Once a lucrative way of making money, house flipping is making a huge comeback, with more and more people re-joining the trend. The number of homes that had been flipped reached their highest numbers since 2007 during the first nine months of 2016. This was largely due to the increase in home prices and improved investor confidence. Flippers are now seeing profits of about $61,000, a significant increase from $19,000 in 2009, per the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

With the boost in flipping projects, lenders are seizing the opportunity. Banks such as Wells Fargo are offering credit lines to lenders that are willing to support home flippers. About a third of these house flipping projects are being funded via debt, yet the market remains small despite the considerable surge in home flipping activity. Per the WSJ, millions of dollars worth of home flipping have successfully closed during the latter portion of 2016.

Are you eyeing any flipping projects in 2017? If so, we may be able to help you. South Florida is full of lucrative opportunities to turn a profit. Contact Blackstone International Realty to learn more about what we can do for you.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum South Beach condominium.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale or other condos in South Beach, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Are you looking to move to Miami Beach in 2017? The South Beach area has some of the finest luxury condos in South Florida, and the Continuum condo is definitely a major highlight. To give you an idea of what the options are like when it comes to real estate and what to expect, we’re taking a closer look at one of the residences.

Unit #1909 is a two bedroom, two bathroom residence boasting more than 1,500 square feet of living area. It is located on one of the upper floors and is a corner unit boasting direct vistas of the majestically serene Atlantic Ocean. It is a split floor plan with high quality finishes and a living/dining area that’s perfectly suited for entertaining or relaxing. Floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views, a gourmet open kitchen, and a large terrace also overlooking the ocean are among the incredible features. Continuum itself boasts a number of top notch amenities and the location in South Beach is absolutely perfect for walking around, sunbathing, or enjoying a varied meal.

If you’d like additional information on Unit#1909 or one of the other units available for sale or rent, give us a call today and see for yourself why it’s one of the best South Beach condos!

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum South Beach condominium.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale or other condos in South Beach, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Looking to enjoy some great brunch spots in Miami? You can’t go wrong with one of the many places in Miami Beach. If you can’t make up your mind as to where to eat, here are a few suggestions for a great December brunch.

Midtown Oyster Bar is located just across the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami. Unlike most brunch hotspots, the eatery offers brunch with a seafood spin that includes smoked salmon, crab cakes, or traditional favorites like waffles. Pay just $25 more and you’ll also be able to sip on all of the mimosas that your heart desires plus sparkling rose.

Just north of Midtown Oyster Bar is La Victoria Social Club on Northeast 40th Street. You’ll find a weekly pop-up available every Sunday featuring food provided by Fooqs chefs such as lobster benedict, brussel sprouts, and great drinks courtesy of Rob Ferrara. The pop-up opens at noon and closes at 6pm.

For those that just can’t fathom the idea of waking up “early” for brunch, Sweet Liberty Drink & Supply Co. in Miami Beach is the answer. Its brunch menu begins at noon and continues until 5pm every Sunday. Dishes include Stuffed French toast and there are plenty of cocktails available to pair with your food.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Miami’s real estate market remains as hot as its sultry temperatures and the eclectic cast of people it calls its residents, proving the “Magic City” is still the place to call home. Despite the various headlines suggesting otherwise, there is some good news to report.

Back in September, the Miami Association of Realtors announced that the city’s single family home market experienced its best August performance ever, with median prices as well as transaction volume seeing tremendous gains. The association also noted that distressed sales dipped by nearly 40 percent year over year when comparing August 2015 to August of this year.

Back in September, Florida Realtors reported that the state’s housing market had more closed sales, boosted median prices, and a greater number of new listings. There were also not as many all-cash closed sales during the month of August. Per the Miami Downtown Development Authority, the city’s downtown population has skyrocketed by more than 100 percent since the beginning of the 2000s.

Income has increased in the downtown area, interest rates remain low, foreign buyers remain interested, sellers are dropping prices to more realistic levels, the prices are negotiable, there are many reasons to suggest Miami’s real estate scene is doing just fine.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Art Basel is kicking off in only a few days. While the main event is being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, countless Art Basel satellite events are also happening throughout the city. If you’d like to know about some of these events, we have a couple of highlights you may find interesting.

The STANDARD Spa is hosting a number of different events this year. Artist and designer Jeremyville will be hosting the Lazy Sunday BBQ this Friday, December 4th. Ryan McGinness will be hosting a party for his new book launch, and much more.

The FREEHAND Miami on Indian Creek Drive will be taking a trip to Mexico, spotlighting various artists beginning December 1st. Artist Diana Garcia will be painting a live mural and the following day, various local female artists will be celebrated during a party beginning at 7 pm.

