Tag Archives: Scott Patterson Real Estate

Halloween in South Florida: The Top Events Happening in the Next Week

access_timeOctober 25, 2019personScott Patterson

Happy Halloween, South Florida! With October 31st just around the corner, the next few days promise to be filled with tricks, treats, spooks, and scares.

Whether you’re taking the kids out for candy or looking for an evening of fun, here are the top Halloween events around South Florida.

Halloween Night of the Haunted Carnival

A stack of small pumpkins in someone's hand at a haunted carnival.

When: October 25th, 6pm

Where: Back Yard Concert Lawn & Plaza

What: A haunted house, a costume parade, carnival games, live performances, and more—the Haunted Carnival has a little something for ghost and ghouls of every age. Stick around until 10pm for a screening of Beetlejuice!

A Nightmare in Leah

When: October 26th

Where: Leah Arts District

What: Come out for an all-out, family-friendly block party in the Leah Arts District! You can enjoy live music, painting demonstrations, trick-or-treating, and a few special surprises.

Spooky Symphony

When: October 27th

Where: Miami-Dade County Auditorium

What: The Alhambra Orchestra and the Greater Miami Youth Symphony will be putting on their annual Spooky Symphony this Saturday, featuring music from Frozen, Wonder Woman, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes!

Ghosts in the Garden

When: October 27th

Where: Miami Beach Botanical Garden

What: Carve your own jack-o-lantern, take in some spooky art, and enjoy the creative costumes on display during the garden parade.

Not-so-Spooky Halloween Festival

When: October 31st

Where: Westwood Park

What: If you have a few kiddos, this is the event to check out. Come gather goodies at the trunk-or-treat, then stick around for a showing of Hocus Pocus.

Hallowave

When: October 31st

Where: Washington Avenue Business Improvement District

What: The Hallowave is a full mile of Halloween festivities, including trick-or-treating, games, iconic characters, and more. Don’t miss out on the dog costume contest!

Monster Mash Bash

When: October 31st

Where: City Hall

What: The Monster Mash Bash is sure to be a graveyard smash. A haunted house, live music, costume contest, carnival rides and games, vendors, prizes, and more—it’s the place to be on Halloween night!

Explore Life in South Florida

If you’re curious about all that life in South Florida has to offer, I’m more than happy to show you around. Check out a few of my in-depth guides to area, browse my buying resources, and give me a call when you’re ready to start your real estate journey!

Get in the Fall Spirit with These Seasonal South Florida Celebrations

access_timeSeptember 26, 2019personScott Patterson

Although we may not have autumn’s quintessential crisp temperatures and changing leaves, we still have plenty of fall fun in South Florida.

From Oktoberfest celebrations to food festivals to book fairs, you’ll find something happening pretty much every weekend! Check out a few of the top upcoming highlights, and add them to your schedule!

Miami Carnival

When: October 11th – 15th

Where: Locations vary

What: A celebration of Brazilian and Trinidadian culture, the Miami Carnival is one of the most lively and colorful events in the region. You can expect parades, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, and tons of food and drinks. The most popular parts of the carnival include the Junior Carnival and J’Ouvert!

Oktoberfest Miami

When: October 11th – 13th, 18th – 20th

Where: German American Social Club on Miller Drive

What: Celebrating its 62nd year, Oktoberfest Miami is the longest continuously-running Oktoberfest in the country! Come one of the two weekends for authentic German beer food, music, and more.

Grovetoberfest

When: October 12th

Where: Regatta Park

What: If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss Grovetoberfest. With over 500 craft beers, tons of tastings, and live music, it’s one of the largest celebrations of its kind!

Cardboard Boat Race

When: October 12th

Where: City of Hollywood Marina

What: Grab a team, assemble a boat, and see if you have what it takes to stay afloat for the Cardboard Boat Race! Boats can be built on or off site, and cardboard will be provided. The winners of the race get trophies and bragging rights! Check out some of the designs from last year, and get to building.

South Beach Seafood Festival

When: October 22nd – 26th

Where: South Beach

What: Named by USAToday as one of the Top 5 Specialty Festivals in the country and rated as the Best Seafood Festival in the US by the Travel Channel, the South Beach Seafood Festival is a can’t-miss. In addition to some of the best flavors in the country, you can also expect live music, games, demos, and plenty of drinks.

Miami Beach Pop Festival

When: November 8th – 10th

Where: South Beach

What: Jack Johnson, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, The Roots, Maggie Rogers—this three-day music festival is bringing in some big names. No matter what your favorite genre is—from dance and hip hop to pop and rock—you’ll probably find a familiar name on the lineup.

Miami Book Fair

When: November 17th – 24th

Where: Locations vary

What: Close out the season by curling up with a perfect book at the Miami Book Fair. For eight days, you can explore vendors, authors, and all things literature.

Explore Life in South Florida

Whether you hail from Hollywood or Miami, you’ll find that our area of South Florida is always busy with things to do. The best way to explore it all? Find your new home in one of our unique communities!

Take some time to get to know more about the South Florida area, and browse my buying resources for more information. Ready to get started? Just give me a call!

Find a Home for Fido: The Top Pet-Friendly Properties in South Florida

access_timeSeptember 4, 2019personScott Patterson

Pets play a pretty important role in our lives. In fact, 68% of households in the country own a pet! Since so many people have a four-legged family member, it makes sense that you’d want to move somewhere that works for them, too.

Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful South Florida homes and condos that are not only pet-friendly, but also surrounded by resources like dog parks, pet stores, and groomers. Take a look at a few of the top pet-friendly communities in the area, and let me know when you’d like to see a few listings in person!

Diplomat Oceanfront

The Diplomat is a high-rise, oceanfront building in Hollywood, filled with resort-style amenities and stunning views. The building is pet-friendly, so you’ll be able to enjoy it all with Fido by your side!

