Let’s Have Dinner at Dolphin Mall

Dolphin Mall is one of the most fantastic malls in all of South Florida.  Located in the heart of the city and close to many top Doral neighborhoods, it is the largest shopping mall in all of Miami-Dade and is known for the high-end label outlet stores.  It is also known for its restaurants from quick and easy stops in the Atria Food Court to casual restaurants to fine dining establishments. 

Latin American Cuisine

There are tons of choices if Latin American is what you crave from Brazilian to Cuban to Mexican and most any other Latin American cuisine.

Texas de Brazil.  If you have eaten at an authentic churrascaria, you know what kind of restaurant this place is.  Carvers come to each table and offer generous servings of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage.  They also have a huge salad bar with more than just lettuce and fixings.  Along with that, there are soups, appetizers and so much more.  If you are hungry and a big eater, this is the place for you.  Texas de Brazil has an extensive wine list with award winning wines that are the perfect accompaniment to the delicious meals.  And, for dessert, there is a large selection of sinful yet delicious desserts as well steaming coffee drinks and, yes, hand-rolled cigars -- it’s a churrascaria after all!

Mojito’s.  This is Cuban at its finest from the original drink of Cuba (mojito) to authentic Cuban dishes like Palomilla Steak and Shrimp Creole and a, true traditional Cuban sandwich.  The desserts are spectacular!  The best part of Mojito’s is that after dinner, guests frequently stay for an evening of salsa and cha-cha dancing.  This is a fun, fun place.

Taco Vida.  Along with the fancier restaurants at Dolphin Mall, there are great places that are very affordable and delicious.  One of those is Taco Vida.  It is a wonderful Mexican café with everything from basic tacos to fajitas to unbelievable burritos and elegant gourmet salads.  This is the perfect place when you are hungry for Mexican food and do not have a lot of time.

Asian Cuisine

There are several Asian style restaurants at Dolphin Mall.  These restaurants offer quick bites from locations in the Food Court as well as the ambiance of fine dining at one of the elegant restaurants.

Suki Hana.  Suki Hana is an easy place to go for sushi, tempura and other Japanese favorites.  It is located in the Food Court and serves fresh food that is prepared in front of guests.  Reviewers of Suki Hana say that this is the best place in the Food Court for vegetarian meals.

KOBE Japanese Steak and Seafood.  KOBE is one of our favorites for a business lunch or nice dinner.  It accommodates the tastes of sea and land lovers with juicy cuts of beef and fresh seafood.  Along with freshly prepared meals, guests enjoy the best wines from their award winning wine list.

P.F. Chang’s.  We would be remiss if we did not mention P.F. Chang’s.  They have the best lettuce wraps, Flaming Red Wontons, and so many other favorites.  This is the perfect place to wind down after a day of shopping.  Enjoy a glass of wine with one of your favorites on the menu. 

American Cuisine

Where would any mall be without good old traditional American cuisine?  It is the tops of all food and we love it. From food court to dine-in restaurants, there are tons of our favorite restaurants scattered throughout the shopping center.

Cool de Sac.  Every parent must learn about Cool de Sac.  This is one of the best places with which to bribe your children to behave while shopping.  It gives them something to which they can look forward and allows Mom and Dad time to chill out while the kids play in one of the eight interactive stations set up throughout the place.  The food is prepared with fresh, organic and natural ingredients so there are no worries about the quality and can feel good about what everyone in the family is eating.

Buffalo Wild Wings.  Who doesn’t love a plate of wings!?  Buffalo Wild Wings always has a crowd because the wings are so good.  Wives can spend an entire day shopping while their husbands hang out watching football and eating wings. 

Cheesecake Factory.  Yummo!  Enjoy the biggest salads, pizzas, burger and, of course, decadent cheesecake here.  Located at most high-end shopping centers across the country, Cheesecake Factory is a favorite for most everyone.  The best part about this place is that you can just run in and order a big slice of cheesecake to go and take it home to eat with your feet propped up.

Doral’s Favorites

Many of the restaurants at Dolphin Mall are Doral’s favorites.  There are tons of options to meet every taste bud.  And being so close to everything in and around Doral, it is the perfect place to simply stop in for a meal or build into a day of shopping.

