The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider. But, there’s one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice. An expert’s insights will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes homebuyers are making right now. Putting Off Pre-approval As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives you a good idea of what you can borrow so you can really wrap your head around the financial side of things before you start looking at homes. While house hunting can be a lot more fun than talking about finances, you don’t want to do this out of order. Make sure you get your pre-approval first. As CNET explains: “If you wait to get preapproved until the last minute, you might be scrambling to contact a lender and miss the opportunity to put a bid on a home.” Holding Out for Perfection While you may have a long list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, you need to be realistic about your home search. Even though your ideal state is you find a home that checks every box, you may need to be willing to compromise – especially since inventory is still low. Plus, a home that has everything you want may be too pricey. As Investopedia puts it: “When you expect to find the perfect home, you could prolong the homebuying process by holding out for something better. Or you could end up paying more for a home just because it meets all your needs.” Instead, look for something that has most of your must-haves and good bones where you can add anything else you may need down the line. Buying More House Than You Can Afford With today’s mortgage rates and home prices, there’s no arguing it’s expensive to buy a home. And while it may be tempting to stretch your finances a bit further than you’re comfortable with to make sure you get the house, you want to avoid overextending your budget. Make sure you talk to your agent about how changing mortgage rates impact your monthly payment. Bankrate offers this advice: “Focus on what monthly payment you can afford rather than fixating on the maximum loan amount you qualify for. Just because you can qualify for a $300,000 loan doesn’t mean you can comfortably handle the monthly payments that come with it along with your other financial obligations. Every borrower’s case is different, so factor in your whole financial profile when determining how much house you can afford.” Not Working with a Local Real Estate Agent This last one may be the most important of all. Buying a home is a process that involves a lot of steps, paperwork, negotiation, and more. Rather than take all of this on yourself, it’s a good idea to have a pro working with you. The right agent will reduce your stress and help the process go smoothly. As CNET explains: “Attempting to buy a home without a real estate agent makes the process more arduous than it needs to be. A real estate agent can give you professional legal guidance, market expertise and support, which will save you time, money and stress. They can also increase your chances of finding the right home so you don’t have to spend hours scouring the internet for listings.”   Bottom Line Mistakes can cost you time, frustration, and money. If you want to buy a home in today’s market, connect with a local real estate agent so you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these missteps.

All the Bay Harbor Islands Pre-construction Condo Projects You Need to Know About

      Bay Harbor Islands, once a quiet bayfront town between Miami Beach and mainland Miami, is experiencing a revival. This small neighborhood is now bustling with new construction as boutique waterfront condos replace old 1950s buildings. Clean, quiet, and pristine, this area was overlooked during the building boom of the early 2000s. With new zoning rules and a prime waterfront location, Bay Harbor Islands’ pre-construction projects now compete with South Beach, offering larger floor plans, boutique living, and private marinas with ocean access, often at better prices than Miami Beach. The demand for luxury housing and limited waterfront parcels have attracted major developers, making South Florida a top destination to live and work. Curious about the latest buzz? Here are 15 new pre-construction condo projects set to transform Bay Harbor Islands into one of Miami's most desirable neighborhoods. — Bay Harbor Islands’ Pre-construction Condos La Baia South  9201 East Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Q1 2022 Completion: Q3 2025    From the developer behind the famous Continuum condos in South Beach’s coveted South of Fifth neighborhood, Ian Bruce Eichner’s Continuum Co., La Baia will be a bespoke waterfront community of only 68 luxury residences. Designed by Revuelta Architecture, it will rise only eight stories along a calm bayfront featuring a light, airy aesthetic owing to its all-glass façade.  