Miami has a world class beach culture and killer cocktails but that’s not all that happens in the city of glamour. Big business goes down in Downtown Miami. Miami is a gateway to the Americas, with many corporations basing their Latin American operations in the City. Being a major port, all the major cruise lines and also large commercial shipping operations have presence in the city. Miami has also become a major centre for international banking, coming after only New York and Chicago as a centre for major banks in the US.
Downtown Miami consists of four districts: the Central Business District (CBD, also referred to as “Downtown”), Brickell, Omni and Park West.
The CBD is the most historic part of Miami, where all the museums, courthouses and federal buildings are. It is also home of Flagler Street, a major shopping street, and the Miami Jewelry Quarter, famous for a huge choice of cut price precious metals and gems. Marquis Residences offers an ideal address and exclusive lifestyle for the most discerning art lovers, epicurean aficionados and social urbanites of South Florida.
Brickell is the most upmarket part of Downtown Miami, and is the base for many international consulates and embassies, as well as many of the international bank. There are currently massive plans to invest almost $1bn in the area to transform it further into a retail and commercial destination. Mint is your starting point for the ultimate Miami lifestyle.
Omni is a transport centre, but also is home to large cultural centres such as the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts everything from opera and ballet to Broadway Musicals. There are also some residential buildings with wonderful views over Biscayne Bay, such as The 1800 Club or Quantum on the Bay.
Park West is famous for its hip nightclubs such as Space. It is currently underdeveloped and various project proposals have been considered for the area over the years. However, with its prime location between the CBD and Omni, it seems like only a matter of time before there is a property rush in the area.
If you are interested in finding out more about what properties are available in Downtown Miami, why not browse Kelly’s website to see what’s up Downtown?
www.BritishMiamiRealtor.com
Showing posts with label Kelly Charles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kelly Charles. Show all posts
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Happy Birthday Ma’am!
Celebrations of the Queen’s Official Birthday are big business on both sides of the Atlantic!
In London, we saw Prince William take part in the Trooping the Colour parade in full military regalia to celebrate his grandmother’s 85th birthday, which comes just a day after the Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th Birthday. Thousands of people packed the streets around Buckingham Palace to watch the lavish spectacle, with a history of more than 250 years.
In Miami, the British-American Business Council (BABC) is hosting a Gala Event on Saturday 18th June at the Conrad Hotel to commemorate the landmark occasion. The Miami chapter of BABC provides its members with opportunities to promote their business and make valuable contacts in a series of educational, networking and social events.
The event promises to be a lavish and very British affair. Bombay sapphire gin and tonics will be available on arrival. Dinner will be prepared by renowned British Chef Jonathan McCann and accompanied by complementary wine and specially-imported Welsh spring water. After dinner entertainment includes a live auction for transatlantic business-class flight ticket, with a silent auction for other goodies, followed by dancing to music from the Miami Blues Band.
Her Majesty will be represented by the Guest of Honour, Consul General, Kevin McGurgan and his wife, Victoria. It will be a fantastic opportunity to experience Great British hospitality and to network with all manner of interesting people. Tickets cost $125 per person, available via the Miami BABC website.
If you are a Brit looking for your own palace in Miami, why not contact Kelly, the best British Realtor in Miami!
www.BritishMiamiRealtor.com
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Buying Residential Real Estate in Florida from Overseas – Part Three: Life with Your New Home
Welcome back to the final part of our series of articles about buying your dream home in Florida! In this article, we will be looking at the best ways of generating rental income and becoming a Florida resident.
Renting Out Your Property
Generating a rental income in the Florida sunshine is an attractive option for overseas investors. In Miami Beach, the type of rental income you can receive depends on the rules and regulations of the condominum building you choose. Most condos permit annual rentals, some allow six-monthly rentals but very few have more lenient rental policies.
Therefore, unfurnished, long-term rentals is the easiest rental market to target in Miami. Current rents start at around $1,500 for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment to as much as $12,000+ for a bling-tastic ocean-view fully-furnished two-bedroom condo in a luxury building such as Il Villaggio.
