The Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas

Kerzner International Limited and Turnberry Associates have joined forces for the next major phase of development for Atlantis, Paradise Island. The Atlantis Condo Hotel is part of a one billion dollar expansion project. The Atlantis Phase III project will include the following elements:

A 600 room luxury all suite hotel
A 500 unit condo hotel
A significant expansion to the Atlantis� water-based attractions
Development of 100,000 square feet of additional group meeting facilities

Atlantis phase III will also bring the addition of world renowned chefs and restaurants to Atlantis guests and the Bahamas. The Atlantis all suite hotel will add a new tourist segment to an already booming business.
Atlantis Paradise Island Phase III will commence development of a 600 room luxury all suite hotel during the second quarter of 2005. The proposed Atlantis all suite hotel will be situated west of the Royal Towers, adjacent to one of the best available beach sites in the Caribbean.
Kerner International will partner with Turnberry Associates, one of the premier real estate development and property management companies in the United States on the development of the 400 unit condo hotel.
Butch Kerzner continued, "The all-suite hotel will also complement other key elements of the Phase III expansion, including the expanded water attractions, the meeting and convention space and the Marina Village. Construction of these elements of Phase III remains on track for the end of 2006."
At the Marina Village, which is anticipated to open as early as August 2005, the renaissance of Cafe Martinique will be guided by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Carmine's, a popular New York restaurant that serves home-style antipasti, pastas, seafood and meat entrees designed for sharing, will represent a new family dining option.
Owners in the new Atlantis condo hotel will be able to use all of the existing amenities including Atlantis� world famous casino.

Atlantis condo hotel units range in size from 540 to 1805 square feet. Prices range from $800,000 to well over $2,500,000 (all pricing subject to change)
The demand for the units in the Atlantis Condo Hotel will be huge. If you have any interest in this project, please call to find out how to buy your unit before this project is released to the public. For more information please contact Paul Hansen at 786-586-4778. To put your name on the exclusive reservation list, click here. Paul Hansen is being flown by Turnberry Associates, to the project on May 5th to be shown first hand the site and location.

VIP RESERVATION LIST CLICK HERE

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» Continue reading "The Atlantis Condo Hotel Paradise Island Bahamas"

By 2030, the population of Florida will have surpassed New York as the nation's third largest, the Census Bureau said Thursday.

Estimates show a gain of 11 million residents over the next 25 years. The latest census predictions show Florida's current population of 17.5 million approaching 20 million by 2010 and topping 21 million five years later.

About 40 percent of the projected growth will come from people 65 and older. The elderly will comprise 27.1 percent of Florida's population in 2030 - up from 17.6 percent in 2000. Florida will be one of 10 states where retirees will outnumber schoolchildren.

In 2000, children outnumbered people 65 and older in Florida by 840,000. But by 2030, there will be 2 million more older people than children younger than 18. Florida's youth will drop from 23 percent of the population to 20 percent.

Florida also will be among America's fastest-growing states, behind Nevada and Arizona. Florida's growth rate of 79.5 percent is nearly three times higher than that of the nation as a whole.

In the new census projections, Michigan and New Jersey drop out of the top 10 - replaced by North Carolina and Arizona. The figures show the continuing shift in the nation's population from the North and Midwest to the South and West.

Nearly two-thirds of the country will live in the South and West by 2030. The North and Midwest will see their share of the population decline from 42 percent to 35 percent from 2000 to 2030.

Driving down Miami's Brickell Avenue in his dark gray Mercedes-Benz S500 one recent morning, developer Jorge Perez did not like what he saw. Surveying a stark sidewalk edging bland office lobbies -- and even worse, a parking garage entrance -- Perez pronounced the avenue ``totally pedestrian unfriendly.''

Then Perez declared he will change that.

The 55-year-old high-rise condominium developer, more than anyone, is in a position to do it with seven towers planned for construction along Brickell Avenue, the boulevard at the heart of the city's financial district. His plan: erect new towers with ground-floor restaurants and shops and spruce up sidewalks with shade trees and benches.

The Brickell towers are just a fraction of the staggering number of Perez projects that, if all built, will put his imprint on the rapidly changing face of South Florida's cities, beachscapes and skyline.

