Archive for September, 2008

Where Would You Rather Live?

Here is a comparison between the most expensive house in Coconut Grove, and the most expensive condo in Coconut Grove.

3551 Main Highway, Coconut Grove

Asking Price: $16,950,000

  • 7 acres of prime waterfront property
  • 11,000 square foot living space
  • 4 bedrooms, 6 baths
  • 3 car garage
  • Guest Cottage

VS

2627 South Bayshore Drive, Grovenor House

Asking Price: $18,700,000

  • 7.061 square feet living space
  • 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
  • 4 car garage
  • Rooftop Terrace with Inifinity Edge Pool

Looking for something a little more affordable? Click here to search the MLS.

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Written by Riley Smith | 2 Comments »

Are the Peacocks helping Coconut Grove Real Estate?

This beautiful home at 1794 Micanopy Avenue went under contract in 1 day.  With all the talk recently about Peacocks on Micanopy Avenue, maybe it was the name recognition that sold the house?  Word on the street is that they got full price, or very close to it.  If true, it would be only one of a few homes in Coconut Grove which sold over $400.00 per square foot this year.  See pictures below:

By the way, did you know that my listing at 1809 Micanopy Avenue was just reduced to $849,000.   At this price, we are only asking $271.00 per square foot, it is one of the best deals out there.   See Pictures Below:

Details on 1809 Micanopy Avenue:

  • 3,127 Square Feet
  • 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Baths
  • 6,750 Square Foot Lot
  • Large Bedrooms
  • Vaulted Ceilings
  • Coral Rock Fireplace
  • Located on a quiet cul-de-sac

Written by Riley Smith | 1 Comment »

Backed by Warren Buffet

At a time when there is such uncertainty in this country, I am happy to know that my company, EWM Realtors Inc., is backed by Warren Buffet.  We are owned by Home Services America, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.  Warren Buffet, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is one of the world’s richest men and has been consulted several times as Congress tries to hash out America’s financial crisis.

Written by Riley Smith | 1 Comment »

All Is Calm

Well the exploding economy hasn’t had too much of an impact on real estate here in South Florida….at least not in my office. 

Here is a recap of our day here at The Real Estate Coconut headquarters:

  • I showed a nice couple who is relocating to Coconut Grove 8 properties in the area.
  • My assistant Sandy showed 4 of our listings to different potential buyers.
  • Received an offer on my listing at 1600 Onaway Drive in North Coconut Grove.
  • Completed a rental agreement for a townhouse in Center Grove.
  • Checked with my buyers (previous owners of 2828 Coacoochee which closed a few weeks ago) regarding their purchase of a home in Pinecrest – everything is on track, closing will still take place next week.  No issues with the mortgage.

I am by no means predicting good or bad which way the market will turn in light of the recent events up in Washington.  But things in my office have been pretty normal.

Click here to read more about the real estate market here in Coconut Grove.

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Coconut Grove Real Estate Town Meeting Scheduled for Next Month

Want to know the latest Coconut Grove real estate statistics?

Should you buy in the Grove now, or later?

How should you price your home in the current market?

Where is the Grove real estate market heading in the future?

Will we survive the downturn?

_____________________________________________

Join Me For My Quarterly

Coconut Grove Real Estate Talk

Monday, October 27, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Greenstreet Cafe

All Coconut Grove Residents are invited to attend.

 

Written by Riley Smith | Leave A Comment

You have to love this Grove-ey house

As Leslie Jones put it, Shangri-La in the Grove.  This ultra charming, walled cottage features a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath in the main house and a 1 bedroom, 1 bath in the guest house. 

Details:

  • 1669 Onaway Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
  • 1,767 Square Feet Living Space
  • 8,400 Square Foot Lot
  • Fireplace
  • Cathedral Ceilings
  • 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
  • Carport

Asking Price: $669,000

Written by Riley Smith | Leave A Comment

How many showings does it take to sell a house?

Well in the case of my listing at 2828 Coacoochee Street in North Coconut Grove, it took approximately 80 showings to sell the house!

