With foreclosures rising nationwide, prices falling, and inventories swelling to historic levels, investors with a discerning eye and knowledge of the foreclosure process can build a profitable portfolio of distressed properties. Here are some helpful tips to help you in the Miami real estate market.

- Know your market. The most important tool in your real estate investing toolbox is knowledge of the area where you plan to invest.

- Develop an appropriate investment strategy. Find an investment strategy that will work in your market, and then do what it takes to implement that strategy.

- Make the foreclosure process work for you. Decide what foreclosure buying technique works best with your investment strategy and your strengths as a person.

- Scrutinize each deal. Many real estate investors wrongly assume that if a home is in foreclosure it's a good deal.

- Rely on a trustworthy team. You'll be in over your head if you try to do all the work involved in foreclosure investing on your own.

- Network with banks and lenders. In a slow real estate market, banks and other lenders are saddled with larger inventories of foreclosed properties and will be more motivated to sell those properties at bargain prices.

- Act quickly, but don't be in a hurry. A slow real estate market gives you the upper hand as a buyer, but you'll still need to act quickly to get the best deals.

Keystone Bay Condo Rental
1 bed 1 bath
940 sq ft
$1,100 per month

This 1 bedroom apartment is for rent in Keystone Bay for $1,100 per month. This unit has brand new tile floors and is 940 square feet. It also comes with a covered parking spot and all access to the building is electronically controlled. Keystone Bay is located on 135th street East of Biscayne Blvd at the end of the street and the building has been completely remodeled. The building is located on the main canal leading to the bay and Intracoastal Waterway. For more information, please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

Condo at Keystone Bay for Rent
$1,400 per month - 1-year lease
1 bed + Den, that will convert to a 2nd bedroom
1.5 baths
1,140 sq ft

Keystone Bay is a completely remodeled building located at the end of 135th Street just East of Biscayne Blvd is now available for $1,400 per month. This unit at Keystone Bay has been completely remodeled with a new kitchen that has granite counter tops with new appliances, tile floors in the living area, carpet in the bedroom and marble in the bathrooms. All of the windows have been replaced with hurricane rated glass, the lobby of the building has been completely remodeled, along with the hallways and pool area. The most amazing feature of this Keystone Bay condo is the view of the waterways pictured below. The view is of two separate canals with many boats passing by daily. For more information, please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778. This is a must see if you are thinking of renting in the area!

Paul Hansen
Turnberry International Realty
786-586-4778

50 Biscayne is an awesome condo project in downtown Miami that is scheduled to start closings this year. Standing 54 floors in height, 50 Biscayne will be a landmark building on the Miami skyline for years to come. 50 Biscayne is a huge project with 523 condo units and many different types of floor plans to choose from. Because of its location just across the street from Bayfront Park, 50 Biscayne offers unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and beautiful city views to the west.

50 Biscayne is developed by the Related Group and designed by Sieger Suarez, so you know it is a quality condo with top level amenities. There are only a handful of buildings that are taller than 50 Biscayne, and none of them offer the views you get here. To obtain more detailed information on 50 Biscayne and other Related Group projects, please contact Paul Hansen 786-586-4778. Paul Hansen is one of the top realtors in Miami and he will put his years of experience to work for you.

No expense has been spared on this completely remodeled Keystone Point home in North Miami. If you are looking for a home with old world Miami charm that has been impeccably improved and maintained then this is it. This Keystone Point home is located on one of the main canals and it is just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway and ocean. With dock space at a premium in South Florida, having your boat behind your home is the ultimate luxury. Keystone Point has deep and wide canals which makes boating an absolute pleasure.
This Keystone Point home offers 2,800 square feet of air conditioned square footage and a brand new master suite addition that includes his and hers bathrooms and closets priced at $1,395,000. 5 bedroom 4 bathroom waterfront home in Keystone Point, a gated community. All of the windows have been replaced with hurricane rated glass, and every window is beautifully decorated with plantation shutters. The list of upgrades is extensive so please visit KeystonePointMiami.com for a full list along with multiple pictures and video or call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778. You can look, but you will not find a more perfect home in a better location.

Keystone Point Venetian Section
2085 Ixora Road
North Miami, Fl. 33181

I was just at Oasis on the Bay this morning with clients, and man do they have the best preconstruction pricing in all of Miami. Every time I go to the sales center, I cannot believe what a great project it is. You can buy a two bedroom condo with a bay view starting at $417,000. You cannot find that kind of pricing anywhere else in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The amenities at Oasis on the Bay are incredible as well and include a very nice restaurant, smart touch screen technology in each unit, 24 hour security, water sport activities and an awesome infinity edge pool just to name a few! There are many great floor plans to choose from as well. The east building of Oasis on the Bay is just a few feet from the edge of the water and offers some tremendous views of Biscayne Bay. If you are looking for the best deals in Miami condos, look no further. Please call me for more details. Paul Hansen 786-586-4778

If Florida continues to grow at its current rate, by mid-century, a third of the land will be covered in roads, homes, and businesses. And the population will double to about 36 million, fueling sprawl across most of the peninsula, according to a study commissioned by the Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies at the University of Central Florida.

Such population growth in the next half-century could be accommodated, the study says, on far less land and for far less money if government officials consider the following:

- Construct a high-speed-rail system connecting Florida's large and midsize cities.

- Develop local rail routes serving each high-speed-rail stop.

- Change land-use regulations to allow developments that mix high-density housing with retail and office spaces.

- Buy 8.5 million acres of land critical for wildlife survival as well as aquifer and wetland protection.

- Conserve more water and encourage less use in the home.

These ideas come from the Olrando Sentinal and they reflect the kind of forward thinking that Florida needs in order to deal with population growth. It is our responsibility as residents to push these kinds of ideas and elect officials who can effectively deal with these issues. Florida is a great state and will only get better when we voice our opinions.

Fewer than 20 percent of all U.S. households are affluent, yet that group controls nearly half of all aggregate income, according to a new report from Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com.

A major component of their wealth? Residential real estate, thanks to the run-up in values in major metropolitan areas, where the affluent tend to live, according to the company.

Nearly 21 million households fall into an affluent category - singles earning at least $75,000 and households with more than one adult earning at least $100,000 - and wield an aggregate income of $3.6 trillion, an amount Packaged Facts predicts will grow by 27 percent over the next four years to $4.6 trillion in 2011.

Affluent Profile: Risk Takers, Workaholics

Eighty-seven percent of the affluent own their own home. And on average, households with an annual income of $150,000 or more live in a house worth more than $550,000, according to the report. They are likely to be married with comparatively large families and live in the Northeast and Pacific regions.

Compared with the general population, affluent households are more likely to depend on multiple wage earners. Also higher than the general population is the number of self-employed: 10.6 percent of all affluent households and 15.3 percent of the super affluent.

The affluent also tend to:

-Be risk takers

-Characterize themselves as workaholics who want to get to the top of their career

-Spend more than twice the average on home furnishings and appliances

Different Categories of Affluence

Packaged Facts divides the affluent market into three groups:

-Mass affluent: one-person households with an income of $75,000-$99,999 and/or adults with a household income of $100,000-$149,999

-Highly affluent: household incomes of $150,000-$249,999

-Super-affluent: household incomes of $250,000 or more

The two million households defined as super affluent have an average annual household income of $435,000. They account for only 1.2 percent of all households but generate 12 percent of U.S. household income

Governor Charlie Crist spoke in Orlando last night on the property tax reform. Here is a video post of what he had to say. As we all know, property tax reform is one of the biggest issues facing the state of Florida along with Insurance reform. This video consists of question and answer between Governor Crist and members of the audience. Governor Crist seems to really be pushing property tax reform, which is exactly what he said he would do. Please take a look at the video and post your thoughts.

Governor Crist Tax Reform Video

In 9 days, the face of Florida real estate could be forever changed. Here is the speech in 5 parts, each lasting roughly 10 minutes.

