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  • Miami Florida Real Estate Picks

    Miami Florida Real Estate Picks

    It’s no wonder that you’ll find some of the coolest places to live in the United States are in Miami. Some of the very best luxury properties are to be found in this desirable location where pleasant climate and excellent amenities meet.

    Miramar

    Miramar is one of the premier locations that you won’t want to overlook when you are sorting through your choices for the best neighborhoods in Miami. Here is where you will find the perfect trifecta of low crime rates, many amenities to choose from and the sunny weather that you want from any of the luxury homes you look at. If you are looking for a modern place to do some shopping, the Marketplace Mall Shopping Center is just one of the many conveniences you’ll find here. The Miramar Cultural Center is also close so you can get and stay connected with local community activities.

    With a population of just over 128,000 people, Miramar is big enough to have a larger city vibe and small enough to mirror a smaller town at the same time. The average monthly temperature for August there is 84° and the lowest monthly temperature comes in February at 68°. Pollution in Miramar is 86% lower than the national average and the air quality Index is 17% better. The median home price in Miramar is $194,000 and that’s 24% higher than the Florida average.

    Bay Harbor Islands

    Bay Harbor Islands should be one of the first places everyone considers when they are trying to decide where to live around Miami. Of course, this location shares an excellent rating for the weather and has many outstanding amenities to choose from. However, one of the big attractions to Bay Harbor Islands and the best luxury villas found there is a very low crime rate. In fact, the total crime rate in this particular area is a full 74% lower than the Florida state average.

    If you’re looking to have an exclusive address, this is the place that should meet that requirement on several levels. The income per capital in this area is a full 56% higher than the national average, and the unemployment rate here is 26% lower than the average for all of America. Still, there’s always the other side to any shiny coin, and you also need to consider that the cost of living in Bay Harbor Islands is 15% higher than both the state and national average. The median home price there is $230,900.

    It’s important to keep in mind when you are looking for the right place that fits your budget and lifestyle in Miami there’s a considerable variation in everything except the good weather. Finding a place that suits you is a question of balancing all the different variables like amenities, crime rate and cost of living.

    Key Biscayne

    When you put all of these various features together, locations like Key Biscayne are clearly at the top of the chart. This is the area with the live ability score of 88, which highlights an exceptionally stable housing market and attractively low crime rate. It should be no surprise that you need to open your wallet if you want to live in this exclusive part of Miami. The median home price in Key Biscayne is $908,000 and that places it a full 482% higher than the Florida average.
    Sixty-nine percent of the people here are married, and a full 61% of those speak Spanish. The poverty level in Key Biscayne is very low at 6.5%, and the unemployment rate is lower than both the national and Florida state average. Finally, the overall crime rate is 45% lower than the average for America.

  • Luxury Condo For Cars Plan Draws Mixed Results

    Luxury Condo For Cars Plan Draws Mixed Results

    If you own a high end automobile it is understandable that you want to park it in a safe and secure location that mirrors the kind of luxury condos you live in. Developers have a new twist on owner’s desire to park their Porches in a high end garage, and recent reports say they’ve picked an unlikely location in Miami for plans to build the latest in Miami condo investments.

    The location for a new condo that’s specifically designed for cars and excludes people is in a historic Miami neighborhood that’s seen better days. Overtown is bucking the headwinds of an unemployment and crime problem, but a developer is intent on turning things around with this new addition to the Miami condo lifestyle. Plans are in the works to use some vacant land for a seven story high structure to be called AutoHouse. It will include a restaurant on the roof as well as exclusive members only social club.

    Louis Birdman is the developer who saw an opportunity. He recently told the Miami Herald that many people who own Miami luxury condo units also have cars that correspond with their lavish lifestyle. Birdman says when these people decide to leave Miami to live in their other homes, they store the cars and the structure will offer an attractive solution.

    If you’ve started to wonder just how expensive these units will be, prices are projected to begin at $350,000 and go up to 1.5 million. There are options to outfit each of the spaces with additional features like a sound system and wet bar.

    With all the other luxury condos for sale in Miami, this latest proposal to build a luxury condo specifically for vehicles is drawing mixed reviews. At least some activists who are involved with Overtown are pointing to a building boom in downtown Miami that’s responsible for a new wave of gentrification.

