Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate

Even for experienced Miami Realtors, visiting new condos is always exciting. I for one love to check out the finishes and the preliminary design flaws. Then I tear them apart with my clients, from finish choices to distribution problems.

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Marina Blue, designed by none other than Arquitectonica. Located at 888 Biscayne Boulevard, in what Miami Realtors refer to as ˜the gridlock, because it is right across from the American Airlines Arena, Bayside Marketplace, The Center for Performing Arts, the new Museum Park, and the exit to I-395 that takes you to Miami Beach. I have to admit that the traffic is always a little intense, but what else do you expect for downtown Miami?

I figure if you dont want the action, excitement and traffic, this may not be the building for you. On a positive note, you do have the People-Mover right behind the building that takes you through downtown Miami and possibly to the talked about Wholefood Market Place that is rumored to be built nearby. The concept of this grouping of buildings which include:

The Marquis, Ten Museum Park, 900 Biscayne and Marina Blue

Is Green Urbanism - walkable communities close to everything, close to the action and with good public transportation.

I admit I was impressed with the finishes and the scale of the spaces. The lobby was austere and grand, the hallways were not finished, doors not painted (but we expect that from a newly finished building) and the common areas almost completed. The skybeach, although a sexy concept, in my opinion will not last long. (the wind is always powerful and to keep the sand off the interior common areas is going to be tough) - I hope they prove me wrong.

Heres some pictures of the pool areas and their views:

We saw a one bedroom unit on the 5th floor and even that one had an amazing view:

The kitchen finishes were not impressive and the choice of granite not my favorite, but the master bath was great and left nothing to be desired (with marble floor and counters, double raised sinks with designer faucets, bidet, and huge shower called a ˜wet room).

Lastly, here’s a picture of the lobby (I have to tell you that the concierge was a little nervous to be included in the photo). The use of stone, exposed concrete, wood and light was absolutely perfect!! (there are some unfinished planter looking thingies that don’t need to be there, I’ll see what they turn into).

Here are the developer specs for the building:

MarinaBlue is a spectacular 60-story curvilinear landmark featuring spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floorplans, including gorgeous penthouses and lofts¦ all complemented by world-class amenities, including the unique and extraordinary SkyBeach.

Amenities and Services:

• Beautiful reception lobby with custom-made furnishings
• Spectacular views from every unit, with full width balconies, and floor-to-ceiling glass for unobstructed views
• Concierge and valet services
• Private storage facilities
• Semi-private high speed elevators
• Private Cyber Center, a separate conference and communications facility with state-of-the-art business equipment and small meeting capability

SkyBeach Features:

• Stunning pool looking over Biscayne Bay
• Lap pool, beach volleyball, barbecue
• Lush tropical garden, plunge pool
• Indoor-Outdoor Skylounge and party room with bay views
• Fully-equipped Game Room, fitness and cardio center
• Yoga-Aerobics studio with lofted ceiling and glass-wall view over Biscayne Bay

Residence Features:

• 9 high ceiling with smooth finish, 10 high in the upper floors, 18 high in the lofts
• Pre-wired for ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Pre-wired for cable television and phones in bedrooms and living areas
• Pre-wired for high-speed data
• Energy-saving, impact resistant glass
• Ventilated closet shelving system
• High-efficiency heating and air-conditioning system
• Fire sprinklers and smoke detectors
• Solid core entry door

Custom Kitchen and Bath Features:

• The elegant kitchens are appointed in a style that matches the beauty of the building and features granite counters, European-style cabinets, stainless steel sink and full capacity washer and dryer
• Designer appliances
• The fantastic Master Bath is a retreat within your home in the sky, and features marble floor, double sink vanity with marble top and raised sinks with designer fixtures
• Complementing your Master Bath retreat is a resort-style ˜Wet Room with shower and bathtub enclosed in glass

According to the FBI, Florida is amongst the top 10 mortgage fraud states in the United States. It is our duty to report it and put a stop to it. Mortgage Fraud is a felony and playing the ignorant role is no longer acceptable. We hear nightmares about Miami Real Estate, and some people don't report it because they don't know how.

What is Mortgage Fraud?

As per the FBI:

"Mortgage Fraud is defined as the intentional misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission by an applicant or other interested parties, relied on by a lender or underwriter to provide funding for, to purchase, or to insure a mortgage loan"

(please read the link to the FBI website because it is informative and educational)

How do you report Mortgage Fraud in Miami-Dade County?

The Office of the Mayor has formed a Mortgage Fraud Task Force whose mission is to reduce mortgage fraud and prevent victimization of individuals and businesses.

