Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Alliance Sotheby’s International Realty

A stately southern mansion and guest residence with custom amenities perched atop a hill, located on 10 acres offering panoramic mountain and city views of nearby Chattanooga, perfect for entertaining guests on a grand scale, will sell at a live auction Without Reserve on May 10th, NYC based Concierge Auctions has announced. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga at 2363 Heavenly View Drive, the grand estate — originally listed for $5.3 million — will sell to the highest bidder in cooperation with Debbie Elliott- Sexton and Sandy Poe of Alliance Sotheby’s International Realty. This is the second time Concierge has partnered with Elliott-Sexton, following their sale of Villa Collina, a stunning, 36,000-square-foot estate in nearby Knoxville.

“Alliance Sotheby's International Realty considers it a pleasure to partner with Concierge Auctions again, this time to present the Windy Hills Estate auction,” Elliott-Sexton stated. “This is a sophisticated residence that stands tall — almost magically — atop a hill with breathtaking views and the best amenities offered in a luxury home.”

“The Windy Hills Estate is an exquisite, inspired property — one of the finest in the Chattanooga area,” Poe added. “It’s impeccably crafted with high-quality finishes, offering the very essence of luxury, elegance and comfort. Debbie and I are privileged to be a part of the process and look forward to naming a new owner on auction day.” Comprised of more than 8,700 square feet of living space behind a ceremonial gate, The Windy Hills Estate includes four bedroom suites, five full and one half bathrooms, imported fireplaces, cultured glass, soaring ceilings and expansive windows. Other highlights include an elegant full bar adjoining the formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen and countless indoor and outdoor living spaces that seamlessly intertwine. Each bedroom suite is located in its own separate area, offering the ultimate in privacy, and each has a poolside balcony for captivating sunset views. Outdoors, the property has gorgeous landscaping, multiple, spa-like infinity pools, a lavish outdoor entertainment area with multi-level patios for entertaining guests and a three-car side entry with a heated garage. The guest home offers an additional 2,800 square feet including two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

“The sale of unique, high-end residences is our expertise, and The Windy Hill Estate fits into our mold perfectly. It’s architecturally stunning and offers the best finishes and amenities,” stated Laura Brady, President of Concierge Auctions. “Our auctions motivate real sellers and present rare and significant opportunities for buyers who are able to name their own bid price on auction day. Having most recently successfully sold Villa Collina in the area, we’re confident in another successful outcome in Tennessee on May 10th.”

Located in Hamilton County, TN, named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, Ooltewah is a small town and Cherokee Indian word meaning "owls nest.” Windy Hills Estate is less than 30 minutes from Chattanooga, considered by many to be a top southern travel destination thanks to its outdoor adventure, amazing restaurants, live events, art and world-class attractions. Tucked between the mountains of southeast Tennessee along the Tennessee River, the New York Times included Chattanooga in its article last year titled “The 45 Places to Go In 2012.” Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in Tennessee, located about two hours from both Nashville and Atlanta, GA. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, also known as Lovell Field, is located five miles east of Chattanooga’s central business district.

The auction of the Windy Hills Estate will be held live on May 10th. A 2% commission is offered to the buyer’s representing broker. The property is open for preview daily from 1 to 4 p.m. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. For more information visit WindyHillsEstateAuction.com, call 877.812.0402 or join the social discussion at #WindyHillsEstate.

Courtesy of The Dawn Thomas Team

Are you thinking about selling your home right now? Do you live in the Silicon Valley? Then you are probably aware that the market is HOT! HOT! HOT! and that it’s in desperate need of inventory. There are large numbers of qualified Buyers ready and willing to buy your home! That being said you still need to prepare your property. If you’re thinking about selling it, the following 18 things are things that are important and you can do yourself. For the rest contact the Dawn Thomas Team-we’ll get your home sold for the best possible price!

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.

2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.

5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.

6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.

10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.

11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.

12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.

13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.

14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.

16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.

17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While someone from the Dawn Thomas Team will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

This blog is courtesy of The Dawn Thomas Team who is an award-winning Real Estate Agent team at Intero Real Estate Services in Los Altos 650-701-7822. We help nice people with selling and buying homes from Palo Alto to West San Jose!

Courtesy of Molly Dugan for The Taranto Team with Coldwell Banker Previews International

In the Sunshine State we need to be in bathing suit shape all year long. The best step to get back into those incredible habits is to get a personal trainer…but not just any trainer.

The Taranto Team and world-renowned personal trainer Nick Smith have teamed up. For a limited time on Sundays in April at 3255 Rum Row in Port Royal, Nick will be conducting health evaluations, preparing juice drinks and providing samples of his protein drink—all free of course!

The Taranto Team cares (a lot!) about their clients’ health. To prove it, when you buy a home with the Taranto Team, your first 24 VIP training sessions with Nick Smith are INCLUDED! These sessions would normally retail for several thousand dollars. With Team Taranto, twenty four high caliber, custom, one-on-one sessions are INCLUDED!

