Palm Beach County Real Estate | Jeff Lichtenstein's Blog » Mirabella homes for sale

218 Isle Verde Way | Mirabella at Mirasol

Jeff Lichtenstein — Fri, 20 May 2011 07:32:39 +0000

Gorgeous lake views from this model-perfect Great Room floorplan with 2 master suites. Volume ceilings give an open & spacious feel. Plantation shutters, crown molding, professional draperies, ceiling fans and light fixtures give added beauty. The kitchen is a chef’s delight with wide pass-thru archway. Stainless steel (Bosch), paneled wood/French cabinetry, granite, tumbled marble, pull-outs will make cooking a joy. The Master is spacious with lake views. A delightful bath and large California closets make this room a wonderful oasis. The 2nd master has its own sitting area. The Den has built-ins and a Queen Murphy bed. The covered screened paver loggia has tropical landscaping and soothing lake views. Extra quiet Trane A/C, plantation shutters, and central vac.

128 Isle Verde Way

115 Casa Grande Court | Mirabella at Mirasol | Palm Beach Gardens

Jeff Lichtenstein — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:15:25 +0000

Stunning and panoramic lake views highlight this decorator-designed 3 bedroom plus study ranch home. Volume ceilings, porcelain tile on the diagonal, and beautiful attention to detail make this home warm and inviting. The split floorplan with separate suites is wonderfully accommodating to guests. The living room has French doors opening onto a side paver patio. If you enjoy cooking, the kitchen has a double oven & beveled granite with full granite breakfast bar which is wonderful for buffet and social gatherings. Under lighting, drop-down stainless steel sink, and 4 gas burners are a chef’s delight. The dining room has wonderful faux painting and an intimate coffered ceiling. The master is spacious and enjoys the best of views. 2 California walk-in closets make this a great suite. The separate study is a great place to gather your thoughts. 2 separate VIP suites will keep company coming. Outdoor living is to be enjoyed with a super-wide loggia. No expense was spared, with attention to detail at every corner. Extras include recessed lighting, intercom, wainscotting, central vac, and professional window dressings & fans.

196 Via Condado Way | Discover The Mirabella Life

Jeff Lichtenstein — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:00:29 +0000

Presented by Jeff Lichtenstein…..Gorgeous lake views on an unusually large pie-shaped lot offers complete privacy at 196 Via Condado Way. This 3 bedroom + study, great room floorplan lets in wonderful light. Volume ceiling and picturesque windows give this home a feeling of openness. Immaculate with the best of upgrades. Porcelain tile floors, a chef’s delight kitchen loaded with granite, double ovens, & huge island are perfect for buffet dining. The master is spacious with beautiful window treatments and high-end Berber carpeting. 2 California walk-ins, large linen closet and sensational master bath make this suite an oasis. The split floorplan is inviting for your guests. Plentiful office space can be found in the private study. Other upgrades include humidifier, hurricane shutters, intercom, and central vac. The best in Florida outdoor living will be enjoyed as you discover the Mirabella life from multiple paver-brick patios.

Foreign Buyers in Florida Real Estate | Discover The Ins & Outs of Buying if You Are Foreign

Jeff Lichtenstein — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:13:29 +0000

What Foreign National Citizens Need to Know About Buying a Second Home in the U.S.

If you are a Foreign National citizen you would be well-advised to understand the differences between foreign and U.S. home buying process, as well as the tax implications of owning a second home in Florida. All real estate information applicable to Florida can be found on Jeff Lichtenstein’s website.

Focus on Existing Properties in Established Developments

Real estate consultants have been advising foreign nationals to give preference to existing properties in established developments. This avoids the problems associated with unsuccessful developments where the nature of the development and the surrounding area can change quite dramatically if the original developer goes into default and the property is taken over by a different developer. While this may mean that you miss the opportunity to buy at so-called “pre-construction” bargain prices, the reduction in risk may prove well worth the slightly higher price.

Qualifying to Buy

Some lenders require that buyers place closing costs plus 12 months of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) in a U.S. bank account. They may also require foreign nationals to put more money down, as much as 25 – 30% and demonstrate that they have liquid reserves available to cover 3 to 6 mortgage payments.

Financing and Closing Costs

Begin the loan pre-approval process before you begin searching for a home or condo in Florida. The seller will know that you are fully prepared and “qualified” to buy. Expect the length of your mortgage loan to differ from what you may be used to.

Mortgage Types for Foreign National Investors

The basic fixed rate and adjustable (variable) rate mortgages will generally be familiar to foreign nationals buying in Florida. While there appears to be enough similarities in terminology, Foreign Nationals buying property in Florida will think that the mortgage system is similar to the process of buying a property in their home country.

Foreign National Mortgages work differently when financing property in Florida

The one thing that every foreign national citizen buying in Florida must remember is to not make assumptions about how mortgages work in Florida. Many of the differences will be minor, but others might just make the difference between a successful purchase and non-productive purchase. Be prepared to wait three to five weeks or more to close on your Florida real estate property once you have a signed purchase contract.

