Melanie Sells Miami

2011-12-12T11:28:00.001-05:00

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Visit my new blog at www.MelanieInMiami.com

2011-08-27T12:24:00.000-04:00

I have transferred all of the blogs from this site to my new site at www.MelanieInMiami.com
I hope to see you there!

20% by 2020 - US Air Force Sets Goal for Renewable Energy Sources

2011-07-23T12:24:00.003-04:00

energyNOW! is one of my favorite sources for non-partisan, science-based information on current energy and environmental issues. This week, Lee Patrick Sullivan presents "Energy Innovations in the Armed Forces."

One quote in particular had an especially strong impact. Army NAC Director Paul Skalny said, "[a] 1% increase in fuel efficiency for the military means 6,444 less soldiers involved in convoy operations."

On a lighter note, did anyone else immediately think "TARDIS" when he said "TARDEC"?

Just listed this stunning home for lease

2011-07-05T19:11:00.000-04:00

When The Rental Home Is Too Good To Be True

2011-07-05T09:32:00.003-04:00

The early morning sun was shining, and I was enjoying a scenic drive to meet the buyer’s appraiser at one of my “short sale” listings. It was the very last hurdle in a long but successful process… or so I thought at the time.

Then my phone rang. It was the appraiser, who had arrived at the property a few minutes early. “I thought you said the house was vacant,” she said. It was supposed to be; the owner had relocated out of state a few months earlier. But according to the appraiser, there was a woman with a small child inside the house and she was claiming to be the tenant!

By the time I arrived, the woman was gone. So was my realty sign (later found in the backyard) and my lockbox. A window had been broken into, one appliance was missing and the front door lock replaced. Overall, though, we were lucky because no one had actually moved in. We filed a report with the police and called the locksmith to change the locks again. The owner had to replace the missing appliance and broken window before closing, but we did not lose any time.

Another agent in my office has not been so lucky. The innocent tenants had already moved into her Pinecrest listing after paying someone a little over $5,000 for security deposit and first month’s rent. Her seller had to hire an attorney to evict them. Unfortunately, because it is not your typical Landlord-Tenant eviction, it is a more costly and longer process than normal resulting in a delay of the sales closing.

These are just two examples in a growing problem throughout the United States. And while it is especially prevalent in areas with a high number of homes vacated due to foreclosure, I have read and heard stories from just about every state – and about houses that weren’t even vacant! A third local incident involved a house the owner still lived in. The scam artist posted the house for rent on Trulia and other websites. He even stole the photos and description from the Realtor’s genuine listing. When one of the prospective tenants contacted him, he wrote a lengthy email detailing how he was traveling overseas and that the tenant should wire the deposit to his account and he would over-night the house keys. His email even cautioned her not to contact the listing agent from the sign in the yard because he (claiming to be the owner) had not yet told the listing agent he was renting the property instead. Luckily, this prospective tenant suspected a fraud and did contact the listing agent. In the meantime, the poor owner had dozens of people pounding on her door demanding to see her “rental” property.

These scam artists are targeting victims and properties at every socio-economic level including multi-million dollars homes. The criminal sometimes poses as the property owner, sometimes as the real estate agent. In one case in Tampa, Florida, the scammer was in fact a licensed agent – just not the listing agent for the property. Sometimes the correspondence is as obvious and laughable as the “Nigerian Prince” emails. Other times, the paperwork is extremely sophisticated, including forged Warranty Deeds to substantiate “ownership.” But they all follow a similar pattern of advertising the home for rent on freely available websites, such as Craig’s List or Rentals.com, at a rental price that is generally lower than it should be for the neighborhood. The “owner” or “agent” is also more than willing to take partial payments and to waive background checks to let the tenant move in. Then, as soon as they have collected as much money as they can from the tenant, they disappear to leave the tenant, real owner and real listing agent to suffer the losses.

How can you protect yourself from this fraud?

If you are a prospective tenant:

· Ask to see proof of ownership and more than one form of ID from an owner, then double-check the information against public records.

· If the person claims to be the real estate agent, take down their contact information including their office phone number and address. Verify that information before handing over any money or personal information. Call the main real estate office and ask to speak to a manager to verify both the agent and the rental listing.

· Do not wire money – especially if you have never met anyone in person – and do not pay in cash. If at all possible, insist on issuing a cashier’s check payable to a specific person or company that you have already verified locally.

· Or easiest of all, use a reputable licensed agent to help you find a genuine rental property.

If you are a prospective seller of a vacant house:

· Ask the agents you are interviewing to commit to personally inspecting your property at least once a week, including and especially after the house has gone under contract. Avoid “MLS only” type brokers that are often located far from your property and will not send an agent to accompany showings or check on the property.

· Ask the agents what type of lockbox and showing system they use. If they intend to use a mechanical lockbox, I recommend that you hire someone else. In Miami-Dade County, we have the option of using an electronic lockbox, which can be opened only by an active licensed agent possessing an electronic key. The exact day/time of the showing and all of the showing agent’s information is automatically recorded when s/he uses the electronic key to access the property. In addition, Realtors who are members of the Miami Realtor board have access to a scheduling service called “Showing Assist” through our MLS. When another agent wants to show a listing, they are able to click on button on the listing’s data page and make the request. As with the electronic key, only actively licensed agents are able to access the MLS, and all of their information including license number is recorded. These safeguards help prevent an agent from giving out access information to third parties. And showing agents who use these systems are more likely to report problems (such as a broken window) to the listing agent.

· Notify your neighbors and enlist their help in keeping an eye on your property. Tell them that you or your agent will notify them when the sale has closed, and ask them to report anyone moving in before that. As happened in my case, the neighbor saw my sign come down and a moving truck pull up, so he assumed the sale transaction had closed. Now, if the property is vacant, I keep the neighbors informed as to our progress and give them my card to alert me if they see anything suspicious.

And if someone tries to pull this scam on you, please report it to the police. When it is reported early enough in the attempted fraud, police have been able to catch and arrest the perpetrators.

Is South Florida Heading Into an Economic Recovery?

2011-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

After I was able to get past all of the Anthony Weiner headlines this week, I saw three about current economic conditions in South Florida. Individually I might have ignored them – but three in one week caught my eye:

1. Florida unemployment claims down

"Florida is one of nine states that saw initial unemployment claims drop by more than 1,000 last week. The state had 1,240 fewer claims filed last week than in the week before. The Department of Labor attributes that to fewer layoffs in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, retail and the service sector."

South Florida Business Journal

2. South Florida residential resale market shrinking

"There are less than 50,000 residential properties on the resale market in the tri-county South Florida region… As of June 13, there are 22,200 single-family houses and 27,700 condos and townhouses actively available for purchase in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties… In November 2008, after the U.S. financial meltdown, there were nearly 108,000 residences for resale in South Florida, with 46,600 single-family houses and 60,900 condos and townhouses available. South Florida’s residential resale market has been moving slowly toward the under-50,000-property threshold for more than 30 months."

South Florida Business Journal

3. South Florida foreclosure filings down in May

"In May, South Florida’s three counties combined to produce more than 6,600 foreclosures. Miami-Dade County had 2,768 new foreclosures, a drop of more than 60 percent, year-over-year… RealtyTrac noted the inventory of properties in foreclosure has declined during the past six months, but “foreclosure processing delays continue to mask the true face of the foreclosure situation, although there were some clues in the May numbers of what lies behind that mask,” Saccacio said. “First, activity spiked in May for various stages of the foreclosure process in some states, a pattern that has occurred in several states over the past few months. This pattern provides evidence that lenders are somewhat unevenly pushing batches of bad loans through foreclosure as they overhaul their paperwork and documentation procedures and as they determine that some local markets are able to absorb more foreclosure inventory.”"

South Florida Business Journal

We know it’s still going to be a long recovery, but these are encouraging signs in my opinion. What do you think?

Hurricane Season is here again! What should you do to prepare?

2011-06-02T11:43:00.001-04:00

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. According to the National Hurricane Center’s website, “History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.”

Develop a family plan. Determine the safest areas in your home, as well as the nearest shelters. If you have pets, make sure the shelter allows them. Have a pre-arranged meeting place in case of separation, and designate one out-of-state person as the point of contact for everyone.

Trim trees and clear trash/debris around your home BEFORE a hurricane watch or warning is announced. After a watch or warning, do not leave trash at the curb. Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Department suspends pick-up service, but drop off sites will remain open as long as weather permits.

