South Beach Condo Blog

Nothing Says "Miami" Like The Perfect Mojito [Video]

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:20:21 -0500

Miami Loves Mojitos

So many of my Miami Beach real estate clients, love Mojitos. It seems that when people think of Miami they soon think of Mojitos. Being an expert on absolutely everything, I figured that I would share the perfect Miami mojito recipe, with style! Enjoy Miami, enjoy the beach and enjoy a Mojito on Miami Beach!

Quite a Refresher: Bloodhound Blog

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:29:46 -0500

I was in a rut. I admit it. I haven't been over to BHB much lately. I don't know why. Today I was bored and went over (probably with the intent to look for carnage of a blog brawl...no luck, tho).

I saw an interesting post on a scanner that I happened to buy about two months ago. I putzed around and as I was leaving....I noticed something in the sidebar that made me say "I need to come back here more often."

I liked that little notice. In business, I'm super tired of placating people with niceties because they are too nice, too lazy, misinformed or just plain inept.

Refreshing.

On another note, I noticed that BHB's welcome message:

Better yet, welcome to the wired world of real estate. We are busily inventing Real Estate 2.0 - technology, marketing, service and salesmanship.

I'm not a Social Media or technology guru (I sell real estate) but for a blog as prominent as Bloodhound, and focused on real estate technology/Web 2.0, I was a little perplexed by their lack of presence on Twitter or Facebook. My blog has mostly consumer traffic (yay!) because I focus on local Miami Beach real estate content there. I do, however, get a TON of traffic from Twitter and Facebook. I'm sure that Greg will have something very witty, smart and deep to say as to why he doesn't have (or want) a large presence in those two places, and I will be publicly flogged for it, but this was tonight's lonely little thought that rolled around my pretty little (and very vacant) head.

Anyhoo, this was more of a post to show how breaking out of my "usual" patterns helped me.

#REBCMIAMI ARDELL Comes Down With BAAAD Case of Miami Fever: Took a Swarthy Latin Lover

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:44:17 -0500

Miami brings out the tramp in EVERYBODY. There was no talk of Twitter, or transparency or #REBCMIAMI.

It was all about OSCAR. Look at the twinkle in her eye.

Real Estate Bloggers: One Important Tip

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:57:23 -0500

Referring to someones blog post as a "blog," is not correct.

The blog is the medium--much like a magazine. You wouldn't say to Ann Coulter, "nice TV." You'd say "nice TV interview, Ann."

So complimenting or referring to an author's blog post as a "blog" isn't correct. Blog is the complete body of work. A blog POST is an individual post or article.

Miami Beach Waterfront Real Estate: Venetian Islands

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:03:55 -0500

Venetian Islands: Belle, Rivo Alto, Di Lido, San Marino, San Marco, and Biscayne Islands.

The six man-made islands are located in Biscayne Bay between Miami Beach/South Beach and the mainland of Miami. They are linked by the Venetian Causeway constructed in the 1920's.

Photo Courtesy of New York Times

The "Venetians" are the closest single family residential neighborhood to South Beach. The Venetians were profiled in March, 2008 in the New York Times.

The majority of the development on the islands was between the 1930's and 1950's. The lure of the islands are their close proximity to South Beach, and, of course, their stunning waterfront views.

Prices for non-waterfront homes begin at $600,000; and waterfront homes, $1,900,000. The average lot sq. ft. is 10,500 with 60 linear feet of water frontage.

Browse Venetian Islands Waterfront Homes for Sale

Browse Venetian Islands Non-Waterfront Homes for Sale

Related Reading

Islands of Calm [New York Times]
Miami Beach Real Estate: Waterfront Home Sales Down a Shocking 50% [SBCB]

Browse Miami Beach Real Estate

Miami Beach Real Estate on Facebook

Penthouse at Setai South Beach Comes to Market at $24M- 101 20th Street, PH B, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:06:02 -0500

Setai South Beach: Known as a celebrity hangout with a reputation for glamour and excess, proudly presents "Penthouse B"

All the stars have been here, Mariah, Lenny, Madonna et al. This penthouse encompasses the entire 40th floor of this chic South Beach hot spot. The 6,000 sq. ft. interior was professional furnished by a top designer. The condo also features a private 40th floor pool, garden, and dining area.