Minimizing Taxes & Protecting Your National Health Benefits

Even though you are a citizen of another nation, you may be treated as a U.S. citizen for tax purposes if you spend too much time at your Florida get-away. Limiting your time in Florida to less than six months each year minimizes your tax implications. If you rent your Florida property for the portion of the year that you spend in your own country, you will need to file a federal U.S. income tax return and declare your rental income, but you may be able to deduct expenses such as maintenance, utilities or mortgage interest.

Property Taxes

Be aware that non-residents of Florida do not get all of the property tax advantages granted to permanent residents of Florida.

Property Insurance

Property insurance in Florida can be expensive. Insurance companies charge less to insure properties that meet the latest code requirements. Homes and condos that are not located directly on or adjacent to the waterfront or in designated “flood zones,” cost less to insure.

Avoiding Estate Taxes and Probate

Foreign nationals can reduce their exposure to U.S. estate taxes. One of the best ways is by placing a non-recourse mortgage against the property. A non-recourse mortgage gives the mortgage-holder recourse only against the property, itself, not against any other assets of the borrower. Properties held by a CBRLT are exempt from Florida probate and thus have no filing requirements for U.S.

Isle Verde in Mirabella at Mirasol | Discover Your Own Special Island Of Peace & Luxury

Jeff Lichtenstein — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:46:26 +0000

Isle Verde in Mirabella at Mirasol

Isle Verde is a quiet neighborhood close to the clubhouse
Built by Kenco
Upgrades include designer walk-in closets with built-in organizers, extensive use of volume ceilings, intercom system, granite countertops, recessed hi-hat ceiling lights, and cultured-marble Roman tubs
Isle Verde lot sizes are typically 40 feet wide by 113 feet deep
Bella models are 1-story with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and contain 1857 square feet of living space
Cortina are 2-story models with 4 bedrooms, including an upstairs master, and 2½ bathrooms, featuring 2449 square feet of living space0
Delgado 2-story models are 5 bedrooms, including an upstairs master, and 3 bathrooms, with 2595 square feet of living space
Residents of Isle Verde also have the security of a 24-hour manned gate

Via Condado in Mirabella at Mirasol | Live In A Tropical Paradise

Jeff Lichtenstein — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:00:16 +0000

Via Condado in Mirabella at Mirasol

Built by Kenco
Via Condado is located conveniently close to the clubhouse
Upgrades include extensive use of designer walk-in closets with built-in organizers, volume ceilings, intercom system, granite countertops, recessed hi-hat ceiling lights, cultured marble Roman tubs, and more
Via Condado lot sizes are typically 50 feet wide by 115 feet deep
El Prado models are 1-story and have 2283 square feet of living space, with 4 bedrooms and 2½ baths
Granada models are 1-story and have 2471 square feet of living space, with 4 bedrooms and 2½ baths
Ibiza 2-story models contain 3058 square feet of living space, 3½ bathrooms, a 3-car garage, with 5 bedrooms, including a downstairs master
Laguna 2-story models have 3060 square feet of living space, 3 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, with 5 bedrooms, including an upstairs master
24-hour manned gate

Sedona in Mirabella at Mirasol | Bask In The Tropics At Sedona

Jeff Lichtenstein — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:00:22 +0000

Sedona in Mirabella at Mirasol

Built by Kenco
Sedona features larger lot sizes, generally 65 feet wide by 120 feet deep
Located close to the clubhouse
There are several dramatic floorplans, one with a separate guest house and courtyard, in addition to two ranch homes
Upgrades include extensive use of designer walk-in closets with built-in organizers, volume ceilings, intercom system, granite countertops, recessed hi-hat ceiling lights, cultured marble Roman tubs, and more
Palencia models are 1-story with 2737 square feet of living space, split, with 4 bedrooms and 2½ baths
Rossello models are 1-story with 2911 square feet of living space, stack, with 4 bedrooms, 2½ baths
Segovia 2-story models have 3465 square feet of living space, 3 baths, and a 3-car garage, with 5 bedrooms, including an upstairs master
Toledo 2-story models have 3524 square feet of living space, 4 baths, a 3-car garage, with 5 bedrooms, including a downstairs master
Verona Courtyard 2-story models have 3385 square feet of living space, 4½ baths, a 3-car garage, with 5 bedrooms, including a downstairs master

Mirabella at Mirasol | Luxurious Living Really Exists

Jeff Lichtenstein — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:00:37 +0000

Mirabella at Mirasol

Considered to be one of Palm Beach County’s most desirable locations
Located just west of Florida’s Turnpike on the north side of PGA Boulevard
The center of the community’s recreational and sports activities is found at the magnificent Club Mirabella
The resort-style clubhouse features an oversized pool, sundeck, fitness center, locker rooms, a library, social rooms, and a children’s playroom
The tennis center offers granular/composite courts which are also lighted for evening play
Palm Beach Gardens offers world-class opportunities for shopping, dining, sports, and entertainment
A 15-20 minute drive and you’re on the beautiful sandy beaches of the incredibly blue Atlantic Ocean