Secure your home. Make sure that your hurricane shutters are in good repair, and that any hardware or tools you will need are complete and easily accessible. OneStorm.org has a wealth of information on preparing your property to withstand hurricane force winds.

Stock emergency supplies and non-perishables. Download this handy checklist from Publix to use as a guide. Make sure that all prescription medicines have been refilled, and that you have a back-up plan for storing them in case of extended power outages.

Keep your car topped off with gasoline throughout the season. As a hurricane approaches, the lines at the stations will be long. And after the storm passes, there may not be power to pump the gas.

And to stay up to date on all advisories before, during and after a storm, use a NOAA weather radio. You can also try NOAA’s new Twitter service for advance alerts.

The Energy Savings of Low Hanging Fruit

2011-05-14T10:49:00.001-04:00

Check out this interesting "infographic" from WellHome home energy auditors. A home energy auditor will evaluate your home to determine how much energy it uses and make recommendations to improve efficiency. Some companies, like Well home, will also perform the energy-efficient installations you choose and provide an energy savings guarantee. WellPoint does not have an affiliate in the Miami-Dade area yet, but if you are interested having a Home Energy Audit done, call me for a local recommendation.

In the meantime, WellHome's blog is packed with great information on all aspects of energy and the enviroment, and more great infographic's like this one.

Miami-Dade County Helps Turn Your Backyard Green - Rain Barrel Workshop

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Florida receives an average of 56 inches of rainfall per year? And just a quarter- inch of rainfall over a 1000 square foot area (like your roof) can yield around 150 gallons of water. By placing rain barrels at your gutter downspouts, you can quickly fill a 50 gallon barrel with naturally pure water free of chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals to keep your flower beds, garden and houseplants well watered.

The Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Service, in cooperation with the University of Florida, is offering a series of Rain Barrel Workshops this year. The workshops are FREE to residents of Miami-Dade County; providing information about important water conservation issues plus instructions on how to construct and install a rain barrel yourself. And for those attending the workshop, you will also be able to purchase a 50 gallon rain barrel for just $40.

All rain barrel workshops also include a showerhead and light bulb exchange courtesy of Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

Plan to attend a workshop this Saturday, May 7th, from 10:00 – 11:00 at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. For more information, contact Lize Luna at 305-248-3311 ext. 242 or Barbara McAdam at ext. 245 or email Barbara at bmcadam@ufl.edu.

And for more information about real estate and environmental issues in Miami-Dade, visit my web page at http://www.melaniesellsmiami.com/

Earth Day Celebrations Around Miami-Dade

2011-04-15T08:00:00.022-04:00

Need ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day 2011? Here is a list of fun and educational events around Miami-Dade County?

Ladybug Release by Village of Palmetto Bay

When and Where: April 15 · 7:00pm - 10:30pm

What: "On Friday, April 15, the Village hosts Movie Night at Coral Reef Park – showing the movie “Wall-E.” Prior to the film, elected officials and moviegoers will release a few thousand ladybugs in the Ken Robinson Meditation Garden." The Village of Palmetto Bay celebrates Earth Day by releasing one ladybug for every resident (more than 25,000 bugs in all) several times during the month of April. For more information and the rest of the scheduled releases, visit Village of Palmetto Bay's Facebook page.

“Celebrate Earth Day” at the Miami-Dade Libraries

When and Where: Various dates, time and locations throughout the month. Visit the Miami Dade Public Library website for more details.

What: Celebrate Earth Day and promote environmental awareness for pre-schoolers with stories, crafts, song and activities

Baynanza 2011 Biscayne Bay Cleanup

When and Where: Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17; 9:00 a.m. - Noon; Multiple clean-up sites including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park located on Key Biscayne.

What: Baynanza celebrates and helps protect one of our most precious natural resources, Biscayne Bay, and its surroundings. There are 31 cleanup sites around Miami-Dade County. Registration is required, so call 305-372-6784 or visit Miami-Dade's Baynanza website for more information.

Party for the Planet at Zoo Miami

When and Where: April 16 & 17; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St. Miami. 305-255-5551. http://www.zoomiami.org/

What: “Zoo Miami’s Earth Day celebration, Party for the Planet, has“Green” activities and entertainment for the entire family as well as animal enrichment with recycled items and/or natural materials like newspapers, cardboard tubes, bamboo, old tires, fire hoses & more. The Tropical Flowering Tree Society will host the world’s largest plant show & sale. Guests can come in free of charge if they turn in a cellphone as part of our ECO-CELL phone recycling program. Not only will each person donating a cellphone enter the zoo for free on these two days, but they will also help save gorillas! Cell phones include coltan, a mineral extracted in the deep forests of the Congo in central Africa, home to the world’s endangered lowland gorillas. Fueled by the worldwide cell phone boom, Congo’s out-of-control coltan mining business has, in recent years, led to a dramatic reduction of animal habitat and the rampant slaughter of great apes for the illegal bush-meat trade. By turning in your cell phone, we can hopefully reduce the need for additional coltan … and help protect the gorillas.”

EarthFest 2011 at Crandon Park

When and Where: April 17; noon – 6:00 p.m.; Biscayne Nature Center, Crandon Park Vistors and Nature Center at the North Entrance, 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne. The event is free, parking at Crandon Park is $6 per car. For more information, call 305-361-6767 ex 112.What: “This festival is a celebration of Earth, the Greater Everglades Bioregion, and the possibility of choosing a sustainable future for all in South Florida! The event will feature the very best vegetarian and vegan foods, live performances, workshops, "green" vendors offering earth-friendly products, an electronics recycling center, environmental educational organizations, and much more. The Miami-Dade Parks EcoAdventures™ staff of naturalists will provide Eco Tram tours of the Bear Cut preserve and guided nature walks through the coastal hardwood hammocks of Crandon Park.”

There will also be workshops from noon to 5:00 p.m. on various topics including: Composting and Rain Barrels, Raised bed organic gardening, Raw foods preparation, Green Retrofitting for your home; Qigong and Yoga, and more. “Musical and artistic performances will be ongoing. Attendees are encouraged to bring drums or other percussion instruments to participate in a community drum circle.”

Earth Day at Fairchild Gardens

When and Where: April 22; 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; 10901 Old Cutler Rd Coral Gables. 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org/

What: “Celebrate Earth Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden! Enjoy Free Admission to the garden. Indulge the little ones in educational Kids’ Activities. Eat gourmet food from local food trucks gastroPod and MexZican Gourmet. Learn about local non-profit environmental organizations. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Books and Books present a special Earth Day book signing featuring author Joel M. Curxon presenting his book Light Fading: Reflections on the Imperiled Everglades at 3:00 p.m. in Garden House."

Earth Day Celebration at the Miami Children’s Museum

When and Where: April 22; 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m; 980 Macarthur Causeway, Miami, Florida 33132; http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

What: “Come and help the Miami Children's Museum celebrate Earth Day and learn what it means to be "green". Whether it's playing our conservation game or creating your own recycled art piece, learning about the environment will be fun and exciting.”

How Does Your Garden Grow?

When and Where: April 22; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Miami Children’s Museum, 980 Macarthur Causeway, Miami, Florida 33132; http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

What: One-Day Camp for Teacher’s Work Day (Public Schools) “Come spend the day at Miami Children's Museum, where you can play, learn, imagine and create. Camp is open for children ages 4-11. Register TODAY by calling 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 112.”

Miami Goin’ Green! Earth Day Festival

When and Where: April 23; 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd

What: “Over 100 exhibits including the Human Bike Blender-the most ecofriendly smoothie ever, Secure Shredding, Ekotik fashion show, live entertainment, free bike valet, and a solar powered Wii. Get educated with seminars and workshops at the Eco-Stage. Children can enjoy interactive experiments at the Miami Science Museum’s Mad Lab. Free.”

In honor of Earth Day and Tax Day 2011, a Reminder to Claim Your 2010 Residential Green Tax Credits

2011-04-14T09:03:00.000-04:00

Did you install a qualifying EnergyStar product (not all EnergyStar products qualify for a tax credit) from one of the following categories in your primary residence on or before December 31, 2010:

Non-solar Water Heater
Windows
Doors
Metal or asphalt roof
Insulation
Heating/Air conditioning
Biomass stoves
Geothermal heat pumps
Residential wind turbines
Solar energy systems
Residential fuel cells

If so, you may be eligible for a tax creditof up to 30% of the cost. You will need your purchase receipt and the “Manufacturer’s Certification Statement” from the manufacturer certifying that the product qualifies for the tax credit. (You need to keep these for your records but you do not need to submit them with your tax return). You will also need IRS form 5695. Visit EnergyStar.gov for more detailed information.

