayne. The Village of Key Biscayne itself – a community of 12,000 residents only 1.5 miles wide and 1 mile long – boasts no less than 40 private tennis courts total spread across condominiums and the famous Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at the Ritz-Carlton. Many tennis professionals are full-time or seasonal Key Biscayne residents.

The island itself is only 5 miles long and offers 40 public tennis courts on the outskirts of the village, including Calusa Park, Crandon Park Tennis Center and the Key Biscayne Tennis Association at the Crandon Park Golf Course, where Arraya directs a tennis academy.

That’s 80 courts total — not counting those in single-family homes — for an area cradled by beautiful Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic ocean.

After 19 years as a local tennis leader, Arraya is proud of his work as a coach in the community. “We have great after school programs. Many Key Biscayne children have been given scholarships to premier and Ivy League universities because of their tennis skills,” he said. “We also have active ladies teams.”

“Key Biscayne is definitely the place to live if you want a tennis lifestyle for your family,” he said.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in South Florida.

Photo Credits, top to bottom:
CassiaA’s Flickr
Jetbagmanua’s Flickr

Jun 15

Welcome New Agents to the ONE Sotheby’s Team!

Posted in Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, OneSir Press Room, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

In the past two years our team has grown with over 200 of the most experienced and specialized agents in the area. We are excited to welcome these following agents to our firm:

Inna Katz

Inna Katz

Inna Katz has excitedly joined the world renowned Sotheby’s Realty brand in the Miami Beach area. She currently resides in Acqualina, on the North Miami’s Sunny Isles strip, and specializes in the North Miami area. Her fluency in Russian language and culture gives her an edge in the ever-growing Russian market.

Inna was born in Ukraine and immigrated to New York in the early 1990s. She lived and studied there, graduating Suma Cum Laude in Finance from Baruch College in 2004. Throughout her studies, she worked full time in various financial firms, including BlackRock Asset Management and ultimately on the trading floor for the investment bank of JPMorgan Chase. Upon receiving her series 7, 63 and Life and Health license, she traded derivates on Foreign Exchange currencies for the Latin American countries. After realizing her great potential in sales, Inna was given the opportunity to work in Syndication and Sales of Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs), where JPMorgan paved the way as the global leader. Inna has road showed managers all over the world, priced billion dollar transactions and has had immense success in the very sophisticated financial markets.

After moving to Miami a few years ago, Inna has decided to use her high net worth client connections, knowledge of the Real Estate market and access to Russian clientele to further her career in the more flexible and ever expanding business of Real Estate. She is extremely driven, savvy and experienced in sales to further expand the Sotheby’s brand in the Miami’s luxury market.

Dennis Stevick

Dennis Stevick

Dennis’ success in real estate can be attributed to his attention to detail, high level of integrity, professionalism and market knowledge, excellent customer service and his ability to build respectful relationships within the industry. Dennis never loses sight of his goal to obtain the best possible real estate experience for each client and knows that every person he works with is integral to the growth and success of his business. Dennis is also aware of the importance of marketing, which is evident in his comprehensive sales and marketing program, unsurpassed in this market. Along with his business partner, Dale Atkins, this team has achieved recognition for their power to produce successful sales transactions consistently year after year (Top 1% of Realtors in Fort Lauderdale, Top 1% of Realtors in Broward County), and achieved the designation of FINE HOME SPECIALISTS for their exceptional representation of distinctive homes. Unleash the Power with Dale and Dennis, DND ASSOCIATES – Your Luxury and Waterfront Specialists! Call Dennis today… 954-592-2277. Email Address is dndassociates@msn.com.

Dale Atkins

Dale Atkins

Dale has been a high achiever throughout his professional life due to his tremendous passion for selling. After relocating here from Southern California, Dale immersed himself in the real estate business and the East Fort Lauderdale community, building a formidable reputation for his integrity, extensive market knowledge, excellent customer service, hard work, consistency and successful sales transactions. Dales’ clients and friends will attest to his impeccable professionalism and his gracious and kind heart. Dale’s specialty is residential homes, condos and villas in the Fort Lauderdale Beach communities such as: Coral Ridge Country Club, Coral Ridge, The Landings, Lake Estates, Bay Colony, Sunrise Intracoastal, Galt Ocean Mile, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas, Victoria Park and Bermuda Riviera, just to name a few! Together with his business partner, Dennis Stevick, this team ranks in the Top 1% of Realtors in Fort Lauderdale. Just give Dale a call… 954-592-3457. Email address is dndassociates@msn.com.

Caren Bash

Caren Bash is a South Floridian native. She was born in Miami, raised in the greater Fort Lauderdale area and received her degree at Florida State University. She then returned to Fort Lauderdale having little doubt that this was where she wanted to work and thrive permanently. She lives and breathes the South Florida lifestyle and knows the region like the back of her hand.