Related Posts:

Browse Miami Beach Real Estate

Are Buyers Really Liars? What Saying This Really Says About YOU!

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:57:39 -0500

Is The Pot Calling The Kettle Black?

I've been watching a particularly interesting post, and more so the comments. A couple of commenters made the statement: "Buyers Are Liars" as a part of their comment.

I was particulary intrigued and appalled with their comments, so I Googled the term and came up with this CAR SALESMAN LINGO post.

"Buyers are liars": Car salesmen know they have a reputation for dishonesty. But they counter with this claim of their own.

Salesman #1: After the test-drive, this guy tells me he has to leave 'cause he's got a doctor's appointment. Yeah, right."

Salesman #2: "What can I tell you, man? Buyers are liars."

So, if you read the blurb and understand it the way I do, it basically says that everytime an agent, or in this case, a car salesman says this, it only re-inforces the stereotypical dishonest reputation of the real estate agent.

The rub: So to put it into a real estate agent context: Real estate agents know they have a reputation for dishonesty. But they counter with this claim of their own.

I've never uttered that statement, though I've heard it enough.

Here's what it says about YOU by stating (or believing) it: I KNOW THAT I HAVE A REPUTATION FOR DISHONESTY...."

When you say the "B" statement you liken yourself to the image above.

#justsayin

Not pretty at all.

Hey, I'm an honest guy who tells it like it is.

Search all Miami Beach Real Estate

Miami Beach Real Estate: South Beach Luxury Condo Stats 2Q 2009

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:21:27 -0500

Miami Beach Real Estate Statistics for 2Q 2009 for South Beach/SoFi Condos

Nine luxury waterfront condos comprise the South Beach condo index. The activity for the first six months, which are considered "season" here in Miami Beach, has been extremely light.

Some condos like Apogee South Beach and Continuum North continue to have gains. Most of the other condominiums in the index have drops in sales and $psf.

Year-over-Year stats for 2008 vs.2009 for the period of 1/1 thru 6/30 show a 39% decrease in sales and a 20% decrease in $psf.

The condos in the South Beach Condo Index include:

Apogee South Beach, 800 S. Pointe Drive, Miami Beach - Units for Sale | Recent Sales
Continuum South Beach, 100 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach -Units for Sale | Recent Sales
Continuum North, 50 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach- Units for Sale | Recent Sales
Icon South Beach, 450 Alton Road, Miami Beach - Units for Sale | Recent Sales
Murano, 1000 S. Pointe Drive, Miami Beach - Units for Sale | Recent Sales
Murano Grande, 400 Alton Road, Miami Beach - Units for Sale | Recent Sales
Portofino Tower South Beach, 300 S. Pointe Drive, Miami Beach - Units for Sale | Recent Sales
South Pointe Tower, 400 S. Pointe Drive, Miami Beach
Yacht Club at Portofino, 90 Alton Road Miami Beach

To read the rest of the post on Miami Beach luxury real estate statistics, click here

Miami Beach real estate

Miami Beach Luxury Real Estate: Waterfront Estates Report Q2 2009

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:08:12 -0500

Miami Beach luxury waterfront home sales drop 50% from last year. No doubt it is easy to see that the real estate activity is not what it was last year. But after running the numbers, I was in no way prepared for the reality of the current state of Miami Beach real estate.

Even if you don't live in Miami it's easy to surmise that condos here (as they are everywhere, actually) are having a tough time. There hasn't been many analysis done on the SFR market here in Miami, so I was shocked to actually see exactly how off the sales are

Miami Beach Waterfront Sales Stats for 1/1/2009-6/30/2009

To get a better picture on the actual state of the real estate market here in Miami Beach, I ran the numbers for the same period last year to see the comparison.

Sales Stats for 1/1/2008-6/30/2008

Here's where the rubber meets the road:

Number of Waterfront Homes Sold:

2008: 30
2009: 16

Sold Average $PSF

2008: $966
2009: $675

Average Days on Market [DOM]

2008: 216
2009: 272

In my opinion, these numbers represent the great divide between Miami Beach sellers and buyers. This is why inventory is backing up and number of sales are cut in half. Simply put, buyers seem to want to pay far less that what a seller is willing to accept.

I think that's called a stalemate (It may not, but I figured it sounded like a really nice way to wrap up this post.).