If you did not install EnergyStar products in 2010 or you have not exceeded the new lifetime limits, don’t worry. Many of the green tax credits have been extended until the end of 2011 or 2016.

And in Florida, qualifying solar water heaters, solar space heaters, photovoltaics, and solar pool heating equipment are all sales tax exempt under Florida HB805. For more details about what products qualify, Florida Solar Energy Center’s White Paper and Tax Information Publication TIP # 05A01-05 will help.

Track the Trends - Miami Dade County Single Family Housing

2011-04-05T12:28:00.002-04:00

It should not come as a surprise to anyone that foreclosures are still driving our Miami-Dade real estate market. But what is interesting to me is how many homeowners are still trying to sell their single family houses at prices far above what the market demands.

For the homes that are going under contract, the "days on market" aren't that bad. REO's (foreclosed property) are selling in an average of 70 days. Regular non-REO, non-short-sale listing are selling within an average of 105 days. Even the short sell listings are going under contract within an average of 154 days.

The difference is in pricing. REO properties are selling at an average of 97% of listed price, compared to 89% of list price for non-REO properties. This indicates that even for the homes that are selling, the original listed price was too high for the market and it slowed down the sale by an average of 33% compared to the fast moving REO sales.

Because of pricing, there is less than two months worth of inventory for the REO listings, compared to more than a year's worth of inventory for non-REO, non-short-sale listings. Too many home sellers are still trying to "test the market" instead of pricing the house to attract offers.

The good news is that the average "price per square foot" of the regular closed sales are substantially higher than either REO or short sale closings. Homeowners don't need to list their homes at rock bottom distressed sale price levels to attract a buyer. But we do need to be more realistic.

Single Family Housing (non-REO, non-short-sale)

Single Family Housing - REO

Single Family Housing - Short Sales

Next time: the condo market

April is National Water Conservation Month

2011-04-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

April is National Water Conservation month. This is particularly important in South Florida where we are experiencing the driest “dry season” in 80 years. What can we do to observe Water Conservation Month and to conserve water all year long?

First and most important, follow the emergency Water Shortage Order effective March 26th: “A two-day-a-week schedule for residential landscape irrigation throughout the District. Helping to relieve impacts on surface and groundwater sources, the order provides consistency for the District’s 7.7 million residents. It is also consistent with Florida’s neighboring water management districts and municipalities that are currently following a two-day watering schedule. Landscape irrigation accounts for half of all potable (drinking) water use in South Florida.” http://www.miamidade.gov/wasd/library/sfwmd_water_shortage.pdf

Exchange your standard showerhead for a high-efficiency water saving shower hear and reduce the water demand by at least 50%. It’s FREE! http://www.miamidade.gov/wasd/showerhead.asp

Replace your old toilet with a WaterSense-certified high-efficiency toilet (HET) and get up to a $50 rebate from Miami-Dade County. http://www.miamidade.gov/conservation/toilet_rebate.asp

Attend this month’s Rain Barrel Workshop on April 16 at Crandon Park starting at 1:00 p.m. The workshop is free and you can pre-register to purchase your own rain barrel for just $40. http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/environment/natural_resources.shtml

Get a FREE landscape irrigation evaluation and get rebates up to $400 per year (for a total of $1,200 per property) for recommended retrofits to make your irrigation system more water efficient. http://www.miamidade.gov/conservation/landscape_evaluation.asp

Participate in one of the many 2011 Baynanza events throughout Miami-Dade County. The annual Baynanza is a six-week calendar of clean-up days and environmental events that celebrate the Biscayne Bay and its surroundings. In addition to the famous Biscayne Bay Clean Up Day on April 16th, there are about 30 additional clean-up sites and many other events including a Bay Cruise on April 17 or an Eco Bike Tour on April 23, both at Deering Estates. http://www.miamidade.gov/derm/baynanza.asp

Let me know what you do for National Water Conservation Month!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2011-03-17T14:12:00.001-04:00

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Ecorazzi has presented "Ten Ways To Go Green On St. Patrick's Day"

Great tips for today and everyday:

In order to maximize fun and goodwill, read below for ten surefire ways to make St. Patrick’s Day crazy-green. (And then you can tell those haters pinching you for not wearing green that, in thought and execution, you are totally green all over.)

Check it out: http://www.ecorazzi.com/2011/03/14/ten-ways-to-go-green-on-st-patricks-day/ and have a great St. Patty's Day!

New Short Sale Disclosures From MARS

2011-03-15T12:57:00.000-04:00

No, not that Mars.

I am talking about the new short sale disclosure requirement that comes from the Federal Trade Commission's January 31st ruling on parts of the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS).

On February 23, the National Association of Realtors published a summary of the ruling and their recommendations in a report titled "New FTC Rule Requires Short Sale Disclosures" (log in required). NAR continues to work with the FTC to clarify whether the typical real estate brokerage office who is NOT specifically engaged in mortgage assistance relief service, but rather our normal business of listing and selling real estate, can best comply with these requirements without violating existing obligations under the listing agreements.

In the meantime, legal advisors for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC and most other reputable brokers have incorporated the MARS disclosures into our short sale addendums. Ours reads:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your Lender (or servicer). If you reject the offer, you do not have to pay us. If you accept the offer, you will have to pay us the amount provided for in your Listing Agreement and this Addendum for our services.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

I know that the idea of yet another new disclosure has a lot of people in the industry groaning, but I think the overall purpose is important. I have met with countless homeowners who have been taken by unscrupulous third party short sale negotiators. One family, in particular, called me after months of dealing with just such a company. They had paid this company several thousand dollars up front to help them negotiate a loan modification as they wanted to stay in their home if at all possible. They then, on the advice of this 'short sale negotiator', stopped paying their mortgage and instead put the money into the negotiator's escrow account. After several months, the company disappeared with their money, and they were in default on their mortgage.

The homeowners were in tears when we met, but saw no other way out than to have me list their home as a short sale. Long story made short, this family got a happy ending. After we submitted a short sale package and the bank finished their BPO, they reconsidered their earlier decision and offered to modify the existing loan so the homeowners could stay in their dream home.

True, I didn't get a commission or any other compensation for my part in this happy ending. I am a real estate agent - not a short sale negotiator. But I have the deep satisfaction of knowing I was able to help this family... and the three closed referrals since then have certainly been profitable!

The point, though, is that had the MARS requirements been in place and well publicized, this family and so many like them would not have been ripped off by opportunists. I think that it is in everyone's best interest to not only to comply with the disclosure requirement, but to also do everything we can to make sure the general public is aware of its provisions so they don't sign with a non-compliant company.

Melanie Dawn's Fav Five Green Businesses Serving Pinecrest Florida

2011-03-14T07:30:00.009-04:00

I am frequently asked to write guest articles for Coldwell Banker's "Insight Real Estate Blog" serving the Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Florida markets. My recurring feature, called "Hear the Eco," is about various green topics affecting the Miami-Dade real estate market.

In a recent four-part article, I wrote about my five favorite green businesses in or near the Village of Pinecrest. They are:

Evo's green fast food: 9537 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest
New Era Pest Control serving Pinecrest and all of Miami-Dade: 786-462-5912
Sudsies Drycleaner and Laundry (305-864-3279) / Dryeco Green Cleaners (877-7-Dryeco)
Staples: 9801 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest
Whole Foods Market: 11701 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest

For more details and links to these green businesses, visit the full article at Hear the Eco.

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Begins Tonight

2011-03-12T13:46:00.001-05:00

Magical “Mozart under the Moonlight” by Orchestra Miami at Pinecrest Gardens

2011-03-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is where it will become obvious that I am a real estate agent who writes as a hobby rather than a writer who knows how to use words to evoke properly the feeling of Wednesday night's “Mozart Under the Moonlight” performed by Orchestra Miami in the Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens.

