tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222582402011-04-21T13:54:31.611-04:00Miami Shores NewsletterReal Estate Market trends and information surrounding the daily Miami Shores Lives of Rick & Ines and their real estate family.Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.comBlogger431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-22005930488808245662007-05-29T23:54:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:24.295-05:00Thanks for visiting RICK & INESWe have a new home, our blog has moved.....Please come visit us atwww.Miamism.comRick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-84412227380264692382007-04-25T15:21:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:24.960-05:00Architecture and Real Estate - how do these 2 work togetherA lot of people ask how I incorporate my architecture background with our Real Estate Business. So here's the explanation.I graduated with a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Miami, and hence all the Hurricane stuff you see me with. I worked with a couple of big firms both locally and abroad and then started my own Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-69363366902656087462007-04-19T23:23:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:25.639-05:00Historic Preservation in Miami Shores - Mediterranean Revival architecture A few years ago, while a board member of the Miami Shores Historic Preservation Board, I created, with the help of other board members, an educational brochure for our community. The brochure included the image shown as well as a brief history of Miami Shores and its development back in the 1920's.The style popular in Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-28253473663034771072007-04-18T23:00:00.000-04:002007-09-09T23:56:15.778-04:00Why isn't my house selling?Here in Miami Shores I get asked this question a lot? Why aren't houses selling? Well....Today Rick came up with this great article in MSN Money called 6 Reasons Houses Don't Sell by Bankrate.com.The 6 Reasons Houses Don't Sell, according to Bankrate.com are:1. Your home is overpriced2. Your home doesn't "show" well3. You're in a bad location4. You have a lousy listing Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-26855319839448176412007-04-07T15:53:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:25.811-05:00Miami Shores Marshmallow Drop - part III promised videos and photos of this Miami Shores, Florida event. It was such a spectacular day and my son, Gabriel, even found a "Golden Marshmallow" and got a special prize. Please follow this LINK to see the photos.Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-45785771298019037942007-04-04T00:01:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:25.985-05:00Relay for Life - Purple Pelican Nesting sites in Miami Shores I am proud to have been in charge of nesting 2 Purple Pelicans for the month of March for Relay for Life in Miami Shores. What is Relay for Life? - As explained by Tammy Austin, sponsorship Chair 2007, "It is a unique event that is more a celebration than a fundraiser. The event recognizes cancer survivors and remembers those Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-23299976505360592192007-03-28T16:15:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:26.068-05:00Miami Shores Annual Marshmallow DropThe Marshmallow Drop is an event every kid in Miami Shores looks forward to, no matter the age (I am so glad that I have the perfect excuse to be a part of it since I have kids). Every year, the Saturday before Easter, a helicopter will drop over 10,000 marshmallows over the Miami Shores Recreation fields. This year the event will take place on Saturday Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-6353312748952835672007-03-26T16:04:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:26.183-05:00Girl Scout Cookies for our MilitaryA lot of us may not agree with the war, others are very enthusiastic (I have not met the first). But the truth is that whether or not we agree, it doesn't change the fact that our military, our friends, our neighbors...... are risking their lives for our country. We need to show our support in every way we can and I wanted to share with you what some dearRick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-32374135903694284362007-03-20T22:43:00.000-04:002008-11-15T03:35:26.357-05:00The Pink House - Miami Shores, Florida Who said we don't have good architecture in Miami Shores? The Pink House is one of the best known and most photographed residences in Miami. It is a symbol of modern design. It is located in Miami Shores, on Biscayne Bay and occupies a double lot with over 100' of open bay water frontage. Many factors make this house interesting, but its controversy Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-37575282459813389612007-03-09T21:49:00.000-05:002007-03-09T21:53:33.058-05:00Downtown Miami Shores, Florida Miami Shores is known mostly as a small residential area, but Downtown Miami Shores has great businesses to be proud of. Located on Northeast 2nd Avenue From 94th Street to 101st Street, you will find all kinds of shops and places to eat as well as medical and real estate offices. Through the years Downtown Miami Shores has gone through changes and we Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-89742037694054132062007-03-05T11:26:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:26.837-05:00Miami Shores, Florida - Market conditions It is a full-blown buyer’s market, no matter what price range you are referring to. We have over 20 months of inventory and still very few buyers which means that as a seller you have to take the extra step to make your property stand out. What