Brazilians have overtaken Canadians as the top overseas visitors and property buyers in Miami as the city shrugs off the after-effects of the 2008 real estate crash, América Economía reported.

“There is a love affair between Brazilians and Miami, which has helped the economy in both places,” Rolando Aedo, executive vice-president of the Greater Miami Office of Tourism and Conventions, told the online magazine. Brazilians’ stamp on South Florida’s economy has been “incredible,” Aedo said.

Brazilians outnumbered Canadians as Miami’s main international tourists and buyers last year. Around 690,000 Brazilians visited the Magic City, an 8.8 percent gain from 2011, and spent an estimated $1.5 billion.

Favorable currency exchange rates and Brazil’s economic growth – despite a recent slow-down – have helped a larger demographic of Brazilians visit Miami than could a decade ago, consul general of Brazil in Miami, Helio Vitor Ramos Filho, told the magazine. Exempting Brazil from U.S. visa requirements would flood Miami with even more Portuguese-speaking South Americans, the Brazilian consul said.

“If Brazil were included in the visa-waiver program, there would probably be an explosion of Brazilian tourists in the United States. The visa requirement is still an obstacle for many potential tourists from Brazil, since in Brazil obtaining a visa means additional costs related to having to travel domestically just to get the visa, which can increase the overall cost of a trip substantially,” Ramos Filho said. [América Economía] –Emily Schmall

By: The Real Deal – South Florida Real Estate News

 

 

 

 

 Esther’s fabulous Flamingo Drive listing makes the pages of the exquisite Florida Design’s Miami Home & Decor Magazine. Enjoy the photos and article of the painstaking task of bringing this modern Igor Polevitzky masterpiece back to its original splendor. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful architecture here on Miami Beach. If you or anyone you know are interested in this property, please give us a call.

Just in case you missed these are the fine properties featured on the Miami Herald Neighbors section last Sunday August 26th, 2012.  For additional information on these properties or any Real Estate related info, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Fine Miami Beach Waterfront Properties

This new sophisticated waterfront masterpiece located on the Sunset Islands, Miami Beach’s most sought after gated communities, characterized by  flawless contemporary architecture and spectacular volumes.

The loft-like first floor opens up to a Florida room, the perfect lay out for elegant entertaining. The spectacular great room, with 12 foot ceilings, concrete walls, imported Italian tile floors, wide sliding glass doors, overlooks sweeping views of lush tropical foliage. The alluring design of the Poggenpohl kitchen includes, top of the line appliances (Sub-zero, Miele), amazing storage space and an inviting central island.

An original powder room with Agate wall, a guest room, a maid’s room and a large laundry room complete that floor.

A stunning staircase leads to four bedroom suites on the second floor with refine accents such as matte white oak wood floors, floor to ceiling doors, Poliform closets, outdoor spaces and port hole windows. An oversized master suite features his and hers baths and walk-in closets, a wet bar and a spacious and very private terrace.

On the third floor, a rooftop terrace has 360 degrees views of the city and bay and is prepped to accommodate multiple options.

Outside the infinity-edge pool is adjacent to a fully equipped comfortable pool house with stainless steel kitchen and outdoor shower. Ideal for boat enthusiasts, this home has 75 feet of waterfront, an oversized Ipe wood dock and a Jet Ski lift. It is located on a serene and protected waterway with no bridge to the open bay.

This smart house offers the most advanced technology: a camera system with a  DVR (accessible through the internet), electronic curtains, extra sound proofing insulation, three high energy efficiency AC systems by Trane and internet-accessible control of the thermostat, security, lights and music. Every room has a touch screen and is wire-ready for additional cameras. The house has a full capacity emergency generator.

This contemporary home is located at 1531 W 22^nd Street.  It has six bedrooms, seven full baths, two half-baths, two car garage, circular driveway. Offered at $ 9,800,000.

For more information, contact Esther Percal: 305 674 4022.

55 Palm Avenue Miami Beach Luxury Waterfront Home

Unique Historical Spanish Colonial Home

Unique historical restoration of original 1920′s Spanish Colonial Palm Island residence providing city tax abatement for 10 years with a 10,000 square foot modern addition on a 30,000 sq. ft. lot perfectly  blending the old with the new, surrounding interior courtyards, this home masters it’s classic architecture.  With such features as 12 foot Cathedral beamed ceilings, coffered ceilings, quatrefoils windows, fireplaces, interior courtyard, keystone details, and astounding presence.   Limitless possibilities abound in this home, there is space for a media room, library-office, gym, outdoor BBQ, separate guest rooms, playroom, additional bedrooms, sitting areas, the options are endless.     The romantic interior courtyard as well as the ample back yard with oversize heated pool, pergolas with flowering vines, and covered terrace surround the formal living room has a wonderful flow through effect felt throughout this estate.  A large state-of-the-art Bulthaup kitchen is adjacent to the family room and surrounded by doors and windows, making it easily accessible to the pool and outdoor entertaining areas.  Other features of this home include 3 car garage, service quarters, formal dining room, elevator, laundry room, tranquil open bay view, elegant staircase, expansive walls gallery entrance, and much more.  A grand waterfront master suite and sitting area, with his and hers separate baths and walk in closets, a large upstairs landing fit for a sitting area surround the  remaining  three upstairs bedroom and bath suites.