SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - Larry Mastropieri

Downtown Miami 57-Story Tower Retail Condos to Hit Auction Block

A prime retail space at the base of the 50 Biscayne condominium tower in downtown Miami is set to hit the foreclosure auction block after the property’s owner, Boca Raton-based AZB I LLC, lost a $4.27 million court judgment. The upcoming auction marks the latest chapter in the ongoing legal battle that has embroiled the commercial units within one of Miami’s most prominent high-rise buildings.

The retail spaces in question, which span 7,531 square feet across three commercial units (CU-1, CU-2, and CU-3), will be sold in an online auction on October 30 through Miami-Dade County's court system. This foreclosure is part of a broader trend in South Florida’s real estate market, where economic pressures have led to an uptick in foreclosures, particularly…

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Vertical Bridge in Boca Raton Strikes $3.3 Billion Deal With Verizon

In a significant move for the telecommunications industry, Boca Raton-based Vertical Bridge has entered into an agreement with Verizon Communications to lease and manage thousands of wireless communications towers across the United States. The deal, valued at $3.3 billion, gives Vertical Bridge exclusive rights to oversee 6,339 wireless towers that were previously managed by Verizon subsidiaries.

This strategic partnership will have far-reaching implications for both companies, enabling Verizon to optimize costs and allowing Vertical Bridge to expand its already vast portfolio of wireless infrastructure. Let’s take a closer look at the details of this deal and how it stands to impact the future of telecommunications in the U.S.

The Key Elements…

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Motion to Dismiss Bal Harbour Shops' Lawsuit Rejected

A significant legal battle in South Florida's real estate sector has taken a major step forward, as a judge recently denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Bal Harbour Shops, LLC. The case centers around the high-end shopping mall's ambitious redevelopment plan, which seeks approval to build three high-rise towers with hundreds of residential units and dozens of hotel rooms on top of the mall, located at 9700 Collins Avenue in Bal Harbour.

The lawsuit, filed under Florida's recently passed Live Local Act, aims to force the Village of Bal Harbour to endorse the application for the project, despite objections raised by village officials. This case could have far-reaching implications for developers, municipalities, and affordable housing efforts…

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$5M+ in Debt: Broward warehouse owner files for bankruptcy

In a challenging turn of events for South Florida’s commercial real estate market, Aphex Holdings, a company that owns several warehouses in Broward County, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing highlights some of the difficulties facing businesses in the region, even in the booming South Florida real estate market, and it could have implications for property owners and investors alike.

With more than $5.36 million in secured debt, the Hollywood-based company petitioned for Chapter 11 reorganization after falling behind on its mortgage payments. While this bankruptcy filing may seem like a localized issue, it could serve as a cautionary tale for other commercial real estate investors navigating South Florida’s evolving market conditions.

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Why South Florida’s Housing Market Is Booming Despite Record-High Prices

South Florida’s real estate market has been defying national trends and continues to attract deep-pocketed buyers, even as home prices reach unprecedented levels. In an era when rising interest rates and economic concerns have slowed housing activity across much of the country, South Florida’s housing market has surged ahead, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Despite record-high home prices, affluent buyers are drawn to the region for its unique lifestyle, economic opportunities, and tax advantages. So, why are homebuyers flocking to South Florida, and what makes this market stand out?

 A Resilient Market with Growing Demand

April marked a significant shift in South Florida’s real estate landscape, with a noticeable uptick in home…

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Vita at Grove Isle: Miami's New Standard for Luxury Condo Living

Miami’s real estate market continues to thrive, and the latest project capturing the attention of luxury homebuyers is Vita at Grove Isle. Situated on a 20-acre private island just off the Coconut Grove neighborhood, Vita at Grove Isle has recently topped off at seven stories and is already creating a buzz for its unparalleled combination of exclusivity, location, and luxury.

With delivery slated for late 2025, Vita at Grove Isle promises to offer a unique island lifestyle, surrounded by breathtaking water views and immersed in the sophistication and convenience that modern condo living provides. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this development such a standout in the Miami real estate landscape and why it’s drawing so much attention from buyers,…

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Boca Raton Real Estate Market: Slower Sales, Steady Prices, and Shifting Opportunities

Earlier this year, Boca Raton’s housing market saw its sharpest decline in home sales over the past five years. So, is the sky falling, or are we just witnessing a market adjustment? Let’s break down what’s happening in Boca Raton.

Market Slowdown: Homes Taking Longer to Sell

One clear sign of a slowing market is the increase in days on market (DOM). In September 2024, the average home took 78 days to sell, compared to just 55 days in September 2023—a 42% jump. October’s data shows a similar trend, with average DOM sitting at 49.8 days and cumulative DOM at 55.4 days.

This slowdown started in early 2024, peaking in April at 81.8 days, but it’s clear the market has since stabilized. The extended time homes are spending on the market shows…

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Major Lakeshore Plaza office building sold at $17 million loss in Broward

In a significant transaction that reflects the evolving landscape of the commercial real estate market, Galium Capital recently purchased the Lakeshore Plaza II office building in Sunrise, Broward County, for $17 million. This sale comes at a steep discount, as the property’s value has dropped nearly 50% from its last sale price of $32 million in 2013. The deal highlights the challenges suburban office buildings face as remote and hybrid work models become more prevalent, but it also underscores the potential for recovery through strategic investment.

A Closer Look at the Transaction

The seller, TR Lake Shore Plaza LLC, an affiliate of Charlotte-based Barings Real Estate, was represented by a team from CBRE and Blanca Commercial Real Estate. The…

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Hurricane-Proof Boca Raton Spec House ‘Villa Mallorca’ Hits Market for $6.85 Million

A new architectural marvel has made its debut in Boca Raton, as the hurricane-proof Villa Mallorca hits the market for $6.85 million. Developed by renowned Los Angeles developer Meir Kroll, this luxury home brings together modern European sophistication and the relaxed elegance of South Florida living. The listing, marks Kroll’s first project outside of LA and his introduction to the prestigious Boca Raton real estate market.

A Legacy of Luxury

Meir Kroll is no stranger to building homes for the elite. Known for his precision and attention to detail, Kroll has crafted residences for A-list figures, including sports agent Rich Paul and NBA stars Ben Simmons and Trae Young. Villa Mallorca continues this legacy of excellence, offering a new level…

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Five Key Housing Trends Shaping Miami's Real Estate Market in 2024

As Miami's real estate market continues to evolve, several key trends are emerging that reflect both the changing needs of homebuyers and the city’s shifting demographics. Despite soaring prices, the region remains a magnet for buyers, particularly in the luxury sector. Here’s a look at five housing trends that are reshaping the Miami market in 2024.

1. Florida Dominates the List of Most Overpriced Housing Markets

According to a recent study by Florida International University (FIU) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU), nine of the most overpriced housing markets in the U.S. are located in Florida, and Miami is near the top of the list. The high demand for homes, combined with limited supply, has driven prices far above expected market values,…

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