Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Maureen Buckley of Buckley & Buckley Real Estate

Buckley & Buckley Real Estate have posted 2010 sales statistics for Bainbridge Island Real Estate. Click here to take a look at their blog: http://buckleyrealestate.com/blog.

By George Damianos of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Nassau, Bahamas. (Feb. 9, 2009) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it grew the office count within its network by more than 10 percent in 2008, ending the year with 10,750 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.

“According to the National Association of Realtors^®, for all of 2008 existing-home sales were 13.1 percent below the transactions recorded in 2007, which is the lowest volume since 1997. In this environment, the Sotheby’s International Realty^® brand actually grew its office count by 10.7 percent, demonstrating a true demand for our services in the global arena,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “As well, we welcomed an additional 1,726 sales associates, which reflects our strength and appeal as a brand. I also am very proud that we received two industry honors in 2008, underscoring the value consumers and our affiliates place on the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and what it has to offer.”

Last year saw the addition of 19 firms across 10 states: New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Washington, California, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, New York and North Carolina. As well, 30 Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated companies expanded by opening new offices to widen their market coverage.

Internationally, the brand expanded into Germany, Slovakia, Vietnam, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Gibraltar with the openings of Hamburg Sotheby's International Realty in Hamburg, Germany; NRW Immobilien Sotheby’s International Realty in Northern Westphalia, Germany; Corpia Sotheby’s International Realty in Slovakia; Vietnam Sotheby’s International Realty; Greece Sotheby’s International Realty; Terra Sotheby’s International Realty in Limassol, Cyprus; Venice Estates Sotheby’s International Realty; and Kristina SzekelySotheby’s International Realty in Gibraltar. The brand also signed a long-term licensing agreement for the Czech Republic, with an office scheduled to open this year.

Finally, in April 2008 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award, was named to their top 50 for client satisfaction and was No. 5 for all franchise categories with more than 200 locations. In August, the brand also was rated the most prestigious real estate company by high net-worth consumers in the Luxury Institute’s 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey.

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. The 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.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. 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 and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the 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 www.sothebysrealty.com.

By Todd Cutter

Breathtaking beaches, stunning rainforests teeming with wildlife, pristine waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, along with endless activities ranging from adrenaline-boosting eco-adventures to soothing relaxation in some of the worlds premier resorts are just a few of the reasons why Costa Rica has become a Mecca for vacationers, retirees and investors from the world over. Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty and abundance of wildlife are matched only by the warmhearted and peace-loving people who call this paradise home.

The unique combination of tropical rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, world-class surfing, an array of adventure activities,  some of the world's most breathtaking rivers, waterfalls, and other dazzling natural phenomenon have made Costa Rica an ideal location for travelers from all walks of life, looking to rediscover the natural wonders which inspire us all. In recent years, Costa Rica has also become increasingly well-known for its investment potential, stable democracy, inexpensive cost of living, first-class health-care system, and overall lifestyle it can offer the international community.

With an environment of enormous potential, Costa Rica has investors, retirees, as well as vacationers from all over the globe flocking to seize on the opportunities to own their own piece of this tropical paradise. Whether you are looking for a vacation getaway for you family, a rental property offering secure annual returns and appreciation, or the retirement spot of your dreams, Costa Rica offers the answer.

Finding a more complete destination is nearly impossible. To have such a spectacular natural backdrop, without sacrificing a peaceful and stable democracy, tremendous investment potential, a fantastic health care system, booming tourism, and an ever-expanding infrastructure makes Costa Rica a truly unique destination for investors, vacationers and retirees alike.


Editor’s Note:
Todd Cutter is a real-estate agent with 2Costa Rica Real Estate, a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Cutter came to Costa Rica in 1998 after graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Spanish for International Business. Upon his arrival, he founded an online travel business. Although his travel business is still in operation today, he sold the business to dedicate all of his time and energy to 2Costa Rica Real Estate. He specializes in large development parcels, hotel development and marketing programs for developer partners. Another LuxuryRealEstate.com member has submitted content to the Luxury Real Estate Blog. This is wonderful. That’s a lot of praise for Costa Rica! I’ve been hearing quite a bit about great investments to be found in that beautiful country. Maybe that would be a good place to seek your new luxury home.