Miami Real Estate Cafe » IN THE NEWS

National Park Week

Vicki Restivo — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:10:55 +0000

National Park Week is April 21 – 29 … If you’re looking to get out and explore take a peak at what’s going on in our Breathtakingly Beautiful National Parks… A Week in the Wild … A Guide to National Park Week … Mike Off The Map .

Arches National Park, Utah

It’s that time of year again! For one week, all 397 National Parks across the United States are absolutely free from April 21-April 29. With free entrance it opens a host of options to hikers, campers, and climbers alike, as well as an opportunity to inspire the next generation to take care of our treasured lands and promote environmental consciousness. Along with the endless possibilities of exploration, the National Park Service is hosting a wide breadth of events from volunteer services, to historical and cultural demonstrations. Here’s what you need to know about National Park Week 2012!

What is National Park Week?

National Park Week is the one week reserved every year, where the National Park Service waives entrance fees to all their lands and opens the park to endless exploration and sport. This year it falls in the week of April 21-April 29.

What kind of events are the parks hosting?

April 21st (Saturday) is Volunteer Day, you can check with any National Park for the kind of projects they are hosting including preservation, enhancements to trails, working with animals, or conservation duties. (link here) On April 28th is National Junior Ranger Day, where children, through special hikes and events, learn how to “explore, learn about, and protect” the parks. At the end of the day, each child will be sworn in as a Junior Ranger. (link here)

Smokey Mountains National Park, South Carolina

What about camping, hiking, or climbing permits, are they free?

Camping and climbing permits are not free during National Park week, however many of the campgrounds inside the parks are being reduced for the week, and same goes with hiking, climbing, and fishing permits. Be sure to inform yourself about which lands are accessible for activities and don’t stray into the backcountry unless you have permission to do so. Visiting the national parks is also a boost for local businesses who thrive on visitors so make sure that you give them a visit too! Check out the special deals and discounts that the parks are offering here.

I live in the city and can’t get out into the open, what can I do?

National parks aren’t only limited to wide open lands. Alcatraz is considered a national park, and so is Ellis Island. They are reminders and preservers of our national history and identity. In the Florida Keys is Dry Tortugas, site of the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. The African Burial Ground in downtown Brooklyn, the site where thousands of unnamed slaves were buried is part of the park service and offering free entry as well. The national parks don’t only serve to remind us of our natural heritage, but of our historical as well.

All the parks are going to be so crowded! Where can I truly get away?

Yes, some of the major parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Arches, and the Everglades will be popular, but it gives an opportunity to check out some of the lesser known national parks as well. Check out the winding cliffs of the Canyonlands, where one could hike for miles without seeing a single other group. Take a boat into the Channel Islands just off the coast of California, where seals and sea lions are returning to their summer nesting grounds. In Arizona and Colorado, check out the Petrified Forest, and the Great Sand Dunes, with their hills of ancient sand, one turned to rock through millions of years of wind and water, the other a wide expanse of dunes, some as high as 750 feet, that offer a range of unique sports such as sand sledding.

Shark Valley – Everglades National Park, Florida

I have no time to get off work and I’m going to miss the greatest week of the year. What can I do?

So you’re stuck and can’t get to a national park this week. No worries! The national parks will be free once again on June 29, for Get Outdoors Day, September 29 for National Public Lands Day, and November 10-12 for Veterans Day Weekend. It’s an entire year of opportunities to get outside! Can’t get out those days either? Many of the national parks and reserves don’t even CHARGE an entrance fee and are supported through public donations and volunteers.

National Park Week is the perfect opportunity not only to get away, explore the wild outdoors, and engage in some great sport, but also to educate our future generations and teach them the responsibility of protecting and respecting our lands. Check with local rangers before you blaze your own trails. Be courteous to the land and to other outdoor enthusiasts, and take the opportunity to try a new experience and truly get wild. Enjoy the week everyone!

For more information, check out the official site here.

Guest contributor – Michael Restivo for MiamiRealEstateCafe.com

Top Luxury Real Estate Agents in Florida

Vicki Restivo — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:23:27 +0000

Miami’s luxury real estate market (property valued over $1 million) is dominated by EWM Realtors. EWM makes 48% more luxury sales in South Florida than our closest competitor, according to Ron Shuffield. In the first three months of 2012 we sold over 100 properties in Miami valued over $1 million… many of which are multi-million-dollar properties.

If you are looking to sell, and are looking for an experienced real estate agent, call us at 305 793-1365 or contact us here … The Restivo Team … Vicki and Alexandra.

Which Real Estate Markets are in Bad Shape?

Vicki Restivo — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:02:04 +0000

According to Chase Bank, home prices are predicted to drop 6-7% in the nation before hitting rock bottom in 2012.

Prices in New York and New Jersey will drop 13%. Illinois and Indiana and Kentucky will have significant drops in their housing prices, because of the amount of shadow inventory in each of those states.

