Luxury Real Estate

By Garey De Martini of Hill & Co. Real Estate

San Francisco, CA – June 16, 2009 – Hill & Co. Real Estate announced today that one of San Francisco’s most preeminent REALTORS®, Joseph Gartland Moore, has joined the company. Mr. Moore will continue to represent buyers and sellers of fine homes and investment properties.

Mr. Moore brings with him over 20 years of experience representing buyers and sellers in the finest neighborhoods of San Francisco. His production consistently ranks him among the top 2 percent of agents in the City. Even as his business has grown, he has always been able to provide the personal service, client care, and in-depth market knowledge his clients expect.

Co-founding the much respected boutique brokerage, Ritchie-Hallanan Real Estate, LTD., Mr. Moore guided the company through substantial growth in both slow and explosive markets. His main focus was on the marketing side of the business where he gained an in depth knowledge of what “sells” a property. He is often quoted in both the local and national media in regard to the state of the local market and innovations in the marketing of real estate.

Ritchie-Hallanan Real Estate was acquired by Alain Pinel Realtors in April of 2007. Mr. Moore remained there as one of their top producers and advisors until his move to Hill & Co.

Mr. Moore was born in 1953, is a third generation native San Franciscan who grew up in Presidio Heights. He currently resides in Monterey Heights with his wife of 28 years. He has three children; one recently graduated from Georgetown University, another is a Georgetown senior, and the third is a sophomore at Boston College.

Educated locally he attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, The University of Santa Clara, and the Menlo College School of Business Administration. Mr. Moore began his real estate career in the fall of 1987 as a sales associate at McGuire Real Estate.

He is a member of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. He has served on numerous community and charitable boards including the San Francisco Boy’s and Girl’s Club, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Guardsmen where he was a director and President 1994.

Hill & Co.

Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City’s finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco’s complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com

By Simon Turner of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes

Not so long ago, every second television show seemed to be about renovating run-down homes. With the current real estate market being less enticing, these shows seem to have dropped off.

The irony is, of course, that now is the time that you’re more likely to find a bargain.

If indeed there are more and more buyer’s markets throughout the world, then for those with finances available, there’s never a better time to get a good deal.

Therefore, we’ve put together four essential factors that you must consider to ensure that you complete the project with as much financial reward as possible.

CONSIDER THESE

1. Purchase Price — The lower price you pay, the more potential there is for profit it at the end. Remember, you generally make the money when you buy, not when you sell!

2. Renovation Expenses – Be as exact (and honest with yourself)as you can for each room that you are renovating, and include some “room-to-move should you be faced with the inevitable surprises (such as dampness, termite problems, legals).

3. Holdings Costs — The longer you own the home, the higher your costs for mortgage, taxes, and insurances will be.

4. Anticipated Sale Price — Be honest with yourself and compare your property like-for-like with others that have SOLD (not that have just been on the market for an eternity).

When undertaking a renovation, take into account how long it will take to complete. From “go to woe”, the market conditions could have changed immensely (for good or for bad) so try and take into account each scenario and what your subsequent actions will be (eg. if the market is worse, what would you do?)

Simply by doing your homework you’ll ensure you reduce the number of surprises.

Good luck!

By Janine Carey of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

A gala banquet was held at the Atlantis Resort on May 29^th, to mark the 50^th Anniversary of the Bahamas Real Estate Association and its achievements over the years. The President of the Bahamas Real Estate Association, Mr. William Wong, welcomed His Excellency Hon. Arthur D. Hanna, the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham and all the members present. In his key note address, Prime Minister Ingraham spoke in detail about the recently amended Real Property Tax Act.

The Governor General Hon. Arthur D. Hanna, presented awards to the Past Presidents in attendance and gave honourable mention to all the Founding Members of the Association. There were plaques given in recognition of dedicated service to BREA.

George Damianos, President of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty and a BREA Board Member and his sister, Virginia Damianos Premock, Vice President of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty and Treasurer of BREA, were recognized for their long and dedicated service to the Bahamas Real Estate Association.

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 Camille Richardson of Beth Wolff GMAC Real Estate

In our GMAC real estate family, Houston’s Beth Wolff GMAC Real Estate principals, Beth Wolff and Ed Wolff, were sponsors for the It’s My Heart Walk.

Tenley, Ed Wolff’s daughter and Beth Wolff’s granddaughter, and her twin brother Jake were born early at 31 weeks gestation. Jake was fine but Tenley went into congestive heart failure. She was operated on at Texas Children’s Hospital by Dr. Charles Fraser and then spent the first five months of her life in the cardiovascular unit. Thanks to the dedicated team of doctors and nurses at Texas Children’s Hospital, today Tenley is an active child enjoying life as a four year old and participating in It’s My Heart events to help raise awareness for others with similar challenges.

