Dining on Ft Lauderdale Beach

When I'm on vacation, one of the first things I think about is - where am I going to eat?  It's a huge priority.  You'll find lots of places to eat on the beach, and lots of them are fun & good.  But, there is a little gem that recently opened that I want to tell you about because you have got to check it out.

Plaza Bistro, on the corner of Breakers Ave and Belmar Street (Breakers runs parallel to A1A behind the luxury hotels) is fairly new and if you didn't know it was there, you might miss it.  The Bistro offers a wide selection of Italian fare from salads to pasta, brick oven pizzas, and desserts.  And, it serves breakfast on weekends.  All seating is outdoors under huge umbrellas surrounded by lush foliage and all menu items are prepared on-site. 

Do yourself a favor the next time you're in Ft Lauderdale - stop by the Bistro, have a glass of wine, peruse the menu, and Enjoy!



 

Housing Prices Are on the Rise on Ft Lauderdale Beach

While indices are pointing to a rise in housing prices that is not new news to buyers of Q Club Luxury Condos at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  Prices have increased even as inventory has shrunk.  The rock bottom prices of the last two years are non-existent and buyers looking for those numbers are disappointed.  

Does that mean that you should put off buying - absolutely not - prices will continue to rise and buyers who let a property slip by will only pay more for the next opportunity.

Properties at good prices are constantly coming on the market, but you have to know what you're looking for and be ready to make an offer.  Call me to discuss your criteria and let's get you started on the quest for a great property in Ft Lauderdale.

It's Official - New Condo-Hotel in Hallandale!

Well it's official - Jorge Perez's development group has received final approval to build Beachwalk, a $100-million, 31-story condo-hotel complex on the Intracoastal Waterway.  The building will contain 216 two-bedroom condo-hotel suites, 84 residential units, a 1,225-square-foot restaurant and a five-story parking garage.

The Hallandale Commissioners also approved Perez's development of a park on the with restaurant and concessions on a city-owned oceanfront property.

Condo-hotels have been the subject of short sales and foreclosures over the last couple of years so you  might be surprised that Perez is going in this direction.  However, with financing nearly non-existent for this type of property, all purchases should be in cash. 

Perez is a visionary, always ahead of the pack.  Let's keep an eye on this project because I imagine sales will be brisk.

Condo-Hotel to Rise in Hallandale?

On Wednesday, June 18, 2012, the Hallandale Beach Commission gave tentative approval to Miami developer Jorge Perez to develop a $100M,  31-story hotel-residential complex on the Intracoastal, at the site of the former Manero's restaurant. The project, known as Beachwalk, will feature 216 two-bedroom suites that could be hotels room or condos and 84 units that will be strictly condos. 

The project will also include a 1,225 square-foot restaurant and a five-story parking garage.

Among other items on the table are various zoning exemptions as well as control of a one-acre oceanfront parcel that would be developed into a park with at restaurant.

Needless to say, there is opposition to the project, but the final approval should come on June 20. 

Want a condo-hotel unit in Hallandale?  Stay tuned - you may be able to buy in early. 

Construction at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Construction is underway at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  Tim Petrillo's new restaurant, S3 (Sun, Surf and Sand)  is starting to take shape on the Northeast corner of the Resort.  The location will take advantage of the spectacular view as well as the foot traffic on the Boulevard. 

It's going to be the perfect spot for both resort guests and locals as the design calls for a large outdoor eating area with an oversized bar.

We'll keep watching for signs of progress.

Short Sales on Ft Lauderdale Beach

We've all heard the news that the banks are holding that "shadow inventory" and will be releasing a barrage of properties sometime in 2012.  According to a recent article in the Sun-Sentinel, banks are holding those properties off the market with an eye to increasing the prices.

Currently, of the 300 condos listed in the Ft lauderdale Beach area, only 7 condos are listed as short sales, one of which is a penthouse listed for $7,499,000, and 3 units are listed as foreclosures.  Of the 55 single family homes on the market, four are listed as short sales, and there are no homes in foreclosure.

So to the question"Is now the time to buy" - I'd say yes.  If you are considering buying, now would be a good time to get in the game.  And if you are a seller, think about listing now, ther are buyers out there just waiting for property.

Oceanview Condo on Fort Lauderdale Beach

I just lowered the price on a studio at the spectacqlar Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. This condo hotel has 333 units many of which have already been re-sold. Unit 712 is located on the North side of the building and has a great view of both the ocean and the Intracoastal.

Priced at $190,000 - you've got to see this! Call me at (954) 205-4137 and let's make it happen for you.

Wind Turbines on the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

You'll soon see Wind Turbines on the roof of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  The turbines are in line with Hilton's world-wide committment to conserve energy.  The comments have been mostly positive since the installation is in line with the North Beach Village concept.  What do you think?

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-wind-hilton-lauderdale-20120614,0,6284655.story