Welcome to Brickell key... without leaving the City behind Brickell Key is located between Downtown Miami and South Beach, Here you can Run, Bike or simply Stroll on Beautiful Promenades overlooking Biscayne Bay, or enjoy a Concert at the Village Green, visit the Islands Sculpture Gardens or Picnic beneath the Canopy of Brickell Key's Native Tree Nursery... with so much to do and see, even an ordinary Jog becomes Extraordinary.Brickell Key Apartments for Rent  Big city pleasures on a seclude Island. Enjoy the upscale delights of the Brickell Key Marketplace where you'll find the finest in Floral Creations as well as Urban Conveniences like Fine Restaurant, Travel Agent, Apothecary, Dry Cleaner, Hair Salon, Brickell Key Water Taxi and more - right around the corner, and you can also shop... 01/24/2008

Brickell Harbour Condo Brickell Harbour condominium in Miami Address: 200 Se 15 Rd, Miami. FL 33129Brickell Harbour Condo is a community. Brickell Harbour Condo real estate features condos with access to many amenities such as tennis courts, pool, and clubhouse, as well as restaurants within walking distance. Many units at Brickell Harbour Condo feature water views and wraparound balconies. Brickell Harbour Condos on average range in size from 1,200 to 1,568 square feet. Apartments for sale in Brickell Harbour Condo average in price range from $300,000 to $449,500.Brickell Harbour website 01/23/2008

LUXURY ABOUNDS OVER 1350 SQ 2 BRD.2 FULL BATH.IN THE HEART OF MIAMI FULL OF UPGRADES,ELEGANT CONDO HAS MAJESTICALLY RIVER AND CITY VIEW, TILE IN LIVING AREA, KIT HAS GRANITE counter top AND EUROPEAN WOOD CABINETRY.TOP OF THE LINE STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES,LARGE MASTER SUIT, BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED,WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET.ENJOY POOLS,SPA BAR,BILLIARDS,BBQ AREA.DECK FACILITIES. KIDS PLAYGROUND.restaurants, CLOSE TO SHOPPING AND BRICKLL AVE 01/23/2008

Courvoisier Courts Condo Brickell key701 Brickell Key Boulevard Miami, FL 33131 - The Courvoisier Courts Condo Miami FloridaCourvoisier Courts Condo Brickell key SEE HOME PAGEAbout the Courvoisier Courts:   Courvoisier Courts DescriptionCourvoisier Courts Condo at Brickell Key in Miami Florida is clearly a structure designed for those who value style, comfort and privacy. Built in 1997, Courvoisier Courts is a 28 story building with 272 total condos with one, two and three bedrooms as well as two-story penthouse units. Courvoisier Courts offers the best in luxury, views and location within the exclusive Brickell Key Island.Year Built: 1997Number of Floors: 28Number of units: 272Sq. Ft. range: 806 - 3,751Beds: 1-5Baths: 1-4Amenities: Concierge - Valet and Covered Parking -Pool - 2-level ... 01/22/2008

More Lehigh Valley residents sell, buy homes at auction By Beth W. Orenstein | Special to The Morning Call January 6, 2008Broker David Massie says he decided to hold the auction to move properties in a slow market."''We wanted to create an event to get buyers in the door and this is what we came up with,'' Massie says. ''We're thinking outside the box, which you have to when, as you know, inventory is up and buyers are less.''Bryen Deutsch of Deutsch Auction Co. in Weissport will be the auctioneer.While a multiple property auction is somewhat unusual, selling real estate at auction is not so. At least not any more.It used to be real estate auctions -- at least in America -- were for foreclosed homes and fixer-uppers. Today, a wide range and growing number of properties including new con... 01/21/2008

January 16, 2008 11:13 am I take notice of the time on my stainless steel Casio G-Shock (model number G011D-7B to be exact). My partner - the estimable Raul Estrada - and I are wrapping up a meeting in which we are discussing the marketing section of our 2008 business plan. I figure, "if we leave within the next 7 minutes, it gives us more than enough time to get to La Ciudad Que Progresa by noon" - the time that Rafael and I agreed to meet. 11:15 am Raul and I agree that we should drop off my car in a central location (I have appointments in the east side of Miami in the latter part of the afternoon; Raul is coming back to East Kendall) and ride out together. 11:27 am East on Kendall Drive onto the northbound ramp of SR-826. North on SR-826. Neil Rogers is doing the usual - ridiculing ... 01/19/2008

