LRE Blog

Blog contributions are provided exclusively from Luxury Real Estate members throughout the world.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Jim Walberg and a small group of Rotarians in Danville, are promoting information, and support regarding this international tragedy.

It started about two years ago when the International Committee for the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club heard about the needs of a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Panzi Hospital. All our committee heard about was the need for equipment and supplies. We are unaware of main patients of the hospital - women who had been raped and mutilated by the Congolese soldiers in the on-going civil war.

 

 


As we learned more about the horrible situation in the Congo we got more involved in how we could better support, not only the Panzi Hospital needs, but also Heal Africa

Heal Africa is a small, grass-roots organization is lead local program directors and is training and equipping new leaders for the long-terms needs of Africa, rather than just solving short term issues. They are leading the way in addressing this ignored holocaust.

Two of the members of our Rotary’s International Committee took on the role of getting the word out regarding this issue that is not easily addressed because it is so horrific. Melanie Prole and Leslie Baxter spear headed the showing of documentary “The Greatest Silence - Rape In The Congo” in the Town of Danville last month. It is a very disturbing documentary. Anyone who watches it will be moved beyond belief to take action. It is easy to ignore issues because of ignorance, but it is impossible to ignore them when you become fully aware of them.

The next step that Melanie and Leslie took was organizing a simple Bowl-A-Thon at the Danville Bowl. The idea was to have teams of four sign up with the entrance fee being at least $500. Well, it was held yesterday and over $6,000 was raised. We are still looking for more community partners to participate in donations. 100% of them will be used to support the Panzi Hospital program. We were so delighted that some of our high school kids from Rotary’s Interact Club formed a team and raised money.

We now have a copy of this documentary and are looking for more venues to share it with; churches, schools, community service organizations, and more. If you have places you would like to have preview this documentary please contact me. Also, please review the links that are a part of this article and see if there is room in your budget for some type of financial support. Any will be appreciated. Contact me for details of how you can get involved.

By Ole Jespersen of IRG International Realty Group

The Market Situation

Ole Jespersen, sole owner of IRG International Realty Group, says: “At every function - private or business - I am being asked about the market situation. This is not new or as a result of the present economic situation, but also happens in the good times. People like to hear about the property market as it is a topic that actually interests the majority of people. The simple fact is, the property market is the most influential factor for the private, national and the international economies. Just remember what started the ongoing situation: American sub prime lending.

 

IRG is in a unique situation to comment on the ongoing property financial trends and effects as we are not just a local Portuguese firm, but through our international affiliations and networks we receive constant information and updates from around the world. Within Portugal we are represented in key areas such as the Algarve, the Blue Coast, the Silver Coast and Estoril/Cascais & Sintra as well as Lisbon city. We are involved in normal brokerage (single properties mainly for private buyers) and the institutional and development market with resorts, hotels, residencies and golf courses.

We have for some years published an annual report on the Luxury Residential Tourism Market. The report has become a “reference work” within its area and is statistically based on historical factual figures. The report for this year will be published in May. The following comments are therefore based on observations and personal experiences.

Yes, the market is tough and has seen downward trends in specific sectors. Hardest hit is the low to middle market with especially off-plan, speculative apartment acquisitions. High debt financed purchases have become very scarce with banks no longer being willing lenders and this has had a severe overall effect for developers.

But still, prime locations, prime quality or landmark properties are still in demand. Yes, DEMAND. We are transacting a number of high profile properties in all key areas such as Quinta do Lago, Estoril, Cascais including Quinta da Marinha and Quinta Patino as well as some central Lisbon properties. Some deals are land, some deals are renovation properties and some are brand new, high quality villas and luxury apartments. We represent a number of high value, high quality, prime location residence projects where we are taking substantial reservations - even in this market.

Additionally we also have a number of clients waiting, waiting for THE deal or a distressed sale, but in the high end of the market there is still resilience to "vulture" price cuts. The market has stayed pretty stable which means transaction numbers have been reduced as buyers in general expect "deals". Most transactions also involve lengthy negotiations involving legal, tax and financial issues.

At IRG we are not just sitting it out. We are proactive, we are diligent and flexible and we adapt. And finally we try to create solutions for our clients - be it buyer or seller. For our institutional and development clients we are advising on new activities in the markets internationally and we are constantly working on new approaches to product, marketing and PR. We want to sell real estate as real estate is the catalyst for turning the markets.