It’s My Heart’s mission is to provide support, spread awareness, educate and advocate for those affected by Acquired and Congenital Heart Defects by creating alliances with fellow families, hospitals, support groups and the community.

By Kelly Lawlor of ERA Landmark Real Estate

Sharon Tudor Isler, Broker at ERA Landmark Real Estate has been named the winner of the ERA International Collection Sapphire Award. This distinguished award honors Isler for her luxury marketing expertise and her successful sales record in the $850,000+ home market over the past two years. Isler was recognized for this outstanding achievement at the 2009 ERA International Business Conference, held March 5-8 in San Antonio, Texas.

With six closed transactions (at $850,000+) in 2008 resulting in a dollar volume of over 8 Million, Sharon has obviously dedicated herself to exceeding the expectations of this sophisticated clientele. Sharon consistently ranks within the top ½ of 1 percent of all ERA sales associates, nationwide. Her participation in the cultural community of Bozeman, as well as her successful geographic networking activities is to be commended.

Representing the most desirable properties listed by ERA associates around the world, the ERA International Collection program delivers members a competitive edge in the luxury marketplace. The Sapphire Awardhonors the International Collection member who has taken actionable steps in the previous year to work effectively and competitively with the luxury market. This is the first year the Sapphire Award has been given and there were 14 finalists nation wide. The ERA network includes more than 33,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,800 offices throughout the United States and 50 other countries and territories.

Isler entered the real estate industry in 1987, and has won many leadership awards, including the ERA Customer Service Award, ERA National Leadership Circle, the Gallatin Association of REALTORS® Salesperson of the year in both 1999 and 1991 and Rookie of the Year in 1988. She holds the Graduate Realtor Institute and Certified Residential Specialist designations, and is recognized in Who’s Who in Luxury Properties. She is a National Trust for Preservation designate. She is assisted by her son, Brian Tudor, Sales Associate, GRI.

“Since the inception of the International Collection, the classes that were made available to me at convention have been invaluable. The clients I have gained through my work as a leader in the arts, culture, and business community benefit from the unique positioning of the International Collection web sites and the excellent marketing materials. This continues to give me a competitive advantage with affluent buyers and sellers.”

By Jim Walberg of Carribean Islands Realty

Jim Walberg’s 2009 real estate predictions during the Caribbean Hurricane Season are ready for your review. It is the BEST time to buy real estate, because it is considered the “off-season” for people visiting the Caribbean.

The “slow season” in the Caribbean is connected to the start and finish of the official hurricane season - June 1^st to November 30^th. There are many people who live in the Caribbean only six months a year and move off-island June 1^st. In addition, the crewed charter yacht industry typically end their charter season near the end of June. There are a few yachts that charter all the way through August, but is it rare. AND, it is my favorite time of year to assist Buyers who want a piece of Paradise because there are always some great bargains.

I love the Caribbean all year-round, and I am fortunate to have never been on-island during a hurricane. This is not to say that a hurricane is to be taken casually. They are a devastating aspect of Mother Nature. Hurricane Hugo was a destructive Category 5hurricane that struck the Caribbean and the U.S. Atlantic coast in September of the 1989 Atlantic hurricane season, killing 109 people and leaving near 100,000 homeless. Hugo caused $16.3 billion US in damages within the U.S. and the Caribbean, making it the most damaging hurricane ever recorded at that particular time. The devastation of Hugo was surpassed by Hurricane Andrew three years later that caused over $30 billion, which was eventually surpassed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that caused over $85 billion US in damages. ( The rebuilding after Katrina will still take many years to complete.)

Hugo created a real mess in the Virgin Islands in 1989 with six deaths. The total damage from Hugo in the Virgin Islands was approximately $3 billion. When there is such a disaster as Hugo in the islands, it leaves a very big impression in the minds of people who own Caribbean real estate, and especially people who are thinking of buying real estate in the Caribbean. One of their thoughts is, “Oh my God, what if I had owned property there? What a mess I would be in.” There are no guarantees, but the Virgin Islands are NOT typically in the major hurricane paths - the last one was over 10 years ago! However, a hurricane will hit the Virgin Islands again - just like an earthquake will hit San Francisco again. 2009 is predicted to bring 14 named storms to the Atlantic Ocean, with seven of them becoming hurricanes, according to Colorado State University forecasters Philip Klotzback and William Gray. Their report forecasts a “below average” 2009 hurricane season in the Caribbean and U.S.

