Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Jack Cotton of Sotheby's International Realty

I have this little hide-out where I escape to write, make consulting calls and create. When I arrived today, my next-door neighbor had his dragster that goes from 0 to 100 miles an hour in about a second and a half getting some sun in the front driveway. He is also a professional speaker and travels the country with his traveling big rig dragster garage.

Seeing the car out front reminded of the definitions we all use on a daily basis. For example, my neighbor defines fast car as his one thousand horsepower dragster. I on the other hand, define fast car as one that is black, has leather seats, a top that goes down and was made in Germany with the engine in the back.

As luxury real estate agents, we can be tempted to make assumptions as to what other people's definitions of certain things are. In doing so, we use our own prejudices and pre-conceived notions as to what those definitions should be.

Courtesy of Jack Cotton of Sotheby's International Realty

In an interesting article in the Cape Cod Times about incorporating technology into today’s real estate market, Sarah Shemkus writes:

“HYANNIS — Travelers taking the Hy-Line ferry through Hyannis Harbor recently may have noticed a puzzling sign on a piling in front of a waterside home.”

To read this article in its entirety, click here.

Courtesy of Jack Cotton of Sotheby's International Realty

Jack Cotton has built his reputation as one of the most respected Cape Cod real estate professionals on the foundation of integrity. The integrity to put his customer first in every single situation. Jack Cotton is highly regarded in the Cape Cod community, by his real estate peers throughout the country, and perhaps most importantly, by his customers and clients. Jack specializes in luxury properties and Cape Cod’s waterfront homes.

By: Juliet Chung of the Wall Street Journal

Courtesy of: Heritage House Sotheby's International Realty

Max Weinberg and his wife, Rebecca, are asking $6.5 million for a seven-bedroom, Colonial-style home in Middletown, N.J.

The 8,900-square-foot house, above, is the first home that the prolific real-estate flippers, who also have a Los Angeles home on the market, built from the ground up. The home has a soundproof music room, a movie theater with a lobby and concession area and a pool. There's also a guest house, a 3,200-square-foot barn and a three-acre skating pond that has bleachers and stadium lighting. "This house was great; it should serve another family," says Mr. Weinberg, 59, saying he's downsizing now that his children are grown. The couple is building a smaller home nearby.

The house sits on almost 17 of 40 forested acres that Mr. Weinberg bought in 1997 for less than $1 million. He's keeping the remaining 23 acres. Since the end of "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" Mr. Weinberg has continued to play with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and his own band. Mary Burke of Heritage House Sotheby's International Realty has the listing.

Osterville, Mass (October 8, 2010) – Jack Cotton, a Sotheby’s International Real Estate Agent with over 30 years of experience selling high-end properties on Cape Cod, launches a new book this month. Selling Luxury Homes, published by Tide-Mark Press in Windsor, Connecticut, is a definitive resource for real estate professionals who want to succeed in the competitive luxury market by making a transition from market expert to trusted advisor to today’s high net worth clients.

Cotton, CRS, CRB, began his real estate company in his college dorm room 35 years ago. Cotton Real Estate in Osterville, Mass, now Sotheby’s International Realty, is one of the most respected and successful high end real estate companies on Cape Cod. As one of the leading experts in the field, Cotton frequently speaks at real estate conferences nationwide and is a “go to” source for media reporting on the industry.

The 219-page hardcover book Selling Luxury Homes presents his proven methods and step-by-step guidelines for finding and cultivating high end buyers and sellers. Topics include understanding the mindset of the high-end buyer; how to become a trusted primary source to them; steps to pricing; marketing luxury listings through direct mail, advertising, word of “mouse” and social networking; open houses; negotiation strategies; how to demonstrate the listing by land, sea and air; and more. Cotton also provides tips on where to interact with wealthy individuals and how to create relationships that bring value to them

The book also includes links to online tools and pricing spreadsheets created by Cotton, which readers can download for free.

