11370 Smathers Circle is listed for sale at $1.1   (or available for lease @ $5,200 a month). Contact the Restivo Team today to be part of this fabulous University of Miami Community… Gated  community with tennis court, swimming pool, playground… in the heart of Pinecrest .

The developer/builder opted to weather-out the downturn, rather than accept reservations on the Venetian Coral Gables. He  postponed the start of construction, opting to wait for the real estate market to bottom out.  I think it was wise to wait.  The idea was to have the Venetian be very high-end … with every upgrade and amenity possible.  Starting constuction as the domestic real estate market was feeling the pinch, seemed unwise. 

So many of the construction projects that were slated to be built in Miami  a couple of years back were ditched… or forced into using lower end finishes …  They sat empty…  or teetered on or fell into either foreclosure or short sale.   

The end result is that  there are very few upscale townhouse/villa  options in existence now in Miami… yet many buyers looking at upscale townhomes as the ideal.  

We have gotten so many calls over the past couple of months, from  both buyers and agents, looking finished townhomes and villas in Miami … If the Venetian was already built, we could have sold them easily.  But it’s not.  This is a pre-construction project …  open now to taking reservations.

Most  of the calls I’ve gotten want completed projects…ready to move in.   The Venetian hasn’t yet started construction, nor have we broken ground.  There is a distinct  lack of luxury townhomes in Coral Gables …  We are getting calls for finished luxury townhomes …  and don’t have any to speak of ( in Coral Gables or in Miami!).  They simply don’t exist.   

It’s a shame that so many of the projected high-end townhouse projects  were discontinued and abandoned.   I am hoping that  by opening up the Venetian now for buyers to reserve pre-construction ,  that we can move forward on this… If you are  pondering real estate, and where the market is headed, and thinking about selling your home and downsizing… but this not being the ideal environment for that … perhaps this might be an option.  If buying at pre-construction pricing  is something you might like to explore, or if you think moving from a single family home into something less problematic that would allow you more freedom to pack up lock up and travel…. will you call me please?  Or send me a note here.

The Venetian Coral Gables was a GREEN pre-construction project of luxury villas to be built in the heart of residential Coral Gables, slated for occupancy in 2012.  And by the looks of it,  we anticipate  pushing occupancy 2013….  We look forward to breaking ground as the economy turns the corner… and in the meantime now opening this to  pre-construction pricing to buyers who would like to reserve a villa.

The Venetian Coral Gables will be on Sevilla, near the Biltmore … at the south edge of the historic Venetian Pool.  The views will be of  the courtyards,  the tree canopy, the historic Venetian Pool, and the Biltmore Hotel.  And each of the villas will be unique and different, with open free-flowing interiors, terraces and balconies … and  private outdoor utilizable rooftops for relaxing and entertaining.

There will be 20 villas in total, each of them 4 stories high, with individual private residential elevators.  Each will be completed and finished  by the developer…  with stone flooring throughout …  They will NOT  be “decorator ready”.  Most new construction  projects come  ‘decorator ready’…. but not the Venetian.   “Decorator Ready”  is a fancy way of saying “without flooring or  finished interior paint” … which means that  the buyer has to pay additional amounts  for flooring, interior paint, and finishes.  The term has always struck me as rather odd.

No… the Venetian townhomes will notbe decorator ready. (Thank goodness!)   Each of the villas will be finished to the nines…. many of them will have fireplaces, wine cellars…  entertainment areas … and all will have stone floors… and top of the line finishes.    All will have open stairwells, and a sleek, modern look, impact windows and doors,  private 2-3 car garages  (individual for each townhome).   As a buyer,  the only thing you might possibly want to add  might be a rooftop spa tub or possibly a generator.  (Each of the townhomes will come generator ready… and  with plumbing in place for the outdoor spa as well.)

Kitchens and baths will all be Italian designed  … with top of the line appliances from Miele and SubZero.  Mia Cucina in Miami is installing them… and  as a buyer, you will have design options and choices so as to have whatever design/color you prefer.  On the rooftop level, there will be a pergola and an outdoor summer kitchen.  Also on the rooftop level will be indoor entertainment areas … and guest powder room.

There will be 7 Villa designs/floorplans, each ranging from 3,500-3,800 square feet (under air), with additional outdoor terraces and balconies, literally everywhere you look. The enclave is the brain-child of architects Bellin and Pratt… with their European lifestyle design options for the high end consumer in Coral Gables. Each villa will be beautifully designed to appeal to the luxury buyer, with intricate attention to detail, quality, flow and finishes. Rooftop terraces with outdoor summer kitchens and optional jacuzzis will make for the quintessential Miami lifestyle, with luxurious entertaining, and private enjoyment of the inviting outdoor spaces. Each villa will have it’s own  private elevator,  a 2-3 car garage, be prewired for electronic control, and be natural gas generator ready … and each will be Green Certified and Energy Star Rated.

