Thursday, April 30, 2009

Sayan - Sunny Isles - Condos

Sayan Condos

16275 Collins Avenue

Sunny Isles Beach

Built in 2007

92 Units

30 Floors

One to three bedroom units

1222 to 3411 Sq. Ft.

The award-winning Sieger-Suarez architects crafted a graceful tower which effortlessly melds the elements of contemporary high-rise dynamism with the almost spiritual tranquility of the South Pacific-inspired arrival, lobby, pool-deck, and spa areas.

The sumptuous detailing of the lobby and

mezzanine levels includes extensive use of rare coquina stone. Mythic motifs inspired by exotic temples and royal palaces guard the two-story entry to the condominium residences.

The Sayan mezzanine level, including t

he spa and exercise areas, flows almost Zen-like onto a pool and sunbathing area that will astound all who behold it. The spa and exercise zone has been created as an ode to physical and mental well being. State-of-the-art exercise equipment abounds; our sauna and steam rooms are a daily temptation worth submitting to.

Sayan Condos - Building Amenities:

Oceanfront property with uninterrupted ocean views

Magnificent detailed wrought iron entry gates

Exquisite lands

caping with water features and patterned brick driveway

Neo-classic interior design with trompe- l'oeil painted ceilings

Italian marble inl

aid floors and walls

State of the art automated security system

Two luxurious guest suites

Media room

and theatre

Billiard room with cigar lounge and wine bar

Resident lounge with garden and pool views

Large infinity-edge swimming pool set amidst lush gardens and fountains

Oceanfront gazebo with poolside

shower and spa

Private beachfront cabanas

European designed his and her spa inncluding wet massage and juice bar

Aerobic - fitness center with ocean views

Private boardroom and library

Residence Features:

Italian cabinets with under counter lighting

Granite countertops with full backsplash

Kohler stainless steel kitchen sink and faucet with instant hot water dispenser.

Sub Zero 48" side-by-

side refrigerator freezer

Miele stainless steel double oven

Miele five burner gas cook top

Marble bath

room floors

Kohler bathroom fixtures

Frameless glass

enclosed shower

Kohler water closet and bidet

Kohler Purist overflowing bath spa with l

aminar flow ceiling mounts bath filler

Whirlpool duet front load washer and

For more information

Call Henry B. Nathan - 954-296-6741

or


Real Estate Agent - United Realty Group Inc.

Or click here to search units for sale at SAYAN



At www.condo-southflorida.com ,we are specialists in


Sunny Isles Beach Condos

Sunny Isles Real Estate

Aventura Real Estate

Aventura Homes

Turnberry on the Green Condos

Henry B. Nathan would like to point out to his prospective buyers this development in Aventura:

Turnberry on the Green

19501 West Country Club Drive

I noticed a somewhat younger crowd at this building. International occupants presence is evident as soon as you walk in the sumptuous lobby.

An enviable location in the heart of Aventura, perched on the 18th fairway of the world-famous Turnberry Isle Resort and Country Club, across the street from Aventura Mall, two steps from Aventura's scenic "golf" jogging path and across the bridge from some of the greatest beaches in the world.

Built in 2004

377 units

860 to 1675 Sq. Ft.

28 floors

Apartments features:

Spectacular Views of the Turnberry Golf Courses & City Skyline

Granite Kitchen & Baths

Tile Flooring in Foyer, Kitchen, & Baths

GE Profile Appliances Including:

Side-by-side Refrigerator

Microwave

Full-size Washer & Dryer in Every Unit

High-speed Wireless Internet Access

HDTV-compatible

Spacious Walk-in Closets

Pre-wiring for Telephone & Cable Outlets

Tile Flooring in Foyer, Kitchen, & Baths

Spacious Terraces

Building features:

