Tips para una inversión inmobiliaria extranjera en Florida

De acuerdo a la asociación de corredores de bienes y raíces de Florida casi un 20 % del total de ventas de casas fue hecha a personas extranjeras, en 2012. Y es que, el mercado de bienes y raíces en Miami es uno de los más populares entre los inversionistas extranjeros, quienes en muchos casos –cerca del 30%- buscan una propiedad como inversión más allá de tener una segunda vivienda.

Las ventajas del mercado inmobiliario de Miami la ubican en el top 5 de las ciudades con mayor impulso en el sector a nivel nacional. Donde la revalorización de las propiedades –hasta de un 70%- y su característica multicultural, son uno de sus factores de peso más influyentes en esta faceta financiera de Miami.

Con más de un 31% de compradores extranjeros invirtiendo en la industria de bienes y raíces de Florida, es importante tener en cuenta los siguientes aspectos a la hora de comprar, especialmente en Miami.

Franqueza: Estados Unidos de Norteamérica difiere con otros países en los términos de abertura del mercado de bienes y raíces. Cuando una casa se coloca en el mercado para la venta es colocada en multiples listas de propiedades en venta, lo que permite que cualquier agente licenciado en bienes y raíces en Florida tenga la oportunidad de venderla a cualquier cliente. A pesar de que una casa tenga un letrero en el frente con el nombre de la compañía de bienes y raíces y el nombre del agente inmobiliario, los clientes potenciales pueden seleccionar su propio agente para que los represente ante el vendedor.

Financiamiento: A pesar de las condiciones y exigencias que han implementado en la banca nacional, luego de la crisis financiera de 2008, existen entidades bancarias dispuestas a financiar a compradores internacionales, siempre y cuando cumplan con los requerimientos, así como con un capital inicial y posibilidades de mantenimiento. 

Los impuestos: Muchos inversionistas internacionales no están familiarizados con los impuestos que se les cobra por tener una propiedad en los Estados Unidos. Por no ser ciudadanos americanos, las reglas son diferentes, sin embargo las tasas suelen ser menores que las de ciudadanos norteamericanos. Existen diferentes leyes con distintos tipos de impuestos como: impuesto de ganancia de capital, impuestos neto por la inversión, etc. Lo más recomendado para este caso es que el inversionistas busque asesoría por parte de un abogado especializado en impuestos y en la compra y venta de inmuebles en los Estados Unidos, ya que esta área es un factor vital en el país.

El uso de la propiedad: en función del tiempo que una persona no residente puede estar dentro de los Estados Unidos, es importante que el futuro inversionista tenga muy en claro el uso que la dará a su propiedad en Florida. Por ejemplo: a menos que sea una persona que tenga una visa de trabajo o de estudiante, los extranjeros tienen un límite de 6 meses para su permanencia en territorio norteamericano. Debido a esto, muchos inversionistas usan su propiedad para rentarla o prefieren mantenerla como una inversión a largo plazo.

What to Do During the Holidays in Miami

Even though it is 75 degrees outside and we all wear shorts and flip flops, the holidays are alive and well in Miami.  The lights, decorations and general spirit of everyone around show that it is the most magical time of the year.  As the season kicks in, following are a few of our favorite events for anyone who is wondering what to do during the holidays in Miami.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest, Tropical Park, Now Through January 5

Even though it opened at the end of October, Santa's Enchanted Forest is the holidays maxxed out.  As the world’s largest Christmas theme park, there are lights everywhere, over 100 rides, shows, games and attractions – let’s not forget South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree.  This is a place where people come from all over the state and elsewhere to take in -- one of those places that you have to see to believe.  Open daily from 5pm to midnight (it has to be dark to see all the lights), tickets are $19.63 for kids age 3-9 and seniors 65+, and $28.97 for Adults age 10-64.  Now, if you think you might go more than once it is worth looking into a season pass with prices at $49.53 for ages 10-64 and $39.25 for kids 3-9 and seniors. Season pass holders do not have to wait in line which makes it worth every penny.  Parking is free. For more information, call (305) 893-0090.

Bayfront Park Tree Lighting, Bayfront Park, Friday, November 29, 5-9pm

Next Friday is the official kick-off of the holiday season in Downtown Miami.  With Biscayne Bay as the backdrop, nothing is as beautiful as the huge tree when the lights come on for the first time.  This free event is fun for the whole family and the perfect way to enjoy some true holiday spirit.  The Food Truck Invasion will be on site starting at 5pm with some of our favorite food trucks including Main Stop Grill, Miami Pizza Truck, Sweet Sensations, Burger and Beer Joint and more.  The tree lighting is at 7pm so make sure to be there on time to watch the twinkling lights shine out over the bay while enjoying everyone’s favorite holiday songs.

