Luxury Real Estate

By Janine Carey of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Nassau, Bahamas (March 10, 2009) —Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Nassau, Bahamas, today announced that this month marks the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, of which it is a member.

“Five years ago, we made a commitment to build the quintessential luxury real estate franchise system in the world,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We set the bar high and we have worked with passion and undying commitment to achieve our vision. I am proud that we have attracted and selected the most exceptional firms that make up our growing network.”

In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name, the acquisition of 15 company-owned offices and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Today, the brand has more than 10,700 sales associates located in more than 500 franchised offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.

“It is very exciting to be part of a brand that has grown so much in just five short years. DamianosSotheby’s International Realty joined the network 4 years ago with the goal of providing our clients with a global reach,” said President, George Damianos. “Since that time, the brand has offered us that, as well as the differentiating factor we needed in our market.”

This month, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand also was ranked second on Franchise Times’ Fast 55 list, a ranking of the fastest growing franchises, published in the March 2009 issue. The Fast 55 list is compiled based on FRANdata research and is published by Franchise Times. According to the publication, in order to make the Fast 55 list a franchise company must meet two criteria: they must be a brand that has been franchising for five years or less and they must exhibit positive franchise unit growth for each year during this period.

Affiliations in the Sotheby’s International Realty system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit sothebysrealty.com.

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, serves the entire Bahamas and is headquartered in downtown Nassau with offices in Lyford Cay; Governor's Harbour and Spanish Wells Eleuthera; Marsh Harbour, Hope Town and Elbow Cay, Abaco; with associates in Treasure Cay, Abaco; Exuma, and Freeport, Grand Bahama. Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Bahamas, offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty’s main office is located at #75 Shirley Street, Nassau Bahamas and with Lyford Cay Sotheby’s International Realty located in the exclusive community of Lyford Cay.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

The Wheelchair Foundation is honored to have Wines For Wheelchairs partner with them in providing mobility for those in the world who cannot walk.

Saturday night several hundred people joined the Wine for Wheelchairs group in honoring Sully Sullenberger for his heroic landing of the US Air jet in the Hudson River. A member of the group was so moved by Captain Sully’s heroics that she purchased an entire container of wheelchairs to be delivered to East Bay veteran facilities to assist with those who cannot walk. Jeff Behring and The Wine For Wheelchairs Annual Black Tie Ball invited Captain Sully and his wife Lorrie, to be their honored guests in presenting this gift in his name. What a night of moving stories and celebrating “Service Above Self”.

In June of 2000, Ken and Pat Behring, announced to the world that they were committing their time and resources to create mobility for those in the world who cannot walk. They created the Wheelchair Foundation as their way of giving back to the world that has been so good to them. From that moment, what has evolved is a partnership with Rotary International to create matching grants for anyone who would like to donate a wheelchair to those less fortunate. David Behring, Ken and Pat’s son, now is the president of the foundation and leads it’s efforts to provide a wheel chair for every person in the world who needs one. It only takes a donation of $150 to purchase a wheelchair and the remainder of the cost is paid by the Wheelchair Foundation and Rotary International. Today, over 750,000 wheelchairs have been delivered all over the world!

Over 150 million children, teens and adults worldwide are in need of a wheelchair but cannot afford one. In many developing countries, the only way for a person with physical disabilities to be mobile is to crawl along the ground or be carried by family or friends. An all-too-common reality is that many people stay in bed or the corner of a room for years at a time.

Wine for Wheelchairs was co-founded by Gordon Holmes of LookOut Ridge Winery, uses wine as a medium to purchase wheelchairs for those in need. They work with wineries including Lookout Ridge Winery to host events, offer specials, and draw attention to the worldwide need for wheelchairs. On Valentine’s Day 2008 for example, Arrowood Winery hosted a wine tasting, and all $6,000 in proceeds were donated to purchasing wheelchairs. In cooperation with Lookout Ridge Winery and The Wheelchair Foundation, Wine for Wheelchairs donates wheelchairs to needy individuals around the world when you purchase their wines.

California’s most recognized winemakers have teamed up with Lookout Ridge Winery and The Wheelchair Foundation to use their winemaking skills to donate wheelchairs for needy individuals. You know my love of great wines. What a great way to enjoy great wines and also give back to this critical world need in such a dramatic way. If you would like more information as to how you and/or your community can get involved in the Wheelchair Foundation project please contact me and I will provide you all the information you will need.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

December 26^th the Kwanzaa celebration begins in the Caribbean. It is an annual celebration in December that lasts seven days - ending on January 1^st. Each day focuses on a principle that reaffirms the African commitment to themselves, their families, their community, and their black struggle for equality.

• December 26^th - Umoja - Unity
• December 27^th - Kujichagulia - Self-Determination
• December 28^th - Ujima - Collective Work & Responsibility
• December 29^th - Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics
• December 30^th - Nia - Purpose
• December 31 - Kuumba - Creativity
• January 1^st - Imani - Faith

The seven principles are collectively referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and are intended to serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living. The greeting each day of Kwaanza is Habari Gani, and the reply is Habari Gani, followed by the principle of each day. Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of African descent in North America, the Caribbean and other part of the world connected to African heritage. It was created by M. Ron Karenga in 1966.

The St. John gathering is held in Cruz Bay in a small park near the ferry dock. Lucinda Parsons, Sigma Theta Omega Chapter President welcomes the audience of local residents and tourists each year.

The Love City Pan Dragons play the America National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March. The “3 Sweet” trio sings the Black National Anthem and South African Anthem. There are also student performances, as well as the St. John Cultural Dancers.

There are celebrations all week on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Also check out the local celebrations held in all of the Windward and Leeward islands. Habari Gani! My family and I send you our best wishes for an unforgettable Kwanzaa celebration!!!

By Meghan Barry

If you have ever visited the LuxuryRealEstate.com Headquarters in Seattle, near the historic Pike Place Market, you may have been to the rooftop deck on top of our building. A popular spot for staff gatherings and summertime lunches, this deck boasts expansive views of Puget Sound and Downtown Seattle. What a perfect place to view Fourth of July fireworks!

In-city living often has its limitation with access to the outdoors. However, on LuxuryRealEstate.com there seems to be ample opportunities to purchase a home with the convenience of a metropolitan location, yet with a ground-floor garden, multilevel terraces, or rooftop decks.

This is an appealing option on New York City, listed by Stribling & Associates, Ltd., in the heart of Chelsea’s gallery district. Looks like the perfect place for a hip Fourth of July barbecue.

www.luxuryrealestate.com/749432


Or this one in Boston, listed by Hammond Residential GMAC Real Estate. You can almost hear the fireworks… and the drum beating of Minutemen.

www.luxuryrealestate.com/869190


A 2005 Recipient of The Carolopolis Award for New Construction, this home has maintained that quintessential Charleston style, with a modern updates. What a stunning view! It’s listed by Disher, Hamrick & Myers.

www.luxuryrealestate.com/610485


Editor’s Note:
Meghan Barry is the Executive Vice President of LuxuryRealEstate.com. She works closely with CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh to organize a variety of Luxury Real Estate programs, events and services. Each of the brokers who represent the properties in this blog entry is a member of the Board of Regents, the governing body of LuxuryRealEstate.com. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Fourth of July, and hopefully you’ll have a great holiday.