Big on space, floor plans for the one- to four-bedroom residences at La Baia will range from 1,125 to 2,500 square feet with expansive waterfront balconies, intended to offer a single-family home experience. All residences will feature 9- to 10-foot-high ceilings, wide-plank European wood flooring, custom Italian cabinetry by Snaidero, Miele appliances, Hansgrohe fixtures, marble flooring in the baths, and other luxurious curations by the New York-based Durukan Design. Stand-out Amenities We Love: You’ll get the ultimate rooftop experience thanks to a 6,000-square-foot sundeck, including an adult pool, a dedicated kids’ splash pad, an adult soaking spa, and an outdoor bar. There will also be a residents’ club room, a third-floor lounge deck with a meditation lawn, a ground-floor wood deck terrace with hammock coves, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pet grooming center, and a water sports launch dock alongside the 20-boat private marina. La Baia North 9481 East Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Q2 2024Completion: 2026 Following the success of La Baia South, this is Ian Bruce Eichner’s Continuum Co.'s second Bay Harbor Islands pre-construction project. It features more lavish landscaping, larger residences with dens, and a Tesla house car. Upstreet from its sister tower, La Baia North will rise eight stories with 57 high-end residences. Designed by Revuelta Architecture and with interiors by New York’s Durukan Design, the boutique tower will feature a bespoke pool and lavish tropical landscaped gardens by the renowned C. Wright Studios. With open floor plans starting at 1,400 square feet, future residents can expect waterfront terraces with clear glass railings, a den/home office with an attached full bath, generous double-closet space, and other refined touches such as European wide-plank wood flooring throughout, exquisite kitchens with custom European cabinetry, and primary baths with dual rainfall showers. Stand-out Amenities We Love: Of its 20,000 square feet of resort-style amenities, 10,000 square feet will be designated for an exceptional rooftop experience. It will feature an expansive relaxation pool with sundeck, a dedicated kids’ area with a splash pad, hanging swings, and outdoor play tents, plus a soaking tub, a fire pit, and dining and lounge areas. Other amenities include a residents’ club room, dock-side pick-up/drop-off area, dockside lawns with waterfront seating, the residents’ Tesla House Car, plus for-sale boat slips at the private marina. Onda Residences 1135 103rd Street Groundbreaking: Broke ground in November 2021 Completion: Delivery in 2024  Named after the Italian word for “wave,” this project offers a collection of waterfront, plus-den, Mediterranean-chic residences drenched in Italian-style luxury along a beautiful waterfront. Developed by Ugo Colombo’s CMC Group—one of Miami’s most renowned developers—and Morabito Properties, and designed in the likeness of undulating waves by award-winning architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia (founder of Arquitectonica), Onda will rise eight stories with 41 oversized, luxury residences. In addition to being tech-forward, the mid-rise will feature interiors by A++ Human Sustainable Architecture with large floor plans starting at 1,809 square feet. All residences will be impeccably styled with mid-century style furnishings, light wooden Italian flooring, fully accessorized Snaidero kitchens, natural materials, and textures, plus stone and marble accents. Stand-out Amenities We Love: The 14-slip private marina, 300 linear feet of direct bayfront access, a watersports launch dock, lush landscaping by Enzo Enea, a rooftop pool deck with a bar and lounge area, a fitness center with Technogym equipment, an indoor yoga studio, Wi-Fi throughout the common areas, an integrated digital concierge, electric vehicle charging stations, and more. If you are keen on settling down in Miami in 2024, watch our lead broker, Sep Niakan, review the most popular Miami condos that are to be completed in 2024. Alana at Bay Harbor 9901 West Bay Harbor Drive Stand-out Amenities We Love: The 14-slip private marina, 300 linear feet of direct bayfront access, a watersports launch dock, lush landscaping by Enzo Enea, a rooftop pool deck with a bar and lounge area, a fitness center with Technogym equipment, an indoor yoga studio, Wi-Fi throughout the common areas, an integrated digital concierge, electric vehicle charging stations, and more. If you are keen on settling down in Miami in 2024, watch our lead broker, Sep Niakan, review the most popular Miami condos that are to be completed in 2024. Groundbreaking: Broke ground in May 2023Completion: Delivery in 2024 Developed by Alta Developers, this modern, minimalist mid-rise features a striking rooftop experience, a multitude of Zen gardens, and spacious residences. Designed by Revuelta Architecture, the seven-story Alana at Bay Harbor will be a stylishly chic residential haven with only 30 designer-ready residences. The boutique building will echo Miami’s Art Deco legacy with its striking curvilinear design and minimalist glass façade. And, it’s one of the new Miami buildings expected to be completed in 2024. From the developer behind Casa Bella by B&B Italia, the stylish mid-rise will afford larger residences starting at 1,229 square feet. All units will feature a nature-inspired color palette, expansive glass-framed balconies, walk-in closets, Italian kitchens with Italkraft cabinetry and Bosch appliances, spa-like master baths, and more, creating an exceptionally elegant boutique residence. Stand-out Amenities We Love: A striking rooftop