Luxury Real Estate

The celebration of the IGTM in Valencia will mark a before and after in golf tourism in the Valencia region of Spain.

The meeting, which will take place from the 15^th to the 18^th of November in Valencia, will attract around 500 professional buyers from the world of golf, some 600 exhibitors from 60 countries and about a hundred specialized media.

The Valencia Tourism Minister highlighted that the combination of the warm climate, the convenient and fast access to the area, a consolidated global offer of golf tourism and good value for money are the factors that have finally determined that the Valencia Region (which includes the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón) should host this event.

For the minister, "golf tourism golf has become a strategic segment that needs to be encouraged and promoted."

The Tourism Council is consequently conducting familiarization trips for tour operators, attending trade fairs related to golf and establishing partnership agreements to promote this sport with different organizations.

In short, golf tourism is a segment that corresponds to a demand for higher level of spending and a longer stay. Thus, "the average 900 euros that this type of tourist spends during his stay is three times higher than the traditional tourist".

Therefore, the minister concluded that "we will continue our commitment to promote this tourism segment that has grown so much over the last few years and is extremely important for tourism development on the whole, as it diversifies the tourism offer of the region therefore reducing the seasonal tourism.”

In particular, the Cumbre del Sol residential estate in the North of the Alicante province, where Luxury Homes by VAPF is developing exclusive villas with unbeatable sea views, is located within 5km of a golf course, enabling the residents of this prestigious estate to enjoy the sport right within a hop, skip and a jump from their homes.

Courtesy of Darryl Baskin

Today's real estate landscape offers some great buys for savvy real estate consumers, especially when it comes to foreclosure properties. Unfortunately, even though there are already a large number of foreclosures on the market, analysts are predicting that yet another wave of distressed properties will crop up in the coming months.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have consulted with many clients seeking to capitalize on a foreclosure purchase. We always advise them, however, to weigh the pros and cons. While a foreclosure could represent your best chance to get a great deal, make sure you educate yourself about the potential pitfalls of purchasing a distressed property in advance - and what correcting those pitfalls might cost. In most cases, it's not so much about what damage occurred but rather the source of the damage and how long before the problem was addressed.

Here are the top 10 signs that may indicate trouble in a foreclosed home:

1. Unheated house in winter months. If the home has been properly winterized, there's no need for heat. But if the home has not been properly winterized, pipes will burst and cause water damage.

2. Missing sinks, toilets and other fixtures. Make sure they've been properly removed and not ripped from walls and floors.

3. Peeling, bubbling and discolored paint; swelling in walls or ceilings (especially around kitchens and bathrooms), or a musty odor all indicate water damage and, potentially, the presence of moisture and mold.

4. Fungus growth inside cabinets, behind drawers and built-ins. Fungus could mean that there has been water damage. Since water falls down, look for the source above the mold.

5. Blocked drains or pipes will cause future problems and may have already created sewage backups.

6. Black cobwebs, greasy gray residue on walls and/or a strong oily odor. This could point to potential soot damage or a malfunctioning furnace.

7. An older home with extensive renovations. Check with the city for pulled permits in order to get remolding details. If asbestos is present and has been disturbed, be sure it's been remediated by a certified specialist.

8. Excessive painting of every nook, cranny, door and floor may mean that the seller is covering up mold.

9. Discolored subflooring. From the basement, check the subflooring above for stains and small holes, both caused by mold.

10. Air quality. The air quality within a home tells a lot about the home's condition. Be sure to include air and surface testing in your home inspection. It's a few hundred dollars well spent.

Courtesy of: Shawn Elliott of Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes and Estates in Long Island, NY

At the Shawn Elliott Open House of the Year Party, the evening was ALL ABOUT LUXURY. The Villa at Chestnut Hill's entry displayed an exquisite array of Maseratis, Ferraris and Rolls Royces as guests arrived.

Attendees had an opportunity to experience the passion, luxury and performance of these legendary automobiles.

Courtesy of: Hurwitz James Company by Unique Homes

In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, an entertainer’s dream has been reduced by $10 million.

Through private entrance gates, a world of prestige and pleasure are introduced to the discerning buyer. The verdant grounds that surround the 26,000-square-foot home are host to a helipad, championship tennis courts, multiple pools, a par-3 golf hole and a 9-car garage that has space for a limousine.

The main residence, which was re-built nine year ago, is nothing less than impressive. From rare hardwoods and imported marble to granite and custom furnishings, the interior living spaces are opulent and one-of-a-kind.

Whether accommodating a dinner party in the formal dining room or gathering in the living room, breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene will serve as your backdrop. A well-appointed library, a lounge with an octagonal bar and a guesthouse all serve for entertaining and hosting guests.

