Miami Real Estate

Here are some easy ways to make a difference…

When you get coffee to go, B.Y.O.M. (bring your own mug). If we all used one less paper cup a week, we could save thousands of trees per year and much less would be dumped into landfills.

Boil water with a lid on the pan. It will boil up to 75% faster and will save energy because the heat won’t escape.

Run a full dishwasher rather than washing dishes by hand. It saves energy because hand washing can use as much as 26 gallons of water for 12 place settings, while a good dishwasher will use 4 gallons of water.

Filling your freezer makes it more energy efficient. You can store water in jugs and containers instead of food items.

Store and label leftover items with today’s date. This reduces the chance of it being thrown in the trash.

Computers, TCs and DVD players use stand-by power even when you think they’re off. Unplug them and save up to 10% on your electric bill. You could also plug a lot of items into one power strip and shut the power strip down.

About 70% of municipal waste comes from homes and accounts for almost 4% of the Earth’s greenhouse gases. Sorting out recyclables in the kitchen makes it easy to recycle paper, aluminum, glass and plastics.

The curtains in your home make a difference. Switch them out durinf the summer and winter months. In the summer, white curtains reflect heat, while dark heave curtains in the winter help warm rooms and allow you to lower the thermostat. For every degree you adjust the thermostat, you can save 3-5% on your energy bill (and reduce carbon emissions).

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Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa: 

Pamper yourself by staying at Canyon Ranch as a guest …  or buy or lease a condo  WITH  FULL SPA/RESORT MEMBERSHIP  … INCLUDED!  Live in style!

Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa is ranked among the world’s finest spa destination resorts.   Right on Miami Beach, it overlooks the oceanfront stretch of sand and sea known as Millionaire’s Row. Miami’s pristine white, sandy shoreline and crystaline water are at your doorstep… and you have the intoxicating luxury of everything this world reknown spa offers, at your fingertips.  Read the rest of this entry »

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As the summer heats up in Sunny South Florida,  a handful of TIPS can help save energy and money:

1) Open Up - Anytime we get a break from the tropical humidity and sweltering summer temperatures that can reach the high 90’s,  open  doors & windows & let fresh air circulate.  Fans will create a cross-breeze.  Open kitchen cabinets at night so they don’t store heat.

2) Alternate - As temperatures and humidity climb, close the windows and doors to you home.  Shuting the blinds and drapes will block out  sun.  Enter and exit quickly … and quickly close the doors behind you. Read the rest of this entry »

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Funny how co-incidental life seems at times. While Alexandra and I were chatting with our homebuyer last week, as we were doing  the walk-through  with him just before closing,  he mentioned wanting to install solar panels… wanting to GO GREENER. 

The next morning I opened an email from a blog reader, Barbara Young.  Her hobby, interestingly enough,  is helping people “transition from a full-time energy dependent to successful energy efficiency”.  Barbara  asked if she could write  a blog article for  Miami Real Estate Cafe .  Her posts and website are informative … She does not endorse products… and her efforts center around ”helping people save energy using solar power to lower CO2 emissions and energy dependency”. 

By guest contributor Barbara Young  … Going Green! The Pros and Cons:

Read the rest of this entry »

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University of Miami Provost Tom Le Blanc,  and University of Miami President Donna Shalala welcomed new faculty, deans and coaches to Smathers Four Fillies Farm in Pinecrest the week before Labor Day … ushering in the fall with a UM get-together!    The University of Miami hosted a catered picnic and pool party for incoming faculty and their  families.  “A Warm Welcome to Miami!”  If this didn’t utterly hook the new UM recruits, a single winter in Miami most likely will!   Over 200 accepted UM’s  invite to come unwind, swim and get acquainted. The University showed it’s colors… family friendly and open-armed hospitality … in orange and green!

At the picnic, Smathers Four Fillies showcased the half dozen remaining  Breakstone Homes for faculty use…   lease or purchase.  Four Fillies is a deed restricted  GREEN CERTIFIED gated community for University of Miami  (full time, volunteer, adjunct professors, medical and research faculty) , situated on 11511 SW 57th Avenue in Pinecrest…   A very lively, well attended OPEN HOUSE! Anyone wishing to the preview Four Fillies is invited to call  Alexandra Restivo at 305 632-0164  or Vicki Restivo at 305 793-1365.