Brickell key Vista CondoJust a few blocks west of Brickell, Brickell Vista Condos offer an ideal location fora fraction of the price. Complete with spacious retail space, an elegant lobby and multilevel parking, Brickell Vista offers a recreation center located on the the 6th floor. Featuring a children's play room, fully equipped fitness center and a relaxing pool area, the recreation center offers you fantastic views of the city skyline. Brickell Vista Building FeaturesRetail space & elegant lobby on ground levelMultilevel private parkingRecreation Center on the 6th floor:Pool area on the 6th floor with views of the cityFully equipped fitness center on the 6th floorChildren's playroomJust a few blocks from Brickell and minutes away from Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne bricke... 01/18/2008

 Downtown Miami is one of the most exciting areas in South Florida!  Living in the middle of the city is wonderful. With so much growth in the area it makes it an enticing place to purchase for primary residence or for investment. Living in Downtown Miami gives you easy access to the beaches, Brickell, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove and many more.I have been living in the area for a few months now and I am loving it!  As I travel around the country I always make it a point to use public transportation when ever possible and now living in Downtown Miami gives me that opportunity. No more worries about traffic pile ups nor parking, I just hop on the metro and go a few blocks to my final destination. Brickell is easy access with great restaurants, bars where locals meet, and shops . All gover... 01/15/2008

2008 Property Tax Exemption Filing LocationsThe Property Appraisal Department is now accepting 2008 exemption applications from Wednesday, January 2nd through Monday, March 3rd.2008Property Tax ExemptionFiling PeriodWednesday, January 2nd - Monday, March 3rdMonday, March 3rd is the deadline for property owners to submit applications for property taxexemptions. To facilitate this process the Miami-Dade Property Appraisal Department willreceive applications at special satellite offices across the county.DATES: January 2 - March 3, 2008TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - FridaysSITES: Stephen P. Clark Center (Ground floor lobby)111 NW 1st Street, Downtown Miami, FL 33128South Dade Government Center (2nd Floor)10710 SW 211th Street, Miami, FL 33189DATES: January 7 - February 22, 2008TIME:... 01/11/2008

 This is  information regarding the New Tax Reform and gives you a better understanding of why you should vote. State Legislature Passes New Tax ReformThe Florida Legislature, in a special session on October 30, 2007,  approved a package of property tax reform proposals meant to provide relief to homestead-exempted homeowners, owners of second-homes, rental property owners and businesses.Four major reforms are proposed:1. EXPANDED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Increase the current $25,000 Homestead Exemption by an additional $25,000 except on school board taxes. Estimated annual savings is up to $340 for this exemption.2. PORTABILITY: Allow homeowners to transfer up to $500,000 of their Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation benefit to the new homestead.3. CAP ON NON-HOMESTEAD PROPERTY: The assess... 01/11/2008

In a survey conducted by NAR early 2007 to identify which features were most important to buyer's when they were considering a home purchase- must haves and aspects more important-these were the results:Central  air conditioning was the number one feature preferred by homebuyers. Followed by a large garage ( two or more cars) are followed in importance- a 16 % of homebuyers considered this a very important feature. Third: Walk-in closet in master bedroom ( first time buyers rated this at a 38%) but all buyers 53%Fourth: hardwood floors, granite counter tops, cable and satelite readiness, and high speed internet access if available tru Wi-Fi in condos was a must.Among location they were more willing to compromise proximity to work over proximity to schools ( gas prices have risen conside... 01/10/2008

Dear ActiveRainMembers, Happy New Year to all!!! I just wanted to share something with you that I've been giving my agents for many years when the market is not what we would like it to be. I think most of you would get a kick out of it. Good luck, and many sales in 2008!!  There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs.He was hard of hearing so he had no radio.He had trouble with his eyes so he read no newspapers.But he sold good hot dogs.He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.He stood on the side of the road and cried "Buy a hot dog, mister?"And people bought. He increased his meat and bun orders.He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.He finally got his son home from college to help him out. But then something happened.His son said, ... 01/08/2008

The fresh scent of 2008 is already starting to make its presence known, masking the fading memory of 2007 that will remain everlasting in history books and the minds of those who accomplished their goals, found new opportunities, and made new connections.  Real estate continued to show unfavorable signs this past year and depending on whom you ask, many investors and realtors are expecting to ring in the new year with a similar unenthusiastic outlook. Is 2008 going to be the third consecutive year in a row where home prices plunge, existing homes for sale fester even more, and foreclosures continue to skyrocket?  Not necessarily.  If you keep up on real estate industry happenings, you’re likely already familiar with the NAR’s prediction of better things to come.  Essentially, sales wil... 01/07/2008