Based on the above we will announce shortly a number of new business initiatives running alongside our main property mediation business. These initiatives will be an additional service for all our clients and will reflect our overall aim to be of service and to find solutions for our valued clients.

At IRG we are not pessimists - at the moment we are cautious optimists and we see great potential in the future. We always have to remember we are based in Portugal - the most ideal location for European short and long term holidaying, for the second home or for a change in life. Portugal has everything going for it. So let's make it happen together”.

About IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group is one of the leading international brokerage companies in Portugal and specializes in sales of Portuguese high-end and luxury residential real estate. IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal of Christie’s Great Estates, a worldwide real estate network and subsidiary of the world’s oldest auction house, Christie’s. IRG’s Head Office is located in the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon and there are also boutique offices in Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, Estoril and in Kensington, London, United Kingdom.

www.irgportugal.com

By Andy Fang of LuxuryRealEstate.com

SEATTLE
(March 2009) – Shari Chase, President and CEO of Chase International Distinctive Properties, will be recognized at LuxuryRealEstate.com’s annual Spring Retreat (April 26-29). She is the winner of the Luxury Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to her at the 7th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Earning this award is no small achievement. The Luxury Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award is an award based on peer recognition, hard work and acknowledgement. This prestigious award is given twice annually to the Luxury Real Estate member who has set an example for the real estate industry, displayed excellence throughout their career and is truly a legend.

 

Over the past 23 years, Chase’s company has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s leaders in luxury real estate with a network of real estate professionals and loyal buyers, making Chase a master in her field. Since 1986, Chase International has proven itself as a leader of distinction in the industry, with their reputation standing alone. Constantly evolving, their winning philosophy equates to a history of success. Chase International is committed to offering exemplary knowledge and a superior level of creative services and hard work for clients throughout the world. Shari helps Chase International achieve its goals.

As one of the country’s most successful brokers, Shari Chase brings something very special to Lake Tahoe and Reno. In founding Chase International over 22 years ago, she established the notion of finding exceptional properties for exceptional people. “Satisfying people’s needs is easy”, says Shari, “we listen to our clients and use the most effective resources for marketing luxury real estate.”

Shari Chase has created one of the most well known brands for luxury real estate in the nation. Her vision and reputation as a trendsetter influences the way luxury properties are marketed today. Chase’s newest innovation is a social network, ChaseNation, the first of its kind launched in the real estate industry. Chase continues to incorporate new ideas into all facets of her business, whether it’s taking advantage of high tech gadgetry, the latest in social media networking and communication or the bundling of services for asset solutions, which is the company’s newest department. Her company is highly energized, even in today’s environment, tapping into a vibration and awareness that attracts good things into the lives of her entire company. It’s called Heart Centered Real Estate. “Embracing these messages of abundance, awareness and positive energy is a vital ingredient for success,” says Chase.

In naming the 35 most influential people in luxury real estate, Unique Homes stated, “No list would be complete without this Tahoe broker, who always has been a bit ahead of the rest. In the mid-1990s, when a $10 million or $12 million residence was considered the ultra high end, Shari Chase had landmark sales of $30 million and $50 million – a record that would stand for nearly ten years. Known for high-profile properties and clients, her firm continues as one of the industry’s pace setters. What others talk about, Chase does.”

As CEO of Chase International, her leadership has attracted some of the finest professionals in the business, and a clientele second to none. Her 160 sales associates and skilled leadership team are strongly committed to providing legendary client services with an unparalleled standard of integrity and expertise. The Chase way is contagious for all who work and play at Chase International.

For more information on Chase International Distinctive Properties, please visit http://www.chaseinternational.com. For more information on the 7th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Conference, visit www.luxuryrealestate.com/conference.

About Shari Chase

Shari is President and CEO of Chase International Distinctive Properties. "We bring buyers and sellers together by using the most effective resources for marketing luxury real estate," says Chase, who was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal. "Whether we're marketing a vacation home, a working ranch, even the multi-million dollar Thunderbird Lodge, our legendary service results in satisfied customers."

About LuxuryRealEstate.com

www.luxuryrealestate.com
is the most-viewed luxury real estate Web site in the world. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network includes 1,813 of the world’s finest real-estate companies with properties in 100 countries. Participation is strictly invitation-only by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh. In Ultimate Homes’ 2008 issue, the network represented more than twice the number of top 1,000 most-expensive properties in the country than any other network. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network is governed by the Board of Regents.

