Author Archives: consultcorey

Art Basel and More Come to Miami Beach

The annual Art Basel Miami Beach will be kicking off on December 3rd at the Miami Beach Convention Center, presenting an entire week of incredible and original artwork by a kaleidoscope of artists. This year’s event is considered even more important now that Miami itself is further boosting its status as a global art player thanks to among other things its trio of contemporary art museums. This year’s event will be the biggest one yet, with more than 250 exhibitors from over thirty different countries displaying their artwork.

Art Basel is just one of many art fairs and shows set to make an appearance near Miami Beach and the Continuum condo. After leaving South Beach two years ago, Scope will be making its triumphant 15th anniversary comeback on Ocean Drive showcasing three distinct galleries. Over at the Fontainbleau, the thirteenth edition of NADA will be taking place.

Also taking place near the Miami Beach Convention Center is Design Miami, well known for its stunning entrance that changes each year that is often created by globally renowned designers. This year the Harvard University Graduate School of Design will be taking the reins of creating the entrance, though details are being kept tightly under wraps.

Ocean Drive and the Miami Beach Convention Center are both just moments from the Continuum South Beach and if you’re an art aficionado, you’ll definitely want to learn more about the Continuum condos for sale. Call Continuum expert Tim Allen at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Unit 1905 in Continuum South

Have you had a chance to visit either of the two Continuum condos in South Beach? These two spectacular buildings capture the best qualities of living in Miami Beach: breezy ambiance, stunning vistas, sun-kissed beaches, colorful denizens and a lifestyle unlike any other in the southeastern United States. Whether you decide on Continuum I (also known as the South Tower) or Continuum II (North), these South Beach condos are among the finest in the city.

Today we’ll be highlighting unit 905 in the Continuum South tower. This two bedroom, two bathroom residence has 1,869 square feet of living area and provides a fantastic lifestyle. You will enjoy captivating views of Government Cut, the oceanfront, the private community of Fisher Island, and many more notable sights. Residential features within this building include marble flooring, ten-foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and an updated kitchen. A beach club, tennis court, a pair of lagoon-style pools and a large 20,000+ square foot fitness center are among the amenities found at the Continuum condo.

For dining, Smith & Wollensky and Joe’s Stone Crab are two popular, longtime restaurants in the South Beach area that you can walk to from Continuum. Ocean Drive is also packed with a variety of places to enjoy a drink or meal.

For additional information on unit 1905 in Continuum or if you’d like to explore some of the other Continuum condos for sale, contact Tim Allen at 305-588-2451. You can also visit the Continuum website to see the two different Continuum South Tower floor plans.

Get to Know the Two Continuum Condos

While Miami Beach is one of the trendiest and in demand cities in all of South Florida, when it comes to homes and condos, the South of 5th area is arguably where some of the city’s most luxurious condominiums are located. As the name suggests, South of 5th refers to the entire area located south of Miami Beach’s 5th Street, also known as South Beach. Among these condominiums is Continuum I and Continuum II, two buildings that are near the southernmost point of the city and stand 42 and 37 stories tall, respectively.

The Continuum experience is all about complementing what it’s like to live in South Beach: fun, relaxation, style, fitness, and more. The amenities include a pool pavilion, a sundeck where you can lounge under the shade of an umbrella or work on your tan, and a beach club that offers cabanas. Fitness aficionados will love the Continuum Sporting Club, a complimentary feature for residents that offers plenty of activities like tennis, six spa treatment rooms, fitness classes, and an infinity edge swimming pool, to name a few. Each unit within the two Continuum condos provides fantastic vistas plus a host of modern residential features like marble countertops, designer fixtures, high end appliances and more.

From Continuum you can dine at some of the most popular restaurants in all of Miami Beach like Smith & Wollensky and Joe’s Stone Crab. Miami Beach is also the home of Lincoln Road, a great spot to dine, shop or meet some of the locals and tourists exploring the barrier island.

If you would like additional information on Continuum South Beach or are interested in exploring Continuum condos for sale in either of the two buildings, contact Tim Allen at 305-588-2451.

The Ins and Outs of Title Insurance

When a homeowner decides to buy or refinance a home chances are, they will have to get title insurance. A two-part transaction, title insurance is a form of protection against a financial loss from defects in a title against the property and from any inaccuracies that might present themselves on a mortgage loan. Formed in Pennsylvania in 1853, the first title insurance company, the Law of Property Assurance and Trust Society, set the precedence for all insurance policies issued. Moreover, nearly all institutional lenders will require title insurance in order to protect the interest in the collateral of loans secured by real estate agents, additionally, buyers using cash to purchase a property, will also traditionally opt to go with a title insurance in order to protect their interest in the residence acquired. There are two types of title insurance policies, and usually a homeowner will need both. The first type is an owner’s policy that protects the owner’s financial interest in the property. The second type is a lender’s policy that protects the lender.