So, if you are OK about living in a region of the world that has the possibilities of a hurricane each year, then the time to buy is during hurricane season - June through October. The amount of real estate inventory that is on the market in the Caribbean during hurricane season is UP. The population will swell in late October in the islands. My conclusion each hurricane season is it is time to BUY! Inventory is up and the Buyer pool is much lower during this time. With fractional deeded ownership townhomes starting at $200,000 US and beach front villas priced as high as $4 million US, I promise you there are many properties to choose from during this annual “slow time” in the Caribbean real estate market. Again, I would rather deal with a hurricane than an earthquake. At least with a hurricane one has a lot of warning. There is no warning with an earthquake. Is it the strangest thing that I have homes in both locations? The reality is both the Caribbean and the San Francisco Bay Area are my favorite spots in all the world. Let me know about your experiences in the Caribbean during hurricane season. Your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty. Until next time…fair winds ( And, I mean it.)

By Perry & Co.

You’ve gotten the call and it goes something like this: “We’re thinking about putting our house on the market to see what will happen. We’re not sure if we really want to sell right now because of the market, but we want to know what it could sell for.” As a real estate agent, this is a call you love to get – an opportunity to work with new or former clients and show them your expertise at pricing, reviewing their home versus the competition, showing them your marketing savvy and implementation and your follow-up – and that’s all before you really go to work: negotiating that sales contract. But if they are sitting on the fence: “We’ll sell if we can get our price,” they might not really be ready to sell. And, you could take a listing that may linger.

Every real estate agent I know has their own determining factors on whether or not they want to take a listing. One such factor you may not have thought of is a Feng Shui analysis with the homeowner. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of object placement in an environment to change the energy of the space and ultimately of the people using the space; in this case, a Feng Shui analysis’ purpose is to create positive energy which leads to a home sale.

The first step in this kind of analysis is for the Feng Shui practitioner to ask the sellers some questions about their goals for selling their home. Are they looking for a quick sale so they can move before the start of the school year? Will one person have to move first and settle somewhere else while other members of the family stay put until the house sells? Are they downsizing or upsizing due to family circumstances? All of the answers will help the Feng Shui practitioner make recommendations that will help the sellers to reach their specific goals.

A most important aspect of a Feng Shui analysis with a seller is to ascertain their connectedness to their space and their willingness to say good-bye to the house as a whole, and/or to each room specifically. This process – whether formal and vocal or informal and silent – is very personal and can be deeply moving for owners but it helps them to begin to see themselves in a new way: as sellers of the home instead of its owners. New owners will be invited and welcomed in as the space is cleared; the process begins with this good-bye. It can be a very powerful experience for all family members.

A Feng Shui practitioner can give agents and sellers some guidelines for detaching from a home, but there aren’t any right ways of saying good-bye. The process should feel natural and comfortable. Some ideas include:

• having each family member write a poem, sing a song or make a drawing about an experience of being in the home and sharing that with other family members
• lighting candles and saying a blessing
• inviting friends over for a farewell party, announcing your intention of leaving the space but maintaining your circle of friends.

Once the owners have said their good-byes, there are space-clearing measures and Feng Shui practices that will help potential buyers to feel welcomed into the space.

By José Ribes Bas of  Rimontgó

In current times and despite the deep crisis that all global economies are suffering, some companies still continue to live through and with huge effort and dedication they manage to be a leader in their market field. This is the case of Rimontgó, whose last sales prove that continuing in the real estate market in spite of the crisis is possible, and not only coming out with flying colours, but still being a local and international leader in the high-end real estate market. Two of these sales are worth to be pointed out, not only for their sale price and their luxury facilities, but also for their beauty and the importance and prestige of the area where they have been built. These two featured jewels are in Bétera, Valencia, and Denia, Alicante.

Set in the prestigious estate of Mas Camarena in Bétera, Valencia, one of the most renowned in the whole province of Valencia, this modern building covers a living space of 950sqm distributed over two levels and an extra garage area with capacity for several cars. The villa has been built on a plot of 4,900sqm offering both privacy and security. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities for comfort and security, as well as a domotic system in the entire house, the villa also offers several Jacuzzis, a sauna and a large swimming pool.

The villa has been designed for both living and entertaining not only inside but also outside; large panoramic windows bring the house to the mature garden and the wood deck terrace around the swimming pool, creating a magic atmosphere. The garden also contains a lake and behind it there is another apartment for the staff service. The new owner will undoubtedly have the privilege to enjoy this villa with such luxury elements and just ten minutes from Valencia City.