Those of us who grew up visiting Parrot Jungle in this location will remember the geodesic amphitheater where the parrot shows were performed. The renovated amphitheater is a perfect venue for an outdoor orchestra performance. There are no "bad" seats and the tropical foliage behind the stage provided an organic green backdrop in an intimate setting.

We had beautiful balmy weather with just a hint of a breeze to keep the temperature ideal. The Banyan Bowl was filled with people, including many children. Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner and Vice Mayor Bob Ross attended, as did Pinecrest Facility Manager Jerry Kinsey. Alena Perez, Director of Pinecrest Gardens, was the Master of Ceremonies while caterers were on-site to serve wine and other beverages.

Most of the program selections were Mozart’s, but Conductor Elaine Rinaldi included a Samuel Barber piece called Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Op 24. Although the piece is about growing up in the American south during the first part of the century, as Rinaldi promised it seemed as if it was written for this night and this place. Susana Diaz’ lilting operatic voice was transcendent. Accompanied as it was by crickets and the rustling of the trees, I felt like the music was the tropical evening itself.

After intermission, we were treated to Brian Neal’s trumpet in “Prayer of St. Gregory, Op. 62b.” I have always loved the trumpet since listening to my cousin play when we were kids, and Brian Neal did not disappoint with his delightful performance. Even my daughter was entranced though I suspect his boyish good looks may have been equally responsible.

The concert concluded to a standing ovation, and I am hoping that Banyan Bowl concerts will be a regular feature at Pinecrest Gardens. There is something magical about an orchestra concert performed outside, and Wednesday night Orchestra Miami wove that magic magnificently.

EPA: Multi-Family Housing Near Public Transit is Greener. Melanie Dawn: And in Miami, it’s Beautiful, too!

2011-03-09T07:30:00.002-05:00

The EPA has just released a white paper confirming what most of us know intuitively: multi-family housing located near public transportation is generally “greener” than any other type of housing. Their graph tells the story very well:

It illustrates the two key points in the study about the relationship between housing style/location and energy consumption:

• “Choosing to live in an area with transportation options not only reduces energy consumption, it also can result in significant savings on home energy and transportation costs.”

• “Fairly substantial differences are seen in detached versus attached homes, but the most striking difference is the variation in energy use between single-family detached homes and multifamily homes, due to the inherent efficiencies from more compact size and shared walls among units.”

The EPA study also included a surprising correlation between proximity to public transportation and foreclosure rates:

“Location efficiency can contribute to or undermine a home’s affordability, and these impacts can also extend to a household’s financial stability. One analysis of some of the causes behind the U.S. financial crisis suggests that vehicle ownership and a lack of access to public transportation may be just as predictive of mortgage foreclosure rates as low credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios.”

In his 2010 book, “Foreclosing the Dream: How America's Housing Crisis is Changing Our Cities and Suburbs,” Dr. William Lucy, professor of urban and environmental planning at the University of Virginia School of Architecture, said much the same thing:

““Location is more important than ever, and how location is interpreted has changed," Lucy said.

With foreclosures and repossessions contributing to housing surplus predominantly in the outer suburbs and suburbs, these locations are not considered as being safe investments or as having good resale potential for 30- to 45-year-olds, who later need to sell for career advancement.”

Dr. Lucy and the EPA white paper also seem to be in agreement with other market studies that discuss the increasing demand for urban multi-family housing close to public transportation. The EPA study references a 2010 analysis completed by RCLCO and wrote, “that demographic changes are underway which are leading to rapid growth in the number of households without children. These households demonstrate a preference for more walkable, vibrant “urban” places with good transit access…”

In Miami we have been reading about this shift for several years now. In an October 2006 Miami Herald article by Elaine Walker, she talks to Allen and Stella Donelan about why they are moving to Downtown Dadeland:

“He also hates the hour-long commute to his U.S. Post Office job -- he will cut that by two-thirds. With the Metrorail virtually next door, the Donelans plan to get rid of their second car.”

Multi-family housing located in “walkable” neighborhoods near public transportation and other amenities allows residents to save on transportation and other energy costs while living green.

And in Miami this means living on some of the most beautiful real estate anywhere in the country. The corridor from the northern edge of Downtown Miami, through Brickell, Coconut Grove, South Miami and Downtown Kendall/Dadeland boasts mid- and high-rise condominiums with Biscayne Bay views as well as attached and detached homes in tropical garden settings.

Search for Your Slice of Paradise

Short Sale and Foreclosure Listings Down in My Miami

2011-03-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

Today in my geographic market - which runs from the northern edge of Downtown Miami, through Brickell, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Downtown Kendall & Dadeland, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay – there are currently 2964 condominiums and townhouses listed for sale on the MLS. Of those, 480 are listed as Short Sales and another 72 as “REO’s” (or bank-owned/foreclosure property). This represents just 19% of the market, which is both surprising and encouraging. That is substantially less than the 37% nationwide in January, as reported by Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors. Anecdotally, agents in my office are also reporting that more of their listings are for traditional sellers – owner-occupied with equity.

But with 46% of Florida homeowners “under water” with their mortgages, and nearly one of every four foreclosures in the country still occurring in Florida, is the improvement in my real estate market a sign of improvement… or a lull in the storm?

What do you think? If you are a property owner, prospective buyer, or real estate professional in my geographic area – or even if you are not - I’d love to hear your opinion on these statistics.

9th Annual "Taste of Pinecrest" to Benefit Public Schools - Sunday, March 6 from 11:00 - 5:00

2011-03-05T14:59:00.002-05:00

Join the Pinecrest Business Association, local sponsors, friends, neighbors and me at the Taste of Pinecrest festival tomorrow at Pinecrest Gardens. Back for its ninth year, the festival will feature children's rides and activities, music and dance performances by local school groups, a student art show and, of course, delicious food from 20 Pinecrest-area restaurants. There will also be a raffle with excellent prizes.

All proceeds from the festival benefit the five Pinecrest area public schools: Palmetto Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary, Howard Drive Elementary, Palmetto Middle and Miami Palmetto Sr. High.

When: Sunday, March 6, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 SW 57 Av

Free entry and parking

FREE Performance by the Miami City Ballet: 'Ballet for Young People'

2011-02-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

As my favorite real estate mentor, Deborah Boza-Valledor, always says: "Free is good!" And on Saturday, February 12, at 2:00 p.m., the Miami City Ballet and Miami City Ballet School students are offering another FREE performance as part of their "Ballet for Young People" program.

Two ballets will be performed at the Adrienne Arsht Center Ziff Ballet Opera House in Midtown Miami. Opening with Edward Villella’s Harlequin (A Patchwork of Love) "the story of a costume-less Harlequin who manages to get a lavish costume designed, piece-by-piece, through the contributions of those who love him. It’s the sparkling finale from Harlequin that will be performed entirely by students from the prestigious Miami City Ballet School." This will be followed by George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony performed by world famous company dancers of the Miami City Ballet.

This is a completely free event. Complimentary tickets are available in person only at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office. For more information call 305.949.6722 or go online to http://www.arshtcenter.org/.

Miami City Ballet at the Adrienne Arsht Center
Ziff Ballet Opera House
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
305.949.6722
http://www.arshtcenter.org/

I hope to see you there!

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC and a member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter. She is a designated Eco-Broker and holds her level one Green Leadership (GCREP-GL) certificate among many other certifications and awards.

Top Ren Reasons to Install a Metal Roof - Even in Florida

2011-02-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

A metal roof in South Florida may seem counter-intuitive. Under our summer sun, metal gets hot enough to cook an egg, right? But a metal roof actually reflects over 65% of the solar rays compared to only about 25% for asphalt shingle. And coated metal roofing also has a high degree of "thermal emittance," which in plain English means they cool off fast. So here are the first of my top ten reasons to consider a metal roof in South Florida:

1. SAVE MONEY ON YOUR UTILITY BILLS: An Oak Ridge National Laboratory study reports that a metal roof can save homeowners up to 40 percent in summer cooling costs. EnergyStar.gov estimates that an ENERGY STAR rated metal roof can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent.

2. REBATES AND TAX CREDITS: Through the end of 2011, installing a metal roof qualifies for a 10% credit (up to $500) on the cost of the roofing materials. FPL offers a $0.45 per square foot rebate for qualifying metal roofs.

3. DURABILITY: Metal roofs can last well over 50 if properly maintained, and most manufacturers provide transferable warranties of at least 20 years. Metal roofing is resistant to fire, mildew, insects and rot.