24-hour Attended Lobby with Monitored Cameras

Concierge Services

Mail and Package Receiving Services

Individual Air Conditioned Storage Areas Available

Well equipped Fitness Center & Spa with Professional Trainers

Men's and Women's Locker Rooms with Saunas

Massage Therapy and Body Treatments Available

Aerobics/Yoga Studio with Scheduled Classes



Club/PartyRoom

Conference Room with PowerPoint Projector

Executive Business Center with and library

Gourmet Market

24-hour Valet Parking

Sparkling Lagoon Pool with Recreation Deck

Playground

Barbeque Area

Billiard Parlor

A Full Calendar of Social and Cultural Activities and Gatherings

Maid Service

Storage facilities

Multi-level Covered Parking with Controlled Access

Landscaped Walks and Lush Gardens


If you would like to see the listings of units for sale at the

Turnberry on the Green,

PLEASE CLICK HERE

For more information:

Call Henry B. Nathan - 954-296-6741

Real Estate Agent - United Realty Group Inc.

or




www.condo-southflorida.com

specialists in:

Sunny Isles Beach Condos

Sunny Isles Real Estate

Aventura Real Estate

Aventura Homes

Aventura Condos

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Turnberry Isle Condos in Aventura

Turnberry Isle Condos

Turnberry Isle remains a symbol of Aventura opulence and luxury. The two famous Towers of Turnberry Isles were in the 80's the posh destination in Florida for the rich and famous. Still a beautiful and well maintained complex, the large units, most of them with wonderful views are still very attractive to local residents and as vacation homes. Add the magnificent social areas and amenities, great landscape and pool areas and there is not much more you can ask for a luxurious way of life.

Turnberry Isle North

19707 Turnberry Way, Aventura

Built in 1980

270 Units

30 Floors

1,077 to 2,360 Sq Ft

One to three bedroom Unit


On the NE corner of the Turnberry Isle Peninsula, is located the famous Turnberry Isle. Its glass and whitewash architecture have become a feature in Aventura.



Turnberry Isle South


19667 Turnberry Way, Aventura

Built in1982

260 Units

30 Floors

Sizes: 1,077 -3,426 sq ft

One to Four-bedroom Units

On the West side of the Intracoastal, Turnberry Isle South offers beautiful wrap-around terraces, multi-story loft units, state of the art kitchens and more luxury that most people would ever need.


In both buildings, you will find beautiful terraces and great multi-story loft floorplans. State of the art kitchen are some of the features that make this properties so unique.

Amenities include:

Marina

Spa

Tennis

Pool

Fitness Center

Restaurant

Kids’ Playground

24 hour security

Turnberry Yacht Club

Access to the Turnberry Isle Resort and Hotel facilities

Access to Pritikin Longevity Center, which offers, massage and therapy services, as well as nutrition programs.

For Active Listings of condos at Turnberry Isles in Aventura please click here:


For more information, please call

Henry B. Nathan -United Realty Group Inc,

(954) 296-6741

or




We, at www.condo-southflorida.com are specialists in


Sunny Isles Beach Condos

Sunny Isles Real Estate

Aventura Real Estate

Aventura Homes

Aventura Condos



Thursday, April 23, 2009

Florida House strikes again

Florida House approves open pricing for home insurers

Read in news-press.com - April 22, 2009


TALLAHASSEE — The House this morning passed a bill that would allow insurance companies to charge whatever premiums it wants on homeowners insurance policies, a move proponents said would attract companies to the state and let the marketplace decide appropriate rates.

The policies allowed by the proposal would not be subject to extra fees all insurance consumers are now liable for to pay back state-run Citizens Property Insurance deficits.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Proctor, was overwhelmingly passed 105-13. The Senate must still pass the bill. Gov. Charlie Crist, who has fought State Farm and other big insurance companies, has indicated in published reports that he doesn't like the bill.

Lawmakers said the bill is a response to the "unintended consequences" of Crist's insurance legislation during his first month in office in January 2007. Companies meeting certain financial soundness tests -- a combination of reserves and premium-to-loss-liability ratios -- would be eligible to sell the policies.

