Coldwell Banker has held these "10% discount for 10 days" sales in other parts of Florida and they have been very successful.  I think the three L's of real estate should be replaced with the three P's - Price, Price, Price.  Properly priced properties (three P's again!) sell.  For folks looking to buy, you can't ask for a better time.  The selection is great and interest rates are still very attractive.  Also, I have noticed that since the tax portability amendment passed, I am speaking with more homeowners ready to make an inter Miami-Dade county move. I wish I knew for sure what all this means to the Pinecrest market, but all I can do is share with you my opinion.  I feel that if we haven't bottomed out already here in Pinecrest, we are very close to doing so.  I'm seeing prices in t... 05/29/2008

If you price it right - they will buy.  As with all properties; properly pricing a property was key in the 2007 new homes sales market in Pinecrest.  I have just finished a market study of new homes sales in Pinecrest and found that 18 new homes were sold in 2007.  The highest price per adjusted square foot, as per the Miami-Dade county tax rolls, was $498.75, the lowest $242.46 with an average price of $377.96 per adjusted square foot.  The sales price of a new home in Pinecrest ranged from $1,800,000 to $4,000,000 with an average sales price of $3,193,315.Important factors in the new home sales market are location, quality and amenities.  Features that were once optional such as top of the line kitchen appliances, elevators, large master suites with beverage centers and a minimum of a... 03/16/2008

  Pinecrest forms one of quieter and tranquil corners in the state of Florida. Besides it can be considered as one of the newest entrants in list of cities in America as it was incorporated a decade back in 1996. In fact the quiet nature of this area has led to its seal bearing "village" as part of name of this place. And the fact that this place is governed by a Village Council comprising of five members and all matters of this place are by this group of members who constitute a government fashioned after form of Council Manager. As such, origins of Pinecrest can be credited to Parrot Jungle and Gardens, which came up in 1936, which was founded by Louise and Franz Scherr. It was their dream of creating an area where birds could fly about freely in a manner chosen by birds themselves le... 02/24/2008

When you buy a home one of the first things you want to do is to purchase Home Owners Insurance. Home Owners Insurance protects the homeowner from casualty losses or any damage to the home from personal property and from liability damages to other people or property. Homeowner's are required by the lender and can be included in the mortgage payments. A standard policy will include coverage for the structure of the home, it provides structure for your personal belongings, it has liability protection and it allows for additional living expenses in the event you are temporarily unable to live in your house because of fire or flood.If you have a co-op or a condo there are two different policies that you are required to have. You have to have your own insurance policy, it will cover your per... 01/15/2008

The Village of Pinecrest boasts some of the loveliest homes in Miami-Dade County.  The market trends in Pinecrest are in line with it's desirability in home buyers' eyes.  The numbers in Pinecrest are more encouraging than the county as a whole. Follow this link to see the county numbers.  In comparison, Pinecrest's numbers are shown below.                                             It's interesting to note that there has not been a glut of inventory added to Pinecrest's Homes For Sale.  They have held steady in the range of 253 - 282 for the last 10 months.  This is around a 10 percent fluctuation.  In comparison, the county had an increase of over 20% in the same period.   The Months Of Inventory in Pinecrest looks as follows:                                             Look at the s... 12/13/2007

If you're lucky enough to be in South Florida for the holidays, this is a family fun event!  Not in Pinecrest, but well worth the ride up to Fort Lauderdale.  The Boat Parade will be on Saturday, December 15th starting at 6:30 p.m.This year's theme is "Magical Movie Moments."  More than 100 boats will participate.  Families really enjoy sitting along the parade route "the intercoastal waterway" to enjoy all the lights, sounds and creativity.For information call 954-767-0686 or Email: dawn@winterfestparade.com 12/07/2007

 Miami Rescue Mission help our city's homeless by having a Toy Drive for Christmas.  Will you please help us get as many toys together for these children in need? They need toys for both girls & boys of any age, do no wrap them. Collection dates: 12/10-12/21 (2 weeks starting this coming Monday)Drop Off Point:  La Cosecha Café @ 6981 N.W. 74 Street - Medley, Florida 33166 - Tel: 305-888-5877 .  Amigos for Kids Toy Drive  --The Amigos Annual Toy Drive, with the help of volunteers and corporate sponsors, collects and delivers special holiday wishes to disadvantaged children from various community programs, agencies and out reach programs throughout South Florida.Drop off locations NO USED OR UNPACKAGED TOYS. NO TOY WEAPONS PLEASE.Drop Off Locations** El Dorado Furniture Storeshttp://www.e... 12/06/2007

In these times I get asked that question so often.  If your rent would be $1,000 to maybe $2,000 per month, renting would be OK.  But in Pinecrest, the average lease is $5,000 per month. When clients ask me whether to rent or buy, first I ask them if they plan on staying in the area for at least two years. If they are, I let them know that a years' lease will cost them $60,000. When you take into account what leasing will cost and the tax advantages of owning your home. It usually makes financial sense to buy - even if the market goes down a bit more, you will probably still come out ahead. And who can put a price tag on the pleasure of home ownership!   11/29/2007

Join the Pinecrest Business Associationfor a Holiday FiestaTuesday, December 18th  6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Evelyn Greer Park8200 SW 124 StreetPinecrest, FLIf you can, bring an unwrapped toy.The Singing Miamian will provide entertainment. 11/28/2007

