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All posts by Scott Patterson

Dive into Local History with These Top Historical Sites in South Florida

Although the Miami area wasn’t officially established as a city until 1896, the history of the area dates back to 1566. First inhabited by the Tequesta Indians before being claimed by the Spanish, the city was known as one of the best building sites in the state.

From its discovery until present day, Miami has gone through a number of historical events and major happenings. Looking to learn a little more about local history? Check out a few of the landmarks leftover from Miami’s rich past.

The Kampong

Botanical gardens.The only part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens that isn’t located in Miami, the Kampong is a small, 9-acre botanical garden. The grounds were owned by Dr. David Fairchild, a renowned botanist and plant explorer, who was responsible for introducing over 200,000 plants and crops to the United States.

The gardens are located in Coconut Grove, the oldest neighborhood in the city, and house some of the plants that Fairchild introduced. Today, it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Towering palm trees.Constructed in the late 19th century, the Barnacle Historic State Park is another historic stop located in Coconut Grove. Previously the home of local pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe, the grounds have been kept largely the same as they were when Munroe inhabited them.

When you visit the park today, you’ll find towering trees, Munroe’s old home, and beautiful natural beauty. The state park has also been outfitted with replicas of Munroe’s boats, the Egret and the Flying Proa.

Bill Baggs Cape

A lighthouse on a cape.Just a short distance away from Downtown Miami sits the Bill Baggs Cape State Park. Home to the oldest standing structure in the Miami area—the Cape Florida Lighthouse—the park is perfect for a little history and natural beauty.

In the 19th century, the cape was a landmark for Seminole Indians and runaway slaves looking for freedom and safe passage. The park offers guided tours on foot, bike, or kayak for visitors to take in all of the historic landmarks.

Ancient Spanish Monastery

The hallways of a cloister.Originally built in 1133 AD in Spain, the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was sold to newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1925, broken down brick by brick, and moved to Brooklyn. After sitting in storage for years, the remnants of the building were bought Colonel Robert Pentland, Jr and gifted to the Bishop of Florida.

Today, the Ancient Spanish Monastery offers guided tours, weddings, photo shoots, and church services. With one of the most interesting histories of any building in the country, it’s worth visiting in person.

Venetian Pool

The surface of water.The only pool on the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian Pool dates back to the 1920s. Formed from a coral rock quarry, architects used the natural features of the pool to accentuate its beauty.

With spring water sourced from an underground aquifer, two waterfalls, a grotto, and stunning accents, the Venetian Pool is one of the most popular stops in the city—and totally open to the public.

Find Your Home in Miami

Not only does Miami have a rich history, but it also boasts a bright future. Come discover all that the city has to offer, and find your new home here today.

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to give the Scott Patterson Group a call today.

Arts, Culture, & More: Your Guide to the Wynwood Art District’s Highlights

The Miami area is full of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and influences, making it one of the most vibrant cities in the whole world. Within the city, the Wynwood Arts District is known as one of the premier creative neighborhoods, and it’s easy to see why.

With art galleries, local eateries, unique shopping, and creativity galore, don’t miss out on the highlights of Wynwood—check out our guide to all of the must-see stops.

Street Art

A street mural.You don’t even have to head to an art gallery or museums to see the best art that Wynwood has to offer. When you walk through the streets of the neighborhood, almost every building is decked out with dazzling murals and unique designs, transforming a regular stroll into an artistic journey.

Did you know that Wynwood is home to the highest concentration of street art in the country? There are literally hundreds of murals from artists all over the world to check out as you stroll the streets, and the Wynwood neighborhood page offers a helpful guide to all of the current creations.

Galleries + Museums

A modern art gallery.In addition to all of the street art, Wynwood is also filled with a wide variety of art galleries and museums. It can be a little overwhelming to take it all in, which is why we’ve got the lowdown on what you can’t miss.

First, be sure to stop by the Oliver Cole Gallery. With over 50 artists from all over the world featured, the Oliver Cole Gallery is home to the latest in modern, cutting-edge trends.

Next, the Rubell Family Collection and its 7,300 privately owned works bring in over 40,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most popular museums in the area.

For something a little different, finish up your rounds with a visit to the automobile collection Miami Supercar Rooms.

