Under $500k: Luxury Living at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Coconut Grove

A1964557_301_15The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove
3350 SW 27 Ave., #1603
1 bedroom/1 bathroom/1 half bath | 896 sf | $499,000

After a bit of a hiatus, Under $500k is back! – and this week, I’m featuring a modern and bright 1 bedroom unit at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove.  Tucked away in the heart of Coconut Grove just off of Bayshore Drive, these Ritz-Carlton residences are located in one of Miami’s most exclusive neighborhoods surrounded by nearly two acres of lush tropical gardens and views of Biscayne Bay.  Built in 2002, the property consists of 2 towers (one for hotel guests, another for residents), and the residents’ tower has 22 floors with 115 units.  Residents can enjoy the hotel’s premier amenities, such as a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, luxurious pool, valet and concierge services, as well as the hotel’s cafe and fine dining.  It’s also worth noting (for all of your dog lovers – like me!) that the Residences are pet-friendly.

The property I am showcasing  is #1603 and it has 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom and 1 half bathroom.  It has just under 900 square feet and is listed for $499,000 ($554/sf). The property is listed by Mitzi Mitchell of Cervera Real Estate.  The unit features beautiful modern finishes including beige marble floors throughout with Venetian plaster walls. It has a large balcony overlooking sailboats on the bay and a sparkling city skyline at night.  The spacious master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a luxurious en-suite master bathroom with dual sinks, a bath tub, glass-enclosed shower, and ample cabinetry.  The kitchen is light and bright with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, and the powder room is a great added bonus for entertaining.

One of my favorite parts about this property is all the gorgeous light fixtures.  While recently decorating my new house, I became obsessed with light fixtures – they’re an easy way to make a dramatic change in a space.  I’ve counted three sparkling light fixtures throughout this property – one in the kitchen, and one in each bathroom.  They are super chic and provide the perfect touch of luxury!  Scroll down to see all the photos, as well as recent sales activity in the building:

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Master Bedroom

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Master Bedroom

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Master BedroomA1964557_A01_16

Master Bathroom

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Master Bathroom

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Kitchen

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Powder Room

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Living Room

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Hotel Lobby

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Pool Deck

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Hotel Dining

Below is the sales data for the last 12 months:

Unit Sq Ft #Beds #FullBaths #HalfBaths List Price Sale Price Price/SqFt Date Sold
# 1105 959 1 1 1 410,000 405,000 422.315 5/30/2014
# 1401 2235 3 3 1 1,329,000 1,250,000 559.284 4/22/2014
# 1406 2028 2 2 1 849,000 849,000 418.639 1/8/2014
# 2202 2607 3 3 1 1,750,000 1,675,000 642.501 11/12/2013
# 2203 1831 2 2 1 825,000 750,000 409.612 9/16/2013
# 1603 896 1 1 1 499,000 480,000 535.714 9/6/2013
# 1904 1084 1 1 1 499,000 468,000 431.734 9/4/2013
# 1806 938 1 1 0 399,000 395,000 421.109 8/15/2013
# 1004 2028 2 2 0 799,000 725,000 357.495 8/2/2013
# 1601 2235 3 3 1 1,475,000 1,250,000 559.284 7/2/2013
# 906 2028 2 2 1 795,000 740,000 364.892 7/1/2013

Below are all of the available units for sale in the building:

Unit Sq Ft #Beds #FullBaths #HalfBaths List Price
# 1901 2530 3 2 1 1,599,000
# 1002 2032 3 3 1 1,230,000
# 1204 2028 2 2 1 925,000
# 1603 896 1 1 1 499,000
# 1003 896 1 1 1 495,000
# 1706 938 1 1 1 459,000
# 907 896 1 1 1 450,000

Contact me at lindsayrubens@avatarflorida.com or 305.799.2124 for more information.  Happy weekend!