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 Carina de Sousa of IRG International Realty Group

Portugal (March 2009) - As part of their continuous efforts to promote the absolute best in Portugal’s real estate, IRG International Realty Group is now introducing a new section on their website which focuses only on some of this country’s finest Estates and Manor Houses currently on the market.

 

Those that list their unique properties with this group have without a doubt a head start on the competition, since as a member of several exclusive, high profile networks IRG is able to provide the best international exposure. Among these International Networks is Christie’s Great Estates, the international real estate division of Christie’s, the oldest and leading auction house in the world, for which IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal, EREN, The European Real Estate Network and Luxury Portfolio, an international network providing a unique platform for luxury real estate, just to name a few.

For inclusion in the Estates and Manor Houses program do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Sandra Évora on 21 0305022 or sandra@irgportugal.com or view IRG’s listings of Estates and Manor Houses on: www.irgportugal.com/properties/estatesandmanorhouses.

About IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group is one of the leading international brokerage companies in Portugal and specializes in sales of Portuguese high-end and luxury residential real estate. IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal of Christie’s Great Estates, a worldwide real estate network and subsidiary of the world’s oldest auction house, Christie’s. IRG’s head office is located in the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon and there are also boutique offices in Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, Estoril and in Kensington, London, United Kingdom.

www.irgportugal.com

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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 Jim Walberg of Caribbean Island Realty

Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate International Conference - Paris, France. Day 3 - final two sessions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last day of the Luxury Real Estate International - Paris Conference was focused on current and future technology critical to the international real estate community, and what are some concepts for exit strategies for selling a real estate company.

 

Victor Lund, one of the partners of the WAV Group, was the presenter on technology tools and trends. The research he did for this presentation was impressive. I would recommend you visit their website and learn more about the services they provide real estate companies around the world. I had several discussions with Victor and his fellow partners about how the success of Caribbean Islands Realty can even be expanded.

John Brian Losh was the facilitator for the last two sessions of the conference. The first session was about how one valuates a Brokerage, and if one is ready to retire or move on to a new adventure how can it be sold. There was a very lively discussion on this topic. Several of the comments from the participants were focused on they could not imagine retiring. There is something unique about owning a real estate company that allows one to serve clients as long as one is able and is still finding it a satisfying and profitable experience.

Mr. Losh wrapped up the conference with a time of reflecting on the profitable ideas that we will be taking back to our real estate businesses. There was a LONG list of ideas and tools that will be serving all of us in 2009. Some of my final thoughts from the Paris conference were:

  • Some of my personal take aways from the Paris conference are focused on the extraordinary quality of the LRE members. Meeting new LRE friends and expanding friendships with those I already new was worth the price of admission.
  • Each of us have unique businesses, and very specific local real estate markets in the as part of the Luxury Real Estate international membership. One can gather all the latest greatest “stuff” for our businesses, however the bottom line is it still is all about personal relationships. People do business with people they trust and actually enjoy working with.
  • The ultimate power of the Luxury Real Estate network is still generally untapped. The more relationships we have within Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate the more we are able to leverage our global real estate services and sell more properties.

From Australia to Poland, my real estate businesses have been expanded because of my participation in this important international conference in Paris. AND…did we have some amazing fun in Paris exploring restaurants, and even some fun cave vin bars. Actually, the fellowship time was where the long lasting effects of the Paris conference will benefit all of the delegates. My next adventure was to Geneva after Paris. Stay tuned…more to come.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Island Realty


Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate International Conference - Paris, France. Day 2 - all day seminars and networking opportunities


After Wednesday night’s cocktail reception and formal dinner, the real work of the Luxury Real Estate Paris Conference began. With delegates from 14 countries in attendance - from Australia to Poland, Day-2 of the conference focused on how we can expand our real estate company networks in order to create a more global presence in each of our local markets. The Hotel du Louvre was the perfect venue for the work of the conference. It was agreed by the delegates that the international members have barely scratched the surface of what is possible when all of us expand our sharing of information, experiences, and our luxury listings.

 

Day 2 of the Paris conference opened with John Brian Losh welcoming the delegates from 14 countries. What an impressive group of professionals who have come together to share their best ideas. The 60 delegates had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a brief assessment as to the condition of their real estate markets given the world economic crisis. It was again a reminder that ALL real estate is local. We also had the chance to highlight one or two of our top listings that may be of interest to a room of Realtors from around the world.