Five Most Recent Doral Real Estate Sales

We keep hearing how the real estate market is on the rebound.  From re-sales to those in newly developed neighborhoods, buyers are interested in all types of real estate.  Knowing this, we are curious as what Doral real estate buyers are buying.  Following are the five most recent Doral real estate sales:

8353 Lake Drive, #502, Las Vistas at Doral, Sale Price:  $170,000

This two-bedroom, two-bath unit is the largest floor plan at Las Vistas.  The charming home has tile floors, an eat-in kitchen with lots of counter and cabinet space.  Additionally, there are walk-in closets in the spacious bedrooms.  Community amenities include four private swimming pools, a spa, tennis and racquet ball courts, and a state of the art two-story fitness center.   Las Vistas at Doral is situated in the heart of Doral very close to the Doral Golf Resort as well as Miami International mall and Dolphin Mall.  List prices for units at Las Vistas range from the low-$100s to about $200K.  For investors, Las Vistas rental rates fall between $1,100 and about $1,500 per month.

For Sale at Las Vistas

9411 Fontainebleau Blvd Apt 107, Bleau Fontaine, Sale Price:  $130,000

This is a beautiful two-bedroom, two-bath unit at Bleau Fontaine with gorgeous marble floors and a wonderful tile patio that opens to a delightful small courtyard.  The building housing this unit is a boutique building with only 28 units in two stories.  Bleau Fontaine is ideally located on the edge of Doral close to the main travel arteries in and out of Miami-Dade as well as Miami International Airport, the beaches, Downtown Miami and excellent schools.  Additionally, shopping, restaurants and other conveniences are nearby.  Residents have full use of the community pool as well as tennis courts and a guarded entrance.  Two-bedrooms typically list between the low to high-$100s with rental rates falling around $1,500 per month.   

6540 NW 114^th Avenue, #1433, The Courts at Doral, Sale Price:  $245,000

As the most recently reported home sale, this residence is just over 1,300 square feet and has two bedrooms and two baths.  The open floor plan is perfectly laid out to provide tons of room for small families as well as those who work from home.  The kitchen offers tons of counter space, excellent appliances and plenty of cabinets.  This unit is an excellent investment property with an annual tenant paying $1,375 per month in place until mid-December.  The Courts at Doral is a gated neighborhood adjacent to Doral Isles and features a community pool, playground, and clubhouse for residents.  List prices typically range anywhere from the low-$200s to about $300K.  The Courts at Doral offer excellent investment opportunities as rental residents like the community because of what it has to offer in terms of security and amenities.   Current rental listings feature monthly rental rates between $1,500 and $1,900.

For Sale at The Courts at Doral

11273 NW 50^th Terrace, Doral Landings, Sale Price:  $370,000

This Mediterranean-style home, built in 1996, has tons of upgrades.  From the new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and tiled back splash to the contemporary baths, this home has so much to offer.  The floor plan is perfectly laid out with high ceilings and lots of light.  Doral Landings is an exclusive gated community with a guard house attendant.  The neighborhood is close to top golf courses as well as major thoroughfares in and out of Miami-Dade County.   List prices at Doral Landings typically start in the upper $200s and climb to about $500K.  For investors, annual renters typically pay around $2,500 to $3,000 per month. 

4504 NW 109^th Street, Doral Meadows, Sale Price:  $381,000

Located in guard-gated Doral Meadows, this one-story home has three bedrooms and two baths as well as a large family room and a fully remodeled kitchen and laminate flooring throughout the home.  The kitchen features upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and custom cabinetry.  The home is situated on a large 5,800+ square foot corner lot with tropical landscaping and a tiled rear courtyard perfect for enjoying the Florida weather.    Community amenities include a large clubhouse and pool as well as a six-acre lake with a fountain.  Doral Meadows is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Doral and one in which residents want to live.  Recent sale prices range in the mid to upper-$400s while list prices for the two homes for sale in Doral Meadows are $409K and $515K.

For Sale at Doral Meadows

A Nice Mix

The most recent sales include a nice mix of condominium and single-family home properties.  Whether seeking a permanent residence in one of Doral’s premiere gated neighborhoods or looking for rental properties as an investment in any of the condominium and townhouse communities, list and sales prices are climbing as the news suggests.  Doral is, without a doubt, an excellent choice for buying real estate.

Top Five Newest Doral Real Estate Listings

Doral is very popular with business professionals who have offices in South Florida.  Because it is close to the major thoroughfares and transportation hubs, it is becoming the top choice for those who frequently travel in and out of the area.  With Doral real estate sales increasing every day, more listings are also on the rise in terms of the number of listings as well as the range in prices.  Following are the top five newest Doral real estate listings.