Also in bad shape are North Dakota and New Mexico … South Carolina and North Carolina.

What about Miami? Not only do we have beautiful weather year-round, but from all appearances the real estate market in Miami is one of the few that has actually stabilized, making our neck of the woods a good investment option. If you are looking to relocate we would love to help you! We specialize in South Florida, and we can also connect you with real estate experts nationally and internationally to help with the other side of your move . The Restivo Team at EWM Realtors, International. 305 793-1365

Restivo Team Named Top 1/2 of 1% of Realtors Nationally

Vicki Restivo — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:00:41 +0000

Thank you to each of OUR WONDERFUL buyers and sellers … and each of you who have referred the people you care about, who are considering moving or relocating, to us. You are the reason we are in the TOP 1/2 of 1% Realtors Nationally.

We are honored to be recognized for our work … more honored still to have earned your trust … in listing, selling and buying your homes and property through us.

Vicki & Alexandra Restivo – EWM’s Chairman’s Club – Diamond Level 2011

Thank you again for your trust in us, and for your continued referrals of friends and family and neighbors. We know you have choices … and we are honored to be your choice! Vicki and Alexandra Restivo 305 793-1365 and 305 632-0164

EWM Top Producers Vicki & Alexandra Restivo

South American Companies Again Looking to Relocate to Miami

Vicki Restivo — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:05:08 +0000

Patrick O’Connell, in charge of Corporate Relocation for EWM Realtors, indicates there’s a significant rise in relocations into Miami.

South American Companies are again looking to relocate to Miami. That’s good news for those selling condos as well as single family homes … and beneficial as well to investors who need to lease there investments to stable, solid tenants.

If you are considering buying, selling, relocating, investing or renting out property you currently own … we would love the opportunity to assist you! Restivo.v@ewm.com You’re welcome to call anytime: Our direct numbers are 305 793-1365 and 305 632-0164 Vicki and Alexandra Restivo EWM Realtors.

Miami Real Estate Market Forecasts Miami Prices to Remain Stable in 2012

Vicki Restivo — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:01:51 +0000

2012 will be breakthrough year in real estate according to the experts… in Miami.

Who is FORECASTING WHAT … FOR THE REAL ESTATE MARKET? :

Zillow says: Prices in Miami will remain stable over the next 12 months, although prices will go down in Chicago by 7.6% … and will similarly drop in Atlanta by 8.5%. “Prices WILL soften in Florida … and in the rest of the country… BUT NOT IN MIAMI !!” (according to Steve Harney of Matters, who spoke to a group of Top Real Estate Agents at EWM in Miami last week). Harney demonstrated through recent sales that the propjected prices in real estate will be flat this year (2012) … with Miami pricing being at the same level as in 2002 … but with interest rates in 2002 being at 6.11% as opposed to today being at 3.87%..

Warren Buffet recently advised his secretary (of many decades): ”Buying a home right now will be the best opportunity in your lifetime”.

Chris Thornberg has had a change of mind about the real estate market. Back in 2007 he warned “WAIT TO BUY, because you’ll get it for 10% less in a year”. He was right. Now he says “If you have been thinking about buying in Las Vegas , or a condo in Miami BUY NOW!”. I don’t disagree.

And Celia Chen of Moody’s Analytics reports a 30% increase in existing home sales.

The Restivo Team at EWM is seeing an increase in property sales – both single family homes and condos – in Miami. “When homes start going under contract before they even hit the MLS, as they are doing again now (March 2012) it’s an indicator that the real estate market has not only stabilized but is improving”. Vicki Restivo – EWM Realtors, International.

Considering buying or investing ? Miami is simmering … Many opportunities for buying (and buying well!) right now – in South Florida!

Midtown Miami … Recreating the Look & Feel of New York’s SoHo & Meat Packing District

Vicki Restivo — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:43:09 +0000

MIAMI’S MIDTOWN is starting to take on the look and feel of New York’s Meat Packing and SoHo Districts.

Miami has a new “fashionably-trendy” hot spot… offering walkability… a neighborhood feel … nightlife… shopping and dining … entertainment … art … and a vibrant interactive community in the areas of MIDTOWN and the MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT. Wynwood, Midtown and the Design District are all pretty much adjacent to one another - each of them located immediately north of Downtown Miami … and within blocks of the ”10 billion dollar mile”.

A host of trendy new restaurants, new condo construction, shops and restaurants have seemingly sprung up overnight in Midtown and the Design District … With the Miami Art Festival (and influx of art galleries, dining options and stores popping up) Midtown planted itself on the map at the end of 2011 … and made it the talk of Miami in a matter of a few months.

Condos in Midtown can be bought for around $200.00 a square foot … brand new… and range in price from around $200,000.00 – upward .

Midtown Miami and the Design District are expected to catapault Miami onto the radar screen as one of the premier shopping capitals of the world within the next year or so … making Miami an even more fashionable destination.