As an overseas investor, you will find it useful to use a local agent to find tenants for your property. A licensed Realtor will typically rent your apartment in return for 10% of the gross lease. Utilities such as electric, gas, cable television and internet are usually covered by the tenant. You will normally need to pay annual property taxes, mortgage payments and condo maintenance fees.
Becoming a Legal Alien
If you are coming to the US from overseas, then your visa status is an important consideration.
Nationals of participating countries will be able to enter the US as a tourist for 90 days under a Visa Waiver. Go to the ESTA website for a current list of participating countries and how to apply. If your country does not participate in the ESTA scheme, check with your local US consulate or embassy for more details about getting a US visa.
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to obtain an extended tourist visa for up to 6 months to cover your stay in the US. Extended tourist visas need to be obtained before you arrive in the US. The days when you could pop over the border to Canada or Mexico to extend a tourist visa are over.
Remember that if you come to the US as a tourist, you will not be able to work and, if caught, the penalties for doing so are severe. Common ways of obtaining a US work visa include making a significant investment in an eligible business, transferring internally to a US office of an international company, or marrying an American. People of certain nationalities are eligible to participate in the annual US Green Card Lottery scheme. Unfortunately, British Nationals are ineligible at present.
The immigration process can be complex, and you may find it beneficial to seek advice from a reputable immigration lawyer.
Making Florida Connections
Foreigners have been coming to live in Florida for years. You can learn so much by speaking to people who have made the big move before you. There are communities of expats from many different countries all across the state. There are many internet forums for expats of all nationalities living in Florida, such as Internations and Britishexpats.com.
The best networking events for British and Irish expats in Miami are organised by Patricia at Britishflorida.com. They have a subscription service that can help you find the right visas and investment opportunities in the state and an email bulletin of jobs, flight deals and upcoming events.
Conclusion
We hope that our articles over the last three weeks have given you a good insight into the process for buying Residential Real Estate in Florida. If you’re feeling inspired to start your property search, why not contact Kelly Charles, a British Realtor who knows how to help overseas investors find their perfect piece of Florida paradise?
Kelly Charles is a licensed Florida Realtor working in Miami Beach. She specialises in helping overseas investors enter the Miami real estate market.www.BritishMiamiRealtor.com
Renting Out Your Property
Generating a rental income in the Florida sunshine is an attractive option for overseas investors. In Miami Beach, the type of rental income you can receive depends on the rules and regulations of the condominum building you choose. Most condos permit annual rentals, some allow six-monthly rentals but very few have more lenient rental policies.
Therefore, unfurnished, long-term rentals is the easiest rental market to target in Miami. Current rents start at around $1,500 for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment to as much as $12,000+ for a bling-tastic ocean-view fully-furnished two-bedroom condo in a luxury building such as Il Villaggio.
As an overseas investor, you will find it useful to use a local agent to find tenants for your property. A licensed Realtor will typically rent your apartment in return for 10% of the gross lease. Utilities such as electric, gas, cable television and internet are usually covered by the tenant. You will normally need to pay annual property taxes, mortgage payments and condo maintenance fees.
Becoming a Legal Alien
If you are coming to the US from overseas, then your visa status is an important consideration.
Nationals of participating countries will be able to enter the US as a tourist for 90 days under a Visa Waiver. Go to the ESTA website for a current list of participating countries and how to apply. If your country does not participate in the ESTA scheme, check with your local US consulate or embassy for more details about getting a US visa.
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to obtain an extended tourist visa for up to 6 months to cover your stay in the US. Extended tourist visas need to be obtained before you arrive in the US. The days when you could pop over the border to Canada or Mexico to extend a tourist visa are over.
Remember that if you come to the US as a tourist, you will not be able to work and, if caught, the penalties for doing so are severe. Common ways of obtaining a US work visa include making a significant investment in an eligible business, transferring internally to a US office of an international company, or marrying an American. People of certain nationalities are eligible to participate in the annual US Green Card Lottery scheme. Unfortunately, British Nationals are ineligible at present.
