Blog contributions are provided exclusively from Luxury Real Estate members throughout the world.
Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate’s number one ranked sales team worldwide*, Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg, known as The Jills®, announced that they are listing Oscar-winning actor Matt Damon’s stunning North Bay Road-mansion for $20 million.
“From the moment you step inside the beautiful courtyard entrance, you are immediately surrounded by spectacular, sweeping panoramic views and you instantly begin to see what makes this property truly special,” said Jill Hertzberg. “This rare jewel in the heart of Miami Beach is an incredible setting for anyone lucky enough to enjoy the fabulous lifestyle this address provides.”
Situated on a 43,000-square-foot double-lot, this seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom mansion boasts 170-linear feet on Biscayne Bay. The property also features a home theater, private terrace attached to the master suite, a spa-quality master bath, a roof terrace and a two-bedroom guest house.
"Exclusive North Bay, with its mega mansions, is home to many celebrities and people seeking the privacy of the wide unobstructed bay views and magnificent sunsets," added Jill Eber. “If you want to live in a home that has the most breathtaking views in one of Miami Beach’s most coveted locations, then you must see this property.”
As the leading luxury real estate agents in South Florida and Miami Beach, The Jills have sold over $1.7 billion in real estate since 2005, and have been recognized as the company’s number one sales team worldwide in 2011 and 2012. The Jills have also earned numerous awards of distinction, including setting a benchmark in 2012 for the highest production on record of any agent team in Coldwell Banker’s 106-year history by participating in over $474.7 million in sales, and being named Florida’s number one team for 11-consecutive years by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. In June of 2012, the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends also ranked The Jills as the number one team in Florida based on 2011 sales volume.
Utilizing their powerful marketing strategies and extensive media exposure, The Jills® attract the highest number of celebrities, Fortune 500 Executives, diverse international clientele and long-time Miami Beach residents, and carry the largest inventory of exceptional luxury residences in South Florida’s most elite enclaves such as Star Island, Fisher Island, Indian Creek Island, the Sunset Islands, Golden Beach, Miami Beach, Gables Estates and Tahiti Beach. Discerning consumers always value The Jills® powerful brand and their continual delivery of exceptional results.
*Ranking based on Adjusted Gross Commission in 2012
About Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate (FloridaMoves.com), is the leading real estate brokerage company in Florida, serving the communities of Central Florida, Palm Beach, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC and NRT LLC are subsidiaries of Realogy Corporation, a leading global provider of real estate and relocation services.
For more information, visit our website, www.FloridaMoves.com.
Courtesy of Teressa Francis of Intero Real Estate
What do you get when you combine the innovative, tech savvy power of Intero Real Estate Services headquartered in the Silicon Valley, with the division of the company specializing in high-end real estate, Intero Prestigio? Nothing other than a virtual magazine featuring its multi-million dollar properties. Now, Intero proudly announces the release of its premier issue of the Intero Prestigio Virtual Magazine.
The magazine offers enhanced and global promotion for Intero’s most exclusive homes and estates. Designed with ease of circulation in mind, it can instantly be shared through social media websites and email. As if reading a handheld magazine, online viewers can browse through gorgeous pictures and find the property information of the unique homes featured. The virtual magazine aims not only to raise awareness of properties offered in the Prestigio collection, but also to exhibit their finest qualities––and the magazine is only one aspect of the Prestigio marketing program.
Renowned real estate entrepreneur Alain Pinel, senior vice president and managing officer of Intero, is the primary mastermind who pioneered and launched Intero Prestigio as part of his goal of expanding Intero’s luxury brand. From local print advertising to international display, properties in the Prestigio collection have an elevated level of exposure to help them sell quickly and efficiently. On the release of the first virtual magazine issue, Alain excitedly stated, “It is wonderful to see how Intero’s luxury brand has taken off. The release of this magazine shows Intero is established in the global high-endmarket, and attests to Intero Prestigio’s growth.”