New Construction Townhouses in Center Grove Under Contract in Less Than One Week

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2993 Ruth Street, Units 2993 and 2995, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
3 bedrooms | 2 full baths | 1 half bath | 2,075 sq ft | Built in 2014
Listed by Maria Cardenal of Mariana Martinez Real Estate Broker

These brand-spankin’-new townhouses at 2993 Ruth Street in Center Coconut Grove hit the market last month, and were snapped up almost overnight!  Unit 2993 was listed on January 9th for $679,000, and went under contract 5 days later on January 14th.  Unit 2995 was listed on January 24th for $699,000, and went under contract the following day!

These townhouses have 2,075 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms, and each unit comes with its own private pool and 1-car garage.  The units feature high-end stainless steel appliances, custom built-ins and ample storage, marble bathroom counter tops, recessed lighting throughout, and beautiful finishes.  Located on a small, quiet street accessible via Virginia St. or Shipping Ave., they are just steps away from the dog and kiddie park (Blanche Park), and minutes from the shops and cafes at Coco Walk.

There is no question that there’s high demand for new (and newer) construction townhouses in this neighborhood.  Within the last six months, a handful of other similar properties went under contract in 35 days or less.  Take a look at all of the sales data from the last six months for properties with at least 2,000 square feet of living space and at least 3 bedrooms, below.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a townhouse in Coconut Grove, contact me any time at 305.799.2124 or lindsayrubens@avatarflorida.com.  Also, if you are interested in new construction listings (like these Ruth St. properties), don’t miss your opportunity to get an offer in!  Contact me today to set up a personalized email so that you are notified as soon as these properties hit the market.

Address Sq. Ft. List Price #Beds #Full Baths #Half Baths Yr Blt Sale Price Closing Date Days on Market
3036 MATILDA ST # 3036 2256 690,000 4 2 1 2008 680,000 12/19/2013 20
3133 JACKSON AV # 3133 2236 659,000 3 2 1 2007 640,000 8/19/2013 4
3154 GIFFORD LN # 3154 2237 650,000 3 2 1 2007 646,000 10/10/2013 54
3170 JACKSON AV # 5 2000 649,000 3 2 1 2003 622,727 6/21/2013 18
3182 LAMB CT # 3182 2368 644,000 3 2 1 2006 610,000 7/24/2013 183
3123 GIFFORD LN # 3123 2258 643,000 3 2 1 2007 630,000 6/30/2013 56
3159 CENTER ST # 3159 2300 639,000 3 2 1 2004 615,000 6/27/2013 67
3103 OAK AV # 3103 2200 625,000 3 2 1 2004 582,500 12/13/2013 114
3068 GIFFORD LN # 3068 2430 619,000 3 2 1 2007 586,850 5/15/2013 56
3101 OAK AV # 0 2200 615,000 3 2 1 2004 595,000 10/1/2013 35
2933 DAY AV # 2933 2144 599,900 3 2 1 2002 595,000 12/12/2013 70
3191 OAK AV # 3191 2673 565,000 3 2 1 2002 520,000 9/19/2013 173
2901 S BAYSHORE DR # 11F 2407 560,000 3 2 0 1975 530,000 12/24/2013 280
3162 OAK AV # 3162 2500 559,000 4 4 0 2006 528,000 8/23/2013 156
2981 SHIPPING AV # B 2000 549,000 3 2 1 1995 519,000 8/19/2013 70
3166 OAK AV # 0 2500 528,200 4 4 0 2006 530,000 12/13/2013 20
3265 ALLAMANDA ST # 3265 2060 439,000 3 2 1 1994 425,000 5/14/2013 6
3143 SHIPPING AV # G 2158 350,000 3 2 1 2006 326,000 9/30/2013 93

Under $500k: Nantucket-Style Townhome in Coconut Grove

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3281 Gifford Lane, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
$499,000 | 2 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms | 1,390 sf | Listed by Pura Valdes of La Ley Realty Corp.

Coconut Grove is without a doubt one of the most sought-after locations for Miami home buyers, and it’s easy to see why.  The neighborhood is rich with history, having been formed in 1925.  Situated east of US-1 and bordered by Biscayne Bay, “the Grove,” as referred to by locals, is home to numerous parks, festivals, sailing and yachting clubs, restaurants, cafes and open-air shopping centers (notably, CocoWalk).  Additionally, the Grove boasts some of the most distinguished private schools in Miami, as well as museums and cultural attractions.

