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Category Archives: Press Release / News

New South Florida Real Estate Website Unveiled to Help South Florida Home Buyers and Sellers

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I  have some exciting news for interested South Florida home buyers and home sellers. We recently redesigned our website to make it easier for you to navigate the South Florida real estate market!

Here’s a look at some of the features we recently added or improved:

Personalized South Florida Real Estate Service

I strive to give every interested South Florida home buyer and home seller the best service possible.   That’s why we also added some of these social features to our website that helps us stay connected to you:

Thinking About Entering the South Florida Real Estate Market?

With our newly designed website, it’s never been easier to navigate the South Florida Real Estate market!

Contact me, Scott Patterson, your Aventura area real estate expert today, to learn more about what we can do for you.

Until next time,

Scott

Last Developable Island For Sale in Aventura Florida Now

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Not many people can say they own their own island.  That rare opportunity is available  in Miami-Dade County, Florida now.

I was overjoyed to learn that The Miami Herald wrote and featured a front page story on my 8 acres island listing.

For just $49.5 million, you can own your own eight-acre island, the most exclusive private piece of real estate in South Florida.  The private island is located in Aventura and linked to the mainland by a private bridge.

Owner Gary Cohen, who represents the Cohen Family Trust, certainly has quite the asset on his hands: the waters surrounding the island are deep enough for a potential buyer to dock their 150 foot yacht.  Plus, the island is connected to the beautiful city of Aventura.

Additionally, Mr. Cohen couldn’t have picked a better time to enter the South Florida real estate market: sales of Miami-Dade single-family homes in excess of $1 million are up 18 percent!

Learn more about this stellar piece of Aventura real estate by checking out today’s article in the Miami Herald.

Investing in Aventura Florida Real Estate

Thinking about entering the South Florida real estate market as a South Florida home buyer? I can help!

As your South Florida real estate expert, I’ll provide you with invaluable home buying tools to help you make an educated decision on the South Florida real estate market, including:

Until next time,

Scott

Sales Center Now Open for the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in South Florida

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For months, South Florida residents have been waiting for the completion of the prestigious  St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, a luxury hotel and condominium community in South Florida.

The wait is nearly over!  According to a recent article in The Miami Herald, the sales center at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort recently opened.  And  developers appear to be putting the final touches on The  St. Regis, right down to the  resort’s lush landscaping.

Residential closings are expected to begin this fall at the exclusive waterfront resort, with prices starting at about $1.9 million.

World Class Amenities Abound at the Residences at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

There are 270 homes available at The St. Regis, ranging  from one to five bedrooms.  Square footage in these amazing homes range from 1,777 to 6,868 square feet.

This is a fantastic addition to the already exclusive Bal Harbour community.  The 27-story resort will offer its residents only the finest in luxury living, including:

  • Easy access to the trendy Bal Harbour Shops
  • 10-foot ceilings
  • European style kitchens
  • 12,000 square foot Remede spa
  • Marble and granite counter tops
  • Valet and security services
  • Resident only pools
  • State-of- the-art fitness center
  • And so much more!

Bal Harbour Real Estate

The opening of The St. Regis  is a wonderful thing for Bal Harbour because  it signals that the South Florida community is still a leader in luxury, waterfront living.

The Residences at the St. Regis join an elite group of high-end luxury condominiums, including the Bellini.

If you’d like to learn more about this amazing new community in Bal Harbour, Florida and other luxury South Florida condominiums, contact me, Scott Patterson, your South Florida real estate expert.

South Florida Home and Condo Sales Start Strong in 2011

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The year 2011 is off to a good start in the South Florida real estate market, according to a recent article in The Miami Herald.

The number of luxury condominiums and home sales in South Florida is resembling those levels seen in 2005. In fact, sales figures in Miami-Dade and Broward counties haven’t been this high in five years.

There were 1,262 sales of existing condos in Miami-Dade County in January, which is a 134 percent increase from January 2010, according to the Miami Association of Realtors

In Broward County, there were 1,318 condo sales in January, which is a 27 percent from the same month last year.

Single-family home sales in Miami-Dade and Broward counties increased by  55 percent and 18 percent respectively from January 2010.

A Shift to a Home Sellers Market?

Although area foreclosures continue to pull the median sales price for South Florida homes downward, experts are saying that the increased activity in South Florida home sales as well as the shrinking inventory of homes on the market may have a counter effect.

As South Florida home prices begin to rise, the market might switch from being a buyer’s market to a seller’s market.