State Farm Florida, the state's largest private property insurer, last year was denied a requested 47 percent increase for its homeowners rates and as a result is pulling out of the state -- regulatory actions taken with authority granted in the 2007 legislation. The company said without the increase it was sure to lose money, even without a catastrophic hurricane.

The company -- and State Farm is not the only company that could take advantage of the bill's provisions -- is not saying whether it would sell the unregulated policies but its lobbyist has previously said the company does favor a change in regulations.

Rep. Marti Coley, a Marianna Republican, was among those who said people are clamoring for the change. "I hear from so many constituents who start out their letters: Please let me choose.

There was opposition expressed, even with the overwhelming vote.

"I do have a concern and that is, there is nothing in the bill that will prevent a company from charging rates much higher than what are actuarially necessary. It could lead to price gouging," said Rep. Franklin Sand, Democratic leader in the House from Weston. Proponents said the marketplace would work to find appropriate rates -- if companies set premiums too high, consumers won't buy the policies.

"For those of you who have concerns … this is not unregulated policies," said Proctor, a St. Augustine Republican. "I can count several major regulations that (state insurance regulators) will still apply on these policies. No one is compelled to buy a policy."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My reaction:

This looks like an unbridled attack on all government regulations that aim to protect the consumer. Homeowners in Florida have seen a tremendous increase in their property taxes, their cities charges for basic services, and insurance premiums.

Even with government strong attempts at reining in homeowners' insurance premiums, Florida property owners pay higher insurance costs compared to other states.

An important factor in Florida real estate problems is the cost of ownership.

I am a permanent advocate of bringing back to reasonable limits the ever increasing greed of cities and counties governments who don't seem to understand that time has come to downgrade all these luxurious offices, services, bureaucracies; the ridiculous proliferation of police department, zoning offices, compliance offices, fire departments, etc. etc.

South Florida consists of a ridiculous amount of cities stretching up from the Keys . I have never counted them, but believe me: they are too many. And lately they have come up with new tricks to squeeze every penny off the homeowner. Since property values are down and the inflated tax bills have come down to more reasonable levels, cities and counties can't quite adjust. Even though uncountable new condos and homes have been built in the last decade and that their tax base has grown above all their expectations, they just cannot understand that we have to go back to thrift and cost controls. That charging us for previously free services, or increasing their fees to "adjust" their budget, is not the solution.

I know that, many years ago, the Jacksonville area consisted of a large amount of cities. They consolidated and we have now one entity: Jacksonville.

Can we achieve this in South Florida? Why not? This country is known for not being afraid of innovations and bold approach to solving problems. This is not as provocative a thought as it could be qualified. It just makes sense.

Regarding the insurance issue. Yes it can be resolved in a more consumer-friendly manner.

Large insurance companies cannot be left to cherry-pick the territories and services that they want to provide. Regulating insurance companies in a reasonable fashion is not as unreasonable as some of our Florida legislators want us to believe.

Does the word AIG ring a bell? Well, it was the largest US insurance company, and they left them alone and perhaps you would like me to remind you that $150 billion (or was it $180 ?) of taxpayers' money had to be spent to bail them out. They are one of the worst culprits of the terrible real estate crisis in US history. They are a good example of unregulated insurance companies. You will say that it's not a valid comparison.

I will respond that, when large corporations are allowed to only "consider their shareholders' interests", what really happens is that they rather consider "board of directors' interests". Should we allow our governments to give up their right to supervise such an important industry? I don't think so. If some of our elected officials feel that it's not up to them to protect the citizens who elected them, let's remember who they are when we pay our higher insurance bills, and also at elections time.


Where to Get Foreclosure Help

Beware "foreclosure assistance" offers

With all the dubious assistance programs and out-right scams preying on home owners facing foreclosure, it can be difficult to find legitimate help.