can you do to make it stand out? Please follow this link to read Craig Schiller’s article on staging, he’Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-4989419942105523692007-03-04T22:43:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:27.533-05:00Unity Day in Miami Shores, FloridaThe annual Unity Day Celebration took place March 3, 2007 in the Miami Shores Recreation Fields. This year is was specially significant because it was the Village of Miami Shores' 75th year celebration! The event was sponsored by the Miami Shores Mayor's Community Task Force and included an incredible fireworks display at 8:00 PM. ....READ MORERick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-25896478886417249902007-02-27T17:09:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:27.648-05:00Reality Check - truth hurtsWhat happens when a good friend wants to sell their home but you know they will lose money if they sell now? Just last week we were invited to do a listing presentation by friends and neighbors. As soon as we pulled their tax information we knew they would lose money with this transaction. We hoped there was a discrepancy in the tax roll with regards to the size Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-34108733051454057462007-02-15T08:48:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:27.852-05:00TRUST YOUR REALTOR - South Florida Real Estate MarketOur goal with this blog is challenging. Although we are Realtors and we do sell properties, we want our customers to trust us and to know that we represent their best interest. We have established a great reputation and hope to convey that message to our readers. I want to thank Rebecca Blood who has inspired me into writing more in Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-26956459029362597422007-02-01T15:14:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:28.481-05:00Tour Miami Shores, Florida You have heard us talk about Miami Shores, Florida a bunch of times and you are still wondering what the big deal is. Rick and I live, work and play in Miami Shores. It is our home and we would not change it for anything.Miami Shores has something for everyone. Its civic buildings include, Village Hall, Brockway Memorial Library, The Police Department, The Fire Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-300018762392668722007-01-26T22:53:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:28.660-05:00St. Rose of Lima CarnivalSaint Rose of Lima Church's annual carnival is happening right now in Miami Shores. Starting Friday, January 26, 2007, to Sunday, January 28.This is a very special community event because parishioners and school families volunteer their weekend to put the carnival together. People attend not only from Miami Shores, but also from other schools and other areas in Miami. TheRick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-8874042104934251132007-01-25T12:27:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:28.928-05:00SUPER BOWL IN MIAMI Super Bowl XLI will take place in Miami on Sunday, February 4, 2007 in Dolphin Stadium. This will be the 9th time in Miami (4th time at the Dolphin's Stadium and the other 5 at the Orange Bowl).The Super Bowl is known for so many things.... the incredible commercials, the halftime shows (which by the way will be Prince this year), the beautiful Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-55206404471164866672007-01-14T16:10:00.000-05:002008-11-15T03:35:29.098-05:00Eating at North Miami Beach's Houston'sHouston's is a chain of restaurants that can be found throughout the United States. It is known for the great steaks and healthy side dishes like asparagus, baked potatoes, eggplant, etc. Every time we visit one of these restaurants, they are packed with people and you can expect to wait for a table. It also has a full bar and the architecture and interior Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1166761626556654972006-12-21T23:21:00.000-05:002007-01-05T01:41:34.713-05:00Holiday Wishes Come TrueHi everyone, this blog is from the heart and I hope you can join in and share with me. There were some beautiful ladies in Miami Shores and the surrounding communities that would organize a Christmas Coffee every year on the first week of December. They would have a couple of women talk about a life changing experience and how they had found God. When I first heard about Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1166162775879870072006-12-15T01:01:00.000-05:002006-12-15T01:06:16.293-05:00Home for the Holidays 15th annual Walking Tourby The Miami Shores Heidi Hewes Chapter of the WCA of The University of MiamiThis past Sunday, December 10th 2006, The Miami Shores Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Woman's Cancer Association held its 15th annual "Homes for the Holidays" walking tour. It was a huge success and all for such a great cause.A group of friends of mine and I made it a tradition Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1165903623764072542006-12-12T01:02:00.000-05:002007-09-14T10:12:10.497-04:00Miami Shores FL - 2006 Holiday HappeningsFor anyone that lives in or around Miami Shores, you know that the holidays are filled with special events where the community gets together to share and enjoy. If you have never been to these events, we encourage you to join in. If you miss any, you can look forward to next year. We apologize if we missed any events and would be happy to include them onceRick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1164467043106403142006-11-25T10:01:00.000-05:002006-12-13T00:25:39.710-05:00Then, now and WHEN?We've seen a couple of posts about our lives some years back and it is always so entertaining