Your Neighborhood Realtor: Why Your Neighborhood Matters just as Much as Your New Home

January 8, 2015July 12, 2015 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ 1 Comment

Last week I was having a conversation with a friend, and she asked me a question I get often—Why do you call yourself the neighborhood realtor?

It comes down to one simple reason—I would never put you somewhere I wouldn’t live. And when I’m making a decision about where to live, I’m taking years of experience into account and taking zero risk. The surroundings of your new home, your future neighborhood, can be just as important as the house itself. And if I’m going to help you find a house, or buy one for myself, I’m thinking about the following things:

The neighbors and the block around the corner
The school district
The reason cited for the current home owner’s decision to sell
Other homes up for sale in the area
Predicted increase or decrease in property value

If you run every morning, I’m going to take a walk around the block to make sure you’ll feel safe beyond your street. If you have kids, I know that you’re looking to put their education first—and in Miami, location is everything. If you’re an investor, I’m going to make sure that your real estate investment is based on proprietary market insight and research. And if you work in another part of town, I’m going to have a good estimate on what your commute will look like every morning and what upcoming construction could affect that.

I know the questions to ask, so that you don’t have too, and in fact, I have customers for this very reason in my own neighborhood of Silver Bluff.

As a 26-year-old arriving to the United States, I worked hard to have a piece of the “American dream” and one of the biggest parts of that dream is home ownership. Home ownership isn’t something I take lightly, as I know the work it takes to get to that point, and it is no coincidence that I got into the business of helping people find homes. Whether you are looking to find your first home or make a move into a much bigger one, I’m ready to be part of your process start to finish, in English or Spanish, night or day.

A proud Venezuelan born to Arabic parents, my time in the US was not my first exposure to hard work or a dream for better opportunity. My parents owned a store where I spent my summer vacations, and I shared my parents’ love for working with people and their strong work ethic—something I incorporate into my work every day, and something I’m looking forward to sharing more and more with you on this blog.

Moving forward, I’d like to share more of my insight on neighborhoods in and around Miami, quick tips for how to move a house faster, ideas for a less painful move or open house prep and of course, a few must-see listings. My goal is to help you, even if we aren’t in direct contact, and I’d love to hear from you with any questions.

Onyx on the Bay – For Rent

November 20, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Onyx on the Bay is the name given to the tallest building in the Onyx on the Bay is a luxury building/complex in Miami, Florida, United States. Located in northern Midtown Miami, the tower was completed in 2007.

Onyx on the Bay - Exterior — Onyx on the Bay – Exterior

It is 27 floors and 308 feet (94 m) tall with 118 units, there are six different floor plans raging in size from 886 to 3,386 SQF, there are also five penthouses. The building is located on Northeast 25th Street between Biscayne Avenue and the oceanfront, also known as the Art District; it is a development of BAP/GGM development.

The unit that I’m presenting you today, is a sensational 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, completely renovated with, marble floors throughout including the balconies, custom made closets, Italian kitchen and granite counter tops.

Living in Onyx on the Bay is like living in a heaven with his beautiful exterior and interior design and their VIP service with 24hrs concierge. Onyx on the Bay is minutes away from Downtown Miami, Brickell, South Beach, Midtown, Shops and Restaurant.

Interested in Selling, Buying, Renting in Brickell, Downtown, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and surrounding areas? Call me 786.554.8063 or email me George@GeorgeAssal.com, I can help, because working with someone who knows the numbers and area is crucial.

The Assal Team – Proud Supporter of Team Dan the Man & Super Serge – Annual Light the Night Walk

October 15, 2014October 15, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

In 2009 I met the Vidal’s, in another blog I might tell how, all I can say now is that I Love them… and I can assure you that you will end up Loving them too, but for now is all about the Light the Night Walk and the most important reason … the donation.

Daniel AKA Dan (Son), in February 2009 was diagnosed with NLPHL, Hodgkins Lymphoma, in April 22nd 2009 Dan started chemotherapy, in September 11th 2009 Dan was declared in complete remission we all were happy …

In July 27th 2011 Sergio (Dad) AKA Serge was diagnosed with Mixed Cellularity, Hodgkins Lymphoma, in August 22nd 2011 Sergio started chemotherapy and in March 21st 2012 Sergio was declared in complete remission.

From Left to Right - Serge (Dad) & Dan (Son) — From Left to Right – Serge (Dad) & Dan (Son)

Today both Son and Dad are two healthy Vidal’s

Their family has been blessed to have the support of their friends, and even friends of our friends over the past several years. Together, the team has raised over $67,000 towards finding a cure.

You are helping us make a difference.

But we’re not done yet.

As Dan and Serge have been blessed with remission, it remains important for us to ensure others continue to have that same fighting chance.