experience, including a resort-style pool, a sundeck with water views, an open-air sky lounge with a summer kitchen, shaded areas and elegantly lit garden spaces for day-night comfort, a Zen-like space for meditation and yoga, plus an outdoor fitness area. Other amenities include a fully outfitted fitness center plus a resident’s social room with lounge seating for events and meetings. The Well 1160 Kane Concourse Groundbreaking: Broke ground in October 2023Completion: Expected by mid-2025 Developed by Terra Group in association with the internationally renowned THE WELL lifestyle brand, these wellness-centric luxury residences will offer bespoke amenities and perks like exclusive benefits across the brand’s locations globally. Boasting a certified Florida Green Building Design by the award-winning Arquitectonica, this mixed-use, sustainable building will rise eight stories boasting 54 luxury condo residences with a choice of one- to four-bedroom layouts. With interiors by New York’s Meyer Davis Studio, residents will come home to a revitalizing environment featuring light-filled spaces, high ceilings, aromatherapy diffusers, and a meditation corner.  Expect high-end touches like neutral engineered wood floors, Italian cabinetry, Kore workstation kitchen sinks, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a built-in wine fridge, Vitamix air fryer accessories, rain showers, stone floors in the primary bath, and much more. Stand-out Amenities We Love: Its 22,000 square feet of wellness-focused amenities include restorative water features, subtle aromatherapy throughout, wellness products curated and provided by THE WELL practitioners, and a wellness concierge.  There will also be a rooftop pool deck with a summer kitchen, a cozy reading room and tea lounge, dedicated children’s programming and wellness activities, a dedicated boardroom, exclusive access to a private beach club, membership to THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands, access to the latest in wellness tech in THE WELL Locker, access to The Club with Miami’s first caldarium and Halotherapy steam room, plus an electric house car. THE WELL’s mixed-use community will also feature 102,000 square feet of commercial office space and about 4,000 square feet of restaurant space, complete with parking, and an elevated plaza. Origin Residences by Artefacto 9760 West Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Broke ground in March 2024Completion: Expected by early 2025  Developed by VDA | Origin Miami, this limited collection of turnkey residences has customized furnishings in consultation with Artefacto and features a private marina. The minimalist waterfront building, designed by Revuelta Architecture, will be a seven-story boutique masterpiece featuring only 27 residences. First owners will have the rare opportunity to customize their interiors and furnishings in a private consultation with Coral Gables’ high-end furniture and home staging company, Artefacto.  Floor plans start at a generous 1,300 square feet, ranging from two to four bedrooms, and buyers have several options for plus-den layouts. In addition to interior design curations by the award-winning Carla Guilhem, all luxury homes will include Italian porcelain flooring throughout, fully accessorized imported Italian kitchens, and Italian marble bathrooms. Stand-out Amenities We Love: An eight-slip private marina with direct ocean access via Haulover Inlet. There will also be a rooftop pool deck with poolside summer kitchens and bar, private waterfront cabanas, a fitness center, a dog run and a pet wash station, plus a watersports launch dock, EV charging stations, and more. Bay Harbor Towers 10141 East Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Expected in 2024Completion: Scheduled for early 2026 PPG Development has created a waterfront icon with a private marina, a hammock garden, a rooftop oasis, and impeccably designed turnkey residences, all in adherence to Florida’s Green Building Coalition requirements. With interiors by Steven G, architecture by Kobi Karp, and common area furniture by the Italian brand Hessentia, this waterfront landmark will appeal to design connoisseurs. Rising as twin eight-story buildings, joined by an Italian-furnished lobby and a tropically landscaped rooftop, Bay Harbor Towers will be home to only 44 turnkey residences. In addition to a level of detail rivaling that of a custom home, all residences will feature direct water views, extra-large flow-through floor plans, sunrise and sunset terraces, large format Italian porcelain flooring, and more. They start at an expansive 1,870 square feet. Stand-out Amenities We Love: The 13-slip private marina with a water sports launch dock and beach club access. There will also be a rooftop oasis with a 55-foot infinity pool and a sunset jacuzzi, another 50-foot indoor saltwater lap pool, an advanced fitness center with equipment by Paragon, a wellness spa with hot and cold plunge pools, outdoor green spaces landscaped by CLAD, an owner’s lounge with news café, and more. Indian Creek Residences and Yacht Club 9110 West Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Broke ground in February 2024Completion: Scheduled for early 2026 This limited collection of extra-large