South American buyers, enjoying a favorable conversion rate to the U.S. dollar, are expediting this switchover by investing in the South Florida real estate market in large numbers.

Still, the South Florida real estate market seems to be a buyer’s market at this point, as evident by some recently released data:

  • The median sales price on Miami-Dade condos was $91,200 in January, which was a decrease of 36 percent from 2010.
  • In Broward County, the median sales price rose slightly – by 2 percent – to $68,900.
  • The median sales price for Miami-Dade single family homes fell 18 percent to $150,800 when compared to January 2010.
  • The median sales price for Broward County single family homes dopped by 5 percent to $165,100.

Ready to Enter the South Florida Real Estate Market?

If you’re the kind of home buyer who loves a good deal, now is a great time to enter the real estate market.  Prices are still low, more financing has opened up and interest rates are still at record lows.
Recent signs in the market, however, suggest that the South Florida real estate market is shifting toward a seller’s market.  Once that happens, prices on luxury condominiums and homes will inevitably rise.
Contact me, Scott Patterson, your Aventura real estate expert, today to learn about available listings in some of our luxury Aventura condominiums, including:

While you’re at it, feel free to check out some of the other amazing South Florida communities, including Bal Harbour, Golden Beach, Hallandale and Hollywood.

Brazilian Home Buyers Positively Stimulating the South Florida Real Estate Market

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Brazilians are visiting and investing in South Floridain record numbers, according to a recent article in The Miami Herald.The South Florida newspaper reported that not only are Brazilians storming the luxury South Florida real estate market, but they’re also investing in local businesses.

According to the article, the recent surge in Brazilian visitors and Brazilian home buyers in the South Florida real estate market is largely credited to Brazil’s booming economy.  In fact, the country’s economy is expected to become the fifth largest in the world by 2016.

In addition, Brazil’s currency is stronger than the dollar, which makes investing in South Florida all the more appealing for Brazilian home buyers.

More Signs that Brazilians Are Making a Huge Impact on South Florida Real Estate

Everywhere you look in South Florida, there are signs that the area’s relationship with Brazilian home buyers is becoming increasingly paramount to the local economy.  According to the Miami Herald:
  • American Airlines provides 52 flights to Brazil a week from Miami International Airport.
  • An estimated 500,000 Brazilians visited Miami-Dade in 2010, spending more than $1 billion locally.
  • The local tourism bureau has increasingly published guides, maps and other tourist materials in Portuguese.
  • The number of Brazilians visiting Broward County last year jumped by 50 percent to about 300,000 visitors.
  • After Canada, Brazil is the second most important foreign market in Broward County.
  • There are an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 Brazilians living in Florida, according to the Brazilian Consulate in Miami.  The majority of them live in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, as well as Orlando.
Many of these Brazilian home buyers are settling in the Sunny Isles and Miami areas in high-end, waterfront condominiums and properties, the article reported.

Luxury  Condominiums and Properties Available Now in Aventura, Florida and other South Florida Communities

As a seasoned South Florida REALTOR, I understand the importance of remaining informed about the South Florida real estate market in order to better serveSouth Florida home buyers.

Whether you’re an international home buyer from Brazil or a native Floridian who is interested in relocating within the state, I can provide you with expert real estate advice and cutting-edge home buyer tools, including:

I also suggest you browse all the available listings in some of South Florida’s most beautiful communities, including Aventura, Hallandale, Hollywood and Golden Beach.

More South Florida Home Buyers Are Using Cash to Purchase South Florida Homes for Sale

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As it has become increasingly difficult to get a South Florida mortgage in recent years, more South Florida home buyers are using cash to purchase homes, according to recent real estate market data.

According to the National Association of Realtors, about 28 percent of 2010 home sales involved all-cash transactions.  This trend appears to be an increasing,  especially when one considers that in 2008, 14 percent of all real estate transactions were cash only.

In the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, the prevalence of all-cash transactions is even more apparent.  In 2010, more than half of all transactions in the area involved cash buyers.

South Florida Home Buyers Find Getting a Mortgage Difficult

Some experts have suggested that the sluggish housing market has caused the increase in cash-only real estate transactions. Here’s why.