Caren has developed lifelong relationships throughout the community and is actively involved in various charities. Networking both socially and professionally are second nature to her as her interpersonal skills are exceptional.

As a Sales Associate for One Sotheby’s International Realty, Caren assists her sellers in marketing their properties to suit their individual needs while utilizing the extraordinary online marketing and worldwide presence that the Sotheby’s brand offers.

Caren’s success is due to paying strict attention to personal detail, the best terms available and applying her strong negotiating skills to suit both her buyers and sellers…. Everyone is happy!

Mercedes Saewitz

Mercedes Saewitz

Born and raised in Coconut Grove, Mercedes Saewitz is the founder of M Group Realty. She was first educated at the prestigious Ransom Everglades School, and then earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Miami in 1998. During her college career, Mercedes also became fluent in Spanish through the school’s prized study abroad program in South America. As the daughter of local business and real estate mogul Max P. Saewitz, Mercedes learned early on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in the real estate business.

Mercedes first applied her business acumen as manager of various Miami night clubs, and eventually ran the famed Opium Group for five years before launching her career in real estate. Her initial entry into commercial real estate quickly progressed into her position as one of Miami’s top high-end residential real estate producers. Mercedes extensive experience in all aspects of complex real estate transactions, as well as her attention to detail and desire to satisfy her clients is a testament to her ability to guarantee a delightful experience. Specializing in high-end luxury homes and unique properties in South Florida. Backed with extensive knowledge of both “up and coming” and established enclaves throughout the Greater Miami area, Mercedes is committed to delivering superior service and facilitating each real estate transaction with a dedication to excellence.

We are so excited to welcome these new agents to the team!

Jan 25

Key Biscayne TweetUp Highlights New High-Tech Office

Posted in Key Biscayne, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

Last Thursday, January 20th we hosted our third tweet-up at our new Key Biscayne office located at 328 Crandon Blvd. A lively crowd of over 50 guests gathered for an evening of tweeting, cocktails and gourmet bites. Tweeters used the #onesir hashtag to broadcast their tweets on the large plasma TV in the office’s sleek new lobby and share all the action with their followers.

Joining the decor of the new office in Key Biscayne is Venezuelan photographer, Kiko Ricote. Kiko is the ‘spotlight artist’ being recognized for his contributions to the local market. His renowned photography is displayed on the white walls of the office providing visitors an ‘art gallery’ experience.

“We are constantly working on new and innovative savvy marketing tools to offer clients and brokers,” says company president Beth Butler. “The Tweet Up events have been very successful, everyone enjoys tweeting.” Guests also participated in the giveaway raffle, which included beach apparel by local fashion designer Liza and Tara and yoga classes.

Make sure to follow @onesir on Twitter to stay updated on our next events!

Jan 7

Social Media Influencers Janie Coffey and Jorge Fernandez Join ONE Sotheby’s

Posted in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

We are so excited to announce that two of Miami’s most influential, technology savvy agents have joined ONE Sotheby’s Realty. Janie Coffey and Jorge Fernandez are both pioneers for using social media to connect with clients and close sales all over South Florida.

Janie Coffey is one of the founders of the #MiamiRealEChat, which takes place on Twitter every Sunday and unites realtors from all over the country to discuss relevant topics regarding the industry. Janie focuses on the Coral Gables market and manages a successful blog The Coral Gables Story, which has been featured by local news station CBS4. The website features important neighborhood news, listings, and other interesting information about the area. Our president Beth Butler, was recently quoted by Miami Agent Magazine saying “Janie has a unique niche. She focuses on historic homes with a concentration in Coral Gables. With her admiration for technology fused with her knowledge of historic homes, Janie will be a great asset to her clients and our team.” Janie currently has 2,300+ Twitter followers, with her numbers growing every day, make sure to follow her and stay current with real estate happening in Coral Gables and beyond, she is @janiec. You can read more about Janie in Miami Agent Magazine.

Miami native, Jorge Fernandez has been able to successfully integrate the power of the Internet into the real estate world. He was recently featured in the Miami Herald Business Monday for his use of technology and social media in his real estate business. In addition to over 10 years of Real Estate Internet marketing experience Jorge brings over 5 years of experience handling high end residential real estate sales and overseeing the day to day operations of one of the areas Top Producers with an average of $50,000,000 in annual sales. “Jorge exposes his sellers to a global audience through his effective use of the internet and other social media outlets,” says Beth Butler, “In order to expose the sellers locally and nationally, Jorge uses innovative marketing techniques to network with agents, which ultimately gives added value to his clients and to ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.” With over 1,000 Twitter followers, Jorge has become one of the social media real estate movers and shakers in Miami. Make sure to follow him at @miamijorge.