Food + Shops

An upscale restaurant.Wynwood residents’ passion for the community doesn’t just stop with arts—the neighborhood also boasts a wide variety of locally owned and operated restaurants and shops. Here are the best local flavors and retailers to check out around the area!

One of the hottest new restaurants in the city, head to Alter for locally sourced and seasonal dishes including tzatziki ice cream, beef tartare, and stuffed quail. For an experience as unique as the neighborhood, check out 1-800 Lucky, an Asian-market style food hall that covers 10,000-square-feet of space—and a karaoke lounge. Other local favorites include Kyu, R House, and Joey’s.

With Wynwood’s strong roots in art and design, it should come as no surprise that the shops also reflect those values. Head to Frangipani for handmade and sustainable art pieces, Antidote for eco-conscious clothing, or Ligne Atelier for all of your contemporary interior design needs.

Explore Wynwood & Find Your Home in Miami

While we hit the highlights of Wynwood, there’s still so much more to discover. The neighborhood is packed with hidden gems on every block, so don’t miss the chance to explore it all for yourself, and find your new home here today.

If you have any questions about the area, would like more information, or are ready to get started on your real estate journey, don’t hesitate to contact the Scott Patterson Group today.

Time to Invest in Hallandale Real Estate Before It’s Too Late!

Millions of people flock to Miami every year for the beaches, the culture, and the nightlife. But, what if I told you there was an even better place to buy a home in South Florida?

The thing is, Hallandale is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about communities in the South Florida real estate scene. It’s also one of the best places to buy a house or a condo, which I’ll get into in a second.

First, Let’s Explore a Little

Luxurious waterfront properties.Located in the middle of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach, Hallandale is a waterside community with a bit of a history. While in the past, it’s been viewed as a little “rough around the edges” by local Miami residents, it’s quickly transforming into a must-see community.

This has a lot to do with its easy waterside access, relatively low price tags, and wide array of fantastic amenities. Buyers are beginning to realize this is a much more affordable real estate alternative to Miami. According to experts, homes for sale in Hallandale usually end up selling for a third less than similar properties in Miami Proper.

Why Invest in Hallandale?

Recently, I talked with the Wall Street Journal about Hallandale’s stunning (and ongoing) transformation. Although the median sales price for homes in this area is definitely increasing, it’s still far more affordable to buy a luxury property in Hallandale than Miami!

Plus, living in Hallandale comes with a lot of perks. Residents have easy access to both Miami International Airport and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. There’s more waterside properties available here as well, making it ideal for buyers who want to keep their boats handy.

Plus, this community is constantly expanding! There are a lot of new plans and developments in the works.

New Developments Coming to the Area

A garden in a city.Next door in Aventura, City Officials are building a new charter school. Plus, the Turnberry Isle Resort has transformed into a new JW a Marriott (with a new water park coming soon!)

A golf course designed by Greg Norman is set to be added to the brand new SLS Resort Residence and Marina. In short, there’s a lot to look forward to in Hallandale!

Ready to Buy a Home in Hallandale?

There’s no time like the present! If you’ve been looking for a luxury, waterside community that’s still just a quick drive away from Miami Beach, Hallandale is the place for you. Let’s set up a time to chat about your options in this great community.

Still deciding on the right community for you? Feel free to use my local area guides, home search tool, and free buying resources to make it a little easier!

 

 

Here’s Your 2019 Update for the South Florida Real Estate Market

With the new year comes new opportunities to invest in the South Florida real estate market! If you’re thinking about buying a property, or selling your current property, sometime in 2019, it’s important to keep on top of market conditions.

South Florida real estate conditions are expected to shift slightly throughout 2019. This is due in part to changes in the national real estate market, such as rising mortgage interest rates and a slow in the growth of home prices.

However, Florida remains an optimistic and highly valuable real estate market. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the changing South Florida real estate market in 2019.

Demand for Homes is Consistently High

Current inventory of Florida homes for sale will grow slowly over the next year. In addition, experts expect home prices to increase by about 4 to 5%. Industry leaders are optimistic about the state of the market in 2019. South Florida has always been a popular place to buy a home, and for good reason.

Florida residents enjoy beneficial tax advantages, including the lack of any income tax. As such, buyers from all walks of life, but especially retirees and “snowbirds” looking for summer homes, are attracted to the South Florida real estate scene.

