Miamism

This week's Miamism is totally different and you need to check it out for yourselves. We have been honored with the inclusion in a cybertale entitled "Danger Bay" - "Voyage of the Motor Vessel Sparrow" series inspired by Bob Carney. written by Boomer Jack Boardman - here's the description:

Danger Bay is in its entirety, a wholly fictional series of melodramatic stories. The stories take place in and around the small village of Danger Bay on the Big Lake. Both the village and Big Lake (based on Lake Superiors Minnesota North Shore) exist only in Cyberspace.

The voyage of the Motor Vessel Sparrow actually ends in Miami Beach- and I have been granted the priviledge of taking you through a tour of 2 architecturally relevant Miami homes as well as some additional fun where mojitos are involved.

So what do you think? ....another MIAMISM ?!

You be the judge, check it out!

Danger Bay - Episode 79 - The Tour

**you will even see cartoon  renderings of Rick and Ines - our regularly scheduled Miamism Fridays will resume next Friday - send us your pictures! **

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Ines.Hegedus-Garcia 7 feedbacks »

We wanted to share a Miami real estate deal for sale now in 4 Midtown, one of Midtown Miami's new highrise buildings. This tower received its certificate of occupancy in February 2008 and people are already moving in and making this fabulous building their home.

How do we define a Miami Condo Deal?

In our opinion, a deal is when you can purchase a property for a lot less than similar properties in the same building. In the case of a high-rise like 4 Midtown, we look at the same line of units and see what these are priced at.

A little history on the project

4 Midtown was designed by John R. Nichols of Nichols Brosch Sandoval & Associates, Inc. architects and planners, based in Coral Gables, Florida - and its concept is:

Midtown's urban design is reminiscent of New York SoHo district with a Miami Twist. The pool deck is a true urban oasis nestled seven stories high. The architecture with it's wide expansive opening that emphasizes the panoramic views of Downtown and Biscayne Bay. With a modern minimalist lobby, and custom finishes that pay attention to detail.

Details about this Miami-Condo Deal

3301 NE 1st Avenue, unit 2615 - Miami, Florida 33137

Priced at $425,000

Unbelievable bay and city views from this 26th floor new, and never lived in Midtown 4 condo. Full-amenity building just South of Miami's Design District, centrally located close to Miami Beach, Downtown Miami and both airports. Two bedroom, two bathroom condo with split bedroom plan, high ceilings, Italian kitchen, porcelain tile floors and wrap around balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Similar units in the same line are priced as follows:

Read more »

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Ines.Hegedus-Garcia 2 feedbacks »

Miami mortgage rates dropped, then rose to their original level, last week.  I’ve been advising Miami mortgage borrowers to lock all rates at application, regardless of closing date.  Did I miss an opportunity to improve clients’ rates?  I don’t think so.  My approach is more one of limiting losses than improving gains and last week, I thought there was a threat of higher mortgage rates in Miami; I still do.

Inflation data are released Wednesday and Unemployment data are due out Thursday.  These figures could be the tempest in the teapot and really affect mortgage rates.  We just think there is too much risk to be floating (holding out for a better rate).  If markets overreact (and they usually do) we’ll change that recommendation but for now, we think it’s prudent to lock your mortgage rates.

Currently, the 5/1 ARM offers the best value at 4.875% wholesale rate.  The 30 year fixed rate loan is 5.875% wholesale rate.  While there is risk in losing the rate after 5 years, most borrowers don’t hold a mortgage that long.  If you are thinking of moving in the next few years, it would be well to examine the benefits of refinancing your home loan to a low 5/1 ARM rate.

Contact me at (858)-777-9751 with more questions.

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Brian.Brady Send feedback »

A lot of people relocating to Miami ask us about “Bugs” - well, there are plenty of bugs in Florida and as much as I hate to admit it, you do get used to them (I know, I know pretty lame for someone who absolutely hates roaches).

Here are 15 things you should know about Florida Bugs:

1.  Another name for mosquitoes is B-52’s

2.  Cockroaches can get so big that you can catch a ride on them

3.  A favorite Florida pastime is to see who can snort the most no-se-ums without chocking

4.  According to Chris Griffith, the unofficial Florida State Bird is The Mosquito

5.  Best selling fragrances in the stores are known as “Cutter Bug Spray” and “DEET”

6.  Citronella candles are a common household item

7.  Grasshoppers are so big they look like lobsters

8.  If a perfect stranger smacks you in the face for no particular reason, just nod and thank them

9.  If you see people doing a strange dance on a sandy beach, don’t join them - it’s probably sand fleas

10. There are 3 seasons in Florida - rainy season, hurricane season and love bug season

11. Dayngr can attest to having seen mosquitoes the size of a small Volkswagen

12. Love Bugs can get so intense that there are windshield washing stations along the Florida Turnpike for the splattering nuisances

13. Dragon Flies are so fast that they can chase you down the expressway

14. You are not a Floridian if you have never gotten hit in the face by a flying Palmetto Bug

15.  Florida Ticks don’t just suck blood, they are known to drink Mojitos

For those of you relocating to Miami, please realize that this article, although true, is for entertainment purposes - some of the descriptions given may be slight exaggerations.

**graphic courtesy of my older son who knows I despise cockroaches**

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Ines.Hegedus-Garcia 9 feedbacks »