residences developed by Landau Properties features the finest finishes, is one of the best pre-constructions with private marinas, and has cinematic golf course views. One of the most iconic Bay Harbor pre-construction condo projects on our list, this ultra-exclusive building will rise only eight stories with scenic water and country club views available from every level. Designed to the highest standards by Kobi Karp, this Miami Modern-style building will feature only nine palatial residences with timeless interiors and finishes by Boston’s Zarifi Design. As units start at an impressive 3,203 square feet, residents will be treated to a range of exquisite finishes, including leathered travertine floors, natural stone and wood accents, modern light fixtures, designer fittings, and glass railings on balconies. Stand-out Amenities We Love: A residents-only marina and yacht club with six yacht slips and dockmaster concierge services to raise the bar for waterfront living in this island community. Other amenities include a rooftop pool terrace, a world-class spa with dedicated treatment rooms, an outdoor waterfront plunge pool, an outdoor yoga lawn, a flexible creative space with a custom wet bar, an entertainment lounge, an outdoor screening pavilion with lounge seating, a coffee bar, tropical landscaping by Enzo Enea, custom lighting by Ventresca, and more.   You can also always contact us for professional Bay Harbor Miami pre construction reviews and expert opinions to find out how this building compares to others on the Miami real estate market, and if it would match your unique lifestyle. 9900 West 9900 West Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Due in 2024Completion: Expected in 2025 Developed by Horizon Group, this lush, tropical oasis boasts single-family home-sized residences offering a curated mix of boutique luxuries with private boat slips. With sublime interiors by Craft Studio and brilliant architecture by Frankel Benayoun Architects, this waterfront community is poised to become one of Bay Harbor Islands’ most desirable addresses. A boutique collection of only 23 bespoke residences, buyers have a choice of two- to four-bedroom floor plans starting at a spacious 1,202 square feet.  Each impeccably designed residence will feature two-tone European-style kitchens with white lacquered wood and light oak wood cabinetry, Calacatta marble stone countertops, Miele appliances, water features by Gessi and Kohler, oversized double-closet space, and more. In addition to plenty of natural light, residents will be treated to tranquil gardens and water views. Stand-out Amenities We Love: Besides 5,000 square feet of lush landscaping by Geomantic, the mid-rise will be home to a 9,000-square-foot landscaped rooftop with a Finnish overflow saltwater pool, a trellis-covered lounge area overlooking the water, an expansive sun terrace, a summer kitchen, and 10 private boat slips.  There will also be a state-of-the-art fitness center, a serene spa room, a children’s playroom, and a dog grooming room.   La Maré Signature Collection  9781 East Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Due in 2024Completion: Expected in 2025 Regency Development Group is developing an exquisite set of tropical single-family-home-style residences with private boat slips. It is the first in the trifecta of La Maré Collections, some of the most premium real estate offerings in Bay Harbor Islands, FL.  In the Signature Collection, the glass-clad, LEED-certified modern building will rise eight stories to offer only nine masterfully designed residences. Featuring no more than two residences per floor, floor plans will range from 2,100 to over 4,200 square feet. Designed by Kobi Karp, one of Miami’s best architects, it allows sunlight to move through the homes from sunrise to sunset, as each sprawling residence was created to honor its physical environment. In addition to direct water views, each ultra-luxury home will feature interiors by Debora Aquiar Arquitetos, custom Poliform kitchens featuring a wine fridge and a coffee system, a deep soaking tub in the primary bathroom, elegant Italian fixtures by Antonio Lupi, and more. Stand-out Amenities We Love: In addition to providing boat slips at the doorstep, this stunning building will feature landscaped bayfront verandas, a green rooftop with tree canopies, a resort-style pool deck with daybeds, an outdoor kitchen with a bar and lounge, a wine cellar, and more. La Maré Regency Collection  9927 East Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Due in 2024Completion: Expected in 2025 The second in the La Maré Collections is a boutique, tropical retreat curated to offer a sense of refined ease with private boat slips. It is developed by the Regency Development Group. Inspired by the movement of water, this glass-clad, LEED-certified building was designed by Kobi Karp to afford a contemporary nautical aesthetic while optimizing sunrise-to-sunset views. Interior designer Debora Aquiar Arquitetos adorns the interiors in a soft, natural palette, referencing the island’s tranquil beauty. Rising eight stories with 33 modern residences, La Mare’s Regency Collection exudes a resort-like feel. Units start at 1,600 square feet with expansive wraparound