The Redland

Miami Redlands Orchid Buying

May 14th, 2007 Categories: The Redland

Living in the Miami Redlands makes it easier for me to sell real estate here. Easier because I don’t just sell real estate in the Redlands, I live it, know it and love it.

The Miami Redlands area is a historic agricultural community. As such, you can’t beat it for finding wonderful plants, be they for landscaping, windowsill-sitting or gifts. There are many plants to be found here. One of my favorites is the orchid.

Next time you’re in the market for some orchids try Remarkable Homes and Gardens at 20990 SW 147 Avenue. They are known for their $7 orchid sales. Yes, you read that right. Only seven dollars.

If you’ve been to the local home improvement giant’s garden department, you know orchids are pricey. Yes, Remarkable has orchids that are priced a lot higher than $7, but their selection of $7 plants is pretty big and there’s always something pretty in the mix. The one in the picture was from the $7 selection.

I stopped there yesterday and purchased 3 pretty orchids for only $7 each. The guy waiting to pay right behind me paid $125 for his 2 gorgeous plants, and they really were exquisite.

In addition to orchids you can also find bromeliads, foliage, palms and landscape plants there. They have some great hanging planters made from real coconuts that make a great display piece if you’re keeping your orchids indoors. Kevin, the proprietor, also pointed out a smaller vessel made of gourds that are ideal to display their coconut orchids. The coconut orchids, by the way, are very fragrant and smell like chocolate!

Remarkable Homes and Gardens can be found on 20990 SW 147th Avenue. Just head south on 147th, past the 4-way, red-light Stop at 200th Street. It will be on the right hand side. They are only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 8am – 6pm and you can follow the signs that say $7 Orchid Sale all the way there. Tell Kevin Maggie the Realtor sent you.

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Living In The Miami Redland And Loving It

May 14th, 2007 Categories: The Redland

I love Miami. It’s a vibrant city and the weather is right up my alley. But it’s a busy city. I won’t lie and sugarcoat the traffic conditions. It’s hectic. But the Miami Redlands area is further Southwest than Miami proper and we don’t suffer from traffic congestion.I live on almost an acre and half of land. It’s sweet. I can’t stick my arm out the window and touch my neighbor’s home. If I want to visit him, I can. All my neighbors are lovely. But I’m not stuck in his face. And he’s not stuck in mine. Anyway, that’s not why I’m writing this. I’m writing this because of the porch. I was sitting on the porch enjoying the balmy breeze and watching the effect it has on the palm trees in our yard. Then I closed my eyes and realized that the birds were singing something fierce. Boy, were they happy.

There must have been at least a hundred birds singing. I just sat there with my eyes closed and took in all the sounds they were making. A singing bird can make my heart soar. Imagine a hundred. It made me think how blessed I am to live in the Miami Redlands. There’s enough room all around that birds come visit all the time. I am sure many live here too. I opened my eyes and tried to spot them. A lot of them were easy. There were the quakers over on the feeding post in my neighbor’s lawn. There were black birds and grey birds up on the utility lines. And upon further inspection I could see some grey ones with colorful blue feathers throughout the live oak trees. I realized that I don’t know the names of the birds, except for the quakers. I can spot those little green parrots a mile away…and hear them too. They have a distinct chatter.

I ordered a bird identifying book last week. I can’t wait to get it. It’ll help me find out more about my little friends that are sharing this space with me in my Miami Redlands home. Maybe I can even learn to sing with them. I doubt I’ll sound as sweet, but with a little practice maybe just as enthusiastic.

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Introduction To The Historic Miami Redland, Homestead And SW Miami Areas

April 1st, 2007 Categories: The Redland

I am a local REALTOR who loves what she does. I live and work in the historic Redland area of Miami. Redland is south of Miami and North of Homestead, but a little further west. It’s an incredible place to live and I’m doubly blessed because I get to work here as well.

Apart from Redland, I also specialize in the SW Miami area (broadly defined as anything South and West of our lovely Metrozoo) and Homestead. Of course, I’ve helped clients outside of these areas, but I don’t specialize in them. I don’t want to be a “jack-of-all-trades and master of none,” as the old adage states. So I choose to focus my attention in these areas. That being said, however, I keep up with anything that affects real estate in Miami, Dade County and Florida, so I am always prepared to help clients and their family and friends regardless of where in Dade County they need my help. I’ve even ventured into Broward County on several occasions =)

My intention with this blog is to give folks an insider’s tour of this great area. We’re a bit off the beaten path, and the extra driving is worth it! Actually, the community is pretty self-contained, we’ve got great shopping, schools, medical facilities, entertainment, and employment opportunities, so the extra driving is optional.

Redland is predominantly full of nurseries and single-family homes. No apartment buildings and condos here. The majority of the homes are on at least 1 acre; a true acre, not that acre-wanna-be known as a builder’s acre. An acre has 43,560 SF and a builder’s acre has 30,000 SF. (by the way, that would be my first real estate tip to you: if you ever encounter someone selling a home with “acreage.” Just ask if that’s a builder’s acre they’re talking about) Folks come out here to get away from the city and enjoy their time “in the country.” I know of people who have homes in Miami as well as here and they come out here on the weekends. But mostly I know the folks who just work in Miami and come home to paradise each night. I live and work here and I love it!

Driving around the area you quickly notice what makes it special. The huge open spaces, acres and acres of nurseries, the regal palm trees surrounding us. The tropical foliage is breathtaking. Bougainvilleas in bloom are a sight to behold! The orchids are gorgeous and there’s butterfly and koi farms. It’s not uncommon to see folks riding their horse instead of taking the car to the local store. There’s so much that makes this place special that I hope you’ll return to learn more about it.

In future entries, I hope to be able to give you a tour of the many sights which can be found in Redland, and the adjoining area of Homestead and SW Miami. There will be nursery, park, festival, winery (yes, honest! made from mangoes, lychees, carambola and more!) craft, everglades, shopping and restaurant tours, to mention just a few.

Of course, there will updates on the local market as well. It’s that REALTOR in me that strives to provide useful, accurate and valuable info to my clients. So put a pot of coffee on (or pick up a colada of strong cuban espresso) and come back for a visit real soon. Friends are always welcome here in Redland.

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