View the virtual magazine for yourself here
About Intero Prestigio
A luxury division of Intero Real Estate Services, Inc. Intero Prestigio provides an elevated level of service through its elite selection of marketing tools set up to expose homes and estates to relevant markets locally, nationally and globally. Intero Prestigio hosts a quarterly virtual magazine featuring its current luxury listings. Find the current issue at www.InteroPrestigio.com
About the Intero® Brand
Founded in 2002, Intero Real Estate Services, Inc. has quickly become one of the premier real estate brands in the U.S. In 2004, Intero Franchise Services Inc. began franchising and currently is operating in many of the western states. In 2009, Intero International Franchise Services, LLC embarked on developing territories in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. The companies are private and headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley.
Courtesy of Telluride Properties
Upon first glance, visitors are immediately enchanted with the breathtaking setting of the historic town of Telluride. While the grand snowcapped peaks of the San Juans and imposing Box Canyon waterfalls ensnare the senses, the real allure of Telluride lies much deeper than scenic beauty – in the warm embrace of its community.
And that is just what Telluride Properties aims to capture within the pages of its signature publication, Truly Telluride. “The Telluride lifestyle is so unique and exceptional, we want to express that through the stories of its people and places. It’s a great compliment to all of our properties and something our clients feel proud be a part of,” says Albert Roer – Managing Partner.
In the newest issue just released, local writer Susan Viebrock of the blogozine Telluride Inside and… Out pens three engaging articles exploring Truly Telluride’s people and places. Wilkinson Public Library: No Institution More Truly Telluride, pays homage to the heart of the Telluride community for all ages and imaginations. Telluride’s five-star library is what Telluride itself is all about, small in size only – big WOW factor. Mountain Village steps into the spotlight and out of Telluride’s shadow in Mountain Village: How High Is Up? Perfecting the “on mountain experience”, Telski collaborates locally to create a cultural and retail mecca in a European-style setting. Truly Telluride’s signature series, Full Time Change Makers – Part Time Telluriders, profiles Joanie Schwarz and Don Rosenthal: Life Doesn’t Get Better Than This. A gifted photographer and steadfast wealth manager, Joanie and Don found their spiritual home in Telluride through their lifelong friend Albert Roer.
In addition to Susan’s articles, an eye-catching photo essay entitled Telluride’s Big Backyard, written by Telluride Properties broker Damon Demas, follows the unique recreational opportunities and inspiring landscapes from Telluride’s majestic peaks to the red rock canyons and desertscapes of southern Utah & Arizona.
Truly Telluride also features beautiful photos and information on some of the finest properties available in the Telluride region. The first home to grace the cover in 5 years, the Conovitz residence at 236 Pandora Lane bucks traditional Telluride Victorian for a refined contemporary design that draws the magnificent panorama of the Box Canyon indoors. This and many more homes, condos, and land await the Telluride real estate connoisseur on the glossy pages of Truly Telluride.
Telluride Properties is located at 237 South Oak Street, across from the gondola in the town of Telluride. Truly Telluride is available at their office, online at www.TrulyTelluride.com, or by mail upon request (970.728.0808).
Courtesy of Realty Trust Group
Portland’s Real Estate Market has been slowly showing improvement in the housing market. Now is the time to buy in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Rated in the top five by Moody’s Economy.com and MNSBC.com for being one of the first major metropolitan cities to see recovery.*
*Information from MNSBC.com
Average sale price for February 2012 rose 4.3% compared to February 2011. Median sale price fell 1.3%.
Month to month, comparing January 2012 to February 2012, average sale price went up from $249,100 to $255,100 (2.4%) and the median sale price rose from $207,500 to $211,000 (1.7%).
There are four main types of financing purchasers are using. See the graph for a breakdown in financing types for homes and condos sold in February 2012.*
*Statistics taken from RMLS Home Sales Report, February 2012.