4. SAFETY: Most metal roofs are rated to withstand hurricane winds of 110 mph to 130 mph winds - an important consideration in South Florida. Metal roofs are also fire and hail resistant, and many manufactures include fire, hail and wind protection guaranties.

5. REDUCE YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS: Homeowner’s insurance companies in at least 20 states (including Florida) provide wind, fire &/or impact discounts ranging from 18% to 35% off annual premiums.

6. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Most metal roofing manufacturers use a minimum of 25% recycled content, and 98% of the finished product is recyclable. Asphalt shingles, by contrast, often contain asbestos which prohibits recycling under federal law. For new construction, a metal roof qualifies for credit towards LEED certification.

7. LIGHT WEIGHT: Metal roofing weighs as much as 75% less than slate, clay or concrete roofing, and approximately one-third less than asphalt shingle. This means homeowners will not be faced with additional structural requirements as can happen when switching to tile roofs; and your contractor may even recommend downsizing existing roof support.

8. BETTER INSTALLATION PROCESS: Metal roofs can be installed quicker than most other roofing systems, and can even be installed directly over the old asphalt roof. A metal roof is ideal for the minimally pitched roofs found on the MiMo style homes found in South Florida.

9. VARIETY OF COLORS AND STYLES: In addition to the classic standing seam style, metal roofs are now manufactured to look like regular shingles, barrel tile or even cedar shake. (See the photo above) So whatever style your home is, you can find a metal roofing style to compliment it.

10. INCREASE YOUR HOME’S RE-SALE VALUE: According to the 2005 "Residential Cost Handbook," the appraised value of a home increases by $1.35 per square foot when a metal roof is installed. "Remodeling Magazine" reports that homes renovated with metal roofing gain between 1% to 6% in resale value over homes with asphalt roofing. It makes sense considering the long term transferable warranties, long life of the roofing system, lower maintenance costs and the substantial energy savings. A quality metal roof brings added beauty and value to your home that you and your future buyer will enjoy!

Visit my website at http://www.melaniesellsmiami.com/ for more information about green real estate in Miami.

Five Reasons to Compost in Miami-Dade

2011-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

1. Composting is easy! As easy as throwing away your garbage, in fact. Simply separate compostable garbage into a separate bin.

2. Composting is saves money! Compost doesn’t require any fancy equipment, but it will save you money by reducing what you spend for fertilizers and potting soils.

3. Composting is good for your garden! Gardens that are composted produce more fruits, vegetables and flowers; and compost contains no petroleum products the way most commercial fertilizers do.

4. Composting is good for the planet! The EPA estimates that about 25% of your household waste is yard trimmings, vegetable scraps and other compostable items. Composting helps reduce our local landfills and emissions from the incinerator plants.

5. Composting is FREE! Compost workshops are being offered by Miami-Dade County, in cooperation with the University of Florida, and taught by a Master Gardener.

Learn how to start and maintain a compost pile to turn your yard waste and food scraps into rich soil this Saturday, February 5th, from 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. at the Coral Gables Farmers Market located at 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. For more information, contact Lize Luna at 305-248-3311 ext. 242 or Barbara McAdam at ext. 245 or email Barbara at bmcadam@ufl.edu.
A rain barrel workshop immediately follows from 1:00 – 2:00. The rain barrel workshop is free, plus Miami-Dade residents will have an opportunity to purchase a rain barrel for $40. The event also includes a showerhead and light bulb exchange courtesy of Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. For more information, contact Lize Luna at 305-248-3311 ext. 242 or Barbara McAdam at ext. 245 or email Barbara at bmcadam@ufl.edu.

And for more information about real estate and environmental issues in Miami-Dade, visit my web page at http://www.melaniesellsmiami.com/

The Green Giant - Can a 10,000 Square Foot Home Be "Green"?

2010-12-13T09:07:00.001-05:00

There is a green controversy brewing in Berkeley, California. Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Development Corp and an international philanthropist, wants to build a 10,000-square-foot house complete with a 10-car garage. Under Berkeley's current green point system the house would qualify for Berkeley's "green" designation despite its size, and that has neighbors and local environmentalists upset.

According to the New York Times: Berkeley’s green point system was developed by a nonprofit group called Built It Green and adopted by the city government. Items on the checklist include: tightly seal the air barrier between the garage and living area; insulate hot water pipes; use Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood; use paint low in volatile organic compounds. About 70 local governments in California have ordinances based on the Build It Green checklist, according to Bruce Mast, an executive of the organization.

The article also correctly notes that the United States Green Building Council's LEED program does reduce points for larger than average homes. Those points must then be regained with additional "green" features and building practices in order to achieve a LEED designation.

While virtually everyone agrees that smaller footprint homes are better for our environment, not everyone is going to give up their large luxury homes - nor do I think they should have to. Those who can afford to build a luxury home are also the people who can best afford to include cutting edge "green" materials and techniques, which will in turn benefit all green building at all price levels. We should continue to encourage this type of "green" investment with a sensible point system like the LEED program that addresses the size of the home as well as the sustainability of its design.

Neighbors Susan and Chuck Fadley were quoted in the article as saying that “green building begins with using ‘just enough’ and preserving what already exists. Clearly the idea of ‘just enough’ is not part of the design concept.” And as an ideal, I agree. But in our idealism, we must not make this or any aspect of sustainable living seem so austere that its achievement feels like a punishment. A luxury home that is also a genuinely "green" home should be showcased because it allows the general public to see that "green building" doesn't just mean living in a yurt anymore.

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC and a member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter. She is a designated Eco-Broker and holds her level one Green Leadership (GCREP-GL) certificate among many other certifications and awards.

Be Sure to Visit Deering Estate's Winter Wonderland this Month

2010-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Deering Estate at Cutler has always been one of my favorite places to visit in Miami, Florida; and Deering Estate during their December Winter Wonderland is the very best. Between our wonderful Florida weather during the month and the stunning beauty of this historic property all dressed up for the holidays, it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Open daily, December 1-31, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (ticket office closes at 4:00 pm).

From their website: Throughout December, visitors can tour the elegant and historic houses as they come alive with holiday accents and decorations created by the District XII Garden Clubs, the Palmetto Bay Garden Club, the Coconut Grove Garden Club, Mega Flowers Miami, J.R.E. Lee Opportunity School, the Florida Association of Family and Consumer Sciences - District J, and Venturing Crew 314. The garden club members, students, and teachers have used over 600 yards of ribbon, 900 feet of garland, and thousands of handmade ornaments of various themes to decorate the Richmond Cottage and Stone House. Guests can explore the beautifully landscaped main grounds and historic buildings at their own leisure or they can enjoy one of the Estate’s guided house tours held daily at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm. Tours of the natural areas are also held daily at 12:30 pm. Tours of the historic buildings and natural areas are offered by one of the Estate’s Interpretive and Education staff members and are free with admission.

The holiday decorating effort is an annual tradition and is a special project of the District XII Garden Clubs, which includes 26 branches in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. and the Deering Estate at Cutler would like to thank the District XII Garden Clubs, the Palmetto Bay Garden Club, the Coconut Grove Garden Club, Mega Flowers Miami, J.R.E. Lee Opportunity School 4-H, the Florida Association of Family and Consumer Sciences - District J, and Venturing Crew 314 for their efforts in decorating the Estate for the holidays

Deering Estate's Tree Lighting Ceremony Tonight at 7:00 p.m.

2010-12-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

Kick off the holiday season at the beautiful Deering Estate at Cutler for their fouth annual tree lighting ceremony in the Stone House ballroom. Enjoy your favorite holiday music as performed by the Yuletide Carolers.

$12 for adults and $7 for children (ages 4-14). Free for Foundation Members. Location: Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Avenue, Miami, FL

Realtors(R) Help Consumers Understand the Value of Green

2010-11-10T13:03:00.000-05:00

As a member of the US Green Building Council and one of the few designated Eco-Brokers in the South Florida area, I have been an advocate for "green building" for many years. And while I wear my "tree-hugger" label proudly, for most of us our first priorities when buying a home or leasing an office space are cost and comfort. For too many years, "green building" was viewed as an expensive, slightly quirky, niche market. I am glad to see the growing awareness that green saves green.

Increasingly, green building practices are associated with cutting energy costs and saving money, and a growing number of home buyers are looking for these features. According to the 2010 National Association of Realtors® Home Buyer and Seller Profile, 88 percent of recent home buyers considered a home's heating and cooling costs important in their home search.