Here’s a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:

  • Call (888) 995-HOPE, the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline to reach a nonprofit, HUD-approved counselor through HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners.
  • The Controller of the Currency’s consumer information site for banking-related questions is www.helpwithmybank.gov


Source: Controller of the Currency (04/21/2009)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Another assault on Florida?

There’s a move afoot in the Florida Legislature to lift the state’s ban on oil and gas exploration off Florida’s coast.

They never relent. They try again, and again, and again.

The "drill, baby, drill" philosophy is here again, a troubling affirmation of the never-ending purpose of the same old people and corporations to place their own monetary interest above all other values, such as the protection of nature, environment, our beaches, our coastline, our water, our health.

The hypocrisy of "drilling in an environmentally safe fashion" is flagrant. Everybody knows the results of offshore exploration, oil rigs, and spills

They keep insisting: "one more time,… just for a few years… till we put in place renewable energy, bla, bla, bla.

You don’t fool me, fellas. It's not about public interest. It's about lining your pockets.

They claim that they are investing in clean and renewable energy. But the percentage of these investments are minuscule, when compared to those dedicated to traditional oil and coal explorations.

So they say: let's forget the $ 150/a barrel prices. Just lay back, relax; everything will be fine and let the big boys take care of business. They know what they're doing.

Sure. The same way their colleagues and good friends at GM and Chrysler knew better and kept producing their gas-guzzlers for decades.

Do I think it's outrageous that they try to pull out this fast one on us? Hell yes.

Do I think that all their "statistics" about voters' supporting offshore drilling are fake and non-relevant? You bet.

The same considerations that have kept them from destroying our coast for 30 years have not changed today. Enough of our coral reefs are ailing or have been destroyed, and enough of our water is polluted enough to endanger ocean life; too many of our marine species are on the brink of extinction.

I have read too many articles published by the most qualified world-wide researchers , about how the critical damage caused by the abuse of our oceans and rivers is almost irreversible.

Don't tell me about "creating jobs" and "boosting the economy" and "generating revenues". Not when thousands and millions of our best jobs continue to be outsourced , without any relief in sight for the growing number of unemployed kids, while our authorities don’t seem to have a clue on how to stop this disaster.

We all know how tourism is one of the largest revenue-generator in Florida. Let's not forget how we could all be affected by this new threat.

The claim of additional revenue of about 1.5 billion, is nothing compared to the tourism revenue that we would be putting at risk.

I have seen so many times the tar-soiled sands in other beaches or the world, that the vision of this nightmare on our coastline makes me sick.

As a realtor, in addition to my personal love for Florida, I have to add my personal interest as a professional. I wouldn't like to sell the spoils of our nature to my clients. When I sell real estate here, I also sell the sun, the breeze, the water, the ocean, the fish and the blue marlin, and the Everglades. It is as much my own interest, as it is the public interest to preserve it for us, our kids, and grandchildren… and anybody who comes to visit.

And, my friends: don't you think that the time has come to get serious about renewable and clean energy? It is not something that we can afford to delay.


This is what I read in the South Florida Business Journal - April 21, 2009

Lawmaker pushes for offshore energy exploration

by Paul Brinkmann and Susan R. Miller

There’s a move afoot in the Florida Legislature to lift the state’s ban on oil and gas exploration off Florida’s coast.

It’s a proposal that proponents say would provide the state with the economic stimulus it so badly needs, but one that environmentalists fear could wreck havoc on the state’s tourism industry and beaches.

Florida’s speaker-designate, state Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, on Tuesday unveiled the late-session proposal that would give the governor and Cabinet the power to consider applications to conduct offshore energy exploration.

With less than two weeks left in the session, the House Policy Council passed the bill Tuesday on a 17-7 vote. However, a similar measure has been stalled in the Florida Senate.

If passed by the legislature, the bill would result in the reversal of a ban on such drilling that’s been in place for three decades.

Environmental groups, including the Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Audubon Society, vehemently oppose the plan and question Cannon’s motives of introducing it late in the session.