11441 NW 82^nd Terrace, Islands at Doral, List Price:  $949,000

Located in the exclusive Islands at Doral, this 3,600+ square foot home has a gorgeous Mediterranean architecture with a barrel roof and large a two-car garage.  It has everything a buyer looking for a luxurious home wants from the large gourmet kitchen to beautiful tropical landscaping surrounding the property.  The open floor plan showcases double height ceilings in the formal living room.  In the kitchen, home owners can enjoy stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops with a glass back splash, and lots of cabinet space.  Beautiful marble floors meander throughout the entire first floor from the foyer to the family room in the rear of the home.  Upstairs, the huge master suite includes a large dressing area with his and hers walk-in closets as well as a large spa-like master bath.  The other upstairs bedrooms each have private baths.  Hardwood floors flow throughout the upstairs.  There is also a first floor guest room which is a huge bonus with this home.  Outside, a marble slab sundeck surrounds the private pool and Jacuzzi that looks out over the private lake.  This house is listed turn-key furnished as well making this a perfect home for luxury Doral real estate buyers.

For Sale at the Islands at Doral

10772 NW 71^st Street, Doral Isles St. Croix, List Price:  $820,000

For buyers wanting a one-story home, this is a wonderful in gated Doral Isles.  With four bedrooms and two and a half baths, the open floor plan offers tons of room and space in a spectacular neighborhood.  Inside there are marble floors throughout the entire home along with other high-end fixtures and finishes.  The kitchen is unbelievable with custom built cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite counter tops with complementing granite back splashes.  The master suite includes a wonderful private bath and lots of space.  Additionally, there is a two-car garage with a brick-paved driveway.  Outside, there is a huge backyard with a large patio area and plenty of room for a pool.   Doral Isles is perfect for families and those wanting a second home in a safe and secure neighborhood.  There is a phenomenal clubhouse with two unbelievable pools as well as huge playground, sports fields and more.  This home needs to be on the short list of Doral Isles home buyers.

10957 NW 73^rd Terrace, Doral Isles St. Croix, List Price:  $730,000

This 3,100+ square foot home is located in Doral Isles St. Croix and offers lots of space to move.  The home is ideal as it has a first floor guest room and bath in addition to four other bedrooms on the upper floor.  The kitchen is large with custom cabinets, an island with a raised breakfast bar, granite counter tops, a tile back splash and recessed lighting to light the work space for gourmet cooks.  The double height ceilings in the foyer and living room provide lots of space.  There are marble floors on the first floor as well as all the baths with carpet on the second level.   Even though there are already three baths, there is plenty of room to easily add an additional bath.  With the three-car garage as the icing on the cake, this is truly a remarkable home in an even more remarkable gated neighborhood with so many community amenities. 

For Sale at Doral Isles

8433 NW 115^th Court, Islands at Doral, List Price:  $679,900

Situated on a corner lot, directly across from large green space/park area, this beautiful 3,100+ square foot home faces a lush and tropical green space that is ideal for kids’ play not to mention a wonderful view.  Inside some of the features include amazing double height ceilings at the entrance and into the living room, marble floors throughout the first floor and a great gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets, granite counter tops and back splash and stainless steel appliances.  There is also a raised breakfast bar on the side of the kitchen island.  There is also a family room and first floor room that is perfect for a bedroom or home office.  Upstairs, the bedrooms, computer nook and hall have hardwood floors while the bath floors are marble.  The Islands at Doral is a perfect family neighborhood with tons of amenities including the Island Club and its pools, playground, fitness center and more.  For luxury home buyers, this is definitely a property for consideration.

11340 NW 82^nd Terrace, Islands at Doral, List Price:  $585,000

With 3,000+ square feet of living space, this completely remodeled home features four bedrooms and four baths with one bedroom and bath on the main level.  The foyer and living room are open and bright with double height ceilings and tons of windows.  In the kitchen there is even more space with tons of granite counter space, custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances as well as a large breakfast area.  Along with a formal dining room, a large family room and a laundry and utility room, there is tons of room for a large family.  Upstairs, the master suite is large and includes a sitting area, a private master bath with a double sink and vanity, and a walk-in closet.  In addition to a two-car garage, there is definitely room for a pool in the backyard off the covered patio.  This is a fantastic home and priced at under $200/square foot, it is a great investment in a premiere Doral neighborhood. 