At a time when even the most aggressive builders rarely have more than two or three projects going at once, Perez -- chairman and chief executive of Miami-based The Related Group of Florida -- has more than 40 condo towers in the works across South Florida. Projects in Fort Myers and Las Vegas boost that number to nearly 50, and Perez has plans for several more condo towers that have yet to be announced.

''We are in territory we have never seen before with Jorge,'' said Ezra Katz, chairman and chief executive of Coconut Grove-based real estate investment firm Aztec Group. ``There is no precedent anywhere in the 34 years I have been in real estate. I have never seen anything of this magnitude or production.''

In the last decade Perez, who got his start developing government-subsidized rental apartments in Miami, has become Florida's biggest condo developer with 14 completed buildings to his credit.

But now, in a move fraught with risk, Perez is making his biggest bet yet, throwing himself full force into a South Florida real estate market so frenzied some compare it to the dot.com boom of the late 1990s.

''It is so hard to even build one project, to get it financed and built efficiently,'' said developer Gregg Covin, who is building the Biscayne Boulevard high-rise Ten Museum Park and renovating South Beach's The Angler's Hotel. ``He is just an unbelievable force doing more than 40 buildings at the same time.''

If anyone can pull it off, it may be Perez. But even he acknowledges a downturn is coming in the superheated condo market.

His financial might, he maintains, will enable him to weather any market correction.

Unlike most South Florida developers of today, Perez has more than 25 years of experience. And he has demonstrated a knack for spotting and aggressively pursuing under-utilized markets before anyone else.

Perez was part of the development group that built City Place, the downtown mixed-use revitalization project that transformed West Palm Beach. Similarly, he built four high-rise towers in South Pointe, the once blighted neighborhood at the southern tip of Miami Beach that has morphed into some of the priciest real estate in South Florida.

CAUTIOUS APPROACH

''He is very careful with his money,'' said Matthew B. Gorson, a Greenberg Traurig lawyer who is Perez's attorney. ``He watches things, that is why he has done so well. Jorge is extremely disciplined.''

But Perez's huge bet on the condo market comes with equally enormous risks.

Though Florida's housing market, and the condo sector in particular, has been red hot, many observers suspect a downturn is looming.

The condo market is filled with speculators and the sheer number of condos going up or planned have led many to conclude it's all too much for even South Florida's booming market to digest.

Within the city of Miami, for instance, roughly 7,000 units were built in the last 10 years. Now some 62,000 units are in various phases of development.

In March, Credit Suisse First Boston downgraded the stock of Bonita Springs-based WCI Communities, one of the few publicly traded high-rise condo developers, due to concerns over ``investor speculation in high-rise real estate development, specifically in Florida.''

Similarly, Raymond James issued a report stating its belief that investors and speculators accounted for as much as 85 percent of condo sales in downtown Miami.

Perez himself predicts a correction, but maintains builders with staying power will see values rise to even higher levels longer term.

CYCLICAL INDUSTRY

''Real estate is extremely cyclical,'' Perez said at a National Association of Home Builders conference two weeks ago.

''Talking to fellow developers, you sometimes feel that has been forgotten,'' he said. ``But there will be a correction in the market... it is impossible to sustain the supply announced.''

Perez said he has socked away loads of cash and carefully selected properties that are either near the water or in a city center. Such sites, he contends, will not dramatically lose value in a downturn. And if need be, he said, he can rent rather than sell units until prices rise to new heights.

While Jeff Morr, chief executive of the Miami Beach-based brokerage Majestic Properties, thinks Perez will continue to succeed despite a downturn, he also wonders about the impact of Related's plans on the market.

''I think he is going overboard in the number of units he is bringing to market on an annual basis,'' said Morr. ``He has the potential of slowing down the market because of oversupply. He should leave a little room for other developers.''

CORAL WAY OFFICES

Headquartered in drab offices on Miami's Coral Way that contrast with many of the glitzy projects it develops, The Related Group of Florida is a privately-held, 500-employee company.

Perez owns the vast majority of Related while his long-time business partner, Stephen M. Ross, chairman and chief executive of New York City-based Related Companies, owns a small share.

The company's fortunes have rocketed skyward as it has aggressively built new condos. In 2000 The Related Group of Florida's revenue stood at $506 million. By 2003, annual revenue more than doubled to $1.083 billion. In 2004, it doubled again, coming in at $2.125 billion.

Condo sales, which account for 90 percent of the firm's revenue, are expected to total $6 billion for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006, said Perez. The company generally has a 20 to 30 percent profit margin on condo sales.

