Aug 20, 2012

Urban News - Miami Real Estate is on the Rise

  
SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE NEWS UPDATE

View of Miami River, Downtown, Miami Beach and Brickell
        
August 18, 2012


 MIAMI SHIFTS SELLER'S MARKET ON CONDO FRONT

There's been a marked shift in Miami's condo market. Withforeclosed properties nearly bought up and inventory low, it's officially a Seller's Market. Prices are becoming competitive once again. Inventory in MLS is down from the first half of 2012 compared to 2011-down by more than 20%, Prices are up by approximately 15% in one year.

Furthermore, the days on the market are significantly down from an average of 134 days from a listing to a sale in 2011 to 49 days from a listing to a sale in 2012. Unsold inventory is declining at a much faster pace than any real estate professional expected this year. It's expected that the second half of this year will continue to decline in listing inventory from MLS as well as continued increases in prices. That's because while about 32,000 condos were built in South Florida from 2005 through 2010, no new supply has hit the market since then. According to the Miami Association of Realtors,"Miami experienced a 54% increase year over year in condo sales in the month of June 2012 alone". Typically it takes approximately two years before new condos are ready for occupancy from the beginning to end of construction. With over eleven new pre-construction buildings solely in Miami Dade County to be delivered 2013-2015, and a gap in between, and the continued decrease in inventory; Miami Condo Boom has shift into a Seller's Market.



Consult your
TOP PRODUCERS at ICON Brickell
 Carla Wilson
Carla R. Wilson, PA
Broker-Associate
Fortune Int'l Realty
786-423-9733

Sarah Vazquez 
Sarah M. Vazquez
Realtor-Associate
Fortune Int'l Realty
305-305-0094 

Aug 11, 2012

Icon Bay Miami - pre-construction luxury waterfront residences


RESERVE NOW - only 10% 
Pre-construction Prices starting from $430,000
Reservations are being taken NOW, for more information and/or to schedule a presentation please contact us today
305-305-0094
or 786-423-9733

Revisit the Renaissance in Miami
PRESENTING...the next generation
of the Icon family, ICONbay.
The Icon brand of condos has become synonymous with Miami's skyline. Building on the undeniable success of ICONsouth beach and ICONbrickell, Related Group is now launching its newest ICONIC tower, ICONbay.

state-of-art-features
The greatness of any art work lies in the vision of the artist. ICONbay is no exception with every choice deliberately made to reflect the highest-possible level of quality, mood and style.
Designed by world renowned architectural firm, Arquitectonica (same architects of Icon Brickell).
8 units per floor and towering 40 stories high with 300 waterfront luxury condominiums.
Floor-to-ceiling walls of windows with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and South Beach from every residence.
Spacious outdoor terraces/balconies with undulating glass railings.

Elevators open up to with private entrance/foyer.
Lofty 9-foot ceilings.
Outdoor lounge spaces accessible from living rooms and/or bedrooms.
Italian vanity cabinets with designer details.
Imported stone vanity tops.
Designer-brand lighting, fixtures and accessories.
Spacious soaking tubs and glass-enclosed showers.
Imported tile flooring and wet walls.

Located in the heart of Miami, block’s from Downtown (cultural facilities-museums, performing arts center),Midtown, Wynwood and Design District.  15 minutes away from Miami International Airport.


ICONbay - fitness center rendering
modern art, modern amenities
Living at ICONbay, one can’t help but notice the vision, creativity, and attention to detail that pervades every moment. Make no mistake, it is completely by design that life here seems more vibrant…more meaningful…more unforgettable.
 
ICONbay - pool renderings

Over 400 linear feet of stunning Biscayne Bay frontage.

Waterfront deck featuring long infinity pool.

Oceanfront fitness center and spa with state-of-the-art amenities, e.g. weight training, sauna, steam rooms, personal trainers, yoga, and Pilate's classes and more.
On-site gourmet restaurant and retail on ground floor.
Oceanside Tennis courts.

Watersports marina for windsurfing, paddle boarding, sailing, jet skies and other motorized and non-motorized aquatic activities.
24-hour valet parking.
Kids and teen lounge.

unique sculptured park

ICONbay rendering - Urban Avant-garde park

One of the centerpieces of the ICONbay design is its winding gardens and walkways directly alongside Biscayne Bay.  Highlighted by the dramatic colors and bold shapes of outdoor sculpture by local and international artists, this open thoroughfare blends seamlessly with the natural wonders of the South Florida landscape. A short distance offshore, within the Bay itself, a fountain streams coastal waters into a breathtaking tower complete with the soothing sound of rushing waters, creating a delight for all the senses to behold.