You can fill-out THIS FORM, and it will be routed to the Miami-Dade Police Department, Economic Crimes Division and either handled directly or forwarded to the proper law enforcement department on a case by case basis.

Watch the video with Mayor Carlos Alvarez

There are some older buildings in Miami Beach that make a statement, The King Cole is one of them. Built in 1963, it represents the MiMo style (Miami Modern) because of its concave shape where the views from the waterfront units are framed beautifully.

There are a lot of people that argue that the building was designed by Morris Lapidus, because its shape resembles Lapidus' Fontainebleau, but it wasn't. I am still doing some research to find out who the original architect is - if anyone reading this article knows, please feel free to jump right in and let me know. I even asked known architectural critic, Beth Dunlop and she confirmed The King Cole was not designed by Morris Lapidus.

Now to the details. The King Cole Condo has an incredible marina and you can see from this aerial that it accommodates big boats. The slips are privately owned, some are for sale and can dock up to 65 foot vessels. It is a full amenity building with:

• heated pool
• 24-hour valet-parking
• gym overlooking the water
• children's playroom
• solarium
• saunas
• marina
• doorman security

It is located on the Southeast corner of Normandy Island in Miami Beach at 900 Bay Drive.

This Luxury condominium has been going through major renovations including a face-lift where all the balcony railings were changed to hurricane impact glass. The Lower Lobby, where most building amenities are housed, is also going renovations including finishes. In a few months, the building will be restored to its original grandeur.

A lot of people relocating to Miami, especially Miami Shores, always ask me if I can recommend a pediatrician. Obviously, choosing a doctor is always very personal but having a doctor that is close by and responds quickly to emergencies is one of the most important factors when dealing with sick kids.

So here is my plug for an awesome Miami pediatrician and friend. Shores Pediatrics is run by Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz who not only has children of her own, but is an active Miami Shores resident. You will see her at all the community events from the Christmas Lighting ceremony to Unity Day.

Dr. Laura gives her medical practice that personal touch that so many other doctors are loosing because all they think about is money. She will take her time with your children and discuss preventive medicine. She has trained under the best doctors and I trust her with my own without even blinking an eye. You can also tell a lot about the doctor by the staff they choose and you can rest assured that at Shores Pediatrics you will experience the best care possible (I'm not exaggerating), from the nursing staff to the receptionist, they know how to deal with patients and will learn your name as well as your kids' in no time.

Her practice is temporarily located in Hollywood at 4801 Hollywood Boulevard -(which is 15 to 20 minutes away from Miami Shores).

The good news is that Shores Pediatrics will move to their permanent location in Miami Shores on November of 2008. The address will be 209 NE 95th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138.

You can reach Shores Pediatrics and Dr. Laura Fernandez-Ortiz at (954) 987-8740 and visit her website at www.ShoresPediatrics.com

One of the main complaints we hear from people relocating to Miami is that they can't deal with Miami drivers so Rick and I came up with the perfect solution......If you can't beat them, join them!

Here are some basics you'll need to learn to be able to drive in Miami without loosing your mind. These should make the transition much easier and once you start practicing, you will feel right at home.

1. Never, under any circumstance, drive with both hands on the wheel. (2 hands on the wheel mean "weakness" and they will spot you a mile away).

2. Make sure you have a cell phone on one ear. (hands-free devices are for wimps)

3. Use the other hand to do either of the following: women can apply make-up or pluck eyebrows and men can shave or pick their nose.

4. Never, under any circumstance use your blinker (turn signal) - we like surprises here in Miami, just change lanes without notice and the other drivers will respond with friendly signs.

5. If you are on the highway and cars are passing you on the left, make sure you move over to the furthest left lane to slow traffic down......this should upset plenty of drivers, just smirk and wave if you dare.

6. Sign language not only is acceptable but it is expected, only keep in mind that some drivers do pack heat, you may find yourself chasing bullets.

7. Don't ever turn right from the right lane, add excitement to your life - being in the wrong lane to turn is more acceptable.

8. Yellow light means PUNCH IT!! Slow down and you WILL cause an accident!

9. If you see a police car, don't drive patiently behind them, speed up and pass them as quickly as you can while waving with the hand holding the cell phone.

10. If you ever get stopped by the police, don't start making excuses. Miami police love the truth - just tell them to hurry up with the ticket, you have places to go and people to meet.

So stop complaining, be a little more assertive with your driving and soon enough you will not understand how you were able to drive anywhere else. Driving in Miami will feel like home.