outdoor living spaces and panoramic water views to maximize the indoor-outdoor living experience. Stand-out Amenities We Love: Bayfront verandas, a tropically landscaped rooftop, residential lounge areas for gatherings and screenings, boat slips, plus a resort-style rooftop pool deck with a jacuzzi and lounge chairs complete the waterfront experience at this boutique enclave. La Maré Bay Collection 10301 East Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Due later in 2024Completion: Expected in spring 2026 The final chapter of Regency Development Group’s La Maré Collection, this project offers unparalleled bayfront luxury in limited-edition residences with private boat slips. Designed by the highly acclaimed Kobi Karp Architecture and with soft natural interiors by Brazil’s Debora Aquiar Arquitetos, this exclusive community will feature only nine bayfront homes. Rising eight stories, the boutique development will be positioned to gain the most exceptional water views on the island. Buyers have a choice of sprawling three- to four-bedroom floor plans with exquisite luxury finishes. Stand-out Amenities We Love: An exclusive four-slip marina, a rooftop pool, a rooftop kitchen, and a modern fitness center complete the upscale living experience at this ultra-luxury boutique project. Solina Bay Harbor 1055 93rd Street Groundbreaking: Expected by year-end 2024Completion: Expected in Q4 2025 Developed by RedHoek + Partners, this exclusive collection affords the ultimate in boutique luxury living, with no more than two residences per floor. Designed to offer a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and coastal luxury, this boutique building will rise seven stories with nine turnkey residences. Homes at this stunning property will start at a generous 2,000 square feet, boasting high-end finishes such as European natural oak, travertine limestone, white panel cabinetry, and hand-picked furniture for high-style living. Stand-out Amenities We Love: A private courtyard lobby, a rooftop tranquility pool with a summer kitchen, and a fitness center with a cold plunge round up the resort experience at Solina. There will also be separate storage spaces for each residence. Aire Residences 9700 West Bay Harbor Drive Groundbreaking: Expected in 2024Completion: 2026 One of the most prestigious Bay Harbor Islands pre-construction condo projects on our list, this almost sold-out waterfront oasis will rise seven stories with only eight high-design residences. Developed by the ABH Group, this first-of-its-kind island collection will feature only half- and full-floor waterfront residences with a seamless airflow design perfected by Bartroli Architecture. In addition to high-end finishes curated by Design Philosophy, Inc., each home will boast 10-foot-deep waterfront balconies, spacious Italian kitchens by Mia Cucina, den or home office space, fully finished bathrooms with a free-standing tub in the primary bath, and more.  Stand-out Amenities We Love: A rooftop terrace with dining, entertainment, and fitness areas, a water-view coffee lounge, a waterfront pool deck, and a private marina. Casa Verde 1140 93rd Street Groundbreaking: Expected in 2024Completion: 2026 Developed by New York’s Horizon Group, this boutique condo project will be located just a block from the water, making it premium Bay Harbor Islands, FL real estate. Designed by Frankel Benayoun Architects, the seven-story condo project will house 43 modern residences. Units will start at a generous 1,449 square feet for a two-bedroom with large balconies and top-of-the-appliances. Stand-out Amenities We Love: It is expected to include a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a community rooftop barbecue area, a rooftop garden, a 1,017-square-foot gym with yoga and steam rooms, a 1,336-square-foot lounge, two assigned parking spaces per unit, and more. — Is Bay Harbor Islands a Good Place to Live?  Surrounded by Biscayne Bay, and with a quintessential small-town feel, this island community’s location is hard to beat as it is only a mile from world-class shopping at the Bal Harbour Shops and the ocean. Here you’ll find an incredibly safe, family-friendly neighborhood, a K-8 school, quaint bistros, fine dining, and boutique retail, as well as some of the softest sands and secluded beach fronts in the Bal Harbour and Surfside area. Living in Bay Harbor Islands will always carry a sense of community considering the islands are almost exclusively residential, with many single-family homes and strict height limits for all other buildings. For anyone looking for less-crowded oceanfront living for a fraction of the cost of areas like Miami Beach, or if you want something different from Downtown Miami or Brickell’s high-rise culture, real estate in Bay Harbor Islands presents a great opportunity. If this sounds like your cup of tea and you would like more information on pricing, remaining units, or early bird discounts on any of the Bay Harbor Islands pre-construction condos, call, chat, or email us directly! You can also use our exclusive search engine to find Bay Harbor Island condos for sale or if you’d like to sell your Bay Harbor condo, we’re expert listing agents with an international team to help position and sell your property.