RESERVE NOW - ONLY 10%
Pre-construction Prices starting from $430,000
Reservations are being taken NOW, for more information and/or to schedule a presentation please contact us today, 305-305-0094 or 786-423-9733
Fortune International Realty

The information we present is believed to be accurate not warranted.




Aug 9, 2012

New Pre-Construction: ICON BAY Miami


At Icon Bay, each condo has impact resistant floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors that offer both (East Waterfront & City West Views). Every developer condo has its own private foyer and elevator entrance that opens directly to your front door.

AMENITIES
Infinity waterfront pool
Social room
Fitness Center and Spa
Theater room
Waterfront neighborhood park:
Neighborhood fenced park.
Your own “Gramercy Park” on the bay

Park controlled from from desk reception
Nearly 1 acre fenced neighborhood park
Sculptures and fence by renowned artist curated by MAM curators.
Lush landscape with interactive fountains
Illuminated water fountain located in center of Bay (pending approval)
400 linear ft of waterfront



LOCATION
Icon Bay is centrally located near the Financial and Design districts of Downtown Miami. Sitting along the waterfront in the burgeoning community, known as the Biscayne Corridor; This neighborhood is full of life and offers top caliber arts and culture, sports, dining and nightlife opportunities, all in close proximity. Icon Bay is only a 5 minute ride to Miami Beach and Downtown area. Just north of us is Miami's Design district  Midtown, and right in our backyard is the Arts and Entertainment district which houses Florida's largest performing arts center- Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Icon Bay is your personal sanctuary, an ode to thoughtful design, distinguished by a lifestyle that is as much global as it is local.

PAYMENT STRUCTURE
10 % at Reservation (Now)
10 % at Contract (Approx 3 Months)
20 % at Ground Breaking ( Approx 5 – 6 months)
10 % at Top Off ( Approx 1 year from groundbreaking)
50% at Closing (Approx 25 months from Groundbreaking)


Reserve today! Don’t miss this opportunity.
Call us for more information at 305.305.0094
or 786.423.9733.

Aug 5, 2012

Hello Eric. Welcome to the Wonderland at Icon Brickell.


Earlier this year, I had the privilege to participate and bring my oldest son Luca (13)  to take your child to work day.  This event sparked an interest in my 6 year old son, Eric, who began inquiring about where I work and what I do.

Lobby in Tower 1 at Icon Brickell

I explained to him that Mommy helped people find homes in Miami and her office was in a really cool building.  I'm sure many of you can already predict his response. WHY? Why is it cool? Does Batman live there? Can I see it?


This past weekend Eric visited Icon Brickell and it was an unforgettable experience for both of us.  One of the great things about being a parent is being able to see through the eyes of your child.  In this case a 6 year old who transported us to the magical wonderland of Icon Brickell and interiors inspired by Phillipe Stark. 



His comments and expressions while staring the immense statutes all lined up at the multi-level entrance almost describe an Indiana Jones movie, "Mommy, it's so dark an shinny at the same time.  Are there Indians there?  Is there a treasure?  Can we look for the treasure?" 




Mail Room in Tower 2
Hallway leading to elevator bank - Tower 1
"Wow, how do you get to the top of the mailboxes?"
"Are the top one's for Peter Pan and other Superheroes?" 
to which I replied, they most certainly are.  
The top corner belongs to Aladdin. 




I have always found Icon Brickell to be a whimsical place for adults, but never realized what a wonderland it could be for children.  The vivid colors, bold patterns, simple yet, sleek larger than life design, entice children's creativity, playfulness and imagination.


 "Mommy the gigantic pool is like the ocean, only with trees, but without sand."






Chess Room in Tower 2
Card Room in Tower 1

Animals on black and white prints on hallway
In many regards, I was amazed to find a child's perspective and imagination so refreshing and would believe that many would even think it evokes the very feelings Stark had envisioned for Icon Brickell.  

To be able to see through the eyes of a child and appreciate the magic and sense of wonderment. To know that every last detail was noticed by a child, while with most adults go unnoticed. No questioning, no analyzing.  JUST PURE ENJOYMENT/FUN! 

Jul 25, 2012

Everglades - River of Grass


Location: 

Located 50 kilometers from Miami,  in the southeast portion of Florida and covers an area of around 734 sq miles.  


