Tag Archives: continuum south beach

Buyers and Their Frequently Asked Questions

Embarking on a first time home purchase can be both exciting and perhaps even a little intimidating. With the amount of paperwork, price negotiations, research, and all of the other details that are attached to the homebuying process, buyers obviously have lots of questions. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones real estate agents receive.

With the sheer number of homes available, buyers often wonder how many homes they should look at prior to making an offer. This is one where it’s largely up to the buyer to decide. Some people find their ideal home within hours while it may take months for others. Agents suggest narrowing down the search to a preferred neighborhood to make things a little easier.

Buyers are often concerned whether a certain property represents a good deal. Although there is no surefire way of knowing whether a home will appreciate, buyers should definitely take a look at comps to get an idea of how similar properties in the area are selling and how prices have fluctuated in the past.

When a buyer asks whether he or she should request a home inspection, the typical response from an agent is yes. With a home inspection, there are no questions about whether the home is in good working condition and it can save a buyer hundreds of thousands of dollars in having to make repairs.
This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

Joël Robuchon’s $1,500 Food Festival Event

This year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) is set to be the largest one yet, with events spreading well beyond Miami Beach.  Among the many events and the new ones that were previously discussed, perhaps the most intriguing is the one being spearheaded by French chef Joël Robuchon.  On February 26,  Robuchon will be hosting an event at the Moore Building in the Miami Design District that will cost $1,500 per person.

Robuchon’s event essentially means guests will be able to dine on all the truffles, Bordeaux, and foie gras they could possibly want.  The event will feature four distinct concepts called L’Atelier, Le Bar, La Boutique, and La Terrace.  Each of these provides something unique like a casual bar and lounge at Le Bar to the various breads and the sweet and savory items being featured at La Boutique.  La Terrace will provide an al fresco dining experience.  Each of the concepts is named after upcoming restaurants Robuchon will be opening in Miami in 2017.

As to why Robuchon chose the Miami Design District for his SOBEWFF event, he says that area’s creativity plus its fashion and dining experiences as major factors according to an interview featured in the Miami Herald.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

Valentine’s Day Dining Beyond Miami Beach

Valentine’s Day is happening this Sunday.  If you’re planning on a romantic outing involving food, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from, especially in Miami Beach.  With the date so close, you may not be able to make a reservation in the barrier island.  Let’s explore a couple of options beyond Miami Beach where you may be able to enjoy a great Valentine’s Day meal.

If you like seafood, Devon Seafood + Steak is having a Sunday brunch called the “Hugs & Fishes” where you and your valentine can choose from just about any dish as well as enjoy mimosas and wine at half the price.  Devon Seafood + Steak is located at 11715 Sherri Lane in Miami.

Does chicken and waffles with a bottomless glass of rosé sound appealing?  Visit Hyde Beach in Hallandale Beach and enjoy its $50 Valentine’s Day themed brunch. If you’re interested in the bottomless rosé it’s only $30 more.  Hyde Beach is located at 11 South Surf Road.

La Feria del Mercado de San Miguel is a Spanish pop-up located at Bayfront Park and will be bidding adieu on Valentine’s Day with a party featuring Valentine’s Day themed cocktails, brunch, live music, and more.  Besides dining the pop-up also has a market.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

Classic South Beach Apartments Find a Buyer

Yet another round of South Beach properties have recently sold.  A collection of fifteen apartment buildings in the area—considered to be one of the few remaining bastions of working class housing—were sold last week for the price of $59 million to a company called Boardwalk Properties FL.

Boardwalk Properties already has plans in store for apartments, which the private company intends to improve and renovate.  The apartments comprise a total of 240 units and there are also plans to boost the current rent by up to fifty percent.  This significant rent increase could mean that tenants may need to move.  For example, a one bedroom apartment can cost upwards of $1,100 a month in rent.

The rent increases appear to be deliberate, with the owner of Boardwalk Properties stating the prices will see people like attorneys move into the apartments that date as far back as the 1920s.  The renovated apartments will appeal to those that are interested in becoming residents of Miami Beach but would prefer not to live in one of the city’s several high-rises.  The company currently owns over 600 apartments in Bay Harbor Islands as well as Miami Beach and with this deal it now becomes the largest apartment landlord in the South Beach area.

The apartments purchased by Boardwalk Properties are found between 7th and 15th Street.  The company will be modernizing them, but promises that they will maintain the Art Deco facade.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

Myles Chefetz Chooses Continuum

Have you ever eaten at Prime Italian or Prime 112 in the South of Fifth area?  These two Miami Beach restaurants are just of the names associated with celebrity restaurateur Myles Chefetz.  Mister Chefetz made real estate headlines last month when he became one of the latest residents of the Continuum South Beach condo, the north tower to be more specific.

Chefetz will now be calling the 2,903 square-foot unit 3502 his home.  The residence has three bedrooms and three bathrooms plus a half bath.  Because the unit is located one floor below the Continuum’s duplex penthouse the terrace has no roof over it, maximizing the views of nearby Fisher Island and Government Cut as well as allowing in plenty of South Florida’s rich sunlight.

Chefetz isn’t exactly a new Continuum resident.  In fact, he has been renting a unit next door at the south tower but has since decided to become a homeowner, or in this case a condo owner.  Chefetz calls Continuum “the best property in the county”, speaking favorably about the high values and the condo’s location by the Atlantic Ocean.