Storage Solutions to Upgrade Small Condo Units

A small condo becomes problematic when you have too many items lying around. Perhaps you've inherited family heirlooms or can never seem to declutter enough to live comfortably. Whatever your situation is, upgrading your unit with additional storage can help. From limited closets to minimal counter space for preparing food, these strategies offer functionality and square footage, so you don't have to move.   Why Add Storage to a Condo Unit? Studies highlight changing home preferences in buying decisions. For instance, 34% and 36% of Gen-Z and millennials want more living areas, respectively, while 18% of baby boomers are eager to downsize. Yet, the sky-high housing market makes small condos a viable choice for prospective homeowners. Of course, living in a condo requires you to consider what's most important. Rather than get rid of everything you love, you need additional storage. Storage solutions keep you organized, free up living space and keep your unit looking neat. If surveys are any indication, storage could also benefit a condo's resale value. According to Homelight, 67% of real estate experts say kitchen renovations are significant selling points in single-family homes, while 38% say finished basements are also appealing. Without basements to consider, condo owners must find other ways to attract buyers. 7 Storage Solutions for Small Condos A condo is more manageable than a single-family home, but does it mean you must sacrifice your belongings and liveability for convenience? Not always. Here are seven practical storage solutions for a cramped unit. 1. Built-In Storage Built-ins are excellent storage solutions for small condos, delivering greater functionality and decorative appeal. These features create a focal point in the living room, surrounding the television. Some offer open cubbies, while others have closed cabinetry or a combination. Display beloved treasures or use baskets in each slot to hide things you don't currently need.  2. Vertical Solutions Make the most of underutilized areas of your condo, transforming them into vertical storage. Think open shelves in the kitchen or above doorways and windowsills. Other ideas could include hanging plants, wall-mounted furniture, or rods and hooks. 3. Upgraded Kitchen Cabinetry The kitchen is a gathering place, whether you live in a small condo or a mansion. Therefore, you'll want to maximize the space you have. Kitchen upgrades could comprise custom cabinetry to hold utensils and cookware of all shapes and sizes. A small island or peninsula with cabinets and drawers creates access to essentials when preparing meals, while a new layout could make it easier to move around. 4. Baskets Basket storage isn't limited to built-in cubbies. Consider using them in the bathroom and bedroom, too. You can store rolled-up towels beside the vanity or keep your kids' and pets' belongings in them. They can even serve as decor under a console table in the foyer or living room. 5. Multipurpose Furniture Even storage solutions take up space. As such, you can create more square footage by purchasing multipurpose furniture. For instance, some coffee tables come with cabinetry, while an ottoman may have a compartment for your belongings when you lift the top. If you lift the seat, benches may also have room for blankets, books and other personal effects. 6. Over-the-Door Racks Keep your spices organized in the kitchen with an over-the-door rack. These solutions are also helpful in getting shoes and linens off the bedroom, closet or bathroom floor. They simply hang over the top of a door with either baskets or bars to hold your belongings. Depending on your style, you can also purchase them in metal or wood. 7. Underbed Storage Use large, flat containers under your bed to utilize empty extra storage space — a cheap and easy-to-find option at big-name stores. You can put your holiday decorations or seasonal clothes in these boxes so they’re easy to access and swap out.   Live Clutter-Free in a Small Condo You may be surprised to learn your small condo has additional storage areas in numerous places. Some solutions may require more creativity than others, but they will always ensure more comfortable, clutter-free living. Evelyn Long is a writer that specializes in housing market trends. She is also the founder of Renovated Magazine, where she writes essential resources for renters and homeowners. She has contributed to several other sites like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives.