Please don’t hesitate to call either Vicki Restivo (305) 793-1365 or Alexandra Restivo (305) 632-0164  at EWM Realtors…. listing agents for the Venetian Coral Gables.  There are so few options now in Miami to buy pre-construction …  and if you are looking at the possibility of a townhouse/villa as an alternative to condo living… and thinking that it might be nice to untangle yourself  somewhat from having to maintain and oversee a home and grounds and all that that entails …. (without feeling confined by condo living) … we would be pleased to chat with you about The Venetian Coral Gables Villas.  Moving into a condo is not for everyone…. and I for one certainly understand that.  Reserving a villa, pre-construction, might provide  option to explore …  Pricing for the finished units will run from $1.675.000 to $1.975.000.

You’ll be in the heart of historic, residential Coral Gables… with that ‘walkability’ factor…. and the lifestyle that affords.  If you’re thinking about being able to travel more…  come and go as you please… downsize but still have space to breathe … and enjoy the luxury you’re accustomed to…   we would be delighted to talk with you more about the Venetian.   Reserving pre-construction, would let you ride the real estate market out for a while … and wait a bit before listing and selling the property you’re currently living in.   It’s an option that might just work …  Please don’t hesitate to call.  Alexandra and I would love to talk with you …

Despite a general consensus (at least throughout much of America) that bigger is better, I am finding that home-buyers who are buying  property in South Florida are actually leaning toward less space, cozier environments… more charm.

 What I’m finding that buyers ARE looking for is :

1) An extension to their indoor space … The overwhelming majority of buyers here in South Florida want utilizable, covered, outdoor living areas that are well-defined and elegantly pulled together.  They are looking for clean lines, and comfortably appointed outdoor sitting areas, with splashes of color, greenery… in other words, a blatant declaration that they are now living in the tropics. Since many are exchanging snow shovels for sunscreen and flip-flops, they are looking forward to residing somewhere with 365 days of sunshine (interspersed with occasional/ frequent  rain showers that allow Florida to stay GREEN)…. and wanting to revel in that outdoor life.   Buyers relocating to South Florida want functionally-elegant outdoor space.   They expect covered patios, pergolas, chickee huts, porches, over-sized umbrellas, retractable awnings … All of these lend themselves to SELLING A HOUSE.  Outdoor spaces resonate big-time with these buyers.

 2) Many buyers expect water-features (whetherit be  a pond/swimming pool/fountain/lakefront,oceanfront, inter coastal waterway or waterfront living of some sort).   

2) Smaller homes with minimal clutter …   is a high demand ticket in Miami.  The previous trend was for expansive living areas …  extra space to ‘grow into’…. and high air-conitioning bills.   Buyers are now tending to go with fewer rooms, and less acreage.  They want functionality, comfort,  clean lines …  but with sufficient storage.

3) Stone and hardwood flooring have displaced carpeted surfaces.  Equally popular now are cork, slate and bamboo floors, and glass tile. 

4) High-end appliances are expected (stainless steel!) … Cement, quartz or granite surfaces in the kitchens and baths are likewise ‘required’. 

5)  Fruit trees/ tropical plantings/outdoor privacy/shaded areas/summer-kitchens or outdoor cooking areas/bar-be-ques are all pluses.

6) Increasingly inclined toward a GREEN ECO-FRIENDLY TREND, Miami home-buyers are looking for what’s being referred to as “WALKABILITY”.  Miamians want the option of leaving their car at home (Green-friendly: improve the environment… save on gas).  They want to be able to wander out to pick up a loaf of fresh bread,  have a ‘latte’, wander through the bookstore, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.  They want access to walking/biking paths, tennis courts and golf, community parks (dog-parks too… which are numerous in South Florida),  and fresh outdoor markets that are open throughout the cooler months on weekends.

Thank you for following our  MiamiRealEstateCafe.com blog.  Any time you, or someone you know, is looking to buy or sell property in South Florida, we would love to help you.  You are welcome to contact me, or my team, at 305- 793-1365 or 305-632-0164 anytime.  Whether you are looking to buy or sell,  we are more than happy to work with you.

The group will promote the practice of green development, recycling, energy efficiency, water and energy conservation, green transportation alternatives, waste reduction and building design issues, among other things. The task force will be made up of 11 member, all Gables residents-including a historic preservationist, a landscape architect, a planner, an engineer, an architect, a member of the University of Miami, a member of the Coral Gables Chamber and another member from the Garden Club.