Fun, Facts & Figures: 


It is the 3rd largest national park in the lower 48 states.  Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and has been protected since 1947 due to its unique and fragile interdependent ecosystem, which consists of 
swamps, mangrove forest, tropical hammocks, 
vegetation, pine rockland, and wildlife. 




Designated a World Heritage Site and an international Biosphere Reserve, it sustains life to thirty-six of America's endangered or protected wildlife species, many of which have been pushed out of urban areas throughout Florida.


Although most of us generally equate the infinite swampy waterways to alligators, the Park is also home to more than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles and 1,000 species of plants. 
It is the only place in the world where the American Alligator and the American Crocodile co-exist in the wild. 


Another way South Florida's
urban areas benefit from 
the Everglades is by its 
contribution to our water 
supply. The water supply 
in the Everglades is derived 
mostly from rainfall and functions 
as a flood control and provides 
a natural filtering system 
for all of southern Florida.

 
Activities: 


Tram tours, hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, biking, eco-tours, photography workshop and airboat tours.


When to go:


Open 365 days a year, but hot climates and pesky mosquitoes make December - March the busiest season.  A good alternative for the summer months is the audio car tour.  While in the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle you can follow along an audio program downloadable to itunes or windows media player and tour the Park. Below is a link with more information on the Everglades by car audio tour.
Everglades Park Audio Car Tour link 


More information on Everglades National Park:
Planing Your Visit to Everlades National Park 


Other related sites of interest:
Everglades Restoration Plan

Jul 1, 2012

Starting Today - Miami Spa Month

It's that time of year again!  The time when it's just unbearably hot outside, the afternoon showers, and if only it didn't always rain during rush hour traffic or on the weekends... and those blood-sucking Jurassic park mosquitoes.  Awww...the summers in Miami. 
Beginning today and running through the months of July and August.  There are many ways to escape the sizzling heat, rain, and yes even the mosquitos and treat ourselves to a temporary sanctuary.  This sanctuary is known as Miami Spa Month. For only $99 you can indulge yourself in special treatments offered at various locations in Miami's most exclusive spas.

My personal favorite for the past three years is Canyon Ranch. The Aquavana Experience is one of a kind.


Beach at Canyon Ranch

You might want to make a day out of it and enjoy some time in the white sand, while overlooking crystal waters.







This year, I am also tempted to try the Bamboo Fusion, offered at Lapis Spa at Fountainebleau, also located in Miami Beach.  Fifty minutes of vigorous massage performed with natural bamboo stalks allowing your therapist to work at various intensities. The bamboo stretches contracted muscles and imbues the body with relaxation and energy. Go out and enjoy some spa-delioushness! 

For inquires regarding buying at Canyon Ranch, Fountainebleau or any other waterfront condo, please contact :
Carla R Wilson, PA broker-associate  cwilson@fir.com  
786-423-9733
or
Sarah Vazquez, sales-associate svazquez@fir.com
305-305-0094



Fortune International Realty
475 Brickell Avenue, Suite 204
Miami, FL 33131




Jun 23, 2012

Icon Brickell set to enhance Brickell's culinary scence

Brickell has embraced and redefined the urban lifestyle and is now the place to try new cuisine from a variety of restaurants and cafes all within walking distance.

Two established high-end restaurant chain's are set to debut at Icon Brickell, Cipriani and La Cantina No.20.  

Icon Brickell
465-495 Brickell Avenue
Miami, Florida

For the Mexican food lovers out there, La Cantina No. 20 with 30 eateries in Mexico, is known for its classic Mexican dishes and original cocktail fusions such as mazapan martini and mojito with guanabana and mezcal. 

The second addition to Brickell's culinary scene and also housed in the Icon Brickell complex is the Italian themed restaurant/bar chain Cipriani's

Scheduled to open Fall of 2012 it will face the waterfront Mexican eatery on the ground level of tower 1.  Dating back to its famous celebrity hangout Harry's Bar in Venice. Cipriani restaurants are famous for its cocktail hour creations such as the Bellini and carpaccio. 


Cipriani to open Fall 2012







For inquires regarding buying/selling and leasing at Icon Brickell, please contact your "in-house" Icon Brickell team:

Carla R Wilson, PA broker-associate  cwilson@fir.com  
786-423-9733
or
Sarah Vazquez, sales-associate svazquez@fir.com
305-305-0094


Fortune International Realty
475 Brickell Avenue, Suite 204
Miami, FL 33131