Real Estate Deathmatch: Two $700K South Beach Condos Battle It Out in the Deathcage

Thursday, January 23, 2014, by Mallory Farrugia

Imagine: you have about $700K to drop on a place and you've narrowed it down to two one-bedroom condos in South Beach. How do you make up your mind? The answer is simple: you shove them into a metaphorical cage and let them battle it out until one emerges victorious. It's time for Real Estate Deathmatch.

Address: 403 Main Street #213 / 555 4th Street #422
Price: $699,000/ $699,000
Monthly HOA: $442 / $569
Square Footage: 811 sq. ft. / 756 sq. ft.
Beds, Baths: 1-bed, 1-bath / 1-bed, 1-bath
Parking?: 1 space, $140 per month fee / 1 space, no fee
Amenities: pool, gym / gym ? This 1-bed, 1-bath condo slightly edges out its opponent in square footage, but where it really wins is in windows. The living room features a panoramic window that curves around the corner of the space, looking out into the trees. The drawback to this? The building is adjacent to the freeway and the unit is at the front on only the second floor - so there's probably traffic noise. But perhaps the building's beautiful pool (located in the back) is a trade off. ? This 1-bed, 1-bath condo edges out its opponent in finishes. The kitchen and bathroom are much more modern, complete with designer appliances. This unit has hardwood floors throughout (whereas its opponent has a carpeted bedroom). The unit looks like it's on the ground floor, looking at the garden courtyard. The building is a block off the freeway, so it may be slightly quieter. It will also be a lot darker inside.

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