Archive for June, 2007

You’ve GOT To Be Kidding Me!

June 8th, 2007 Categories: Punchy Fridays

T.G.I.F.  (Thank Goodness It’s Friday– yeah it’s a little different than the original version)

This is my very first Punchy Friday post so it may not be quite what I intend for a Punchy Friday post.  I guess with practice it may evolve and offer it’s own personality.

Anyway, here’s my post, short as it is:

‘You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me!’

I overheard some agents talking in the office this week.  Apparently someone had been speaking with a seller at a listing appointment and the seller told the agent the property had a guesthouse. 

The agent looked surprised.  She had pulled the county records and there was no indication of a second structure.  When they went outside she discovered the ‘Guest House’ was actually a Teds Sheds shed that had been put up on concrete blocks.  Ahhhhhh, all the comforts of home.    And we’re supposed to keep a straight face as we take buyers through the property and point out the guest house?

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Schnebly Redland’s Winery - Mango Wine And The Like

June 7th, 2007 Categories: Entertainment, The Redland

I love living in the Redland area of Miami.  It’s not just about selling real estate here.  I love being close to the city, yet removed enough that the country charm comes through.  Redland is home to nurseries that grow plants and tropical fruits shipped all over the States.  Once you live here, you start developing a taste for tropical fruits and are no longer happy just buying and eating them, but want to grow them too.  I’ve added several fruit trees since I bought my home in the Redlands and already enjoy some of the fruits of my labor (excuse the pun).  One thing I won’t be able to produce myself though is wine.  Luckily for me, there’s a local winery doing that already, and doing it quite well.

Schnebly Redland’s Winery is unlike most wineries.  They have the distinction of being the only producer of wines in the U.S that uses absolutely no grapes.  Instead they use tropical fruits.  They use five different fruits and produce 7 varieties: Mango, Carambola (starfruit), Guava, Lychee (if you haven’t yet tried fresh lychees, you must.  They are now my favorite fruit) and Passion Fruit.  The winery is the creation of owners Peter and Denisse Schnebly, local residents and entrepreneurs.

The wine tasting room is open to the public.  Here you can buy wines as well as wine-related items.  I particularly liked their “Got Wine?” T-shirts.  For $5 you get to sample 6 wines and keep the etched glass.  You can return with the glass and get free tastings forever.  I am not a drinker but I enjoyed the tasting.  Our “guide” was Javier and he did an excellent job of teaching me all about tasting wines, not just theirs.  My favorite was the Passion Fruit.  As Javier explained to me, that was to be expected.  Most non-drinkers prefer the sweeter wines.  But they were all quite good.

The wines range in price from $13.95 to $18.95 per bottle.  They also have a limited reserve wine, Denisse’s Boo-Boo wine, at $34.95.  This last one was created by Denisse Schnebly quite by accident, thus resulting in it’s name.  Once this one is sold out, it is gone forever.

The winery is open for tastings Mon-Fri 10:00 - 5:00, Sat 10:00 - 6:00, Sun 12:00 - 5:00.  On the weekends you can also see how the wine is made by touring the production facilities.  Tours are given each Saturday and Sunday, every hour on the hour.

If you can’t make it for a local peek, the next best thing is to order their wines online.  I’ve provided their link above.

Schnebly Redland’s Winery,   30205 SW 217 Avenue,  Homestead, FL 33030,  888-717-WINE

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Limewood Grove Homes in Southwest Miami, Florida

June 7th, 2007 Categories: Miami Real Estate

Limewood Grove is a community of homes in Southwest Miami-Dade County.  It consists of 239 homes.  Most of the homes were built between 1990 and 1993.  The majority of the homes have the typical Spanish feel with stucco and barrel tile roofs.  Limewood Grove is a desirable, quiet community which has appreciated steadily and held it’s property values.  The westernmost boundary is on SW 147 Avenue with SW 144th Court on the East, SW 160th Street on the North and SW 166th Terrace on the South.

There are presently 11 homes for sale in Limewood Grove and they range in price from $375,000 to $485,000.  Five of the homes for sale in Limewood Grove have swimming pools and the lots range in size from 7,500 sf to 12, 407 sf.

There is 1 home under contract in Limewood Grove and it was listed at $379,900.  In the last 6 months there were two sales of homes in Limewood Grove.  One in November at $370,000 and one in January at $465,000.  They were both 4 bedroom/2 bath homes with over 2800 sf of living area.  The more expensive home sat on a premium corner lot of Limewood Grove and had a pool and whirlpool.

