A list of 10 reasons to move to a condominium:

1. Concierge

Living in a condo that has 24/7 concierge is the definition of luxury. It’s like having a personal assistant –  it’s great. Makes life so much easier and enjoyable. Gives you extra time to do your thing. Most buildings in South Florida have a concierge, so consider moving to Miami.

2. Spa

Consider yourself privileged and pampered, if your condominium has a spa. Buildings like the Agualina and Jade Ocean in Sunny Isles have unbelievable spas that will make you want to brag about it. New construction like  Costa in Hollywood also offer unparalleled luxury and convenience of a resort living, including a holistic spa.

3. Valet

Want to feel important? Move into a condo that has full service amenities like valet service. You don’t need to be famous to experience white glove service all the way to your car. It is convenient, safe and pressure free.

4. Condo Rooftop

If your building has a rooftop then you know how socially entertaining it can be. By day you’re tanning with friends while sipping on Pina Colada and by night it becomes your private getaway.

5. Jacuzzi & Pool

Most homes in South Florida have pools, but not all have a Jacuzzi. A lot of condos that have beautiful pools like Riva Bay Harbor in Fort Lauderdale and Ocean Club in Sunny Isles are fun to be at on a sunny day or in the evening after the spending the day at the beach – friends, drinks and fun, what more can you ask for?

6. Gym without membership

Who doesn’t love going to the gym without having to pay for a monthly membership? Hire a personal trainer if you want and just have them train you in your building’s gym, it’s that simple. Now you have no more excuses, carry out your new year’s resolution and get ready for the beach!

7. The view

Stop, drop, hold your breath and stare. Living in a condo has its perks like unbelievable views. For instance, living in a Miami condo provides you with awesome ocean and inter-coastal views.

8. Lobby

Now this one might surprise you, but having a nice lobby in your building can be a huge benefit to you. How? Ever have guests you’re not in the mood inviting upstairs? Take them to the lobby instead and hang out until they get bored or tired – works like a charm!

9. Tennis courts

Even if you’re not a tennis player, having a tennis court in a building makes you want to buy a tennis racket and play. Even if you’re swinging the racket like a baseball bat it’s still fun, especially because you can go upstairs to your apartment any time.

10. Security

Who doesn’t want to feel protected? Living in a condominium that has security 24/7 feels a lot like being a celebrity, safe, secure and pampered.

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Miami Beach

Home prices in Miami Beach and the barrier islands continue to increase, according to Douglas Elliman’s fourth quarter reports, released Thursday.

Median sales prices per square foot rose by nearly 14 percent to $651 per square foot during the fourth quarter. Average sales prices of condos, in particular, jumped by 19 percent, with average prices per square foot up 17.8 percent.

“There was a greater surge in Miami Beach compared to the mainland,” Jonathan Miller, who authored the reports, told The Real Deal.

Miller, president of Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants, said that all major markets in the United States are experiencing increased inventory. He said that as prices rise, more people put their homes on the market. Total inventory skyrocketed in Miami Beach by 20 percent during the year.

While inventory and prices rose in Miami Beach, the number of closed sales actually declined by 8 percent year-over-year. But that represents just nine fewer properties, according to the report.

The absorption period increased to 11 months in the fourth quarter, from eight in the fourth quarter of 2013. On the mainland, the absorption period increased slightly to nearly seven months.

“In 2015, you’re going to see a continued increased in inventory and a fairly brisk pace of sales,” Miller said. “Prices will continue to increase and there will be a continued decline of distressed real estate on the market.”

In Miami Beach’s luxury market, which Douglas Elliman defines as the top 10 percent of sales, condo sales prices increased a whopping 65 percent from 2013, with 10 percent less closed sales in 2014 than in the previous year. The average sales price rose by $1 million during the quarter, to $3.8 million.

“We’re coming off of very low lows, so the increase gets exaggerated, but it’s clearly rising,” Miller said.

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