Anyone who thinks that Florida Marlins baseball is going to the dogs, is right.
Friday May 4 will see Dolphin Stadium covered with furry fans wagging tails instead of tongues, as the Marlins host the fifth annual Bark at the Park.
Four-legged friends and their owners are invited to watch the hometeam play the San Diego Padres at 7 p.m. to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt-A-Pet and the Humane Society of Broward County.
Onsite, a professional pet-photographer will snap owners and their “best friend,” while a special pregame show by K-Nines in Flight, a frisbee dog squad, will highlight what makes them world-famous.
Owners will receive Marlins poop scoops and bags, to be used at a designated astro-turfed doggy bathroom. Doggy pools will be available and Marlins doggy water bowls will be distributed to keep Rover cool and content during the game.
There’s a very specific set of pet-lovers in South Florida, according to the Humane Society of Broward County, that go virtually everywhere with their pooches, so this event is just one more great way to stay connected. Lists of pet-friendly parks , beaches and restaurants can even be found on their website here.
While you’re at Dolphin Stadum, you might check out some pet-friendly condos close to it in Aventura, such as Mystic Pointe. These luxury condos are a five-minute ride from Hallandale Beach, Aventura Mall and top-rated schools, as well.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for dogs and kids under 12. Don’t forget Rover's rabies tag - or he'll be tagged "out."
Monday, April 30, 2007
GLOBAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT: Will we see Weston-style homes in the Bahamas?
The May issue of Miami Monthly did a series of articles on the hot topic of global real estate development, 2007-style, and its frontrunners. Leaders in the industry are located here, in South Florida.
Coastal Construction Group, led Tom Murphy Jr., a Miami-based firm which builds one-of-a-kind luxury homes throughout South Florida for high-profile superstars, like Dan Marino’s home in Weston, condos like Aqua Island, schools in Miami-Dade County, etc.
Now, Coastal, which set the bar for the community in which Marino’s house was built, Windmill Ranch Estates, is redeveloping an existing resort in the Bahamas called Valentine’s Resort and Marina in Harbor Island and upgrading the property with a new restaurant, marina, facilities and nearly 50 gated homes and condo-hotel units, a la Weston.
The magazine also cites one big reason why developers are heading a few miles offshore: retail mortgage lending is easier than ever. Banks lend more, so investors feel safer, and at the same time, this bridges the gap between the types of investors (first-time individuals or bigtime development companies) who can throw their hat in the ring. Other reasons include the safety of gated resorts and U.S.-born creature comforts now available on foreign soil.
But even more interesting is that what the rest of the U.S. finds scary about Miami – its international community - works for Miami real estate. Realtors from Miami have international clout, after wheeling and dealing international clients for years, and thus, have shaped global marketing trends, forged international development connections and implemented global business standards.
And, caught in the middle as a gateway for Latin American business, it has a steady international clientele. More than 22,000 residential units are under construction in the City of Miami, alone, according to Miami monthly, and more than 60,000 approved for next year.
Coastal Construction Group, led Tom Murphy Jr., a Miami-based firm which builds one-of-a-kind luxury homes throughout South Florida for high-profile superstars, like Dan Marino’s home in Weston, condos like Aqua Island, schools in Miami-Dade County, etc.
Now, Coastal, which set the bar for the community in which Marino’s house was built, Windmill Ranch Estates, is redeveloping an existing resort in the Bahamas called Valentine’s Resort and Marina in Harbor Island and upgrading the property with a new restaurant, marina, facilities and nearly 50 gated homes and condo-hotel units, a la Weston.
The magazine also cites one big reason why developers are heading a few miles offshore: retail mortgage lending is easier than ever. Banks lend more, so investors feel safer, and at the same time, this bridges the gap between the types of investors (first-time individuals or bigtime development companies) who can throw their hat in the ring. Other reasons include the safety of gated resorts and U.S.-born creature comforts now available on foreign soil.
But even more interesting is that what the rest of the U.S. finds scary about Miami – its international community - works for Miami real estate. Realtors from Miami have international clout, after wheeling and dealing international clients for years, and thus, have shaped global marketing trends, forged international development connections and implemented global business standards.
And, caught in the middle as a gateway for Latin American business, it has a steady international clientele. More than 22,000 residential units are under construction in the City of Miami, alone, according to Miami monthly, and more than 60,000 approved for next year.
Friday, April 27, 2007
OPEN HOUSE ETIQUETTE: Are We Getting Sloppy?
All too often stories abound of Sunday Open House-fiascos that could peel paint! Sellers who reveal personal information, random strangers wandering in just to (mis)use the bathrooms, etc. There is a standard of etiquette surrounding the Open House, and, like the reason behind all good manners, it is there to ensure a positive, safe experience for all.
Realtors: Be attentive.
