Archive for October, 2008
October 28th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
When selling your home, how will it stand out from the rest? While luxury Real Estate remains fairly stable, that does not change the fact that there is still a large inventory to choose from. While there are buyers in the market place, some Real Estate professionals may fail to recognize the proper marketing techniques to attract these buyers.
The DiCarlo Group will offer you the luxury of 30 years of perfected marketing techniques directed toward the sole purpose of selling your home. We have put together an exceptional marketing package which we are proud to be able to offer you as a luxury Real Estate owner. In addition to our superb marketing comes the benefit of our affiliation with Christies Great Estates and Mayfair International Realty based in London.
The DiCarlo Group, together with EWM is continually expanding our advertising reach through online advertising, blogging, exclusive luxury magazines, newspaper and of course our international partners. As you consider the many factors and qualities you would like in the person who will sell your house, consider that The DiCarlo Group can make it happen for you.

October 28th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
Luxury, privacy, security continue to draw buyers to this gated private island on Biscayne Bay in Cocoplum, Coral Gables. Private docks, private sandy beaches, restricted access on private roads, top notch security, tennis courts, private club house all attract buyers between $14 million and $3.5 million (non-waterfront locations). Another Arvida planned and developed community is the base of its exclusivity in addition to its local in the larger upscale community of Coral Gables. An oasis in Miami Dade County, it has all the benefits of a large city with the sophistication, comfort, and tranquility of Coral Gables. Homeowner membership a prerequisite.
Just a 15 minute drive to downtown Miami’s sports arenas http://www.aaarena.comand Arienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts http://www.arshtcenter.org/ lets you easily stay in touch with the larger Miami Dade County cultural activities.
For ‘green’ garden activities, Fairchild Tropical gardens http://www.fairchildgarden.org offers and abundance of lectures, gardening classes, and a variety of activities including the moon light canoe trips!

Private Gaurd Gate
October 28th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
Two waterfront islands with winding shore line punctuated with wide lagoons and protected access to Biscayne Bay, comprise Gables Estates, one of Coral Gables’ most prestigious communities just 20 minutes from Miami International Airport and Downtown Miami. Most properties are one acre or more with at least 150 feet of waterfront. Bridgeless wide and deep waterways provide unique large turning basins for bigger boats and direct access to Biscayne Bay.
Gables Estates has two guard gated entries; roving security patrols both the roads and waterfront regularly. Membership in Gables Estates Club, www.gablesestatesclubinc.com , is a requirement. When leasing a property the membership fee is less, and covers a five year period.
Gorgeous estates priced up to $22,000,000, where several celebrities live, including Pat Riley of the Miami Heat basketball team http://www.aaarena.com, yet opportunitities to raise an old home and build new starts at $4,950,000!
We visited a home on Leucadendra Drive, and were amazed at its water vistas, perfected architectural details, and stunning infinity pool merging with the lagoon waters. In the decades we have been viewing real estate, this estate ranks at the top. An enclosed motor courtyard with four separate garages, custom millwork, tumbled stone floors, winding stair cases, formal open areas, and private dens, libraries and studies, are a few of its many features. It is located on a spectacular wide, long water view with Biscayne Bay at the horizon. Refreshing, inspiring perfection!
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October 28th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
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October 10th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
Journey’s End is just what its namesake states; private winding streets throughout the community with only 18 homeowners. Most sites are 2 acres and located on meandering canals leading to Biscayne Bay. Located next to Matheson Hammock Park, just east of historic Old Cutler Road, it has tennis courts and a private marina with boat slips. A beautiful oak laded park setting has some of Coral Gables oldest, largest oak trees supporting indigenous wildlife and exotic birds.
Developed and owned by philanthropist and industrialist, Arthur Vining Davis in the mid-1950’s, it was his answer to a dream of privacy within the shadow of larger Miami-Dade County. Davis developed a process to manufacture aluminum and was owner of Alcoa (American Aluminum Company). Upon retirement he moved to Miami and began purchasing land, and at one time owned 1/8 of Miami Dade County, making him the third richest individual in the world by. Journey’s End is one of his first communities, is 20 minutes from the airport and three popular city/communities: Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and South Miami, with the best supporting amenities and schools.
Journey’s End is one of many communities he developed during his life, leaving a unique retreat for those homeowner’s seeking prestige, privacy and quality of life.
October 6th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
This 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1660 SqFt condo located in the beautiful Biltmore Village building is an elevated first floor unit. Stunning new floors complement every room. What makes this unit so different is the private patio area spanning the length of the unit, with a private entrance. This unit truly is spectacular! The kitchen feature marvelous wood cabinets with brilliant granite counter tops. Offered at $ 575,000
Only blocks from Miracle Mile and downtown Coral Gables! For more information or to schedule a private showing please contact The DiCarlo Group!
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October 6th, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
It seems to me that everyday I get in my car to go somewhere in the Gables another traffic circle is being constructed. Not to criticize the circles, because they do look nice but that doesn’t help the fact that some drivers have no clue how to use them.
I guess they don’t think the yield sign applies to them but who asked me. I like the idea of circles at certain intersections but not every single one. Is it possible to have to many traffic circles? I’m interested in other local opinions so let me know what you think!

October 3rd, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
This home was originally listed for $2.395 million in January of this year and has finally closed for $1.7 million. This home has exceptional water frontage. This was a great buy, with 135 Ft on the water and plenty of space to update or to build a new house. There are several homes on San Pedro offered for sale at this time. The San Pedro waterway is one of the most sought after locations for boat owners due to the direct ocean access with no bridges. This community is guarded 24/7 and gated. For more information or if you would like help finding your dream home, please contact The DiCarlo Group.
Listing Broker:
SHELTON & ASSOC REALTORS INC
October 3rd, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
Wachovia has announced that on Friday it will be acquired by Wells Fargo. The Deal will be worth $15.1 billion (all stock deal). Earlier in the week, Citigroup announced intentions to buy Wachovia’s banking operations for $2.16 billion. The key difference between the two deals is that the Citigroup purchase would have included government assistance but the Wells Fargo acquisition will not.

This is good news for Wachovia share holders whose stock in Wachovia closed at $3.91 on Thursday, but is now valued at around $7 a share. The reason for this value increase is the acquisition in which Wachovia stock holders will receive .1991 of Wells Fargo stocks for every one of the Wachovia stocks. Wells Fargo expects earnings to be up after the first year the acquisition closes.
Information Provided by: The Miami Herald
October 1st, 2008
By Gregory DiCarlo
A program developed by the government may give some relief to home oweners facing current mortgage strains. The program would allow qualified homeowners to exchange their current mortgage for a more affordable loan. Some of these qualifications include spending more than 31% of income on mortgage payments and loans completed this year are excluded unless the loan was completed on January 1st. It will also be up to the lender to participate in this program in which they would ultimately lose on the initial loan. So if lenders get on board with this program it is possible there may be some relief but there is also the fact that they may indeed decide not to participate in which case this program would go no where.

Information Provided By-Alan Zibel AP Business Write (Miami Herald)