Category Archives: News

Most Common Luxury Real Estate Myths

It’s incredibly easy for a rumor to go around and hit enough ears for it to become a commonly believed myth. Maybe you’ve heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that there’s a restaurant in the city that gives out free Moscow mules, or that there’s a speakeasy hidden in Downtown Miami. Myths can be created in reference to pretty much anything and luxury real estate is no exception. Here are some of the most common ones.

Serious buyers only look on the weekends

This myth can make sense as the weekends are when most peoples’ schedules are free. The buyers that are looking to seal the deal, however, will scoop up that property as soon as possible. Serious buyers will find whatever time they can in their schedule to talk to agents, take tours of properties, and subsequently purchase. If you see a property that interests you, pick up the phone and inquire about it right away!

If you don’t hold any open houses, your home will never be seen

Would anyone like to guess how many homes are sold as a result of a successful open house, according to the National Association of Realtors? Your guess is probably around 20%, maybe 30%, right? The actual number is 2%. If the location, home, and market is right, real estate agents will find it.

Agents aren’t needed to buy a home

This one is partially true, as websites and apps have made it easier to browse and make property deals. If you are looking to purchase a property, doing so through an agent can benefit you greatly. Agents negotiate prices with sellers and can advise you on wise or unwise purchases, leading you through the process along the way.

Springtime has better options

A common myth with all real estate in general is that there is more selection during the spring, so you should hold off any purchases until then. There is no evidence proving this, as listings posted in the winter or in autumn are still posted due to the homeowner being motivated to sell. If these listings don’t sell as fast as springtime ones, it is probably due to buyers not being out as much in the cold.

CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Best Miami Neighborhoods to Invest In

If you’re looking to invest in real estate in any major US city, Miami is one of your best options. There are many neighborhoods within the city that have shown increasing property values. Investing in a property in certain areas of Miami make it very likely for you to maximize your potential return on investment. Let’s take a look at some of the best investment potential that Miami has to offer.

Downtown

The middle of the city, Downtown Miami offers great investment opportunities. Located downtown is the Central Business District of Miami-Dade County, the largest economic center of South Florida. Some of the city’s most popular spots are located downtown. There are investment opportunities for both residential spaces and commercial spaces.

Midtown

Only seven minutes away from Downtown Miami, Midtown is a still developing up-and-coming neighborhood that contains plenty of shops, restaurants, bistros, residential areas, and endless activities to keep you happy. Although close to Downtown Miami, the real estate and property expenses are considerably less, making it a nice option to keep in mind. Rent prices in Midtown Miami have been increasing significantly over the years, meaning that investing in properties to later sell or rent out has promising potential.

Wynwood

One of the more ubiquitously known neighborhoods of recent years in Miami, Wynwood has an artsy and classy feel to it with its overabundance of cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. Wynwood is a haven for real estate investors, as most units are sold low, and can be rented out to others high. The rental rates here are at an average of $2,500 a month. To match the chic, luxurious feel of the neighborhood, large condos are springing up in Wynwood. This neighborhood just seems to not stop growing!

Little Haiti

A very culturally diverse neighborhood with deep Caribbean influence, Little Haiti provides an extremely unique experience to all who live there or visit. The culture of this neighborhood is rich and colorful, and overall has a movie set-like feeling. Price per square foot costs are lower in Wynwood than they are in most other neighborhoods, and the average rent price is on a steady increase.

CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Miami Neighborhoods with Great Property Value

If you are searching through Miami neighborhoods, looking for a property you’d like to invest in, you may be intimidated by the laundry list of options. Of the 25 neighborhoods in the city, there are several that stick out in terms of property value. Let’s have a look at a few.

Wynwood

This neighborhood boasts a trendy, chic, artsy feel, feeling more like a ginormous art piece rather than an actual residential area. Wynwood has been an up-and-coming area for some time now, growing more and more with its selection of shops, cafes, art galleries and museums. Properties in Wynwood are priced lower than many other Miami neighborhoods, with potential to tap into rent. Rent costs sit at an average of $2,400 per month in Wynwood.