    Kian Frederick is the executive director of the nonprofit South Florida Voices for Working Families. She spoke to the Miami Herald lately and voiced her concerns over the perception the project signals a move that favors luxury cars over the character of the community.

    Billboard

    She went on to say that building a luxury condo for automobiles is like putting up a billboard announcing their eviction to residents.

    Irby McKnight is a longtime resident of the area who serves on the city of Miami’s advisory board for the Overtown area. He says that while local residents are always excited about opportunities for growth, they are concerned about old Overtown disappearing completely. McKnight goes on to say that the community would be better served with workforce housing and AutoHouse wouldn’t really serve the needs of its citizens all.

    Viewpoint

    Keon Hardemon supplies another viewpoint on the subject by suggesting the project will be instrumental in creating a new image for the area that has one of the highest crime rates in the city. The Miami Commissioner stresses the need for different types of development to make the community successful.  He adds that AutoHouse will not receive any public money or evict any of the current residents from their homes, and will in fact attract a new kind of person to the downtown.

    Overtown is a historically African American based part of the downtown Miami core. AutoHouse isn’t the only proposal that has plans to change the face of that community. Two other mixed-use developments are in the works and there is even a proposal for a soccer stadium named after David Beckham.

    Finally, Birdman sees nothing but positives in this trend adding he feels that these kind improvements will lead to others and be good for the community in the long run.

  • Why Buying Miami Pre-Construction Condos Is a Good Idea

    Why Buying Miami Pre-Construction Condos Is a Good Idea

    There are some great reasons for buying Miami pre-construction condos. Some are all about the aesthetic reasons for wanting to live in this great city that’s always in demand. Other notions have everything to do with the other side of your brain and what a solid financial investment these units make.

    One of the first things to consider is all about the one word that every investor wants to hear and that’s resale. Although it’s not considered good idea to flip any pre-construction condos in Miami you decide to buy, keeping a condo for the entire term before you sell it can be a lucrative method to make your money back and then some.

    If you factor in the fact that it takes up to three years to build one of these condominiums, you’ll see that you have adequate time to get a full return as the unit increases in value. There’s no need to worry about the investment because Miami beach luxury condos are a unique purchase and always in high demand from international buyers.

    Pricing tiers are another reason why you should get in on the ground floor with condominium units that haven’t been built yet. Most developers and construction companies release only a limited amount of inventory so they can make the most of the supply and demand cycle. If you purchase a condominium at one of the initial tier prices, you can lock in at a lower number that will benefit you as prices increase.

    Keep in mind that by getting involved with pre-construction condos in Miami, you also set yourself up with some instant equity because the price goes up as surrounding buildings and neighborhoods undergo transformations. Always try to keep in mind that Miami is an international city, attracting buyers from all over the world and you’ll make the right decision.

  • Find The Perfect Miami Luxury Villa

    Find The Perfect Miami Luxury Villa

    If you’re looking for an exceptional quality of life in one of the most sought-after surroundings on the entire planet, luxury villas for sale in Miami are your preferred destinations. This is the property choice that has exceptional villas by the ocean, places with a canal in your front yard or dock for your boat and a full range of world-class amenities to choose from.

    With an increasing number of well-heeled visitors coming to the Sunshine State every year the number of villa in Miami choices has blossomed as well. However, there are some of these prestigious locations that stand out and Miami Beach is a high priority sought after locale. The choices here offer a variety of amenities and exceptional views of the sun and sea.

    Enormous pools and breathtaking views are just two of the features that you can expect from these prime locations in Miami Beach. Floating decks and dining terraces with bars are standard  for these large luxury villas. Depending upon your personal tastes and your own personal vision, you can include some spectacular architecture in the Spanish Colonial style. Distinctive themes for each and every room should be another one of the features you expect from these luxurious villas in Miami Beach.

    Looking for the design that speaks to your personal tastes is a big part of making the right choice. Spending a little to time to consider what you want in the architecture and surroundings helps to narrow down your options before you start a search.

    Here’s a few things you should be looking for in these large luxurious villas.

