Sunday, December 13, 2009

Brickell Avenue, Villa Regina 2/2

Newly and finely updated 2b/2b apartment in the Villa Regina offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and Key Biscayne. Unit #1002, $735,000.

Call Audrey Ross at 305-960-2575 or aross@miamirealestate.com

Sunday, October 18, 2009

2020 Ponce De Leon

There's a new building in town. Before you scratch your head and exclaim "another high rise in a city drowning, not in water but a surplus of units and buildings!" hold that thought. This is not your average high-rise concrete slab.


Featuring the hottest new commercial real estate building in downtown Coral Gables. 2020 Ponce is clevery named after its location-location-location and therefore easy to remember and make an impression on potential tenants and their clients.


2020 Ponce is a Mediterranean-style, 14 floor tower, Class A Office building. Designed from the ground up, the developer (Florida East Coast Realty) envisioned and built a concept combining avant garde interior design, with the latest technology, and a Meditteranean facade with arched windows at the Penthouse floor creating the peak in the crown of Coral Gables skyline.


Office space ranges from 1,370 to 12,950 s/f. The two penthouses offer an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Amenities include valet parking, concierge service, formal lobby, state-of-the-art security systems and wireless capabilities, high-tech security desk, and a parking ratio of 4/l,000 square feet.


A quick glance, and the fact that the office space is column-free may escape you. This offers your company more working space. 2020 is a smart building with state-of-the-art safety and security features, inlcudng hurricane-resistant glass and a back-up generator for life support and emergency systems.



The grand opening last month included dignitaries such as the city mayor and movers and shakers from local businesses. Inside the marble lobby with fine catering, no one would imagine there's a recession on the outside. 2020 Ponce is about new beginnings, new expansions, and those ready to take the helm and propel growth rather than wait for those natural economic forces.



For more information, contact Chris Harak at Studley at 813-766-2295

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Family's Saga over Drywall Ends Well

A different affliction has plagued the real estate market and has nothing to do with the sour economy. This one, could have been prevented--Chinese drywall. Real estate news throughout Florida is a recurring litany of hear-wrenching stories of families forced out of their homes. If you are considering either buying or renting a new home or condominium, it is strongly advised you hire a drywall expert and get a guarantee in writing that Chinese drywall was not used in the building of your home.

One's family saga has a happy ending. To read their story, click here for the Miami Herald article.

Always do your homework. Increasingly real estate companies are targeting foreigners. In speaking to a multitude of prospects in my building, a new development only one year old, most potential buyers are foreigners with little knowledge of the neighborhood, the developer's financial buoyancy and inability to complete amenities and services (as advertised in brochures), and the local economy. I'm amazed how many prospects do not take the time to talk to residents living in condo buildings. This is an advantage over a home. The seller is not going to disclose every loose screw, leaky faucet or anything not covered under the law.

Never rush and do your homework. It's your investment.