It seems like everybody in Miami Beach speaks with a Spanish accent, even if they are not Spanish. There is a lot of gold and glitter and 6-inch heels everywhere. My husband says the highest percentage of young teenagers with anorexia probably is found in Miami. Around every corner are signs of construction. Condo city. I recall when in 4th grade my teacher predicted, to the shock of all of us sitting in class, we could not believe such a thing, he said when we grew up, people would not be living in single family homes anymore -- they would be stacked on top of each other in small apartment-sized housing units. In fact, it still sounds sort of hideous. My personal blog today is about Before Remodeling Your Home. Photo: South Beach by Elizabeth Weintraub 12/18/2013

Baby Boomers and the Housing Recovery, Are They One and the Same? It doesn't seem likely that many people associate one with the other, after all, baby boomers already bought their homes, had their families and are content with staying in one place to enjoy their retirement close to family and friends. However, various articles online and blog posts on Active Rain have gotten me thinking: What could possibly lead to baby boomers' eventually domination of the housing trend? Interestingly enough, the power of the baby boomer on real estate is not, by any means, a new thing. Back in February, an article was published warning agents not to ignore the baby boomer market.  Why? For one, baby boomers control 70% of all the wealth in this country, they represent half of all credit care use and ... 12/18/2013

When to Puff, When to Huff and When to Not I don't think it's an exact science, but there must be a method to the madness. The puffery madness I mean, which seems to take hold of some bloggers from time to time. It's not to say that you can't self-promote. I do. It's more about learning when to huff, when to puff, and when to not. Not every post has to be about a listing or what you can and can't do. Some can be. I firmly believe that. However, knowing how to balance your business posts with your personal posts is one of the keys to success. People like to read about other things besides how incredible your listing is or how successful you are. Some of my most successful posts have been the ones about other things besides my business and guess what? They've managed to help it. Why?...I'... 12/12/2013

Miami's skyline set to change forever. With the onset of the new Miami World City Center in downtown Miami comes a real estate production unlike any other in the United States.  Miami is converting its former downtown design district into a global design and fashion center featuring numerous public art museums, hotels, restaurants, condos, retail, and a convention center. The shear size of this place will overwhelm you as evidenced in this photo.                      As you can see, the American Airlines Arena sits directly across from the center and steps from the bay.  This next photo gives you an idea of the interior look. Want to learn more about it?  Read this article from the Miami Herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/16/3401657/massive-new-convention-center.html If you like... 12/12/2013

Whether you’re shopping for a home or relaxing getaway, you’ll find nothing quite as resplendent and exquisite as the befittingly-situated St Regis Bal Harbour Resort and Residences. A private paradise perfect for connoisseurs of couture living, the St. Regis Bal Harbour rises above the shores of Florida’s Gold Coast on 600 feet of pristine beachfront further encompassed by 9 acres of rich gardens. The St Regis Bal Harbour represents the pinnacle of high-luxury resort-living consisting of all features indicative of the very best Miami has to offer. Arriving at the St. Regis Bal Harbour is like walking into a dream, one that quickly becomes reality as soon as you set foot in the stunning residences lobby. 268 expertly designed Miami Beach Condos are housed in three sparkling glass towers... 12/12/2013

The Bath Club, originally erected in 1929, was once the go-to retreat for the rich and famous. In 2005, a multimillion-dollar renovation project ensured its rise to glory once again, restoring its brilliant ballroom, Governor’s Lounge and outdoor courtyard. The high-rise occupies 5.3 acres of gated property along 540 feet of direct ocean beachfront. The Bath Club helped establish much of the quality of amenities standard to ultra-luxury Miami Beach living today. Some of its wonderful features include a sparkling swimming pool with lap lanes and outdoor spa, pool-side cabanas, a luxurious health spa with numerous treatments and services available, a state-of-the-art gym, elegantly manicured grounds with lit landscaping, a stunning three-story lobby with a gourmet market, two clay tennis ... 12/11/2013