The immigration process can be complex, and you may find it beneficial to seek advice from a reputable immigration lawyer.
Making Florida Connections
Foreigners have been coming to live in Florida for years. You can learn so much by speaking to people who have made the big move before you. There are communities of expats from many different countries all across the state. There are many internet forums for expats of all nationalities living in Florida, such as Internations and Britishexpats.com.
The best networking events for British and Irish expats in Miami are organised by Patricia at Britishflorida.com. They have a subscription service that can help you find the right visas and investment opportunities in the state and an email bulletin of jobs, flight deals and upcoming events.
Conclusion
We hope that our articles over the last three weeks have given you a good insight into the process for buying Residential Real Estate in Florida. If you’re feeling inspired to start your property search, why not contact Kelly Charles, a British Realtor who knows how to help overseas investors find their perfect piece of Florida paradise?
Kelly Charles is a licensed Florida Realtor working in Miami Beach. She specialises in helping overseas investors enter the Miami real estate market.www.BritishMiamiRealtor.com
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Royal Wedding Fever in the Miami Heat!
Typical of Miami, you can choose the perfect party to meet your Royalist needs!
If classic Miami glam with a British twist sounds like your thing, The National Hotel is hosting a breakfast viewing party complete with Full English at its oceanfront location right in the heart of the Art Deco district in South Beach. With live BBC and BBC America coverage, from 6 to 11 am, you can be sure that in the luxurious surroundings of their Blues Bar, you'll be rubbing shoulders with true Miami royalty. Dress up well to be in for a chance of the Best Kate Hat spot prize! If you’re not an early riser, don’t despair - they’ll loop the coverage through the day so you can sip your Kir Royale and get your fill of glam at any time! Contact The National Hotel to reserve tickets at $24 each.
If you want to celebrate the pomp and circumstance with an old-fashioned Afternoon High Tea, complete with proper British brew, pastries and champagne, check out The Biltmore in Coral Gables. Starting at the civilised time of 1pm, the screening will be accompanied by an informal fashion show of Nordstrom wedding attire. During the event, The Bilmore will be launching their nationwide contest, “Marry me in Miami!”, the winners getting their very own Royal Wedding – a $150,000 dream do at The Biltmore. Contact pr@biltmorehotel.com to reserve your ticket at $30 each.
If you want to want to make your whole family more Royal, then Veronica’s Dollshouse Boutique in South Miami is offering High Tea and etiquette training, along with a screening of the wedding and all sorts of traditional English frivolities for all the family. Perfect for budding Princes and Princesses of all ages! Purchase your tickets online – tickets are limited!
After a right Royal knees-up, remember that Kelly is the Best of British for all your real luxury estate requirements in Miami. Click here to search for a Miami pad fit for a Princess!
Whatever you end up doing, be sure to raise a glass to toast the happiness of good ol’ Wills n’ Kate on April 29!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Dream Walk on Ocean Drive
It’s hard to walk along Ocean Drive without being accosted by glamorous hostesses, trying to tempt passing tourists with drinks and food offers. All sorts of entertainment can be found on the strip, ranging from table top dancing by nubile dancers ( both male and female) at Mango’s, or checking out the bikini body contests at the MTV-famous, Clevelander or upping it in the class stakes with a smart cocktail at The Tides and much more besides. This weekend the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival dominated the strip, with classic 50s cars and a celebration that in Miami Beach you can live your life and be the person you truly are!
A strange thing about Ocean Drive is that although all the events and madness go on, it is pretty easy to escape. If you aren’t in the mood for the bar life, then just cross the street and you find yourself strolling the promenade amongst the palm trees, watching the beautiful people weave between pedestrians skilfully on their rollerblades. Or the inept tourist riders doing their best on segway scooters. From this side of the street, it is easier to appreciate the beautiful architecture of the Art Deco buildings that line the strip.
After your gentle stroll, imagine being able to just walk in off a quiet part of Ocean Drive, into one of its classic Art Deco buildings, and call it your home. With a rarely available apartment for sale in the 1931 Van Ness building – your Ocean Drive dreams could come true! Contact Kelly today to arrange your viewing!
www.BritishMiamiRealtor.com
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Celebrate next St. Patrick’s Day in County Miami!
