Rosie O'Donnell Selling Miami Beach Mansion for $19.5 Million

The Rosie Show isn't the only thing ending—so is Rosie O'Donnell's tenure as a homeowner in Miami Beach.
On the same day as the final episode of her OWN talk show (today), the New York-bound Emmy winner listed her lavish spread on tony Star Island Drive for $19.5 million.
Fair enough. It's pretty fancy.
O'Donnell purchased the 11,000-square-foot waterfront home on 1.11 acres of land for $6.75 million back in 1999, when she and ex-wife (then partner) Kelli Carpenter had yet to welcome their fourth child.
The house boasts six bedroom and five baths, plus there are two separate guest homes on the property, according to the South Beach Real Estate Blog.
Built in 1923, the house has since been completely restored with a modern kitchin, new fireplaces and a master suite with a private office and terrace. There's a pool on the grounds, as well as a dock and 203 feet of water access.
When the Chicago-based Rosie Show was canceled after one season, O'Donnell, who's now engaged to Michelle Rounds, said that she would be moving back to New York full-time.
"Me opening some #oprah wine—a toast 2 the final show tonight—thanks all," she tweeted this afternoon.


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Area real estate sales up 20% last two months

Real estate sales regionally surged to more than $1 billion during the first two months of 2012, a gain of one-fifth over last year.

Sales totaled $1.05 billion for the year's initial two months in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, a 20 percent jump compared with $874 million during the same period of 2011, county records show.

"I think it kind of comes back to the same story, the resumption of the flow of retirees and what kind of retirees are attracted to Southwest Florida," said University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith.

That resumption is critical, because the region lost tens of billions of dollars in real estate wealth during the downturn.

This new round of retirees "is bringing back wealth that was lost," Snaith said.

The sales figures are based on a state 0.7 percent documentary stamp tax on deeds, data for which was released Wednesday. "Doc stamps," as they are commonly known, are collected on total prices of newly sold and conveyed property throughout Florida.

Free Real Estate Guide From Boca Raton Real Estate Agent

www.koolik.com. The Boca Raton Area Real Estate guide compares Florida school information and links, reveals exciting community features, and provides detailed information on homes for sale in Boca Raton and Delray Beach as well as golf courses and South Florida attractions.

Whether you are new to the Boca Raton area or are just looking to explore your surrounding neighborhoods; look no further than Koolik Group Realty's Boca Raton Area Real Estate Guide. The guide showcases a variety of sought after homes for sale in Boca Raton in gated communities such as Woodfield Country Club and Fieldbrook Estates, golf and tennis country clubs like Boca Grove and Seasons, and also features luxury condominiums such as Mizner Grand in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach areas.

If you are looking to move within Boca Raton but are worried about staying in a particular school district, Koolik Group Realty's guide offers a comprehensive look into the Palm Beach County school district comparing the Florida schools. The guide provides links to boundary maps, zoning, school calendars, school ratings, and test scores to help choose the right elementary, middle, or high school; whether public, private or charter.

Boca Raton real estate agent and owner of Koolik Group Realty, Elliot Koolik, states that "the objective of this guide is to provide residents and visitors alike with a myriad of information, links and maps on the location of these popular communities, their residential features, amenities, a directory of local golf courses; as well as, popular south Florida attractions."

Miami Real Estate – Make Your Home Buying Fun

In buying a home in Miami real estate, fun and buying are the concepts that come together.

Buying a home is a huge investment that is why instead of having fun, buying a home become so stressful. Buyers tends to find themselves into trouble when purchasing a home in Miami real estate, because of the legal aspects, choosing a home mortgage, dealing with brokers and real estate agents, finding home insurance, and many other buyer concerns.

But there are still some ways to make the buying process with lots of fun, by being prepared, and by adding a little bit of humor and wit if needed.

Now, the first thing one should do is by asking the toughest question, Can you afford the payments for the home that you wanted… Then you have to answer that question honestly. It is wiser to consult a financial adviser to help you in the buying process. This is really important especially if you have some troubles regarding to financial obligations. So it is better to determine that type of home you can afford, considering the monthly payments to be done for a home mortgage.