SCOPE Miami Beach is returning for its sixteenth edition. Over 120 exhibitors will be showcasing work on the beach at Ocean Drive and 8th Street. The event will be open to the public tomorrow and will continue until Sunday.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Will you be traveling this week for the holidays? Whether you’re a Miami resident jetting off to another destination or someone planning on spending the holiday season in sunny South Florida, you may be spending a good deal of your time at Miami International Airport. Should you need to grab a bite, there are a few good places to try.

Hopefully your travel will be stress free, but if you need a pick me up, Cuban coffee will give you a nice jolt. Versailles serves great “cafe Cubano” plus Cuban sandwiches. If the lines are too long there is no need to worry; you’ll find two other Versailles locations within the airport.

Speaking of Cuban food, Estefan Kitchen Express owned by singer Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio has small bites like bocaditos and croquetas plus the popular mojito drink. If Cuban food isn’t your thing you can always change it up and go with Sushi Maki or the Caribbean themed food served at Lorena Garcia Cocina.

South Beach bakery and brunch hotspot Icebox Cafe can also be found at MIA. For those of you with a sweet tooth or if you’ve never tried some of the food, make sure to grab a tasty bite before flying the friendly skies.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Do you remember The Police? The English rock band emerged in the late 1970s and became extremely popular during the 1980s. Some of their best known hits include “Message in a Bottle”, “Roxanne”, and perhaps their most well-known hit, the award winning “Every Breath You Take”.

Most, if not all of The Police’s material was written by its lead singer Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, better known as Sting. After leaving the band in 1984, the singer and songwriter embarked upon a wildly successful solo career, winning over ten Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and much more. Some of Sting’s best known songs include “Fields of Gold”, “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You”, and “Desert Rose”. Last week, he released his twelfth studio album 57th and 9th.

Sting is touring in support of his new album and one of his stops will include the Fillmore Miami Beach on February 25th. In stark contrast to his arena shows, the concert is expected to be an intimate show consisting of Sting and three fellow musicians. San Antonio-based band the Last Bandoleros will serve as Sting’s opening act. If you’re interested in seeing Sting live, tickets will go on sale on Monday, November 21st, at 10 a.m.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Today is the day, ladies and gentlemen! After months and months of ceaseless campaigning, a new President of the United States will be elected. If you’ve already done your civic duty, congratulations! You deserve a drink and a nice meal, and we’ve got a few suggestions as to where you can go to celebrate and watch the results, right here in Miami Beach.

We’ll begin with La Moderna on Bay Road. Enjoy a cocktail and delectable bites as the results come in  on the large screen television sets. If you prefer something closer to the beach, the National Hotel on Collins Avenue is offering what it calls a “Political Hangover” package that includes two free drinks at the Blues Bar plus hotel accommodations.

Semilla Eatery and Bar on Alton Road is upping its burger offerings with the introduction of the Election Night 10 oz Wagyu beef burger which includes foie gras terrine toppings, foie gras burgundy wine sauce, and black truffle.

For something with a more socially skewed vibe, The Standard in the Venetian Islands will be hosting games like beer pong, political scandal trivia hosted by drag queens, and music courtesy of B. Small and Michelle Leshem. Of course, plenty of drink and food specials will also be available.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Have you made any plans for New Year’s Eve yet? If you happen to have half a million dollars laying around, the popular Fontainebleau Hotel would like to invite you to enjoy its “Ultimate VIP Package” designed for you and up to nine friends, provided you’re at least age 21.

Aimed at “luxury consumers”, the package includes a five night stay in the Fontainebleau’s lavish Sorrento Penthouse, a 9,850 square-foot paradise with five bedrooms. The package also includes a stocked poolside cabana available each day, a backstage hotel tour, private dinners at the Fontainebleau’s various restaurants, a $100,000 shopping spree at the boutique and jewelry store, and even a Rolls Royce or Lamborghini to use at your leisure.

If that doesn’t sound tempting enough, on New Year’s Eve you’ll receive your own VIP table so you can watch Justin Bieber perform by the pool, another table at LIV to watch Skrillex perform, and if that’s not enough you’ll set off on a private yacht. The yacht will take you to Story so you can watch EDM DJ and producer Marshmello perform and then meet him. Oh, and there’s also a private dinner at Stripsteak to enjoy.

But wait, there’s more! On New Year’s Day, you and your guests will enjoy a private brunch and spa day as a luxurious send off.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.  If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call Continuum expert Tim at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.