Twitter Cracks Down on "Trolls" I think it's been a long time coming, but it's finally here: Twitter is cracking down on trolls, who harass Twitter users on a daily basis. It's incredible that, in this day and age, Twitter users still had to navigate a complex series of flaming hoops to report abuse, but it's true. Thankfully, Twitter has gotten the message and will hand down new rules to beat abusive talk, according to an article published in the Huffington Post.  The new rules are being enforced after several women in Britain went public about sexually explicit and violence abuse they received from online bullies (trolls).  While trolls are essentially harmless, and more of a nuisance than a real threat, the messages directed at these women are said to have rekindled the national deba... 12/10/2013

www.oneplaceopenhouse.com Every year, the art world—and a who’s-who of jetsetters—turns out en masse in Miami Beach to see and be seen by the biggest names in the business. Oh, and party-hop like there’s no tomorrow. This year, December 3-9, the affair is bigger than ever, so we’re breaking it all down for you with a list of the must-see events brought to you by Metro 1.Click here for complete Art Basel - Event CalendarBrought to you by penthouselife.com YOUR LINK TO LIFE AT THE TOP & The Condo Shop - Miami Beach   12/04/2013

LO QUE NECESITA CONOCER DEL ARRENDAMIENTO COMERCIAL Y MÁS!   1) Introducción Un contrato de arrendamiento representa una relación de negocios entre el inquilino y el propietario. Ambos se deben beneficiar del contrato, el inquilino usas los predios para generar y crear la plataforma de negocios, mientras que el propietario obtiene su retorno en la inversión. El arrendamiento comercial no es una tarea fácil y puede convertirse en una tarea sumamente tediosa, por lo tanto es importante seguir un procedimiento para cubrir todos los ángulos de la transacción como sigue: a. Definir la ubicación y el uso. El inquilino debe de estar muy claro en cuanto a la ubicación, uso y tamaño de la propiedad, teniendo en mente expansiones futuras. b. Encontrar la propiedad optima. Después de determinar lo... 11/30/2013

Old Condo vs. New Condo – what do you mean, you might marvel?It’s a valid question, though, and anybody dealing with buyers and sellers today will run into the same question. Buyers will ask whether they should buy an existing condo or a new development, and sellers want to know how we compete and market and sell their property ahead of developers’ latest units. Those new developments attract a new breed of buyer, from New York, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Russia, Europe, and lately, even China. Cash-laden buyers are scooping up luxurious condos, and as one online blogger described it so aptly, millionaires are using Miami area real estate as their currency – basically, a bank for the elite with a beach.Many of the new condo developments report very strong sales, with a number of them... 11/23/2013

Reverse Mortgage Changes May Still Need Some Clarification While the rush for baby boomers hoping to apply for the reverse mortgage program, before the new changes are implemented has died down, this doesn't mean that the industry still doesn't have some questions for FHA regarding the changes. After releasing a Mortgagee Letter on September 3, explaining the changes, the HUD continued to to make changes including software updates and staff training, to ensure that the changes ran as smoothly as after September 30. In truth, the changes to the reverse mortgage program came swiftly, with little warning and little time to prepare. While it's true that the HUD had been announcing "changes" for some time now, their descriptions were vague and a far cry from the actual changes that took plac... 11/21/2013

Marquis Condo Miami is one of the newest and nicest luxury condo building located in Downtown Miami. It's the largest building just south off the causeway and is a super luxury property in the heart of Miami with the amenities, finishes and style that are above the rest.     Downtown Miami Real Estate for Sale, Marquis Condo Miami The Downtown Miami real estate area is a fairly new neighborhood in terms of development. The area has changend al lot in past several years for much better. More people live in Downtown Miami because the location is a central area to the rest of the Miami, the buildings tend to be pretty luxurious and the neighborhood is growing. This is a picture of a unit in Marquis overlooking the Port of Miami, Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach. View all condos and homes for s... 11/18/2013

Success is About Helping Yourself By Helping Others... If there's one thing I've learned in my years as a reverse mortgage professional is that you need others to be successful. Success is not a solitary endeavor. If anyone tells you it is, they're lying. Think about it... How many people do you depend on, or refer to, on a daily basis? If we did everything by ourselves, hoping for a positive outcome, I'm sure we would go insane. I'm sure some people already have. The fact of the matter is, "successful" doesn't mean "alone", no matter how much you want to believe it does. Even if you think it does, and have concrete evidence of it, it was probably not a solo effort. Even when we were young, we not only depended on someone else to survive, but we thrived because of it. What about our tea... 11/17/2013