There is no association fee in Limewood Grove yet the community is kept as well as many communities with associations.  Pride of ownership is evident throughout Limewood Grove.  Just a mile or so South of Limewood Grove is the historical Redland area of Miami.  There is shopping close by as well as recreation, wonderful schools and houses of worship.  Local parks are only blocks away and the fabulous Miami Metrozoo is a 6 minute ride away.  The Florida Turnpike is only 8 minutes away and the exit is #13, SW 152 Street, Coral Reef.  Once on the Turnpike, most things are only minutes away, Homestead and the glorious Florida Keys to the South and Coral Gables and Coconut Grove to the North.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Limewood Grove contact a REALTOR who specializes in the Southwest Miami-Dade area.  Is your REALTOR a sales associate or a licensed broker?  I’ve continued my education and obtained Licensed Real Estate Broker status to better serve the needs of my customers.  Call me today to see how I can help you with your real estate needs.  If you’re not ready to take make a move yet, visit my website at your leisure and benefit from the many resources available there.

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Village of Pinecrest, Florida

June 7th, 2007 Categories: Pinecrest

Pinecrest is a village located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It was incorporated in 1996 and just had it’s 11th birthday.  Pinecrest is governed by a five member Village Council and operates under a Council-Manager form of government with a Mayor at it’s head.  The physical boundaries of Pinecrest are US1 to the west (US1 is called Pinecrest Parkway along the stretch where it flanks Pinecrest), 57th Avenue to the east, 136th Street to the south and just a little further north of 88th Street (Kendall Drive).  Here’s a map of Pinecrest.  It is just a hop, skip and a jump away from beautiful Biscayne Bay.

Driving along the streets of Pinecrest you will notice the abundance of mature trees with huge canopies!  There is so much green in Pinecrest and it really does add to its charm and attraction.  Even so, after incorporation, the village undertook a beautification project which included the planting of thousands more trees.  The homes are on lots which are much bigger than most of unincorporated Miami-Dade county.  Another thing you will notice are the unique street signs in the village.  They’re forest green and distinctive from the rest of the county so you will know you’re in Pinecrest by the signs.

Pinecrest has an amazing municipal park called Pinecrest Gardens.  It sits on what used to be Parrot Jungle.  The gardens are free to visit and quite a tourist attraction.  The natural flora is breathtaking.  You feel the grandeur of nature here.  And the colors are incredible.  There are orchids and other flowers everywhere.  On a recent visit I had to be careful as a 2 foot iguana was meandering across the parking lot just as I decided to leave. 

The schools in the Pinecrest district are highly rated.  As such, Pinecrest is a much sought-after community to live in.  Local real estate prices reflect that desirabilty.  The least expensive home in Pinecrest will cost around $650,000 with the vast majority of them hovering in the close to a million mark.  Of course, there are the multi-million dollar properties as well, mostly determined by the expansive acreage they sit on as well as how large and detailed the homes are.  In Pinecrest, it is not uncommon for a much older home that has seen better days but is still in decent shape to be purchased just to be torn down and built anew.  Land is that valuable in Pinecrest.

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Glorious Pinecrest Gardens in Pinecrest, Florida

June 7th, 2007 Categories: Entertainment

Last week I had the opportunity to revisit the beautiful Pinecrest Gardens in Pinecrest.

Pinecrest Gardens sits on 14 acres of lush land. Parrot Jungle used to be there until 2003, when Pinecrest Gardens was dedicated by the Pinecrest Village Council. The foliage you’ll see there is incredibly beautiful. From the massive banyan trees to the humble water lily. There’s so much to see and enjoy!

There are running streams and bubbling brooks everywhere you walk. You can’t get away from the sound of running water. It’s quite relaxing.

Even nicer is the fact that it doesn’t cost a penny to get in and enjoy these sights. It’s free! They also make their facilities available for weddings and other celebrations. There are different lawn areas available for rental.

The entrance to Pinecrest Gardens is on 57th Avenue (Red Road) and 110th Street. They are open daily 8:00AM to Sunset. Did I mention it’s FREE? =)

All these pictures were taken at Pinecrest Gardens. Stop by and discover it for yourself!

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What Does A REALTOR® Do, Anyway?

June 7th, 2007 Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers

Yesterday I was asked by someone if I sold houses. I replied, “Yes. I am a REALTOR®” “Oh, so you do mortgages and stuff?” “No, I am not a mortgage broker. I prefer to wear one hat only and do it really well.” “So then what does a REALTOR® do?” I was surprised to hear the question, as it seems the whole world knows what REALTORS® do: we make obscene amounts of money for selling houses (that is sarcasm people. Don’t call me on it). I started to provide an answer when we were interrupted. So, Alexandra, if you’re reading, this is what a REALTOR® does: For buyers:

• Educates her buyers about the home buying process and what it entails.
• Makes sure the buyer’s financing is in place before he starts looking so he stays within his price range and is ready to rock and roll when the right home is found.
• Scours the MLS database (where all the homes being sold by real estate agents are) for the right match for her buyers.
• Sets up appointments and sees homes with her buyers.
• Once the right home is found, makes sure you don’t offer more than it is worth.
• Structures an offer that is beneficial to you, yet attractive to the seller and his REALTOR®.
• Negotiates on your behalf should the offer not be accepted as is.
• Refers you to competent individuals who can provide financing, title work, legal representation, home inspections, appraisal services, homeowners insurance, and more.
• Makes sure the deal is moving along the way it should. If a deadline on the contract is looming, your REALTOR® is on top of it!
• If a wrench gets thrown into the works, as it often will in this very detailed process of buying a home, your REALTOR® will be there to try and straighten things out with the experience necessary to do so.
• Although not required to do so, most REALTORS® will attend the closing with you, where they can explain things you may not understand about the closing process.
• Adheres to a strict Code of Ethics while engaging in every part of this business.
• 99% of the time, the buyer pays absolutely nothing for the above services!

