3230 Calusa St Coconut Grove, FL - Sublime Elegance Cloaked in Paradox

Nestled on a coral ridge at the foot of an unassuming cul de saq along the historic end of Tigertail Ave in the North end of Coconut Grove lies a residence whose exterior frontage is as understated as those of its neighbors.  A simple wrought iron front gate and a common two car garage are your initial impressions of the home at 3230 Calusa St.

The North Grove is known for its hodgepodge of assorted architectural styles and home designs, ranging from modest two and three bedroom cottages and Florida style ranches to residential estates of jaw-dropping splendor.  Glistening high rises dot the skyline across from sleek sea-vessels that glide along Sailboat Bay.  Joggers and cyclists are seen getting their day’s exercise up and down Bayshore Dr.  The natural beauty of the community is the stuff of enchanted fables, where the azure blue waters of Biscayne Bay commune with lush tropical landscapes beneath a sun-drenched canopy.  Occasionally, you come across a family of peacocks as you travel down one of the winding tree lined streets that fill the neighborhood.  It is truly an enthralling community where walking is the standard mode of transportation as everything you could want or need is practically within arm’s reach.

Then, as you pass through the gate and just a few steps further under a covered walkway, an astonishing metamorphosis takes place.  Originally built in 1924, the home has undergone a number of reincarnations.  This last one, however, has transformed this home into a Phoenix of architectural design and a monumental achievement in style and taste that warrants admiration ordinarily reserved for works of fine art and sculpture.  I have seen many beautiful homes over the years, and there is certainly no shortage of them in Coconut Grove.  3230 Calusa St. is one of the most remarkably beautiful residences in this community that I have seen in recent memory.
Rather than go into a long list of feature, please allow the following images to tantalize your imagination.  As beautiful as these photos may seem, they are inadequate to the task of properly depicting the magnificence of this home.

Listed for $3,150,000, I must say this home is priced well.  If my words have stirred your curiosity and captivated your imagination, I would ask that you grant me the opportunity to show it to you.

 

General Information:

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5 1/2

Square Feet:  8,390

Lot Size: 26,795 Sq. Ft.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home to Sell

With all the negative press coverage and constant onslaught of challenges facing Sellers, it's easy to lose sight of a critically important truth. Your home is in direct competition with other homes in your neighborhood. Preparing the home and making sure it looks as nice, clean and in good repair as possible will increase the chances of a buyer considering it over the others. A good frame of reference for a buyer showing is a job interview. You want to be well prepared and looking your best. Here are five tips to help give you the competitive edge.


5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: February 10, 2010

Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time.

1. Have a home inspection
Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up.

2. Get replacement estimates
If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs you can’t fund, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also hunt down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items you expect to remain with the house.

3. Make minor repairs
Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems—sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets—as you can. These may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression your house isn’t well maintained.

4. Clear the clutter
Clear your kitchen counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. Install closet organizers to maximize space. Put at least one-third of your furniture in storage, especially large pieces, such as entertainment centers and big televisions. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you’ve packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement.

5. Do a thorough cleaning
A clean house makes a strong first impression that your home has been well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service.

If not, wash windows and leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over.

Pay attention to details, too. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, clean inside the cabinets, and polish doorknobs. Don’t forget to clean your garage, too.

More from HouseLogic
Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget

Spring Cleaning Guide

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a Chicago brownstone with the best curb appeal on the block. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

3 Green Home Improvements That Really Pay Off

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  3 Green Home Improvements that Pay Off

  Forget big savings on your energy bills if you make green home improvements. Instead, choose green retrofits and home improvements that offset rising energy prices. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

What Buyers Are Looking For

In most cases by the time a Buyer walks into your home for the first time, he/she/they have already narrowed down their preferences in terms of price range, location, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and major features (pool, garage, etc.).

By the time a Buyer decides he/she/they would like to see your home in person, they have satisfied at least 78% of the buying criteria.

If they have searched through the internet and found quality descriptions and photos of your home, the percentage of predetermined satisfaction goes up to 90%.

Of all the interior aspects of a home that Buyers focus on when visiting a home, 72% is entirely within the ability of the Seller (and his/her/their Realtor) to manage and improve.

By addressing things like odors, clutter, de-personalizing and minimizing the decor, cleaning or replacing the floor coverings, and making minor repairs around the house, you dramatically increase your chances of being the next home in your neighborhood to sell!