The 5 Most Luxurious Condos in Surfside, Miami

  Surfside is a small coastal town located directly north of Miami Beach and just south of Bal Harbour. Known for its close-knit atmosphere, residents highly value the beachfront living options, scenic beach walks, community center, and the overall exceptional quality of life. As a brokerage with extensive experience in South Florida, we’ve observed an emerging luxury trend in this beachside community. This has led to developing high-end residences in some of the most desirable oceanfront buildings. In this blog, we rank the top five most luxurious condos in Surfside, Miami, based on their average listing prices and detail their amenities, offering you a deeper insight into this charming coastal locale. — Why Choose to Live in Surfside? This family-oriented beach town is perfectly positioned between the glamorous Bal Harbour and world-famous Miami Beach. A pocket-sized neighborhood, Surfside is somewhat of an extension of Bal Harbour and is favored by those looking for a mix of exclusivity, community events, friendly neighbors, mom-and-pop shops, safe streets and a stunning beach lifestyle. Residents love the uncrowded beaches here that come lined with scenic boardwalks and citywide exhibits dedicated to marine life (read about Surfside’s famous turtles). It also ranks as the 6th best suburb to raise a family in Miami-Dade County, according to niche.com. And with several ultra-luxury new construction developments on the way, Surfside is positioning itself to become one of the most coveted beach neighborhoods in all of coastal Miami-Dade County. Further, the town has its very own community center that features a lap pool, a plunge pool, a children’s pool, a jacuzzi, and two multipurpose rooms made available to host community events. So, now that you know more about this lovely beachside community, here’s where you can find the best condos for sale in Surfside.   — The Most Luxurious Condos in Surfside, Miami 5. The Waves 9455 Collins AvenueAverage Listing Price: $1,076 per sq. ft. This oceanfront mid-rise is home to 109 modern residences, with most condos privy to breathtaking water views and expansive wrap-around balconies. Rising only 12 stories high along a pristine oceanfront, residents enjoy direct access to the private beach.  Completed in 1991, amenities at this classical modern building include a heated swimming pool, a sauna and spa, a social room, a fitness center, and more. 4. Azure Condos 9401 Collins AvenueAverage Listing Price: $1,228 per sq. ft. The Azure in Surfside embodies the elegant style that Surfside is known for, only steps from the Bal Harbour Shops, with all of its shopping and dining options, and only a few minutes' drive from one of the area’s finest golf courses. Each unit in this 12-story midrise is designed with dramatically high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light to create airy, open living spaces. Sliding glass doors lead to ample terraces with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 2005, amenities in this exclusive building offer luxury and convenience, and include a social salon, a bar, a climate-controlled swimming pool, an outdoor whirlpool spa, poolside cabanas, a fitness center with cardio and strength training, his and hers saunas, and more. 3. Fendi Chateau Residences 9349 Collins AvenueAverage Listing Price: $3,557 per sq. ft. The first-ever residential project by the house of Fendi, this boutique, 12-story building features 58 ultra-luxury, flow-through condos. Developed in association with the Chateau Group, and designed by Arquitectonica, with landscaping by ArquitectonicaGEO, these sophisticated residences sit on 300 linear feet of private beachfront. The project was completed in 2016. Amenities at this building favored by our clients seeking an address synonymous with elevated living include Fendi Casa Kitchens in all the residences, Fendi-designed interiors, and touches throughout the common spaces, pool and beachside services, two swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens, a private restaurant, a lounge with gourmet kitchen, a spa with European thermal pool, Luxury Attaché concierge services, Shabbat-friendly elevators and more. 2. The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel and Residences 9011-9111 Collins AvenueAverage Listing Price: $4,864 per sq. ft. Carrying on the legacy of the historic Surf Club built on this site in 1930, this iconic condo-hotel is where you can find one of the most luxurious condos in Surfside, Miami for sale. It features 119 private residences and 31 hotel residences spread across 12 stories, all connected to the exclusive Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel.  Architects Kobi Karp and Richard Meier have taken special care to preserve the original Surf Club structure that opened on New Year’s Eve, 1930—marking it the place to see and be seen at the time—while designing complementary modern towers that seamlessly create an architectural language.  Today, the property finished in 2017 stands to feature the glamor of a bygone era plus luxurious modern residences for a truly exceptional lifestyle. Residents further find waterfront luxury in furnished spaces, enhanced by access to the hotel’s amenities such as four heated pools, beach club services, landscaped gardens, oceanfront Four Seasons spa services with the option of in-residence treatments, two restaurants with in-residence dining, and all of the spectacular services expected of a Four Seasons.  — And the Most Luxurious Condo in Surfside Is: 1. Arte by Antonio Citterio 8955 Collins AvenueAverage Listing Price: $5,078 per sq. ft. This ultra boutique, oceanfront development is a first in the U.S. by the acclaimed international starchitect duo of Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel. The Italian designers are famous for their elegant minimalism and for creating uniquely European spaces. Built in 2018, the one-of-a-kind, pyramid-style, glass building features only 16 ultra-luxury condo residences across 12 floors and is perched along the finest stretch of Surfside’s beachfront. We especially appreciate its uniqueness and exclusive, boutique lifestyle. It was famously home to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner and their children for several years.  Arte’s impressive list of resort-style amenities includes an indoor heated lap pool with a water feature, a meditation pond, a sauna and steam room, an outdoor meditation swimming pool, a yoga studio, a rooftop tennis court, a children's playroom, a resident’s lounge, and an art-adorned lobby.  If you’re a discerning buyer looking for the most luxurious condo in Surfside, Miami this small, extremely luxurious building with European touches might be exactly what you're looking for. Its sophistication and intimate scale is unrivaled. — The Most Luxurious Pre-Construction Condos in Surfside 93 Ocean 9309 & 9317 Collins Avenue Developed by Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management, this 12-story tower will have 27 exquisite residences, each meant to capture the spirit of luxury yacht design and the serenity of a private seaside villa. Designed by Miami’s Arquitectonica, it will have interiors by Brazilian designer Carla Guilhem.  Each uniquely designed residence will feature 12-foot-deep terraces with city and ocean views, glass railings, one-of-a-kind ceilings with wood-like accents, contemporary Italian kitchens, and spa-inspired baths. Amenities will include a resistance pool and a reflecting pond along a private path leading to the beach, a rooftop pool deck, a fitness center, a steam room, a sauna, a club room, and more. Seaway at The Surf Club 9149 Collins Avenue Seaway sits on the north end of The Surf Club as a single 12-story tower offering 34 expansive residences with wraparound terraces and glass railings. Designed by Joseph Dirand and ODP Architecture, this boutique project combines classic European modernism with contemporary design to create a beacon of luxury in Surfside. With completion expected later in 2024, all residences will have breathtaking ocean views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and generously scaled interiors. Seaway will offer its residents prime services by the Four Seasons brand and they will also have access to the extended amenities at The Surf Club. Both locations will be connected by a tropical pathway ideated by renowned Belgian landscape designer Peter Wirtz. Surf House 8995 Collins Avenue Surf House, designed by Kobi Karp, will be a lavish 11-story tower featuring 19 oversized residences. Its design merges contemporary aesthetics with natural elements, resulting in a distinctly modern structure with a magnificent glass exterior beautifully mirroring the ocean. This boutique mid-rise epitomizes opulence, boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows that unveil spacious terraces. Moreover, this luxurious beachfront tower grants exclusive access to the pristine shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean through a sandy, foliage-adorned barefoot path. Surf Row Residences 8800 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 Designed by local starchitect Rene Gonzalez, and developed by the Linéaire Group, Surf Row is bringing the ultimate residential experience in beachfront luxury to Miami’s tranquil Surfside with only eight single-family row houses on the beach. The collection of private bespoke homes will rise only three floors and it’ll be just steps from the Atlantic Ocean featuring a distinctly modern structure incorporated into the natural setting with lush gardening. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and light shaft paneling for abundant natural light in this boutique mid-rise. Expected to be completed in 2025, amenities at this exclusive project will include an expansive landscaped rooftop overlooking the ocean complete with a plunge pool, a lounge area, and an outdoor kitchen for sunset dinners and celebratory barbeques. Other perks include private beach access with beach and towel services and other premiere residence services, such as personal grocery shopping, restaurant reservations, and household services. — How Safe is Surfside? As mentioned above, Surfside has been voted the 6th best suburb to raise a family in Miami-Dade in 2024 by niche.com. The neighborhood-ranking website also gives this coastal community a “B” in terms of safety. This does not come as much of a surprise, since the neighborhood is much safer compared to other cities in the U.S.  Surfside also has a good police officers-to-residents ratio, making it rank highly in terms of safety. While it’s a hard decision with all of the excellent beachfront condos here, we vote Fendi Chateau as the best-located condo in Surfside for several reasons. First, the designer building sits on a private slice of pristine beachfront and is only a block from the nearest Publix and the Surfside Community Center. It is also a short walk away from the famous Bal Harbour Shops.  This concludes our expert insider’s roundup of the most luxurious condos in Surfside, Miami! If you’re looking for more luxury buildings in Surfside for sale, browse through our exclusive selection and check out the incredible amenities and gorgeous coastal lifestyle they offer.