Tag Archives: Miami Beach

Celebrities Move Over, There is More Money Coming to Town

access_timeJune 24, 2013personScott Patterson

In 2013 the amount of real estate that is being sold is truly record breaking in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Prices are up in every sector of the market, and most especially in the luxury condominium and luxury home markets. The inventory is so incredibly tight that homes that are priced correctly are receiving multiple offers as soon as they are listed or even before if it is a pocket listing. One thing that observers are remarking on is the continued demand. With nearly 160 new projects in developments and international cash buyers ready to put large cash down payments on pre construction condo developments, there is little doubt that this market is still on fire.

Celebrities are even taking advantage of the sellers market. Billy Joel sold his home last week for just under $14 million on La Gorce Island, and this week Rosie O’Donnell sold her Star Island Mansion for just under $13 million. Billy Joel will likely break even on the purchase after brokers fees are paid, however O’Donnell will nearly double the money made on the property, since she bought the property in 1999 for $6.75 million and sold it for $12.65 million. While the home was listed last year for $19.5 million, and was reduced, she was advised correctly to sell. Matt Damon also sold his home on North Bay road at an advantage. At the very least this indicates the market is back to 2006 conditions, if not approaching another level, reaching the top echelon of investor.

Celebrities are selling, not to leave Miami per se, but because it would be fiscally irresponsible not to. The property values are sky rocketing, and taxes will likely be raised, especially for non-homesteaded waterfront home owners. So who is buying all this incredibly expensive real estate? The answer is billionaires. Alex Rodriguez sold his home on North Bay Road to a group of the Saudi Royal Family, and Billy Joel sold his home to the largest share holder of Saks Fifth Avenue and the owner of Tod’s Shoes. So not only are the celebrities and big name athletes selling their homes, they are making profits, and making way for a newer and vastly more wealthy crowd. This real estate market is most certainly the market to watch, and if you are looking to take part in it, contact us today.

Property Insurance Reform to Affect South Florida Waterfront Real Estate Owners

access_timeMay 20, 2013personScott Patterson

The Business Journal recently had an interesting article about how the state’s reforms to Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will ultimately have a huge effect on those living on South Florida’s coasts.

For those of you who aren’t aware, Citizens Property Insurance Corp is a state-run insurer.

According to the recent legislation that the state government approved, protocol for Citizens Property has changed to help reduce enrollment, which officials say will make it less vulnerable during a storm.

This is sure to have a large impact on waterfront property owners all of South Florida!

What South Florida Home Owners Should Know About the Law Change

Under the recent change, residents will be limited to 10 percent annual premium hikes, although new enrollees would have to pass through a number of other insurers before choosing Citizens.

Experts are saying that because of this change, rates will increase overtime since homeowners would need to select private coverage within 15 percent of that offered by Citizens.

Eventually, more insurance providers will be attracted to the area, experts say.

As soon as the Citizens reform was passed, shares from the Fort Lauderdale-based Unviersity Insurance Holdings increased to its highest level in a year.

Universal Insurance Holdings is the largest private insurer in Florida.

Here’s how else the reform will affect circumstances in Florida: Some experts believe Citizens’ policy limit reductions will cause the maximum coverage to decrease from $2 million to $1 million, eventually falling to $700,000.

Some experts think the changes are coming at a bad time and may curb the housing market recovery in South Florida.

After all, investors may think twice if they’re forced to choose private insurance with higher premiums, experts say.

That could in turn call the housing market recovery to slow down or stop altogether.

What’s more, the reform forbids Citizens from covering new coastal construction after July 1, 2014. This may have a direct impact on such South Florida coastal communities.

Still, some experts say the changes to coastal construction coverage may actually end up benefiting the less expensive condominiums in Brickell and Downtown Miami.

South Florida Luxury Real Estate For Sale

What do you make of the recent legislative changes concerning Citizens Property Insurance Corp?

I am always happy to offer straight-forward advice and providing you with such useful home-selling resources as:

Until next time,

Scott

Miami Beach Bath Club Villa Sells for $6.7 Million

access_timeMay 8, 2008personScott Patterson

I Recently just sold Villa 4 at the famous historic Miami Beach Bath Club for 6.7 million on April 28th, 2008 to a couple from Pennsylvania. There are only six villas at the Bath Club and they are the only oceanfront residences on Miami Beach.

The Bath Club of Miami Beach first opened its doors in 1926, it was the place to be and be seen. The Bath Club was redeveloped by Don Peebles and offers direct oceanfront living. The Bath Club is blending the old with the new, with six single family oceanfront villas, 107 exclusive condo units and offers all the amenities of a five-star hotel located minutes from the heart of Miami Beach.