[View Original Post]

Search Miami Beach Luxury Waterfront Homes

Search All Miami Beach Real Estate Here [LIVE SEARCH]

South Beach Real Estate Stats for Miami Beach Condos 1st Q 2009

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:06:22 -0500

The South Beach Condo Index is comprised of nine buildings in the SoFi neighborhood in South Beach. These nine condo represent some of the most luxurious, prestigious, and expensive Miami Beach real estate.

In total there are 2,110 Miami Beach condos in the index. In the first quarter of this year, there were only 18 units sold.

Miami Beach Real Estate Stats for South Beach Condos

Here you can see the list price vs sale price for the first quarter of this year. Because I have been doing these stats for so long, I quickly notice that the sold/$psf is decreasing. The chart below compares sold/$psf for 2008 to 2009.

Condo	2008	1st Qt. '09
Apogee	$1354	$1209
Continuum I	$1074	$856
Continuum II	$929	$875
ICON	$724	$533
Murano	$829	$1175
Murano Grande	$638	$500
Portofino	$676	$500
S. Pointe	$619	N/A
Yacht Club	$548	$545

Related Reading:

Miami Beach Real Estate: 2008 South Beach Condo Market Index

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A Bird's Eye View of Gianni Versace's Former South Beach Home

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:24:44 -0500

Gianni Versace's former Miami Beach home located at 1100-1116 Ocean Drive in South Beach

Here's a great aerial (taken by me) of the late Gianni Versace home at 1100-1116 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.

The property consists of two lots; the corner lot was the former Revere Hotel which Versace bought in 1993 for $3.7M, and the main home which he purchased in 1992.

The property was sold after his death in 2000 for $19,000,000 and is now a private membership club.

Related Reading

A Designer's Inspiration is Booed in Miami Beach

Check out more Celebrity-worthy Miami Beach estates

[View original post]

Laurie Manny on Dakno.tv: "Hello vendors, Get A Clue!"

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:01:52 -0500

Laurie was workin' it yesterday giving the vendors a wake up call about their technology. One thing Laurie said really resonated with me was that many of us out in the trenches know MORE about the technology and how things should work--then the vendors.

She's right. Many times I end up bringing the vendors up to speed on the latest/greatest. It gets old, though. What we do is not that hard.

Can't we get an IDX provider who knows more than us. It's really not that hard.

Our properties/listings are our lifeblood. We should harness the power OF our own info to make us money---not to make other companies money and then pay THEM for OUR info from those companies.

Confusing. Naw.

We will only get what we deserve when we demand more from our vendors.

You know the funny part: So many "start ups" look at THE CONSUMER (home buyer/home seller) as the client--these people should look at the real estate agent as the consumer (and put out a kick-as* product). They would make a lot more money.

Why You Shouldn't Worry About Zillow, Redfin, or Trulia.

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:31:26 -0600

I've been watching this story develop for the last year. There hasn't been a lot of chatter on this subject--and I find that fact fascinating. Lately, there is more chatter on the newest Twitter app than the reality of what is happening RIGHT now. Escapism? You bet!

Realogy which is Coldwell, C21, BHG, Sotheby's et al, is not expected to last the year.

Why am I writing this? I'm writing this because if traditional brokerage firms can't make it--nor can others, especially those who "feed" off of the real estate industry.

I was speaking to someone today, who is very knowledgeable and influential. Our concensus was that the real estate industry will emerge from this situation A VERY different, almost unrecognizable form of it's former self.

I don't wish anyone ill-will, but only the strong, most innovative and flexible will survive.

Will it be you?

Follow me on Twitter

I hope to get a featured post!

Use New Tool to Check Your Online Marketing Performance

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:56:56 -0600

Pic courtesy of Mashable

I'm a freak for "trust'n and verify'n". I'm a control freak, and I admit that. Today, while scouring the internet (Twitter), I followed a link from @mashable and led me to a killer blog post with a tool that lets check the net for your listings.

Go to http://www.intlistings.com/realestatemarketingreport/ and put in the address of your listing, and let it work it magic.

It's fun AND it keeps you in control, while verifying your online marketing efforts.

You can follow me on Twitter here

Trulia Falls Out of SERPs in Google: What Happened?