“A decision of this magnitude warrants robust discussion both legislative and public and the idea that it can be added to a bill at the last minute is troubling,” said Julie Wraithmell, wildlife policy coordinator for Audubon of Florida.

She said the fear is not only about a catastrophic spill, but the potential for the smaller, day-to-day leaks that can occur in transportation from rigs and through pipelines.

But, at least one business organization is backing the bill.

“Florida’s families and businesses are facing unprecedented economic challenges, and the potential for significant, new public revenues from oil and gas are immense,” said Barney Bishop III, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida (AIF). “I am confident that we can do this in a way that will protect our environment and our precious coastline, which is such a critical natural resource for our state.”

Bishop called the new drilling initiative an opportunity, but added it is not a guarantee that drilling will occur.

“It’s been our politicians that are pandering to other interests that have been against this,” he said. “As much as we all want to move in a green direction of renewable energy and nuclear, the truth is we’re all going to have to rely on fossil fuels for the next generation, at a minimum.”

Proponents argue that oil and gas leases could generate billions of dollars in new annual revenue – without raising new taxes.

AIF presented information about Cuba’s recent oil discoveries, and the revenue that neighboring states receive from oil operations. Florida’s waters don’t have nearly the amount of known oil deposits that Texas and Louisiana claim, but there are two known oil fields with millions of barrels of reserves – the northern Jay and Blackjack field and the southern Sunniland Field.

Henry Fishkind, an economist with Fishkind & Associates in Orlando, said the state could expect $31 billion in new revenue over 20 years with the current estimates of oil deposits.

AIF has pointed out that transporting oil is where the biggest risk for spills lies.

Proponents point to a recent Mason-Dixon poll that found 59 percent of Floridians generally support drilling off Florida’s coast. The survey found 79 percent would support drilling if it raises money for education, health care and environmental protection.

“Recent public opinion surveys document that Floridians have come to strongly support exploration and production of oil and gas resources off the Florida coast,” said Larry Harris, a principal with Mason-Dixon. “Nine in 10 voters (88 percent) support offshore production if it is done in an environmentally safe fashion and raises significant revenues, boosts the economy and creates jobs.


Henry B. Nathan is a real estate specialist in North Dade County, especially Sunny Isles, Aventura, and North Miami Beach.

We, at www.condo-southflorida.com are specialists in:


Sunny Isles Beach Condos

Sunny Isles Real Estate

Aventura Real Estate

Aventura Condos

Monday, April 06, 2009

Why International Buyers are interested in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida Real Estate.

By Henry B. Nathan.

I have seen since 2002 an accelerated influx of international investments in these areas. Even in the tough time the US economy is going through, our country is still considered a safe refuge for capital and investment. US real estate continues to attract foreign investors from France, Germany, Holland, the UK, and many other European countries. Asian buyers are less conspicuous, but are seeing more of them lately. Russia n investors are an increasing factor and they have a preference for some specific areas. One of them is Sunny Isles. Some of the reasons:

View of the Pinnacle Condos, built in 1998


a) The Beach. For Canadian and Russians, the fascination of the ocean, the sun, and the sand is a never ending joy. For many Floridians, the proximity of the beach as an every- day luxury, has become a habit. We occasionally open our eyes on the infinite luck of walking a few blocks, or driving a few minutes and being able to wet our feet and walk with no shoes on soft sand, enjoy a slice of pizza and a beer on the boardwalk on almost every day of the year. But whoever has endured the long and freezing winter days, the absence of sunshine for weeks and months, the claustrophobia of short days and long nights behind walls, is usually happy just by enjoying the warm rays of a Florida sun, the shorts and T-shirts, the sandals, or a drink on a restaurant deck alongside the waterways. So, we can never ignore the "Beach Factor".

b) The lowest prices since the peaks of 2004 and 2005. Nobody can deny that, in comparison with real estate values in most countries of the developed world, Florida is a bargain. We are not talking Paris or London or Moscow. We are talking about even small town in those countries; even in Canada. And South Florida hasn't lost at all its appeal.