Are you looking for a great deal in the Miami condo market? If you are a serious buyer or investor, now is the time to start buying condos in over saturated areas. There are projects that have well over 20% of the building on the resale market. Areas like Aventura and South Beach are great places to start lookingThat gives the buyer all of the leverage. Imagine being able to buy a Miami condo at prices from 3 or 4 years ago, because the seller is just looking to get out of their financial obligation. That probably sounds pretty good.
The thing you need to remember as a buyer is that you will need to hold on to the property for some time in order to obtain the desired profits. Ideally you would need to rent out the property for at least two years, and longer if possible.
If you are looking for a primary residence then you are in the best possible situation. Please call today for more details on how to get a great deal on a Miami condo!

When a house you are trying to sell smells like a pet, some tactics can improve the odor situation.
Many of us have pets and unfortunately there will be accidents from time to time. Here are some simple solutions to getting rid of pet smells.

- Use a fluorescent black light to expose odor-producing spots on the carpet, couch, floorboards and even drapes.

- Remove as many solids and liquids as possible. Apply an appropriate odor neutralizer or cleaner according to directions.

- Never use ammonia, which takes on the smell of what it is supposed to be cleaning.

- Choose a product designed to remove the specific problem. On water-safe surfaces, try Simple Solution stain and odor remover. The problem area must be thoroughly soaked and left to dry.

- Bramtons Oxy Solution Pet Stain and Odor Destroyer can remove odors and stains from surfaces that will not withstand soaking, but test first in an out-of-the way place.

- One of the most effective and safest disinfectants for use around pets is Chlorhexidine, which is sold under such names as Nolvasan, Chlorasan and Chlorhex by veterinarians and medical-supply outlets. Use these for problems that demand deep cleaning.

- When all else fails, temporarily neutralize odors using a product such as Fresh Wave.

One out of every five U.S. households, or about 21.7 million, is considered affluent, according to an annual survey by Phoenix Affluent Marketing Service. The survey divides the affluent into four categories, based on liquid assets (not real estate):

- emerging affluent 2.7 percent with an income between $150,000 and less than $250,000 in investable assets

- mid-tier affluent 13.7 percent with $250,000 to $999,000 in investable assets

- millionaires 4.6 percent with $1 million to $4.999 million in investable assets

- and penta-millionaires 0.755 percent with more than $5 million

The survey also found that some states - including Florida - have more affluent residents than others. States with the highest percentage of millionaires in 2006 are: Hawaii (6.79 percent); New Jersey (6.46 percent); Maryland (6.21 percent); Connecticut (6.20 percent); Massachusetts (5.64 percent); Delaware (5.48 percent); Virginia (5.45 percent); California (5.40 percent); District of Columbia (5.33 percent); and Florida (5.19 percent). For more info, go to: www.phoenixmi.com

Miami - Fort Lauderdale makes the list of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the country. With this kind of growth excessive real estate inventory should be gobbled up within the next year or two and the Miami real estate market should return to a normal robust market along with Fort Lauderdale real estate.

10 U.S. Metro Areas with Highest Numerical Growth
April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006

1. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga. - 890,211
2. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas - 842,449
3. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas - 824,547
4. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. - 787,306
5. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. - 771,314
6. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif. - 584,510
7. New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, N.Y.-N.J.-Pa. - 495,154
8. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.Va.- 494,220
9. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach, Fla. - 455,869
10. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill.-Ind.-Wis. - 407,133

Want to invest in rental real estate in Miami and surrounding areas? With the subprime lending crisis making it harder to get a mortgage, rental demand is increasing and many people are now exploring the potential financial return in becoming a landlord. Some new landlords enter the business because they cannot sell their homes; others deliberately acquire properties at below previous market prices. Here are some important tips for newbie landlords:

- Do not overpay for a property or expect to get back everything you have invested. A house will attract only so much rent. If you overpay, you can raise the rent only so much before your property starts sitting vacant.

- Hiring a property manager who can help you navigate local ordinances, price rent properly and find reliable tenants is often worth more than its cost.

- Run a credit check on potential renters and insist on references.

- Do not under-budget for repairs. Keeping the property in good condition helps attract quality tenants.

- Skimping on insurance can put a landlord in an expensive pickle.

- Aim for an annual return of 10 to 12 percent. Finding a good accountant who understands the dizzying array of tax breaks, deductions and write-offs is often critical to achieving this margin.

If you are interested in becoming a landlord, please give me a call to start your search.
Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

While the 30 year fixed mortgage rate held at 6.16 percent this week, Freddie Mac reports a dip in the 15 year fixed rate to 5.86 percent from 5.9 percent a week ago.

The five-year adjustable rate fell to 5.88 percent from 5.91 percent, but the one-year ARM climbed slightly to 5.43 percent from 5.4 percent.

Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft says he does not expect the housing market to recover in the near future, citing conflicting reports about home sales. Nothaft points out that the annual pace of home resales hit a nearly one-year high of 6.69 million units in February, while the annual pace of new-home sales fell to a nearly seven-year low of 848,000 during the same month.

If you moved to take a new job in 2006, don’t forget to deduct these job-related moving expenses from your income tax return.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, which provides tax preparation services, offers the following guidance on what you can deduct:

- Timing Is Important. If you moved in 2006, you can probably claim moving costs that were incurred within a one-year period from the date of your first day of work at the new location. If you moved to a new city and then found a new job, you may also be able to claim deductions, provided that you began working within a one-year time frame following the move.

- Distance Requirements. The new location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your old job location was from your former home.

- Moving Expenses. Deductible costs include packing, crating, and transporting household goods and personal effects. Also deductible: storing and insuring items within any period of 30 consecutive days after the items are moved from your former home and before they are delivered to your new home. And, you can deduct connecting or disconnecting utilities and shipping your car and your household pets to a new home.

With the subprime lending crisis making it harder to get a mortgage, rental demand is increasing.

That has spurred many people to explore the financial benefits of being a landlord. Membership in the National Association of Residential Property Managers in Virginia Beach, Va., has increased by more than 20 percent in the past year.

Some new landlords have entered the business because they could not sell their homes and needed to find a tenant, while others are deliberately acquiring properties at below previous market prices.

Here are some important tips for newbie landlords:

- Do not overpay for a property or expect to get back everything you have invested. A house will attract only so much rent. If you overpay, you can raise the rent only so much before your property starts sitting vacant.
- Hiring a property manager who can help you navigate local ordinances, price properly and find reliable tenants is often worth the 10 to 15 percent of the rent they charge.
- Run a credit check on potential renters and insist on references from previous tenants.
- Do not under-budget for repairs. Keeping the property in good condition helps attract quality tenants.
- Skimping on insurance can put a landlord in an expensive pickle.
- Aim for an annual return of 10 percent to 12 percent. Finding a good accountant who understands the dizzying array of tax breaks, deductions and write-offs is often critical to achieving this margin.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Jeff D. Opdyke (03/17/2007)

That is a great question. Buyers have an advantage now in the South Florida real estate market today due to the high levels of inventory. The average person looks at the real estate market thinks they should wait to buy, but in reality they should be buying today for several reasons.

- Mortgage rates are still at all time lows and are projected to dip even further.
- Inventory is at all time highs so buyers can negotiate much easier today.
- New projects closing with investors willing to take a loss to get out.
- In certain projects you can buy today at prices from 2 to 3 years ago.

If you work with an experienced realtor who knows where the deals are, you can position yourself to be looking very good when the inventory levels off and the market comes back. Do not be the person that says I will wait until next year, because it may be too late. We have seen that happen too many times and you do not want to be that person. You can bet that the smart real estate investors are buying up the good deals already and planning for the future. For more information on South Florida real estate, please contact us today.

When a house you are trying to sell smells like a pet, there are some tactics that can improve the odor situation. Don Aslett, owner of Varsity Contractors, one of the countrys largest cleaning companies, offers up these tips for identifying the source of the smell and then eliminating it:

- Use a fluorescent black light (pet-supply stores sell them), to expose odor-producing spots on the carpet, couch, floorboards and even on drapes.

- Remove all solids and blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean towel. Apply an appropriate odor neutralizer or cleaner according to directions.

- Never use ammonia, which takes on the smell of what it's supposed to be cleaning, can trigger more accidents.

- Choose the best product to remove the problem. On water-safe surfaces, try Simple Solution stain and odor remover. The problem area must be thoroughly soaked and left to dry.