Today I want to let you see what the percentage has been between the sale price and the list price of listed properties in Pinecrest Florida for the past six months.October              90.79%September        87.57%August              90.10%July                  92.99%June                 93.16%May                 94.08%These figures take into account all sales and in Pinecrest and our price range is roughly $500,000 to $5M.  But this is just to give you an idea of what is happening.  If you want an analysis on the particular price range you are thinking of buying; just let me know by calling me at 305-776-0010, emailing me at Marie@MarieStory.com or you can visit my website, www.MarieStory.com  I only practice in Pinecrest and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.Marie... 11/17/2007

The 67th annual Ramble "A Garden Festival" at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden will stake place Saturday and Sunday, November 17th and 18th from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.This is a wonderful family fun activity!  There's a lot to see and do; a variety of delicious food, games for the kids, the largest plant sale in Dade County, antiques, books and more.  Enjoy the festival and enjoy a beautiful tropical garden.  For more information visit their website at www.fairchildgarden.org   11/11/2007

                                                                    Growing up in Miami was a great place to live and going to watch the Dolphins in the Orange Bowl was a tradition for me. Now years later Joe Robbie moved the Dolphins to Dolphin Stadium (through Private Funds) and yesterday (November 10, 2007) we say goodbye to the once dominant Miami Hurricanes as they played their last game in that stadium.                                           For anyone who was lucky enough to go to the Orange Bowl and watch a game this stadium was in my opinion one of the best fan friendly stadiums. When you where watching a game in the stadium you had a way of becoming part of the game. In today's world of multi-billion dollar stadiums they lack that feeling of being part of the game as the Or... 11/10/2007

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to.  As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other. THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it. FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye. SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight. EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.  People who don't have dreams don't have much. NINE. Love deeply and passionately.  You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely. TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly.  No name calling. ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly. ... 11/08/2007

  Let's give thanks and remember all our veterans.  After many months of work on the park, on Monday, November 12th the Veterans Wayside Park will be re-dedicated.  The ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m.  Our mayor, council members and area veterans' groups will be there.  The park is located on 112th Street and South Dixie Highway (US 1).  You are all invited. Happy Veterans Day, Love, Mom Cpl. Martin Story, USMC   11/03/2007

As I was driving through Pinecrest this week I spotted so many houses so creatively decorated for Halloween, I think this year there are more than usual.All trick or treaters - young and old, are invited to Evelyn Greer Park (Pinecrest Park), 124th Street and US 1, on Wednesday, October 31st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a Spooktacular time! 10/28/2007

 Sept. 2003Sept. 2004Sept. 2005Sept. 2006Sept. 2007Homes Listed16311797212266Homes Sold252017136Months of Inventory 6.5 5.9 5.7 16.3 44.3Average List Price 1,408 1,705 2,173 1,919 1,854Average Sold Price 748 948 1,197 1,205 2,103Price per square foot sold 211 241 303 341 331Here is a snapshot of the total Pinecrest Florida real estate market for the past five years.  As you can see, the number of homes for sale has increased greatly and the number of homes sold has decreased.  This makes the prices go down; the simple rule of supply and demand.  Now I will say, there is a tremendous amount of overpriced listings on the market, and if these homes were correctly priced we would not have such a high number in inventory.  Pinecrest price ranges from approximately $550,000 to 5 million.  Loo... 10/21/2007

In the ten years that I have been practising real estate I have never been asked to put a house for rent until now.  I have for rent an updated home with 3 bedroom, 2 bath, pool and double garage for $3,000 per month.  Boy - has the phone been ringing, and have I been showing!  I believe that tomorrow, after about 10 days on the market, I will have it rented.  My advice: if your looking to rent in Pinecrest and find something nice for under $4,000 per month - move fast!There are currently 38 homes for rent in Pinecrest, Florida.  They range in price from $1,925 to $9,000 per month. If I can be of service please visit me at:  www.MarieStory.com   10/17/2007

                                                                                  Put Your Cell Phone On ICE Marie Story, Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Pinecrest, has kicked off her public service campaign to encourage people to enter an emergency contact number in their cell phone's memory under the heading "ICE" (In Case of Emergency).  Law enforcement and medical personnel know to look for this information.     According to Story, "Your chances of surviving a medical emergency can improve if those providing care know more about your physical condition and medical history.  This contact information will give paramedics, firefighters and police officers the ability to contact your designated family members or friends in the event of an emergency."  Em... 10/01/2007

I heard this today and I just couldn't help passing it along....In today's world, I would be...   First born   Second wife and   Third REALTOR.Marie Story, Pinecrest, Florida     09/29/2007

The Village of Pinecrest is a beautiful eight square mile city within Miami-Dade County.  Pinecrest was officially incorporated in March of 1996.  During the 1950's and 1960's many ranch style homes were built on acre lots.  Today, many of these homes have been updated or are being replaced with gorgeous mansions and lovely gardens.  Pinecrest has its own governing council, police department and newspaper. Location, location, location...Pinecrest is adjacent to Coral Gables and though no major roads run through Pinecrest, we are very conveniently located to the expressways and the turnpike.  The metro rail system is also a wonderful option we Pinecrest residents have to go downtown or to bayside.  We're just minutes from hospitals, universities, downtown Miami, the Miami International A... 09/23/2007