The national numbers are in from Realtor.com and surprise, surprise.  Florida cities make up nine of the top 10 places for highest year-over-year list price spikes.  Opportunity continues to knock, so isn’t it time to get a place in the sun?

1. Miami
Average list price: $640,332
Year-over-year increase: 27.4%

2. Fort Myers-Cape Coral, Fla.
Average list price: $443,570
Year-over-year increase: 26.27%

3. Central-Fla. rural service area
Average list price: $405,809
Year-over-year increase: 19.41%

4. Punta Gorda, Fla.
Average list price: $267,066
Year-over-year increase: 16.37%

5. Macon, Ga.
Average list price: $193,520
Year-over-year increase: 15.98%

6. Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Average list price: $466,785
Year-over-year increase: 15.86%

7. Naples, Fla.
Average list price: $713,087
Year-over-year increase: 15.13%

8. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
Average list price: $591,895
Year-over-year increase: 14.68%

9. Ocala, Fla.
Average list price: $193,360
Year-over-year increase: 12.07%

10. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
Average list price: $181,409
Year-over-year increase: 11.48%

11. Orlando, Fla.
Average list price: $319,419
Year-over-year increase: 10.56%

12. Portland-Vancouver, Ore.-Wash.
Average list price: $314,537
Year-over-year increase: 10.52%

13. Boise City, Idaho
Average list price: $212,588
Year-over-year increase: 10.43%

14. Springfield, Illinois
Average list price: $174,537
Year-over-year increase: 9.12%

15. Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Average list price: $211,414
Year-over-year increase: 8.34%

Home Prices Rise In Florida is a post from: Jim Brinker

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Miami?

How about something like–south beach, sun, ocean, sand, restaurants galore, luxurious lifestyle, hot weather, hot people…  Does that sound about right?  These are just some of the reasons why this International Paradise continues to draw so many people from all over the world.  The change now is that many of these so called “tourists” are actually investing in Miami, particularly Condos in and around Miami and on the beach.  The main reason is that the true value is here for the taking and swiftly moving, as new inventories continue to diminish.  I have been sharing these secrets with my clients for quite some time, so don’t just take my word on the topic, just check out the latest purchase from a Basketball Star that had the same idea.

NBA Basketball Star Kevin Durant did and for all the right reasons.  According to the South Florida Business Journal, K. Durant Enterprises bought a $1.825 million, three bedrooms, and 3,535-square foot unit at 900 Biscayne Boulevard and closed on the property on March 30, 2011.  This 63-story skyscraper is just blocks away from American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, and only a short drive from Miami Beach.  Durant will become neighbors with Heat star Dwayne Wade, who also lives in the building. Kevin could purchase a residence anywhere in the U.S., so why Miami?

First, let’s start with the crazy-incredible views from this building.  You have a full panoramic of the ocean, South Beach, downtown Miami, and the cruise ships that look like they are floating right in your living room.  How about the lifestyle of downtown Miami?  Anchoring one end of the city is the fabulous Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, where one can see the ballet, musical performances, art and cultural experiences.  Right next to that you have a brand new $275 million science museum currently under construction.  Next to this you have American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat and an electric place to see concerts and events all year long!  Gourmet food trucks run throughout the city and famous celebrity chefs continue to open restaurants that only used to be in NY.  It’s simply amazing!

I could go on and on with all the reasons why I think that Miami is such a great place to live the lifestyle you dream of and deserve.  It brought me here, and it brought Kevin Durant, so watch out it might just bring you too!

Miami Luxury Condos Always In Demand is a post from: Jim Brinker

I receive calls from across the globe from people that want a piece of sunny Florida, but so many still just do not believe me when I tell them to get in now because you will never see prices like this again.  To back my claims, I posted an article in December 2010 about The Mondrian South Beach, with intent to let the world know about a South Beach ”secret” getaway that could be purchased for rock bottom prices.  Not too many listened then, but I bet you that they will start to listen now.

Sales Surge in Q1 2011!  Buyers purchased an average of nearly four units per month in the first quarter of 2011 compared to an average of one unit per month in the year 2010.  Maybe it is the sun and sand, maybe it is the Miami lifestyle or maybe it is just that Condo buyers that have been sitting on the sidelines are finally jumping in before it is too late. 

 If you would like see The Mondrian or talk to me about any hidden “secret” gems in South Florida, pick up the phone and give me a call today.

Mondrian South Beach Sales Surge is a post from: Jim Brinker

Waterfront, bay front, ocean view or golf course residences are all available for Aventura condo rentals. You really can’t go wrong. This is South Florida luxury living – a tropical paradise with a lifestyle like no other. All the amenities and the best of everything.

Here are my top 7 picks:

Alaqua

Reasonably priced one-bedrooms are available in this exquisite Aventura condo, many of which are brand new. Discounts are sometimes offered for the second year. Once you get a taste of Aventura condo living, you probably won’t want to leave.