For sellers a REALTOR® serves equally well:

• Will enter into a listing contract to sell your house.
• Will do a thorough evaluation to determine the correct price to sell the house for.
• Will place the house, it’s features and pictures into the MLS database.
• Will market the house in various ways to gain maximum exposure (the extent of this varies by individual so ask for specifics!) A lot of the ways utilized are not available to the general public and can be quite costly if available. Again, ask for specifics about the marketing plan.
• The bottom line is a REALTOR® will look for a buyer for your house.
• Once a buyer is found, negotiates on your behalf so you don’t sell the house for less than it is worth.
• The work continues after a buyer is found. As with buyers, makes sure the deal is moving along and tries to fix things if it’s not. This is where many pitfalls can be avoided by using the services of a REALTOR®.
• Again, adheres to a strict Code of Ethics.
• Gets paid the agreed upon commission ONLY when the deal closes. That’s right. Up until closing the REALTOR® has been working for free basically, under a promise to be paid only when the deal closes.

The lists above are not meant to be all inclusive, but they cover the highlights. Interview several REALTORS® when you’re ready to use the services of one. And if you’re looking in the Miami, Redlands and Homestead areas, by all means call me as well. I’m a REALTOR® and proud of it.

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New Homestead Hospital Opened For Business May 6, 2007

June 7th, 2007 Categories: Homestead, Homestead Real Estate, South Florida Living

A structure built to withstand category 5 hurricanes?  Yes!  It’s the new Homestead Hospital and it opened it’s doors.  The $135 million project broke ground in April 2004 and finally opened to the public on May 6, 2007.  We’ve all been eagerly awaiting it.

The new Homestead Hospital brings with it 21st century technology in the care to be provided it’s patients, but the look is anything but institutional.  Patients and visitors may feel more like they’re entering an upscale hotel than a hospital, which is right in line with Baptist Health’s goal to create a comfortable, healing environment both inside and out at the new facility.  There are soothing colors, soft, natural light, plenty of lush landscaping, including Bald Cypress, Gumbo Limbo and Live Oak trees.  A prominent feature is the 3-story atrium which is the core of the new building.  The admitting, patient services and dining areas surround it.  Six, 20-foot high Chinese Fan Palm trees add to the grandeur of the atrium.

The new Homestead Hospital replaced the old Homestead Hospital which has served the community since 1940.  The project broke ground in April 2004 and is located on Campbell Drive just east of the Florida Turnpike.  It is the first hospital built in 30 years in Miami-Dade county from the ground up.  It is also the first to be built to offer such hurricane protection.  One of the goals was to be able to provide uninterrupted care for patients in the event a storm hits.

The windows are made of bullet-proof like materials, and were tested with and withstood 221 mph wind-driven rain and 2″ x 4″ timbers shot from a cannon.  Since the area is technically a flood zone (as most of Miami-Dade county is) the first floor of the new Homestead Hospital was built 9 ½ feet above sea level.  83,000 cubic yards of fill were brought in to raise the grade of the 60-acre campus two feet higher than the roads in the surrounding area. These features allowed the hospital to receive an evacuation exemption from Miami-Dade County, avoiding the need to relocate seriously ill patients.   The new hospital is equipped with backup power consisting of two 1,500-kilowatt diesel generators that are elevated above the floor and enclosed in a concrete structure so they stay dry. Two tanks holding 45,000 gallons of diesel gas will hold enough fuel to run all essential functions of the hospital, including air conditioning, for up to seven days. Amazing!

The 388,000 SF facility is impressive.  The ER is 3 times larger than the old one with 44 patient exam areas.  There are 180 patient rooms, all private.  Outside there is a meditation garden behind the medical arts building.  Tropical plants and three lakes complete the campus landscape.  A 1400 space parking lot provides plenty of space.  Of course, let’s not forget the helipad.  Also interesting are the dedication bricks lining the walkway leading up to the hospital.  Starting at $200, it was an affordable way to honor a special someone.

The new homestead hospital is a tobacco-free environment and joins such prominent healthcare providers as the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins Health System in prohibiting tobacco use on their property.

The new Homestead Hospital has served to spark a renaissance in Homestead , the Miami Redlands, Florida City and the surrounding area.  It sits amid an explosion of new construction, on what used to formerly be used as potato fields.  We are indeed fortunate to have a most sophisticated healthcare facility right in our own backyard.

Homestead Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. In addition to Homestead Hospital, Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services.

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