Tour 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 Department, The field house and community center. .....READ MORE

click her to see what we are talking about!

St. Rose of Lima Carnival



Saint 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. The funds raised in the carnival go towards a school and parish fund used to maintain and refurbish the St. Rose of Lima facilities. Community spirit is visible everywhere, booth sponsorship banners are placed all over the carnival, bazaar with all kinds of great stuff for sale, volunteers preparing food and manning booths with different games, 50/50 raffle, wine and beer tent, silent auction with items donated by families and local businesses, picnic area, and not to forget great carnival rides like The Ring of Fire, The Orbit and The Thunder Bolt. .....READ MORE

SUPER 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 trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., and of course the actual game. I personally had never known the impact this one game has on the host city. Miami is a madhouse right now. People are renting places at extravagant prices, coming from all over the nation. Did you know that there are rental agents that specialize in the Superbowl?...READ MORE

Eating at North Miami Beach's Houston's

Houston'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 design of each establishment, although similar in style, is unique and welcoming.
We have gone to the North Miami Beach Houston's a couple of dozen times but need to tell you about our last visit. Rick and I went with our 3 kids who are 12, 10 and 2 years of age. To our surprise, although a lot of people were waiting for tables, there was a table for 5 available and that's when we met our server, Javier. ......READ MORE

Holiday Wishes Come True


Hi 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 it I was a little skeptical but that all changed when I attended my first one. The whole point of the coffee was to help you focus on the things that really matter, to help you realize the true meaning of Christmas, and to put things in perspective. Although they have not had a Christmas Coffee in a couple of years, I still sit down to reflect every year.
Right after Thanksgiving many of us start running like crazy making holiday .....read more

Home for the Holidays 15th annual Walking Tour
by The Miami Shores Heidi Hewes Chapter of the WCA of The University of Miami



This 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 to go together to this yearly event. We would meet in someone's house all dressed up and ready to go, and would enjoy looking at holiday decorations, architectural styles and chatting with hundreds of locals. If you have ever been to one of these walks you know how fabulous they are, if you have not, I hope to be able to do the walk justice with my description. . . . . . . read more

Miami Shores FL - 2006 Holiday Happenings

For 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 once you contact us.

• December 1 - Tree Lighting Extravaganza at the Miami Shores recreation fields at 6:30 PM. Join hundreds of residents watch as Mayor Al Davis lights up The Miami Shores Christmas Tree, representing holiday cheer! Special appearance by Santa Claus himself as well as the Miami Shores Fire Department with sirens and all!
• December 3 - Children performing "Christmas Musical" at Baptist Church. 6:00 PM
• December 7 - 22nd Annual "Yule Log" - 7:00 PM. Hosted by Miami Country Day School - the program serves as a time of reflection. There will be holiday music, lighting of the Christmas Tree, Menorah, Advent Wreath, Hanukkah blessing and the Passing of the Light.
• December 10 - 15th Annual "Home for the Holidays" Tour sponsored by The Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Woman's Cancer Association of the University of Miami. 5:00 to 8:00 PM - $25 donation. Five beautiful homes will be opened to approximately 500 guests. Raffles will also be sold at the walk.
• December 12 - Holiday Caroling Hayride and Light up the Village -Purchase luminary bags from the Community Center and light up your lawn. Hayride carolers will visit your home between 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Stop by the Community Center by Dec. 8 to sign-up for Hayride Caroling. Sign-up early, space is limited (bring a flashlight, music books provided)
• December 14-15 - 50th Annual "Living Nativity" at Presbyterian Church. The story of Christmas told with live animals and living characters on the lawn of the Church. From 7:30 -9:30 PM

KID CAMPS: **Winter Break Camp will be offered at the Field House between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM** week 1: Dec 26, 27, 28, 29. Week 2: Jan 2, 3, 4, 5. **Kids Day off also at the Field House on December 22 and January 15. **
**The Tennis Center has open play schedule**
**The Aquatic Center has open swim schedule**