Miami Design

Located in the northern section of Wynwood, Miami Design is a completely refurbished area, which was once littered with worn-out houses and warehouses, stunting the value of the area. The neighborhood now contains a shopping area with luxury shops, and rental prices are appreciating in value as time goes on. Get in on the ground floor now!

Bayshore

An up-and-coming neighborhood, Bayshore has seen high levels of real estate appreciation recently, and that’s mostly due to the increasing rent prices while the price per square foot stays around the same amount. According to a review of the neighborhood, prices dropped in 2017, creating an opportunity to invest at a lower entry cost.

Beverly Terrace

Located east of Wynwood and close to the waterfront, this neighborhood is also seeing large amounts of refurbishment and rebuilding. New homes as well as high-rise condominium complexes are sprouting up, supporting Beverly Terrace and creating a fresh, new place to be able to call home. Rental rates are approaching $2,000 a month, and two-bedroom units can be purchased for anywhere between $300,000 and $600,000.

Miami’s growth, both in economy and residential space, doesn’t show any signs of stopping. If you want to get in on the ground level of the flourishing real estate market, don’t hesitate to do so!

CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Benefits of Investing in Condominiums

Condominiums are a great option for you if you don’t want to have the hassle of owning your own home on your own property. You are part of a unit and thus, the utility costs are almost always lower than living on your own. Why say no? Let’s take a look at some benefits to owning condos over a home!

More Affordable

The first factor you should consider when buying or renting a place to live is the price. Condominiums are often lower in cost than a single family home and have potential to be partially rented out in several years from the purchase date. Saving money is never a bad idea when the quality of condos closely follows that of a standalone house.

Included Maintenance

Since the condominium is located alongside other properties all managed by one person or team of managers, the maintenance of the grounds or the exterior unit is not in your hands. This spares you the hard work and hassle of having to tend to your property, and you can rest easy knowing your lawn is cut and your leaks are fixed while you enjoy your free time doing what you love.

Amenities and Community

Condo units usually have amenities that tenants can take advantage of, such as pools or indoor gyms. These amenities are often included into the rent and are more economical than if you were to invest in them yourself after purchasing a home. Besides these advantages, you can enjoy your neighbors’ presence and have a comfortable sense of community. Having reliable neighbors can be one of the benefits of living so close by others on your floor.

Location

Oftentimes, you will find condominium complexes in large cities or towns, in areas where there’s lots going on. A tenant can enjoy restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, adding to the condo’s convenience.

Safety

Condo complexes include their own security, which ensures that you and your property will be kept safe 24/7. Whether you are going to work, heading out for the night with friends or going on vacation for a week, your property will be under constant surveillance. Certain safety measures seen in complexes include gated entrances, doormen, or patrolling security personnel.

CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

How COVID Continues to Affect the Real Estate Market

Although it’s been around two years since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID continues to keep a stranglehold on society. As active cases continue to rise and fall with new variants and more people are becoming vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones, one cannot deny the effect it still has on the world. The real estate market has not seen an end to the effects of the virus.

Commercial and Residential

Commercial real estate has, for the most part, bounced back from the initial effects of the pandemic. In the first few months, as expected, property values plummeted, and listings went down as employers were encouraging workers to stay home and not be present in the workplace. Though this blow was softened by virtual meetings, there wasn’t as much of a need for commercial space to set up shop in. As things have begun to reopen however, the commercial real estate market is picking up again. These spaces being bought up are being sought out for their social distancing accommodations and their improved ventilation systems.

Residential property has also seen an uptick as the world reopens more and more. In 2020, the future was still uncertain and potential homeowners didn’t want to take a leap of faith in such a big investment. Though as things have improved and cases drop, more people are open to the idea of buying a home and listings have seen a dramatic increase.

Virtual Accommodations 

Although vaccination numbers continue to climb and people continue to respect guidelines and distance to prevent an increase in cases, real estate firms have still made it accessible for anyone to view their properties through virtual means. More firms are offering virtual tours of properties, where buyers can move around every angle of a property, both outside and inside. This way, they can see the appearance of the property for themselves in a safe and effective manner. Any questions they need answered about the property can be sent right over the agent for an answer.

CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Miami Luxury Furniture Dealers to Furnish Your Property With

Miami offers a large array of beautiful luxury properties for potential buyers to want to call their home. From units in art deco buildings to beautiful villa-style mansions, the city offers no shortage of spaces that ooze class. Though what’s an opulent home without furnishings that match the overall feeling? Just like the beautiful homes, Miami has no shortage of luxury furniture dealers for you to amp up the elegance of your space.

Anima Domus

The first outlet being showcased is Anima Domus, which has two separate showrooms in the Miami area, one in the city itself and one in nearby Aventura. Anima Domus boasts an impressive amount of furnishings, including bed sets, tables, shelving, lighting and wall accessories. For each category of furnishing that they offer, the dealer carries items from at least 2 dozen brands. Many of the items offered are imports, with a good number of those coming from luxury designers in Italy. Though not traditionally “fancy”, the selection here features many avant-garde designs and goes for a more atypical artsy feel.

Diseño Miami

Another dealer that focuses on a modern, artsy look with pieces imported from various European countries. What sets Diseño apart from other dealers in Miami is their sleek minimalist presentation, mimicking that of an art museum. They carry an impressive selection of items from renowned designers, such as seating and tables by GUBI, lighting by Tom Dixon, and bedroom and living area furnishings by Casa.

If you are looking for a unique, darker more dreamlike look, Diseño comes highly recommended.

Modani

If you are looking for a sleek and luxurious look but also want something slightly more “traditional modern” and understated than the previous two selections, seek out Modani. Modani has locations all over the country, including two in New York, three in California, and seven in Florida. The Miami showroom offers furnishings for all areas of the home, including full beds, large sofas, and a plethora of wall mirrors, paintings, rugs, and other accessories.

As you can see, Miami has a large selection of luxury furniture dealers to satisfy all tastes. Now get out there and start browsing!

CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Best Times to Purchase in Miami, FL

Miami is one of the most attractive real estate locations in the country. The variation of properties and listings is almost unmatched and the local economy is continuing to boom. 2021 has seen a huge recovery rate of sales and it shows no signs of stopping. Those who consider buying a property or some form of real estate in Miami should take note that there are specific times to take advantage of depending on what they are looking for and where.

January

Winter is generally one of the best times to rent or buy a property when it comes to pricing. Demand can skyrocket during the summer months as tourists from around the globe pour in to enjoy the heat. If supply isn’t an issue, January is a great time to look for a property as median sale prices for Florida are at their lowest.

June

June is one of the busiest times of year when it comes to real estate. Just this year, June became Miami’s best sales month in its history! June brings about a lot of demand and plenty of supply for properties available for rent and purchase. More options may also be available during the summer as sales are at their strongest.

September

If the high sales months during the summer were missed and if the low costs of January seem too far away, the next best option is September. Prices in Florida start to drop after June and don’t stop until September comes around. This month is a trade off, however, as prices tend to get lower but at the same time, supply tends to go down.

Ugo Columbo is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Looking Ahead: Factors That Will Contribute the Most to the Future of Real Estate

Unless you’re a meteorologist, it’s really hard to predict the future. Still, as real estate investors and prospective homeowners, it’s important to consider the forecast as it relates to the real estate market. Though there are unpredictable variables that can make or break a market, real estate specialists can take certain factors into account when making predictions to guide decision making. Looking at the most important aspects of change in real estate can help guide marketers, investors, and buyers with decision making now and in the future.

Demographics

Real estate heavily depends on the people that buy, invest, and sell properties. Knowing what the general demographics are for those people in a given area such as income, population growth, age, gender, and moving patterns can be invaluable to realtors. It gives an idea of who wants what and what trends are happening on a local and state level.

Economy

The shape of the economy on a local and federal level directly affects the real estate market. Employment, GDP, and prices are only some economic indicators to take into account. If the economy is doing poorly, this can have a butterfly effect on potential buyers. For example, if there is a large unemployment rate, then chances are there are fewer people who want to buy properties and demand will go down.