to see everyone's photos. Starting with Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky's Time for True Confessions , and also Jeff Belonger's How those years fly by. What did you look like 20 years ago...???I decided to look at Rick and me 14 years ago at our wedding and see if there's such a Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1164312975648037582006-11-23T15:12:00.000-05:002007-09-14T10:14:30.601-04:00THANKSGIVING TRADITIONThanksgiving is such an incredible holiday and although it's just only one day, passes quickly and it seems to be about the turkey, food and desserts, it is so much more than that. We all know all about the Pilgrims and Indians and all the history behind this great day. But let me tell you what an incredible perspective, as a foreigner, I have of this American Holiday Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1163778792865793552006-11-17T10:50:00.000-05:002007-01-09T23:29:22.106-05:00NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRYIMPORTANT REMINDER:Cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you may start receiving calls. You will be charged for these calls but can prevent it by registering you cell phone number in the National Do Not Call Regristry.You can call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1162441698116348702006-11-01T23:10:00.000-05:002006-11-01T23:28:18.416-05:00Halloween Howl in Miami ShoresEvery year, the Village of Miami Shores sponsors a Halloween event that brings in people from everywhere around Miami. Our main street in downtown Miami Shores is blocked off (NE 2nd Avenue) from 95th street to 103rd street and the local community sets up booths and sponsors rides for kids in the area. There are some carnival rides, jump houses and obstacle courses Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1162048963170110772006-10-28T11:08:00.000-04:002006-10-28T11:39:58.570-04:00Southeast Florida and Miami-Dade County - Enjoy Miami.When you think of South East Florida, you think “MIAMI” , but Miami-Dade County is made up of numerous cities. From the southern most city of Homestead all the way north to Aventura, there are approximately 40 miles. Here’s a brief overview of Miami, Miami Beach, and our cherished Miami Shores.Miami is known as the "Magic City" and is Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1160930916287772912006-10-15T12:48:00.000-04:002006-10-15T12:53:29.223-04:00Emergency Contact Feature for FLORIDA DRIVER'S LICENSEYou can now go online and enter two (2) emergency contacts on your FloridaDrivers License (electronically) which can only be retrieved by a policeofficer. This came about as a result of one woman's teenage daughter beingkilled in a car accident and taking over 5 hours to locate the mother to inform her.This way, if you are in an accident, the Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1160015688288865672006-10-04T22:18:00.000-04:002007-07-11T01:05:13.647-04:00Local Cancer AssociationThe Miami Shores Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Women's Cancer Association of the University of Miami (we'll call it The Heidi Hewes Chapter for brevity's sake), just held their monthly meeting at our house. On the first Wednesday of every month, a local group of women and men meet to plan their fundraising efforts in Miami Shores. Each meeting is held in a different house Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1159734508826501782006-10-01T16:23:00.000-04:002006-10-01T17:21:22.220-04:00What does your front door say about you?We've all heard that the front door is one of the most important elements in a house and it is true. The front door not only echoes the architectural style of the home, but sets the tone for the rest of the home. When we take a new listing, we stress the importance of the approach to the house; a clean walkway free of debris, potted flowers or plants to Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1159458250581773212006-09-28T11:43:00.000-04:002006-09-28T16:17:33.773-04:00Miami Shores FL Real Estate Market ConditionsOverview of the single family market in Miami Shores FL:currently on the market: 174under contract: 22closed in last 90 days: 33lowest price: $302,900highest price: $3,995,000Overview of the condo market in Miami Shores FL:currently on the market: 33under contract: 14closed in last 90 days: 3lowest price: $139,500highest price: $699,000Visit http://Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1158549892992145772006-09-17T23:10:00.000-04:002006-11-16T09:02:26.716-05:00A Future Photographer? You be the judge.Our 11 year old son, Gabriel, spent almost the whole Summer with a camera by his side. Before school let out in May, the art teacher at his school handed out a ditto with an assignment for a Photography Competition. The competition would take place when school started in August and the theme would be nature. We truly can't tell what inspired him, was it theRick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1158069428316388222006-09-12T09:51:00.000-04:002006-10-01T16:31:42.913-04:00South Florida Neighborhood Profile: Miami ShoresIf you've heard about Miami Shores but want a little more information about it, here it is.Miami Shores is a small suburban neighborhood centrally located just minutes from Downtown Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. It´s considered a secret gem that few people know about. Its Real Estate ranges from Luxury Bay front homes, to 1920´s historic Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1157900123036767332006-09-10T10:36:00.000-04:002006-10-01T16:31:03.620-04:00Home Sales Forecast LoweredWe felt the need to clear up a common misinterpretation for everyone who follows Real Estate