Listed by Bob Hurwitz of Hurwitz James Company, the $17.5 million Coeur d’Alene estate is awaiting your arrival.

Learn more about this astounding property on uniquehomes.com and on the Hurwitz James Company Web site.

By José Ribes Bas of Rimontgó

The drop in property prices in Spain is bringing value back into the market, but even against this background there are some particularly exceptional finds to be had if you know where to look.

Moreover, such opportunities are not limited to large apartment developments. The attached properties are examples of quality homes featuring elegant styling, luxurious amenities and prime locations that have been reduced in price to levels not seen for five to ten years!

As specialists in luxury property in the Valencia region, Rimontgó source villas, apartments and homes that offer the best quality/price ratio in the region. If you are looking for optimal value in the current market this sample of newly reduced properties will be of particular interest:

Villa-Home in Calicanto


Luxury home for sale in Calicanto - Villa located in Cumbres de Calicanto Estate set on the hill in Torrente, Valencia. Spacious seclude and private mature garden. Price: 1,100,000 EUR

Villa-Home in Mas Camarena, Betera


Luxury home for sale in Mas Camarena, Bétera - Fine villa in luxurious Mas Camarena urbanisation in Valencia - ideal for stylish family living. Price: 1,400,000 EUR

For the full article click here

- "Do Good With Your Vacation Home" Program assists Charities and Non-Profits throughout the United States -

By Michael McFadden of The Society

Denver, Colo. (May 6, 2009) — Vacation home rentals in Florida, southern California, the Hamptons and the Riviera Maya provided by VacationHomesForCharity.org were auctioned off with proceeds benefiting charities throughout the United States enhancing their fundraising goals during this period of economic uncertainty.

On Thursday, April 30^th, The Jeremy Bloom Wish of a Lifetime Foundation recently profiled in the New York Times conducted a silent auction for two unique vacation home rentals. Desert Luxury Rentals generously provided Casa Santa Rosa, a most inviting 4 bedroom vacation residence with private pool and spa located in desert enclave of La Quinta, California. In addition, Akumal Villas the premier luxury vacation rental company serving the Riviera Maya charitably donated Villa La Mision a charming Mexican hacienda style home on the Riviera Maya providing the winning bidder with a premier vacation residence of six bedrooms within walking distance of the Puerto Aventuras marina.

The weekend prior, Boulder, Colorado based Attention Homes auctioned off the beautiful “Sea Spray” beachfront home located in Manasota Key, Florida providing a land-locked bidder the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil waters of the Florida Gulf Coast.

“With the economic downturn charities must incorporate creative fundraising opportunities to generate donations.” Said Michael McFadden, Co-Founder of The Society adding “VacationHomesForCharity, the philanthropy of The Society is honored to partner with the finest vacation home rental companies making available vacation home rental opportunities gratis to charities to supplement and enhance opportunities concerning donations and fundraising activities.”

Since Fall 2008, VacationHomesForCharity.org has generated $85,000+ in donations associated with their “Do Good With Your Vacation Home” program. The program is not limited to charities in the Denver metro area. During April, 2009, charitable organizations from California to New York have benefited.

On April 24^th, a one-week visit to a premier vacation residence in the world-famous beach community of East Hampton, NY provided by the premier architectural firm, Eisner Design was auctioned off for the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation annual fund-raiser in Times Square, New York City. The winning bidder, a Los Angeles resident desired to tryout the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

VacationHomesForCharity.org, the philanthropy of Lakewood, Colorado based The Society for Leisure Enthusiasts has donated multiple vacation home visits to enhance fundraising opportunities

About Vacation Homes for Charity:

www.VacationHomesforCharity.org, the philanthropy of www.TheSociety.com was developed to allow owners and managers of vacation rental homes to “give-back to those less fortunate”. With the average vacation residence vacant 300+ nights per annum, Vacation Homes for Charity has been able to convert those unused nights into a program concerning fundraising for various charitable and non-profit organizations. Owners and managers may choose a specific affiliation for their donation or VacationHomesforCharity.org can provide a list of charities and non-profits requesting assistance.

About The Society:

www.TheSociety.com provides vacation home owners, estate managers and vacation rental firms the most complete marketing support targeting qualified luxury oriented business and consumer clients. The Global Bundle, the premier offering of TheSociety.com provides affiliates the most complete online marketing product targeting the affluent demographic distributing property advertisements and messaging to RobbReportCollection.com, LuxuryRealEstate.com, duPontRegistry.com, HomeAway.com and other premier exclusive web sites.