While refusing to disclose the size of his personal fortune, Perez recently said at a homebuilder conference that he has made ``unconscionable sums of money.''

The Related Group of Florida's success is built on its record, and reputation among lenders and buyers, for completing what it starts and quickly bringing its projects to fruition.

MEETING DEADLINES

''He will decide on a building, stick to the budget, and deliver it on time,'' said Carlos Migoya, 54, Wachovia bank president for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. ``When you buy a unit from him and he says it will be done in 2006, he will deliver it in 2006.''

Now the slender Cuban-American developer -- known for his energy, art collection, liberal politics, affinity for fine food and tennis, and periodic tempestuous outbursts -- has set a dizzying pace.

Five of his condo towers are slated to go up in downtown Miami, an area with few residential buildings that is a virtual ghost town at night. Following Perez's decision to build there, some 20 downtown towers have been proposed by other developers.

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» Continue reading "Builder's Condo Craze Bet is Unprecedented"

Icon Condos

What designer Phillippe Starck and developer Jorge Perez have planned for a plot of land located just South of Fifth Street is something so grand it deserves the name Icon. The Icon�s motto, "Where you live is who you are" proves these two pioneers take their work to the most extreme levels of luxury. Starck's first residential condo project in the U.S., Icon is planned to be a condominium composed of two tiers, each reaching 35 and 40 floors. Located on the bay, Icon promises exquisite views through its wrap-around glass windows. Residents can choose from nine floor plans for one, two or three bedroom spaces, each condo to be decorated to the buyers' own design. For those interested, Starck offers his own interior design in four options: nature, culture, classic or minimal. Amenities will include around-the-clock security, valet, and concierge. As well, a coffee and tea bar, set inside of a 27-foot high urn in Icon's lobby, is also in the works. Raising the bar on luxury living, Icon plans for an elevated infinity-edged pool set amidst the backdrop of the Miami Beach Marina and Biscayne Bay. A health and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment is also planned. Please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778 or Carole Ramirez-Hansen 786-586-4780.

Icon South Beach Condo Resales are now in full swing. Icon South Beach Prices Start in the high $600,000s.

Icon South Beach

Icon Amenities

Icon South Beach Views

Real Estate Terms

Agency ? A legal relationship in which an owner?principal engages a broker?agent in the sale of property or a buyer? principal engages a broker-agent in the purchase of property.

Amortization ? The gradual repayment of a mortgage by installments.

Assessed Value ? The valuation placed on property by a public tax assessor as the basis of property taxes.

Assumption of mortgage ? An agreement whereby the buyer assumes responsibility for a mortgage owed by the seller; the seller remains liable to the lender unless the lender agrees to release the seller from the liability.

Binder ? An agreement, accompanied by a deposit, whereby the buyer evidences good faith.

Bridge Loan ? A short term loan made until a longer term loan can be arranged; it�s sometimes used when a person needs money to build or purchase a home before the present one has been sold.

Broker ? A person licensed by a real estate commission to act independently in conducting a real estate brokerage business. Although requirements for a broker�s licenses may vary, an individual must usually have at least one year of experience in the industry and pass an examination.

Cap ? The maximum amount an interest rate or monthly payment can change, either at adjustment time or over the life of the mortgage.

Cloud on title ? A lien or encumbrance that can prevent the seller from delivering clear title and the buyer from obtaining insurance.

Contingency ? A condition that must be met before a contract is binding.

Deed ? A legal document conveying title to a property.

Earnest money ? a portion of the down payment given to the seller by a potential buyer indicating the buyer�s intent to complete the purchase of the property.

Equity loan ? A loan based on the borrower�s equity in their home rather than on their credit worthiness.

Escrow ? The placement of money or documents with a third party for safe?keeping pending the fulfillment of a specified condition.

Graduated?payment?mortgage ? A mortgage loan in which the monthly payments increase by a specific amount each year, with the �over payments� applied to the principal.

Lien ? A legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold.

Loan?to?value ratio ? The relationship between the amount of a home loan and the total value of the property. Lenders may limit their maximum loan to 80?95 percent of value.

Lock?in?rate ? A commitment made by lenders on mortgage loans to �lock?in� a certain rate pending loan approval. Lock-in periods may vary.

Market value ? The highest price a buyer will pay for a property and the lowest price the seller will accept.