For any questions about the community, please feel free to contact RICK & INES,

www.Miamism.com and we promise to answer all questions or guide you to someone that can. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Then, 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 huge difference - Judge for yourself, other than my huge eyebrows and Rick having a little more hair, I don't think the change is that huge.
So maybe physically we have not changed much but how have we really changed, psychologically, financially, emotionally? If you look back 14-15 years ago, are you standing in the same place? Have you achieved a lot of your goals, has your life taken a totally unexpected turn. Are you happy in your shoes?
Rick and I have read numerous books on business plans, goal setting, tracking and keeping, self improvement, have done seminars (including Tony Robbins' "Unleash the Power within") - but in order to look ahead, it is crucial to look back and to see what you have accomplished, or not. It's important to look back and to scrutinize big changes in your life and see why you made certain decisions and where you could be if things would have been done differently.
If you can look back and analyze your goals and your decision making, then you can look ahead and make the necessary changes to be in the place you want to be. The end of the year is always a good place to reflect and decide on changes, but remember that you don't have to wait to January 1st to start.
Where were you 15 years ago? Where will you be 15 years from now?

THANKSGIVING TRADITION

Thanksgiving 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 Tradition. Getting families together, no matter where you live or what you do, sharing a beautiful evening for the mere purpose of being Thankful is a concept that transcends boundaries and ethnicities.
We try to live our lives to the fullest, work like maniacs, run around and fill our days will all kinds of activities, and most of us ARE thankful for all the blessings that surround us. But taking this single day to sit with family and friends, put everything into focus and acknowledge our blessings is something that I, being born in Venezuela, thank all Americans for sharing with me and my family. We have adopted your holiday into a tradition of our own. Thank you for sharing and have a beautiful THANKSGIVING DAY!
RICK & INES

NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

IMPORTANT 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 take a minute of your time. This will block your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want blocked and cannot call from a different number. You can also go directly to the website to register any numbers.
https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

Halloween Howl in Miami Shores

Every 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 as well as a center stage where a Halloween Costume Contest takes place. Over 2,000 people visit this event held between 5:00 and 8:00 PM on October 31 every year, and it’s a great place to see our community in action, working together and enjoying themselves.

This year, Coldwell Banker’s theme was Ghostbusters and we wore t-shirts that read “Who are you gonna call??---Coldwell Banker!” The giveaways included fans for the hot parents, candy, glow bracelets and small toys. Coldwell Banker also sponsored a raffle of a motorized boogie/surf board with proceeds going to the Cares Foundation.

Southeast 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 recognized for its diverse culture and ethnicities. Miami, also known as the Gateway to Latin America attracts a tremendous amount of foreign born people and is recognized worldwide as an international hub. There is always something to do in Miami. Miami has been the host of many special events in film, arts, culture and entertainment; including Calle Ocho Festival, The Latin Grammys and The MTV Music awards to name a few. There are also numerous parks, public facilities, museums and monuments. And is Home of the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, and The Miami Heat.

When you mention Miami, you cannot leave out Miami Beach, an International Mecca for travel, business and to establish a home. From its small hotels with modern lines along lower Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive to its major hotel chains along the beach. It´s Art Deco District and South Beach areas are world-famous. And let’s not forget the beautiful sandy beaches that bring incredible tourism from all over the world. Miami Beach will have its yearly Festival of the Arts to be hosted in 2007 by our own Coldwell Banker.

Lastly – Miami Shores the city that holds our heart, where we live, work and play. Known as The Village Beautiful, it 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 (located right on Biscayne Bay) to 1920´s historic architecture. Activities include Golf, Tennis, a great community center and field house offering all kinds of sports and activities for all ages. With its own extremely efficient police force, its own government building or Village Hall, as well as library, there´s nothing Miami Shores can´t offer. Miami Shores is a neighborhood where your neighbors have your keys and kids play on the streets, a true village beautiful.

Miami is a city full of life and passion and once you visit you will want to come back for more. Whether to relax, work, play, fish or party, there is something for everyone to do.

Rick & Ines – http://www.yourpropertypros.com/

Emergency Contact Feature for FLORIDA DRIVER'S LICENSE

You 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 police can run thedrivers license and have the emergency info ASAP!!!

https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/dlcheck/findcustomer

Please pass on this information to family and friends.

RICK & INES - www.YourPropertyPros.com

Local Cancer Association

The 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 every month and we discuss an agenda full of interesting facts about the chapter as well as our local efforts.

The Heidi Hewes Chapter is responsible for an annual "Home for the Holidays" Walking tour featuring 5 or 6 homes which owners graciously open. It's an invitation only event and over $25,000 is raised in 3 short hours which all goes towards Cancer Research.