"Many of today's consumers want homes and communities that are sensitive to the larger environment, but in today's economy, they're also cost-conscious, and energy-efficient home features appeal to these buyers," said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz. "As green building issues become more important to buyers, sellers and businesses, more and more Realtors® are bringing value to the real estate transaction by developing green business practices."

Realtors(R) Help Consumers Understand the Value of Green

Key Biscayne Home Values - How Do They Compare to the Rest of Miami-Dade County

2010-10-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week I had a conversation with a fellow Realtor. He was lamenting the decreasing home values on Key Biscayne. I replied that Key Biscayne was fortunate that their depreciation has not been as severe as Miami-Dade County in general. He argued that sales prices had indeed dropped at a similar rate as the rest of the county.

So back at my office, I pulled up the data from our local Multiple Listing Service using Trendgraphix. The graphs show the "per square foot" prices for the selected areas over the past five years, and the percentage change in that time period.

First I looked at Miami-Dade County overall:

And then I selected zip code 33149 for the island of Key Biscayne:

Note that the average depreciation for Miami-Dade County over the last 5 years has been 43.7%. In contrast, Key Biscayne has depreciated by only 13.3% in that same time period.

I don't like to contradict my fellow Realtors, but this is why I was rather surprised by the other agent’s comments. Yes, Key Biscayne certainly has depreciated. Property values in most of the nation have. But I think the islanders can take comfort in the fact that they are doing substantially better in holding on to the value of their homes than homeowners in the rest of Miami-Dade County.

I did notice, though, that Key Biscayne still has a lot of unsold inventory. It is averaging about 22 months this year; somewhat higher than the county average of 11 months. Typically we consider six month’s of available inventory to be a "stable" market. As such, Key Biscayne (and Miami-Dade County in general) will likely see additional price adjustments before we achieve stability again.

If you would like to receive a similar report for your zip code or folio area, please call me at 305-801-3133 or email me at Melanie.Wood@FloridaMoves.com.

Park(ing) Day in Coconut Grove This Friday

2010-09-15T09:00:00.040-04:00

The US Green Building Council's South Florida Chapter Emerging Professionals will be participating in this Friday's "Park(ing) Day," a worldwide event that inspires city dwellers everywhere to transform metered parking spots into temporary parks. Started in 2005, Park(ing) Day is a way to draw attention to the need for more public parks in urban areas. This year's local event is scheduled to take place between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along McFarlane Road in Coconut Grove. Donations and support will be provided by Pie Studio, Home Depot, AFH, the City of Miami, Coconut Grove community organizers, the NET, the BID and the Miami Parking Authority. The MPA has designated 10 metered parking spaces along McFarlane Road which will be transformed into temporary urban parks for the day. Commissioners Sarnoff and Suarez are scheduled to appear, and the public is invited to attend.

USGBC Emerging Professionals "are the energetic and dynamic leaders of tomorrow’s green building movement. The program is geared toward individuals out of school and under 30, but does not exclude anyone who may be interested. USGBC Emerging Professionals seek to engage all those who are interested in learning about and advocating for sustainable building practices. So who are Emerging Professionals? Certainly many are young architects and engineers, but they also include young lawyers, education and healthcare professionals, sustainability consultants, and anyone else interested in the future of green building."

6 Big Hits to Your Credit Score

2010-09-10T16:45:00.000-04:00

In the real estate business I often hear people asking how short sales, foreclosures or late payments affect their credit score. USAA recently published an excellent article helps answer that question:

Here's a look at six top credit score zappers and their average hits to your score based on data compiled by Fair Isaac Corp., which developed FICO scores, and VantageScore, the scoring model used by three of the major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.

1. Bankruptcy: 165 to 365 points, depending on number of delinquent accounts and your score when it's reported. Scoring models usually give the most weight to payment history, and bankruptcy is included in that category.

2. Foreclosure: 105 to 160 points.

3. Short sale mortgage A lower sales price than outstanding balance was negotiated, but a delinquency was reported: 115-140 points.

4. Settling a credit card debt for less than is owed: 65 to 125 points.

5. 30-days late on a payment: 60 to 110 points.

6. Maxing out a credit card: 10 to 45 points.

For the full article, visit USAA.com. (BTW, USAA is now available to non-military members.)

Internation Ballet Festival of Miami - Aug 27 - Sep 12

2010-08-23T11:06:00.002-04:00

You don't want to miss the 15th Anniversary of the International Ballet Festival of Miami starting this Friday and running through September 12th. The national acclaimed festival features dance companies from all over the world. Participating companies this year are:

Arena di Verona Ballet, Italy; American Ballet Theater, USA; Alberta Ballet, Canada; Australian Ballet, Australia; Ballet Estable Teatro Colon, Argentina; Ballet do Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janiero, Brazil; Balletto Teatro de Torino, Italy; Balleteatro Nacional de Puerto Rico; Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami; Compania Nacional de Danza Nacho Duato, Spain; Compañía Nacional de Danza, Mexico; English National Ballet, England; Hungarian National Ballet, Hungary; National Ballet of Canada; New York City Ballet, USA; Stuttgart Ballet, Germany; and Vienna State Opera Ballet, Austria.

In addition to the dance performances, events will include dance workshops with guest instructors from the international dance companies, seminars, a fundraiser and the official poster unveiling.

For more information, contact the International Ballet Festival of Miami at 305.549.7711 or visit their website at www.internationalballetfestival.org

'News From Sebastian Eilert Architecture, Inc'

2010-08-10T12:34:00.001-04:00

Every month I look forward to reading Sebastian Eilert's newletter to keep up to date on his latest LEED projects in South Florida. Sebastian, a local architect with international training and experience, is dedicated to sustainable architecture. From his website:

With S.E.A. as part of your project team, spaces will be better, healthier and have economic saving, in energy, water, and resources, which also reduce the burden on this planet. S.E.A. helps to set yourself apart as a leader in your community and to know that you are doing the right thing!

And this month from his newsletter:

Eurohabitat "Living Tetris" project has gone through some changes since its
first submittal for permit and is ready to move forward. The now smaller house
still features cutting edge design including a unique custom pool and native as
well as regionally appropriate landscaping designed by Southern Blossoms. Some
of the more hidden features include a manifold plumbing system, high efficient
water fixtures and appliances and LED lighting. The house is PV ready. The team
and the Village are excited to see the first LEED certified home for the Village
of Pinecrest start construction soon...

Nearing construction completion is the Glantz remodel at The Balmoral in Bal Harbour. The renovation of a spectacular corner unit added a bedroom and updated the kitchen and master suite. Lookout for a picture of the month from this amazing project in a future newsletter.

The GSA Trades Shop Facility, the first LEED Silver certified project for Miami Dade County. We are eagerly awaiting comments from the USGBC.

Design on the Pinecrest Gardens lower Bathroom project has been completed and SEA has moved to the construction document phase detailing the structure and the water filter system that will be installed instead of traditional sewer system. SEA is proud to team up with New Orleans based FuturProof.

The LEED H M+M LEED Homes residence by Upstairs Studio in Coconut Grove has been awarded the AIA award and is already a Energy Star home. The LEED certification is eagerly awaited by the team.

'News From Sebastian Eilert Architecture, Inc'

Do You Need Help With Your Down-payment & Closing Costs?

2010-08-06T15:27:00.003-04:00

Since 1995, the Miami Dade Economic Advocacy Trust has assisted homebuyers who are qualified for any of a variety of fixed-rate loan programs by providing up to $7,500 (or 4% of the purchase price, whichever is less) towards the down-payment and/or closing costs on the purchase of a Miami-Dade County home. Funds are available on as “as-needed basis” in the form of a zero interest zero payment loan, and if the buyer lives in the property for at least 10 years, the entire loan is forgiven.

The program is available to low-to-moderate income buyers. A family of four can earn up to $98,420 while a single person can earn up to $69,020. Buyers with low to median income according to the guidelines will need to contribute 1% of the purchase price, while moderate to moderate/middle income earners will contribute 3%. These buyer contributions may come from other assistance programs.

The buyer must not own any real property within the past three years, and must be a current resident of Miami-Dade County. There is an exception to the “three year rule” for the “displaced spouse” in a divorce situation.