“I think many real estate professionals sit on the sidelines of the luxury market and convince themselves that they need to be born rich or well connected to succeed,” said Cotton. “That’s not the case – it’s a matter of understanding how high net worth individuals think, buy and sell, and then bring value to them. Any agent, regardless of their background or own net worth, can become a trusted expert in the luxury market by carefully and consistently following the principles outlined it the book. I began my real-estate career as a 21 year-old working out of a steel desk in a plumbing supply warehouse. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Cotton’s goal is to give agents on the sidelines the confidence and tools to earn new connections, become a trusted advisor to high net worth individuals, bypass the gatekeepers and eventually earn on one sale what others earn in one year. He has been sharing these tools with other real estate professionals for decades through mentoring and speaking engagements. In addition to the book, he will also be sharing his principles on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Selling Luxury Homes is available through Amazon.com or JackCotton.com for $29.95. Cotton will also be speaking and signing books at events throughout the country over the next year. For more information on the book or speaking engagements, visit www.jackcotton.com, follow him on Facebook( http://www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Cotton/1390278959) or Twitter (@jackcotton), or email jack@jackcotton.com.

This is Cotton’s second book. His first, A Dog’s Guide to Life: Lessons from “Moose”, was published in 2006. He will also be launching a new three-part series this fall: 12 Secrets of Luxury Home Buyers; 12 Secrets of Luxury Home Sellers, and 12 Secrets of Luxury Home Owners.

Table of Contents from Selling Luxury Homes

1. Luxury Real Estate Defined

2. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

3. Four Truths Set the Right Mindset

4. Four Essential Components of Perceived Expertise

5. The Expertise HNWI’s Crave

6. Cultivating High Net Worth Clients

7. The Listing Appointment Two-Step

8. Seven Steps to the Right Price

9. Listing Preparation

10. Marketing the Luxury Estate

11. Direct Mail

12. Print Advertising

13. Word of Mouse

14. Social Networking for the Luxury Agent

15. Open Houses

16. “Demonstrating” the Property by Land, Sea or Air

17. World Wide Wealth

18. Million$ in Your Sphere

19. Three Negotiation Strategies Needed in the High-End Market

20. Keep the Rich and Famous Coming Back

21. The End is Just the Beginning

More about the Author

Jack Cotton started his Real Estate company in his college dormitory room thirty-five years ago and remains in Real Estate to this day. He didn’t need to work for another broker to learn the business because he “knew it all” at the age of twenty-one. In fact, he knew so

much that it took him one year, two months, and three weeks to sell his first house.

Things improved, though, and over the next three decades, Cotton Real Estate became one of the most admired and professional Real Estate companies on Cape Cod.

Jack sold Cotton Real Estate to Sotheby’s International Realty in 2005. Agents at this firm continue to post the highest per-person sales on the Cape.

Jack transitioned away from sales toward growing, running, and managing the firm’s Cape Cod offices, while working with high net worth clients. Since this acquisition, he has opened three new offices for Sotheby’s International Realty.

Over the years, Jack has been involved in nearly every record-breaking luxury residential sale on Cape Cod, either directly as the agent or as coach to the agent involved.

In the fall of 2008, he stepped down as manager and has returned to being an agent while developing educational products. He is the author of A Dog’s Guide to Life: Lessons from “Moose,” , Selling Luxury Homes, and 12 Secrets Luxury Home Buyers Know That You Can Use Today. All are available at Amazon.com or JackCotton.com.

A new member with Luxuryrealestate.com, Jack Cotton founded Cotton Real Estate, now Sotheby's International Realty in 1974. As a Cape Cod real estate leader, Cotton has built his reputation on the integrity to put his customer first in every single situation. Specializing in luxury properties and Cape Cod's waterfront homes, he has overseen thousands of purchases and sales of Cape Cod Properties. Stressing the importance of continuing professional education, Cotton funded the creation of the Cotton Center for Real Estate studies at Cape Cod Community College in 2006.