If you are considering a move from Ireland to the US, why not come to County Miami? Miami may not be known for its Irish population, but it has everything that a self-respecting Irish person needs to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and beyond! And it’s a million miles from the wet weather and economic gloom of the Emerald Isle.
You won’t need to abandon your jig practice to start with. The Breffni Academy of Irish Dancing in North Miami trains dancers of all ages and levels for feises all over the world.
If you enjoy the Cheltenham Festival, have no fear, there are plenty of dog and horse racing events at courses close to Miami, perfect for the cheeky flutter! Golfers are also exceptionally well catered for. There are 1,261 courses in Florida – that’s more than four times the number in the whole of Ireland (300).
Don’t worry about missing the soccer, 6 nations or the Gaelic Games either – subscription services can bring them right to your home. Or you can go to one of the Irish bars in South Beach – Waxy O’Connor’s, Finnegan’s and The Playwright regularly show European sports. There are occasional Irish Traditional music sessions at Waxy’s in Brickell also.
Just like any decent town back in Ireland, you’ll find a Catholic church not too far from the pub. There is a massive Latin population in Miami, so if you fancy something a bit different for St. Patrick’s Day, how about going to Mass in Spanish!
For a more traditional St. Patrick Day’s celebration, there is an annual Irish Festival in Coral Gables, which features Irish music, crafts, dancing and a drop of the black stuff. And of course, a few more Guinnesses can be found in Miami’s Irish Bars afterwards.
Property investment was one of the big pastimes in Ireland until a couple of years ago. If you invest here in Miami , you could come back after a few jigs to a fabulous condo looking back towards the Emerald Isle. You’ll find beautiful ocean views in The Blue Diamond or The Green Diamond. A couple of sea front condos. It’s only 4,014 miles to Mizen Head, Co Cork!
So, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on... Make your lucky leap in the capable hands of Kelly Charles, the specialist in Miami real estate for overseas investors. Spend next Paddy’s Day in the sunshine with a few more freckles! Sláinte!
You won’t need to abandon your jig practice to start with. The Breffni Academy of Irish Dancing in North Miami trains dancers of all ages and levels for feises all over the world.
If you enjoy the Cheltenham Festival, have no fear, there are plenty of dog and horse racing events at courses close to Miami, perfect for the cheeky flutter! Golfers are also exceptionally well catered for. There are 1,261 courses in Florida – that’s more than four times the number in the whole of Ireland (300).
Don’t worry about missing the soccer, 6 nations or the Gaelic Games either – subscription services can bring them right to your home. Or you can go to one of the Irish bars in South Beach – Waxy O’Connor’s, Finnegan’s and The Playwright regularly show European sports. There are occasional Irish Traditional music sessions at Waxy’s in Brickell also.
Just like any decent town back in Ireland, you’ll find a Catholic church not too far from the pub. There is a massive Latin population in Miami, so if you fancy something a bit different for St. Patrick’s Day, how about going to Mass in Spanish!
For a more traditional St. Patrick Day’s celebration, there is an annual Irish Festival in Coral Gables, which features Irish music, crafts, dancing and a drop of the black stuff. And of course, a few more Guinnesses can be found in Miami’s Irish Bars afterwards.
Property investment was one of the big pastimes in Ireland until a couple of years ago. If you invest here in Miami , you could come back after a few jigs to a fabulous condo looking back towards the Emerald Isle. You’ll find beautiful ocean views in The Blue Diamond or The Green Diamond. A couple of sea front condos. It’s only 4,014 miles to Mizen Head, Co Cork!
So, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on... Make your lucky leap in the capable hands of Kelly Charles, the specialist in Miami real estate for overseas investors. Spend next Paddy’s Day in the sunshine with a few more freckles! Sláinte!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Miami Beach Market Activity - July 2010
Created by Kelly Charles with Gary Hennes Realtors. 786 469 9594.