New Listings Continue to Increase

Luxury Doral real estate is more affordable than in other Miami-Dade cities.  With the real estate market rebounding, the number of new listings continues to increase.  These homes and others are worth consideration as they are excellent investments and offer luxury in Doral’s top neighborhoods at affordable prices.

What $500K Buys in Doral Isles

Without a doubt, Doral Isles is one of the city’s top communities.  From the amazing pools to the state of the art club house with fitness center and more to the individual neighborhoods that are perfectly landscaped, Doral Isles is a community in which many home buyers seek to live.  While many have high list prices, there are a number of Doral Isles properties that are more affordable.  Following are a few properties to show what $500K buys in Doral Isles:

7569 NW113th Court, Doral Isles Cayman, List Price:  $499,000

Situated on a corner lot, this four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home is the ideal family home with over 2,200 square feet.  It offers both formals as well as a large family room and gorgeous kitchen with granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances.  The bedrooms feature custom closets along with hardwood floors.  The tropical landscaping is mature and surrounds the home.  In the back, there is a brick patio with a lake view.  With a two-car garage and parking for additional vehicles, this home is in close proximity to the Doral Isles Club House and pool which is one of the neighborhood’s strongest assets.

11601 NW 68^th Terrace, Doral Isles St. Lucia, List Price:  $510,000

This beautiful home sits on a tranquil waterfront corner lot in Doral Isles St. Lucia.  It features four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths and has an open floor plan perfect for entertaining friends and family.  The master bedroom is large and has a private bath with shower and Jacuzzi tub.  Outside, there is a large brick patio that faces one of the community lakes making it a wonderful place to spend quiet evenings enjoying Florida.  Close to the major travel arteries not to mention top schools in Doral and Miami-Dade, Doral Isles is an excellent option for families and those who travel for business.  

For Sale in Doral Isles

5966 NW 113^th Place, Doral Isles Cayman, List Price:  $529,000

Not as common in many of the neighborhoods, this is a one-story home on a corner lot in one of Doral Isles’ top neighborhood.  With 2,500 square feet and an excellent floor plan, it features four large bedrooms with laminate floors as well as two large baths with tile flooring.  The large kitchen offers lots of counter space for gourmet cooks and opens up into a nice-size breakfast nook and open family room.  Outside, there is a brick paver driveway leading to a two-car garage.  In the back, there is a wonderfully landscaped backyard with an outdoor living area and covered pergola. 

11422 NW 69^th Terrace, Doral Isles Barbados, List Price:  $530,000

Located in guard-gated Dora Isles Barbados, this 2,100 square foot home offers beautiful lake views along with lots of room.  With many new updates, there are three bedrooms and two baths in the two story Mediterranean style residence with a large and modern kitchen and open family room.  Doral Isles is known for its amazing amenities including the unbelievable resort-style pools and huge club house.  Great schools are close by as are the major thoroughfares in and out of Doral.

A Lot of Options in Doral Isles

Because it is such a large community, there are a lot of real estate options in Doral Isles.  With a mix of single –family homes and townhouses scattered throughout the neighborhoods, this is a perfect area for first-time buyers and those looking for a vacation or second home not to mention buyers who want to “move up” in home size and neighborhood.   Doral Isles has some of the top selections with Doral real estate.

Las Ramblas Country Club

With its Spanish-Mediterranean architectural style, Las Ramblas Country Club is the perfect neighborhood to greet residents as they come into Doral from Miami.  The exclusive gated community, developed in 2011, showcases beautiful three and four-bedroom homes in a very peaceful atmosphere.  Additionally, much of the 250-acre neighborhood features lush vegetation and green space with beautiful views.

Developers of Las Ramblas Country Club

Doral has continued to expand with new neighborhoods being consistently announced and developed.  Well-known Miami developers, Shoma Group and Terra Group joined forces to plan and develop Las Ramblas Country Club as an exclusive community in the eastern most section of Doral (bordering the city of Miami).  The Terra Group is a very prominent area developer and has other new Doral neighborhoods in the works including Vintage Estates, Modern Doral, The Reserve at Doral and others.  The Shoma Group is the brains behind Oasis Park Square, the Residences at Park Square and others.