Nick Smith is the former Mr. Universe 1992 and has trained dozens of celebrities. Nick’s philosophy on health is all encompassing and considers every aspect of life including: physical, emotional, professional and environmental components. Nick’s philosophy is reflected in his products and customer service. Quality of life and health for the customer is top priority to Nick.

You are invited to check out this magnificent home, learn more about Team Taranto … and get healthier and happier. Grab your health … after all, it’s yours!

When: Through the end of April, EVERY Sunday, 1pm-4pm

Where: 3255 Rum Row in Port Royal

For more information please contact Lauren Taranto at: 239-572-3078 or by email at: laurentt@me.com.

Courtesy of Ewing & Clark

Many homeowners have participated in a century old tradition that looks for guidance from St Joseph to sell their home, a universal patron know as the carpenter and foster father of Jesus Christ on earth. The tradition claims that if you bury a statue of St Joseph in the home’s yard, it will help speed up the home sale. Many folks have been praying to St Joseph for over 2000 years, requesting favors of all sorts, but more specifically in housing, family problems, and financial needs.

Homeowners interested in the tradition can purchase a “St Joseph Homeseller Kit” equipped with a small easy to bury statue, specific burial instructions, and a prayer card. Among popular companies producing the kits, Roman Inc has been selling these home sale kits since 1996 for around $8. Instructions state that you should make a 12′” deep hole in the yard, large enough to bury the statue. You then bury the statue upside down in the hole, facing the home. Once your home is sold, you can remove the statue from the hole, and display the statue in a prominent place in the new home. The kit discloses that there are many ways one can evoke the assistance of St Joseph in their home sale, and the important thing to remember is to actually believe that St Joseph will act on your behalf to assist in the sale of your home or property. Disclaimer for those hoping to rely on the statue for a quick sale: It’s outlined on the box that doing the practical things such as completing all necessary repairs, cleaning and staging the home for inspection, and being mindful of the housing market and your finances should be thought through prior to planting the statue, and relying on St Joseph, the Real Estate Agent. There is a St Joseph’s Statue believer’s website which states that there are currently over $3.15 Billion in Real Estate listed, and 174 listings in Washington State. What are the odds the statue will help you sell? If you’re interested in learning more about the tradition, there are books out there such as St Joseph, My Real Estate Agent, and a list of articles published provided by the believer’s of St Joseph website.

Courtesy of Madeline Merritt of Kathy Doyle Estates

Malibu, CA - Kathy Doyle Estates, a prominent real estate brokerage firm in the Beverly Hills and Malibu luxury real estate markets, announced the exclusive listing of this rare 320 acre property in the beautiful Encinal Canyon area of Malibu. Formerly owned by the actor Nicolas Cage, the land is currently in the hands of a prominent clothing designer, Masud Sarshar. This majestic canyon ranch incorporates ridge and valley topography, miles of horse trails, and immaculate landscaping development making it ready for luxury construction. The property boasts its own extensive network of horse trails and borders the Santa Monica Mountains with 4 major waterfalls in proximity. Listed at $9,995,000, and including designs for epic home and horse facilities by the famed architect, David Hertz, this property has the potential to be the premiere ranch estate along the entire Malibu coastline.

One of the largest land-holdings available in Malibu, the property is located just minutes off the Pacific Coast Highway. The 3 parcel estate is filled with lakes, oak trees, cattle and horses. Host to numerous panoramic viewpoints: to the Northwest are magnificent views of the Boney Ridge Mountains which glow in the sunset light and to the South are spectacular outlooks over the Pacific Ocean, Point Dume, and off shore islands. Existing structures include a care-takers residence, horse pasture, and guest house with luxurious amenities tucked in a beautiful grove of oak trees. The land has been prepped for additional construction, with two primary areas landscaped for development and designs for epic home and horse facilities by the famed modernist architect David Hertz. His Studio of Environmental Architecture is known for their innovative and environmentally friendly designs which captivate imaginations everywhere. Prominent designs include the famous Malibu Wing House, as well as the Floating House, Panel House, and McKinley House in Venice, Ca. This stunning Malibu property provides the perfect venue for his designs, and is sure to be one of the most spectacular properties in Southern California.

About Kathy Doyle Estates

Kathy Doyle has been a name in the Beverly Hills and Malibu real estate community for over a decade. Formerly a top agent with Keller Williams and Coldwell Banker, Kathy began in the luxury market from her first deal: selling Nicole Kidman’s mansion in Pacific Palisades in 2002. Equipped with a degree in finance and an elite staff, Kathy started her own real estate firm which has allowed her to expand her own brand of exclusive luxury: with a keen eye towards design in her marketing as well as an insider’s view of real estate in Beverly Hills and Malibu. Her innate sense of her clients’ needs and desires, coupled with her tasteful, discreet manner, has resulted in an impressive portfolio and a remarkable array of clients. Kathy’s steady stream of referrals is testimony to her respected work ethic, personal involvement, and role as a leader in the Beverly Hills and Malibu real estate markets.

