Don Peebles Discusses His Favorite Real Estate Markets in America

His assessment of the sub-markets in Miami and Miami Beach is right on point.  The recovery that both markets have seen over the past five years is simply astounding, and for good reason.  Miami, for a number of reasons, is an alluring city which attracts buyers from all over the world.  That has, and likely will continue to be, the driving force behind each sub-market’s rebound; a force which, in all likelihood, will push values well beyond those last seen at the peak of the market during the first quarter of 2007.

Google Glass – The Future of Real Estate Marketing

I have always had a fascination with marketing.  It is the hunt, not the kill, that thrills me.  Marketing has always been a numbers game.  The objective is get your message across to as many people as possible – in a non-spamming way of course – in hopes to procure a sale.  In real estate marketing, your objective is to not only get your message heard but also seen.  Not just seen, however.  Seen in a profound way that

I am what one would call an “early adopter” of technology.  To me, technology allows for the dissemination of a message to a mass audience.

To me, technology is a mode of delivering this message to a wider or more distinctive audience not achievable in the past.  With the advent of the Inte.  I shun to think what marketers used to do before the advent of the Internet.

the success of my real estate business in large part is owed to

have built my career on integrating the latest trends and technology into my real estate business.  From blogging, to videography, to mobile apps, to cutting edge website design and social media integration, I have

At the turn of the 21st century, there was lots of interest in Virtual Reality….now

Over the past three weeks, since obtaining Google Glass, I’ve been discovering, mainly through trial and error, what works and does not work in regards to shooting first-person videos.  For example, if standing more than three to four feet away from another person in the room, it can be difficult to hear that person speak.  A solution to this, however, one in which I have yet to try, is to grab the other person’s audio from an external recording device then overlay it on the video and audio recorded through Google Glass.

First-person video tour

2013 Mercedes Benz SL550 & More Included in the Sale of a 56th Floor 2 Bedroom Condo at Marina Blue

Owning a fab condo in Downtown Miami overlooking the bay and ocean just doesn’t cut it anymore in this city.  These days, you also need a luxe car to go along with it.  Or, at least according to some, that’s the reputation that Miami has earned for itself over the years.  Well, if there’s any truth to it, and you’re worried about making the cut, then unit 5602 at Marina Blue might be right up your alley.  The seller needs to move back to Europe quickly and is looking to sell everything including his furniture, artwork and panty-dropping 2013 Mercedes Benz SL550 (pictured above).  The vehicle has only 1,800 miles and comes fully loaded with every upgrade and option available.

The beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo at Marina Blue is located on the 56th floor, just one floor below the penthouse.  It offers an incredible view of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Downtown Miami skyline.  The floor plan, which contains 1,331 interior square feet along with an unusually large balcony spanning the entire width of the unit, is unique with only five of its kind existing in the building.  The condo features hard wood floors, motorized shades, a state-of-the-art electronics package, accent lighting and artwork by acclaimed artists.  For example, the art piece hanging in the second bedroom, which is covered with six layers of Swarovki diamonds, is by Kfir Moyal.

In the interest of selling everything quickly as a package deal, the owner is asking $887,000.  Quite a deal considering all that is included.  Contact me if you or someone you know has an interest.  You may reach me on my cell at 786-247-6332 or via email at [email protected].

Introducing Nine at Mary Brickell Village

I am pleased to introduce Miami’s newest luxury condo development – Nine at Mary Brickell Village.  The condo development, which is currently under construction, will be situated directly atop the western portion of Mary Brickell Village.  The co-developers – Starwood Capital Group and LYND – had planned to deliver the building as a luxury rental development but it was announced just a few days ago that upgrades will be made to their original plans and that the units will instead be sold as condominiums.

Construction is well underway and the development is projected to be completed in May 2014.  Nine at Mary Brickell Village will have 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units starting from $300,000.  There are 30 available floor plans ranging from 744 to 2,098 square feet.  Residences will boast beautifully appointed kitchens with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and backsplashes, designer fixtures and hardware, oversized mirrors, spacious walk-in closets and large soaking tubs.  Units will have 9 to 11 foot ceilings.

I should have official pricing for units in the coming days but it is expected to average $475 per square foot with finished flooring.  In fact, all units at Nine at Mary Brickell Village will be delivered with imported porcelain tile flooring in a wood grain finish and solar window shades.  $475 per square foot is very well priced compared to pre-construction developments that have recently launched in Brickell at $500 to $600 per square foot.  The great thing about this development is that it is in the heart of Brickell sitting atop of Mary Brickell Village and will be just a few blocks away from Brickell CityCentre once it is completed.  Location doesn’t get any better than this!

I expect this development to sell out quickly so if you have an interest be sure to contact me immediately.  I should have pricing, floor plans, reservation agreements and wire instructions available in the coming days.