After the housing market bubble burst, many lenders tightened their belts and made it more difficult to get a mortgage.  According to a national survey by MortgageMatch.com:

  • 70.6 percent of Americans feel like the difficulty of getting a mortgage is a serious problem.
  • 32.3 percent of Americans found that understanding the mortgage process and meeting lender requirements is more difficult than getting the mortgage itself.
  • 79 percent of recent home buyers said that getting a mortgage was as difficult or more difficult than they expected.
  • 20.9 percent of home buyers said that it stressed them out more to wait for approval on a mortgage than to wait to hear back on a job opportunity.
  • 10.8 percent of borrowers said their lender charged them a higher interest rate than they were originally quoted or expected.
  • 20.7 percent of borrowers said that finding a lender that was easy to work with was a challenge.

All Cash South Florida Real Estate Deals Seen as a More Attractive Option

The recent data released on home buyers’ perceptions of getting a mortgage suggests that  the process is stressful, frustrating and upsetting.

Meanwhile, those home buyers who are opting to use cash on their real estate purchase are finding that the process is easy and even advantageous.

Home buyers who use cash only usually get 5 to 10 percent  off the asking price of a home as compared to those buyers who use a mortgage.

Many South Florida real estate experts agree that sellers prefer cash real estate transactions because they tend to be quicker.  In addition, the seller doesn’t have to worry about a bank rescinding  a mortgage deal.

Homes for Sale Available Now

Are you interested in checking out some of the properties available now in Aventura, Florida and other nearby communities such as Golden Beach and Hallandale? Then contact me, Scott Patterson, your South Florida real estate expert.

As your South Florida REALTOR, I’ll keep you up to date on more trends like this one in the Aventura real estate market as well as let you know of any Aventura homes that enter the Aventura real estate market.

Nationally Acclaimed Asset Management Company Invests in Aventura, Launches South Florida Portfolio

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The South Florida luxury condominium real estate market might never look the same again.  ST Residential, a renowned asset management company with $4.5  billion worth of real estate investments nationwide, recently announced that it would be adding to its portfolio several South Florida condominiums , one of which is in Aventura.

According to a recent press release, ST Residential takes “a fresh look at the real estate market by rethinking everything from the ground up.”

The company manages a public-private partnership between the FDIC and several private equity investors, including Starwood Capital and Perry Capital.

In the South Florida real estate market, ST Residential recently added the following communities to its portfolio:

  • ARTECH, a gorgeous community in Aventura
  • Jade Ocean, a stellar condominium community in Sunny Isles
  • Tao, a high-end community in suburban Sunrise
  • Infinity, which is located in downtown Brickell
  • Mint, which features luxury residences in the heart of  Miami
  • Paramount Bay, which is coming soon

Luxury Condominiums in Aventura, Florida and Surrounding Areas

Built in 2008, ARTECH is a beautiful community in Aventura Florida that features studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences.  Square footage in this waterfront community ranges from 913 to 2,814 square feet.  So whatever size family you have, you’re sure to find a home that suits your needs at ARTECH.

As a resident of ARTECH, you’ll have access to such amenities as:

  • Waterfront infinity edge pool
  • Two tennis courts
  • Fully equipped fitness center and spa
  • Yoga terrace
  • Business Center
  • 24-hour security
  • Concierge
  • And more!

This community is already an amazing place to live.  Thus, with ST Residential’s recent investment in this Aventura condominium community, life should only get better for ARTECH residents.

Learn More About the Aventura Real Estate Market Today!

In addition to ARTECH, there are plenty of luxury condominiums in Aventura Florida, including Hamptons South, Hidden Bay, The Point and Williams Island.

In addition to resort-style amenities, these communities offer you easy access to some of the best attractions that Aventura has to offer, including:

  • Aventura Mall
  • Amazing shopping, dining and entertainment options in the downtown
  • Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
  • Some of South Florida’s most beautiful beaches
  • And much more!

If you would like to learn more about living in this amazing South Florida community, then contact me, Scott Patterson, your South Florida Real Estate Expert.

I’ll let you know about any available listings in Aventura’s wonderful condominium communities and will also answer any questions you might have.

To help make entering the Aventura real estate market easier, I recommend you check out my Buyer FAQs as well as my FREE Buying South Florida Real Estate Ebook.

2010 Real Estate Market Report for Golden Isles in Hallandale, Florida

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In 2010, I spent a lot of time selling properties in the gated waterfront community of Golden Isles in Hallandale, Florida. In fact, of the 14 homes that sold in this community in 2010, I sold half of them.