Funds from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk saves lives. Without your help LLS could not provide these lifesaving treatments. Every year, loved-ones, supporters, caregivers, patients, and survivors form teams (like ours) and millions more contribute by donating at local retail outlets. These efforts culminate in inspirational, memorable evening walks in over two hundred communities each fall across the country.

Today, we ask you to join our team’s effort by making a quick and secure tax-deductible donation here.

Thank you for your support.

BRICKELL ROADS TOWNHOUSE – FOR SALE

October 14, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

*** LOCATION – LOCATION – LOCATION ***
240 SW 15th RD #105 Miami FL 33133

240 SW 15TH RD – GARAGE

Rare opportunity to own this unique 3 story corner unit with laminated wood floors, open kitchen, 2 assigned parking spaces, full bedroom at the entry level, walk-in closets, high ceilings with interesting angled walls, (not your typical boring rectangular room), this unit has the largest backyard, centrally located, pet friendly and gated community, most important… seller motivated. Asking $350,000.00

LIVING / KITCHEN

Contact me for more info

DORAL – Market Insight

September 23, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Doral is a city located in north-central Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. An industrial and suburban mixed neighborhood of Miami, it lies North-West of Miami International Airport. It takes its name from the Doral Golf Resort & Spa located within its municipal boundaries. Originally built by Doris and Alfred Kaskel, who coined “Doral” by combining their first names, who dredged the swamp to build, in 1962, the Doral Hotel and Country Club, (now Donald Trump’s Trump National Doral) a wildly popular wealthy golfer retreat and sibling hotel to the Doral Beach Resort in Miami Beach. The city of Doral is also known as Doralzuela due to the city’s large and affluent Venezuelan community. Doral has a large number of shops, financial institutions and businesses, especially importers and exporters, primarily because of its proximity to the Miami International Airport. In 2008, Fortune Small Business and CNN Money ranked Doral as 51 on a list of 100 cities with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal.

By the early 1980s, Doral started to experience the first spurts of growth when Alfred’s and Doris’ grandson Bill developed Doral Estates that was followed by a joint venture with Lennar Homes to build Doral Park. Both communities were named after the Hotel, a trend that was to be repeated many more times. Younger families started flooding the area but had to travel to purchase even the most basic essentials, because there were no stores, schools, or parks. Although the majority of the original homes were investment properties or second homes, the early fulltime residents believed that the quality of life and the low housing costs far exceeded the lack of amenities and started coming together as a community.

In 2002, the Governor appointed Cancio to fill the remainder of Commissioner Miriam Alonso’s term of office. Doral residents hoped that his appointment would be the impetus to bring the community closer to incorporation, and Cancio did not let his community down. In the meantime, Cancio named Juan Carlos Bermudez, the City of Doral’s first elected Mayor, as his replacement to the Community Council. Bermudez declined the offer and ran for the seat and was elected. At the time, Bermudez was president of One Doral, a civic organization formed to counteract the perceived influence of the West Dade Federation on the Council. One Doral and the West Dade Federation were instrumental in the incorporation process.

In January 2003, following a seven-year battle, 85% of the voters in Doral voted in favor of incorporation. At long last, they had their own new city with a local government and more service for their tax dollars. In June of the same year, 92% voted to accept the City Charter and elected their first Mayor and City Council.

The City of Doral has come a very long way in a very short time and is attracting positive attention from Fortune 100 corporations, mom-and-pop businesses, young families and retirees.

Interested in Selling, Buying, Renting a home/townhouse in Doral? Call me 786.554.8063; I can help, because working with someone who knows the numbers and area is crucial.

Residences by ARMANI CASA – Sunny Isles

September 9, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

The Related Group and Dezer Development joined forces to bring to Sunny Isles Beach, “The Residences by Armani Casa by Cesar Pelli” The most anticipated Ultra Luxury project in Miami. Only 261 families will have the honor to call the Residences by Armani Casa their home.

The Residences by Armani Casa Miami

Highlights

.- The brand: First US project by Armani casa

.- Location: Sunny isles Beach

.- The Archited: Cesar Pelli

.- Units: 260 units

.- Prices: starting from $1 million

.- Completion date: 2017

.- Floor Plan: 5 units per floor, the higher the unit the bigger it is.