Current Inventory of Homes is Low

Two red lounge chairs by an outdoor in ground pool.Across the United States, the current housing inventory has steadily decreased over time. This low supply of homes, combined with the consistent demand of homes in areas like South Florida, have created the conditions for a seller’s market.

If you’re interested in selling your South Florida home, it’s important to do some careful market research. A good starting point is finding out what your home is worth. Feel free to request a comparative market analysis from my team and I. We’ll research your home, inspect the market, and compare your property to similar properties in the South Florida area.

Mortgage Rates Expected to Increase

One key factor in the changing South Florida real estate market is the increase of mortgage interest rates. The interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage will rise to an average of about 5.25% by December, according to experts.

Growing interest rates are expected to tamper buyer demand, which is why home prices aren’t expected to increase rapidly this year.

Some Key Takeaways for the 2019 Real Estate Market

Saleswoman presenting a new project property on digital tablet.Long term investors in the Florida real estate market remain optimistic. The strong Florida economy combined with consistently high demand for homes in Florida have kept home values high.

As a result of ever-changing market conditions, there’s a new demographic of buyers to keep in mind. Many industry experts expect home demand to increase as a result of a newer, and younger, generation taking over the market. Millennials are currently the largest pool of potential homebuyers. In particular, households under 35 years of age are beginning to buy homes in South Florida.

As such, current Florida homeowners can expect home demand in South Florida to remain robust.

Making a Plan for Your Real Estate Ventures in 2019?

We would love to be a part of them! Give our team a call today to discuss all your 2019 real estate plans in South Florida. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate in South Florida, we’re here to help.

Have a question about the South Florida real estate market? Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help.

‘Til next time,

Scott

 

Record Breaking Sale For Home Country Club Estates Home in Aventura

Front of Home

Record Sale Price for Aventura Home, Another Record Sale By Scott!

The home at 3683 NE 199 Street in Country Club Estates, also know as Aventura Estates closed on October 24, 2016 for a record selling price of $1,650,000. This price will mark the highest sales price ever in the 80 home gated community along Country Club Drive.

Home Quick Facts

The home was not on the golf course nor did it grant water views, it was an inside lot surrounded by foliage. The two-story home featured 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths and a one-car garage.

Country Club Estates Community Info!

Country Club Estates is the only single family home community located directly on world renowned Turnberry Isles Resort & Golf Club in the heart of the City of Aventura.  Homes range in size from 2,600 to 5,500 square feet, popular for families and all about location with walking distance to Aventura Mall or a close by synagogue.  The homes offer luxury, elegance and space for entertaining your entire family and all your friends year round.

Watch HD Video of Country Club Estates!

Looking to Buyer or Sell a Home in Aventura or South Florida, I would be happy to assist.

Until next time,

Scott

Golden Isles Home For Sale

Details About This New Waterfront Listing

Golden Isles Home for Sale in Hallandale Beach, Florida : The newly listed two-story waterfront estate located at 443 Holiday drive spares no expense, offering luxury amenities in a modern tropical setting.

443 Holiday Drive is in Golden Isles

The home is situated along the deep Intracoastal waterways of Golden Isles; one of South Florida’s most sought after luxury waterfront communities.

Features You Will Love About This Golden Isles Home

Home Features four bedrooms, three and a half baths, volume ceilings, bright and sun-lit living areas, state-of-the-art kitchen with top of the line appliances, large cook island, breakfast area and formal dining room all under 5,100 sq.ft.   The resort-style backyard with swimming pool, top of the line summer kitchen, Gazebo and deeded dock make for a backyard oasis, great for Alfresco dining and entertaining.   The second-story is exclusively dedicated to the ample master suite, with spa like master bath and private balcony.

Large circular driveway and two-car garage offers ample space for parking.

Learn More About This Golden Isles Home For Sale

For more information about this listing or to View other Golden Isles Homes For Sale, please visit www.scottpatterson.com or call me at 954-661-8871.

 

Until next time,

Scott

Brickell City Centre Is Set To Open This November

brickellcitycenter_metromover

The Brickell City Centre located in Miami, Florida long-awaited opening is just around the corner. After years of speculation and construction; the waiting game is over. Starting November 2016, the doors will finally open. Here is a breakdown of the tenants whom have officially been announced.