- Bramtons Oxy Solution Pet Stain and Odor Destroyer can remove odors and stains from surfaces that will not withstand soaking, but test first in an out-of-the way place.

- The most effective and safest disinfectant for use around pets is Chlorhexidine, which is sold under such names as Nolvasan, Chlorasan and Chlorhex by veterinarians and medical-supply outlets. Use these for problems that demand deep cleaning.

- When all else fails, temporarily neutralize odors using a product such as Fresh Wave.

Believe it or not, a change in the tax law gets a lot of credit for a recent boom in the number of Americans buying second homes. The change allows most home sellers to take up to $500,000 of profit tax free. Before 1997, sellers generally had to buy a more expensive home to avoid being taxed on profit from a sale. Now you can trade down to a less expensive house and use profit from the sale of the big place as a down payment on a second home.
A recent study found that more than one in five second home buyers were using equity from the sale of a primary residence to finance their purchase. There is no doubt that many baby boomers are in their peak earning years and therefore more able to afford a second home. And, rapid price appreciation of homes in many areas has certainly stoked demand for second homes as terrific investments. Here is a quick look at the tax rules for second homes.
Mortgage interest. If you use the place as a second home - rather than renting it out as a business property - interest on the mortgage is deductible just as interest on the mortgage on your first home is. You can write off 100% of the interest you pay on up to $1 million of debt secured by your first and second homes and used to acquire or improve the properties. (That's a total of $1 million of debt, not $1 million on each home.) The rules that apply if you rent the place out are discussed later.

» Continue reading "Buying a Second Home"

- What is the biggest complaint most home owners have today? High property taxes.

- In an attempt to solve one of the states highest profile problems the Florida House of Representatives this week proposed eliminating property taxes in favor of a higher state sales tax.

- The plan would leave millions of Floridians without a property tax bill, but would require everyone, including tourists, to pay a statewide sales tax rate of 8.5 percent, the highest in the United States.

- The increased sales tax would generate an estimated $7.78 billion in the first year and would be shared among local governments and school districts. A distribution formula has not yet been developed.

- Some government officials think the proposal will create financial problems on the local level. Even if this law does not get passed at least some kind of progress is being made to try and reduce property taxes in Florida. Stay tuned for more information.

Have you purchased a Florida home as a primary residence in 2006? If so, file for your $25,000 homestead exemption before March 1, 2007. Any Florida property owner with legal title to a home and who used it as a permanent, primary residence by Jan. 1 is eligible for the exemption. And exactly what is the homestead exemption? It is generally a $25,000 deduction from a homes assessed value as determined by the county property appraiser. Take the homes assessed value, subtract $25,000, and apply the local millage rate to calculate the property taxes due. Homeowners making their first claim this year should contact their respective county property appraisers office to find out how to file for the exemption. Many offices offer applications online or will mail one to residents. Homeowners may also file for a homestead exemption in person, bringing along the deed to their property or a property tax bill or something to prove they own the home. Most property appraisers offices will accept applications for homestead exemption until the March 1 deadline. Call your local county property appraisers office to find out more.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Feb. 12, 2007 - Attorney General Bill McCollum issued a consumer advisory, warning Floridians of common mortgage fraud scams. Mortgage scams ranked among the top 10 categories of complaints received by the Attorney Generals office last year.
Home equity scams come in several variations. Equity stripping occurs when a lender encourages a consumer to manipulate their loan application in order to qualify for a greater loan amount. Loan flipping involves lenders who repeatedly encourage consumers to refinance their loans, which may require them to borrow more money and, as a result, accumulate higher fees.

» Continue reading "Florida Attorney General Warns Consumers About Mortgage Fraud Scams"

The preconstruction condo boom may not be over after all. With developers like the Related Group leading the way with new terms and incentives on their condo projects, you may see a surge in preconstruction condo sales. Oasis on the Bay 2 is selling units for only 5% at contract 5% at ground breaking and a final 5% at the topping of the building. The Viceroy at Icon Brickell is doing something similar with only 10% down on their remaining units with 5% now and 5% in December along with paying all of your closing costs up to 50k. With these kinds of incentives, it will be hard for buyers to pass up. These programs will probably not be around for long, so now would be a good time to take advantage of these great deals. To learn more about great preconstruction condo deal please contract us today.

Oasis on the Bay 2 is now taking reservations for its second tower a.k.a. Oasis on the Bay 2. This phase is the east building and it is the closest to the bay with the best views. With pricing starting at $175,000 these units will not last long. The deposit structure for Oasis on the Bay 2 is as follows:

-5% at contract
-5% at ground breaking and
-5% at the topping of the building

The developer will also be paying 4% to 5% interest on the deposits. The East tower offers the best views and is the closest in proximity to Biscayne Bay. True to its name, Oasis on the Bay is situated directly on Biscayne Bay and the developer is planning on taking advantage of this luxury to the max. The amenities will include an Aqua Club, which will allow residents to reserve watercrafts like jet skis and kayaks docked on-site at the marina. There will be a 4,200 sq ft waterfront restaurant on site, a poolside cafe, poolside cabanas and an Oasis Beach Club. If you have an interest in this project, please contact us today! At prices like this, Oasis on the Bay 2 will not last. Call Paul Hansen for more information. 786-586-4778

$1,595,000
Keystone Point
2085 Ixora Rd
North Miami, Fl 33181

Hansen Homes has just listed the most incredible Keystone Point home in North Miami. Keystone Point is a boaters paradise with deep wide canals and just a few short minutes from Haulover Cut that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. This Keystone Point home has been completely remodeled and also comes with a brand new addition. The addition includes a huge master bedroom with beautiful wood floors and his and hers closets and bathrooms. The bathrooms both have tumbled marble floors and the marble runs up the walls to the ceiling. All of the counters are granite tops, and both closets have built-ins. All of the plumbing and electrical have been updated, inside and out. A brand new tri colored barrel tile roof has just been installed, and two brand new tumbled marble driveways have also just been completed. All of the windows have been replaced with hurricane rated glass and every window has been outfitted with Plantation Shutters. The list of upgrades is extensive, so please call or email us for a full list! Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

- 5 bedroom 4 bathroom
- 2,800 square feet
- 75 feet of water frontage
- 2 tumbled marble driveways
- 2 new 11,000 lb davits
- completely remodeled

Creative marketing goes a long way in a slow real estate market. One strategy that is working for many practitioners is hosting parties, thereby exposing a property to hoards of potential buyers and real estate practitioners.

Holly Barr is one example. When the real estate practitioner of Better Homes Realty in San Jose, California had trouble finding a buyer for a home, she joined forces with other real estate practitioners to hold a progressive open house.

It worked like this: 11 homes held open houses on the same weekday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Each of the practitioners provided refreshments and chipped in to buy prizes such as Nordstrom gift cards for visitors who viewed all 11 properties.

The parties worked. Barr sold her listing for $555,000 - $10,000 less than the asking price. Another real estate professional who participated in the progressive open house found the buyer.

Similar social events also have worked for other area practitioners.

Brad Le of Coldwell Banker threw a cocktail reception at a town home he listed in San Jose. The $250 he spent on catered hors doeuvres paid off. The home got two purchase offers the following week, one came from someone who attended the party.

And Cheryl DeGolia of Peninsula Homes Realty in the Silicon Valley area has held neighborhood wine and cheese parties lately to help publicize her listings, hand-delivering invitations in advance. The neighbors appreciate the party and the chance to look around another neighbors home, she said, and the owners just like to know you have done everything to market their home.

Miami will be in the spotlight yet again on February 4, 2007 when Super Bowl XLI is played at Dolphin Stadium. The Super Bowl will be held in Miami for a record 9th time in its storied history. It is no wonder Miami has been chosen more than any other city with its beautiful weather, beaches and just so many things to do here.

Super Bowl fun facts

-Site: Dolphin Stadium - Miami Gardens, Fla.