Just north of the building, you’ll find the Hollywood Dog Beach, which is open on the weekends and features some pretty prime beachfront, all for your four-legged friend. An added bonus: on your way home from the beach, you can also swing by the nearby Pet Supermarket and pick up a few treats!

Trump Royale

A 55-story condo tower that juts out above the rest of Collins Avenue, the Trump Royale building offers a lifestyle like no other, including luxurious amenities, oceanfront views, and pet-friendly units.

You won’t have to wander far from home to find some green space for your pup. Heritage Park is just a stone’s throw away and features a leash-free dog zone, perfect for making a few new friends. If your pet needs a little style boost, Le Chien’s grooming services are just down the road!

Golden Pointe

Located in Aventura, Golden Pointe is a gated townhome community perched along the Intracoastal Waterway. Not only do these homes offer plenty of space for your pet to roam around in, but you’ll also have a slice of outdoor patio space, as well!

When it comes to location, pet owners won’t find a much better option than the townhomes at Golden Pointe. Just down the road from the neighborhood is the Waterways Dog Park, which features 1.5 acres of off-leash space, doggie water fountains, and a shaded patio. Take a two-minute trip north of the park, and you’ll find all of the supplies you need at Petco!

For a local shopping option, Aventura Pups is a few extra minutes away.

Harbourwood Villas

A laid-back, townhome-style village, Harbourwood Villas is home to beautiful properties, coveted amenities, and either canal-front or garden-front views. It’s the perfect place to raise up your four-legged friend!

Just minutes away from your front door, you’ll find ample wide-open green space at Joseph Scavo Park, including a dog park area for both large and small dogs, and Petco is just down the road!

Find Your Home in South Florida

Whether you’re moving with your four-legged friend or not, you’ll find plenty of top-notch home options in South Florida, from luxurious condos to expansive townhomes. Take some time to explore the area and neighborhoods, and narrow down your search.

Ready to get started or need a few recommendations? Just give me a call!

First-Time Buyers: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home in South Florida

access_timeMay 7, 2019personScott Patterson

Even for seasoned real estate investors, buying a home can be a challenging process. From the initial search to figuring out the right mortgage options to navigating closing paperwork, buying a home comes with a long list of to-dos. For first-time buyers, the purchasing process can be both stressful and intimidating.

Are you looking for your first home in South Florida and feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry—my team and I are here to provide you with all of the resources you need to find real estate success.

Narrow Down Your Search

Take a minute to think about your dream home. Is it located right on the beachfront with easy access to waterfront recreation? Does it have a large, private backyard with plenty of room to roam? Or perhaps it comes outfitted with the latest in smart home technology?

Whatever is most important to you in a dream home is completely up to you, but my team can help you narrow down your options. Our specialized search tool was made specifically to help buyers search homes based on certain criteria, so give it a try!

Still need some inspiration since it’s your first time buying? Check out my featured listings ,and see what catches your eye.

Explore South Florida Areas

You might not initially think so, but finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right home. South Florida is made up of a wide collection of communities, each offering different benefits, from active nightlifes to easily commutable locations.

In the end, narrowing down the ideal neighborhood is a lot like the home search process; it’s all about what’s most important to you. Are you more concerned about the lifestyle of a neighborhood or the location? Would you rather be closer to the beach or your workplace?

Luckily, you don’t have to hit the streets and explore your options for yourself. My team and I offer a variety of in-depth guides to each community around South Florida, so be sure to take advantage of our browsing resources.

Figure Out Your Finances

One of the trickiest parts of buying a home—especially for first-time buyers—is figuring out your finances. After all, you need to find a trusted lender, decide which mortgage options work best for you, and calculate your budget for monthly payments.

Since I’ve been working around South Florida for years, I can help you find the best lenders with the best rates in the area. I also offer a number of helpful financial calculators that allow you to get a better grasp on what your payments might look like. And when it comes to deciding on mortgage options, my team can help you determine which choice fits your needs.

Get Answers to Your Questions

If it’s your first time buying, you’re probably going to have a fair number of questions about the process. Not only is that expected, but I have plenty of resources—from FAQs to exclusive buying guides—made to help you get some much-needed answers.

Still not finding what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out and give me a call or send along an email. With over 20 years of experience in the area, I’m more than happy to break down the intricacies of buying in South Florida.

Find Your Dream Home with the Scott Patterson Group

Buying your first home can be a daunting process, but when you work with the Scott Patterson Group, you’ll be taken care of. With years of experience, a wealth of local knowledge, and a wide variety of professional skills, my team has everything you need for a successful South Florida real estate experience.

Ready to get started on finding your dream home or have a few questions about local real estate? Don’t hesitate to give me a call!

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

access_timeMarch 4, 2019personScott Patterson

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

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

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

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

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 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

access_timeFebruary 28, 2019personScott Patterson

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

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

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

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.

Hassan Whiteside Possibly Buying A New Home In South Florida This Year

access_timeJuly 6, 2016personScott Patterson

Miami, Florida- Basketball season is out and the news is in. According to Bleacher Reports article and various other news sources, major basketball star Hassan Whiteside signed a four-year maximum deal with our very own Miami Heat. His new contract will be cashing in a whopping 98 million. WOW. You heard right, 98 million! That is a total of one hundred times more than his current Heat contract. With that being said, Whiteside is expected to put that money to good use and what’s better than real estate, right? There is a plethora of pricey real estate options for him to purchase here in South Florida. Currently, he resides in a two bedroom at 900 Biscayne but will he opt for a more lavish waterfront home? Or chose to stick to the high-rise lifestyle? Heat fans, I want to hear how well you know Whiteside!