Casa Babette a Mediterranean charmer full of romance and convenience. The romance begins upon entering the private courtyard of this two story home elaborately landscaped with an old world center fountain.   Vaulted ceilings, keystone fireplace, original tile and hardwood floors throughout, but updated to perfection. Luxury abounds in this resort style setting with 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths in the main house and a separate private 1 bedroom/1 bath guest cottage. Upon entering into the dramatic two story foyer entry of Casa Babette you immediately see the wide expanse of waterfront with ever present sunshine. Beautiful pool, patio, dock and outdoor kitchen area compliment this wonderful home.

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

 

 

 

 

Click on the link below for the e-version of our property showcase in South Florida Luxury Guide Magazine.

http://sfluxuryguide.hessprintsolutions.com/MarApril2013/#/72/

 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.

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.

La Gorce Island one of Miami Beach’s secured Islands located on the North end of North Bay Road and Pinetree Drive consisting of 95 homes approximately 33 of these homes are waterfront.

La Gorce Island provides its residents with round the clock guarded security entry gate, in addition to roving patrol cars day and night and water patrol in the evenings.

During President Obama’s last visit to Miami a few weeks ago his visit started in one of Miami Beach’s finest homes located in La Gorce Island.

La Gorce Island is perfectly maintained provides residents quality service and perfectly manicured streetscapes.

Available homes for sale today are priced as follows:

Non waterfront homes range in asking price from:

–  $2,199,000.00 for 15 La Gorce Circle, a corner lot of 14,375 sq. ft. with a 2 story 6 bedroom 6 ½ bath home totaling 5,006 sq. ft.

–  $3,200,000.00 for 6700 Windsor Lane a corner lot of 17,250 sq. ft. with a 2 story 7 bedroom 5 ½ bath home totaling 5,006 sq. ft.

Waterfront Homes range in asking price from:

– $10,200,000.00 for 64 La Gorce Circle, an 11,460 sq. ft home with 29,507 sq. ft. of land with 158 feet of waterfront.

–  $13,900,000.00 for 100 La Gorce Circle, a 12,352 sq. ft. home with 77,748 sq. ft. of land and over 275 feet of waterfront.

La Gorce Island is one of Miami Beach’s most desirable address.

Aerial view of 36 La Gorce Circle, in La Gorce Island designed by “Society Architect” Maurice Fatio in 1937.  This elegant La Gorce Island waterfront residence has been meticulously and respectfully updated and it is one of Miami Beach’s most beautiful waterfront home, located on over one acre of land with approx. 232 feet of waterfront. This home sold in 1994 for $1,750,000.00;  In 1999 for $3,325,000.00;  in 2001 for $5.2M, and in 2004 for $10,700,000.00.

Aerial picture of the 1953 home formerly located at 30 La Gorce Circle. Revered architect Russell Pancoast was commissioned to design this home by William L McKnight then Chairman of the Board of the 3M Companies.  This La Gorce Island waterfront home had 13 bedrooms and 11 baths, with a total of 13,447 sq. ft. of living area, and the finest open bay and downtown skyline view in this city, the lot consists of 53,374 sq. ft. with approximately 320 feet of waterfront. In 1993 this home sold for $2,150,000.00; in 2006 it sold again for $7M and in 2006 it sold for $17M to the present owners who proceeded to tear the house down.

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.”