The first step in acquiring a title insurance is for the mortgage company or the homeowner’s attorney to search all the property records pertaining to the property, to ensure that there are not any clerical errors, mistakes with the records filed, undisclosed heirs, omissions in deeds, unknown liens, or fraud involving the deed. The purpose of this important step is to verify that the property is truly owned by the seller and that they have the authority to sell it. Once that step is completed, the firm that started the initial search will contract an underwriting company to issue an insurance policy, with the basis being that the homebuyer will be defended in court if anyone challenges the title and/or to compensate the defending party of any equity they may lose.

Tim Allen a South Beach expert in Miami and Continuum condos for rent, brought this update to you. To learn more about the Continuum condos for sale contact him at (305) 588 2451.

Apartment vs. Condominium

When in the market to find a new place to live, an apartment or a condominium is a great place to start. An apartment is a building that is completely owned by a single owner, most times a corporation, and individuals are able to rent or lease the individual units. A condominium is different in the sense that it is a unit that the renter actually owns while the rest of the building and the common areas are owned equally amongst all the other condo owners under an association umbrella.

Apartments: Ownership is not the only difference that an apartment building shares with a condominium. The features and advantages also differ between the two. When a resident rents an apartment they have more flexibility and a few options available that condominiums don’t provide. For instance, when an occupant rents an apartment they can choose what type of lease they would like, be it short-term or long-term, as well as sometimes having the option to rent month to month. Thus giving tenants the flexibility of being able to move out without substantial financial repercussions.

Condominiums: Besides the fact that purchasing a condo means the occupant owns the unit, there are other advantages to buying a condominium rather than renting an apartment. One of the biggest advantages of a condominium purchase is affordability. Contrary to popular belief, condos are rather affordable, with the exception of properties located in highly desired areas. Hence, procuring a condo in a reasonably priced area is a great first step for first time buyers looking to own a home.

Tim Allen a South Beach expert in Miami and Continuum condos for rent, brought this update to you. To learn more about the Continuum condos for sale contact him at (305) 588 2451.

Neighborhood Spotlight: The Ancient Spanish Monastery

The historic Ancient Spanish Monastery is one of Miami’s hidden gems. Located at 16711 West Dixie Highway, this monument is a beautiful representation of classic Spanish architecture. Originally called ‘The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels,’ this beauty was constructed in the year 1133 AD in Sacramenia, which is near Segovia in the northern part of Spain. Later in 1141, eight years later, the Monastery was completed and dedicated to the Blessed Mother. However, in 1174, the Monastery was renamed ‘The Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux,’ in honor of his canonization (i.e. recognition by the church as a saint upon his passing). Bernard was a Cistercian monk and mystic, as well as the founder and abbot of the Abbey of Clairvaux, thus making him one of the most influential church leaders of his time.

After having occupied the Monastery for around 700 years, the Cistercian monks experienced a downfall via an 1830s social revolution. Thusly, the Monastery’s Cloisters were captured, sold, and converted into a granary and stable. Nevertheless, in 1925 William Randolph Hearst restored honor to the beautiful establishment, with the purchase of the Cloisters and the Monastery’s outbuildings. The Monastery was so valued that Hearst took numerous steps to ensure that the shipping of the structure, to the US, was handled with great care. Each structure was dismantled piece by piece, wrapped in protective hay, and packed in more than 11,000 wooden crates, each numbered for identification. Unfortunately, Hearst’s financial problems caused the shipment to remain in a warehouse in Brooklyn, NY for 26 years. After Hearst’s death in 1952, two entrepreneurs purchased the shipment to use as a tourist attraction. 19 months and $20 million dollars later the Monastery’s construction in North Miami Beach was completed.

Tim Allen, an expert in real estate in South Beach, brought this neighborhood spotlight to you. To learn more about the Continuum Condos for Sale contact him at (305) 588 2451.

The Story — South Beach’s Latest Nightclub

Miami’s nightlife has gotten a whole lot more interesting with the introduction of STORY, a posh nightclub dedicated to the high-energy experience Miami Beach is known for. David Grutman’s MMG Nightlife, owner and operator of the world-famous LIV Nightclub at the Fountainbleau Resort, manages the club.

With a goal of having STORY set a new standard in the nightclub industry, this impressive 27,000 square foot establishment features a state-of-the-art surround sound system formulated by prominent designer Francois Frossard and concert style lighting and visuals programmed to move to the beat. The staggering center staircase and alligator printed columns, give this establishment a certain “je ne sai quois” making this the perfect destination for visitors and locals alike looking to party.

Like all the other high-class nightclubs on the beach, STORY offers premium bottle service, exclusive VIP tables with 360-degree views of the crowd, and full-service bars. However, unlike the other clubs in the area, the in-house production and design team has transformed this venue, with a stylish design and sophisticated feel, into a lavish setting with a circus-style feel. Patrons who visit will soon learn that nothing is off limits.

The Continuum South Beach, a resort-style oceanfront condominium located in the heart of South Beach, brought this profile to you. To learn more about the Continuum South Beach Condos for Sale contact the Continuum South Beach expert, Tim Allen, at (305) 588 2451.

Loan Pre-Approval, What is it?

