Miami Real Estate

Gables By the Sea … a gated-community.  Pinecrest address (Pinecrest school district: Pinecrest Elementary, Palmetto Middle, and Palmetto Senior High) … Just listed by Pam Mayers, and  Vicki and Alexandra Restivo of EWM Realtors, Inc (Berkshire Hathaway affiliate - a Warren Buffet Company):

Two-story 5 bedroom contemporary pool home  at 5874 SW 131 Terrace in Gables by the Sea:  Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 4822 square foot home has soaring-high wood-beamed  Cathedral ceilings.  Marble and wood floors. Read the rest of this entry »

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Do you own a one-story home in Pinecrest? If so, you are  (likely!)  holding onto one very hot commodity!   Over the past several months, Alexandra and I have noticed that there are increasingly sparse-pickings of single-story houses in Pinecrest.  We are keeping an eye peeled, on behalf of a  handful of  buyers we are working with… who are wanting to buy…  and ready to buy …  and there is very little available for sale in Pinecrest that fits their needs. 

Not that many years back, Pinecrest was a sea of older, ranch-style homes.  Now, many of those homes have been added to (or demolished) to make way for rather grandiose homes  -    the majority of which are two-story. 

Four to five bedroom homes (single story!) with a pool, are in fairly short supply.  Whether listed for (or valued anywhere between) $900,000 and $2 million … they are too big … Read the rest of this entry »

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Vacant land is selling … listed  between $17 and $21  dollars a square foot in Pinecrest.    Acre  lots can be had for under $750,000. .. and  15,000 square foot lots can occasionally be found for as little as $350,000 … although most tend to be listed for, and sell above that.

Perceived value drives price.   While quiet streets  appeal to a number of home buyers …  highly trafficked areas and  intersections can (and do) appeal to others.

Adjacent to Pinecrest Park on the corner of SW 82 and SW 124th is a vacant lot,  listed for sale by Victor Mills and Marie Montgomery.  It has already been cleared and is ready to build.   It’s priced at just under $14 a square foot ($650,000 for 43,560 square feet).

After a hiatus on building,  Pinecrest is now seeing and increase in new construction.  Much of what is being built is luxury building… the single family, high-end homes, on a  rather mega-scale.  With vacant land opportunities such that they are now, more builders and individual home owners are looking at the available land for sale in Pinecrest.

Please give me a call if I can help with any of your real estate needs.

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Recycling bins  delivered curbside  months ago may be too small or too large for some of us.    If you’d like a  size other than the standard 65 gallon bin provided to you by the county,   call 3-1-1  and they’ll deliver one that works better for you.    They will substitute either a larger (95 gallon) or  smaller (35 gallon)  bin for your existing one,  within 1- 10 days of your call.   In order to receive your new container,  you’ll need to leave the old one at at the curb for them to exchange.   Recyclables are collected every two weeks.   Miami areas serviced by the new recycling program include Miami-Dade County, Aventura, Cutler Bay, Doral, Florida City, Medley, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Miami Springs, North Bay Village, Opa-locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles, Surtside, Sweetwater, West Miami and Virginia Gardens.

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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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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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I remember Andy’s Cup as a smaller-scale  pro-level tennis tournament than the 2009 version,  which is now held on the  beautiful tree canopied grounds of Coral Oaks Tennis Club each spring.   A few years back it was hosted by it’s creator, Dr Jules Cadet, in his own Pinecrest backyard…. literally down the street from the tennis club.  Using  just his single lit tennis court, the tournament he originally benefactored went on forever.  So did the  festivities, bar-b-que and the sponsors’ hospitality!  

Andy’s Cup has evolved into a delightful, highly anticipated annual Pinecrest event, always in April.  For the past two years  Dr. Jules Cadet  (Pinel Medical Center) has hosted this event at Coral Oaks Tennis Club on Red Road.  Organized by tournament director, Ralph Martin of GT Sports, Andy’s Cup  lures pro and university level  players to Miami…  and is free to the public… So is the food!   Sponsors range from Mercedes Benz, GT Sports,  and Pinel Medical Center, to a bevvy of others.  Despite  the complimentary  food…  and  drinks… (endless bar-b-que with a distinct Haitian flair)  the tournament raises a substantial purse for the winning players… with the bulk of the proceeds from Andy’s Cup going to a  hospital  built by Dr. Jules Cadet and his colleagues in Haiti.   Andy’s Cup…  affectionately referred to as  ”Haitian Tennis” after the cause it supports…  is  a local event that draws benefactors  from all over the United States, raising donations to the tune of $80,000.00 last year.

Teams compete in doubles, singles and mixed-doubles.  This years’ 2009 tennis players were grouped into 6 teams:  Cuba 1, Cuba 2, Haiti, World, USA, and Chile.  Teaching pros from Royal Palm Tennis Club, & Deering Bay Tennis Club …  along with college players formerly on the University of Miami Tennis Team… a dynamic  young tennis player who  recently defected from Cuba…  tennis stars from Haiti … phenomenal kids from Argentina (one  as young as 14  years old!)  comprised a diverse international group!  If America is a melting pot, Miami wins  big for creating the right recipe.  A weekend of multi-cultural competition and camaraderie…  Andy’s Cup gives us yet another reason to celebrate life in Miami !

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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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Special invitation to preview  this exclusive University of Miami Community at Smathers Four Fillies Farm on Wednesday April 15, from 11:30 to 2:30.

This 5 bed/4 bath home is listed at $1,400,000.

Four Fillies is located at 11511 Red Road, EWM’s Open House is at 11414 Smathers Circle Once on the grounds….follow the EWM signs through the community.

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