Miami Outboard Club's 16th Annual Holiday Boat Parade, Saturday, December 14, 6 – 10pm

One of the most awesome sights is watching the boats travel along Biscayne Bay during the annual Miami Outboard Club’s Holiday Boat Parade.  We may not have snow in Miami but who wants it when you can have this  magnificent display of lights!  Boats of all sizes are decorated with colorful lights and decorations in a holiday theme that is so much fun to see.  The food trucks are set up with their food and drinks, and there is music, kids’ activities and to cap the evening off, a large fireworks display.  Yes, in Miami, we shoot off fireworks for most every major holiday.  This event is a spectacular showcase of holiday spirit and definitely one of our favorite holiday events.

The Nutcracker, Miami City Ballet, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, December 19 -24

What would the holidays be without seeing The Nutcracker?  This is the ultimate holiday tradition and the performance by the Miami City Ballet is unbelievable.  From the grace and flow of classical ballet to the beautiful costumes and excitement of the story itself, this is always a must-see every year.  And, seeing it at the Center for the Performing Arts takes it to the next level.  Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods (Brickell, the Design District and others) are all about excitement and activity.   The Nutcracker is sure to please.  Ticket prices for the performance range from $25 to $79 and are available online.  The best part about Miami City Ballet’s Nutcracker is that if you cannot make it to one of the performances in Miami, you have several other chances to see it either in West Palm Beach at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts or at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale during the couple of weeks after Christmas. 

Many More Holiday Events

While these are the most popular things to do at this time of year, there are many more holiday events in the neighborhoods throughout Miami and the surrounding areas.  Even though it is warm outside, it is still easy to get into the holiday spirit with all of these holiday activities.  We just get to wear shorts and flip flops!  Trust us – it is a lot better this way!

Cipriani – Brickell’s Newest and Chic Hot Spot

If you live in Brickell, then you know how important nightlife and dining out are to most of the residents.  Sometimes referred to as the Manhattan of the South, Brickell is full of that excitement and frenzy that only major metro areas have.  While the reputation of Brickell is its status in the financial world, it includes some of the most fantastic restaurants and bars in which it is important to not only see but be seen.  One of those restaurants is the chic Italian hot spot, Cipriani. 

Cipriani - Brickell      

Cipriani, owned by the Cipriani brothers who are great grandsons to the founder of the famed Harry’s Bar in Venice, opened in the spring.  With its primo location at Icon Brickell, it is a super high-end restaurant where major financial deals are made.  It makes sense since other Cipriani locations are in high profile areas like Abu Dhabi, London, and Monte Carlo.  Add to that the high ceilings and traditional atmosphere that has a modern edge to it, Cipriani is definitely becoming a Brickell hot spot.  The main level is enormous and has 22-foot ceilings that host two gorgeous Murano glass (we did mention that Harry's Bar is in Venice?) chandeliers.  A lower level features a more casual outside patio that has retractable glass doors, a brick pizza oven and outdoor grill.  

What Brickell Offers Restaurants and Nightlife

As development continues to take place and businesses consider opening in the area, it begs to ask what Brickell offers restaurants and nightlife.  For the most part, unlike many of the areas around Miami, Brickell is much less seasonal with most people living here year-round or spending a considerable amount of time in Miami on business.  And with developers like the Relate Group and Flagler bringing more condominiums to Brickell and the surrounding neighborhoods, it makes perfect sense to want to be in such a popular part of Miami.  For Cipriani, being situated in the heart of Brickell at Icon Brickell, the residents of the three towers, alone, are enough to keep the restaurant at capacity throughout the year.

Icon Brickell – the Hub of Brickell

Many believe that Icon Brickell is the hub of Brickell.  Its location at 465-495 Brickell Avenue offers water views on two sides and is close to all the important and fun things in Brickell and other close neighborhoods.  Property at Icon Brickell is perfect for first time buyers, investors and those who spend extended amounts of time in Brickell for work.  One-bedroom units start in the upper-$300s while two-bedroom units start in the mid-$400s and three-bedroom units start at over $1 million.  Depending on the location and views from each unit, the list prices climb to over $2 million for three-bedroom penthouses. 

Icon Brickell rentals vary as well.  One-bedroom residences range between $2,000 and $3,000 per month.  For two and three-bedroom units, monthly rental rates start around $2,500 and climb to almost $10,000 per month (three-bedrooms on upper level floors with amazing views). 

Everything Happens in Brickell

For a lot of Miami residents and visitors, everything happens in Brickell and that is where they want to be.  As for hot restaurants and nightlife, Cipriani is an excellent choice for entertaining clients, out of town friends or even when Icon Brickell residents want to go out without having to leave their building.  It does not get much better than that.