The Residences by Armani Casa Miami – Oceanfront Living

The Residences by Armani Casa in Sunny Isles Miami are spacious units from 1358 Sq.Ft to 3,756 Sq.Ft and ranging in price between $1,000 – $1,500 per Sq.Ft

Floor plan

Residences By Armani General Floor Plan

Unit A at Level 4 (Units at a Higher level offer more Sq.Ft)
- 4 Bedrooms + Den / 5,5 Bathrooms
  - Interior Sq.Ft: 3,326 (At level 28→ 3,527 Sq.Ft and No den – At level 54 → 3,756 Sq.Ft)
    - Balcony Sq.Ft: 1,440 (At level 28→ 1,487 Sq.Ft – At level 54 →1,539 Sq.Ft)
      - Total Sq.Ft: 4,766

Residences By Armani Floor Plan A

Unit B
- 4 Bedrooms + Den / 5,5 Bathrooms
  - Interior Sq.Ft: 3,027
    - Balcony Sq.Ft: 898
      - Total Sq.Ft: 3,925

Residences By Armani Casa Floor Plan B

Unit C
- 3 Bedrooms + Den / 3,5 Bathrooms
  - Interior Sq.Ft: 2,712
    - Balcony Sq.Ft: 762
      - Total Sq.Ft: 3,474

Residences by Armani Casa Floor Plan C

Unit D (Units at a Higher level offer more Sq.Ft)
- 2 Bedrooms + Den / 2,5 Bathrooms
  - Interior Sq.Ft: 1,816 (At level 28→1944 Sq.Ft – At level 54 →: 2089 Sq.Ft)
    - Balcony Sq.Ft: 491 (At level 28→496 Sq.Ft and No den- At level 54 →502 Sq.Ft)
      - Total Sq.Ft: 2,307

Residences By Armani Casa Floor Plan D

Unit E (Units at a Higher level offer more Sq.Ft)
- 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
  - Interior Sq.Ft: 1,358 (At level 28→ 1,476 Sq.Ft – At level 54→1,610 Sq.Ft)
    - Balcony Sq.Ft: 941 (At level 28→1,013 Sq.Ft and No den- At level 54 →1,094Sq.Ft)
      - Total Sq.Ft: 2,299

Residences By Armani Casa Floor Plan E

Note: Units C, D and E models are all taken however back ups for these units are accepted

Price Ranges

Residence by Armani Casa – Price Range –
** Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

For more info regarding Residence by Armani Casa contact me directly

The Roads one of Miami’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

September 8, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

The Roads is a neighborhood of Miami in Miami-Dade County, it is a triangular area located south of SW 11th Street, between SW 12th Avenue and SW 15th Road, just west of Brickell.

The Roads is known for its old homes, historic public schools, and its tree-covered streets. The Roads is very close to Downtown and Brickell, but is a historically residential neighborhood. It is also off the normal Miami street grid, and thus all the streets in The Roads are named roads, instead of streets and avenues, as is the case in the rest of Miami. Since 1986, the Miami Roads Neighborhood Civic Association has worked on a variety of projects to support the neighborhood.

The Roads neighborhood is served by the Miami Metrorail at the Vizcaya station to the south and by the Brickell station to the north.

The Roads – triangular area located south of SW 11th Street, between SW 12th Avenue and SW 15th Road, just west of Brickell

The Roads, originally called “Brickell Hammock” was designed, platted and developed by Mary Brickell in January 1922 days before her death. Mary Brickell had designed the Roads as a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, with wide streets with median parkways and roundabouts with native Miami plants. Mary Brickell gave the streets, parkways, sidewalks, and electric lighting to the City of Miami in 1922. All the properties were sold in a single day on February 1, 1923.

For Sale – Sold – Pending Sale

The Roads is also an entire off-grid plan section of the city of Miami. The streets and avenues in Miami-Dade County are aligned to a grid, where streets run east-west and avenues run north-south. The roads that run from Broadway to SW 32nd Road are roughly 45 degrees out of alignment with the grid-plan. The avenues running perpendicular to these roads are also 45 degrees out of alignment with their respective avenues coming from the north. The avenues in this section run northeast-southwest rather than the standard north-south that the ones in the rest of the county follow. This causes an abrupt change in numerical designation as they cross SW 12th Avenue (SW 5th Avenue turns west and becomes SW 18th Street, SW 4th Avenue turns west and becomes SW 20th Street, SW 2nd Avenue turns west and becomes SW 22nd Street, etc.) The most well known example of this confusion is when historic Coral Way being SW 3rd Avenue, makes a 45 degree turn onto SW 22nd Street as it crosses over SW 12th Avenue.

Average Sold Price

The Roads is served by Metrobus and Trolley throughout the area, and by the Miami Metrorail at:

Brickell (SW 11th Street and SW 1st Avenue)
Vizcaya (SW 32nd Road and US1)

Metrorail has stops throughout Miami with service to Greater Miami and Miami International Airport, all Miami-Dade County bus lines, Tri-Rail and Amtrak. The main bus station in Downtown is located next to the Arsht Center at the Adrienne Arsht Center Station.