-Date: Feb. 4, 2007

-Game time: 6 p.m. EST

-Note: This is the 9th Super Bowl hosted by South Florida (Orange Bowl 5, Dolphin Stadium 3). The city previously hosted Super Bowl II on Jan. 14, 1968, Super Bowl III on Jan. 12, 1969, Super Bowl V on Jan. 17, 1971, Super Bowl X on Jan. 18, 1976, Super Bowl XIII on Jan. 21, 1979, Super Bowl XXIII on Jan. 22, 1989, Super Bowl XXIX on Jan. 29, 1995 and Super Bowl XXXIII on Jan. 31, 1999

-Other Super Bowl host cities: New Orleans (9: Tulane Stadium 3, Louisiana Superdome 6); Los Angeles (7: Los Angeles Coliseum 2, Rose Bowl 5); Tampa Bay (3); San Diego (3); Atlanta (2); Houston (2); Arizona (1); Detroit (2: Pontiac Silverdome 1, Ford Field 1); Minneapolis (1); Stanford (1); Jacksonville (1).

-Dolphin Stadium seating capacity for SB XLI: 70,000

-Media Center: Miami Beach Convention Center

-Home team: NFC Champion will wear its choice of jerseys.

-Cost of the Vince Lombardi Trophy: $25,000

-Who makes Super Bowl Trophy: Tiffany & Co. of New York.

-Cost of Super Bowl rings: League pays for up to 150 rings at $5,000 per ring (plus adjustments for increases in gold and diamonds). League also pays for 150 pieces of jewelry for the losing team, which may not cost more than one-half the price set for the Super Bowl ring.

-Host city economic impact: Super Bowl XL generated a total economic impact in Detroit of $261 million, according to a study commissioned by Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.

-TV/Radio coverage: CBS will be televising its 15th Super Bowl. CBS Radio-Westwood One will be broadcasting its 20th consecutive Super Bowl, 33nd overall

-Super Bowl XL TV audience: Last year's game was watched by 141.4 million viewers. The 10 most-watched programs in TV history are all Super Bowls.

When the housing market slows, sellers know it can be a lot tougher to turn their property into a buyer magnet. With more homes on the market and increased pressure on pricing, buyers have more power in the process.

For-sale-by-owner transaction have fallen over the past decade to 12 percent of all sales today from 18 percent in 1997, says the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

NAR spokesman Walter Molony says sellers believe real estate practitioners are better equipped to achieve fast sales at top dollar in a weak market, adding that the median price for agent-assisted transactions was about 16 percent higher than FSBO sales last year. Practitioners orchestrate showings, handle paperwork, and identify serious buyers for sellers, Moloney says.

NAR's 2006 profile of home buyers and sellers shows that 5 percent of sales from mid-2005 to mid-2006 involved FSBO sellers turning to a real estate professional, with only 1 percent of sales involving sellers who abandoned their practitioner to go it alone.

Here are seven buying tips for the Miami real estate market in 2007 that could help save you a little grief in the short term and a lot of money in the long term.

7 buying tips for the down cycle:

1. Negotiate with builders. Do not be afraid to ask builders for concessions such as steep price discounts, closing-cost waivers, luxury upgrades, free landscaping, free trips and free club memberships. Many builder-incentive packages are worth 10 grand and up.

2. Negotiate with home sellers. Unlike the go-go market of recent years, offers of 5 percent to 10 percent or more under asking price will not be inappropriate.

3. Educated timing. Read up on local not national market trends, religiously read for-sale ads, and get a sense of whats moving and where, then be prepared to jump on bargains, especially as the last of the speculators are being flushed out of the market and for-sale inventories are at their zenith.

4. Avoid hot spots. Stay away from buying homes in neighborhoods that appreciated significantly above average home prices in recent years, especially if you are moving for the short term. Once prices in these hot spots are corrected, these often see slower upward movement or remain flat after the overall market heads north again.

5. Modesty is the best policy. Consider more modest homes in well-maintained, established neighborhoods. By contrast, pricing and re-pricing on expensive homes, new homes and new condos make those products riskier during down cycles.

6. Flexibility. For maximum flexibility in pouncing on the right deal, get preapproved for your home loan.

7. Follow fundamentals. Just because a lender will advance you money to live or build beyond your means does not mean you are standing on sound fiscal footing. At year-end 2006, $330 billion of adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, were creeping upward. Avoid risky interest-only loans and ARMs, opting for fixed-rate mortgages instead. And learn from the recent past. Do not assume housing will appreciate enough in the near term to cover your homes rising interest payments.

Here are some great tips for selling in a down market. Remember that 2007 is going to be the year of the correction in the Miami real estate market, so be patient. It will still be a great year by many other standards. For more tips on selling in a down market, please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

7 selling tips for the down cycle:

1. Price to sell. If you really must sell now, do not mess around. List your house based on what the market dictates today, not the prices that friends, relatives and co-workers got last winter or last spring.

2. Consider all credible offers. Holding fast for a better offer might put you in a situation where you are merely playing catch-up with a moving market. Do not assume there will always be another offer coming down the pike. You may need to come off your price 5 percent in some areas and 10 percent or more in others.

3. Offer to proffer. Buyers are requesting all kinds of enticements to spice the pot. Club memberships, prepaid lawn maintenance, moving-expense reimbursements, all appliances included and liberal repair credits are just a few possible throw-ins. Do not be shocked if you hear, Throw in that plasma TV and we have got a deal. Consider in advance how far you will be willing to go, but draw the line, however, at the first-born child.

4. Catch the wave at the source. Prepare your home for sale at the very earliest point this spring (actually early March or even late February), the time when seasonal buying interest is just starting to build.

5. Preserve your equity. Until the market stabilizes, refrain from borrowing from home equity (or raiding your 401(k), for that matter) to pay your bills, or for vacations and other purchases.

6. Gain in a sell-buy scenario. If you will be buying another home at the same time you are selling your current one, the price reduction on the new one can compensate for the loss you are taking on the old one. If you plan a move up to a better neighborhood and are paying 10 percent below list after selling your old home for 10 percent below list, your net dollar savings will actually be more.

7. Stay if possible. If you are happy in your home and are meeting your expenses but want to sell due to continuing housing bubble fears, sit a spell. A home is a shelter first, and investment second. Except for a handful of markets that are still hyper-inflated, odds are that it will pay to ride out the storm. Generally, the early stages of a downturn are the scariest because that is when amateur investors are dumping spec properties cheaply.

To help customers understand where they are using the most electricity as well as how to control electric usage, FPL encourages use of the online home energy survey found at www.FPL.com. The advantages of the online home energy survey include its availability 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, a printable report to share with the entire family and personalized energy information.
For the benefit of customers, FPL offers the following energy conservation tips that will additionally save energy and money for the long term:

1. Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings. It also helps to maintain a comfortable temperature when you wake up or return home.

2. Clean or replace your air conditioners filter every month to trim cooling costs and help the unit run more efficiently.

3. Turn off all ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms. A fan that runs constantly can cost up to seven dollars each month to operate.

4. Watch the water. Use the dishwasher to conserve energy. Avoid pre-rinsing dishes to save up to $70 a year.

5. Limit the time the pool pump is running to six hours a day in the summer.

6. Adjust the water level on the washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water. Always use a cold rinse.

7. Clean the lint filter in the dryer before every load to dry clothes and save money.

8. Use the auto sensor function on the dryer, if one is available, to conserve energy by not over-drying the clothes.

The unemployment rate in Florida dropped to 3.1 percent in October, which is slightly down from the month before. The South Florida unemployment rate actually saw a sharper decline. The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation reported that the Broward rate was a 2.8 percent, Miami-Dade 4.2 percent and Palm Beach County was 3.2. All of these numbers are down from the previous month which is a very good sign for the local economy as well as the real estate market in all of these counties. Florida is in the midst of a four year run where unemployment rates are consistently lower than the national average. If you were to take a look back at any of the housing busts that the real estate market has taken, it has been tied directly to a major rise in unemployment. That gives credence to the idea that we are experiencing a correction in the market instead of a decline. 2007 should be another good year in Miami real estate.

Pending home sales are hovering in a narrow range, another indication that stabilization is occurring in the housing sector, according to the National Association of Realtors ® (NAR).

The Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed in October, slipped 1.7 percent to a reading of 107.2 and is 13.2 percent lower than October 2005. The index had trended up from a cyclical low of 105.6 in July, and a decline from year-ago levels is narrowing. In September, the index was 13.6 percent below a year earlier, while in August the decline was 14.0 percent.