Hermes and Louis Vuitton have apparently announced that they are closing their stores in Bal Harbour and relocating them to Miami’s Design District. Other newcomers expected to open shops in Miami’s Design District this year include Bulgari, Celine, Moet Hennessy, Christian Dior, Fendi, De Beers, Cartier, Pucci, Ermengilio Zegna. The area will be home to some 400,000 square feet of stores and shopping … not to mention restaurants. Among the restaurants already on the map (and highly tauted) are Sugarcane, Cheese Course, and Salumeria 104.

Adding to Midtown Miami and The Design District’s appeal are their close proximity to Miami Beach and easy access to and from Miami International Airport (15 minutes)…. and proximity to major highways, Jackson Memorial Hospital/UM Health, Key Biscayne and the bay and ocean.

Looking to explore Miami’s Neighborhoods and get a sense as to where you might like to live? MiamiRealEstateCafe.com is your resource … giving you insights into what Miami’s Neighborhoods are like, and what makes each unique. Looking to invest in Miami? We are YOUR Miami Real Estate Experts: The Restivo Team at EWM Realtors, International : Vicki & Alexandra Restivo . Call anytime on our direct lines: 305 793-1365 or 305 632-0164 or send us a note here. We look forward to working with you! restivo.v@ewm.com

Time to Buy Real Estate in Florida … or Not ?

Vicki Restivo — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:22:50 +0000

Is this really the time to buy real estate in Florida? Have we hit bottom and leveled out?

Steve Harney, in his Keeping Current Matters, seems to think so.

Speaking to Realtors at EWM Realtors International in Downtown Miami last month, Harney projected that real estate pricing would remain relatively flat in Miami in 2012. But he added ’If you don’t buy today, you will likely regret it – big time – five years down the road.’

And he further indicated that with Miami real estate pricing being at the same level as it was back in 2002, now, but with interest rates having fallen from 6.11% to under 3.87% the cost was actually lower (with cost and price being two entirely different animals).

Sales are up … Prices will follow suit.

Looking to buy? Please call us! We would love to work with you. The Restivo Team 305 793-1365 … experienced real estate experts … mother-daughter team … specializing in South Florida. The real estate market in Miami is stable … making this a good time to buy real estate here in Miami. While other areas are still struggling, Miami has turned the corner, and is a prime investment spot.

We will continue to keep you current on real estate trends and opportunities, through our real estate blog MiamiRealEstateCafe.Com, and invite you to subscribe if you’d like to receive new articles as they’re published.

Crash in Housing Market … WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO? – “Sell Now?” … “Time To Buy?”

Vicki Restivo — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:07:34 +0000

Well, if you’re reading any of John R. Talbot’s books , he has it pretty much spelled out:

Here are the titles :

2003: “The Coming Crash in Housing Market”

2006: ”Sell Now! End of the Housing Bubble”

2012: And now he is quoted as saying … ”It is time to buy a new home!”.

Warren Buffett agrees … saying it’s time to buy… and if you are looking for a top real estate agent in the Miami area, the Restivo Team at EWM Realtors would love to help you move on – whether you’re looking to sell or wanting to buy. Alexandra and Vicki 305 793-1365 or 305 632-0164 both write for MiamiRealEstateCafe.com, a Miami based real estate blog providing information to investors, buyers and sellers. The Restivo’s are top local real estate experts in Miami who work with buyers and sellers, and offer referral recommendations of top realtors nationally and internationally to relocating clients.

Private Island For Sale in the Florida Keys

Alexandra Restivo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:00:24 +0000

Who hasn’t dreamed of owning their own island? Now you can, and it’s in our backyard. East Sister Rock Island is up for sale in the Florida Keys. The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is situated on 1.4 acres and about a quarter mile off the coast of Marathon in the Keys. It boasts over 5000 sq ft of living area, with about 2700 sq ft of veranda, helicopter pad, a pool and two docks.

The island, reachable only by boat or helicopter, is nestled amongst a coral reef, making it great for water sports and snorkeling and fishing. It’s located about 2 hours from Miami and about 45 minutes from Key West. The house has 19 sliding glass doors and also features a veranda which wraps around the entire house, providing views all the way around.

Klaus Meckler built the island by digging a moat from the coral rock and making a plateau that rises 15 feet. The house was concrete poured and rests on 75 pilings drilled into the coral rock. The current owners – the Willifords - who bought the island in 1995 from Meckler, made the island green by installing a wind turbine and solar panels. Water is taken from rainwater that is filtered and stored for use.

Imagine watching the sun rise from the veranda, snorkeling and fishing all day and winding down with a glass of wine and watching the sun set from the hammocks nestled among the trees. I have stayed here, and let me just say…it’s worth the hype!

The estate is listed for $12 million and available now. It is one of 9 private islands in the Keys.

Contact the Restivo Team to own your own piece of paradise.