Pinecrest, Florida Real Estate Market

For the first time in the last five years, repeat buyers and investors in the Pinecrest, Florida area outnumber first-time buyers as sales leaders once again in the region's housing market.  As a result, prices of bank-owned developments and properties doing business as short sales are being bid up by multiple offers and cash buyers in many Pinecrest neighborhoods, according to a recent current market conditions survey.  The numbers reveal that there is a current ratio of 58% to 42% of repeat buyers as compared to first time buyers.  This reflects an increase of 10 percentage points over this time last year, and a staggering 24 points as compared to six months ago.  In a balanced market of supply and demand in real estate, it is usually the case that repeat buyers lead by a two-thirds ratio.

In other survey data provided by real estate agents and professionals in the second quarter of 2011, 53% of respondents reported that their customers are getting over 95% of their asking prices, on average.  Plus, 60% of survey respondents stated that they received multiple offers and 52% reported zero to 10% appreciation in the past year.  Moreover, 77% indicated that real estate listings are taking more than 60 days to sell. The buyer-seller ratio is 53% to 34%, slightly favoring sellers.  This re-emergence of repeat buyers and competition from cash-rich investors is boosting sales activity significantly.

As such, there are great opportunities for buyers in the form of discounted properties such as foreclosures and short sales.  In addition, motivated sellers are pricing appropriately their properties for sale.  In other words, now and over the next couple of months can be seen as the best time to buy.  For sellers, it should be noted that if they are somewhat short when they sell, they are likely to make up the difference when they purchase their next home.  Pinecrest, Florida home shoppers should also be aware that when upgrading or downsizing, there is the option of taking advantage of the homestead exemption. This is just one of the benefits when considering purchasing a property.  Appreciation at steady and typical levels is forthcoming in the medium and long term.

Top Pinecrest, Florida Restaurants

Pinecrest, Florida is home to many fabulous restaurants and eateries for casual or fine dining, both indoors and out.  Sushi Rock Suniland, at 11293 South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest is a proven winner among locals and visitors.  The sushi is always fresh and the service is attentive and fantastic.  Whether you prefer to sit at the sushi bar or enjoy table service with the entire family, you will not leave disappointed.  One popular dish is the tuna tataki, with a huge portion of beautiful tuna slices that are gorgeously arranged and melt in your mouth.

Another excellent option for fresh seafood is Sushi Rock, where sushi is the star.  The talented chefs know their craft and they do it perfectly.  The atmosphere is eclectic, with a little bit of fun.  The music is not typical Japanese, so diners may catch a tune or two from the 90’s.  The servers recommend that diners start with some fragrant green tea or house Sake.  The Shrimp shumai is delectable, warm and delicate.  Sushi Rock features traditional rolls but they will also do custom rolls to your liking.

Pizza lovers should definitely check out Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, at 10205 South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest.  As soon as you enter Anthony's, you are greeted with a traditional old Miami feel updated with modern luxury.  The smells will be the second thing guests notice, as the ovens are right out in the open for the most authentic pizza taste.  The décor features icons such as the Godfather and Sophia Loren, and countless others ranging from notorious celebrities to classic rock stars.

There are numerous tables in the main dining room, as well as the featured front center table which is huge and visible right upon entering.  It offers a bird’s eye view of the entire restaurant.  Any dish on the menu will be fantastic, but many visitors swear by the Meatball & Ricotta pizza with fresh ricotta and chunks of well-flavored meat.  All salads are also crisp and fresh, with dressings made in house.  The servers are attentive, fast, friendly and polite.

Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Pinecrest, Florida

Pinecrest, Florida is an area where both residents and visitors enjoy many varieties of activities and attractions.  Animal lovers will love the Everglades Alligator Farm, at 40351 Southwest 192nd Avenue in nearby Homestead, Florida.  Guests of all ages can discover the mysteries of the Everglades at this attraction, which is South Florida's oldest alligator farm.  Located at the main entrance of world famous Everglades National Park, the attraction is home to more than 2,000 alligators.  You can learn more about these astounding creatures as you glide skim the waters on a guided airboat tour.  Alligator, snake, and wildlife shows are performed hourly.  The Everglades Alligator Farm is also home of the famous 14 foot "Grandpa" alligator.  Plus, this attraction has an entertaining staff of Airboat drivers, Alligator Experts, and even Snake handlers

Another spot to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful Pinecrest weathers is the Deering Estate at Cutler.   Located along Biscayne Bay, the spacious Deering Estate at Cutler is an environmental, archeological and historical preserve.  Visitors can paddle on a canoe ride or stroll along one of the butterfly trails or nature guided tour.  There are also daily tours of the historic houses – the Stone House and Richmond Cottage, as well as naturalist lead tours of the lush natural areas where fossil bones have been found as far back as 50,000 years.  Also located onsite is a cultural and educational facility that features classes and programs for children and adults, as well as teacher training and research opportunities.

Foodies and gardeners will love Pinecrest’s Fruit and Spice Park, which is the only tropical botanical garden of its kind in the United States.  The park exhibits 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, nuts, and other plant specimens from around the world.

Finally, another outdoor attraction is the Miami-Dade EcoAdventures, located near Pinecrest in Miami.  Part of the nationally renowned Miami-Dade Parks system, it is one of the largest networks of parks, beaches, wildlife-landscapes, wetlands, and recreational gems in the entire United States.  Masters of outdoor discovery, adventurers, educators and stewards provide entertaining and educational information on the fascinating subtropical South Florida ecosystem.