Miami Condo Investments Free Mobile App Available for Download on iTunes and Google Play
For those new to the website, or those who might be unaware, Miami Condo Investments has its own mobile app. It is free and available for download on iTunes, for the iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play, for all Android mobile devices. I released the iPhone version back in December 2009 and followed it up with the Android version about two and a half years later in May 2012. I may be a bit biased, but it truly is an amazing app. In many ways, the real estate app was ahead of its time when I released it in 2009. It still remains as powerful as ever though and I personally use on it on a daily basis. In fact, I recently made the jump from using an iPhone to an Android phone and it was the first app I downloaded.
I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the app. I am hoping to release an updated version sometime in 2014 and welcome any ideas for it that you might have.
4 Bedroom Condo at The Setai South Beach Hits the Market for $25M
A combined five-unit condo at The Setai South Beach hit the market earlier today for $25M. The 33rd floor residence spans approximately 5,400 interior square feet and includes four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, a formal living room, casual dining room, spa and entertainment lounge area. The unit also comes with five valet parking spaces.
The Future of Real Estate Marketing
In an earlier blog post, I had mentioned that several big changes with my real estate business had taken place over the past couple of months. Well, one of those big changes was transferring my real estate license to a new broker. I now have my real estate license hung with Luxe Living Realty. While many may have never heard the name, those who keep close tabs on the Miami luxury real estate market, and its practitioners, likely will have heard of Dora Puig. She has over 23 years of experience in selling high-end, luxury real estate and, over the past couple of years, has grabbed huge market share from her competitors (ie. other local brokers and agents specializing in Miami luxury real estate). She is the same Dora Puig who sold a penthouse at Icon South Beach last December for $21M. At this time, Dora personally has over $140M worth of real estate listings, including the $39M penthouse listing at Continuum South Beach South Tower, the $18.5M penthouse listing at Ocean House and, recently, a $14.5M combination residence at Continuum South Beach North Tower with just under 5,000 interior square feet. Dora has beat out competitors when interviewing for big listings such as these by continually thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative yet glamorous ways to market her luxury real estate listings. It was a no-brainer for me when presented with the opportunity to work under her new brokerage and learn from one of the best in the industry.
Just a few weeks ago, Dora was one of three finalists for the “Most Innovative Method of Marketing Award – Real Estate Agent” presented by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Her nomination came as a direct result of her social media efforts over the preceding year. In my opinion, when it comes to social media, no one in the local real estate market does it better than Dora Puig. The level of engagement she has with her followers on various social media platforms is quite impressive. These outlets have allowed her to stay connected with past and current clients by keeping them informed of any news affecting the local real estate market. Social media has also allowed her to expand her network and earn new followers who at times later convert into business. In a world where a friend’s referral or public “Like” can mean all the difference, the importance of social media can no longer be ignored.
Unfortunately, Dora did not take home the crown last month for the “Most Innovative Method of Marketing Award – Real Estate Agent”. She did not sulk about it though. Instead, Dora began to question “Is there a better way of doing things?” – not for the sake of winning an award but for the sake of effectively marketing her listings and, therefore, providing an even higher level of service to sellers. I have always been a proponent for using video to market real estate. I suggested that she give it a try. Being open minded and innovative as she is, Dora jumped on it. I wanted her to do real video though. Picture slideshow videos would no longer cut it for these types of listings. Her $10M+ listings deserve true-to-life, HD-quality video tours – something akin to what you would see on Million Dollar Listing. Her video crew delivered in spades. The video below is a guided video tour of her $14.5M combination residence listing at Continuum South Beach North Tower (50 South Pointe Drive #3301-03, Miami Beach, FL 33139). I don’t know of a single other real estate agent in Miami who is doing video quite this way.
There is no doubt in my mind that this is the future of real estate marketing – especially for a market like Miami where the impact of the foreign buyer is so obvious. No one is saying that these luxury real estate videos will entice foreign buyers into purchasing a $10M+ property sight-unseen. However, I am certain that these types of videos stand a far better chance of convincing a potential buyer into booking an airline ticket to Miami to take a look in person than pictures do alone. Take a look for yourself and see what you think. I would love to hear your comments.
Rony Seikaly’s Stunning South Beach Condo at Murano Grande
Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to tour a number of stunning condominiums throughout South Florida. Tuesday afternoon, was business as usual. That day I was fortunate enough to tour the 4,000 square foot residence of former NBA star turned international DJ Rony Seikaly. The luxury, 3 bedroom plus den/4.5 bath residence located at Murano Grande in South Beach did not disappoint. The entire condo has a zen-like feel to it with an array of natural elements incorporated into its design. The floor plan features a number of favorable changes and upgrades as well. Most importantly, the kitchen has been rearranged to allow for a much more expansive view from within the kitchen than what was called for in its original floor plan. The wooden, sliding track doors, however, still allow one the option to enclose the kitchen from either or both sides. The condo comes fully furnished with designer furnishings by Ralph Lauren, Holly Hunt, Minotti, Tucker Robbins and others in rich Earth hues. The design of the entire condo is the work of prolific, New York City interior designer Clodagh. The unit comes equipped with a Crestron System which, with the help of an iPad, one can control lighting, surround sound, electric window treatments, air conditioning and more. The asking price is $5,995,000.
Miami Featured on “Today” Show This Morning
This morning, Miami was once again in the national spotlight. The young, vibrant and beautiful city was featured on the “Today” show for its Friday Field Trips series. The three minute video clip above will give you a gist of the praise that Miami received during the morning show’s coverage of the city. Miami is no longer seen as just a winter playground. It has seen tremendous growth over the past four decades and has exploded onto the international scene. Miami has become a cultural mecca for travelers from all around the world and now competes with some of the highly acclaimed international cities for their attention. I must say, Miami was captured quite beautifully in this piece. Great job!