When buying a house some individuals opt to go the mortgage loan route for a variety of reasons. When an individual does decide to get a mortgage a lot of times they will hear that they are “Pre-approved” and for some that means that they have already passed the approval process and are guaranteed the loan they are applying for, however that is not quite the case.

Pre-approval literally means the person applying for the loan is at the stage before approval, meaning there are still a few more stages to go through before they are actually approved for the loan they are applying for. Generally when a mortgage company “pre-approves” someone for a loan they are saying that the buyer’s income has been verified and their credit history has been checked. If everything works out, they can get a pre-approval letter (which is usually good for 60 – 90 days) that will show potential sellers that they have the funds to be able to purchase the house they are interested in. However, a pre-approval letter is not an offer to lend, a commitment to make a loan, or a guarantee of specific rates or terms, as a mortgage company may require additional income and asset verification, and satisfaction of other conditions that the mortgage company may have. The best thing to do if you have any questions is to ask your real estate agent and/or mortgage lender as they would be able to answer all of your questions.

So if a pre-approved loan doesn’t mean you are actually approved, then why should you get a pre-approved loan? Well there are many reasons why you should get pre-approval for a loan before you start looking for a house. The biggest reason is that with a pre-approval you will be able to gain a more accurate idea on what type of home you can afford, thus helping you target your home search to only include houses in our price range and will also make you more attractive to sellers.

This information is brought to you by Tim Allen, the leading expert on luxury condos like the Continuum South Beach. To learn more about about the Continuum Condos for Sale, call (305) 588 2451.

The Best Dining Near the Continuum South Beach

The Continuum South Beach is a resort-style oceanfront condominium located in the heart of South Beach at 100 South Pointe Drive. Being so close to South Beach allows residents and visitors alike to experience all the exciting and entertaining day and night life that Miami Beach has to offer.

Aside from the fascinating night life, Miami is also known for the many different restaurants with various appetizing cuisines available. Below are some of the best restaurants in Miami Beach that are just right around the corner from this high-end condominium.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Located on the popular Lenox Avenue, Chef Clay Miller upholds the restaurant’s reputation for down home cooking, like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and a crowd favorite, fried green tomatoes. With a friendly waitstaff and family friendly location, this restaurant is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying weekend brunch or a family looking to have a fun dining experience.

Casa Tua
This upscale Italian restaurant, designed with a 1925-era palazzo feel, will make any dining experience a special occasion. With a romantic garden terrace, this restaurant is great for patrons that are looking for a small romantic getaway.

Osteria del Teatro
Positioned near one of Miami Beach’s most popular dance clubs, this 25 year old classic Miami Beach Temple, is a perfect option for guests who are looking for traditional but exquisite Italian cuisine, and with the daily specials, there is something for everyone.

Sardinia Ristorante
Although customers may initially see this restaurant as just another Italian restaurant, they would be wrong. The owners have opted to focus on regional Italian cuisine by keeping to the old country’s traditional recipes. With the chef’s mastery of the wood-burning oven, each dish is served with a rustic flair.

The Forge Restaurant
Established in the 1930s, the newly renovated Forge Restaurant gives patrons traditional, old world cuisine and service, with a futuristic twist, with a wine bar and Chef Christopher Lee’s interesting culinary takes on classic and continental cuisine, which includes lobster PBJs, prime steaks, and decadent desserts, locals and tourists can be assured that their experience will be one they will never forget.

If you are interested in the many wonderful Continuum South Beach Condos for sale and rent, contact Tim Allen at 305.588.2451 or [email protected].

Sumptuous Amenities of the Continuum

There are many advantages to living in South Beach, from nice weather to great beaches to an array amazing, state of the art high rises to pick from. South Beach is a place that exudes eliteness, style and sophistication and is also often host to many of the world’s superstars. If you are looking to enjoy the complete South Beach living experience then only one place has the luxury, the view and the elite amenities to provide that experience to the fullest. Continuum South Beach is a resort-style condominium which sits masterfully on the southern most corner of Miami Beach providing a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline, Fisher Island and the Port of Miami.

Continuum South Beach divides 318 units into two beautifully constructed towers which include a variety of options going from 1-6 bedroom floor-plans, including townhomes. The amenities provided by the Continuum South Beach go far beyond your wildest expectations. Continuum amenities include a four-story gym and spa, three tennis courts, two lagoon-style pools, one open-air restaurant and with this and so much more the amenities at Continuum South Beach seem to be fit to provide the most luxurious and elite living experience in South Beach. This, however, only begins to tell the story since the list of the Continuum South Beach features and amenities also include a stunning two-story marble lobby, a full-time concierge, 24 hour security and valet parking as well as an event room with a kitchen and multiple conference and meeting rooms.

The experience provided by the Continuum South Beach amenities and building features are only enhanced by the residence features. The exclusivity of entering your unit through a private elevator and being welcomed by the 10 feet ceilings accompanied by 8 foot solid core doors throughout as well as the expansive balconies that are magnificently enhanced by the sensational views offered by Continuum South Beach condominium.