Policies

Government policies and other legislation can also make or break real estate as a whole. Federally, the government can help with temporary fixes such as tax deductions, subsidies, and credits. Paying attention to not only economic trends, but also to legislation can give an idea of when sales or demand may spike temporarily.

Ugo Columbo is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Design: What Styles are Popular in Luxury Residences Right Now

Home décor and clothing can go in and out of fashion, but when it comes to real estate there are some styles that are timeless. The style of house you choose can vary based on personal taste, the climate of the area you are in and the price range you have. Since the climate varies depending on which area you live in, there may be certain styles of houses that are better suited for the environmental conditions in the area. The materials used to build single family homes and even luxury towers need to be able to withstand the weather of the environment they are in.

Practical reasons for choosing a house style

Variations in temperatures, humidity and weather are why a home must be able to adapt to the environment it is built in. For areas prone to tornadoes, you will find buildings made with stronger materials and have a storm cellar to provide shelter in case of an emergency. For properties in areas prone to wildfires, houses are often made of less flammable material can help to prevent it from being burned down during a surge. For houses in areas that are prone to flooding, you may see more homes built on stilts, or using garages as the first floor in order to mitigate damage down the road. These buildings also need to be made of water resistant materials to prevent mold and help to maintain the structure of the house by preventing degradation.

Popular house styles in Miami

  • Mediterranean- These houses have clay roof tiles, arched windows and doorways with wrought iron detailing as well as stucco walls on the exterior.
  • Art Deco- These houses are geometric with smooth stucco exteriors, rounded corners and bold decor.
  • Mission style- These houses have red tile roofs with smoothed out exterior stucco walls.
  • Mid Century modern- These houses are asymmetrical with flat roofs and open concept floor plans. They also have a bi-level structure, angular details and large glass windows that provide wide views of the outside from within the living space.

Choosing a house that is both aesthetically pleasing and made to last will help ensure that a homeowner feels confident in their investment. The weather resistant materials and protection that the building provides can make the homeowner feel secure in their new environment. The connection they feel to the design they chose can put the final touches into the house to make it feel like a home. CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!

Why You Should Get a Luxury Property in Miami

Miami is known for being a city rich with culture, great nightlife, incredible food and beautiful beaches. The warm weather makes it a destination for those who want a change from the cold winters characterized by the northeast and Midwest, and the cloudy rainy weather common in the northwest. The lower taxes in Florida also make it a great place for those who want to live in a city with all of the benefits of having services and luxuries accessible at your fingertips, but with a lower tax bill. Compared to the sky high taxes and heavy expenses of living in a city in the northeast or on the west coast you can get more for less cost in Miami. You get to experience a higher quality of living for your money all while having an environment that is warmer year round.

Benefits of living in Miami

  • Weather- Miami has short, mild winters and consistently warmer weather year-round.
  • Accessibility- There is a great public transportation system in Miami which makes it easy to commute without needing a car.
  • Taxes- The taxes in Florida are low and there is no income tax for residents.
  • Cost of living- The cost of living is lower on average than many major cities across the country. In fact, the cost of living in Miami is 22% lower than in New York City, and 24.2% cheaper than living in Boston.

For those who are considering buying luxury property, Miami is a great choice to get more out of your investment. With the benefit of no income taxes and lower taxes overall in Florida, you get to keep more of your money to use for things that you want and can use for making additions to your house. The great environment Miami provides from the pristine beaches with spectacular views and the fun nightlife that the city provides are sure to keep you entertained. The pleasant warmer weather year-round means you can put your heavy winter clothes into storage, and you will no longer have to worry about shoveling your driveway or paying for a street plow. The lower cost of living than other popular cities, especially in the northeast, makes Miami a more economical choice. The accessibility provided by the public transportation system makes it easy to travel without needing a car. Overall, Miami is a great city to live in that has many benefits without many of the drawbacks that other cities tend to have. CMC Group is one of the top luxury real estate developers in Miami and South Florida. Visit us online or contact us at 305-372-0550 today!