News & Resources
Blog & Event Archives
Browse through news you can use about South Florida and our amazing Real Estate market.
Sunday Open House in Coconut Grove
Open today from 12-3 pm ... join us and see the modern beauty! Come check out this Art Collector's Dream Home. A 3 bedroom 3.5 bath home featuring lush tropical landscaping, a pool and a large rooftop terrace. This 3383 sq ft home boats a 4 car garage with 2 custom lifts - space for 8 cars! Natural limestone floors, high ceilings, impact windows and lots of natural light. Built in 2007 and improved to perfection in the last 2 years. A private retreat, asking below appraised value! Offered at $1,650,000. Stop by 4190 Battersea Road today and see what it's all...
Residential Leases in Florida Are Taxable?
In Florida, short term residential leases are taxable. Residential leases (of condos, townhomes or single family homes) of six months or less are treated in much the same way as a resort or hotel stays are by the Florida Department of Revenue, requiring a 7% sales tax be added to the lease...
Appalling Real Estate Agent Behavior
Real Estate Agents are as diverse as their clients. If we were all cloned from the same nitch, it would be boring. Miami Realtors span the extremes. In the past couple of weeks, I've had buyers in tow ... previewing some outragiously exquisite homes in Miami. The calibre of listing...
Taste of Pinecrest 2011
The 9th annual Taste of Pinecrest is back at Pinecrest Gardens on March 6 from 11 am-5 pm. Come and enjoy samples from 20 local restaurants and enjoy the activities it has to offer like a Student art show as well as performances from local students (chorus, theater, band, etc). The Restivo Team...
Emotions Can Reach Breaking Point During Inspection Period
A critical and tenuous point in your home sale comes just AFTER your property is under contract.... when you are still within the inspection period. It is then that emotions run thin... and that can play havoc on a home purchase. Inspections may well uncover nothing beyond what's already...
New on the Market … Four Fillies Home For Sale
The Restivo Team just listed a Breakstone-built, environmentally green home in Smathers Four Fillies Farm in Pinecrest. The 2 story Pinecrest home features 4 bedrooms and 4 ensuite baths and was built in 2007. The Gated Community features over 30 acres of property, brimming with mango, avocado...
Royal Palm Tennis Club Celebrates 50 Years
Local tennis club Royal Palm is turning 50 this year and will celebrate on February 26, 2011. In honor of the big day, there will be many activities as well as the annual President's Party. It's also the Grand Opening of the brand new Clubhouse. Members will spend the day playing tennis and...
Brokers Open – 6625 SW 97 Ave
Come and see this great house! It will be open from 12-2 pm on February 23. The home is 5 bedrooms, situated on an acre lot and was built in 2007. Priced at $689,900. Join us and preview this fantastic home.
Hiring a Top Realtor … How to Get the Most for Your Money
What will it cost you to hire a Top Realtor? Honestly, do you really want to give away 6% of your sales price to a real estate agent? Isn't that a bit over the top? Why pay the 'full fee"? According to The New York Times article published on January 28, 2011 entitled "You Don't Have To...
Homebuyers Attracted to Pinecrest Florida … Relocation Destination!
The Village of Pinecrest continues to be a magnet for homebuyers relocating to South Florida. Home prices vary, ranging typically somewhere between $500,000 and $3.5 million.... although homes can (and do) reach upward of $8 million. Many homes in Pinecrest sit on acre lots. Property values...
2011 Florida Homestead Exemption – How to Apply
IF YOU OWN PROPERTY IN FLORIDA AS OF JANUARY 1, 2011 (AND IF IT'S YOUR PRIMARY RESIDENCE) YOU QUALIFY FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION. APPLY FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION... SAVE ON PROPERTY TAX ... and CAP ANY FUTURE TAX INCREASES. Apply between January 1st and March 1st… REDUCE YOUR...
Free UM Baseball Tickets for Coral Gables Residents
Gables Residents can get 4 tickets per household for these Baseball Games: March 13 at 1 PM: Miami vs Virginia Tech. Tickets will be given out on a first come first serve basis beginning February 22 at 8 am. March 26 at 7 PM: Miami vs Georgia Tech. Ticket distribution begins March 8 at 8 am. April...
Condo resales are subject to lending regulations
52% of all EWM property sales now are cash. If you don't intend to be purchasing with cash, and you intend to get a mortgage instead, you may be limited as to which buildings you can buy in. Condo re-sales are subject to lending regulations. Based on the actual number of "owner-occupants" (as...
Answering Your Questions About Buying a Home
Questions about buying a home? Through Miami Real Estate Cafe - The Restivo's Real Estate Blog - whatever questions you might have about buying (or selling) real estate you're welcome to ask them here... or give us a call at 305-793-1365. Buyer's questions most often center around...
Should You Do Open Houses? Seller’s Advice
So many Realtors whimper "Open Houses Don't Sell Homes". Right. It's not the OPEN HOUSE that sells the house. And I think that's where the issue really lies. It's the Realtor holding the open house who sells the house. So I have to wonder whether those who say Open Houses don't...
Farmers Market at Pinecrest Gardens
Until May 28, 2011, Pinecrest Gardens plays host to the Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 am - 2 pm. Enjoy fresh local produce, spices and food. They also feature organic products, so get out and taste the local flavors. Pinecrest Gardens is located on the corner of Red Road and SW 112 St and is...