The other featured property is in a waterfront location in Les Rotes beach, in Denia, Alicante, on an even plot of 3,000sqm. The newly built villa flaunts a magnificent style with cubic and linear forms, high ceilings that enhance the feeling of spaciousness and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible views to the Mediterranean Sea. The house has a living area of 710sqm divided into two floors. From each of the four spacious bedrooms you will enjoy fantastic views to the sea through panoramic windows. The master bedroom is a large suite with bathroom, hot tub and dressing room. Both parquet and marble floorings have been combined along the house and it also features radiant floor heating and air conditioning. A large room is set just next to the swimming pool and the changing area with showers. A large lightened lush garden offers direct access to Les Rotes beach, which is a luxury to be enjoyed only in these kinds of properties.

Both cases have established the record sale price for residential properties in the area, which proves that the high-end real estate market continues to move and quality is still an appreciated key element for those who in this moment can make the most of the golden opportunity given by the current situation. And that is exactly what the new owners of these two luxury homes have done.

SEATTLE, WA - (May 2009) - The 7^th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat was recently held Sunday, April 26^th to Wednesday, April 29^th, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. Keynote Speakers were Mary Whipple, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, and Peter Tongue, Metaphysics and Management Consulting Expert.

The Conference was hosted by John Brian Losh, Chairman and CEO of Luxury Real Estate, (LuxuryRealEstate.com and Who’s Who of Luxury Real Estate), a membership-driven luxury brokerage assemblage based in Seattle, Washington. The network includes the most prominent global luxury brokers and meets three times each year, nationally and internationally, to discuss current real estate trends.

The recent conference in Las Vegas covered multiple topics of great interest to those who serve the high net-worth demographic. An ongoing theme, covered at each of the conferences, is the state of the luxury market around the world. In addition, discussions focused on coping with Short Sales and Foreclosures, expanding real estate business through social networking, and being creative and fearless in a down market.

The highlight of the event was a Black Tie Dinner and Awards Presentation, honoring the career of Shari Chase with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award is given twice annually to the Luxury Real Estate member who has set an example for the real estate industry and displayed excellence throughout their career. “Known for high-profile properties and clientele, her firm continues as one of the industry’s pacesetters,” states John Brian Losh. “What others talk about – Chase does.”

About LuxuryRealEstate.com

LuxuryRealEstate.com is the most-viewed luxury real estate specific website in the world. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network includes 1,500 of the world’s finest real estate companies with properties in 98 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 Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

The Four Seasons was the venue where Jim Walberg   participated in the 7th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Conference as a panel member of Effective Social Networking & Blogging Tools For Realtors.

Imagine being with some of the brightest and best minds in real estate for three days! Well, that is what the Luxury Real Estate’s Spring conference was like this past week. The sharing of best practices with such a high caliber of professionals and business owners is an enviable experience for any Realtor. I was not only privileged to be a delegate at this conference, I also gathered some incredible business ideas that will continue to improve the customer experience for our clients, and grow our business in this shifting markets.

The featured presentation was the panel on how to use internet tools to dramatically expand your real estate business by increasing your lead generation results - the Strategies & Tactics of Top Real Estate Professionals regarding social networking, blogging, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Victor Lund from the WAV Group was the moderator. Jon Larrance from Perry & Company, Bruce Hiatt from Luxury Realty Group and me from The Bay Area Team, were the panelist. The interaction with the audience demonstrated that it was THE topic that they wanted to explore most in the 2009 world of social networking.

In addition to the various breakout sessions during the conference, one of the keynote speakers was Mary Whipple, the Olympic Gold Medalist from the 2008 Games was the featured presenter before lunch. It was an inspiring presentation about the steps required for the U.S. women’s eight rowing team to prepare and win the gold metal. She translated the attributes to accomplish such a feat to what it takes to have a successful real estate Brokerage.

Tuesday night was the elegant black tie evening honoring Shari Chase, founder and president of Chase International, with the LRE Lifetime Achievement Award presented by John Brian Losh. The impact Shari has made by growing eight real estate offices in the Tahoe, Reno, and now London, has created a result of over a billion dollars of real estate sales through her company. At this evenings elegant evening I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with Jose Ribes from Spain, and with Bente Matdsen from Luxury Real Estate.

The closing session of the conference featured Peter Tongue as the keynote speaker. The subject of his presentation was Heart-Centered Real Estate. Peter’s message was focused on tapping into the acknowledgement of higher energies that attract good things into their lives - embracing abundance, awareness and positive energy. It was another example of how Luxury Real Estate always delivers quality member services.