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Located in the heart of the Village of Pinecrest, this South Florida model of environmental Green Living feels something akin to living in a National Park!  Beyond bucolic, Smathers Four Fillies Farm is a rare community offering a unique concept, and an even rarer opportunity to live in a sustainably eco-friendly environment!   The link to an article in e-Veritas is below:

Smathers Four Fillies Farm  is among the three finalists for this year’s Urban Land Institute’s top awards recognizing sustainable developments and GREEN living.  Lowering home operating costs by $1,000.00 a year,   Four Fillies far and away exceeds Florida Energy Efficiency Code standards… by  20 to 30 percent… and offers a unique quality of life. 

ULI’s  GREEN AWARD recognizes projects that offer sustainable values,  have  minimal environmental impact,  improve quality of life, comfort, and health… and incorporate regenerative site development strategies, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable materials, and improved  air quality.

As one the “Florida Green Building Coalition” (FGBC) certified developments, Four Fillies includes abundant  healthy insulation, special air filtration, energy star appliances,  and continuous water conservation (through landscaping choices and choices of appliances and fixtures).  Impact glass aids in energy conservation,  facilitates hurricane preparation and adds an intrinsic safety feature. Paints have low levels of volatile organic compounds. Interior wall studs are steel. The homes are termite and mold-resistant.

Dual concentric horseshoes consisting of  30 homes on a portion of 32 acres of lush tropical foliage, were created in and around existing plant life, mature trees, and tropical foliage… minimizing impact on the natural fauna,  hammocks and spectacular surrounding grounds maintained and protected by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.

The  32 acre property, donated to the UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI  16 years ago, was a gift from long-time philanthropist and UM trustee Frank Smathers.  31 homes will grace the grounds including a residence that will be home to the President of the University of Miami.  21 acres will remain pristine … (apart from the natural hammocks, which are stunningly wild and utterly beautiful!) and preserve the history of the original Smathers stables, as seen here to the right. 

 A brilliant concept, with ingenious architectural finess and design, Four Fillies offers residents a unique opportunity to live and be a part of this eco-friendly community built by Breakstone, under the wing of MAMCO ’s (Miami Asset Management Company)  Michael Katz and Patrick Burbank…  with  environmentally friendly urban design concepts from Donna Shalala , and backing and support from Evelyn Greer.

Only a handful of homes remain available in Four Fillies for purchase. Deed restrictions apply, as the property is affiliated with the University of Miami. Professors (adjunct, part-time, volunteer), deans, in addition to medical, research and recruits qualify under the deed restricted status.  Pricing ranges from $1.1  to $1.4  (11411 Smathers Circle and 11414 Smathers Circle) , and the gated communityis located is between Red Road and Old Cutler: with the entrance to Four Fillies on 11511 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida.  For further information, call Vicki Restivo at 305 793 1365 or Alexandra Restivo at 305 632 0164.

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THE  most frequently asked Real Estate Question always asks for a  magic CRYSTAL BALL.  Who has it?  What does the future hold?   The Wall Street Journal offers a sneak peek  into the future, and a glimpse into how  top architects envision  the Green House of the Future . You might be surprised.

Four architects came up with specific plans for energy-sustaining homes, and some of their ideas are downright intriguing. William McDonough forsees creating a treelike effect, with a photosynthetic layer on the surface of the house, mimicking a leaf capturing sunlight. The solar panels would be interwoven into the exterior and would heat water and generate electricity for the home (also creating oxygen for the atmosphere).

Another hot item in GREEN buildings is the ”living roof” …. sodded, planted green space in the sky, with drainage and irrigation, and a safe haven for bugs and birds … and a ready supply of oxygen.  Returning green space, taken away by the construction itself,  makes sense.  We already have roof top pools,  so why not living roofs?

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A  private 32 acre University of Miami gated community will be open to the public this Sunday, May 17th,   from 2:30pm  until 5:00pm.  Nestled on grounds maintained by Fairchild Botanic Tropical Gardens  in the heart of Pinecrest, you are surrounded by natural hammocks, mango trees in full bloom, walking trails, and lush open spaces… in FOUR FILLIES . 

 These 30  newly built homes (by Breakstone) offer phenomenal GREEN FEATURES to maximize quality of life, and minimize maintenance and costs.  Most are SOLD OUT. 

The community itself is deed restricted to approved University of Miami Faculty ( full-time, adjunct, medical research, and recruits), and it does offer a guaranteed buy-back program. 

If you are affiliated with the University of Miami,  the SAM PROGRAM applies to a number of the  homes  in Four Fillies.  If you are not affiliated with the University, this might be incentive to do so.  Ever considered  becoming a part-time lecturing professor? 