I keep track of how many showings I do on each property every month, and I showed this house to potential buyers 10 times a month for 8 months.  This doesn’t count the many open houses or brokers open houses that we did.

I think that one reason the house had so many showings was because it was a beautiful, well maintained Old Spanish home, so it generated a lot of interest.   However, the layout didn’t quite work for people with children, while other couples without children said that it was too much house for them.  So we had many showings, but in the end it wasn’t the right fit for many people.

We closed on the house last week. 

Here are the details:

  • List Price: $1,399,000
  • Sale Price: $1,250,000
  • Square Feet: 4,340
  • Lot Square Feet: 12,800
  • 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

Written by Riley Smith | Leave A Comment

Update on Foreclosures in Coconut Grove

I decided it was time for another Coconut Grove foreclosure update.  We have seen a slight increase in the amount of bank owned properties since my last analysis on August 22.  Here are the most recent numbers regarding the Coconut Grove Foreclosure Market.

Current Coconut Grove Foreclosures

  • There are currently 12 homes for sale in Coconut Grove that are in foreclosure (there were only 6 last month)
  • 50% of the foreclosures on the market in Coconut Grove have had to make price reductions (indicating that they were not “priced to sell” when they initially went on the market)
  • Price Range is from $150,000 to $2,700,000
  • List Price/Per Square Foot average is $263.00 (this is down from $280 last month)

Search homes for sale in the MLS

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Out With The Old, In With The Green

Coconut Grove is on the brink of a major facelift.  Pointe Group Advisors has started the ball rolling with their Grove Village project which will transform the old shuttered up buildings on Grand Avenue to a vibrant street complete with apartments, houses, shops, restaurants and a new grocery store.   With Bahamian themed architecture, more green space, more jobs created, and a grocery store within walking distance to many Grove neighborhoods, the project is sure to be a hit with Coconut Grove residents. 

As if this weren’t already a “Grand” task to undertake, Pointe Group has taken steps to receive LEED certification and accreditation on each and every building.  From non-toxic paints and renewable flooring, to energy efficient lighting and cooling – these buildings will help to reduce the strain placed on our environment and provide better conditions for those who live and work inside the buildings. 

On the real estate front, there is planned to be 15 single family homes built on Florida Avenue and 21 townhomes on Thomas Avenue.  Over time, the Grove Village project is sure to boost home values in the West Grove which never quite saw the increase in values that other areas of Coconut Grove have.  

Check back soon for a comprehensive post regarding home prices in the West Grove, and what effect the Grove Village project will have on the real estate market there.

Other posts you might be interested in: Groundbreaking Project in Coconut Grove – Florida’s first luxury GREEN home, Falling Softly, Softly Falling

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Written by Riley Smith | 1 Comment »

Villas in Coconut Grove

Looking for a villa? Well you won’t have to travel any further than right here in Coconut Grove to find it.  Check out these two gorgeous villas that are currently on the market.

VILLA ESPANOLA

1801 Espanola Drive, Coconut Grove

  • 21,700 SF Lot
  • 6 Bedrooms, 7.5 Bathrooms
  • 7,236 square feet living space
  • Separate 2 bedroom guest house with full kitchen and living room
  • 2.5 car garage
  • Asking Price: $3,385,000

This beautiful home also features over 2,700 square feet of covered and uncovered terrace, balconies and courtyards.  A custom pool with 24′ by 24′ precast stone and decking.  A built in BBQ with tile and stone.  A Colombian brick courtyard and fountain.  And luscious landscaping with over 50 species of plants, Royal Palms, fruit trees with meandering walkways and a new lighting system. 

VILLA VALENTINO

1855 South Bayshore Road, Coconut Grove

  • 25,000 SF Lot
  • 11 Bedrooms, 8 Baths
  • 8,155 Square Feet Living Space
  • Guest Quarters
  • Asking Price: $3,499,000

This home retains much of its original architecture and charm.  It has been recently updated with impact resistant windows.  It also features Pecky-Cypress ceilings, a covered loggia, tower, courtyard and some of the original tile.  It has one of the most amazing gardens that I have ever seen.  The patio area features a new pool with summer kitchen.

Written by Riley Smith | Leave A Comment