Location of Las Ramblas Country Club

Las Ramblas Country Club is located adjacent to the City of Miami just south of the Dolphin Expressway.  It is bordered by NW 97^th Avenue on the east and NW 107^th Avenue on the west side.  The location is ideal as it is very close to shopping at Dolphin Mall and Miami International Mall and Miami International Airport.  As for golf, after all that is a major part of Doral, not only is it close to some of the area’s top courses, the Fontainebleau winds through Las Ramblas Country Club.

Amenities

As a luxury Doral community, Las Ramblas Country Club offers residents excellent community amenities.  In addition to being gated, there is a guard house with 24-hour security guard, a community infinity-style pool surrounded by a wonderful sun deck, a separate kids’ pool, tennis courts, and unbelievable club house that sits on the community lake.  Along with the club house comes a fully-equipped fitness center, game, party and meeting rooms and more.  One additional amenity worth mentioning on its own is the natural grass putting green.

Inside each residence, there is tremendous attention to detail with luxury fixtures and finishes throughout each one.  From the gourmet kitchen to the bedrooms and baths, it is very evident that Las Ramblas Country Club is a top Doral neighborhood.  The kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, modern custom cabinetry and an intricately designed tile back splash.  Bedrooms are large with masters having walk-in closets and elegant private baths.  Some floor plans showcase full-size laundry rooms and separate formal living and family rooms.  Other wonderful features include two-car garages with additional space for parking, brick paver terraces, hurricane shutters, and fenced-in backyards.

Real Estate

The neighborhood is made up of single-family homes designed from nine floor plans with sizes ranging from about 1,640 square feet to over 3,000 square feet.  Real estate list prices range from the mid-$400s to the mid-$800s.  Property in Las Ramblas Country Club offers a mix of new construction and others built within the last two years. 

As for Doral rentals, there are opportunities for those who plan to reside in Doral for an extended amount of time and need a second home or are not read to make the leap to home ownership.  Las Ramblas Country Club has several rental homes that range in range in rates from about $2,500 to about $4,000. 

Doral Real Estate Continues to Grow

As the economy rebounds and more companies come to Doral, Doral real estate continues to grow.  There are several new communities under construction with more in the works.  Doral is definitely a community to watch.

Top Five Newly Built Single-Family Homes in Doral

Doral is full of great homes for sale.  In addition to established neighborhoods, there are new communities in the planning stages or under construction.  There are new master planned communities that offer condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes.  The top single-family home communities include the Isles at Grand Bay and Vintage Estates which are home to the newest Doral properties.  Following are the top five newly built single-family homes in Doral.

9997 NW 89^th Terrace, Isles at Grand Bay, List Price:  $997,000

This is a spectacular home estate home in gated Isles at Grand Bay.  With four bedrooms and three and a half baths, this home is one of the largest in the new community.  Completed in 2012, it offers over $150,000 in upgrades, a gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a custom cabinetry.  Included in the appliances are a wine cooler and double oven.  There is also a private suite with a private entry, a nice living area, bedroom, bath and kitchenette with stainless steel refrigerator, microwave and granite counter tops.  Once complete, the Isles at Grand Bay will offer residents a nature preserve, lake, a Grand Clubhouse perfect for entertaining, a resort-style pool, over-sized weight room with sauna and steam room.  The Isles at Grand Bay is centrally located close to top A-rated schools, dining, shopping, major transportation hubs and the beaches.

8875 NW 99^th Street, Grand Bay, List Price:  $880,000

The Isles at Grand Bay is a brand new gated luxury community located in the heart of Doral.  This beautiful Presidential home features four bedrooms and four baths, a large gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances including a double oven and wine cooler.  Additionally, the house has both formals and an over-sized master suite with walk-in closets and spa-like bath. There are other extras like impact-resistant windows, sprinkler system, alarm system with camera and more.   As the community is finished, there will be a large club house, state of the art fitness center and pool.   

Vintage Estates Homes for Sale

10554 NW 70^th Lane, Vintage Estates, List Price: $875,000

The Chianti Costal model in Vintage Estates features four bedrooms and four baths with a first-floor guest room.  Additionally, this 3,100+ square foot floor plan offers both formals as well as an open family room and kitchen/breakfast nook.  The kitchen features quartz counter tops, Italian wood cabinetry, subway-tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances including a wine cooler.  The upstairs master is large and has a spa-like master bath with Roman tub and frameless glass shower as well as walk-in closets.  The community is guard-gated 24 hours a day and will have a private clubhouse overlooking a lake with meeting areas, fully equipped fitness center and children’s playroom, library, business center with media room and kitchenette, oversized swimming pool, spa, sun deck, BBQ gazebo area and fountains.  With green space and bike/walking trails, Vintage Estates is certainly at the top of the list with luxury communities.