As of August 3rd, 2010 there are 2925 condos and 379 homes for sale* in the Miami Beach region (zip codes 33139, 33140, 33141).
Current condominium listings range from $50,000 to $27,000,000.
Current single family homes for sale are priced from $135,000 to $29,000,000.
Closed Condominium Sales
164* Condominiums/Co-operatives sold in July 2010 at an average of $279 per square foot. Sales prices ranged from $170,000 to $5.35m. The average number of days on the market for condominiums was 142.
This demonstrates a 3% increase in the number of condos that sold, a reduction in the number of days on the market from 153 and a decline from a sales price of $301 per square foot, indicating that condominium prices are moving closer in line to realistic selling prices.
Buildings that saw the most activity in July were:
‘5600 Condo’ located at 5600 Collins Avenue. This is a 288 unit condominium built in 1967. This year there have been 19 sales at an average of $211 per square foot. In July alone there were 4 sales in this building from $156,500 (bank owned) to $410,000 for a completely renovated 2 bed, 2 bath with panoramic views.
‘The Floridian’ located at 650 West Avenue. Built in 1997 with 335 units this is a luxury building equipped with 2 gyms, a fitness center, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, 2 bay front pools a mini mart and business center along with 24/7 security and valet. This year there have been 30 sales, with 4 in July, at an average of $344 per square foot. Sales prices in July 2010 ranged from $180,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom to $500,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom short sale unit.
Closed Single Family Home Sales
18 Single family homes sold in July 2010 at an average of $292 per square foot, the lowest sale price being $350,000 – a two bed, two bath short sale home, located on the Normandy Golf Course. A 3 bed, 3 bath home sold on The Venetian islands for $1.9m. The average number of days on the market for homes sold in July 2010 was higher at 206 days.
This is a decline in the number of homes sold in July last year of 28%, a rise in price per square foot from $284 and a corresponding increase in the average number of days on the market from 160 days.
*These figures are taken directly from the Multiple Listings Service (MLS) and indicate listings through a REALTOR. They do not include properties for sale/sold directly by owner.
As of August 3rd, 2010 there are 2925 condos and 379 homes for sale* in the Miami Beach region (zip codes 33139, 33140, 33141).
Current condominium listings range from $50,000 to $27,000,000.
Current single family homes for sale are priced from $135,000 to $29,000,000.
Closed Condominium Sales
164* Condominiums/Co-operatives sold in July 2010 at an average of $279 per square foot. Sales prices ranged from $170,000 to $5.35m. The average number of days on the market for condominiums was 142.
This demonstrates a 3% increase in the number of condos that sold, a reduction in the number of days on the market from 153 and a decline from a sales price of $301 per square foot, indicating that condominium prices are moving closer in line to realistic selling prices.
Buildings that saw the most activity in July were:
‘5600 Condo’ located at 5600 Collins Avenue. This is a 288 unit condominium built in 1967. This year there have been 19 sales at an average of $211 per square foot. In July alone there were 4 sales in this building from $156,500 (bank owned) to $410,000 for a completely renovated 2 bed, 2 bath with panoramic views.
‘The Floridian’ located at 650 West Avenue. Built in 1997 with 335 units this is a luxury building equipped with 2 gyms, a fitness center, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, 2 bay front pools a mini mart and business center along with 24/7 security and valet. This year there have been 30 sales, with 4 in July, at an average of $344 per square foot. Sales prices in July 2010 ranged from $180,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom to $500,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom short sale unit.
Closed Single Family Home Sales
18 Single family homes sold in July 2010 at an average of $292 per square foot, the lowest sale price being $350,000 – a two bed, two bath short sale home, located on the Normandy Golf Course. A 3 bed, 3 bath home sold on The Venetian islands for $1.9m. The average number of days on the market for homes sold in July 2010 was higher at 206 days.
This is a decline in the number of homes sold in July last year of 28%, a rise in price per square foot from $284 and a corresponding increase in the average number of days on the market from 160 days.
*These figures are taken directly from the Multiple Listings Service (MLS) and indicate listings through a REALTOR. They do not include properties for sale/sold directly by owner.
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