Eligible properties include single-family homes, town homes and condominiums up to a $423,750 purchase price. The property must be immediately livable, so 203(k) or FannieMae Rehab qualified properties are not allowed.

Each buyer is required to attend a 6–8 hour Home Education Seminar that will include information about this and other assistance programs. In addition, a buyer must use a MMAP-HAP approved lender, title agent and real estate agent. These professionals have been trained by the Administrator of the program to ensure that we are guiding you through the process correctly.

Be sure to call me (your APPROVED MMAP-HAP real estate agent) for more detailed information about the Miami-Dade County Homeowner Assistance Program. Funds are available right now to help you fulfill your American Dream of Homeownership.

Giants in the City!

2010-08-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

Don't miss the Giants in the City art exhibit at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden this week. The exhibit includes 25 giant-sized sculptures by artists Edouard Duval-Carrié, Angel Vapor, Yovani Bauta, Gisela Savdie, Nicolas Leiva, Sergio Garcia, Miguel Rodez, Mariano Costa-Peuser, Gino Tozzi, Leonel Matheu, Pablo Laucerica, Joel Erland+ Kate Kama, Maki Hashizume, Lucinda Linderman, Noor Blazekovic, Karen Starosta-Gilinski, Ramon Williams, Miguel Fleitas, Jose Bedia, lejandro Mendoza,Gustavo Acosta, Thomas Esson, Frank Hyder, Anjja Marais and Othon Castañeda. The Giants in the City public art project was founded and curated by Alejandro Mendoza and co-sponsored by Irreversible Magazine.

Giant Family Day: Tuesday, August 3 from 10AM to Noon includes arts and craft projects for youngsters, tours and interactive performances with the giant sculptures.

Giant Party: Closing celebration on Friday, August 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. with music and refreshments.

For more information, visit http://www.giantsinthecity.com/. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is located at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. http://www.mbgarden.org/

Better Late Than Never! Congress Passes Extension for Homebuyer Tax Credit & National Flood Insurance Program

2010-07-02T12:40:00.001-04:00

Congress burned the midnight oil the night of June 30th, but they finally passed extensions for the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); through September 30, 2010.

The Homebuyer Tax Credit extension for the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623) applies only to transactions that have been under contract on or before April 30, 2010 but have not yet closed. President Obama still needs to sign the bill into law, but the extension will be retroactive to June 30th so there will be no gap for closing taking place in these early days of July.

Likewise the National Flood Insurance Program bill is retroactive and will cover the lapse period from June 1, 2010, to the date the law is formally enacted.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) worked closely with Congressional leaders to get both of these much needed bills passed, and NAR will continue to work with Congress on the full NFIP Reform bill. In the meantime, HAPPY CLOSINGS!

National Flood Insurance Program Expires Just as Hurricane Season Begins

2010-05-31T17:29:00.002-04:00

According to the advisory issued by FEMA on May 28th:

The NFIP will not be reauthorized by Congress by midnight of May 31, 2010. Therefore, the Program will experience a hiatus – a period without authority to:
issue new policies for which application and premium payment dates are on or after June 1, 2010, or
issue increased coverage on existing policies for which endorsement and premium payment dates are on or after June 1, 2010, or
issue renewal policies for which the renewal premium is received by the company on or after June 1, 2010, and after the end of the 30-day renewal grace period, until Congress reauthorizes the Program.

David Sampson, president and CEO of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) comments, “Congress has once again failed to extend the National Flood Insurance Program. The flood program will expire on Monday, leaving homeowners vulnerable at a critical time and adding more uncertainty to the real estate market.”

So what are our options right now?

If a buyer has not obtained their flood insurance binder before May 31, 2010, it may be possible to assume the seller’s existing flood insurance policy. The seller must have coverage and will have to transfer it in writing. The annual premium will also need to be pro-rated between buyer & seller at closing, but according to FEMA:

A property owner's flood insurance building policy may be assigned in writing to a purchaser of the insured property upon transfer of title without the written consent of the NFIP.

The Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County reports that it may also be possible to secure flood insurance through a private company such as Lloyd's of London or AIG; however this will be an expensive option for most home buyers.

During the last hiatus this past April, FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continued “to insure single family mortgages on homes where flood insurance is normally required but was not secured during a lapse in flood insurance coverage authority.” The lenders had to have a copy of the flood insurance policy application on file and the buyers paid premiums at or before closing, and once Congress re-authorized the flood insurance program, FEMA approved the pending applications retroactively. Reported, not all lenders were willing to fund the loans based on these agencies' guidelines, so check with your lender about your specific situation.

In any case, Congress returns to work on June 7th. Hopefully, renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program will be at the top of their to-do list.

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC, is a member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter and a designated Eco-Broker. She also holds multiple certifications as a Relocation Specialist and currently specializes in Short Sales. For more information about Miami real estate, don’t hesitate to call or text 305-801-3133 or visit www.MelanieDawn.net.

Marine Mammal Conservancy’s Fourth Annual Golf Tournament – April 18, 2010 - Keys Gate Golf Course in Homestead, Florida

2010-04-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Marine Mammal Conservancy organization invites you to enjoy a day of golf, good food and fun on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the Keys Gate Golf Course in Homestead, Florida. The fundraising event will include a delicious BBQ lunch followed by the golf tournament. The winning foursome will receive a dinner for 8 at CJ’s Crab Shack on South Beach. For additional information, contact Bob Christian at (305)389-3133.

As one of the volunteers participating in the months’ long rescue and rehabilitation of the Rough-Toothed Dolphins after their mass stranding in March 2005, I can personally attest to the wonderful work done by Marine Mammal Conservancy.

You can contribute to The Marine Mammal Conservancy’s important work with dolphins and whales in a variety of ways, from a one time donation in any amount to a major contribution to our Capital Campaign accompanied by the naming right to a research or educational building on the MMC campus. We also offer memberships in our Pod Partner Program, our “Adopt a Dolphin Program”, engraved bricks in our Pavilion and campus walkways, and many other ways to contribute to our work in the rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins and whales, education about marine mammals, research on marine mammals and the oceans and waters they inhabit, and the preservation of our natural environment through sustainable engineering, design, and construction of our permanent facilities.

Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC) is committed to protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats through Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release and Education. MMC a US Internal Revenue Service designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation located on a three-acre lot on the Gulf coast of Key Largo, Florida. MMC is a volunteer based organization that encourages the public to participate in the efforts to conserve and protect marine mammals and our oceans. The Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc is authorized under a Stranding Agreement with the US National Marine Fisheries Service to respond, rescue, transport, and rehabilitates stranded and injured marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC, is a member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter and a designated Eco-Broker. She also holds multiple certifications as a Relocation Specialist and currently specializes in Short Sales. For more information about Miami real estate, don’t hesitate to call or text 305-801-3133 or visit http://www.melaniedawn.net/.

Hey Miami Students! "Get Your Green On" - Enter Miami-Dade's video contest

2010-04-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

April is Water Conservation Month in Florida and Miami-Dade County wants you to “Get Your Green On!” The contest is open to all Miami-Dade County high school students. Create an original Public Service Announcement showcasing environmentally sustainable activities and your commercial could air at movie theaters across the County.

Every student who enters will receive a free "Use Less" T-shirt and the winning entry will be played in movie theaters across the county. Videos should be 24 seconds in length and feature only original material. Topics and ideas for your video can be found at green.miamidade.gov. All videos will be posted on YouTube for a one week period from noon on May 10th to noon on May 17th. During this period, the top ten videos with the most views will go on to be judged by the panel. After review of the videos, the winner will be announced. From Miami-Dade County:

All entries must be submitted no later than April 30, 2010. Visit MiamiDade.gov for entry forms and details.

The judging panel will consist of three members, with a mixture of professionals with backgrounds in sustainable living, design and/or television production. The judges will meet for a one day period to review the entries. Using the Video Judging Form, each judge will evaluate the posters on the following criteria:

Sustainable Living Message (50 points) - Does the video convey the theme's message clearly and link to the sustainable living subject?

Visual Effectiveness (30 points) - How does the video relay the message and does it require you to take action? Will you remember the video next year? Is it creative?

Universal Appeal (10 points) - Regardless of age, language or educational level, everyone should be able to understand the message. Does it appeal to the general population or a large audience?

Originality (10 points) - Artistic Expression.

Come on Miami… Get Your Green On!