c) To the contrary, more and more entertainment venues, attractions and facilities, are available each year. Multiple centers of interest in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood Downtown, alongside the Sunny Isles Beach stretch, the Hollywood Broadwalk, Surfside and Bal Harbour areas, South Beach, Miami Downtown, its Art and Design Districts, you name it. Sports spectacles are of a startling variety. Professional NBA Basket Ball, Hockey. NFL Football, Professional Baseball; Florida is home of famous teams and the daily possibility of assisting to great shows is amazing. Offshore fishing, lake-fishing, canoes on the waterways are another wonderful option. Biking and running on our shaded streets and our many parks. The fashionable areas of Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive in South Beach, as well as Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard, draw young and older crowds, with their infinite selections of bars, restaurants, night clubs and discotheques. The Latino area of Little Havana is a joy to visit. Well, this is not supposed to be a tourism brochure.

d) The weak almighty dollar. The strength of Euros, Pounds, Canadian Dollars do not inspire a total confidence to their owners. There is always this sense of the "come back of the dollar" sometime in the future. Meanwhile these currencies can be stretched at a maximum by the foreign consumer. And Real Estate is now considered a good investment, compared to Stock Market and Bank deposits.

e) The possibility of an eventual move to this area. Many buyers from the Northern part of the US, Canadians, Latin Americans and Europeans have the dream of being able one day to move to Florida. It is very common for me to hear: "a vacation home for now, maybe a second home later on and, who knows? Perhaps a place to retire one day." And buying the dream while making a good investment is quite a good reason.



f) Sunny Isles is located at the North limit of Dade County and the South of Broward County. This optimal setting allows enjoying both areas with a minimum driving time. Right in the middle between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports, very close to the "chic" shopping area of Aventura, with Bal Harbour shops just around the corner.

Sunny Isles has drastically changed during the last decade. From a row of older motels and hotels, the land has been redeveloped in luxurious high-rise buildings alongside the beach and the Intracoastal. Many open- air shopping plazas on the west side of Collins Avenue are home to a multiplicity of bakeries, restaurants, stores, offices, bars and all kind of business venues. This has added to the beach attraction.

Personally, I love walking to some Russian food stores and order some exotic plates at lunch time, or have a fast dinner on an outside table at an Argentine Pizzeria, or enjoy an Italian Ice Cream sitting out on a warm and breezy night.

g) There is a variety of real estate properties for all buyers.

Talk about the more affordable buildings such as Ocean View Condos, the Ocean Reserve, or the Arlen House, the Winston Towers Condos, and the Plaza of the Americas, to the newer construction at the Porto Bellagio, across the street from the ocean, where we can offer very affordable properties.

At the middle range point, let's mention the King David, some of the Oceania buildings, or La Perla Condominiums, which is a brand new building on the beach. Up in values, the Oceania, the Sayan, the Sands Pointe, the Meridien, then the Millenium, the wonderful Pinnacle which has become a landmark with its pretty architecture, the Meridien and the Ocean Point Condo-hotels.

At the top, the Ocean series, with my favorite Ocean Two building, the various Trump Condominium buildings, and I prefer the new built Trump Towers. Acqualina, the Jade Beach and Jade Ocean, and the superb Turnberry Ocean Colony, are perhaps the jewels of the crown. This is just a short mention of the many options available.

If you are still not completely convinced, just talk a walk on Collins between 150 and 190th Street at any time of the year, and let me have your comments.

Henry B. Nathan is a real estate specialist in North Dade County, especially Sunny Isles, Aventura, and North Miami Beach.

For more information, please call me at

(954) 296-6741

or





We, at www.condo-southflorida.com are specialists in


Sunny Isles Beach Condos

Sunny Isles Real Estate

Aventura Real Estate

Aventura Homes

Aventura Condos