David Lereah, NARs chief economist, says a fairly steady pace of home sales can be expected for the next two months. It is important to focus on where the housing market is now it appears to be stabilizing, and comparisons with an unsustainable boom mask the fact that home sales remain historically high they will stay that way through 2007, he says. In addition, a temporary correction in prices distracts from the fact that it is primarily the number of home sales that affects the economy, and the number for this year will be the third highest on record.

The index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed and the transaction has not closed, but the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, the first year to be examined and the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales. There is a closer relationship between annual changes in the index and year-ago changes in sales performance than with month-to-month comparisons.

Regionally, the PHSI in the Midwest slipped 0.6 percent in October to 95.8 and was 15.4 percent below a year ago. The index in the South declined 1.7 percent to 122.9 and was 9.3 percent below October 2005. In the Northeast, the index eased 2.1 percent in October to 88.0 and was 13.5 percent lower than a year earlier. The index in the West fell 2.7 percent to 109.5 and was 17.4 percent below October 2005.

Here is a list of the ten most expensive home sales in Miami-Dade County for 2006. As you can see the majority of the closed sales have taken place in Miami Beach. Miami Beach Homes are some of the finest homes you will find anywhere in the country with some of the best views and floor plans. Please call us today to find out about your new Miami Beach home.

1. 12 INDIAN CREEK DR Sales Price $22,500,000 Indian Creek

2. 30 LA GORCE CR Sales Price $17,000,000 Miami Beach

3. 2940 N BAY RD Sales Price $13,650,000 Miami Beach

4. 33 ARVIDA PW Sales Price $12,750,000 Coral Gables

5. 260 CAPE FLORIDA DR Sales Price $13,000,000 Key Biscayne

6. 5700 N BAY RD Sales Price$9,330,000 Miami Beach

7. 2900 N BAY RD Sales Price $12,000,000 Miami Beach

8. 70 PALM AV Sales Price $10,500,000 Miami Beach

9. 1400 W 28 ST Sales Price $11,600,000 Miami Beach

10. 135 OCEAN BL Sales Price $10,150,000 Golden Beach

A proposed $420 million Florida Marlins baseball stadium in downtown Miami could do wonders for real estate values in that area. The proposed stadium would go on nine acres of government owned land just north of the county administration building. A plan unveiled last week by County Manager George Burgess calls for taxpayers to contribute the site, which real estate experts estimate is worth $17.6 million, and float loans to pay for construction. Mr. Burgess said loans would be paid off through a combination of tourist taxes, a special state tax subsidy, revenues generated by other redevelopment and $162 million in rent from the Marlins.
Downtown Miami is already experiencing a rebirth, and a baseball stadium is exactly what the area needs. Almost every other major city has a baseball stadium in or very close to the downtown area, why not Miami. It makes perfect sense. Two things are bound to happen. Miami Real estate values will go up and the Marlins average attendance will probably more than double.

Although there is no denying that the U.S. residential property sector is still soft compared with the previous three years, a growing number of analysts are beginning to hint that the country's housing slump may be over.
They point to a rebound in home builder stocks and declining mortgage reasons as proof.
Indeed, builder stocks rallied sharply on Nov. 30 following an analysts upgrade, while Freddie Mac confirms that the average interest on a 30 year fixed mortgage slipped to 6.14 percent this past week.
The transition from sizzling markets to normal or weak markets has been orderly so far, and recent drops in interest rates lessen the likelihood that precipitous changes will occur, says Patrick Lawler, Chief Economist for the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.

The number of homes available for sale in 18 U.S. major metropolitan areas declined an average of 1.2 percent in October.

The largest declines in home inventories in October were in the metro areas of Sacramento, Calif., where they fell 5.4 percent; San Diego, 5.6 percent; and San Francisco, 6.4 percent.

Inventories climbed 2.4 percent in Seattle and 3.7 percent in Miami.

The following is a list of the ten highest priced condominiums available for sale in Miami-Dade county as of 11-17-2006. If you would like more information regarding any of these condos, please contact Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

1. The Setai Unit # PH B Priced at $29,000,000

2. Il Villaggio Unit # PH 6 & 7 Priced at $18,500,000

3. Bristol Tower Unit # 4000 Priced at $16,900,000

4. Icon South Beach Unit # PH 1 Priced at $15,900,000

5. Fisher Island Unit # 7612 Priced at $15,000,000

6. One Bal Harbour Unit # 2602 Priced at $13,500,000

7. Bellini Condo Unit # 2301 Priced at $13,500,000

8. Ocean Tower One Condo Unit # PH 1 Priced at $11,900,000

9. One Bal Harbour Unit # PH 1 Priced at $11,900,000

10. The Bath Club Unit # Villa 6 Priced at $ 10.990.000

This is a list of the ten most expensive closed sales the the Miami condo market for 2006. If you would like more information on these sales or information regarding the Miami condo market, please feel free to give us a call or send an email. We have an extensive knowledge of the condo market in MIami and we can help you make an informed decision.

1. Icon South Beach Unit # PH 1 Closed Price $12,140,000

2. Fisher Island Oceanside Unit # 7764 Closed Price $8,500,000

3. Bellini Bal Harbour Unit # PH 1-S Closed Price $5,700,000

4. Il Villaggio South Beach Unit # 1605 Closed Price $5,000,000

5. Grand Bay Tower II Unit # PH 1AN Closed Price $5,000,000

6. Ocean Tower One Condo Unit # 501 Closed Price $4.800,000

7. The Gables Condo Unit # 15K Closed Price $4,760,000

8. Club Tower II Key Biscayne Unit # PH 3 Closed Price $4,500,000

9. Continuum South Beach Unit # 3203 Closed Price $4,250,000

10. The Bath Club Unit # PH 19E Closed Price $4,250,000

To obtain additional information on these listings, please contact Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

*All information above is from the South East Florida Regional MLS*

Studies of the psychology of finance indicate that emotions play a huge role in decisions people make about money.
There's a whole emotional processing system that goes on in the brain that's largely beyond our control, says Kevin McCabe, a professor of economics, law, and neuroscience at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. The general view is that our emotions control us, and not vice versa.
The study of neuroeconomics has illuminated a few key concepts: Many people will pass up sure profits for illusory ones. Some will turn down profits if they believe someone else is unfairly profiting more. Some will even refuse to sell if they believe they may come to regret it, because fear of future regret can be as powerful a motivator as money in the pocket today.
While little of this has been applied scientifically to real estate, it is easy to make the leap.
For instance, much research has been done on the concept of loss aversion, which shows that people tend to deny reality when something they own, such as a house, declines in value. Sellers maintain the asking price even at a level that makes no sense, economists say. Similarly, home sellers become attached to the prices their neighbors received at the top of the market rather than current prices, and they become reluctant to sell unless they get that higher price.
There seems to be a psychological resistance to taking losses on the sale of a house, says David Laibson, who teaches psychology and economics at Harvard University. People think they'll make money on it.... That logic worked for a long time, and now anyone who bet on that logic is being burned.

The Related Group has had another big success with the Loft 3 in downtown Miami. One bedrooms from $189,000, two bedrooms from $285,000 and only 5% down. These prices have not been seen for several years in the Miami real estate market. Picture this: Awesome indoor space in the midst of a vital and vigorous downtown district. It's the character of the people that define the vision for Urban Hip. And the vision becomes reality through the people at the LOFT3. This type of affordable housing will be seen more and more in Miami and surrounding areas.

All I hear and read about these days is how the real estate market is terrible. The truth is, now is the time to buy. If you are a savvy investor, you know that now is the time. If you aren't a savvy investor, now is the time to learn. What you really need is an experienced realtor to point you in the right direction and guide you in the process. There are many opportunities to buy at a great price today, rent out the property for a year or two and then you can decide if you want to sell it or hang on to it. Investors have been making fortunes in real estate for many years, long before the so called real estate boom, and they will continue to make fortunes long after this so called real estate boom is over.