Gourmet kitchens with wooden cabinets and expansive 10 foot ceilings are just part of the appeal. Stroll out on the balcony and enjoy the magnificent view of the Intracoastal. Your residence will afford you the convenience of being in the midst of it all but with the privacy you require. This condo features a club room, pool, hot tub, valet parking and a fitness center with the latest equipment. Floor plans start at 836 square feet and monthly rentals begin at $1395.

Atlantic I At The Point

Views of the city, the Intracoastal or the ocean are yours when you choose the deluxe Aventura condos at Atlantic I. Homes at over 3,000 square feet are available with private elevators and foyers. The condos feature marble floors, stainless steel appliances and many have gourmet kitchens. Atlantic I features two clubhouses and the security of a gated community. Three pools, valet parking and a tennis court are just part of the enticing extras. Rates at Atlantic I start at approximately $4500 per month.

BellaMare

BellaMare Tower is one of the most exclusive Aventura condos located on Williams Island, the Florida Riviera. The 210 luxury residences in BellaMare are designed with comfort, convenience and the lavish treatment that you deserve. The condos are exquisitely detailed – many with gourmet kitchens, marble baths with Jacuzzis and spacious terraces – starting at 2,185 square feet. A theater with stadium seating and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment are just a couple of the amenities you will enjoy when living here. These Aventura condo rentals start at approximately $3500 per month.

Harbor Towers

Not one, but two balconies allow the view to be twice as nice. The floor plans start at 1830 square feet and you will enjoy hardwood floors, formal dining rooms, large bedrooms and a variety of extras. The gym with all the latest equipment, a hot tub, a free shuttle bus to the hottest shopping spot in Aventura, the Aventura Mall and the proximity of many restaurants, shopping venues and the Marina are all combined to provide Harbor Towers’ luxurious living. Rates at Harbor Towers begin at around $3000 per month.

Mystic Pointe

Affordable luxury defines living at Mystic Pointe. Waterfront views from every window. A wrap-around balcony is one of the many amenities at Mystic Pointe. At 1,403 square feet a two-bedroom, two bath condo can be your new home in the midst of it all. With a spa, boat docking available and the attractively landscaped grounds, you are going to love living here. Mystic Pointe condo rentals start at about $1,675 per month.

Porto Vita

A distinguished choice on the Intracoastal, Porto Vita offers a setting reminiscent of a private estate. Floor plans start at 2,476 square feet. You will enjoy state of the art appliances, marble floors, private foyers and heated pools. Monthly rentals here start at approximately $4,900.

Turnberry On The Green

Turnberry on the Green features a number of affordable rentals, however that does not mean you will give up any of the fabulous extras that make Aventura condo living special. This gated community features many nice extras including 24 hour security, jacuzzis, a gym, a marina, granite kitchens, walk-in closets and many have beautiful wrap-around balconies.  Floor plans start at 1,180 square feet. You will love the comfort provided here. Rentals start here at approximately $1800 per month.

Living in an Aventura condo has it all … a beautiful climate, an upscale community and access to all the best amenities of modern living. And when you feel like it, you’re only minutes away from downtown Miami and South Beach.

Aventura Condo Rentals – Here Are My Picks is a post from: Jim Brinker

Condo.com is pleased to announce Jim Brinker as the Agent of the Month for December 2010! Jim achieved the highest sales volume for December. Read full story …

Condo.com Agent Of The Month: Jim Brinker is a post from: Jim Brinker

Picture your view of the Miami skyline, Monument Island and the Port of Miami all from your Mondrian South Beach condo. On the bay in South Beach a diverse and charming condo awaits your arrival. With a distinct appeal, the residences at 1100 West Avenue will provide a fantasy lifestyle and a magnificent advantage of living in a Marcel Wanders designed home.

The Morgan Hotel Group saw a need for South Beach. They believed that short-term rentals were in demand. They also realized a condo-hotel would be a benefit to the area. The conception of the Mondrian South Beach condo was the result. However, a bit of a variation from the normal up-scale condos was in the plans. The entryway is suggestive of being in Sleeping Beauty’s castle as was the intention of the designer.

Magnificent settings of the Biscayne Bay are enjoyed with the floor-to-ceilings windows. The décor is custom designed and furnishings are a patterned black and gold welcoming guests as they marvel at the “floating staircase”, that commands the attention as soon as you enter this room.

The Tower Suite, one of only four of this type is quite a one-of-a-kind residence featuring two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. This Mondrian South Beach condo has 1,680 square feet of fabulously designed living space. The terrace is 791 square feet and the residence has a wine cooler, washer and dryer and each room has its own flat screen TV. WiFi is available along with all the other wonderful amenities you will enjoy.

Offered at $2,950,000, this condo also has a $1,759.45 per month maintenance fee which provides the amenities including access to the Tower Suite Lounge and a complimentary valet. When you own a Mondrian South Beach condo, the services provided are customized to your lifestyle and the benefits include two swimming pools, a fitness center, 5 Star Asia de Cuba dining, maid service and 24 hour room service.

