Cher’s Newly Renovated Malibu Estate Back on the Market

Jul 31, 2009

Cher's famous Italian Renaissance-Style Malibu Estate is listed once again with Hilton & Hyland Real Estate. Robert Kass, the listing agent, describes the new décor as "Zen, bright, beachy and beautiful" in The Los Angeles Times. The villa has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a theatre and a gym in nearly 14,000 square feet. Perched on 1.72 acres of magnificent bluff top, the suspended tennis court offers spectacular views of the Malibu bay. The estate also features an infinity pool and guest house. The palatial dwelling, which the flamboyant entertainer built in 1999, is currently offered at $41 million.

Dominican Republic Fractionals Now Expanding – Villa Castellamonte!

Jul 31, 2009

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty Fractional ownership of property in the Caribbean is the most popular method of owning your piece of Paradise – from Aruba to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. A new fractional opportunity in the Dominican Republic has just been announced. One of the most beautiful and exclusive privately owned luxury villas in the Dominican Republic is now offering the opportunity to purchase a 1/10th share of Villa Castellamonte, which allows them five weeks of enjoyment in the DR. You know I am a fan of fractional ownership. It is a way for people to enjoy their slice of Paradise without having to fully own the property. There are some “potholes” to avoid with developments that are promoting that they have fractional ownership opportunities, when, in fact, it is not true. So, it is a “Buyer Beware” for people investigating a fractional ownership anywhere in the world.

National Geographic Geotourism Challenge – 2009 Finalist: St. Croix, USVI

Jul 31, 2009

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty For the past two years the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute on St. Croix has been selected by the National Geographic Geotourism Challenge as a Top Ten Finalist out of 611 entrants from around the world. The VISFI is located on more than 100 acres in the rain forest of St. Croix. The mission of VISFI is: To provide a working educational farm enterprise that integrates sustainability in education, environment, and community through quality instruction in Agroecology and related fields. The National Geographic Geotourism Challenge promotes innovations that benefit local communities and cultural landscapes in tourist destinations. The 2009 theme is “The Power of Place: Sustaining the Future of Destinations.”

Positive News From The U.K.

Jul 30, 2009 — Julie Jones, PA, Florida Luxurious Properties

My British colleague, Annette Reeve, of Mayfair International Realty, sent me the below article in which she was interviewed for Assetz Latest Property News, a group of well-known and successful property investment advisors who deliver research and selected UK and overseas property investment solutions.  I am happy to share with you the positive view UK investors have on US real estate investment.

7 Habits for Highly Effective Realtors!

Jul 30, 2009

By: Jean- Yves Piton of LuxuryRealEstate.com Be Efficient -- Time is money. High net-worth buyers do not have any time to waste. They want results. Be Recognized -- Become synonymous with "best-in-class realtor." Wealthy buyers are expecting experts (your credibility, visibility, reputation, reliability, connections).

How to Keep Your Air at Home Clean

Jul 29, 2009

By: Christine Cheryl Watson of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes Grease, dust and dirt not only settle on surfaces in your home, resulting in sticky coatings everywhere, but they also contribute to air impurities. By controlling or eliminating dust and chemicals in your house you can keep the air in your home clean.

Is Your Brand Bland or Remarkable? Whats at Stake for You?

Jul 29, 2009

By: Ron and Alexandra Seigel of Napa Consultants, International Chateau Mouton Rothschild It is generally agreed that the best attributes of luxury real estate marketing professionals are integrity, market knowledge, listening and negotiation skills. Quite often these qualities are considered to be what differentiates one agent from the others. But, these traits and talents are merely the price of admission into the top tier of the real estate field. If your competitors all embody these characteristics, using words like integrity to set you apart from the pack, simply fail. They become bland and do not define your brand.

Saunders Associates, New York, Acquires HamptonsRealEstate.com

Jul 29, 2009

By: Gary Nolan of Saunders Associates For better image, click here

Another two months to go, in our "seasonal" marketplace...

Jul 28, 2009 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

July 28, 2009. Slowly, very slowly, we are "upticking" in price point, and the buyer who traditionally looks at Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands is back pondering us as a second and third home choice. The B.C. primary residence areas (city marketplaces) saw an increase in high end action, by May/June, but in our discretionary market, where no one "has to" live here, and where a decision to purchase is always based on choice, we had viewings but few sales. This has begun to change, and the uptick is occurring right when our traditional grid of action takes place -- mid-July, August, September, into early October. Last year, of course, nothing happened as we were totally into a "fear market". This year, there are cautious steps back into activity, and it's recognized that the low interest rates, the sellers who will "listen" to an offer, may not last much longer.  The concern over the validity of cash as an investment vehicle, along with low inventory, creates this sense that this is an excellent time to buy, and it appears that a lot of potential buyers are listening and are agreeing. The listing inventory remains very "thin", which means that we may start to see multiple offer situations develop on Salt Spring and the other Southern Gulf Islands, as people begin to think about acting, and owners who don't have to sell still want to retain their island properties...only one listing, and several buyers for same, does mean a return to a seller's market. More thoughts? Call anytime! Looking for Island real estate? How may I help you to discover your dream property? liread33@gmail.com

"Ode To Fort Lauderdale"

Jul 28, 2009 — Julie Jones, PA, Florida Luxurious Properties

Enthusiasm for Fort Lauderdale’s natural treasures reaches farther back than the 21st century.  Below is part of a poem about this city, written in 1840 and featured in a Saint Augustine newspaper: Ode to Fort Lauderdale A reef of pure coral bounds Lauderdale’s land Along which the sun-fish in myriads play;
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