Recently I was interviewed by Matt Meltzer at Miami Beach 411 and we discussed living in Miami Beach, Brickell & Downtown/Midtown Miami.  In preparing for this interview, Matt mentioned that I should be prepared to discuss demographics and other details about what kind of people are moving into our area.  I get these types of questions on a daily basis and I always have to explain that due to fair housing practice rules and regulations in my business,  I am not really allowed to discuss the specifics of the types of people who live in our area,  however I am always happy to talk about what each neighborhood has to offer in terms of pricing, availability and more.  This is what I offered while speaking with Matt.  Good luck Matt in your research!

I strongly feel that the neighborhood/building  you choose to live in will definitely determine the experience that you will have living in this city.  For instance if you want the ability to walk out your door and be on the beach,  it may make more sense to live on South Beach versus Brickell.  Rather, if you work on Brickell and you want the ability to walk to work, than you may choose to live in a Brickell building. 

It’s really a personal decision and it’s important to do your research in advance. 

The first thing you should know is that Miami Beach (I mostly work in South Beach to be exact), Brickell & Downtown/Midtown Miami are 4 completely different neighborhoods. Then within each neighborhood there are many different buildings and each have their own unique style,  atmosphere and price points.   If you live in our area you will soon come to find out that the livability of each neighborhood is always a hot debate topic.  Usually Brickell people love Brickell, South Beachers love South Beach and so on. 

Map of Brickell, South Beach, Midtown/Downtown Miami

The one thing that is probably going to determine a lot of your decision making is your budget.  If you are renting a 1 bedroom with parking in any of  these areas, the monthly rent can be anywhere from approximately $1100 up to $5000 plus.  If you are buying there is a wide range of price points depending on the location and building.  For instance in South Beach over the last 90 days, the least expensive (non foreclosure) sold for $122,500 while the most expensive for $575,000. 

Typically when I start working with a new buyer or renter, after I have an idea of budget, I delve into the details of finding out what’s most important to them. 

I always tell newcomers that the best thing to do if you do not know the area,  is to first drive around, walk around, talk to local people and then research a little about each neighborhood.  Afterwards use a online property search to start searching for properties in certain areas and then pin point buildings that match your price point and needs. 

Yes, it is a little work upfront but work that will hopefully pay off in the end when you move to our wonderful city!

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Do you have questions about this article or something else? You can reach me easily by email at jprezzi@atlanticbb.net or by phone at: 305-793-8965.

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I was reading through some online Miami Beach forums the other day about relocating and realized just how many people do not understand the benefit of using a Realtor to find a rental.  I am also working with a lot of buyers and I think that there are many misunderstandings in regards to how a Realtor to buyer relationship is structured and why it’s important to understand the value of having an agent on your side. 

Uncovering the Myths 

1. I am just going to call around on different listings and contact the Seller’s agent or the Landlord’s agent because if there is only one agent,  I will save money.  You do not necessarily save money by using only one Agent.  The sales or rental price already figures in the commission.  Typically if there is one broker on the deal than that one broker makes the full commission, if there are two then it is split.  

2.  I will just call the seller or landlord’s agent because they have all of the listings.  Not true.  In Miami or Miami Beach, if you work with a licensed Realtor than that agent has access to ALL of the properties listed in the MLS.  We all work off the same Multiple Listing Service database with the same listings.  So the key is to find an agent that you are confident in and trust to assist you with your transaction. 

3.  I don’t need a buyer’s or renter’s agent because I am going directly to the developer.  Let your agent know that you want to preview developer units.  This way they can take you to the property and be sure that you have an advocate who can anticipate problems and and who know  how to deal with anything that can commonly go wrong.  Developers have fees built into their budgets to pay buyer and renter agents.

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Tips for Miami Landlords in the New Downtown Miami Developments

June 12, 2009

 

In this market, I have been working with a lot of renters and property owners who purchased units in the Brickell, Downtown/Midtown Miami areas.  Although there is new inventory, there are also plenty of renters that would love to live in your unit.  
If you want to position your unit to get as top rental dollar as possible, [...]

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A Couple of Miami Beach “Buyer Tips” that you probably never thought of….

June 10, 2009

Buying a condo or home on Miami Beach is different than buying in other places. 
A lot of my friends (& me too) who bought here years ago always have the same “I wish I had known…” or going forward “xyz is definitely on my “must have” list. 
If you are not a local, you probably never thought of these [...]

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Finding the Right Home Inspector for your next Miami Beach Condo or Home purchase

June 1, 2009

By:  Ognjen Prezzi
I can remember buying our first property before we got into the real estate business and honestly back then I didn’t know the importance of a good inspection.  I just wanted everything to be ok so we could purchase the property.  I didn’t know what questions to ask or what qualifications to seek.  Unfortunately after our sale [...]

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