I once recall during my “just looking” stage where I was completely ignored by three agents at an Open House. I call this the “Goldilocks Open House.” One Sunday while driving through Coconut Grove, I spied a Key-West style, white clapboard, A-frame cottage with sign. Door unlocked, I let myself in and called out to alert agents they had a potential buyer. Despite three stacks of business cards on the entryway table, no one answered. I immediately felt for the seller, whose house and belongings they had left in poor hands. Still, I toured on my own, and came upon the realtors, drinking wine and eating the crudités bought for potential buyers. There they were, gnoshing and dishing, completely oblivious to my presence. I bought a distinctive $1.4 million property from Jo-Ann Forster, instead.
Sellers: Keep a low profile.
Most real estate agents would agree that sellers should be invisible during an Open House. But a house tied to a warm, interesting owner is a real “stand out” – especially if the homeowner loves their house and is prepared to answer brief questions such as the age of the roof and water heater. After the initial greeting, it’s best to scram and let the experts handle it. Post-it notes on specific features of your house can remind agents to promote your hard work updating or renovating. A guest sign-in book is an elegant touch, and a practical way for agents to follow up. Pets, valuables and medications should be locked away, as well as your “treasured family photos.” These mementos could kill a sale with people who don’t share the same values or if the neighborhood has changed substantially. Rule of Thumb: anything too personal that could potentially turn off a buyer is better tucked away until the traffic is gone.
Buyers: Don’t take the term “Open House” literally.
There’s always that one house you’ve always wanted to “peek in.” Go on and have a peek, but please keep to the areas clearly marked for Open House. Sellers are allowed privacy in at least one bedroom, closet, (drawer). House hunting is hard work, but stopping-up the toilet is not the best way to test the plumbing! Remember that this is someone’s home. Don’t be a straggler or an early bird. Show ID if asked, without acting offended. Don’t bring your toy teacup Chihuahua. Most importantly, let it be in your price range. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous is more properly viewed on TV.
And because I enjoyed a buttoned-up, professional experience house hunting my present residence with Jo-Ann Forster, I recommend her Sunday Open House listings for this weekend. Happy hunting.
Realtors: Be attentive.
I once recall during my “just looking” stage where I was completely ignored by three agents at an Open House. I call this the “Goldilocks Open House.” One Sunday while driving through Coconut Grove, I spied a Key-West style, white clapboard, A-frame cottage with sign. Door unlocked, I let myself in and called out to alert agents they had a potential buyer. Despite three stacks of business cards on the entryway table, no one answered. I immediately felt for the seller, whose house and belongings they had left in poor hands. Still, I toured on my own, and came upon the realtors, drinking wine and eating the crudités bought for potential buyers. There they were, gnoshing and dishing, completely oblivious to my presence. I bought a distinctive $1.4 million property from Jo-Ann Forster, instead.
Sellers: Keep a low profile.
Most real estate agents would agree that sellers should be invisible during an Open House. But a house tied to a warm, interesting owner is a real “stand out” – especially if the homeowner loves their house and is prepared to answer brief questions such as the age of the roof and water heater. After the initial greeting, it’s best to scram and let the experts handle it. Post-it notes on specific features of your house can remind agents to promote your hard work updating or renovating. A guest sign-in book is an elegant touch, and a practical way for agents to follow up. Pets, valuables and medications should be locked away, as well as your “treasured family photos.” These mementos could kill a sale with people who don’t share the same values or if the neighborhood has changed substantially. Rule of Thumb: anything too personal that could potentially turn off a buyer is better tucked away until the traffic is gone.
Buyers: Don’t take the term “Open House” literally.
There’s always that one house you’ve always wanted to “peek in.” Go on and have a peek, but please keep to the areas clearly marked for Open House. Sellers are allowed privacy in at least one bedroom, closet, (drawer). House hunting is hard work, but stopping-up the toilet is not the best way to test the plumbing! Remember that this is someone’s home. Don’t be a straggler or an early bird. Show ID if asked, without acting offended. Don’t bring your toy teacup Chihuahua. Most importantly, let it be in your price range. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous is more properly viewed on TV.
And because I enjoyed a buttoned-up, professional experience house hunting my present residence with Jo-Ann Forster, I recommend her Sunday Open House listings for this weekend. Happy hunting.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
This Weekend: Walk Ocean Drive and Beyond
This weekend, consider using your feet to tone your body and preserve
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the “Ocean Drive & Beyond Walking Tour,” a tour that invites visitors and residents of
Hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), the 90-minute tour takes you to the sites of meticulously-preserved Art Deco buildings from the 1920's and 30's. Guides explain rudimentary Art Deco features, such as geometrical ornamentation, fluted columns, chevrons, and stylized sunbursts.
The design style, which began in
By touring on foot you’ll find fascinating places they don't think "regular tourists" would ever see in detail, such as the interiors of the Miami Beach Post Office on
According to the MDPL,
If the experience moves you enough to want to live Art Deco, the Drexel Condo at 1218 Drexel, built in 1925 and masterfully updated, has unique condos that blend historic features with modern comforts.
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