While there were fewer active and new listings on the market, sales activity in Metro Portland showed an improvement in both pending and closed sales in February 2012. Also notable in February was a decrease in inventory, down from 7.0 last month and the lowest February inventory since 2007.
Closed Sales were up 17.5% in February 2012 compared to February 2011. Pending sales grew 32.5%, and new listings dropped 13.6%.
*Inventory in months is calculated by dividing the active listings at the end of the month in question by the number of closed sales for that month.
Realty Trust Group is a locally-owned real estate company that has achieved the highest sales volume per agent in the Portland Metro Area and has provided more than a decade of service to its clients and community.
For more information about the Portland housing market visit our site www.realtytrust.com or call us at 503.294.1101
To read the full report, click here.
Courtesy of Staci Caplan and Michael Humphrey
Diana Bull, Broker Associate with Sterling Properties attended the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2012 Issues Conference in Miami, Florida. The focus of the Issues Conference was to plan NAR’s strategic and political direction for the upcoming year.
According to Diana Bull, a veteran NAR Director for over 26 years, “The National Association of REALTORS® is working hard to protect the American Dream of home ownership. This means making our voices heard by government leaders, policymakers and Congress as they enact laws and write regulations that impact the real estate industry.
Specifically, NAR will be focused on protecting the Mortgage Interest Deduction, extending the Mortgage Debt Cancellation Relief for homeowners in trouble, preserving the capital gains exclusion on the sale of residences, and maintaining the property tax deduction for homeowners.
Our goal is to strengthen housing and real estate investment and ensure that the dream of home ownership is available now and for future generations.”
Diana Bull was President of the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) in 1999 and served as CAR’s first female Treasurer in 1996 and 1997. She has served on NAR’s Executive Committee, as a Regional Vice President, on numerous NAR committees, including service on NAR’s Finance Committee which manages the assets of the organization. Diana Bull is currently NAR’s Chairman for Risk Management.
In 2011, Diana Bull was named REALTOR Emeritus by the National Association of REALTORS® and, in 2010, became a member of NAR’s Hall of Fame.
In addition to her REALTOR commitments, Diana Bull is the 2012 President of the Santa Barbara chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She has been active with NAWBO in the Public Policy arena and lobbying on issues which affect women business owners.
Diana Bull can be reached at diana@dianabull.com.
Courtesy of Michelle Poitevin of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty
(January 19, 2012) SEATTLE — Construction on The Sanctuary—a 12-unit, residential conversion located within the former 1906 First Church of Christ, Scientist in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood—is now complete.
Originally built between 1906 and 1911 and designated an historic landmark by the City of Seattle in 1977, the completed project—now consisting of fee simple, concrete and steel town homes—offers a rare mix of intricate historic features, artisan craftsmanship and innovative modern design elements. The construction team was spearheaded by Belfor Property Restoration, Runberg and Associates, Robin Chell Design and The Justen Company.
A compelling example of adaptive reuse and historic preservation, redevelopment on the project initially began in 2007 but was stalled in 2010. An affiliate of San Diego-based Pathfinder Partners, LLC, acquired the construction note on July 7, 2011, and funded an additional $2 million to bring the project to its full potential. In readying the homes for sale, Resource Transition Consultants, LLC (RTC), the seller, responded to feedback from local real estate brokers, prospective homebuyers and other market experts.
“We made many improvements and are thrilled with how the individual homes and common areas turned out,” says Rob Nall, a principal of RTC. “The additional construction and restoration was worthwhile—we’ve optimized the final product and the pricing for positive market acceptance.”
In addition to changing the building use to residential with the City of Seattle, RTC worked through the Landmark Preservation Board to protect key architectural features while improving livability. For example, the century-old stained-glass windows now slide to the side, revealing new vision glass, which adds natural light, territorial views and fresh air to the unique residences.
“Our job is to complete construction, realign values and sell the homes at prevailing market rates,” adds Nall. “This is a unique scenario in which an inspiring product designed at the peak of the housing market may well sell at bottom-of-the-market prices.”
