This week's local business spotlight is on Pummarola in Coral Gables, right off Miracle Mile. This hidden gem has some of the best pizza in Miami, it reminded us of our time in Italy- a different style from typical American fare. Their 900 degree wood oven cooks the pizza in about 2 minutes flat and afterwards you have a delicious, steamy pizza in front of you. It is a great option for a simple, inexpensive, and extremely satisfying meal. Highly recommended!

​​Enjoy a classic Southern California stay in this swanky, art deco one bedroom apartment in the heart of Beverly Hills. Only a 10 minute walk to the glitz and glam of the designer boutiques and restaurants of Rodeo Drive, our apartment is located in the heart of Beverly Hills which the locals refer to as the Golden Triangle.

You want to provide your guests with a perfect vacation experience. But by renting your property to those you don’t know, you are also exposing yourself to risk. A security deposit is a vital component of protecting your short-term rental property. The trick is finding the balance between enough money to cover potential damages and an amount small enough to put renters at ease.
Know the Basics
Since your rental agreement may only be a week or even just a night, it’s critical that you include everything necessary to protect your investment. It’s a good idea to include a clear description of the property and key contents, conduct that is prohibited, and how the property should be left at the end of the agreement.
The first step in determining a security deposit amount is to understand the law in your city and state. Some states limit the amount you can require for a security deposit as a multiple of the rent. Other states have no limit at all.
Here are some things to consider when deciding exactly how much to charge for a security deposit.

• Price of Rent — Consider your weekly or daily rate when determining the right security deposit amount for your rental. Standard practice calls for 10 percent of the rental rate or $250 flat, but every property is different.

• Value of Property -- A rental property with expensive fixtures, countertops and appliances will require a higher security deposit. If something is damaged or broken, it will be costly to repair. Receipts from installation and remodel projects can help you substantiate a heftier security deposit. 

• Furnishings — The amount of your security deposit should take into consideration how your rental property is furnished. Furniture will often show wear and tear more quickly than other parts of the home and therefore need to be replaced more frequently. If you have a high-end rental with luxury grade furniture, take that into account when setting your deposit. Keep the receipts from furniture purchases to help establish a reasonable security deposit and proof of value should something need to be replaced.

• Rental Instructions — Be sure to set clear expectations on how your guests should leave the rental upon departure. Leaving detailed instructions will help them understand your expectations and perform the tasks thoroughly. Print out instructions for areas such as the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms, and put them in page protectors. Store them where they can easily be seen.

Another option is to print out all of the instructions for your rental property and then store them in a binder. Note the location of the binder in your rental agreement. Making cleaning supplies available will ensure that guests have no excuse for not leaving it to your specifications. Additionally, it protects you from anyone using cleaning chemicals that are not appropriate for your space.

• Documentation — In order to set your guests at ease, be transparent in your security deposit policies. Be clear about what you’re charging and why. Provide examples of property damage or excessive cleaning that may result in deductions from the security deposit. Show that their security deposit will be kept safe in a specific account and won’t be touched until the rental agreement ends, however long or short that might be. When renters feel that they have a complete understanding of the circumstances in which their security deposit may be used, they will feel comfortable writing a check.

• Market Standard — Local real estate agents, lawyers, and other landlords can help you determine the appropriate amount to collect as a security deposit. To keep the marketability of your property in line with others, it is important to understand what is normal and customary in your area.

Do research and see what other short-term rentals are charging as a security deposit so that you are protecting your assets and still maintaining an attractive property for renters. You should also listen to your customers. Ask for feedback and read your online reviews to understand if you can make small changes to put future renters at ease.

• Other fees — Are you also charging any other fees for cleaning or pets? These should be considered as well, since you don’t want to scare off renters with too many costs above and beyond your standard rates. 

When dealing with security deposits, remember to be fair to your renters, recognizing that normal wear and tear is to be expected. Don’t forget to refund the security deposit to anyone who leaves the property in good condition—most states define when you need to refund the deposit, which may be as few as 14 days. Treat your guests as you’d want to be treated, and they’re likely to choose your property for their next vacation and encourage their friends to do the same.

SOURCE: Flipkey.com
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About the Author
Bonnie Joy Dewkett is a professional organizer and writer for Quill.com. She shares cleaning & organizing tips for homes and businesses alike as The Joyful Organizer.

Lulus in the Grove is a mainstay of downtown Coconut Grove, located right in the middle of it all, it's a great place to sit outside and people watch or enjoy the funky décor inside. The food also doesn't disappoint. Lulus makes an effort to use unique, organic ingredients and it comes through as the food really is delicious. The goat cheese croquettes with guava BBQ sauce are awesome and so is the Kale and Quinoa salad. A must visit when spending time in the Grove.

South Florida has a little something for everyone on 4th of July. From the family friendly events in Palm Beach County to exciting events for an adult night out in Miami Beach, celebrate the 4th by the ocean...
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4th on Flagler in West Palm Beach
On three stages, various performing artists will celebrate America's Independence. With the Waterfront as a beautiful backdrop to the non-stop fun, watch the county's largest fireworks displayed choreographed to music simulcast on four radio stations. Enjoy kids' area, interactive art displays, nine-hole Putt-Putt golf, A VIP area, Club 4th Ticketed Party in the air-conditioned pavilion, delicious Americana food and of course . . . the traditional unfurling of the 50 ft. flag!

Miami Beach
The City of Miami Beach will be hosting its annual Fire on the Fourth Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Shore Park Bandshell at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue. There will be food trucks, live music and DJs. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. If you plan to watch them from the beach, get there early and bring a blanket or chair to claim your spot.
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Downtown Miami
Bayfront Park and Bayside Marketplace will team up again this year to present America’s Birthday Bash, one of South Florida’s largest fireworks displays. Bayfront Park will have a free all-day event from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) featuring a kid zone, food, beverages, petting zoo, giveaways and live music. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Come view the spectacle from the park, Bayfront Marketplace or aboard the luxurious SeaFair yacht.

Delray Beach
Located on A1A and Atlantic Avenue, this FREE event will feature back to back live music. Family activities will include a Splash Zone featuring water slides and games, a Kid’s Corner hosted by the Avenue Church with face painting, craft activities, sidewalk chalk and much more. Adults can cool down at the Beer Garden hosted by Burger Fi, Caffe Luna Rosa, and Boston’s on the Beach. We’ll also have a custard eating contest for kids and a burger eating contest for adults courtesy of Burger Fi.

Check out the professional sand-sculptor sponsored by Delray Marketplace & sign up for the sand sculpting contest hosted by the HOW Foundation. You can challenge your friends to a game of putt-putt at the Putt’n Around mini golf course. Fireworks begin at 9pm and launch from the North end of the beach.