    • The ability to keep a modern look and feel while embracing the environment at the same time. When you keep in mind that the Miami climate can be especially hot, you might start looking for a villa that has jetting formations to keep you shaded when you’re outside on the lower floors . These often take the shape of an overhang from top floors and nooks specially built for that purpose.  
    • The structure should embrace indoor and outdoor living. Glass partitions and walls help to create this effect and , if done properly, you should be able to see main indoor living areas from the outside and vice versa. Sliding doors are an excellent way to embrace this scenario . When the weather permits, you’ll be able to leave these open and enjoy a cooling breeze as it goes right through the main floor.

    Marble floors are one of the other common features that separate the mediocre from the stand out villa and as far as architecture goes, French and country decor are often just the thing to help you make the choice appropriate to your tastes.

    The different kinds of combinations you can search for are only limited by your imagination. For example, it’s quite often the case that interior spaces can wrap themselves around an outdoor courtyard in L-shaped formation. This is an excellent spot for the pool and any outdoor entertainment features you want to add.

    The most luxurious Villa Miami offerings will spare no expense and having more than one kitchen at different points through the space isn’t an unneeded extravagance. These are ideal for all the entertaining you’ll likely to do when you have one of these villas at your disposal.

    Taking a few minutes to decide what suits your individual vision for luxury villas for sale in Miami is well worth the time. You may need to adjust the list as you view the properties but it will always provide you with a solid framework to start your search. Don’t forget not to overlook even the smallest detail like cozy reading nook.

  • How to Increase the Eco-Friendly Aspects of Your Miami Mansion

    How to Increase the Eco-Friendly Aspects of Your Miami Mansion

    Big homes require big ideas, and if you own a mansion in Miami, the chances are you understand how to make the place luxurious but how about eco-friendly at the same time? It’s easier than you might think to restyle a mansion, so there’s still a sense of style and a reduced carbon footprint. Following are a few ideas to combine high living and socially responsible behavior.

    Leave The Trees In Place

    You can start going green in the designing stages before the very first shovel full of dirt has been tossed aside. If you’re lucky enough to be building from scratch and have a lot picked out that’s heavily forested, you can save some money on utilities by leaving some of the trees in place.

    Building a Miami mansion around as many of these natural wonders as possible will allow you to lower your air conditioning bills. The place will have a lived-in look right away and you’ll be paying less to stay comfortable—it’s a win/win situation no matter how you look at it.

    Design green windows

    If you want to make your home something you’ll be proud of when you’re conservationist friends come over, you should consider how to make every aspect of the place eco-friendly including the windows.

    That means getting the windows installed that further work to decrease your cooling costs and utility bills. Angled windows catch more of the natural light that’s available and ones that have been designed with the planet in mind also have traps that open at the base so you can catch any breezes and filter them through the house.  Both are excellent ideas when you’re looking at going green and renovating your Miami mansion. Besides, they have an elegant look that adds to their appeal.

    Change your bedroom location

    There’s more than a few things you can do even if you’re living in a mansion that’s already built and making the decision to move your bedroom to a lower level is another way to lessen your carbon footprint while increasing your peace of mind. By moving the bedrooms down a few floors if you’re already established or designing the house with them in a lower position on an architect’s plan, you’ll get more privacy by way of the leaves from the trees you’ve got surrounding the house. Of course, this adjustment will save on your energy bill too and add to the romantic atmosphere.

    Finally, mansions in Miami will do well to take advantage of the existing green technologies available. Wind turbines are a great way to take your dream house off the grid and, in some cases, even produce enough electricity to power your entire Miami mansion.

    Solar panels are another green technology that won’t take away from the stately appeal of any mansions in Miami and these can either be tucked away on the roof or placed discreetly on your land.

    Don’t forget you can do your part to help save Mother Earth from the inside of your house as well by replacing older appliances with ones that have Energy Star ratings. You can also choose appliances with fewer gadgets since these use up more energy and need to be fixed more often.

  • Tips for Finding Your Dream Home

    Tips for Finding Your Dream Home

    You’re ready to plant your roots and invest in a piece of luxury real estate in Miami where you can raise a family or spend the upcoming years of your life doing as you please. Luxury real estate can come in many forms to different people, some people are looking for a gorgeous home right on the water or on a golf course or even in the middle of a large piece of property to ensure the utmost privacy. Whatever your situation and interests may be, for those with the financial means to live in luxury, there are a few tips to help you find the home of your dreams.