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC, is a member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter and a designated Eco-Broker. She also holds her level one Green Leadership (GCREP-GL) certificate among many other certifications and awards. For more information about Miami real estate, call/text Melanie Dawn at 305-801-3133 or visit her website at http://www.melaniedawn.net/.

"The Art of Sustainable Luxury"

2010-04-01T19:57:00.005-04:00

“The Art of Sustainable Luxury” was how the event was billed and on March 25th I was privileged to tour the first LEED for Homes Silver Certified Luxury Residence in Miami-Dade County. What this magnificent 5200 square foot waterfront home shows is that luxury does not need to be sacrificed to low-impact sustainable living.

When the owners first discovered the land parcel for their future home many years ago, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System) for Homes was still being developed. But by the time they acquired the property, the owners knew they wanted to integrate energy efficiency and environmentally sound elements into their home’s striking design. To help them achieve their goal, they partnered with KZ Architecture; Bell-Aqui, Inc landscape architects; Arbab Engineering, Inc; LNI Engineering; Gary G. Bloom PE civil engineer; and Alejandro Vargas at Visual Lighting. And to supervise the various certifications, the team brought in Gary Shlifer of Green Building Florida; Banks Clark of Environment, Safety and Health LC; and Eric Martin of Florida Solar Energy Center.

In addition to creating a home of breath-taking beauty, the team achieved an impressive set of green certifications:

• LEED for Homes Silver with 78 points
• FGBC Green Home Standard Gold 184 Points
• Energy Star for Homes HERS 72
• Florida Yards & Neighborhoods 226 Points

One of my favorite features of the home is the rainwater harvesting system with a 2500 gallon cistern located under the house and 83% of the roof area dedicated to rainwater capture. The system provides approximately 80% of their annual irrigation needs. Ninety two percent of the home’s finishes (paints, adhesives, etc) were no VOC (Volatile organic compounds) and the home was built with a wood-free insect resistant structure. In Florida, with our termites, carpenter ants and humidity, wood-free construction seems like such an obvious choice, doesn’t it?

The list of sustainable elements incorporated into this home was several pages long and included everything from dual-flush toilets to an exterior ceramic coating that insulates the home the way ceramic tiles insulates the space shuttle for re-entry. With all of the amazing attention to detail, the homeowners will realize almost 30% improved energy efficiency over similar new construction homes built to Florida Code in the same time period. In addition, they diverted 88% of the construction waste away from our landfills. Without a doubt, this home provides a model for what other luxury home developers and owners can accomplish.

For more information and photos of the home, visit KZ Architecture online. And for more information about Miami real estate, don’t hesitate to give me a call at 305-801-3133 or visit my website at http://www.melaniedawn.net.

Melanie Dawn Molina Wood, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC, is a proud member of the US Green Building Council – South Florida Chapter and a designated Eco-Broker. She also holds her level one Green Leadership (GCREP-GL) certificate among many other certifications and awards.

Free Trees This Saturday

2008-09-09T23:41:00.000-04:00

Miami-Dade's 2008 Adopt-a-Tree program is giving away trees this Saturday, September 13, in Homestead.

From MiamiDade.gov: Summer is almost over and the final event of the 2008 Adopt-a-Tree season is here! This is the last chance in 2008 for eligible Miami-Dade residents to adopt their two FREE trees courtesy of the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM). The event will be this Saturday, September 13th from 9 am 'till noon at the Harris Field Barn Pavilion in Homestead, 1024 NE 8 Street (Exit #2 off the Florida's Turnpike). Choose from a variety of fruit trees such as Avocado, Sugar Apple and Jackfruit, and shade trees such as Inkwood, Jamaican Dogwood, and Lancepod to plant in your home.

All Miami-Dade homeowners can "adopt" two free trees per year, so do something great for our environment while adding value to your home... Adopt-a-Tree this Saturday.

2008-07-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows that switching out your light bulbs to CFL saves money, but many people are concerned about the mercury in them.

According to John Balbus, M.D., Chief Health Officer at Environmental Defense, CFLs contain less mercury than was in the old-fashioned mercury thermometers. And even broken, he says the exposure rate is about equivalent to a "can or two" of tuna fish.

In addition, when compared to the total life cycle of incandescent bulbs, from production to the amount of energy from a coal-burning plant needed to power the bulb over its life, CFLs are responsible for far less mercury in our environment. According to Popular Mechanics:

Approximately 0.0234 mg of mercury—plus carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide—releases into the air per 1 kwh of electricity that a coal-fired power plant generates. Over the 7500-hour average range of one CFL, then, a plant will emit 13.16 mg of mercury to sustain a 75-watt incandescent bulb but only 3.51 mg of mercury to sustain a 20-watt CFL (the lightning equivalent of a 75-watt traditional bulb). Even if the mercury contained in a CFL was directly released into the atmosphere, an incandescent would still contribute 4.65 more milligrams of mercury into the environment over its lifetime.

But even if there is less mercury used in the total production, the CFLs do have a small amount mercury inside each bulb. Clearly, we want to avoid throwing spent bulbs into the regular garbage where they can easily break and end up in our landfills. Yet it can be inconvenient to collect the used bulbs for delivery to Miami-Dade’s Home Chemical disposal sites.

This is why Ikea and Home Depot have set up light bulb recycle programs in their stores. Home Depot just rolled out their program nationally last month. From their press release:

The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, today expanded its long-term commitment to the environment and sustainability by launching a national in-store, consumer compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb recycling program at all 1,973 The Home Depot locations. This free service is the first such offering made so widely available by a retailer in the United States and
offers customers additional options for making environmentally conscious
decisions from purchase to disposal.

IKEA, the popular home furnishings store, also offers free recycling of your spent CFLs:

Bring your used mercury containing light bulbs to the IKEA store for free
disposal. Since our CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, they should
not be simply tossed out. IKEA offers the perfect solution: a ‘Free Take
Back’ program offering recycle bins in all IKEA stores. Or for lamp disposal
information for your state, please go to www.lamprecycle.org to obtain more
information.

Industries have been recycling mercury for years. Now with Home Depot and Ikea’s help, consumers can too. And we can all make the switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs with less worry about mercury in our environment.

30% Appreciation in South Florida Real Estate in Five Years

2008-06-16T09:34:00.000-04:00

That is the prediction from Lawrence Yun, chief economist with the National Association of Realtors. Speaking at the 2008 Real Estate Congress & Expo in Coral Gables, Yun said

''Looking out five years from now, the Miami region is in a position to gain strongly among some of the wealthy baby boomers in the United States who are retiring."

He also commented that there is a pent up buyer demand, particularly from foreign investors, and that our region has started to stabilize. The Miami Herald published an in-depth article that I highly recommend. What I found interesting, though, were the negative comments to the article and to Lawrence Yun's forecast.

In March of this year, I attended a seminar given by Dr. Henry Fishkind. Dr. Fishkind is a well respected Florida economist who served on Governor's Bush's Council of Economic Advisors from 2001 - 2003. He too spoke about pent up buyer demand and many of the same positive indicators as Lawrence Yun. Dr. Fishkind also predicts that 2008 is the year our real estate market will bottom out. Population growth (yes, we are still growing) and other factors will deplete housing inventory over the next few years, and we will again see home values appreciating.

The bottom line, in my opinion, is that what goes down will come back up. During the boom years, I shook my head in puzzlement at the prevelant attitude that the housing appreciation was endless. Today, it appears that the same people seem to believe the depreciation will last forever, too. It won't.

I do not think that we are out of the storm just yet. Forecosure filings increased again in May. Inventory is still high. That pent up buyer demand that both economists spoke of hasn't yet flooded the market. But it will happen. The sun really will come up tomorrow.

77,000 New Foreclosures in Florida in First Quarter '08

2008-06-08T11:58:00.000-04:00

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported last week that Florida ranked second in the country in failing loans.

And according to The Miami Herald:

In the first three months of the year, the Miami-Dade County Clerk's office
recorded 11,768 lis pendens filings, which include initial foreclosure filings
but also liens by condo and homeowner associations. It is nearly half the number
filed for the entire year in 2007. In Broward, the number was 10,797.

What this means for us is that housing inventory is going to remain high and home prices are going to continue to fall for the foreseeable future. So if you need to sell your home, don't wait! Price it ahead of the market curve and get it sold now.