Mortgage broker ? An individual or company that obtains mortgages for others by finding lending institutions, insurance companies, or private ources to lend the money; may also handle collections and disbursements.

Mortgage insurance ? A policy that provides protection for the lender in case of a default and guarantees repayment of the loan if the borrower becomes disabled or dies.

Negative Amortization ? An increase in the outstanding balance of a loan resulting from the failure of periodic debt service payments to cover required interest charged on the loan.

Points ? A dollar amount paid to a lender for making the loan. A point is 1 percent of the loan amount; also called discount points.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) ? Insurance issued to a lender to protect it against loss on a defaulted mortgage loan. Its use is usually limited to loans with high loan?to?value ratios. The borrower pays the premiums.

Realtor� and Realtor Associate� ? The registered collective membership marks that identify real estate professionals who are members of the National Assoc-iation of Realtors� and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

Shared equity mortgage ? A home loan in which an investor is granted a share of the equity, thereby allowing the investor to participate in the proceeds from resale.

Title ? A document that�s evidence of ownership.

Title Insurance ? Protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in the title.

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La Vogue Floor Plans

La Vogue Pre Construction Condo's

Williams Island has long been known as Florida�s Riviera, one of the area�s most pleasurable and prestigious places to live.

And for those who relish great style and sophistication, you�ll feel more at home here than ever before. For now there is LaVogue.

LaVogue represents the last opportunity of its kind, for it occupies Williams Island�s only remaining residential site.

La Vogue William's Island is a 24-story boutique-style condominium with only 70 very chic, very private, very exclusive residences. There will be only four to a floor, each a corner unit and each serviced by a private elevator.

With its distinctive elliptical shape highlighted by wrap-around glass balconies, LaVogue is certain to become Williams Island�s signature building.

You�ll enjoy sweeping water views in all directions, further enhanced by 10-foot-high ceilings and the expansive terraces. Luxury abounds, including interior finishes featuring the finest brand name appointments. You�ll also find an attentive staff, headed up by a knowledgeable concierge, to see to all the details.

LaVogue measures up to your loftiest expectations for luxury, privacy and stylish living.

The centerpiece of the lobby is the spectacular water wall; indeed, it�s a two-story-high wall of water tumbling over a backdrop of iridescent gold tile to create an absolutely mesmerizing effect. Everywhere you look, there are sumptuous furnishings, fine paintings and sculptures. Even the private elevator lobbies, with their walls of rich dark leather, make a statement about the lavish details that have gone into every aspect of LaVogue.

As you pass from the entrance lobby to Le Grand Salon to the Ultra Lounge and beyond, you�ll
discover that each room has its own almost theatrical flair, its own special character, ranging from plush to playful, from retro to cutting edge contemporary � all infusing LaVogue with energy, vitality and magic.

In addition to LaVogue�s own outstanding amenities, you are ideally situated next to the marina and only a few steps from the Williams Island Club & Spa, currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar rejuvenation.

Sales starting Spring 2005. Grand opening prices from the $800's to over $1 million.
For more information on how to be one of the first to purchase in La Vogue, please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778 or Carole Ramirez-Hansen 786-586-4780 or CLICK HERE

Aventura Real Estate

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Jade Beach

Jade Beach the most Prestigious New Place To Live, Jade Beach is a distinctive 51-story, 248 Unit, Oceanfront Tower perfectly located right on the Sunny Isles Beach between the Bal Harbor Shoppes & the Aventura Mall. Miami & Fort Lauderdale International Airports are both a short drive away. Superbly Designed by a team of world famous architects & interior designers, including award winning Uruguayan architect, Carlos Ott, recognized internationally as one of the leading design architects of the last 20 years, Luis Revuelta, designer of Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, Santa Maria & Bristol Tower, & Kobi Karp, designer of M Resort Residences, Jade Beach will be completed at the Beginning of 2007. Splendid One, Two Three & Four Bedroom Residences Feature Terraces with Glorious Panoramic Ocean Views.

Jade Beach Floor Plans

Jade Beach Pre Construction Price Range

$850,000 - $2,900,000

Jade Beach Completion Date
March 2007
Jade Beach Payment Terms
20% with Contract
80% Completion

Sunny Isles Real Estate

Aventura Real Estate

Jade Beach II

With the success of Jade Beach, Jade Beach II will be surely a homerun. Jade Beach II will be located just south of Jade Beach in the heart of Sunny Isles. Jade Beach II will be beginning taking reservations very soon. Prices have not been released, but we do expect them soon. To reserve your unit at Jade Beach II please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778. Units at Jade Beach II will be in high demand, so please don�t wait.