Constantly fine-tuning the techniques of the selling and buying process, Cotton continues to strive for new ways to serve his clientele. When asked about Luxuryrealestate.com, Cotton said, "I am thrilled to reconnect with all of my friends and fellow luxury agents at LuxuryRealEstate.com. It is a great venue to learn from and to be able to network with the best agents in the business. It's also great to provide one more valuable point of difference for my luxury home clients."

Cotton also shares his knowledge at national Real Estate Conventions as a program presenter who engages his audience with a pertinent and refreshing perspective on all things luxury real estate. He delivers informative insight on the most up to date information and does it in a way that is entertaining and memorable.

By Janine Carey of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Nassau, Bahamas. (May 12, 2009) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced it is collaborating with The Wall Street Journal to present the many values of real estate as a long-term investment and showcase unique properties from its network’s 10,700 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand and The Wall Street Journal will co-host “The Business of Extraordinary Living” on the publication’s Web site, www.wsj.com, a microsite designed to provide insights into the real estate market from the brand’s worldwide network.

“This unique microsite was designed to meet the specialized needs of our clientele and The Wall Street Journal’s readers,” said Wendy Purvey, senior vice president, marketing, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Those readers are looking to grow their portfolios in today’s ever-changing market and look to The Wall Street Journal for its insights. ‘The Business of Extraordinary Living’ will showcase our brand’s unique perspective on the world of real estate, which always will be one of the best investments to grow long-term wealth.”

In a section entitled “The Address,” “The Business of Extraordinary Living” provides information about the properties represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty network. The Web site’s “Insights” section features data, statistics and other relevant market information. The “Living” section focuses on lifestyle trends including home styles, living, architecture and art. The “Brand” section gives an overview of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, its history and relationship with the Sotheby’s Auction House.

“The Business of Extraordinary Living” site is available by clicking here.

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.

RISMEDIA, May 7, 2009 -Top agents from Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty were recognized in two top residential sales categories at Long Island Business News’ 2009 Real Estate Awards, the company has announced.

Peggy Moriarty was honored as Top Producer of the Year (volume by dollars sold), and Margaret Trautmann, Barbara Candee and Rhonda Banker for Top Residential Sale-Nassau, for their roles in the sale of the Northwoods Estate in Oyster Bay Cove. Long Island Business News selected the honorees based on interviews, professional accomplishments and the impact of their work on Long Island economy.

“Our success is built on the hard work, professionalism and integrity of our agents,” said Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty President and CEO Patricia Petersen. “We support that work ethic with an award-winning global marketing program and ongoing training that is among the best in the industry. I speak for the entire Daniel Gale organization when I say congratulations to them.”

For more information, visit www.danielgale.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

By Janine Carey of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Nassau, Bahamas (March 30, 2009)—Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty in Nassau, Bahamas today announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty network is partnering with The Wall Street Journal to present the many values of real estate as a long-term investment and showcase unique properties from its network’s 10,700 sales associates located in more than 500 offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand and The Wall Street Journal will co-host The Business of Extraordinary Living on the publication’s Web site, www.wsj.com, designed to provide insights into the real estate market from the brand’s worldwide network.

In a section entitled The Address, the Business of Extraordinary Living will provide information about the properties represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty network. The Web site’s Insights section will feature data, statistics and other relevant market information. The Living section will focus on lifestyle trends including home styles, living, architecture and art. The Brand section will give an overview of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, its history and relationship with the Sotheby’s Auction House.

“This unique Web site was designed to meet the specialized needs of our customers and The Wall Street Journal’s readers,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Those readers are looking to grow their portfolios in today’s ever-changing market and look to The Wall Street Journal for its insights. The Business of Extraordinary Living will bring our brand’s unique perspective into the world of real estate, which always will be one of the best investments to grow long-term wealth.”

“This is an exciting tool for real estate consumers in our market and buyers around the world who want to purchase internationally such as in the Bahamian market. It’s a truly unique collaboration that will enable us to market our Bahamian listings to nearly 40 million consumers each month,” said George Damianos. “Among the many services Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty provides, we also serve the needs of those looking to build their wealth through long-term investments in real estate.”

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. 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.

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 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.