  • Clothing: 100% Capri, 120% Lino, Addict, Adolfo Dominguez, Agent Provocateur, Armani Collezioni, BDBA, Crocus Studio, Chopard, Cole Haan, Intermix, In-Sight, Kiton, Koko & Palenki, LIVE!, Lululemon, Mirto, Orlebar Brown, Onda de Mar, Rhythm of Grace, REISS, SportsAction, Sundek, Ted Baker, Vilebrequin
  • Fashion and accessories: Addict, Audemars Piguet, Acqua di Parma, APM Monaco, Bally, Caudalie, Capritouch, Coach, Diptyque, Designer Eyes, Font, Harmont & Blaine, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Italia Independent, Illesteva, IRO, Kendra Scott, Kreations. Leetal Kalmanson, Michele Lopriore, Nars, Nest Casa, Pandora, Porsche Design, Richard Mille, Santa Maria Novella, Stuart Weitzman, Westime, Valentino
  • Dining: American Harvest, Big Easy Winebar & Grill, Calissons du Roy René, DAVIDsTEA, Dr. Smood, Häagen-Dazs, Luke’s Lobster, Pasión del Cielo, Pubbelly Sushi, Quinto La Huella, Santa Fe Ca Café, Sugar, Taco Chic
  • Arts and services: the Apple store, AT&T, Bojanini Art Gallery, Brickell Nail Bar, Musart, Sean Donaldson Hair

A few newly announced tenants have been added to the list as follows: Bruno Magli, Carmen Steffens, Baldinini, Boglioli, Lafayette 148, Samsonite, SPARIS and Violetas/Baccarat.

Swire, Simon, and Whitman property group have previously announced the anchor tenants as well: Cinemex, Saks Fifth Avenue and an Italian food hall. The City Centre is expected to draw in over two million visitors per year.

 

Until next time,

Scott…

This Weeks Featured Listing : 325 Layne Blvd

325 Layne Blvd_02Golden Isles – Hallandale Beach, Florida new Listing. Golden Isles is a private gated waterfront community with deep water and no fixed bridges. 325 Layne Blvd is all about luxury and has raised the bar once again in Golden Isles. Five bedrooms and five bathrooms under six thousand square feet of extraordinary luxury and custom finishes. This home is situated on a 92′ x 150′ foot lot with ample boat dockage, a 25K boat lift,325 Layne Blvd_15 new dock and batter pile seawall. The home is fully equipped with top of the line appliances, office, wet bar, smart home automation, two car garage, marble driveway, electronic gates, and of course a custom heated pool, this is a must see. Call me today to schedule a private showing.

-Scott

 

The Aventura Mall Expansion Is Underway

Aventura, FL – The beautiful city of Aventura is not only a great place to live in the many communities such as Porto Vita, Island Estates, Aventura Estates and also play golf at The Turnberry Isle Resort & Golf Club but the city is known for one of the nations largest and highest grossing luxury shopping malls in the US., “The Aventura Mall”. To many of us, it has become not only a convenience but staple of our Lifestyle.

The Aventura Mall not only has some of the best shopping around, its also has great restaurants, a movie theater, and an Equinox Gym. Well, if anyone is wondering what all the construction is on the east side of the mall, you can bet it’s going to be big. The new expansion of the mall includes a 315,000 sq. ft. retail wing and parking garage along with a host of destination restaurants and a new state of the art food court.QE5oWH2 Starting to sound good to you isn’t it? To top it all off, renderings have revealed plans for a new Tesla store to be included in the expansion. Let me know what stores you would want to see be included in the expansion in your comments below!

– Scott

THIS WEEKS FEATURED LISTING

342757635_5513 Palm Dr. Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009

 

Golden Isles waterfront estate listed for $3.249 million. This new contemporary home was built on an large Intracoastal 100′ x 150′ lot and its many features include: five bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half baths with over 5,500 sq. ft. living area and over 7,200 total sq. ft.. Lavish landscaping on this tropical modern setting, large beautiful backyard with an over sized pool, jacuzzi and beach pad.

 

 

 

 

This waterfront home has a large chefs kitchen, formal dining room, down stairs master suite, tray ceilings, custom light fixtures, motorized shades, and lots of natural light adds sheer beauty to this home. Golden Isles is a boaters paradise with the Atlantic inlet nearby!   Call me today for a private showing: 954-661-8871

-Scott