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 an... 01/05/2008

My business is conducted in a personal way with each and every client. I don't have to manage an office or have to handle personnel, so enough  time is dedicated to each of my clients- 24/7-365 days a year. While other professionals are attained to a Mo- Fri schedule,  as a Realtor I am devoted to work at client's specific needs.I consider that my client's referral is of vital importance in my business. Is good to hear a client  he will be sending referrals as friends or relatives and I believe then customer satisfaction was a good point. If not, actively asking them for such referrals is a good strategy and can represent an increase of revenue and a bigger database. Mailing them post-cards, birthday gifts cards, market updates is another way to stay intouch. One year I held a Valentine... 01/04/2008

Existing home sales slightly rose up last December indicating a stabilization in housing depicting the mortgage disruptions earlier last year.Market appears to be stabilizing in some sector of the country.Mortgage rates are historic low and the most current data shows decelerating prices declines, along with a small reduction in the number of houses in the market/ inventory. Housing inventory declined 3.6 percent at the end of November 07 to 4.27 million existing homes for sale, which represents a 10.3 month supply at current sales pace, versus a 10.7 month supply in October.Inventory  is still high and some areas will suffer more reductions to induce buyers back into market.  01/03/2008

I nearly fell out of my chair yesterday as I sipped on some freshly brewed coffee and took bites of a cream cheese-smothered multi-grain bagel in the cafe of a local bookstore. No, it wasn't rancid coffee that nearly caused the accident. It was the headline in the front page of the Miami Herald: "Miami looks to Chicago as its model". My first thought was "Damn! Is Mayor Diaz reading my blog?". If so, is he preparing to raze all those buildings east of U.S. 1 within City of Miami limits in favor of our very own version of the open green space I so cheerfully discussed in previous posts, "Chicago: City Built by Flames" and "Chicago: An Architect's Playground"? "Alright now, Mr. Diaz!" was my very next thought. Before you grab your MH21 Grapple and start pulverizing the buildings that line... 01/02/2008

If you haven’t already encountered these terms in casual conversation - don’t worry - there’s still plenty of time to catch up. After the following introduction, you’ll possess just the right amount of knowledge to be able to discuss these most important matters over a cup of tea, a pint of brew, or a tall glass of heavily chlorinated new world water. Short Sale A short sale occurs when a property is sold at a purchase price that is insufficient to cover the amount necessary to pay off any liens and/or encumbrances secured to the property (first/second mortgage, prepayment penalty, etc.) and the expenses (real estate commission, documentary stamps, attorney/title fees, etc.) associated with the sale. For a short sale to take place, the lender must agree to accept a discounted payoff. I... 12/27/2007

JUST GOT BACK FROM CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT AN OLD FRIENDS HOUSE. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS YOUNGER AND HEARD MY PARENTS TALK ABOUT LONG LOST FRIENDS AND WONDERED ABOUT THEM. TEN YEARS AGO, I MET MY FRIEND AILETT WHEN I STARTED WORKING FOR A WELL KNOWN INSURANCE COMPANY. SHE WAS 2 YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME. I WAS SEPARATED FROM MY THEN HUSBAND AND LIVING ALONE WITH MY ONLY DAUGHTER (1 YEAR OLD) FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. WE WERE BOTH BORN AND RAISED IN THE SAME COUNTRY (CUBA) AND HAD COME TO LIVE IN THE US IN OUR TEEN YEARS. WE HAD MANY THINGS IN COMMON AND QUIQLY BECAME BEST FRIENDS. SHE WAS GOING THROUGH ROUGH TIMES BECAUSE OF A RECENT BREAK UP AND AFTER A FEW MONTHS SHE MOVED INTO MY 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH ME AND MY DAUGHTER AND WE BECAME ROOMMATES. THOSE WERE GREAT TIMES. AFTER WORK WE... 12/24/2007

The new Wave condo community: Miami Midtown Architect: Kobi Karp  Views: Bayfront  Year Built: 2006 Height: (struct.) 73 m 239 ft  Bedrooms: 1 & 2  Residence Size: 850 - 1400    See New Wave Condo floor plans Total Residences: 78  Number of Stories: 20  ENTER NEW WAVE CONDO HOME PAGE 78 units  condominium each each condo has direct views for life of the bay, Miami Beach, and on high floors you can see the  Atlantic Ocean. New Wave residences futures: 78 units, laid out 6 per floor, of 850, 950 and 1400 square feet, plus terraces 10-foot ceilings for levels 7-16 12-foot ceilings for Sky, Sun, and Star levels  Floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors Impact resistant glass windows tinted for energy efficiency Expansive blue-glass terraces Pre-wired for multiple-jack data/voice and... 12/24/2007