Miami’s warm coastal climate makes it a great location for beaches lined with swaying palm trees and sea oats. But did you know that exotic flowers, prehistoric plants and flowering fruit trees also flourish in these subtropics - from fragrant frangipani to delicate ground orchids. If you’re looking for something to do in Miami and want to lose yourself amidst the natural beauty of some of the city’s most lush and beautiful green spaces, get out and discover our array of sumptuous public gardens, where you can always find a quiet, secret spot to be one with nature. Ancient Spanish Monastery 16711 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami One of Miami’s best kept secrets is the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux in North Miami. The Monastery has a picturesque nomadic history dating back 1,000 years. It was moved to its current location about 50 years ago, where it was rebuilt brick by brick. The Monastery is surrounded by lush, unspoiled subtropical forest, with gorgeous formal...

Calling all empty-nesters, downsizers and warm-weather seekers! We know how appealing Miami’s beaches, balmy breezes and year-round good vibes can be. Couple that with some common life transitions, whether your kids are off to college or you’re looking to have an easier lifestyle, and you’ve got the perfect recipe to transition from a home to a condo. So if you’re just thinking about moving from a house to a condo, or have already decided, here are a few useful pointers. Who Says You Have to Downsize? The first thing that often comes to mind when you sell your house and decide to move to a condo is “Will I have to downsize?” In Miami, it may not be all that necessary to go smaller if you consider some of the many expansive, ultra-spacious condos that have sprung up. Many two- and three-bedroom condos are often almost as spacious as homes, and come with many more amenities, such gyms and spas, restaurants, concierge services and more. So, even if you do have to downsize to a condo,...

You recycle, you love nature, and you care for the environment. And maybe you're lucky enough to call Miami's beautiful beaches and the landscapes that make up South Florida home. Indeed, being able to do your part, even in the slightest of ways, can be quite gratifying. So why not live it?!  Living in an eco-friendly residence is one of the top priorities of an eco-conscious lifestyle. So how can you tell if a condo is green? By investing in or buying a green, LEED-certified condo, you'll be helping the environment by owning a home that's built on a sustainable site, uses recycled and sustainable products, saves water and energy, and promotes environmental conservation. First, what's LEED certification? LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has become the world's most popular green building rating system. Led by the non-profit U.S Green Building Council, the voluntary program rates a building's design and construction to use fewer resources, reduce negative impacts on...

The news for first-time condo or home buyers wanting low down payments keeps getting better. The new 2020 FHA loans have higher limits that, in combination with a law revision that went into effect last October, allow buyers to purchase a new condo with just 3.5 - 10% down, depending on credit score, and sometimes more flexible loan terms than conventional loans.  The revised policy allows for certain individual condo units to be eligible for FHA loans, even if the condo building is not FHA approved.  FHA loans are federally insured mortgages, and because they are insured, lenders provide excellent rates for first-time buyers and those with no or less-than-perfect credit histories. What’s even better is that the FHA loan amounts have increased. Miami-Dade’s 2020 FHA maximum loan limit for single families (including condos) has gone up to $373,750 from last year’s $356,500, almost a 5% increase over last year. 2020 FHA Loan Limits in Miami-Dade County (includes areas...

Miami’s condo preconstruction market closed 2019 amidst plenty of buzz. Mid-Beach is planned to get a shiny new condo-hotel by 2023. Dezer Development got approved to build another supertall in Sunny Isles Beach. Buyers are soon to be able to step into their Armani/Casa-branded homes as closings got underway. Okan Tower filed for approval to grow taller. And, South Beach could (or not) get its tallest tower yet. Read on for details on all of these updates below: Closings Underway Residences by Armani/Casa – Sunny Isles Beach After breaking ground in 2016, the signature Residences by Armani/Casa are all geared up to welcome residents with their temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) in place. Closings are currently underway for the ultra-luxury skyscraper, which is a first by the house of Armani/Casa in the U.S. Last month, 270 of its 308 units were already sold, as closings began on the joint venture between the Armani Group, Related Group and Dezer Development. Once open,...

Living in a gated community is often at the top of many buyers’ wish lists, and for good reason -- residents get to enjoy safety, exclusivity, high-end living and a neighborhood feel within a city. Especially with the fast pace of Miami Beach, a gated community becomes a peaceful pocket of idyllic living, well removed from any chaos. And many are surprised to learn how many beautiful gated communities there are on Miami Beach. Just minutes from everything Miami Beach and mainland Miami has to offer, these guarded enclaves represent some of the most sought-after pieces of real estate in South Florida. If the perfect mix of community and privacy is what you’re looking for, here are the best gated communities of Miami Beach: Gated Communities of South Beach Fisher Island Photo courtesy of Michael Au Technically not a gated community, Fisher Island definitely qualifies as one. Accessible only by daily ferry or helicopter, guests are entertained strictly by invite and are required...