Below is the deposit schedule to purchase a condo at Nine at Mary Brickell Village:

• 10% due at reservation (within the next week)
• 10% due at contract (within the next 45-60 days)
• 10% at top-off
• Balance due at closing

Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom + Den with 16-foot Ceilings at Icon Brickell II – $5,400/mo

Within the next month, a client of mine will be closing on a 2 bedroom + den at Icon Brickell Tower 2.  The unit is very unique because it features soaring 16-foot ceilings from the 41st floor.  This is the highest floor in the building that has high ceilings.  The unit also includes motorized shades in both bedrooms, three crystal chandeliers, TUI furniture package and a state-of-the-art electronics package. Electronics package includes: Blu-ray 3D player, 3D TV and 3D surround sound system. Wake up each morning to a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay from the 41st floor. 1 assigned parking space. Rent includes basic cable TV, Internet & water.  Asking price is $5,400 per month.  If you have an interest please contact me at 786-247-6332.

Shane Battier Lists Coconut Grove Home for $1,895,000

Just weeks after winning his second NBA Championship, Miami Heat Forward Shane Battier has listed his Coconut Grove home for $1,895,000, according to hothothoops.com.  Battier purchased the five bedroom, Mediterranean-style home for $1.6M a little over a year ago in June 2012. The 4,300 square residence is situated on an 8,000 square foot lot and features a 2-car garage, covered patio with adjacent pool, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, downstairs office and master bedroom with his and her walk-in closets.

Battier’s contract with the Miami Heat is set to expire at the end of next season but rumor has it that he is upgrading to a luxury home in Miami.

Preconstruction Sales for 600 and 700 Biscayne Blvd to Launch Soon?

While driving through Downtown Miami earlier this week, I noticed a number of signs at each corner of the sites for 600 and 700 Biscayne Boulevard.  The signs say “Another Luxury Development by Chateau Group”.  A telephone number is also included.  Despite a number  of calls, however, I have yet to obtain any additional information. Just assurances that a sales person would contact me soon.   The lots are located immediately south of Marina Blue and just north of the Freedom Tower.  I have heard rumors for months that pricing will range from $600-$800 per square foot for non-penthouse units at each of the two developments but I’m sure at this point not even the developer knows for certain.  It will be an interesting addition to the array of preconstruction condo developments that have been announced for Miami within the past year.  With the exception of One Thousand Museum, no other luxury condo developments have been announced for Downtown Miami.  The vast majority of them are located in Brickell or Edgewater.

Update: I just saw the exact same Chateau Group sign at the entrance of Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.  There’s a a large lot at the intersection of NE 10 Ave and Hallendale Beach Blvd.  Is Chateau Group planning to build a luxury condominium development at that location as well?

Vue at Brickell Makes Amazing Turnaround from its Dire Days

A much needed facelift is well underway at Vue at Brickell.  The building recently had a brand new fitness center installed and is only two weeks away from unveiling its brand new pool and pool deck.  Also, permits were recently obtained in order to begin renovation on its lobby.  Work is scheduled to begin later this month.

As some might recall, Vue at Brickell was initially developed as a rental community before being converted to condos soon after being completed in 2004.  From 2007-2008, Vue at Brickell was an unfortunate victim of widespread mortgage fraud which ultimately led to an insurmountable number of foreclosures and short sales throughout the building.  At the height of the crisis, over 200 units were delinquent on paying their monthly condo association dues out of 323 total units!  This obviously led to budget shortfalls and spending cuts.  The building was in disarray and prices followed.  Prices tanked so much in 2008 that it was not unheard of for condos at Vue at Brickell to sell below $100,000.

That was then.  The building has come a very long way from those dire days!  Condo prices at Vue at Brickell have made an amazing turnaround.  In fact, at this time, the lowest priced unit in the building is asking $265,000.  A one bedroom recently sold for $245,000.  Of most importance is its location.  Vue at Brickell is located in one of the hottest areas in Brickell.  At the base of its building, there are a number of popular restaurants that can be found such as Golden Fig, My Ceviche and Piola.  It is also within walking distance to the shops and restaurants at Mary Brickell Village and two Publix grocery stores.  Best of all, the area will only get better with time as SLS Brickell, and its highly publicized restaurants, will open directly across the street.  Also, the $1.05B mixed-use development known as Brickell Citycentre, which is currently under construction, is just blocks away.  The future is most certainly bright for Vue at Brickell owners.

Miami Preconstruction Condos

Miami condo boom 2.0 is well underway and, over the past year, a plethora of luxury condo developments have been announced for South Florida.  I have decided to launch a page devoted to the latest and greatest preconstruction condo developments in Miami and other surrounding areas.  I will keep it updated as new projects are announced.  Definitely check back in two weeks to learn about a very exciting waterfront development in Edgewater that is expected to be announced on July 15th.  You won’t want to miss it!