    Know Your Priorities

    Before hiring an agent or even looking at listings, it’s a good idea to list out a some of the top priorities you are looking for in your luxury home. A few things that you may want to consider looking for are a great location for convenience to town or seclusion for privacy, great school district for the children, great views/waterfront, yard space, gated community or security system, home gym/theaters, or studios. Write down the main important features you are looking for in your new luxury home, and this will help the agent you eventually start working with tremendously by taking some of the guesswork out on their part.

    The Importance of a Local Agent with Expertise

    It’s crucial to develop a good relationship with a luxury-buying agent because the high-end home process is slightly different than the rest of the real estate industry. The high-end homes tend to be a bit more restricted and limited concerning open houses and necessary appointments that need to be made. A local agent with experience in luxury homes will know that the process is different. Often luxury homes, especially of higher profile individuals, will not be listed to protect the seller’s privacy, and this is another reason having an agent that specializes in the local luxury market is very important.

    Don’t Judge a Home by the First Few Pictures

    More often than not, large homes are do not show well in photographs. It’s just how it is. If the house sounds good but you are turned off to how the pictures look, it’s recommended that you take the time to investigate a little deeper before turning the page. Search Google Earth to see what’s around the home or even go for a drive to see the home for yourself.

    Miami and the surrounding neighborhoods are filled with luxury homes and estates, covering just about every imaginable price range. These tips are good to keep in mind when you finally decide on making that next big purchase of your life. For more information on Miami luxury real estate visit Viac Luxury Real Estate in Miami Beach.

  • VIAC is your go-to Luxury Broker

    VIAC is your go-to Luxury Broker

    VIAC offers the world’s most dedicated team of luxury brokers for global luxury housing. VIAC’s expertise spans the globe, from Miami to Loire. The team focuses not just on luxury purchases, but a luxury lifestyle and buying experience. Enjoy every step of the way, learning from a carefully curated group of agents who know exactly how to find for what you are looking.

    Miami real estate is amongst the most lucrative markets. The market is stable and secure, ensuring that buyers are making sound investments. Miami boasts all that there is to the idea of luxury- perfect weather, blue skies, and ocean breezes, dazzling nightlife, chic shopping and dining, an internationally diverse population.

    VIAC has properties in Miami that are rich in architectural history, artistic design and chic interiors. The selection is vast, and each property is as enchanting as the next. VIAC can you show you properties all around the world to give you an idea of possibilities that help narrow down your priorities and interests.

    Whether searching for condos in Miami or luxury villas, VIAC offers the best real estate luxury broker experience. When you are ready to start shopping for your luxury life, get in touch with the VIAC team.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Miami

    Best Neighborhoods in Miami

    So you’ve decided to relocate, either by choice or because of work, to South Florida and are considering Miami and the surrounding neighborhoods. Well, there are definitely a good number of neighborhoods that will fit just about anything you are looking for from areas of younger residents and a vibrant nightlife to old Miami money that offer peace and privacy. Not to mention that Miami is the happening place, brimming with new things to do everyday. Some areas are better for families, and some areas are better suited for singles or couples. Here is a list of some of the best Miami neighborhoods.

    North Beach– unlike South Beach, which is known for its flashy nightlife and high-profile residents, North Beach is more popular among families and individuals looking for a quieter, more laid back neighborhood.

    Little Gables– situated just north of the old Miami money neighborhood of Coral Gables, Little Gables has the same amenities like great schools, but the homes are smaller and cost relatively less money. It’s a great compromise to the expensiveness of Coral Gables.

    Coconut Grove– filled with a mix of younger families, older retirees, and single residents. Back in the 1960s, this neighborhood was a haven for hippies and free spirits, but now it’s close enough to the skyline of Miami to experience if wanted, but far enough away to live quietly.

    Aventura- the primary population of Aventura is “snowbirds” who only reside there during the winter. Filled with modern high-rise condos, young, single professionals also enjoy living here.