All signs are pointing towards an active and fruitful season in the Miami real estate market. With hurricane season almost over and very little storm activity, the real estate market in starting to balance out and the prognosis looks good for a healthy real estate season in Miami. All of the experts that predicted gloom and doom for a record number of hurricanes should have their heads buried in the sand due to the embarrassment of being totally wrong. That just goes to show you, don’t try and predict what mother nature will do, because it may come back to bite you. Miami is, and will continue to be the American Riviera.
I can tell you one thing for certain from experience, I would rather know that a hurricane is coming and have advance notice, than getting caught in an earthquake or a tornado that comes almost completely without warning. Hurricanes are like the economy, they work in cycles and you can never accurately predict them.

Oasis on the Bay Miami Condos

Oasis on the Bay is one of the newest and most exciting new preconstruction condo projects in all of Miami. Oasis on the Bay condos rests on 3.8 acres directly on Biscayne Bay that will hold two 20 story towers with 475 units that will range in size from 686 to 1900 square feet. Oasis on the Bay condos will include a state of the art cinema, health club and lavish spa, 20 slip marinas and one of the most beautiful bayside pools you will find anywhere. Residents at Oasis on the Bay can take advantage of the smart building technology and smart screen touch pad system, which provides access to all of the condos luxurious amenities and services. Kitchens at Oasis on the Bay will include modern Italian cabinetry, sleek granite counter tops and the latest energy efficient stainless steel appliances. Building features at Oasis on the Bay include a 4,200 square foot restaurant, valet parking, fitness center, 24 hour security, treatment cabanas and an elegant clubhouse overlooking Biscayne Bay. Prices at Oasis on the Bay range from the $290�s to the $560�s. For more information on Oasis on the Bay, please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

DOMAIN 64 IN MIAMI

CONTACT LOURDES DECHOUDENS AT 954-661-3198

New construction of 68 units , lofts, flats and townhomes located in 64 st. and biscayne blvd. Two towers residences with endless parks and bayviews at Miami upper east side, minutes from downtown and accross the bridge to miami beach. 24 models price ranges in the $295,000 to $875,000. Units range between 740 to 1,994 sq ft. A partnership of General Real Estate Corporation and Luis Development.

AMMENITIES:BUSINESS CENTER
ROOFTOP OASIS
CARDIO ROOM
CONTROLLED BUILDING ACCESS
BAMBOO GARDEN
PET FRIENDLY
MAIMI MODERN ARCHITECTURE BUILDING

FEATURES:
PRIVATE TERRACES AND BALCONIES
STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
STAINLESS STEEL BACKSPLASH
EUROPEAN CABINET
LIMESTONE IN BATHROOM
SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS
HURRICANE IMPACT RESISTANT WINDOWS
BUILD IN UNITS IN CLOSETS
LARGE CAPACITY WASHER AND DRYER
HIGH SPEED INTERNET AND CABLE ACCESS

10% to go to contract and closing in first Quarter of 2008.
Maintenaince Fee is 0.38 per sq ft.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:LOURDES DECHOUDENS AT
954-661-3198
Exclusive Agent of Turnberry International Realty

San Michele condo/conversion
1997 construction of 2,3 & 4 Bedroom luxury condominiums & Townhomes from $323's to $585's price range. Located in prestigious Weston Town Center Area close to A+ schools. Units with Pool, water or lake views. Upgrade Package are availables.

Community features:
2 pool, 1 heated
Pet friendly
Tot Lots
Basketball/Hockey Court
Tennis court
Multi Purpose court
Gated Community

Residence Features:
Screened Balcony
GE appliances
Breakfast Bar and Pantry
Ceramic Tile in all bath
Roman Tub
In home intrusion alarm system
Ceiling Paddle fans
9 1/2 foot ceiling in living areas
walk-in closets
Vertical or mini blinds on all windows and sliding doors
Lush wall to wall carpeting
Smoke detectors and fire sprinkler systems
Pre-wired Cable TV outlets in all rooms

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
LOURDES DECHOUDENS AT 954-661-3198

Blue Condos, 2 bedrooms 30th floor for Sale - Miami, Florida

George Kauper has available an extraordinary opportunity to purchase in Blue Condominium in Miami. Come see this stunning 2 bedroom with 3 full baths. This thirtieth floor unit has 2,048 square feet of living space and is the largest unit of its kind in the building. The unit has an Italian kitchen with granite countertops and top of the line GE appliances. Marble countertops in the bathrooms. Dual zone air conditioning and 2 parking spaces. This unit has a breathtaking 180 degree view, let your eyes soak in the sun from the north to the east to the south of Biscayne Bay.

You will not find a unit of this quality at a better price in the building, or in Miami. Offered at $1,125,000.00 the owner is open to offers and is able to provide seller financing for US or non US residents.

Blue is a 35-story condominium tower overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami Design District. The 330 residences range from 1 & 2 bedrooms to custom penthouses. Residents� exclusive top of the line amenities include a gym and two pools overlooking the Biscayne Bay. All of the Blue Condominium residences enjoy a panoramic water view.

Blue Condos was designed by Arquitectonica. Arquitectonica's housing architecture group is a global leader in its field. It is renowned for unique and iconic architecture and progressive interior planning. Its exterior designs are landmarks in the Miami skyline and define the address of the residents. Its interior designs address contemporary lifestyles and explore new ways to improve private living spaces as well as shared public functions.

Please see pictures below...............

PRICES RANGE: $323,000 To $657,000.
A project from the Related Group to redefine the South Florida Skyline located in 901 Brickell Ave. Miami Fl 33131 in the Brickell Financial Center. Architect: Nichols, Brosch & Sandoval; Designer: Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA)

Two stories contemporary lobby with high speed elevators
Open air Plaza
Two chic restaurants
Gourmet fresh markets and boutique catering
Heated Pool with waterfall amid a tropically inspired one-acre pool deck
Large Gyms/Fitness Room/Sauna & Spa
Fitness Center
Large Party rooms leading out to expansive Party Deck
Large Pool Deck
Poolside Cabanas
Dry Cleaning
Concierge
Restaurants
Shops
Pool Service
Grocery Store

Views:
East to Biscayne Bay, Brickell Key
North to Downtown
South/West to Brickell/Coral Gables

It is 1000 units 9 feet ceilings and 11 feet ceilings (Skylofts), 1 parking per unit + 24 hour Valet

With over 30,000 sq. ft. of commercial/retail on the street level, the Plaza will become the new meeting point for work and play, breathing more life and vitality to the financial district

Unit Descriptions:

1 Bed/1 Bath: 638 � 847 sq Ft
2 Bed/2 Bath: 1,054 � 1,209 sq ft
2 Bed/2.5 Bath: 1400 sq ft
Penthouses: 2,000 � 4,000 sq ft

Completion Date: End of 2007

For More Information or to set an appoitment for a presentation please contact:

Lourdes Dechoudens
Exclusive Agent of:
Turnberry International Realty
Realtor Sale Associate
Cell: 954-661-3198
ldechoudens@gmail.com
www.HansenHomesAventura.com

Private gated community in Downtown designed by Luis Revuelta. It will be Located at SW 3rd Street and South Miami River in the summit of the River Front Community. This project will have 13.5 acre gated urban oasis on the North Bank of the Miami River. The Units will have unobstructed views of Brickell, Downtown and the River.

It is a 52 stories building with 495 units (1,2 & 3 Bedrooms)
Unit sizes: 962 sq ft to 1,372 sq ft.
Prices range: Low $400�s to Low $800�s
UNIT TYPES:

C1, C2 3 BR/2.5 BA 1378 $653,000 - $813,000

C3, C4, C5, C6 2 BR, 2.5 BA, MEDIA 1170 $554,000 - $690,000

C7, C8 2 BR, 2.5 BA, MEDIA 1110 $510,000 - $635,000

C9 2 BR, 2 BA 962 $442,000 - $551,000

C10 2 BR, 2 BA 972 $447,000 - $556,000

* Prices are subject to change without prior notification.