8925 NW 99^th Avenue, Isles at Grand Bay, List Price:  $710,000

This newly-built Isles at Grand Bay home features four bedrooms and four baths along with a great kitchen that has stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and back splashes, sleek, high-quality cabinets and more.  The bedrooms are very spacious and elegant with walk-in closets and large baths that have granite or marble counter tops.  A favorite room in each home is the laundry room with large capacity washers and dryers as well as cabinetry above the appliances.  As a high-end home in a luxury community, Lennar has incorporated its Nexia Intelligence home automation so that homeowners have the ability to control the home from a mobile device or computer. 

Isles at Grand Bay Homes for Sale

9865 NW 89^th Terrace, Isles at Grand Bay, List Price:  $679,000

This 3,702-square foot home is not only one of the largest in this gated neighborhood.  Not only does it have four bedrooms and four baths, it features a private guest suite with a living area, kitchenette, bedroom and bath, and a private entrance.  The main kitchen has stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops.  With an over-sized two-car garage, both formals and a huge family room, this is definitely a spectacular home.  Lennar has added the Nexia Intelligence system to the home for added security and control of this home.  With unbelievable fixtures and finishes, this is a top home in a remarkable community.

More on the Market

Doral is growing by leaps and bounds and has so much to offer its residents.  As the city grows and expands, so does the Doral real estate market.  Developers see the potential and are making the necessary moves to grow too.  Even though these are the top five single-family homes, there are more on the market with others in the works.  

Top Five Doral Short Sale Listings

With the market rebounding and home sales rising, buyers and sellers are back and more aggressive than ever.  Sellers are pricing their homes at much more competitive levels while buyers are still looking for that “great deal on real estate.”  While good deals are not as prevalent as they once were, they are still out there with short sales and foreclosures.  Following are the top five Doral short sale listings:

5914 NW 110^th Court, Doral Isles Antilles, List Price:  $700,000

Not only is this a beautiful home, it is a beautiful home in Doral Isles.  With over 2,600 square feet, this short sale is a great opportunity to buy a beautiful home with a contemporary interior in one of Doral’s premiere communities.  Some of its features include marble floors, a large kitchen with granite counter tops, gorgeous bathrooms, an outdoor patio with retractable shade, private pool and more.  In addition, Doral Isles has amazing community amenities with a soccer field, two community pools (one is like those at a resort), and fitness center just to name a few. 

11548 NW 84^th Street, Islands at Doral, List Price:  $610,000

A short sale in the Islands at Doral is a great deal in and of itself.  This one is one of the best because it faces a nice park with lots of green space.  The 3,600-square foot home offers five bedrooms, four and a half baths that includes a gorgeous master suite with sitting area and huge spa-like bath.  Additionally, the kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and tons of custom cabinets.  Other features include a wonderful loft, two terraces, and so much more.  The amazing community amenities include a large pool, great playground, tennis and basketball courts, picnic pavilions surrounding a lake and more. 

11223 NW 47^th Lane, Biarritz, List Price:  $519,900

“Wow” is the first word to come to mind at the entrance of this home.  Located in guard-gated Biarritz, this short sale features three bedrooms and two and a half bath under 2,310 square feet.  Additionally, there are details like a maple staircase, hardwood floors, beautiful open rooms with modern light fixtures, arched doorways, a large master bath and more.  The kitchen is big and everything that buyers want like granite counter tops, tons of cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.  The over-size garage accommodates two cars and has tons of cabinets.  For interested buyers, this is a Fannie Mae Homepath property and can be purchases with as little as 3 percent down.

11308 NW 43^rd Terrace, Balmoral, List Price:  $509,900

This short sale is located in the gated community of Balmoral and has five bedrooms and three bathrooms along with a large two-car garage.  With 2,442 square feet, an amazing kitchen, ceramic flooring and a tile barrel roof, this is an exquisite home in a beautiful neighborhood.  Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool and picnic area.  Additionally, Balmoral is perfectly situated near A-rated schools and shopping as well as the main thoroughfares into and out of Miami-Dade County. 