Golden Isles has become a coveted address because of it’s location and access to the ocean. It’s central location puts you just minutes away from the unique communities of Aventura, Sunny Isles and Bal Harbour, this deep waterfront community is also less than 5 minutes from the newly constructed Gulfstream Park:

Community Amenities include:

•Tennis Center
•Park and Children’s Playground
•24 Hour Manned Gatehouse

I recently reviewed all of the sales in the Golden Isles community, below is a quick summary in case you’re thinking about entering the South Florida real estate market.

2010 Sales Data for the Golden Isles Community in the Hallandale Real Estate Market

Of the 14 homes that sold in Golden Isles in 2010, I sold seven.  Below I have listed the sales data for this sought after Hallandale community.

Total Sales in 2010: 14

Highest Priced Sale in 2010: $1,425,000 (Structure was torn down by buyer, corner property sold for land value)

Lowest Priced Sale in 2010: $440,000 (Knock down on north side of Tamarind Drive, the north side of Tamarind is the least desirable location in Golden Isles since it faces older condos built in the 50’s)

Maximum Square Footage on a Home Sold in 2010: 5,908

Minimum Square Footage on a Home Sold in 2010: 1,708

Given this community’s compelling location on the water and its close proximity to all the shopping, dining and entertainment venues of neighborhood communities, the lots in Golden Isles are quite valuable.

Buying a Home in Hallandale, Florida

Do you want to learn more about Golden Isles?  Check out my Golden Isles community page, which details all of the amenities you’ll find in this community.

If you’re a South Florida home buyer who is interested in learning more about all the available listings in Hallandale, Golden Beach, Hollywood and Aventura, then contact me, Scott Patterson.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the area and help make navigating the South Florida real estate market as easy as possible for you.

Explore Harbor Islands in Hollywood Florida from the Convenience of Home

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The advent of the Internet has made it a whole lot easier to be a South Florida home buyer. Why? Because it allows you to have a wealth of information right at your fingertips, from available listings in Hollywood, Florida to virtual tours of some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the area.

My goal is to make navigating the South Florida real estate market as easy as possible. So I’ve made videos of some of the most coveted, luxurious residential communities in the area.

This month, I’d like to tell you about a community that has become well known for its tranquil vistas and friendly neighbors: Harbor Islands in Hollywood, Florida.

Dream Homes for Every Lifestyle in Harbor Islands Community in Hollywood, Florida

Situated on a cluster of islands along the Intracoastal Waterway, the 192-acre gated community of Harbor Islands is a paradise within the city of Hollywood.  Many of the homes in this amenity rich community are waterfront and feature  views of the Intracoastal and canals as well as have private swimming pools.

From waterfront estates to impressive town homes, there is something for every lifestyle at Harbor Islands, with prices ranging from $450,000 to $5 million.  Homes were built between 1996 and 2006 and range in size from 1,500 to 10,0000 square feet.

Although the neighborhood itself is expansive, you’ll feel right at home in one of Harbor Island’s distinctive communities: Edgewater, Harborside, Harborview, Grand Harbor Estates, The Estates, Harbor Pointe, Commodore Estates and Admiral’s Cove.

No matter which community within Harbor Islands you ultimately settle in, rest assured that you’ll have access to such world class amenities as:

  • the Grand Clubhouse Recreation Center
  • The 20-acre Joe Dimaggio Park, which includes paths for biking and jogging
  • A Championship Tennis Center
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Center and Spa
  • The Loggerhead Club and Marina
  • And more!

Ready to Enter the Hollywood, Florida Real Estate Market?

If you would like to learn more about what Harbor Islands has to offer its residents, check out my Harbor Islands community page, which will tell you even more about what it’s like to live in this amazing Hollywood, Florida neighborhood.

As your South Florida real estate expert, I’m constantly looking for ways to make your South Florida home buying experience easy and pleasant. Contact me, Scott Patterson, today to learn about featured listings in South Florida’s many beautiful communities, including Aventura, Golden Beach, Hallandale and Hollywood.

I’d also suggest you browse some of my other community pages to learn about other featured neighborhoods in Hollywood, including Hollywood Lakes as well as the condominium communities of  Ocean Palms and Villas of Positano

2010 Real Estate Market Report for The Point in Aventura, Florida

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The year 2010 proved rather successful for The Point development in Aventura, Florida.  Several South Florida real estate buyers invested in condos at each of The Point’s five towers and it’s easy to see why.
The Point community is the apex of luxury living.  From its breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway to its resort style amenities, The Point has it all!
I recently compiled all the 2010 sales data for The Point to see just how successful 2010 was for this development and even I was impressed with how well the community fared. If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Aventura, such as at The Point, this information will prove invaluable for you.

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