The Grove can be broken up into smaller neighborhoods, referred to as “North Grove,” “South Grove,” and “Center Grove.”  Center Grove is a unique residential area that consists of small complexes of townhomes, garden apartments/condos, duplexes and a handful of single family homes.  Young families love it for its semi-suburban feel, walkability, and proximity to Blanche Park (a dog and kiddie park), as well as CocoWalk and the Kirk Monroe Tennis Center.  Young professionals love it for the same reasons, as well as its proximity to Brickell, Downtown Miami and the beaches.  Unfortunately, the demand in the neighborhood has spiked prices over the last year or so, making it very difficult for first-time home buyers to get in on the action.

Coconut Grove

Yet patient house-hunters will be rewarded with a well-priced gem ever so often.  Recently, I have noticed more of those gems popping up; they are not necessarily new listings but rather overpriced properties that have sat on the market for quite some time and are now seeing reduced price tags.

One such property is our feature for this week’s Under $500k: a lovely Nantucket-style townhome located at 3281 Gifford Lane, listed for $499,000.  Originally listed for $599,000 in June 2013, it was reduced to $550,000 in August and to $499,000 just a few days ago.

The property sits on Gifford Lane, a beautiful, tree-lined street just walking distance to the shops at CocoWalk, Coconut Grove Elementary School, and the public tennis courts at Kirk Monroe.  It is one of a handful of townhomes that make up “Nantucket Cove,” complete with cozy, covered porches, Nantucket-style windows with shutters and paved brick driveways.

Built in 1996, the townhome has 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a powder room, and nearly 1,400 square feet.  But before I say another word, let’s take a look at the GORGEOUS, updated kitchen, shall we?

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The listing states that the kitchen has custom-made cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a gourmet gas stove…yes, a GAS stove…heaven!

Other features of the property include two master bedrooms, travertine marble floors on the first level, a beautiful staircase in oak wood, a fireplace in the family room and gated parking to fit two cars.  There is also a small backyard and a storage shed.

Check out all of the photos below and let me know…what do you think of this little slice of Nantucket heaven in the Grove?

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Under $500k: Miami Shores

A1831129_201_1218 NW 106 St., Miami Shores, FL
1,468 Sq. Ft. LA | 9,225 Sq. Ft. Lot | List Price: $459,000 | Listed by Sepehr Niakan of HB Roswell Realty

I’m finding that more and more of my clients are first-time homebuyers looking for an affordable “starter home” (not so easy in this competitive seller’s market in Miami).  As a result, I’ve decided to create a weekly installment called “Under $500k,” and each week, I’ll feature a new home priced under $500,000.

For this week’s post, the home I’m featuring is 18 NW 106 St. in Miami Shores, listed for $459,000.  I’ve seen a lot of action in Miami Shores over the last year, as homebuyers have been turning to the area as a more economical option to the pricier suburban neighborhoods in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach and the like.  Miami Shores is a “village” just north of Downtown Miami and minutes from Miami Beach.  Despite its close proximity to Downtown Miami, the area has a very suburban feel complete with “A” rated schools, tree-lined streets, beautiful homes and gardens, parks, a country club, and a community center.  At the same time, its central location makes it an attractive option for those who work in Downtown Miami, Brickell or Miami Beach.

This particular home has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, with 1,468 square feet.  It was built in 1939 and has been beautifully upgraded with wood floors, a modern kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, impact-resistant glass doors, a decorative fireplace and a brand new Whirlpool washer and dryer.  Other features include an ADT alarm system, glass shower doors, a new wood fence lining the property and outdoor speakers, perfect for entertaining.

The home sits on a large lot with just over 9,000 square feet and features an immaculately landscaped yard with a nice wood deck, and beautiful cherry trees that provide privacy.  I love how light and bright the home is, and I especially love the french doors leading out of the living room to the backyard.  All of this and more for under $500k!  Check out the photos below to see all the lovely details.  And be sure to check back for next week’s featured home!

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