CIMA ON BRICKELL Condominium is in reservation phase starting January 27, 2006 with a deposit of $20,000.
Requirements:

10% on Contract (May 2006)
10% on September 2006
Closing on the fourth quarter of 2008

For additional information and arrangements for a presentation please contact
Lourdes Dechoudens
Turnberry International Realty
2875 NE 191 Street Suite # 601
Aventura, FL 33180
954-661-3198

Condo conversions have recently come to the forefront of the Miami Condo market. With the combination of scarce land and rising construction costs, condo conversions just make sense for developers. Condo conversions work out well for the buyers as well. Compared to a pre construction condo that you would have to wait two to three years to occupy, you can move in within two to three months in a condo conversion. Pricing is also a factor. On the average it is less expensive to buy a unit in a condo conversion than a unit in a brand new condo. Basically the savings are passed on to the buyer. Obviously some conversions are better than others, that is why you need an agent that knows the area and help you make an informed decision. For more information on condo conversions, please contact Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

One Miami Condos
35 NE 40th Street
Miami, Florida 33137

One Miami condos, located in downtown Miami on the Miami River, will start closings very soon. One Miami was the first luxury high rise condo started in downtown Miami and has been the catalyst for the boom of new condos that we now see in downtown Miami and Brickell Avenue. One Miami condos still offer the best pricing you will find in Miami for a new or preconstruction waterfront condo. One Miami is made up of two towers with units ranging in size from 552 to 2,062 square feet For more information on One Miami Condos in downtown Miami please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

When Bruce Tucker moves into his new $400,000 digs at the Ocean Marine Yacht Club in Hallandale Beach, the draw won't be the high-end appliances, the marble baths or even the balconies with ocean views.

Instead, the 33-year-old software developer plans to spend a lot of time inside his own private cabana next to the complex's pool, where he and his buddies will gather around a 50-inch plasma television set and toss back beers. The cabana's price: $43,000 -- or nearly 11 percent of the cost of his two-bedroom apartment -- and that doesn't include the dark wood floors, cushy sofa and bar that he plans to have his decorator install.

Cabanas, prime real estate for the hip set in boutique hotels such as the Delano in Miami and the W in Los Angeles, are the latest hot extra at condominium projects. While the hotel versions are rented out for a few hours or a day, and tend to be made of flimsy fabric or wood, the new condo varieties are deeded to owners like the condo apartments themselves and usually constructed of sturdy materials like concrete. Ranging in space from about 140 to 500 square feet, they may come equipped with bathrooms or even a tiny kitchen. Some cost as much as $500,000, and those with better views or more prominent locations command the highest prices.

"It's sort of like having a prime parking space," says Steven Zelman, president of Home of Fine Decorators, a Hallandale Beach interior-design company that just completed a $200,000 renovation of a Miami condo cabana. "It's about convenience and stature -- the guy who has that spot right in front, he wants everyone to see his car."

In addition to providing a new selling point, cabanas offer developers another plus: added profit. The poolside units typically occupy space that would have been filled by such nonrevenue-generators as deck chairs or shrubbery. Because the cabanas often are basic shells described as "decorator ready" -- blank slates without flooring, cabinetry or appliances -- they don't cost much to build. Lee Hodges, project manager for Related Group of Florida, estimates it cost his company a bit more than $16,000 to erect each of the 26 beachfront cabanas at The Beach Club in Hallandale Beach yet it sold them for $100,000 apiece -- a far higher markup than that of most condos.

The move to build pricey cabanas comes amid early signs of a slowdown in the booming real-estate market. In the last 10 years, condo sales have taken off as more baby boomers have downsized, purchased second homes or sought out apartments as investments. Last year, about 820,000 condos changed hands in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of all residential real-estate transactions, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's up from 8.8 percent of the market in 1994, when 342,000 condos were sold. Some real-estate experts question whether the pace can keep up.

So far, condo buyers have been snapping up cabanas. Turnberry Ocean Colony in Sunny Isles sold 16 of its 19 beachside cabanas almost immediately when they first went on sale in January 2003 -- at $500,000 a pop. (Turnberry Ocean Colony condos themselves go for about $1.8 million to $5.5 million.) Only one cabana remains -- and it's being reserved for the buyer of the largest apartment in the development. Jim Cohen, Turnberry Ocean Colony vice president of sales, says he has 37 residents on a waiting list, should any of the cabanas come back on the market or the remaining one go unsold.

"They're paying half a million for 250 square feet," Mr. Cohen says. "Do the math -- I should have done the whole project in cabanas."

Eric and Helena Fordin say they didn't think twice about buying a cabana when they bought a $368,000 apartment at the Beach Club. "It was absolutely worth every penny," says Ms. Fordin, an events coordinator. "The blinds open up to have a full view of the ocean, so even when it's rainy we'll sit on the couch and watch a movie -- and we're still on the beach."

Demand is so robust that another Beach Club resident tried to buy the Fordins' cabana for several times the $100,000 the couple had just paid. "Right when I moved in, someone who was closing on their unit offered me $200,000," says Mr. Fordin, a real estate developer. "I said, 'No, thank you,' and then they said, 'Would you take $300,000? We can do an all-cash deal tomorrow."' The couple turned down that offer as well.

Realtor Silvia Jokalova says she's been envious of cabana people since she moved to the Beach Club six weeks ago. "I can see myself having barbecues down there, throwing parties for friends and family," she says. She has put her name on a waiting list and even is considering announcing her desire to buy one at an upcoming condo board meeting.

Yet cabana ownership comes with restrictions. Many condo associations have strict rules, such as forbidding people from staying in them overnight. "We didn't want people buying them for their maids or having their mother come live there," says Turnberry Ocean Colony�s Mr. Cohen. Owners who sell their apartments typically are required to sell their cabanas, too. Turnberry Ocean Colony also lists guidelines on cabana neatness: Pathways leading up to cabana entrances have to be clutter-free and spaces that can be seen from the outside should be kept tidy, too. Condo associations can issue a fine or reprimand if a cabana owner flouts the rules.

Developers say they are confident their cabanas will continue to sell because of the strong demand for waterside amenities, particularly in Florida. "A big part of why you're buying here is the pool or the beach," says James Helman, executive vice president of Tarragon's Southern Division, which is building 15 cabanas at its Las Olas River House project in Fort Lauderdale. The 250- to 300-square-foot cabanas are priced from $175,000 to $200,000, and the five the company has put on the market so far sold right away.

Fifield Realty hasn't even begun selling the 28 cabanas at its Allure Las Vegas project, but it says it already has at least 50 apartment owners on the waiting list for the $30,000-to-$50,000 poolside structures. "A lot of it is image," says Rick Cavenaugh, Fifield's president. "If you're going to live your life down by the pool, you want to be there, you want people to see you there."

The Beach House in Surfside (just south of Bal Harbour) will soon come down to make way for the new Beach House Condos. The Beach House will have 12 stories with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom available from 1233 to 3360 square feet. Units at the Beach House will all have floor to ceiling glass that make for light and bright homes. The Beach House offers 200 linear feet of ocean front property that gives it unparalleled views of the ocean. The Beach House ranges in price from $1 million to $4 million and will be finished in 2008. For more information on the Beach House please call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778.

Jorge Perez, who has made a fortune selling condominiums in a
market flooded with high-rise projects, now sees room in another
crowded sector: luxury Miami hotels.

Florida's biggest condo developer plans to bring a hip West Coast
hotel to Brickell Avenue, where the Four Seasons, Conrad Hilton,
Mandarin Oriental and JW Marriott already compete for well-heeled
business travelers.

But Perez sees his Viceroy at Icon Brickell creating a new niche by
catering to younger, stylish executives eager for South Beach chic in
the city's premier financial district. The 129-room Viceroy will have
a rooftop pool and lounge on the 50th floor, a luxury spa, and
interiors by the designer behind the Delano, South Beach's iconic
boutique hotel.

"We want to be able to compete for the same market" as Brickell's
top-tier hotels, said Perez, chairman of Miami's Related Group. "We're
doing it with a totally different vibe."

When the Mandarin opened in 2000, it was considered Miami's first
top-tier hotel since the Grand Bay's slide below five stars in the
1990s. But the Mandarin quickly found company, with three
Ritz-Carltons and a Four Seasons opening within 15 miles. The Setai,
where rooms go for $1,000 a night, opened this year in South Beach,
and a luxury hotel is planned for Miami's Watson Island.

Surging room rates and a year of low vacancies have kept analysts and
developers bullish on the South Florida lodging market.