The Continuum north tower (also known as Continuum II) is 37 stories tall and is located at 50 South Pointe Drive in the South Beach area.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

New South Beach Wine & Food Festival Events

The 15th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be kicking off later this month, promising to bring lots of unique drinks and bites to not only the barrier island, but many other places throughout South Florida.  Besides the celebrities like Giada De Laurentis set to make an appearance, the festival will include classic events like Grand Tasting Village and Burger Bash plus a host of new events.  Here are a few highlights to check out if you plan on attending.

At the CiBo Wine Bar on South Pointe Drive, host Laura Werlin will be emceeing a Grilled Cheese Happy Hour on Friday, February 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  As the name of the event suggests, guests can experience a mix of booze and grilled cheese provided by Ms. Cheezious.

Also happening on the same Friday, model Chrissy Teigen will be hosting Fireman Derek’s Midnight Breakfast at the National Hotel on Collins Avenue.  Fireman Derek is recognized for his pies and along with Teigen, they will be showcasing a variety of creative breakfast dishes by local firefighters.

For its 15th year, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be celebrating with a delectable array of desserts prepared by experts.  Hosted by Duff Goldman, Sweet 15: A Dessert Party will feature chefs like Jacques Torres, Hedy Goldsmith, and more.  The event is being held on Saturday, February 27 from 10pm to midnight at Villa Casa Casuarina on Ocean Drive.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

Check out HaVen on Lincoln Road

Have you made any weekend plans yet?  The work week is coming to a close and if you happen to live in South Beach, you already know the options are virtually endless when it comes to figuring out what you may be in the mood to do.  The beaches (if the weather permits), Ocean Drive, an art gallery, you’re bound to find something.

Today we’re highlighting a spot on popular Lincoln Road called HaVen.  Viewing it from the outside there is nothing all that remarkable about the venue, but once you walk in you’ll be enveloped in a colorfully lively nightclub restaurant environment thanks to the profusion of LED lights.

There is a happy hour hosted every day at HaVen from 6 pm to 8 pm where guests try a selection of $8 craft cocktails.  In keeping with the naming scheme, these cocktails include names like the gin-style giVen, the vodka infused craVe, and many more.  These two particular drinks are only available during happy hour, but there are also $15 dinner cocktails, beers for $5, and a couple wines available for $8 a glass.

Some of the food served at HaVen includes cheeseburgers, tater tots, over four different types of sushi, and more.  The venue is located at 1237 Lincoln Road.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

What Amenities Attract Today’s Buyers?

Developers are always looking to attract the attention of buyers and investors with deep pockets, and this usually means unveiling luxury amenities that either outdo other homes and buildings or are entirely innovative, original, and of course, luxurious.  Terraces on the rooftop overlooking the Atlantic, boat docks in the yard, private restaurants, all of these play significant roles in attracting attention and boosting the allure of cities like Miami Beach.

At the Continuum South Beach, for example, the property sits on an unprecedented two acres of land, enhancing the already resort-like living experience residents enjoy in the northern and southern towers.  A beach club, dining establishments, these amenities can all draw buyers seeking this resort lifestyle.

And then there are other buyers seeking something closer to an intimate boutique experience, something with a garage and a private entrance as opposed to having a lobby and a doorman.  You have the freedom of hosting a rooftop barbecue without having to receive clearance from the homeowner’s association first.

Location, boat slips, impeccable concierge services (another Continuum perk), innovative design, smart technology, all of these have become important factors to buyers.  Regardless of the type of property, what do you consider to be most important when you’re out searching for a new home?

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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 South Beach Win the Curbed Cup?

The Miami edition of Curbed is currently hosting its annual Curbed Cup, a tournament of sorts that pits sixteen of South Florida’s best neighborhoods in a tournament.  The winner will be crowned the South Florida neighborhood of the year.

Currently, South Beach is up against Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood.  Some of the qualities that make South Beach stand out include its hugely diverse selection of entertaining, dining and living options.  This year, the area has seen a tremendous amount of growth in new property developments joining existing buildings like the Continuum South Beach.  Some of the slightly lesser known experiences that give South Beach its charm include but are not limited to the weekly Soundscape Cinema at the New World Center where people can watch films free of charge in an al fresco setting.

As for the Edgewater neighborhood, it too has seen lots of new developments and with all of the ongoing activity, it’s become more walkable.  Margaret Pace Park has also received attention because of its location near Biscayne Bay, the various recreational activities and also being dog friendly.

What city or area will eventually be crowned the winner of the Curbed Cup?  The final four will be announced today and you can vote during each round.  What are some of your favorite neighborhoods?

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.

South Florida’s Hot Beverage Hotspots

Cuban coffee may be one of the primary preferred drinks in South Florida, but there are plenty of places to enjoy a hot beverage.  In fact, Cuban coffee is only part of a highly robust international coffee culture and there are lots of places to try something new, places that you may not be familiar with but may end up becoming your new favorite spot to enjoy a warm drink.

Head to the downtown area of Miami and visit Havana Coffee and Tea.  The name already suggests that Cuban coffee will be provided, but you’ll also be able to try a wide assortment of classic Latin blends including antioxidant rich yerba mates, a type of South American tea.  If you’d prefer something cooler, there is also wine and beer provided.

Awa Na Kava is located up north in Fort Lauderdale.  Your drinks will consist of anti-anxiety elixir kava served in fun coconut-shaped shells.  The experience is further enhanced by the karaoke ambiance.

Taking a trip to Key West anytime soon?  There’s a curiously named coffee and dessert bar called Better Than Sex serving a drink named The All-Nighter consisting of spiced coffee available in flavors like caramel, white chocolate, and more.  The drink is only one of several different caffeinated beverages served.

This update is presented by Miami Beach Realtor Tim Allen of 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.