Day 2: The first conference session was titled Your International Marketing Plan - Marketing Your Listings Abroard. Michael Audet from the WAV Group was the moderator, with myself - owner of Caribbean Islands Realty , Olivia Hsu Decker - owner of Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty - California, USA, and John Brian Losh - founder and president of Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate, Seattle, Washington, as the panel members. The second session of the conference was titled Developing Your Global Brand - Perspectives From International Companies. Marilyn Wilson from the WAV Group was the moderator, with myself, Ann Chiasson - owner of Sea to Sky Premier Properties - Whistler, Canada, and Ole Jespersen - owner of IRG International Realty Group, Portugal. Some of the highlights that were a part of the open discussion were;

  • In the midst of the global economic crisis we need to change/adapt or die.
  • Personal relationships are still the key to serving our customers at the highest levels.
  • The Internet is merely the beginning of connecting to people - but it is THE critical tool to master given how people want to start a relationship with a Realtor.
  • Make sure your business is leading with revenue regarding any financial decisions. Running out of money is why good businesses close their doors. Cash is KING.
  • The business and marketing tools provided to the Luxury Real Estate membership are vast in order to assist all of us in the expansion of our businesses. The key is for each of us to understand what they are and then implement them.

The day ended with me having pages of notes, and a significant expansion of my professional and personal global network. It has already opened many new doors for the marketing of our Caribbean real estate projects. We then enthusiastically moved on to the nightlife of Paris. Until my next report…fair winds!

 

By Janine Carey of Sotheby's International Realty

Nassau, Bahamas (January 2009)
– Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty joined other community minded local business houses, in support of The Rotary Club of Abaco’s Fire Hydrant Project. This project was started over two years ago by Rotary, with the objective to install much needed fire hydrants throughout Marsh Harbour and the neighboring communities of Dundas and Murphy Town. With the terrible fires in the “Mud” that destroyed over 50 homes and more recently, “Sapodillas Restaurant” and “Maxwell’s Grocery Store”, this request from the Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Department, has become a matter of urgency in the Community.

Working from the Marsh Harbour office, our own Bill Albury, as Grants Chairman of The Rotary Club of Abaco has worked tirelessly to steer this effort to raise over B$40,000.00 within the community. The local fund raising campaign has been successful and now The Rotary Club of Abaco is making an application for a grant through Rotary “Partner Clubs” in Florida and Rotary International, whereby the locally raised funds would be matched and re-matched, to the tune of nearly B$150,000.00. This grant, if successful, will not only install over 50 fire hydrants but will also buy a much needed tanker truck and fire fighting gear for the Fire Department.

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to be associated with The Rotary Club of Abaco and this most special of community projects. We wish Bill and his group every success in their grant application. It is because of the determination of special people like Bill Albury that the Abacos continue to develop and progress.

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.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

I was invited to speak at the Luxury Real Estate International Conference in Paris this month. London was my first stop.

We are spoiled with 85F degree weather in the Caribbean almost 365 days a year! Europe in January is COLD. The Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate’s 4th Annual International Conference was this month in Paris, and I was invited to be one of the presenters. Before the conference I traveled to London for a few days visiting one of the ten families that make up my “European family”. It is amazing to step into the pace of Europe with London as the first stop. It is one fast paced city!

My time in London was generally walking this beautiful city - from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, to the museums and art galleries. Another reason why I was in London was to meet with one of the partners of Deloitte - an international consulting firm for the top corporations of the world. My friend is in charge of their international real estate division. My meeting was to gather information regarding his view of what is predicted for Caribbean real estate markets in the midst of the global financial meltdown. It was a very insightful hour with him.

What we are seeing the past six months in Caribbean real estate sales is an abrupt slow down in sales that require a mortgage. And, the European buyers have almost disappeared. If you recall the Russians started showing up last year in the Caribbean and they are no longer visible. The real estate product that is predicted to thrive is the Fractional Deeded Ownerships, and the Residence Club products. The HOT market is expected to continue in the Dominican Republic. It was very useful to have this conversation given that we have already noticed these trends.

No matter what the economic conditions in the world we will still figure out a way to make lemonade out of lemons regarding real estate sales. Until my next report…fair winds.

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