Courtesy of Amy Plotkin of Surterre Properties

One of Southern California’s most sought-after luxury homebuilders, Scott Cross has accomplished more in his 32 years than many people do in a lifetime.

The youngest homebuilder featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Scott is also one of OC Metro’s 40 under 40. Most recently, SC Homes – the company Scott started at the age of 22 – was named the 15^th fastest-growing private company in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal.

Drawing inspiration from his favorite travel destinations, Scott has made a distinct impression on the local luxury marketplace with his creations, which showcase his interpretation of the soft contemporary esthetic, infusing a client’s living experience with the tranquility of an upscale getaway.

The feeling of an island retreat is abundant in several of Scott’s recent projects, two of which are listed with Summer Perry of Surterre Properties^®’ BROWN and STOWELL real estate team in Corona del Mar.

1801 Tahuna Terrace is one of the largest homes in Irvine Terrace and offers top-tier creature comforts including a glass wine cellar and a theater room. Offered for $6.1 million, this property is in escrow and scheduled to close in February 2013.

4633 Fairfield Drive in Cameo Shores is another spectacular new construction home by SC Homes. This gem boasts a soft Polynesian flair and unique amenities like a two-story master closet and a spill over spa with Catalina Island views. This property is offered at $6.8 million and slated for completion in late spring 2013.

To learn more about SC Homes’ custom residences, contact Summer Perry at 949.375.9074 or sperry@surterreproperties.com.

Courtesy of John's Island Real Estate Company

V16N6 (Nov/Dec)

The annual Opening Weekend at John's Island is upon us. This highly-anticipated event reunites families and long distance friends. While here, bring a friend to our Open House Tour featuring a wide selection of John's Island properties for sale. Currently we have 76 properties sold/under contract this year.

Featured on the cover of this issue of Porfolio is a remarkable 5BR/8.5BA Gem Island riverfront masterpiece, nestled along the western shore of Gem Island on a quiet cul-de-sac street, with exceptional views of the Intracoastal Waterway. To download your digital edition of Portfolio V16N6 now, simply click here.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a part of the family-oriented lifestyle at John's Island, please call 772-231-0900 or visit www.JohnsIslandRealEstate.com for more information.

Courtesy of Teressa Francis of Intero Real Estate

Cupertino, CA – It’s round 2 for Intero Real Estate Services’ Intero Prestigio virtual magazine and this one features even more luxury properties than the last. Still a combination of the innovative, tech savvy power of the Silicon Valley based Real Estate Company and their division specializing in high-end real estate; it looks as if the program has exploded overnight.

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-end market, 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 Washington Fine Properties

Washington Fine Properties has listed the Kalorama townhouse of former White House press secretary Joe Lockhart for $3,395,000. The listing agents are Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy.  Kalorama is one of Washington’s most sophisticated neighborhoods, home to numerous ambassadors and embassies. The magnificent 1908 Wardman home was impeccably restored retaining the handsome inlaid flooring, exquisite molding and columns, beautifully proportioned rooms ideal for entertaining, and the classic Wardman staircase. The townhouse features five bedrooms, three and one-half baths, a Gourmet Kitchen, a library that doubles as a media room, a lower level Au Pair suite, and an incomparable master suite with marble detailing and Waterworks fixtures. A glorious roof deck provides stunning views of Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia.

Courtesy of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty

Newport, Rhode Island (September 19, 2012) Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty announced today the listing of “Wildacre”, an iconic oceanfront architectural masterpiece located on Newport, Rhode Island’s famed Ocean Drive.

Built in 1902 as a summer estate for Albert H. Olmsted, a Hartford based banker, “Wildacre” is a brilliant collaboration by Irving Gill, a San Diego based architect and renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. An intriguing Shingle-style with Asian and Arts and Crafts elements, the dramatic massing of the house with its steep peaks and gables fits perfectly into the rugged site with granite outcroppings overlooking Price’s Neck Cove and the Atlantic Ocean.

“Wildacre” was purchased by the present owner in 1997. Since then the magnificent gardens and residence have been restored to perfection with modern amenities including a private dock. Based on original Olmsted blueprints and design strategy, architect Madison Spencer “created a series of terraces secured by stone walls that bow at the neck of the cove in order to shield a new infinity-edge pool which falls away to breathtaking views of the ocean beyond.”

The recipient of numerous awards including: Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission Honor Award; Newport Historical Society Award; and the nomination in 2002 to the “Classicists 100”. Wildacre is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Paul A. Leys, co-owner of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty, commented “We haven’t seen a property of this caliber offered on this coveted stretch of Newport’s oceanfront in decades. We are delighted to present this phenomenal property to the market.” The list price is $15,750,000.

About Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty

Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty is a full-service agency specializing in waterfront and luxury real estate and serving all of Rhode Island, including Block Island, as well as southeast Connecticut and coastal Massachusetts. Gustave White has been in business for over 80 years as a leader in the luxury market and is the sole Sotheby’s affiliate for Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Regent member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. Paul A. Leys, Co-owner of Gustave White Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, may be reached at 401-848-6706 or at pleys@gustavewhite.com for more information.