trends. We are being bombarded by the Media on a daily basis that home sales are dropping. What does this really mean???This doesn't really mean that prices are dropping. What it means is that less homes are selling. There is so much inventory (so many homes for sale), that Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1154715740797303322006-08-04T13:59:00.000-04:002006-08-04T14:39:06.066-04:00Spiritual approach to sell your home?We are bombarded by the Media everyday telling us that it is a slow housing market. Some sellers are trying new ways to attract buyers into their homes and eventhough some of these methods may seem unconventional, it's interesting to know different options are out there.We have talked about conventional methods like "staging", "updating" and even "seller Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1151771716436250062006-07-01T12:19:00.000-04:002006-07-03T14:06:00.583-04:00What will it take to SELL your property in this market?The truth is that there is a lot of properties for sale, a lot of inventory, triple the amount from last year. This means that if you are selling, you have a lot more competition. If you are not in a hurry and do not really need to sell, then do NOTHING at all.If you are motivated and don't have a choice, there are several things to do:First,Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1148325869931153372006-05-22T15:10:00.000-04:002006-05-24T17:29:56.030-04:00CONGRATULATIONS to The Shores' Marlins (9 & 10 year olds) for their top ranking in this year's Little League Series!With the help of coach Rick Alvarez and coach Rick Garcia, the "Rick & Ines" sponsored Marlins had a great season. With lots of effort and improvement from every single player, they managed to have a lot of fun while playing their best.We are lucky to live, work and play in this Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1147464470346579582006-05-12T15:53:00.000-04:002006-05-12T16:56:23.476-04:00IT'S OFFICIALLY A "BUYER'S MARKET"What exactly does this mean?? It means that because there are more sellers than buyers (more supply than demand), sellers no longer have the power and need to be a little more flexible. Realtor.org writes the following in their monthly Realtor Magazine: (http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2006050804?OpenDocument)How to Take Full Advantage of a Buyer's Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1144792735456585772006-04-11T15:35:00.000-04:002006-04-12T22:56:47.893-04:00WHY FENG SHUI??? An ancestral knowledge which originated over 4,000 years ago in China, teaches us how to harmonize not only our bodies, but how to achieve happiness and prosperity. It is the notion that the "spirit" or atmosphere of a place has an effect on your well being.Some people believe Feng Shui is like astrology and fortune telling, they believe it goes against God and question why Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1142887907253396172006-03-20T15:38:00.000-05:002006-03-20T16:04:41.456-05:00 COLDWELL BANKER celebrates 100 years of Real Estate Excellence and rewards its sales associates!Coldwell Banker's Senior Vice President, Gus Rubio, writes the following: Congratulations to our dedicated Sales Associates for making Coldwell Banker the #1 residential real estate company in Miami-Dade in 2005. We also thank you, our customers, for making Coldwell Banker your first choice in real Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1141332769445072412006-03-02T15:49:00.000-05:002006-03-02T22:33:18.656-05:00WHAT’S HAPPENING TO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?We get approached on a daily basis by people asking us if “the real estate bubble has burst”.The Reality is that something was bound to happen. The Market was so hot that we could not hold inventory. Houses would sell in just days and in some cases just hours after being listed. It was a seller’s market where sellers could inflate prices and could get Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1140544596201708072006-02-21T12:44:00.000-05:002006-03-02T22:31:14.033-05:00 HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN SELLING OR BUYING A HOMEThe National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.) has some great consumer protection tips for home buyers and sellers. It never hurts to do a little research when you are ready to purchase or sell a home.Home Buyers:Check your credit report for accuracy and completenessUse the Internet wiselyEducate yourself on mortgages and mortgage fraudhire theRick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1139758336412092632006-02-12T10:16:00.000-05:002006-03-02T22:32:50.456-05:00 What does it mean when we include "REALTOR - ACCOUNTANT - ARCHITECT" in our marketing??? It does not mean that we are marketing our professions at the same time that we are marketing our real estate services. We are full-time Realtors and it means, that as professionals, we have an extra edge to offer our customers that most Realtors don't.Ines is an architect (Bachelors of Architecture from Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22258240.post-1139604700845279732006-02-10T15:51:00.000-05:002006-03-02T22:32:13.306-05:00Welcome to our Newsletter! Here you will find fun and hopefully useful information on South Florida's Real Estate Market, our experiences and our opinions. Your comments are not only welcome, but also appreciated. We live, work and play in Miami Shores, but also work the surrounding areas. Feel free to ask and request information. We will write about Feng Shui, Architecture, Taxes, our kids, How Rick & Ineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02219240258374535263noreply@blogger.com0