The Green Task Force will be effective October 1, 2010.

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).

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. 

Endless  ocean views  from your master suite and your living areas…  a WALL OF GLASS  opening onto, and overlooking MIAMI BEACH .   If you’re coming to Miami to live, work or play…  get the most bang for your buck.  

We just listed a stunning one bedroom condo for lease in Canyon Ranch.You can  live on the water … with endless views and  unlimited options …   6801 Collins Avenue #1115,  Miami Beach, Florida – at Canyon Ranch Spa and Resort (Central Carillon) .     Spa and Resort  Membership and Priviledges are included as part of your lease -  unit #1115.  Interested?  Call us at 305 793-1365.

This striking Miami condo was just finished…   It has yet to  be lived in… making you the first.   $2,700/month  includes unlimited use of the Spa and Resort, exercise classes, fitness center at the edge of  the Atlantic, wellness center, lectures, and valet …   included in your lease.  This one bedroom has stunning finishes: 20 inch opaque white-glass-floor-tiles, granite countertops, a European kitchen, top of the line appliances, spa soaking-tub, separate glass-enclosed spa-shower. (Washer/dryer as well). 

It’s available for lease immediately… with Canyon Ranch Spa & Resort Membership  included… along with unlimited use of the facilities: (Fitness center,classes, workshops, gym, spa facilities, rock climbing wall…)

There are 25 - 40 fitness classesoffered each day (and classes vary week to week.) Some look rather intriguing:  Pain in the Neck, Wet Workout, Candlelight Stretch, On the Ball, Cardio Kickbox, Buff Ballet Booty, Beach Walk, Kundalini Yoga, Pilates Mat, Rock Wall Boot Camp, Youth Fit, Stick Fusion, Sports Conditioning, Rock Climbing, Beach Conditioning, Indoor Cycling, Core Training.  (Themes Vary: Energy, Strength, Balance, Stillness, Exploration, Nourishment, Joy.)

Lectures and Workshops:  Ginseng and Astragalus (Understanding Chinese Herbs),  Which Type of Workout Is Best for Me?, Let Me See Your Tongue, What’s Your Type?, Avoiding Lower Back Pain & Sciatica. 

Hands-on-classes are offered in the  Salon:  “Bring Your Own Hairdryer “…  offers a blowdrying and styling interactive experience.  Or you can opt for the full service salon,  if you prefer.

Unwind, rest, relax, and be pampered.  Canyon Ranch Living provides 4 Outdoor Pools,  Aquavana Restorative Water Treatments,  Full Spa Services, Beauty Salon, Waterfront Dining, Poolside Service, Organic Restaurant, Library/Sitting Areas, and a Boutique. 

Inside the Spa itself, indulge in Canyon Ranch’s unique “Aquavana”- an alternating array of hot , cool, and cold water experiences  – with room after room of options:  from sauna to igloo, steam room Caribbean mist, Monsoon, hot and cold foot-baths,  jacuzzi, heated chaises, eucalyptus, crystals and menthol.   

Stay overnight as a Resort guest.  Better yet, enjoy Miami as a Miamian… Lease or buy a condo in Canyon Ranch and really enjoy Miami. If you’re interested in knowing more about Canyon Ranch Living  Miami Beach, we invite you to call us.   Lease, Rent, Vacation or Own … It’s up to you…. and we can help.  The Restivo Team -  EWM Realtors International.

Fitness Center… Spa … Aquavana Treatments  (6am-9pm)

Canyon Ranch Grill  serving breakfast/lunch/dinner… Carillon Cafe’ serving snacks, beverages, wine all day…or you can dine poolside at the Cabana.  Miami lifestyle … just because you can!

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.

3) Insulate - One of the most effective ways to keep your home cool is by installing  insulation.  FPL (Florida Power and Light) offers incentives and savings programs to Florida residents, and they offer free energy efficiency inspections and guidance.

4) Seal Drafts - Seal holes, cracks and openings in your home to prevent air from seeping  through the walls and ceiling. Weather stripping  keeps  air from escaping.

5) Get away from the kitchen-  Barbeque outdoors!  Use the stove and oven as infrequently as possible.  Your microwave will heat food without raising the temperature inside the kitchen.  Use the air-dry on your dishwasher and clothes dryer. Turn off lamps, electronics, and computers when you aren’t using them.  And switch to compact fluorescents as opposed to incadescent lights.   …  Here’s to candlelight!

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.

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.

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?