But the constellation of ritzy options (a Ritz-Carlton timeshare has
been announced for Miami Beach, too) have some wondering when that
market will be considered full. And, high gas prices, slipping
consumer confidence, and hurricanes are prompting worries about some
softness in the travel market, both here and across the country. And
for Brickell Avenue, a slower travel market could mean even tighter
competition for Viceroy.

"It's going to be tough, just because of what's going on in Brickell,"
said Scott Brush, a lodging consultant in Palmetto Bay. "You've got
the Four Seasons and the Mandarin and the JW Marriott. . . "

Last year Related signed a $94 million contract for the 598-room
Sheraton Biscayne Bay, which will be demolished to make way for the
Icon Brickell residential complex. One of the three Icon towers will
be named the Viceroy Resorts and Residences, and condos there will
have access to Viceroy perks like room service. Ninety of the 129
Viceroy rooms in the tower will be sold as condo-hotel units, Related
said in a press release.

This would be the first East Coast property for Viceroy, though the
operator behind the brand, Kor Hotel Group, also runs the Tides Hotel,
considered one of the hippest boutiques on South Beach.

Perez has tentative plans to build a second Viceroy -- this one
actually in South Beach, in parking lots surrounding the Taverna Opa
restaurant on the 100 block of Ocean Drive. The sister property would
give Viceroy's Brickell guests access to the ocean through the Nikki
Beach Club. Perez hopes that will also give his Brickell hotel a leg
up on the competition.

Robert Thrailkill, general manager of the Conrad, described the
Brickell hotel market as one that's seen steep revenue growth during
the last two years, but which still has plenty of down time.

"There's basically six months of great business, and six months of
business that we're all trying to get," he said.

He thinks the Mary Brickell retail village opening in the Brickell
area next year will draw leisure travelers. But with many Brickell
buildings, including three of the four luxury hotels there, pocked
with plywood from windows smashed by Hurricane Wilma, the financial
district suddenly finds itself challenged.

"There's still a lot of questions out there about what this area might
look like in a few years," Thrailkill said.

By Douglas Hanks III, The Miami Herald

Icon Brickell is the Related Group�s newest project in downtown Miami. Icon Brickell will be located on the old Sheraton Biscayne Bay site. The first condo tower has sold out and reservations are being taken for tower number two.
Icon Brickell has loft and condos to choose from. This is Miami�s hottest new pre construction condo project. As always, there is a big demand for the Related Group projects, so time is of the essence.

With construction set to start, 50 Biscayne resales will soon follow. The 50 Biscayne views will be some of the best of any condo project in downtown Miami. 50 Biscayne condos will be 54 stories tall and will also have retail restaurant, and a boutique hotel space. 50 Biscayne is within walking distance of the Miami Arena and Bayfront Park. Units range in size from 845 to 1789 square feet with different floor plans to choose from.

The Plaza on Brickell has just announced it�s new resale program. One bedrooms will be starting in the $300�s two bedrooms will be starting in the $400�s. These starting prices obviously reflect the lower floors with prices becoming more expensive the higher up in the building. Sizes of these units range from 683 to 1400 square feet. The Plaza on Brickell floor plans offer several varieties to choose from. The Plaza on Brickell has already started construction and will be comprised of two high rise towers with retail and restaurant space.

The One Miami condo project is located at the mouth of the Miami River in downtown Miami. One Miami offers some of the best views of any condo in Miami-Dade County because of it�s great location. One Miami was the first new condo project in downtown Miami, and it�s success is partly responsible for the boom of construction in the area. The One Miami floor plans offer something for everyone.

The AXIS at Brickell Village - Miami's new, affordable luxury Condominiums: The AXIS at Brickell Village

Now more than ever, we have set the new standard for urban dwelling with AXIS. Rising 39 stories in the heart of Brickell and overlooking Brickell Bay, AXIS is poised to redefine urban living.
Set across from the financial district, this Arquitectonica designed tower boasts spectacular water and city views, from floor to ceiling glass windows and large glass balconies.
One, two and three bedroom residences; 734 square feet to 1,908 square feet. Spectacular pool deck, fitness center, retail / restaurant space and more! HansenHomesAventura.com is your number one choice for Miami Real Estate

AXIS Features:

Two 39 story towers
Units: 718
Number of Bedrooms: 1, 2 and 3 Bedrooms
Unit square foot range: 734 to 1,908
Price Range: $270,000 and up
AXIS Amenities:
Infinity edge pool
Fitness center
Theatre
Yoga / Pilates studio
24 hour security
Valet, Concierge and more

AXIS BUILDING AND PROPERTY AMENITIES:

� Brickell village property w/spectacular city and bay views
� Unique building design by award-winning architectural firm Arquitectonica
� Urbane and tropical landscaping
� Automated and manned security system encompassing the entire property
� For your convenience we offer valet service for you and your guests, as well as assigned parking
� Around-the-clock concierge to help you organize life�s details
� State of the art video information kiosk for resident�s review of messages or packages
� Superbly decorated common areas by Arquitectonica which include Italian and Brazilian stone, rich woods and commissioned artwork
� Residents� lounge with pool deck and city views
� A sun-drenched resort style pool throughout the year, seasonally heated as needed
� Lap pool in the midst of tropical gardens with city and bay views
� Poolside alcoves and cabanas for privacy and entertainment
� Poolside bar and barbeque grill
� Private hot tub set within in a tropical garden
� His and her spa offering a soothing world of tranquility for body, mind, and spirit equipped with changing room, steam room, and massage rooms
� Fitness center- with comprehensive equipment including- cardiovascular training, strength training, balance and flexibility training
� Wellness center - with facilities to accommodate - Yoga, Pilates, or Aerobics
� Kitchen and bar located adjacent to media room, library and the theatre
� Business center with private boardroom and teleconferencing capabilities - and a separate pantry and amenity servicing area
� Library & media room with a full selection of books and DVD�s
� THX theater for private viewings of movies or sporting and entertainment events
� Wi/Fi in all public and private areas completely wired for cable and internet access
� 20,000 sq. ft. of retail, home to the best conveniences and services
The AXIS average price per square foot will be approx. $340 per sq. ft.
There will be many units priced at below $300 per sq. ft. and units on the higher floors priced at approx. $395 per sq. ft.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AXIS CONDOS

Call Paul Hansen 786-586-4778 or Carole Ramirez-Hansen 786-586-4780.

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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

The city of Miami is famous worldwide for its beaches nightlife and year round tropical climate. Not to mention the boating and all of the beautiful people. It is no wonder Miami is becoming one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Although the actual city of Miami is relatively small, Miami real estate has many choices in new construction and pre construction condos. Much of the new construction and pre construction condos in Miami real estate are concentrated in the Brickell Avenue, downtown and uptown Miami locations.

Downtown Miami and Brickell Avenue have generally been thought of as the business district of Miami. Now with the new condos being built, developers are taking advantage of the beautiful views and great locations Miami real estate has to offer. This means that all of these areas are quickly becoming a favorite choice for people to live, work and play.

Miami is considered to be the financial gateway to South America. More and more companies and individuals are buying Miami real estate because of its proximity to the business district. The choices for Miami real estate are growing day by day. Please feel free to contact us any time to help you find your perfect piece of Miami real estate.

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The Related Group of Florida introduces the first interactive building in Miami, located across the river from Downtown while keeping an exclusive 500 Brickell address.

500 Brickell is going to change the landscape of Miami real estate with the cutting edge I.R.I.S technology. 500 Brickell will further cement the Related Group as the premier luxury condo developer in South Florida. Only the Related Group of Florida can bring you such a luxury condo at such an affordable price. For more information on how to purchase a unit in 500 Brickell please call Paul Hansen at 786-586-4778.

Here are some of the features of 500 Brickell:

- Unique 43 floor design by award winning architectural firm, Arquitectonica

- One and two bedroom residences from 811 square feet to 1,319 square feet

- Spectacular water and city views

-�Smart Building� with wireless touchpad screen in every residence

- Glass enclosed showers and Jacuzzi tubs

- Rooftop Circular infinity edge pool, Spa & Fitness center, and more!

500 Brickell is the latest and best new pre construction condo project in Miami. Hurry and call Hansen Homes at 786-586-4778 to learn how to be one of the first to buy in this new and exciting project. Or just click here.

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