Top Five Newest Brickell Real Estate Listings

Brickell is truly Miami’s hot spot in terms of the real estate market.  Along with new projects in the works and under construction, more and more properties are being listed for sale every day.  Because of the strength of the market now, higher-end real estate is being listed.  Following are the top five newest Brickell real estate listings:

465 Brickell Avenue, #PH5601, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $2,200,000

Located in one of the most well-known buildings in all of Brickell, this is truly a phenomenal penthouse with the most amazing views.  With beautiful white marble floors throughout the entire residence, floor to ceiling impact resistant windows with large balconies and tons of space, there is nothing like living in this contemporary three-bedroom, three-bath penthouse.  The kitchen/dining/living is open and spacious.  In the kitchen, it is sleek and large with stainless steel appliances, tons of counter space and custom cabinetry.  The master bedroom features a private balcony that showcases the most gorgeous Bay views.  There are tons of upgrades including mounted wooden panels.  Homeowners also have use of all of the hotel and residence amenities including the fitness center, pools, restaurants, and more.  Icon Brickell is truly life on vacation all the time.

495 Brickell Avenue, #1001, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $1,350,000

Here is a spectacular corner residence in the notable Icon Brickell.  With three bedrooms and two baths, this home has everything expected in a residence in this building.  There is a European kitchen with contemporary custom-cabinets and appliances along with a huge balcony facing Biscayne Bay and marble and hardwood floors.   The bedrooms are large and have spacious closets.  Unlike other units in the building the corner units have huge living areas with two walls of windows.  Residents have access to all of the hotel amenities including the fitness center, pools, theatre, spa and gourmet restaurants.  There is nothing better than living at Icon Brickell. 

FOR SALE AT ICON BRICKELL

465 Brickell Avenue, #1601, Icon Brickell, List Price:  $1,280,000

Another unit at Icon Brickell, this three-bedroom, two and a half bath unit on the 16^th floor offers the most amazing water views from every room in the residence.  To start, the living and dining area open to the ultra-modern kitchen with Blue St. Tropez limestone counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary custom cabinetry.  The living and dining areas showcase water views from the floor to ceiling windows and balcony that runs the entire length of the unit.  In the mast bedroom, there are his and hers walk-in closets, a large spa-like bath, and a balcony with more water views.  The other bedrooms are also large with hardwood floors.  This is a fantastic unit and the ultimate in Brickell living.

FOR SALE AT EPIC

200 Biscayne Boulevard Way #702, Epic Residences, List Price:  $1,150,000

Located on a lower floor, this is a large townhouse residence with two bedrooms and three baths.  With over 1,600 square feet of living space, this home is open and very spacious with the living and dining areas opening up to a large balcony/terrace with showcasing beautiful views while the kitchen is large and modern with all the bells and whistles expected in a home of this caliber.   A special feature with this two-story residence is a large guest room with a private bath and balcony on the main level.   Upstairs is a fantastic master suite with a private balcony, walk-in closet and large master bath.  A private den is also upstairs and is perfect as a home office or a “man-cave.”  Along with everything that this home has to offer, residents enjoy the use of all the community amenities of the 5-star hotel including concierge, security, a state of the art fitness center, exotic outdoor pool and more.  This is luxury resort living at its finest.

FOR SALE AT TWO TEQUESTA POINT

808 Brickell Key Drive, #1602, Two Tequesta Point, List Price:  $930,000

Situated on Brickell Key, this two-bedroom, and two and a half bath unit offers unobstructed views from every room.  The split floor plan features marble floors throughout the residence with hardwood floors in the bedrooms.  There is a large terrace that can be accessed from the living area, breakfast nook and master bedroom and showcases unbelievable water views. The master bedroom is huge and has a large walk-in closet along with another closet and a spacious master bath.  There is a dining area as well as a breakfast nook and a wonderful kitchen with modern updates like granite counter tops.  Additionally, there is a fantastic walk-in laundry room just off the kitchen.  In addition to the residence amenities, home owners make the most of a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, and a huge Bay front pool with a fabulous barbecue area.  Two Tequesta Point is like a five-star resort for its residents.  Even though it is close to Brickell, once residents cross the bridge to Brickell Key, it is unlikely that they want to head back unless it is necessary.

Nothing Like Living in Brickell

With the excitement of this metropolitan atmosphere and the tropical climate and landscaping, there is nothing like living in Brickell.  It is the hub of the financial market in the southern portion of the US and keeps growing and growing.  The demand for Brickell real estate is growing by leaps and bounds.