Record-breaking Sale – Setai South Beach PH-B Sells for $27M
PH-B encompasses the entire 40th floor at Setai South Beach and has 7,100 interior square feet with 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths and a gourmet kitchen along with a jaw-dropping rooftop terrace featuring a private pool and hot tub. The trophy penthouse is truly spectacular. Don’t take my word for it though – download the Setai South Beach PH-B e-brochure and take a look for yourself.
Even more astonishing than the sale itself is the amount of profit that was pocketed by the seller. In June 2010, PH-B at Setai South Beach was purchased for $15M. This goes to show the level of unbelievable deals that were to be had from 2008 to 2010 in South Florida. It was a buyer’s market then. Now, the sellers are calling the shots.
Only time will tell how long this new record will last. It is highly likely that the sales record will be shattered later this year with the sale of PH2 at Continuum South Beach. The 11,000 square foot penthouse is currently listed for $39M, or $3,535 per square foot. That is very well priced considering the recent sales for penthouses in the immediate area. PH1, also at Continuum South Beach, sold last May for $3,378 per square foot. Further evidence is provided by the recent sale of PH-B at Setai South Beach for $3,800 per square foot as previously mentioned. PH2 is one of the most coveted penthouses in South Florida. It had been previously listed for $35M but I am highly confident that it will not sell for anything less than $38M.
Luxury Real Estate Market Ended 2012 With Two Huge Condo Sales in South Beach
The Miami Beach luxury real estate market closed out 2012 with a bang. Two huge condo sales took place over the last four days of the year.
A bi-level penthouse at Icon South Beach sold on New Year’s Eve for slightly under $21M, or $2,623 per square foot. The 4 bedroom/6.5 bath condo sold above asking price as it had been listed for $19M. The lavish residence has roughly 8,000 interior square feet and has its own rooftop deck and pool. The penthouse was previously purchased in 2007 for $7M.
On December 28th, a second two-story penthouse sold but this time over at Continuum South Beach North Tower. The 5 bedroom/5.5 bath condo sold for $11M, or $1,580 per square foot. The 6,963 square foot residence has a southeastern exposure with views of the Atlantic ocean and Government Cut. The unit was sold “decorator-ready” straight from the developer.
Real Estate Porn – “I know It When I See It”
The phrase, “I know it when I see it”, was made famous in the 1964 landmark case of Jacobellis v. Ohio. It was used to describe Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s threshold test for pornography. It occurred to me recently that the same threshold test should be applied to determine what does and does not constitute true real estate porn – a modern term to describe almost dreamy, remarkably extravagant real estate which provides visual satisfaction to those who view it online. I had heard the term and knew its meaning but never felt that I had ever truly witnessed it for myself – that is until I saw Penthouse 2 at Continuum South Beach. Everything else I had seen in the past was just a tease by comparison; a 1960s titty mag at best.
PH2 at Continuum South Beach is a palace in the sky worthy of only the most elite members of society – crème de la crème. The majestic, 4-story penthouse offers unparalleled views and a timeless decor that can only be found in storybook novels. When it comes to condo living in South Florida, it doesn’t get any better than PH2 at Continuum South Beach. The 6 bedroom/7.5 bath residence offers over 11,000 square feet of interior space, over 6,000 square feet of terrace, a rooftop pool, a private in-unit elevator and staff quarters. Also included is another 1,200 square feet of separate guest suites, a lofted beachfront cabana and 10 parking spaces.
The price to live like the exalted king of South Florida? $35M large. The hefty property taxes and condo association fees are a mere afterthought for those with the means to afford such splendor. Life is too short not to have the finest that money can buy.
PH2 is located in the South Tower of Continuum South Beach – the only privately gated resort development in South Beach – at 100 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Amenities at Continuum South Beach include: resort-style pools, lap pool, full service beach club, 13,000 square foot world-class spa and fitness center, restaurant, 3 clay tennis courts, tennis pro shop, 24-hour security, full service concierge and valet parking.
Penthouse A at Apogee South Beach Hits the Market for $25M
Penthouse A at Apogee South Beach is back on the market for a cool $25M, exactly 365 day after selling last April for $11.5M. Judging by the pictures, it does not appear that any upgrades were made to the unit prior to putting it back on the market. The 6 bedroom/7.5 bath penthouse condo has an astounding 6,853 square feet of interior, 22-foot ceilings, over 11,000 square feet of terrace, a private rooftop pool, a summer kitchen and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and the city.
Apogee South Beach is a 67-unit ultra-luxury condominium located in the South of Fifth neighborhood of South Beach. The development includes only three penthouse residences, one of which is currently owned by Miami Heat president, Patrick Riley.
Penthouse A is now the third highest priced condo currently on the market in South of Fifth. At this time, two separate condos (PH-2 and unit 3603) at Continuum South Beach South Tower are listed for a whopping $35M each.
Amar’e Stoudemire Sells W South Beach Penthouse for $5.2M
NBA superstar Amar’e Stoudemire has officially sold his W South Beach penthouse. The transaction closed earlier today and reportedly sold for $5.2M. The sales price represents a 20 percent discount off the $6.5M asking price established this past April. Stoudemire purchased the property directly from the W South Beach developer in July 2009 for $5,575,000. The 2 bedroom/2.5 bath duplex penthouse has 2,428 square feet of interior and an amazing 2,816 square feet of exterior space, including a private rooftop plunge pool and summer kitchen.
