The Real Estate Orange » Real Estate News

Jeopardy at Gulfstream Park: Alex, let’s make that a true daily double

ellenwindheim — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:11:23 +0000

Who hasn’t pictured themselves mouthing those words, as millions looked on, anxiety mounting as the theme song tic-tocked out the seconds? The fantasy became reality for the chosen few who stood out above the thousands, yes thousands, that came to try out this morning at Gulfstream Park.The long line of hopefuls slowly snaked up the stairs and hallways of Gulfstream, having attracted young and old, to take the 10-question quiz, and then to try their hand at the actual game.Of course, watching from the comfort of your living room sofa, you’re not only a match for Ken Jennings, you’re amazingly agile on the button as the answers magically flow. When you’re on the set, or even a mini studio replica reproduced on the second floor of the casino, your brain goes into some kind of surreal freeze. At least mine did, as the host, not Alex but Jon, a member of the clues team, called my name and asked me to choose my category. My moment in the sun, and I got to choose my best category, “books and authors” and did I go for $1000: no, cowardly, I went for $200, where the Dickens clue required the response: who, or what, is Scrooge. I barely managed to shout “scrooge” into the microphone, not even certain of what I was saying, or even what question I was supposed to be answering.The next question had me repeatedly pressing the handheld buzzer like mad, to no avail, as another contestant apparently beat me to it. Personally, I think it was a technical malfunction, and I should have had that question. Funny, I can’t even remember what it was, even though this all took place about an hour ago.I think I’ll go back to TV Jeopardy, where I’m first on the buzzer and never have to lose points for wrong answers.

The Village at Gulfstream Park

ellenwindheim — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:31:16 +0000

Yesterday, the Aventura Marketing Council hosted an information session about what’s happening at Gulfstream. Looks pretty exciting.Ultimately comprising 1 million sq. ft., the “village” will be built in phases, with phase 1 being to be completed by February 2009. It will consist of :

375,000 SF retail
75,000 SF office
275 hotel rooms

Later phases are to include 2500-seat theater, with more retail, office and hotel units. Original plans for residential units were scrapped by the developer, and we all understand why. When the market turns around, as it surely will, those units may well be re-instated in the plan.On first view, the mediterranean village style (a mizner-type development) looks great, and who doesn’t look forward to the opening of new restaurants in the area. The big question mark: how well the developers and the city handle the traffic congestion that already exists, and is bound to be exascerbated?Check out the website: www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com

The Venture at Aventura, Fl: 18900 NE 29th Ave, Penthouse 16

ellenwindheim — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:42:59 +0000

I drive past the Venture condo development most days, on my way to EWM’s Aventura office, which is only a couple of blocks away, and I think how well situated it is, and if I lived there I wouldn’t even need to drive to work. The Venture is adjacent to Loehmann’s Plaza, Founder’s Park and Country Club Drive, with its jogging and bicycle path, and Aventura Mall, with all its restaurants, shops, and cinemas.

Aventura is known for its great schools, both public and private. And, located between Fresh Market and Whole Foods, the opportunities for food shopping are amazing. Not only can you find all these urban amenities at your doorstep, but the Venture itself has some pretty terrific features:

a South Beach-y pool area,
private screening room
complete fitness gym.
business & social rooms
split-plan layouts
sliding doors to large balconies

The Penthouse units are especially attractive, in that the ceilings are 10 feet high. Penthouse #16 has great water views, and can now be purchased at an amazingly low price. So come check it out! http://sef.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=972257349&s=SEF&t=SEF

South Florida Hospitals: Not Sicko

ellenwindheim — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:19:37 +0000

Despite Michael Moore’s condemnation of our healthcare, I have to share some personal experiences I’ve had with our hospitals in South Florida.

On 2 different occasions, once when I had to bring my young daughter to the emergency room at Joe Dimaggio, the children’s wing of the Memoral Regional Hospital, www.memorialregional.com and another time when my husband was rushed to the emergency room at Aventura Hospital www.aventurahospital.com . Both times, I was truly amazed by the attention and speed of care. We were immediately admitted, tests were administered, before anyone even asked how we would be paying.

And that is how emergency rooms in American hospitals work: you cannot be denied medical attention. This is in sharp contrast to the Canadian system, where, through personal experience, I have seen patients waiting for hours before any triage was done, and being required to show some proof for payment. Now that is sicko.

7000 Island Blvd, Williams Island Aventura and New Years Day celebrations

ellenwindheim — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:47:48 +0000

For the last few years, the 7000 building in Williams Island has been the scene of an annual New Years Day party that I regularly attend. It’s a lavish all-day event and I look forward to seeing friends and acquaintances, more than I relish most New Year’s Eve celebrations, with their air of forced frivolity.

A couple of years ago, before I’d become a Realtor, I was invited by one of the hosts’ guests who lived in the same building to visit her condo. She’d heard that I had a degree in architecture and wanted to show me her home. We left the party for a brief tour, and I was impressed by how beautifully her condo was designed, with such attention to detail. Not only were the furnishings outstanding, but the views were majestic. She was very proud of it, and deservedly so.

Last week, she called to invite me for another visit– this time to list her unit.

I was thrilled at the opportunity to represent a unit I’d admired and an owner I liked at a price I thought to be very reasonable.

I’ve already received my invitation for this coming New Year’s and, you guessed it, I’m already looking forward to it.

Hollywood Boardwalk Latin Festival: September 16, 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.

ellenwindheim — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:24:10 +0000

On my return from an exhilarating bike ride that included the Hollywood Boardwalk, I reflected on what an amazing asset the boardwalk is, and the rich cultural life we have in South Florida. The mix of languages and ethnicities, the beach/urban environment, and, of course the glorious weather, combine to make this a great place to live. I biked past all the vendors and exhibitors setting up for the Latin Festival that is taking place today, from noon to 8:00 pm.

So, if you’re looking for something to do, it’s not too late to get out there and enjoy Latin music, food and fun. See you there!

Why taking a cruise is so much better when you live in South Florida

ellenwindheim — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 04:13:53 +0000

Never really thought I was a cruise-type person (if there is such a thing). But I’ve discovered the ease and simplicity of a cruise vacation, in our post 9/11 world, especially when you live in South Florida. It begins with arrivals and continues through to departures: no airport stress, in fact driving and finding parking right at the ship terminal couldn’t be easier. You can be setting sail on a 14-day odyssey, or a 3-day outing, like the Labor Day weekend I recently cruised with my family. The wonderful cruise photos you see here were taken by our new friend, Bob, who was kind enough to email these photos the same day we returned from our cruise. Thanks Bob!

The best part of cruising for me: not the food, not the places you visit, but the chance to disconnect along with your fellow travelers; everyone from young to old gets to spend the time as they choose. And you don’t have to put on weight!

Party with 300 of your closest friends on a private lanai on the beach at 18911 Collins

ellenwindheim — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:31:33 +0000

Sunny Isles Beach, that is. Of course, first you ‘d have to

BUY this 3BR/4 .5 B condo, then
Buy alot of cocktails and hors d’oevres, and then
you would have more friends than you thought you already had. But you’d also get the ocean lapping in your ears, a private door to the tennis courts, and A fabulous deal all around for only $1, 180, 000.