    Whatever type of neighborhood you are looking for, Miami has exactly what you are looking for. From safe family neighborhoods, to exciting and flashy night lives for young people, and quiet, relaxed communities for the accomplished retirees, the neighborhoods in Miami are suited for everyone

  • What’s New in Miami

    What’s New in Miami

    Miami, home of the new and evolving. This city might not be coined the one that never sleeps, but we’re pretty sure that’s what’s going on. New businesses seem to pop up every day, the list of things to do in Miami continues to lengthen, and the phrase startups Miami has turned into a part of everyday diction.

    Believe it or not, it was not so long ago that metropolis Miami was not keeping up with Miami Beach. The white and water attracted people from all over the planet with its beauty, charm and allure of an otherwise unattainable lifestyle.

    Now, the city’s skyline is well designed, showing off the city’s commercial and residential prosperity. Densification of the city has allowed for affordable housing and living so that less affluent families and individuals can also embrace the magic of Miami.

    In February, Miami’s Downtown Development Authority reported rental construction as very active with over 10,000 units in motion. In the last three years, rent increased on an annual average of five percent.

    More people being able to afford housing has meant more jobs provided by more businesses. This includes a heavy supply from banks, private equity firms and hedge funds. It’s expected that the next five years will see an additional 20,000 office jobs come to Miami.

    March saw the groundbreaking of the $2 billion, 27-acre Miami Worldcenter, a massive attraction downtown. It took twelve years to acquire all the land that will eventually don pedestrian-only streets lined with shops and restaurants, a 500-unit condo tower, a hotel and over a thousand rental apartments that attract moderate-income individuals and families.

    The upspring downtown will continue to promote building and working in the city, keeping the surrounding suburbs mostly unattractive for now. This is largely due to the ensuing increase in traffic, which will make walking proximity to South Beach even more important.

    Downtown Miami population has already doubled since 2000, and it’s projected for another 40 percent increase by 2019. Miami’s retail sector is also soaring. The division raked in over $4.5 billion in revenue in 2014, and in the three years, will bring in 1.4 million square feet of leasable space. You can only imagine what that will bring to the city!

    To stay up to date on the latest happenings and upcoming developments in real estate, business and entertainment Miami, be sure to tune check in with VIAC! We’re the experts in the industry that believe luxury extends far beyond the home and into the heart of local lifestyle.

  • Things to do in South Miami

    Things to do in South Miami

    It’s pretty much impossible to get bored in Miami, there’s so much to do! That’s why so many of us love to call this magical city home, second home and favorite place to vaca. Miami has some of the world’s prettiest beaches, most luxurious shopping and best places to eat.

    These are some of VIAC’s favorite things to do in Miami:

    •  Okay, basic, we know. But seriously, food. We can’t get enough of it! Miami attracts people from all over the world, and with them comes their native cuisines. Miami is a competitive restaurant marketplace, so restaurants have to have the best chefs and freshest ingredients to compete and stay in business. Dining out is a must-do here.  If you’re searching for the best restaurants Miami, check out Miami Eater.
    • Explore culture and history on the land. From Jungle Island to the Miami Children’s Museum, there’s so much to learn about and see on land. Watch animal shows in awe at Jungle Island, take camel rides at Zoo Miami, learn about tropical immigration at History Miami or explore practical exhibits at Miami Children’s Museum.
    • Ride time. Check out Crandon Park, the two-mile family amusement center and garden at Key Biscayne!
    • Take it step further from beach time and surfing waves. Head out onto the water with Duck Tours South Beach. You’ll stay dry atop the water and get to see Biscayne Bay from an entirely new perspective.
    • If you’ve been shopping in Miami, you know how lucky you are. Shopping elsewhere just doesn’t compare. Streets are lined endlessly with world’s most posh brands, trickled with local, high-end boutiques and treasured stores with cheap, beautiful goodies. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Miami.

    This list should just about get you started, and there’s so much more to be discovered! The best advice we’ll give you is to follow your heart’s desire, and when you get there, ask for more insight from employees or peers. If you’re visiting the same venues, you’ll likely have similar interests, and you can find out new and more ways to enjoy your favorite past times. Check back in with VIAC anytime to learn more about what’s new and happening in Miami, and especially when you’re ready to invest in luxury property of your own.