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:27:27 -0600

This morning while performing my morning ritual "Googling" of "Miami Beach Real Estate", I noticed that Trulia, who has held the #1 spot for some time, was no where to be found.

A quick e-mail to my real estate web guy, Brad revealed that:

"It's not just Miami. Something has happened to Trulia. I was talking to another client about this on my morning call. Trulia has fallen out of tons of search results.

It's something specific to Google

Raleigh real estate - Google rank (not in top 100) - Yahoo rank #4

Houston real estate - Google rank (not in top 100) - Yahoo rank #4

Dallas real estate - Google rank (not in top 100) - Yahoo rank #5

Ann Arbor Real Estate - Google rank 159 - Yahoo rank #2

This is only a small example"

I'd love to hear what SEO experts believe and or attribute this to!

What Was YOUR Best Post of the Year?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:15:55 -0600

I just did my last post of the year. I sat back and pondered and really, really liked the post for many reasons. Five minutes later, and even more proud of myself, and my post, I deemed it, in my own head, my best post of the year! I know it's short, and you may not see what I see, but that's ok.

I'm not writing this post to pat myself on the back, I'm curious to know what YOU thought was YOUR best post of the year. You don't need any explanations or criteria---give me your gut instinct!

I'd find it interesting to read what YOU think is "good stuff"--and we can all share our best works!

Happy New Year.

UPDATE: Please leave a link in the comments to YOUR post!

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NAR 2008: KUDOS TO CYNDEE HAYDON FOR KEEPING IT REAL

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:02:17 -0600

Cyndee's candor and ability to demonstrate her success on her panel from blogging and Web 2.0 made it's way to me today all the way from Orlando.

I really think it is important for people looking to move into these new arenas (blogging, Web 2.0) that the speakers be able to quantify their success and be able to demonstrate their success with these new tools.

I'm sure Cyndee's willingness to be forthcoming not only solidifies her celebrity, but actually HELPS the people in the audience!

This is exactly why I have a problem with Inman's 25 Most Influential Bloggers. Looking at the list, most of the "Influentials" are either sponsors, advertisers, or writers for Inman.

I know there are agents out there, and companies, that are actually making money by blogging.

I find it sad that a lot of people are actually looking to these panelists, publications for their guidance.

In business, success and influence is acquired by actually making money.....no?

In my opinion, Laurie Manny is one of the most overlooked successful real estate agent bloggers.

Rainer Coco Clayman Cook-Westside Los Angeles Agent-- Stars on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing"

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:49:58 -0500

Coco Clayman-Cook, Westside Los Angeles Real Estate Maven stars in tonight's issue of Bravo's reality series Million Dollar Listing. As soon as I saw Coco Clayman-Cook showing LA's exclusive condos in the Wilshire Boulevard corridor, I said to myself, "she's an ActiveRain member."

So, congrats to 'Rainer Coco!

Highlights from tonight's show:

Josh Flagg persecuting his grandmother for her money when she dies. She's a holocaust survivor and all he cares about it getting all of her cash. Well, according to my GOD, The Real Estalker, Josh Flagg was jailed two weeks ago for allegedly stealing FROM HIS owner's homes. More at the Real Estalker's Blog
That bowl cut on Chad
Why does Chad feel that he has such a great skill in calming down "irate clients?" "Hey, Chad, you dork, don't p*ss your clients off in the first place--then they won't be "irate" with you, d*uchebag."
One more thing: what putz takes an overpriced 90 day listing? That's a hallmark of a successful agent.

Lastly, Madison was one of the apprentices in Project Blogger. Oh and one small thing: READ MORE HERE

Why I Love Omarosa!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:17:23 -0500

I Really Need More Help---!!!

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:23:12 -0500

With all of this blogging/social networking/linked in/ Trulia Voices---I have so many profiles on the net.

I want to corral them and my passwords to keep them together.

Anyone have any ideas on organizing this stuff? Any technology out there to help with with this stuff????

POR FAVOR!

Rude People Annoy Me-More Than a Mini-Rant

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:12:39 -0500

When someone is having a conversation with me, the least I can do is give them my full attention.

Ines, is it a "Miami thing" that people are ALWAYS holding two conversations at once?

I'm adopting a new policy as of today:

I will no longer repeat myself when a person decides to take a cell phone call or simultaneously holds another conversation with another person.