Despite its Classical Revival-style architecture, the former church now boasts modern interiors and technology, as well as high-rise construction quality within. Each home features soaring 30-foot-high ceilings, metalwork and cabinetry crafted by Seattle area artisans, polished concrete floors, re-purposed marble from the original building and top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures that include brands such as Wolf, Bertazzoni, Liebherr, Asko, and Kohler to name a few.
Ranging from four to six levels (including roof top terraces); the town homes are sized from 1,600 to more than 3,000-square-feet and will list from the low $500,000s to $1.1 million – about 45% below original asking prices, according to the listing brokers.
“Waiting paid off for patient homebuyers trying to time the market at The Sanctuary,” said Dean Jones, principal of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “We’re offering a greatly enhanced yet highly affordable product by virtue of dramatically lowered purchase prices and historically low interest rates. And the landmark designation means significantly reduced property taxes for the next ten years.”
Two model homes will be opened this weekend for public previews from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The official sales debut is scheduled for January 28, 2012 when the sales office opens. More information can be found on the recently launched website at www.liveatsanctuary.com.
About Resource Transition Consultants, LLC.
RTC, headquartered in Edmonds, WA, was founded in 2008 by Robert Nall, Douglas Barnes and Kevin Hanchett to provide receivership services to lenders on financially distressed real estate transactions. The firm has been active in the successful disposition of numerous communities, in addition to distressed commercial and business assets. For more information, visit www.rtcreceivers.com.
About Realogics Sotheby's International Realty
Seattle-based Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is a nationally-recognized, full-service real estate brokerage that specializes in new construction sales and marketing services for its developer and lender clientele. Representing high-profile multifamily communities in the Seattle area, the firm is a top selling residential brokerage in Seattle by dollar volume for multifamily, according to Trendgraphix. For more information, visit www.realogicssothebysrealty.com.
For high-resolution photography of the Sanctuary and additional property information, please contact Michelle Poitevin at 206.448.5752 or email Michelle@Realogics.com.
Courtesy of Fuller BCV Sotheby's International Realty
Beaver Creek, CO (January 2012)—Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty, a leader in the sale and purchase of luxury residences throughout the Vail Valley, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Steadman Clinic Vail Cup. Free and open to youths age 14 and under, the race series includes a variety of ski and snowboarding events for all abilities beginning on January 22nd and ending with races and a barbecue on March 18th. A detailed schedule and information is available at www.VailCup.com.
“We’re very excited to be a sponsor of this tremendous community event, which has been part of the Vail Valley since 1963 and has become a great way for kids and their parents to be introduced to and experience various types of competitive skiing and snowboarding,” said Kraig Forbes, head of the Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty office and a leader in the local real estate market since 1995. “The event represents the incredible ‘winter sports spirit’ that exists here in the Valley and that our team is very proud to be part of. We invite anyone and everyone to join us at the event for a hot chocolate during the races!”
In 1963, the newly formed Ski Club Vail hosted its first Rocky Mountain Ski Association race, and the Vail Cup was born. More than 40 years later, the Vail Cup was reborn as an exciting and challenging series of events encompassing all programs offered by Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV).
- Events on 5 Sundays (January - March) with a Finale BBQ on the last day (a complete schedule is available at www.vailcup.com)
- Events held on Vail Mountain's Gold Peak and at the Vail Nordic Center
- Includes a combination of two of the following events each day: Giant Slalom races, Moguls, Nordic and Park & Pipe
- Open and free to youth ages 14 and under
- Open to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities
- No Ski and Snowboard Club Vail membership is needed - Buddy Werner, Devo, Bevo & independents welcome
- Includes Downhill Dash ski/ride-a-thon scholarship fundraiser
Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty is a proud member of the local business community, providing unparalleled marketing and support services to their clients who are buying or selling a home in Vail Valley. As a Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate, Fuller BCV Sotheby’s International Realty has access to SIR’s comprehensive website and will advertise in the quarterly publication Connoisseur, which has a circulation of over 65,000 in both the Vail Valley and Denver markets. Now more than ever, the firm is uniquely positioned to help buyers and sellers navigate today’s market challenges and opportunities.
About Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty
Fuller Sotheby’s has seven office locations in the Denver metro area, including Downtown, Cherry Creek, Boulder, Evergreen and Castle Pines, as well as additional locations serving select mountain communities such as, Vail, Summit County and Grand County.
Courtesy of Rimontgó
Rimontgó is delighted to be able to offer its Italian clients their own website in Italian. This new addition to the online family joins the Spanish, English, German, French and Russian sites and will hopefully increase the company’s international profile still further.
The world of international property is fascinating and rewarding, but it faces those who work within it with extraordinary challenges, the most important of which is to offer a truly first class service to its valued clients.
Being able to access details about properties and services in their own language is the very least that any prospective client should expect, so the addition of Italian to `Rimontgó’s range of websites aims to cater to Italian-speakers buyers and investors in a personalized manner.
The era of the global village, identified decades ago by Marshall McLuhan, is now truly upon us, and businesses – particularly those who wish to maintain an international profile – are obliged to act decisively in order to stay ahead of the field.
Rimontgó always aims to serve its numerous international clients in a truly international manner and hopes that its Italian website will be of considerable assistance.
Courtesy of Kirsty Bryson of Luxury Homes by VAPF
Following the success of the previous exhibition in Moscow, the Domexpo real estate exhibition, the VAPF Group will also be attending the Foreign Real Estate Showroom in Saint-Petersburg on the 11th, 12th and 13th of November, at the Peterburgsky SCC exhibition centre.
This is the 11th edition of this real estate exhibition and a total of 68 real estate companies are due to take part, with a great many representing Spain, the most popular destination for Russian buyers at present. This Real Estate Fair is backed by the St. Petersburg Government and around 30 thousand visitors are expected to turn up.
The exhibition is complemented by a business program which includes seminars and presentations on important issues related to real estate acquisitions in various countries.
The VAPF Group and its luxury division Luxury Homes by VAPF will be meeting up with several of its collaborating estate agents at the exhibition and will be presenting its extensive real estate offer to the Russian market, who loves the Costa Blanca area of Spain, where the VAPF Group developments are all located.
Courtesy of Matthew Haber of Real Sparks LLC
Saint Petersburg, FL– With demand for social networking, SEO, design, content creation and website construction services on the rise for small businesses and professionals, it is with great pleasure that Real Sparks LLC announces the launch of their West Coast Division. Under the direction of Sonya Winterhalder, the company is now poised to bring a wealth of professional and marketing services to companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Sonya comes to Real Sparks with a history of media management, marketing and sales experience. Originally from Eastern Washington state, Sonya graduated from Western Washington University and attended Graduate School at Seattle University. Most recently operating as the Real Estate Sales Manager for the San Francisco Examiner, her professional background also includes periods at Hartle Media, California Home & Design Magazine, 7×7 Magazine, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and a notable position as Director of Estates Marketing at Pacific Union International Real Estate, an exclusive affiliate of the Christie’s network.
“We are thrilled to have Sonya as part of our team,” says Matthew Haber, owner of Real Sparks LLC. “Sonya is a marketing and media expert with a tradition of providing over-the-top service for her clients. Her experience and personality blend perfectly with the philosophy behind Real Sparks.”
About Real Sparks LLC
Real Sparks LLC is a full service design, marketing and consulting agency based out of Saint Petersburg, Florida. Formed in 2011, Real Sparks LLC is founded on the principles of providing excellent service and accessible technology to businesses. Real Sparks personnel grew up during the dawn of the Internet and are experts in the fields of website construction, social networking strategy, search engine optimization, logo, brand and identity design, content creation and consulting. For more information, please visit: realsparks.net
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