By Sherri Narro of Puerto Vallarta Dream Homes

Silhouetted against a bright blue sky and swaying palms along an ocean scene you never forget, Villa Islas Bonitas sweeps you away with its full-blown tropical romance. The enchanted dreamworld perches regally atop pool-studded lawns along a diaphanous beach in privileged Punta Mita — membership in the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course included. A sunny ambrosia of Mediterranean and Mexican adornments, its sculpted glass-walled party venues and its five scintillating balconied suites feasting on the turquoise waters and Marieta Islands are a magical sight to behold. At twilight, a sinuous infinity pool takes center stage, with steps enticing you to a private creamy sand cove where time stands still under a star-studded sky.

 

Everywhere you look you encounter the dazzling postcard-perfect tropical oceanfront scenery that has catapulted Punta Mita to celebrity status by cognoscenti the world over. From the time you enter the baronial castlelike double doors and circular marble foyer with domed ceiling and iron staircase to the time you are cosseted into one of the five private suites, especially the baroque-inspired upstairs showpiece reserved for the owners, you celebrate the time you have spent at Villa Islas Bonitas. It is a place that reminds you just how beautiful life can be — in a paradise of pleasure.

By Simon Turner of Marquette Turner

The New York Times, arguably one of the world’s most respected publications in the English-speaking world, has chosen Marquette Turner Luxury Homes as the expert for their “For Sale in…Australia” feature.

Choosing a former convent dating back to 1897 that has been converted into a luxury home as the subject of the Great Homes & Destinations article, journalist Virginia C McGuire reports from her conversation with our companies Co-President, Michael Marquette on the current state of the luxury real estate market in Australia, where international buyers are coming from, as well as some useful information on buying real estate in Australia.

You can read the article simply by clicking here

You can also view the slideshow

Having been named as The World’s Most Outstanding Luxury Agency Under 2 Years Old by the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate in 2008, the New York Times feature is yet another great example of the ability of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes to “Showcase Luxury Homes To The World,” wherever they may be.

More information: View our current luxury homes for sale in Australia and around the world.

by Michael Marquette of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes

Australia has topped an index of the world’s most prosperous nations, with economic stability and high quality of life putting it over the edge.

The index, produced by Dubai-based investment group Legatum, measured 104 nations against levels of wealth, quality of life, and life satisfaction.

Australia tops the list, with Austria and Finland rounding out the top three. Legatum claims Australia reached first place in part due to its strong economic performance.

“(Australia) has reinvented itself as a wealthy, service-oriented economy with good scores on live-ability indicators, including health, charitable giving and effective governance,” the group says.

“Strong norms or civic participation, robust health, and plenty of leisure time contribute to the high live-ability ranking.”

Australia ranks highly in good governance, education, high incomes and active community culture, but ranks lower in avoiding dependency on exports, moderate climate and investment through competitive markets.

Germany, the United States and Singapore all ranked in the top 10, but Mali, Zambia and Yemen were dropped to the very bottom of the list. The new for Australians and those that are aware of just how good it is to be part of the great nation is confirmation of what we have all known for many years.

Michael Marquette is the Director of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes in Sydney, Australia. Established by Michael Marquette and Simon Turner, the Agency is at the forefront of Luxury real estate in Australia.

By Joey Pauley

I figure after three years in Seattle, it is about time to settle down. There are a good many reasons to buy a house now, but the main reason is freedom. Right now I rent a huge house in the Capitol Hill Area of Seattle but there is nowhere outside for a dog to run. The yard is just too small. Not just for the dog but for me.

A home of my own would defiantly keep me in the area, taking away my freedom to move at will, but I would have the freedom to do what I want with it. I could get a dog; build a rock wall in the backyard, get the hot tub I have always wanted… These are all freedoms of space – a space of my own; the house, the yard, the location, the freedom to do with it what I wish.

This is going to be a scary process, buying my first home. But it is a great challenge and looks like a lot of fun. I've set up email alerts on Ewing and Clark's new website to keep myself abreast of the market. I get a number of listings in my email that match my search criteria. It is like a present in my email box every week. You can set up your clients to have similar email alerts on Luxury Real Estate. It is a great tool for shoppers like me.


Editor’s Note:
As a Technical Account Manager with LuxuryRealEstate.com, Joey Pauley helps members with their Web and technology needs. He does a phenomenal job in all of his projects, as you can see by visiting the many websites he has helped design. Does anyone else remember those fun “Schoolhouse Rock” cartoons on Saturday mornings? There was one called “Elbow room,” talking about the expansion of the United States from sea to shining sea, and this blog entry totally reminds me of that. We all need a little elbow room!