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

Enjoy the Classic Miami Experience in the Van Ness Building!

Think Miami and you probably think Art Deco. Or if you don’t think Art Deco, you probably think Ocean Drive, or maybe even South Beach itself. But Art Deco, Ocean Drive and South Beach just yards away, this new condo listing is just pure Miami class!

One of just 33 apartments in the beautifully maintained Van Ness building on Ocean and 14th street is yours to buy!

There was a time when this classic apartment building stood alone on Ocean Drive, archives from the University of Miami show how it was once just beach, palm trees and the Van Ness Hotel on Ocean Drive. It was a true icon of luxury when it was built in 1931 and it definitely remains one now, with its beautifully preserved Art Deco character and large heated pool. Ocean Drive has evolved into a classy neighbourhood full of sophisticated bars and restaurants and Versace’s mansion is just a couple of blocks away. This really is the definition of glamorous living!

The apartment for sale is a cute fully furnished one bedroom unit, your prefect, ready-to-go beach pad! Listed at $229,000.

This truly is a special opportunity! Contact Kelly to arrange to see this rarely available piece of Miami glamour!

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.