A variety of choices are available including a two-bedroom bay view at 1,190 square feet which starts at $900,000, a one-bedroom city view at 740 square feet beginning in the $500,000′s range and a studio with 534 square feet, a gorgeous bay view and this luxurious condo starts at around $290,000. They all are designed by the famed Marcel Wanders.

If the purchase of a Mondrian South Beach condo interests you, currently the developer is offering financing. For domestic clients and foreign nationals they are offering a 5 year balloon, requiring 40% for foreign nationals and 80% down for domestic buyers. The requirements for foreign nationals are 7.5% APR along with three credit reference statements. For domestics the APR varies from 7% to 8.75% with 1.5 points and closing in 30 days. The financing of a condo within a condo hotel is not easy to finance in today’s market.

One of the exclusive offerings you will find when purchasing a Mondrian South Beach condo is the use of Monument Island in the future. This will be a private beach club and since the Mondrian was very involved in the island’s restoration, those who live in the Mondrian will have access to the use of this island.

In addition, resident discounts of 10% for spa treatments are available and a parking space which includes complimentary valet parking and a private entrance. The Morgan Group’s answer to the rental needs of South Beach is a Mondrian South Beach condo.

Mondrian South Beach Condo – Innovative Lifestyles is a post from: Jim Brinker

Mondrian – South Beach [video] is a post from: Jim Brinker

Awesome weather today here in Miami. Here are a few photos from a unit I was showing this afternoon. Check ‘em out.

If you’re looking to buy or rent a condo in Miami, South Beach or Aventura, please contact me and I’ll be happy to show you best ones!

Photos From Icon Tower On Brickell Ave is a post from: Jim Brinker

Brickell Avenue is a popular destination and area to live. The name is associated with wealth and big business, and therefore living in luxurious Brickell Condos is a sign of status. Finding condos on this stretch of road may be difficult, unless you know where to look.

Finding a condo on Brickell Avenue is not that different from finding a home in busy metropolitan cities like New York or Los Angeles. But again, anyone that doesn’t know the area may have some challenges. Working with a real estate agent is highly recommended, as they can show you the area and find you the best deals.

If finding the best price is not as important to you as finding the best location, then you might be in luck by simply looking through real estate listing websites. These properties often go quickly, so it is important to be aggressive when you are looking to buy or rent.

Another option to consider is a condo in Brickell Key. These are just as popular as those on Brickell Avenue, so again, aggressive buying or renting strategies may be needed to get the exact unit you want. Even if you have lived in the area for years, you may wish to work with a realtor to help you navigate the terrain.

Brickell Avenue is full of a history which dates back nearly 150 years. William and Mary Brickell began as traders on the Miami river, and set up a post to trade skins and other commodities. As their business grew, they established homes and other businesses, calling it Millionaire Row. After Mr. Brickell died, Mrs. Brickell went on to create Brickell avenue, and it has continued to be the epicenter of business and urban life within Miami.

These days Brickell Avenue has become the place for luxurious urban living. There are bars which have survived everything from hurricanes to prohibitions, businesses which started out as stands on the street, and even churches which are more than 100 years old. It is a wonderful place to live if you like to see the old Miami seamlessly integrated with the new.

Buying or Renting Brickell Condos is a post from: Jim Brinker

Once just a suburb of Miami, Aventura is now a sought-after location for families, couples, singles and retirees alike. Most of the aventura real estate is condominiums, however there are single family homes available as well. Only about four percent of the homes in Aventura, FL are single family homes. The rest are condominiums located for the most part in high-rise buildings. The level of comfort this city offers is astounding. Regardless of what type of beautiful environment you are looking for, Aventura has it.

The real estate in Aventura, FL consists of homes created for those who crave luxury. There are three basic options when looking for a home in Aventura. You can have a home that looks out on a famous and well-tended golf course, the Intracoastal Highway, or better yet the coastline. Aventura has something for everyone. The area boasts mostly two bedroom condos which are perfect for those retires who have already raised their children, although it is entirely possible to find a larger condo or single family home for the young family with children still at home.

In Aventura, one of the main things people are looking for is the ability to shop. The Aventura mall is what originally started bringing people into the area. However, over time, Loehmann’s Fashion Island and The Shoppes at Waterways have contributed to it as well, along with other shops. The shopping is incredible and you will find many things you won’t find in other areas. Of course, the restaurants are terrific as well. There is plenty of fresh seafood to go around, along with international cuisines like Lebanese, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean. Of course, if you are looking for a good old-fashioned steak, you can find that as well. The restaurants have something for everyone.

Real estate in this area ranges from the inexpensive, which would be under $100,000 to the high-priced, along the lines of six million. Regardless of your budget, you will be able to find an affordable home in Aventura. The scenery is gorgeous, the food is great and the view is incredible from those high-rise buildings. The city of Aventura, FL has exactly what you are looking for.

Aventura Real Estate Has What You Are Looking For is a post from: Jim Brinker