Other events organized by our Heidi Hewes Chapter are Bunco Parties (a quick, easy and fun dice game held at The Miami Shores Community Center), a Walk for Cancer (organized in conjunction with Miami Country Day School - over $30,000 were raised with this event alone last year), and other smaller events around town.

If you would like more information about becoming a member or just general information about our chapter, don't hesitate to call. Membership benefits go beyond doing a good deed for your community and for Cancer Research, but you establish beautiful relationships with really outstanding people.

Rick & Ines - www.YourPropertyPros.com www.Miamism.com

What 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 make a great first impression, clean and visible numbers, nicely painted or finished door, well lit, hardware in good working condition, avoid clutter, and please oh please make it CLEAN! Spider webs are for Halloween (and maybe not even….see Halloween Decorations or DISTRACTIONS?)If you want to add your own personal touch, do it with the entrance matt or a wreath or simply with plants or flowers.

NOTE: All of these doors are in Miami Shores

www.YourPropertyPros.com

Miami Shores FL Real Estate Market Conditions

Overview of the single family market in Miami Shores FL:

• currently on the market: 174
• under contract: 22
• closed in last 90 days: 33
• lowest price: $302,900
• highest price: $3,995,000

Overview of the condo market in Miami Shores FL:

• currently on the market: 33
• under contract: 14
• closed in last 90 days: 3
• lowest price: $139,500
• highest price: $699,000

Visit http://www.YourPropertyPros.com for more information about Miami Shores Real Estate.

A 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 the actual competition, or was it the $50 prize??

Either way, he was inspired, and took a lot of photographs. He learned about composition and light, and about the importance of capturing certain moments. We do Thank God for Digital Photography, because in our times we would have spent a fortune developing film. Here are some of the shots, tell us what you think!

Not bad for an amateur!

If you want to share anything you have done or your kids have accomplished, e-mail us, we would love to add you to our blog.

RICK & INES, Miami Shores Real Estate, www.YourPropertyPros.com

South Florida Neighborhood Profile: Miami Shores

If 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 architecture. Activities include Golf, Tennis, a great community center and field house offering all kinds of sports and activities for all ages.
Miami Shores was developed in the early 1920´s at the same time as Coral Gables by The Shoreland Company. Its urban plan includes tree-lined streets, large setbacks, alleyways or service roads as well as a downtown commercial area which is known as "downtown Miami Shores". With its own extremely efficient police force, its own government building or Village Hall, as well as library, there´s nothing Miami Shores can´t offer. Schools include Miami Shores Elementary, Miami Country Day School, St. Rose of Lima School, Miami Shores Presbyterian pre-school, Baptist pre-school, Doctor´s Charter Middle and High School, and Barry University to name a few. Miami Shores is a neighborhood where your neighbors have your keys and kids play on the streets, a true village beautiful.

To search for properties in the MLS currently listed in Miami Shores as well as look at our featured listings, please visit our website at www.YourPropertyPros.com.

RICK & INES, Miami Shores Real Estate, www.YourPropertyPros.com

Home Sales Forecast Lowered

We 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 buyers have a lot more to choose from and leverage to negotiate, but at the same time, there are fewer buyers.

More inventory, and fewer buyers means less sales. This means that when selling your home, you NEED TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. You will need an agent, or a team of agents that market more aggressively, that have strong selling and negotiating skills, and that give 100% of themselves all the time, not just weekends, or just part of the week. Before you do yourself a disservice, please make sure the agent you are working with knows the area, and knows what they are doing.

If you choose to sell your house yourself and place a "FOR SALE BY OWNER" sign on your property, be ready to spend a lot of money on marketing in local newspapers, local publications, magazines and different websites as well. But also be ready to show your property with very short notice and usually at inconvenient times. Don't expect the sign in the front of the property, to sell your home.

If you feel like reading what the sales forecasts are, please read the following article by the National Association of Realtors.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2006090801?OpenDocument

RICK & INES, Miami Shores FL Real Estate, www.YourPropertyPros.com

Spiritual 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 incentives", but what about imploring a HIGHER POWER??

Some of these practices involve from burying a St. Joseph statue in the yard of a home, to Feng Shui, to the Indian practice of Vaastu. Dinah Eng, in her Realtor Magazine article, speaks to different real estate professionals who have experienced these approaches.
http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/Feat1200608?OpenDocument.

Let us know if you have had first hand experience using any of these methods, and what the result was and good luck with the sale of your home.