7063 NW 115^th Court, Doral Isles St. Lucia, List Price:  $469,900

Another gorgeous Doral Isles home, this three-bedroom, three-bath home features a master bedroom on the main floor along with an open and airy family room, a nice kitchen with lots of granite counter space, and so much more.  Living in Doral Isles is like living at a tropical resort with a huge community pool, tennis and basketball courts, playground and more.  This is a wonderful opportunity for a second or vacation home as well as a nice residence for an international executive who spends quite a bit of time in Doral.  Additionally, this home is approved for Home Path Mortgage financing with only 3 percent down.

Plenty of Good Deals

With over 60 short sales listed on the Miami-Dade MLS, there are plenty of good deals for which buyers should take advantage.  Whether a full-time residence, second or vacation home, or rental investment, these short sales are worth consideration to those who are seriously interested in Doral real estate.

The Townhomes at Doral

The Townhomes of Downtown Doral is a new pre-construction residential community situated within the new Downtown Doral mixed-use project that is about to be underway in the heart of Doral.  The Townhomes are just one part of the residential portion that will also include apartments and a mid-rise condominium building. These unbelievably luxury townhomes will have a Mediterranean architectural style and an atmosphere of old Florida and make a positive addition to Doral real estate.

Downtown Doral

Downtown Doral is the Flagler’s newest project that is under development in Doral.  It is a massive undertaking that will definitely put Doral on the map even more than it already is now.  "Downtown Doral will be vital to Doral because it is creating a true city center which will allow people to live near their work, an option that Doral has been longing for," said Armando Codina, President and CEO of Flagler in a recent interview.  

Located just one mile north of Miami International Airport and adjacent to the world-renowned Blue Monster Course at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa, the plans call retail, dining, office space and more. It will also play host to four and a half acres of green space as well as three miles of pedestrian-friendly streets.  Downtown Doral will focus on giving residents that cozy, small-town atmosphere within a large metro area.  Because Doral is one of Miami-Dade’s most desirable cities to live and work, Downtown Doral will undoubtedly become one of the most sought after areas in all of Miami-Dade County.

The Townhomes Amenities

When looking at the Townhomes at Doral, luxury radiates throughout every residence.  No stone is left unturned with every inch of the interior.  As with most any home, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the entire home.  The Townhomes feature a kitchen with European custom cabinets, granite counter tops, and Energy Star certified stainless steel appliances along with a work island with raised breakfast bar and a roomy breakfast area.  

Other interior features include marble tile in the main living areas, marble framed window sills throughout the entire home, designer fixtures and finishes, raised panel interior doors, pre-wiring cable television and telephone in all living areas, and so much more.  These homes are absolutely beautiful. 

The community also offers beautiful amenities that include an exotic, resort style outdoor pool with private cabanas.  Additionally, the community itself is gated and has a 24-hour security guard.  Assigned parking (in addition to the private garage) is available.  Bordering the Doral Golf Resort and Spa is a huge community amenity.

The Townhomes Real Estate

There are two main floor plans both of which offering several options in terms of the number of bedrooms.  With sizes ranging from 1,796 to 1,998 square feet, two-story townhomes have the option of two master suites, a master and two guestrooms or a master suite, guestroom, and an upstairs loft or home office.  From there, another option adds a third floor to have the options of a third story that contains options like a loft, family room, or large guest suite as well as a a large top floor deck that accommodates an outdoor living/dining area which is perfect for living in Florida. 

General Pricing is as follows (subject to change):

Floor Plan A

• Price Range:                                                     $449,000 - $539,990
• 1,796 SF A/C Area + Garage = 2,276 Total SF

Floor Plan B

• Price Range:                                                     $532,990 to $554,990
• 1,998 SF A/C Area + Garage = 2,504 Total SF 

3^RD Floor Penthouse Option

• 500 SF A/C Area
• 152 SF Covered Terrace
• 525 sq.ft. open deck
• Total Additional Area: 1,177 SF                             $75,000

3^rd Floor Atrium Option

• 638 SF A/C Area
• 152 SF Covered Terrace
• 387 SF Open Deck
• Total Additional Area: 1,177 SF                            $100,000

As for purchasing property at the Townhomes at Downtown Doral, the deposit structure is as follows:

15% at Contract

10% at Groundbreaking

10% at Top Off

15% at Finishes and Upgrades (or remainder of amount to 50% of total purchase

A Real Attribute to Doral

Downtown at Doral is set to be a real attribute to Doral.  With so much planned development as well as a tons of green space that is appealing to many Doral residents, this new community is well-thought out and sure to be a well-sought after place to live, work and play.