 There are only a handful of  HOMES FOR SALE within Four Fillies Farm.

 Come by the OPEN  HOUSE on SUNDAY MAY 17th from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.  It’s an opportunity to preview two special  Four Fillies homes, the grounds, pool area, tennis court, and get a sense of the community. 

OPEN THIS SUNDAY, May 17, 2009   are:

11414 Smathers Circle (a two story/5 bedroom for $1,400,000)   and 11411 Smathers Circle  (one-story /3 bedroom for $1,100,000). 

Please feel free to drop by! Entrance to the University of Miami’s Four Fillies property is on Red Road (SW 57th Avenue) at SW 111th Street (just south of Pinecrest Gardens). The community is situated between Red Road and Old Cutler Road.

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This University of Miami Luxury Enclave is built on the 32-acre Smathers Estate, located between Red Road and Old Cutler. This exclusive Gated Community is made up of 30 Private Villas built by Breakstone and 21-acres of surrounding grounds.

The Private Community contains walking trails, a swimming pool & hot tub, a tennis court, a workout room and a clubhouse complete with a kitchen. The grounds are stunning, featuring rare plant life, extensive fruit groves and natural hammocks, all maintained by Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Four Fillies is Green Certified and anticipated to perform 20-30% better on average than the Florida Energy Code, representing significant savings.

Donated to the University of Miami fifteen years ago by philanthropist and longtime trustee Frank Smathers Jr, Four Fillies is located on Red Road, just minutes away from the Coral Gables Campus. Also nearby are three Metro Rail Stations with access to the Miller School of Medicine Campus. Nestled in the Village of Pinecrest, Four Fillies lies within the Pinecrest School District which boasts Pinecrest Elementary and Palmetto Senior High. These schools consistently rank among the top public schools in the state. Just a short drive away are also some Miami’s best private schools.

This three bedroom / two and a half bath home is a one story gem and features every upgrade imaginable. From beautiful bamboo and travertine floors to retractable screens on French doors and patio, the home has been finished with a designer’s touch. Soaring Ceilings and Grand windows. Tranquil views from every room. The kitchen features double ovens and opens to the Family Room / Breakfast area. The home offers a wood burning fireplace, a media system and a generator. Click here to see a brochure.

Four Fillies is exclusive to qualified faculty members, affiliates and recruits.It is Deed restricted to UM Faculty (adjunct / full-time / volunteer).There is a guaranteed buy back from the University of Miami after nine months. Eligible faculty may benefit from the SAM program at Four Fillies.

The Community is located at 11511 Red Road. This particular home is one story, the first model to sell out and the only one available now, and is located at 11411 Smathers Cr in Four Fillies. 2,531 sq ft of living area and 3,362 sq ft under roof. Click here to see a floor plan.

For further information on this home, others in Four Fillies or any of your real estate needs, contact Alexandra or Vicki.

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Is your home eco-friendly and energy efficient, or are those hard-earned dollars of yours  going down the drain? 

In honor of Earth Day and Earth Week,  here are a handful of ways to  “Green Your Home For Less”:

Here are the 12  Top Eco-friendly Homeowner Tips to Green Your Home and Save Money:

#     Top Ranked            Eco-friendly Savings Solutions                                                                                                                 

1.     Window/Door           Impact glass/double-panes                                                                                                                                      

2.     Water Usage             Low flow toilet/showerhead                                                                                                           

3.    Water Efficient           Tankless water heater                                                                                                                         

4.   Appliances                    Energy Star Rated:Washer/Dryer/Dishwasher /Oven/Refrigerator                          

5.   Insulation                     Sprayed/Rolled/Radiant Barrier (attic,exterior walls)                                                   

6.   Pool                                Operate Pool pump  4-6 hrs                                                                                                              

7.  Electricity                      Energy efficient bulbs                                                                                                                      

8.  Heating/Cooling          High Efficiency A.C. Unit/frequent filter changes                                                              

9. Electric Usage                Reduce high energy culprits: Oven& Iron                                                                                

10.Renovations                  Incorporate recycled materials                                                                                                      

11: Shade                              Plant trees and  Install Awnings                                                                                                      

12: Back to Basics              Air dry dishes & clothes

The author’s personal favorites, both green certified  and energy star rated Miami properties, are The Venetian Coral Gables Townhomes and Smather’s Four Fillies Farm in Pinecrest.

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