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

 

 

 

 

Perfect proportions, breath taking light and a great layout are just a few of the captivating features found throughout this comfortable two-story Mediterranean style, updated waterfront home.  The first floor consists of a formal living room and family room, dining room, a media room which can double as a bedroom suite, an open Island kitchen adjacent to a great room all overlook the waterfront.  The second floor consists of four bedroom-baths en-suites, including the Master Bedroom wing with its own sitting room, walk in closet, Master Bath and private terrace.

•   6 Bedrooms
•   6 and 1-1/2 Bathrooms
•   Living area 5,920 sq. ft.
•   Lot Dimensions 100  X 202
•   Lot Size 20,200 sq. ft.
•   Waterfront:  100 Feet
•   Built in 2008

 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

Oceanfront corner Loft Condominium exquisitely updated being sold in turn-key condition.  This Oversized combined unit is comprised of a 1 bedroom apartment plus additional space consisting of approximately 970 sq. ft.  A south facing built out terrace runs the length of the apartment and overlooks the Beach, Ocean Beach Park, Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami Skyline. Windows surreound this loft apartment providing great light and sunrise to sunset views.

The quality finishes and streamlined design of this apartment include: polished concrete floors, stainless steel top of the line kitchen and appliances, built-ins, light and sound controlled AV system.

Located South of Fifh in a very desirable oceanfront building.

Star Island is by far Miami Beach’s most popular address conveniently located and the closest secured Island to Miami Beach. Star Island is located off the MacArthur Causeway one short bridge away from world famous Miami Beach. Star Island provides round the clock security to its 34 residents. All 46 lots in Star Island are waterfront with a minimum of 40,000 sq. ft. (100 feet of waterfront by 400 feet deep), many Star Island residents enjoy ownership of multiple lots surrounding a beautiful center Palm Tree Lined Park . Star Island lives up to its name by being home to many well known celebrities and businessman it is Miami Beach’s most famous residential Island truly the “choice address”.

It is no wonder that the highest priced home sold in Miami Beach this year was 13 Star Island Drive, located in Star Island! Sold in April 2011, for $25,500,000.00 this home has 15,008 sq. ft. of living area, a 40,000 sq. ft. lot, 100 feet of waterfront and was built new in 2003.

Available Star Island residences for sale range in price from $10,500,000 for a 1925 historically significant De Garmo designed home of 15,008 sq. ft on a 48,266 sq. ft. lot with 205 feet of waterfront.

The highest priced home available for sale is 5 Star Island asking $49,995,000.00 for an 11,308 sq. ft. home built in 1996 plus adjacent lot with guest house, and more lot size of this property totals 80,000 sq. ft. with 200 feet of waterfront and the most spectacular direct Downtown Miami skyline and open bay views

Sophisticated contemporary new construction smart house in Gated Sunset Islands. Open loft like 1st floor with high ceilings surrounded by 10′ glass doors opening to central Florida Room overlooking the back yard with heated infinity-edge pool, fully equipped pool house with outdoor kitchen perfect for entertaining. The 2nd floor has 4 bedroom suites, including an oversized master with wet bar, his & hers baths, Poliform closets & private terrace. Top of the line finishes, generator, rooftop terrace.

A great Opportunity!!!

South Beach exclusive is 5^th most expensive condo re-sale in Miami-Dade history

Miami Beach, FL (April 14, 2011) – EWM’s Esther Percal and Pablo Alfaro completed the $11.5 million sale of Apogee’s Penthouse A, the highest price paid for a condominium in Miami-Dade in almost a year. An undisclosed European concern closed on its purchase from seller, Moonlight LLC, on April 14^th.

Since tracking these types of sales, it is the 5^th highest price paid for a condo in Miami-Dade through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Constructed in 2008, the 22-story, 67-residence Apogee has earned acclaim as one of South Florida’s most exclusive addresses. Located at 800 South Pointe Drive, alongside Government Cut on Miami Beach’s South Point, it features 360° panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami’s skylines, and the Port of Miami.  There are only three Penthouse units at Apogee, all with myriad of amenities. This latest sale includes an 11,000 square foot outside terrace and rooftop pool offering awe-inspiring views of South Florida’s most spectacular landscape and architecture.

“Esther and Pablo are well-known members of the exclusive multi-million dollar property sales club in South Florida”, said Ron Shuffield, President of EWM.  “There have been only four other condominiums ever sold through our Miami-Dade MLS at prices greater than this one, and the first in almost a year.  The sale is not only a testament to the property, which is stunning, but to Esther and Pablo’s capabilities and understanding of ultra high-end buyers and sellers.”

“We have been seeing a great deal of activity in the high-end market, particularly from individuals who own multiple residences across the globe,” adds Esther Percal.  “In the big scheme of global residential real estate, Miami-Dade’s South Beach properties are still a relative bargain, even at the almost $1,700 per square foot price realized by this sale. Comparable properties in other areas of the world might cost three, four, maybe five times as much.”

“No doubt that this segment of the market has been very active of late,” says Pablo Alfaro. “The interesting thing has been the broad range of individuals we have been working with. They are coming from the U.S., Latin America, Asia, and of course, Europe, such as this particular buyer.  They recognize and appreciate that there is tremendous value in this market.”