Average days on Market

For more information about The Roads please contact me directly

Contact me for more info

ARIA ON THE BAY – It’s all about the atmosphere

August 26, 2014August 26, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Aria on the Bay located in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District, more specific 1770 North BayShore Drive Miami FL 33137. With 53 Stories into the sky, this project offers in all units, 9-foot glass from floor to ceiling, being the smallest 813 sqft and the biggest over 2,365 sqft plus balcony for the amazing water and city views.

From this enviable location, residents can enjoy immediate access to the neighboring Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Arts & Science Museums and Miami World Resort for shopping and entertainment along with a myriad of dining options and boutiques. In just 10 minutes one can be enjoying the pristine beaches of Miami, Brickell’s financial district. Design District, Wynwood and Midtown. Miami International Airport, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables.

Building Features:

.-2-Curved Sunrise and Sunset pools, .-Jacuzzi overlooking Biscayne Bay Expansive sun deck and lounge area, -.Expansive Indoor/ Outdoor social room with bar 24-Hour concierge and on-site monitoring,.-Controlled-entry garage with assigned parkingValet parkingStreet-level retail and office spaceHigh-speed wireless internet in social spaces, .-State of the art Gym and Yoga StudioOutdoor fire pit with custom seating, .-BBQ area with summer kitchen featuresGreat room with social areas including pool tables and flat screen TV’s, .-Private spa and massage treatment areasBlow-dry, .-manicure and pedicure stationsChildren’s PoolGame room and libraryScreening room/ theatreTeen lounge and Kid’s Playroom, .-Business center with conference room and offices.

Residence Features

1 to 3 bedroom+Den grand residences, .-Spacious, open-plan living, dinning and kitchen areas, .-Modern custom-designed cabinetry and European-style kitchens!Private elevator access on select units.

Floor Plans

Contact George Assal for more info

Coral Gables a City Where Homes for Sales Keep Increasing

August 25, 2014August 25, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

As the Real Estate market continues to build up in South Florida, Coral Gables luxury homes and condominiums properties are getting listed for sale at more than $1M, the highest number of 2014 sales was in June, representing a 21.4% increase over May and an incredible 278% increase when compared to January. When it comes to luxury real estate sales in South Florida, summer is anything but slow season, maybe not especially when prices increased alongside the number of properties sold.

The average price per square foot for a property sold in June was $476, up $13 from May and a full $85 per square foot from January. In fact, 55 properties were sold or under contract for sale in June, representing over 25% of the entire available inventory.

CG trend 07-2014 — 34 properties sold in June 33 of these were single-family homes.

Two projects are currently in pre-sale in Coral Gables:

-Merrick Manor, a 10-story, 180-unit development located adjacent to the famous Village of Merrick Park.

-Antilla Coral Gables, a 5-story, 45-unit project located in the northeastern corner of Coral Gables.

(If you need more info regarding either of this projects please contact me directly as I have direct communication with the developers)

For those that don’t know, Coral Gables is one of the nation’s earliest planned communities with a centralized business district, and is home to the iconic Biltmore hotel, one of only three national landmarks in Miami-Dade County. Coral Gables also has world-class shopping along Miracle Mile and the Village of Merrick Park, a diverse spectrum of art galleries, theaters and lots of fine dining establishments.

As a result, Coral Gables will continue to have in-demand properties that sell for a premium and should remain a sound investment.

Contact me for more info

Park Grove in Coconut Grove.

August 21, 2014August 21, 2014 ~ The ASSAL Team ~ Leave a comment

Park Grove in Coconut Grove.

Most ambitious architecture/project to date

The New Park Grove Condo Project is selling quickly; this luxury condo project is located in Coconut Grove more specific in the middle of a newly developed waterfront park. The condo project has 3 towers with great investment values.

Designed by OMA and rem KOOLHAAS, the striking towers of PARK GROVE set a new architectural standard in the quiet seaside enclave of Coconut Grove.

Park Grove Residences will blow everyone expectations with their high-end waterfront project. With amenities that will take you to the next level and to better your experience, The Park grove Condo offers pools, fitness, yoga, a private chef, yes a private chef and much more.

As the first Luxury Condo in Coconut Grove to be built after Grove at Grand Bay, makes this project most ambitious architecture/project to date

Contact me For more info about Park Grove and any other projects / new constructions in Miami or South Florida

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Highlights

Floor plan

Unit A at Level 4 (Units at a Higher level offer more Sq.Ft)

Unit B

Unit C

Unit D (Units at a Higher level offer more Sq.Ft)

Unit E (Units at a Higher level offer more Sq.Ft)

Price Ranges

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Building Features:

Residence Features

Floor Plans

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