It's rude.

Furthermore, in general, I find that social skills and manners are non-existent.

FYI, more times than not, I am completely not interested in your "other" conversation.

We should have cell phone booths, no?

I Have a Question About ActiveRain --What Do You Think?

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:04:26 -0500

Actually, I have two questions. Here in the Miami area there are a few AR members who constantly switch their profile from city-to-city. One day their profile is in Miami Beach, one day it is in Sunny Isles and the next it is, say, in Miami Gardens.

Do you think that's cheesy? I plan to defer my thoughts on this until at least a few people weigh in with some insight.

Last question: What is the purpose of members with more than one profile?

Collisions and the "Not So Rosy Side" of Listing Syndication: Trulia

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:31:02 -0500

My Broker supplies our listings feed to Trulia. Here is my listing on Trulia. Notice anything?

My Web address is not condo.com. Condo.com is another brokerage in the Miami area that is supplying select listings (usually the lowest priced listing in any condo building, from what I can see) directly to Trulia from their MLS feed.

There is my pretty face (only because I went to Trulia and "claimed the listing"). My broker notified Trulia (over three months ago) of this and:

Have not rectified the situation
Have no policy for "collisions"

This is the fly in the ointment for listing syndication. Trulia makes money from our content. Ok, good, no problem. Did you know: There is ABSOLUTELY nothing that prevents another broker from supplying a feed to Trulia (of the complete MLS) which would include MY listing.

Check your listings on Trulia. Nothing will change if we:

Don't know about the problem
Demand that they take a responsible approach to protect OUR content to the best of their ability
Demand to know about their "Collision Policy" before supplying the listings.

If Trulia wants my content, I believe they should feel a sense of responsibility to "clock" unethical brokers profiteering from my content. If they don't want to deal with it--we have a choice "to feed or not to feed" Trulia.

The reality, so far, is that they don't really seem to care as long as they are getting content.

I care. I think you should too.

Here's another little nugget: Set up a Google Alert (of the property address of the listing) everytime you get a new listing. It's INVALUABLE to know where your listing is being used.

ONE LAST SUGGESTION: Go to Trulia and claim ALL of your listings.

UPDATE: This post is in no way meant to dis Rudy. Rudy knows (and so does Trulia) that he's one of us--but as "The Donald" says: "It's not personal, it's business."

The One Thing I Hate About Bloggers: STOP THE MADNESS

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:35:46 -0500

...is the constant need for bloggers to pat oneself on the back, put it on-line, and expect others to share in the kudos that you just gave TO YOURSELF.

Sex and the City: My Tribute

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:07:38 -0500

Photo: Reuters

Ok everyone who knew me "back then," knew I was a huge fan of SATC. ( That's an acronym that Greg Swann DOES NOT know, I'm sure.)

I was going to NYC about every 10 or so days from 2000-2004 BB(before blogging).

I have a picture of me sitting on Carrie's "stoop" in the West Village

So 1 week before the series finale (teary eye- very traumatic) I wrote an e-mail to EVERYONE IN MY OFFICE (can you believe that)? I happened to find the e-mail pinned to to the side of my desk tonight. So here it has and have a good laugh. BTW "Norby" is our office manager.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Date: 2/07/2004

Re: We must go deep within ourselves..during this trying time......

I know that all of you, like I, are having incredible anticipatory anxiety over Sunday's final episode of Sex in the City.

i'm having extreme difficulty with the following questions:

What if the group (carrie,miranda,samantha,charlotte) keep doing their thing in nyc and the cameras are not around to film it? Could you imagine walking into Brasserie (53rd & Park) and seeing the girls there? I would have to question everything that I know is real...or is it?????

Which (and I know there are many) Sex party do you go to on sunday? What if you choose the 'wrong' one? ...the fallout could be devastating and ruin you socially.....

Isn't it tragic..so many years of me hailing a cab...'carrie style' on 7th avenue..God I was good. By the way I'm giving tours this summer of carrie's brownstone on perry st. in the village.

Well miss you gals...

I'm currently in negotiations with Norby to sing a little number at Friday's awards banquet (norby must wear a pair of manolo's) . Something southern and soulful is appropriate. We'll all be wailing...gals wear your best shoes on friday for carrie!!!!

keep ur heads high!!

Carrie