S & J Journal

We are definitely seeing a change. Over the past few years, the REO’s (bank-owned properties) listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) have typically been about 10% of the total inventory of stable neighborhoods. Contrary to what we read in the papers about this shadow inventory of distressed properties, we have not really seen it materialize in the better-selling areas of Miami-Dade County. What we are finding is that as the inventory of regular-priced single family homes has declined, so has the inventory of REO’s. Where are they going? It is our theory that many of these properties are not even making it to the MLS, but are being bought by people who are in the pipeline (such as bankers, appraisers and realtors). Currently, there are 5,280 single family homes for sale in Miami-Dade and of these 304 are REO’s, that’s 5.8%. In the Gables, there are only 277 single family homes for sale and of that 2 are REO’s, that’s 0.7%. For investors and first-time homebuyers who are lookin...

The 2012 annual Villager's garden tour "Gateway to Garden Wonders" will be held on Saturday, March 3, from 10 am to 3 pm. You will see unique gardens in Pinecrest and South Miami. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $25 by calling 305-775-8988 or 305-926-4213. On Saturday, tickets can be purchased for $30 at 7299 SW 79th Court or 9501 SW 61 st Court.

The Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes event gathered more than 400 ladies at the Coral Gables Country Club on February 8th for a day of shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting the world-class pediatric healthcare benefits of the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. The event raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars! Pictured at right: Anchor Belkys Nerey, ABC 10 Anchor Laurie Jennings, former CBS Early Show Anchor Maggie Rodriguez, CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori (Credit: Yamila Lomba).

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen held a ceremony at her Miami district office on Friday, February 10th to present former Coral Gables Commissioner Sgt. Jim Barker with two medals from the United States Air Force for his service during the Berlin Airlift that occurred after World War II and the Korean War. A U.S. flag was flown over the Capitol in his honor.

The Miami Bach Society will hold its 13th Tropical Baroque Music Festival in several Coral Gables venues from March 3 – 11, 2012. The event kicks off at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 1142 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables with a Concerto Soave from Marseille at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $75; free for students 18 years and under; $5 for college students. For the festival schedule and to buy tickets, call 305-669-1376 or visit www.miamibachsociety.org. The Miami Bach Society is the area’s principal organization performing and presenting classical music written before 1800.

If you have old electronics, the safe and environmentally appropriate method for disposal is with a company like eScrap. They recycle efficiently, legally and partner with other recyclers to minimize any waste. The same is true for the disposal of office lamps, batteries and mercury bearing devices. Most importantly, eScrap will provide a donation to the American Red Cross every time you recycle with them. Call 800-451-2204 or 305-636-1911 if you have obsolete electronics that need to be recycled and tell eScrap that the Red Cross made the referral.

This past week Don Slesnick received the distinguished "Outstanding Civilian Service Medal," an award established by the U.S. Army to recognize private citizens that demonstrate exceptional public service. General Doug Fraser, Commander of the United States Southern Command (pictured at left with Don), said Don’s “consistent superior leadership within the community of South Florida has been exceptional and reflects his unwavering support of U.S. Southern Command and all military service members.” Congratulations, Don!

The Junior League of Miami is an organization of women committed to volunteerism and improving communities through leadership and action. "The Junior League of Miami...85 years strong, over 1,000 members solid, dedicated to excellence. With great pride, we continue to train civic leaders to go out into our community to address the toughest challenges to our most vulnerable populations." says President Dana Wolpert Martorella. Visit http://www.jlmiami.org/ . Pictured at right are the new executive officers elected this week: Cecilia Slesnick, Lauren Dowlen, Jennifer Herskowitz, Rebecca Gentry, Emilie Goldman, 2012-13 President Katie Lane-Arriola, Vivian Rodriguez, Johanne Nicoleau, Melissa Tolmach, Sandi Sides and 2013-14 President-Elect Leanne Tellam.

Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz with husband Ricardo, son Jacob and Judge Beatrice Butchko. Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz was sworn in as the 38th CABA president this month at an installation gala. A partner in the Miami office of Broad and Cassel, she has served seven terms on the CABA Board of Directors and is involved in numerous community organizations.

Julia Lancaster and Amanda-Rose Cabrera enjoy the weekly farmers market in front of Gables City Hall. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 405 Biltmore Way every Saturday through March 31, 2012.

Katherine W. Ezell, left, is the 2012 President of the 200 Club, pictured with Dr. Richard R. Souviron, immediate past president. The Coral Gables-based club has two dinners a year and the proceeds benefit families of law enforcement officers and fire fighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Since its inception in 1968, the 200 Club has made payments and contributions in excess of $1 million.

Click here to listen now:   Slesnick & Jochem Coral Gables Real Estate Today Radio Show: 11-23-2011 “Coral Gables Real Estate Today” aired on WZAB 880 AM The Biz after the Bloomberg Report. On “Coral Gables Real Estate Today” we, Jeannett Slesnick and Ginger Jochem, discuss interesting topics about the current state of real estate, great buying and selling tips, financing options and updates, events around the community, and more.

Amanda Haworth and Roger Castillo were MDPD officers killed in the line of duty on January 20, 2011, leaving behind several family members/children. The combined amount the Club presented to the surviving family members at that time was $100,000.  Also, the Club currently remembers the birthdays of the children of fallen officers each year through their 17th birthday with a $300 gift card. On their 18th birthday, the Club gives the birthday person a check for $2,500.

Outgoing President/Chair Jeff Roberts with incoming Pres./Chair Ford Gibson. The The Orange Bowl Committee installed its new officers at a dinner this past month at the Riviera Country Club.

The third annual Tour of Kitchens held last month was a wonderful opportunity to taste great foods from local restaurants, see lovely homes, purchase gifts and crafts, and was followed by an afternoon of desserts, music and book reviews at the Museum...all the while supporting the Coral Gables Community Foundation and the culinary arts program at C.G. Senior High.

From time to time, we share our client's testimonials in our ads in the Miami Herald Neighbors back page. Here are two very nice comments we'd like you to read... Saket Pabby, about selling 1114 Genoa: “Natasha and I both wanted to thank you for a close to perfect execution of the sales process for our house that we dearly loved. We have worked with five Realtors and you folks have been the best in terms of knowledge, client management, persistence and communication. We have told our neighbor to get in touch with you.” Frank & Maite Bocanegra of 908 Granada: “We just want to thank you for all your hard work...The professionalism and experience that your company demonstrated was beyond our expectations. I will recommend you to all our friends who are either selling or buying a home.”

Miami-Dade high schools ranked among the top in the nation for the number of Hispanic students passing the college-level Advanced Placement exams. Out of 4,000 high schools nationwide, Coral Reef Senior High came in second, Miami Palmetto High in third, Southwest in fourth, Coral Gables High right behind in fifth, Dr. Krop High in sixth and Coral Park High in eighth place. We want to salute those students and their families.