We are thrilled to have Janie and Jorge on our team and look forward to many more social media accomplishments in 2011.

Dec 29

#OPENHOUSE Hashtag Helps Promote Open Houses on Twitter

Posted in Coconut Grove, Cocoplum, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Key Biscayne, Marquis Residences, Miami Beach, South Florida Luxury Homes, W South Beach 1

The real estate community on Twitter has been rapidly growing for the past year. Industry insiders are using the social media network to make connections that benefit their business and also stay updated on news, market trends and other relevant information. The South Florida Real Estate Twitter community is one of the most active in the country- they created the #MiamiRealEChat, which takes place on a weekly basis and is a platform to discuss real estate topics ranging from neighborhood lifestyles, technology, local politics and more. The #MiamiRealEChat has spread virally and has even caught the attention of journalists, which have highlighted it in articles for The Miami Herald, the South Florida Business Journal and even The Los Angeles Times.

Seeing the success of the #MiamiRealEChat, we would like to introduce the #OpenHouse hashtag as another tool for realtors to optimize their exposure on Twitter. By using the #OpenHouse hashtag followed by the city (example: #OpenHouse #MiamiBeach or #OpenHouse #LongIsland) local house hunters will be able to track your open house, find more information and visit the listings. The #OpenHouse hashtag will complement email and print advertisements and help highlight each cities events.

We are encouraging realtors to start using the #OpenHouse hashtag and help spread it virally across the country. By starting in the most localized form, this simple social media technique has the potential to make great strides in the industry and create a buzz to make people confident in investing once again.

Make sure to use the #OPENHOUSE #CITY Hashtag at your next Open House event.

Follow @ONESIR on Twitter for the latest on South Florida Luxury Real Estate!

Using the #OpenHouse hashtag will attract visitors to local Open Houses

Dec 22

Significant Sales of 2010

Posted in Coconut Grove, Cocoplum, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Marquis Residences, Miami Beach, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

2010 was a tremendous time for One Sotheby’s International Realty- many exciting accomplishments were made by our team of over 200 associates, who closed mega-deals all over South Florida. From luxury condos, to magnificent homes and five-star mansions, here’s a look a back at the most significant sales of the year.

158 South Prospect in Miami: Closed for $14.1 Million

510 South Mashta Drive in Key Biscayne: Closed for $10.413 million- Former home of superstar Cher was sold by One Sotheby’s assocaite Jorge Uribe.

510 Mashta Drive

40 Indian Creek Island in Indian Creek- Closed for $9.3 million:

205 S.E. Spanish Trail in Boca Raton- Closed for $6.3 million

Upper Penthouse One at the W South Beach Residences in Miami Beach- Closed for $6.2 million: Harvey Daniels,sales associate for The Residences at W South Beach, completed the sale with the buyer’s representative Eloy Carmenate, one of the company’s top producing agents.

3581 Crystal View Court in Coconut Grove- Closed for $5.5 million: Formerly the home of NBA player Carlos Boozer, from the Utah Jazz was sold by One Sotheby’s associates Tomi Rose and Marisela Cisneros.

5745 Pinetree Drive in Miami Beach- Closed for $4.65 million

5760 North Bay Road in Miami Beach: Closed for $4.5 million

6035 SW 92 Street in Pincrest- Closed for $3.28 million

9881 W. Suburban Drive in Pinecrest- Closed for $3.275 million

We’re looking forward to representing the most outstanding and luxurious homes of South Florida in 2011 while we continue to offer the most high-end and professional real estate services to our clients. To see our complete collection of exclusive listings click here.

Nov 12

Beth Butler joins ONESIR as President

Posted in Coconut Grove, Cocoplum, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, OneSir Press Room, South Florida Luxury Homes Comment

CEO Mayi Vega and President Beth Butler

We are excited to announce that Beth Butler has joined One Sotheby’s International Realty as the company’s president. After serving as consultant for the past year, it is a natural transition for Butler, who plans to expand the brokerage with new offices and innovative marketing strategies. Recently, she strategized the development of the OneSIR iPad application that is becoming a popular selling tool among agents in all areas of South Florida. (Download the FREE app here)

Butler’s forward vision will lead the company with a technology driven approach that will continue to mark the brand as the leader in the South Florida Luxury Real Estate. To read more about Beth Butler’s career and her initiatives for One SIR, read the detailed coverage in the latest edition of the South Florida Business Journal. “One Sotheby’s New President Plans Growth.”

Photo by Mark Freerks, courtesy of the South Florida Business Journal