Top Five Newest Doral Listings under $300,000

Doral real estate offers much more affordable than other parts of South Florida do.  Because of this, the real estate market tends to change rather quickly.  Over the last week, over 60 Doral properties have been listed for sale.  Of those, over 40 percent are listed  under $300K many of which are in some of Doral's most sought-after neighborhoods.  It is a great place for investors, first time buyers and those wanting vacation homes in Florida to consider.  Following are the top five newest Doral listings under $300,000 (listed in past seven days).

For Sale at Costa del Sol

3627 Torremolinos Avenue, #B-111, Costa Del Sol, List Price:  $285,000

This 1,700+ square foot townhouse in well sought-after Costa Del Sol and features three bedrooms and two and a  half baths which is perfect for a small family, retirees or even a single person.  With lots of room and a nice contemporary style, it has been very well maintained.  In addition to being around the corner from the Costa Greens Golf Club, it is just a short drive from Doral Golf Resort and Doral Park Country Club not to mention International Mall and Dolphin Mall.  Costa Del Sol is  very popular and a top pick to live as the residences are large, open and very stylish.

For Sale at Hawksnest

4243 NW 112th Court, Hawksnest, List Price:  $279,000

This two-bedroom, two-bath townhouse located in Hawksnest, features a big kitchen with tons of counter and cabinet space along with room to move.  Additionally, the upstairs bedrooms are roomy and have beautiful hardwood floors.  Outside, there is a fenced-in, clay-tiled patio that complements the Mediterranean style architecture and is ideal for entertaining or simply entertaining friends or simply enjoying the Florida sunshine.   Hawksnest is a lovely gated community of townhomes with a community pool, play area for children and a club house.  It is situated just off the Turnpike within a 10 minute drive or less to shopping and Doral's best golf courses as well as 15 minutes from Miami International Airport. 

For Sale at the Courts at Doral

6740 NW 114th Avenue, #728, The Courts at Doral Isles, List Price:  $256,000

Located in the ever popular Doral Isles, this three-bedroom, two-bath townhouse is spacious and has lots of storage and closets.  The kitchen is wonderful with stainless steel appliances, shiny tile floors and tons of cabinet space.  There is a beautiful courtyard overlooking a tranquil lake  and shared with neighbors.  In addition, owners have access to the Doral Isles community amenities including pools, a gorgeous children's playground and park, and more.  Doral Isles is a huge gated community that so many have a huge desire live. 

For Sale at The Promenade at Doral

11002 NW 83rd Street, #226, Promenade at Doral, List Price:  $255,900

The Promenade at Doral is the home of this gorgeous, updated townhouse with three bedrooms and two baths,  In the kitchen, there are granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and sleek kitchen cabinets as well as tile floors.   Another huge bonus is that the large master suite is situated on the main level with two additional bedrooms and bath upstairs.  There is a balcony that is perfect for enjoying the warm Florida breezes.  Community amenities include a wonderful playground for kids, tennis courts, and pool in addition to its close proximity to golf, shopping and excellent schools.   

For Sale at Leeward at the Islands at Doral

8244 NW 107th, #1-14, Leeward at the Islands at Doral , List Price:  $255,000

As a short sale, this is a huge opportunity to live in one of the most sought-after townhouse communities in all of Doral.  This Mediterranean-style end unit features four bedrooms and three baths, and is perfectly situated close to the pool and club house.  The kitchen is large with tons of counter and cabinet space while the living area open and airy.  The Islands at Doral has so much to offer its residents including its ideal location near excellent schools, top golf courses and Doral's best shopping venues.  It is perfect for a family or executive who spends a quite a bit of time in Doral as well as investors looking for larger rental properties. 

Buy More Home in Doral

For many, whether buying a first home, vacation home, or investment property, it is important to buy smartly.  Doral real estate offers buyers the chance to buy more home than possible in other parts of Miami-Dade County.  In addition to the 60+ properties listed over the past week, there are many others still waiting for the perfect buyers.  As the real estate market continues to improve, this is an excellent time to buy real estate in Doral.