Icon Brickell Pre Construction Condos

The ICON BRICKELL is a superlative, Ultra-contemporary three tired residential towers community that will redefine and exemplify the essence of city living at the highest level, situated adjacent to the Miami Circle and Brickell Park on 530 up 1000 linear feet of the bay frontage. The Icon Brickell towers will comprise 52 to 60 stories above ground level on a lush 5.2 acre site. The Icon Brickell towers will consist of approx. 1800 residences, and the N.E Tower will contain 745 residences. The location of Icon Brickell is beyond spectacular, the views of Biscayne Bay, the ocean and the Miami Skyline, will illuminate day and night, & night and day:

To reserve a unit, click here

Icon Brickell Features & Ammenities:

A multi-story ultra-Grand luxury Lobby with 20 foot high ceilings designed by word renowned designer, Philippe Starck and YOO Ltd.
Lobby & common areas of Icon Brickell will include a coffee and tea, with afternoon tea service and more.

o Heated Bat front lap pool and whirlpool spa.
o Resident caf�verlooking the pool
o World class dining and bay front terrace bar
o 40,000 sq. ft. world class Health Spa and Fitness Center equipped with Saunas and Steam Rooms, overlooking the bay.
o Porte-cochere entry 24-hour complimentary concierge parking.
o State of the Art tower completely wired high-speed cable modern internet service to handle all of your technological needs.
o Concierge staff offering premier hospitality service to include:
-Housekeeping Services
-Laundry and Dry Cleaning Valet;
-Business Service.
o 24-hour computer monitored Security and Fire Prevention Systems
o Mail and Package Receiving Desk
o Conference Room
o Billiard Room
o Residents Media Center

Icon Brickell Residential Features:
o Philippe starck and Yoo Ltd. designed finishing packages. Four themes to choose from to enhance your lifestyle: Nature, Classic, Culture and Minimal.
o Ocean, bay and City Skyline Views.
o 12 residence selections to choose from, in addition to a variety of sky lofts and Bay front lanai Town Home residences.
o Smooth ceilings rising 9 feet high.
o Kitchens feature: French limestone counter-tops, imported European designer cabinetry(dellacasa), thermador and Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator freezer
o High-Speed cable Modem Internet Service in each residence.
o Tinted highly protective tempered glass designed to meet hurricane codes.
o Vianny marble flooring in bathrooms with designer fixtures, fine European cabinetry and limestone Whirlpool bathtubs in Master Bathrooms.
o Palacious walk-in closets

Architects of Icon Brickell: Architectonica in conjunction with Philippe Starck and Yoo Ltd.
Common Areas: Designed by: Phillipe Starck and YOO Ltd.

We are now taking reservations and checks for $25,000 made out to Chicago Title Insurance Company. Time is of the essence.

Miami Real Estate

South Beach Real Estate

Vitri Lofts South Beach

From the group that brought you Marquis in Miami as well as other projects in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens Ny, here is a project with convenience, luxury and exclusivity, Vitri South Beach

Vitri lofts overlook the Miami Beach Marina. Architects Carlos Prio-Touzet and Jacqueline Gonzalez-Touzet, have come up with a design that splits 66 residential units between two distinct buildings designed for urban living. On West Avenue, a curving four-story concrete frame encloses glass-fronted �facets� on double-height units, which capture views of Biscayne Bay. On Alton Road a modern rectangular structure of steel, glass and concrete is in scale with traditional Miami Beach neighborhoods.

Vitri Loft Feature Amenities:

� 66 double height spaces from the $600,000�s
� Two-story lofts of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms
� 22 penthouses with �sky gardens� within glass walls, designed for outdoor/indoor entertaining & equipped w/ summer kitchens and wet bars. Private spa will be an option
� Signature restaurant and boutiques
� Modernist garden of bamboo, hardwoods, limestone and river rock with a grotto hidden behind the swimming pool

For more information on Vitri, please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778 or Carole Ramirez-Hansen 786-586-4780.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VITRI FLOOR PLANS

South Beach Real Estate