Why do builders in South Florida ask for such high deposits?  Due to the recent housing bust where buyers were walking away from deposits at alarming rates builders in South Florida, especially new construction condos, are asking for higher deposits in order to insure they are able to complete what they started.  This essentially means that if you do not have a large cash reserve to buy then you will be left out in the cold.  It also explains why most buyers are foreigners.  Will this help prevent another housing crash in South Florida?  Only time will tell.  However, taking large deposits will certainly make those considering buying new construction think twick about walking away and ceding their deposit. An example of the deposit structure for the average Miami condo goes something li... 11/14/2013

If you're looking for the best Miami Beach Condos currently on the market, consider the following three top picks offered by Josh Stein himself. Any one of these Penthouses is guaranteed to give you the finest standard of living imaginable. 2201 Collins Ave #UPH 01 – The W South BeachThis exquisite and professionally-designed penthouse suite is as is a veritable mansion in the sky, with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and around 2,750 square feet. There are high-quality, custom furnishings and appointments throughout this cosmopolitan unit. You can enjoy a rare agate gemstone backlit bar, walls of glass that provide ample natural lighting and views, and spacious terraces that further enhance the amazing vistas of the ocean and city. In fact, the rooftop terrace even includes a plunge pool wi... 11/06/2013

The groundbreaking 321 Ocean promises to revitalize the venerable Simon Hotel located on 321 Ocean Drive into a magnificent urban oasis. A $24 million renovation of the iconic 1926 Art Deco building, with the approval of the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board, will create the most luxurious Miami Beach Condos ever to grace the trendy South of Fifth area. Designed by renowned Mexican architect Enrique Norten, 321 Ocean will consist of twin towers divided only by its signature garden, which is exquisitely landscaped by the acclaimed Enzo Enea. One tower will be seven stories and face the street, while the other will be ocean front and have nine floors. The innovative development will be environmentally-sustainable, utilizing everything from energy efficient lighting to post-industria... 11/06/2013

Miami real estate sales grew in September, by 4.6 percent compared year-over-year.   Miami single-family homes for sale rose to 1,108, up 21.8 percent, in September compared to the same month a year ago. Miami condos for sales grew 4.6 percent over the same period, from 1,292 in September 2012 to 1,352 condominiums sold in September 2013.   The Miami real estate market continues to attract plenty of foreign buyers from across the world due to the city's status as a Global City with world-class amenities and fairly healthy property appreciation over the past two years.   The month of September 2013 marked the 22nd consecutive month with median sales prices for Miami single-family homes for sale and condominiums for sale increased.   In September, the median sales price for a Miami single... 11/06/2013

If you're looking for the ultimate Miami Beach lifestyle, than consider some of these top-of-the-line homes, which represent the most expensive and luxurious residences currently on the market. Brace yourselves for an eye-watering level of opulence! 5 Star Island Dr is one of the most exclusive homes on the Miami real estate market, located in one of the most exclusive South Florida communities. Built in 1996 but fully-upgraded, this massive estate has an unbelievable living area of nearly 12,000 square feet, in addition to a lot size of 40,000 square feet, making it one of the largest properties you’ll likely ever find. It has 9 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and 3 half-bathrooms, making it ideally-suited for a multigenerational family or for housing domestic help. Done in a unique and elegan... 11/05/2013

Miami Real Estate has become a favorite among the elite and celebrity. When your thinking about investing in Miami Real Estate you have a few things to consider. There are plenty of Miami Condos for sale, including Continuum, Fontainbleau, Collins ave, and South Beach Condos. These popular choices give buyers a ton of amenities. Some of the buildings feature 24 hour concierge service, Beach side cabanas and service, indoor pools, and security for residence second to none. Miami Real Estate is getting sold to foreign investors today at a fast rate. People are realizing that Miami Real Estate is a good investment. You have a choice when thinking of buying in Miami. Here at www.MiamiHomeStore.com we specialize in Miami Real Estate, and we know the area well. Michael Gellert is your # 1 Mia... 11/04/2013

    Many property managers/landlords need to turn their attention to Millennials, also known as Gen Y.  This means to appeal the the Gen Y residents you will need technology friendly features.   You will find that Gen Y renters use their smart phones and computers for all their research including hunting for available rentals.  Where as an older renter might prepare and plan ahead to set time aside for house-hunting, these young renters will search on their smart phone while they are on the go, on the fly!   They want to see an appealing site that incompasses all important information at-a-glance.   One of the biggest generational differences between the Gen Y community and the older generations is the preference for email and text messaging over a phone call.  Property managers/landlor... 10/31/2013