Charleston Luxury Real Estate Firm William Means Opens New East Cooper Office in South Carolina

Jun 28, 2007

Charleston, S.C., June 29, 2007 - William Means Real Estate is settling into its new office east of the Cooper River. On June 4, the 74-year-old Charleston luxury-real-estate firm opened the doors to its East Cooper office at 652 Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. The office is staffed with experienced real-estate agents who specialize in the East Cooper area, including Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Dewees Island. William Means has operated from Charleston’s downtown peninsula since 1933.“Historically, Charleston has been a self-contained city with its luxury property concentrated downtown,” said Helen Lyles Geer, William Means’ Broker-in-Charge. “But the last 10 years have shown the growth of fine properties from the peninsula to outlying areas. We’ve been doing business outside downtown for a number of years and it was time to open a second office.”As Charleston’s luxury real estate market has expanded throughout the Lowcountry, so has William Means. The firm saw results even before opening the new office.“Several clients chose us because they knew we were expanding our offices to east of the Cooper River,” Geer said. “We’re dedicated to making the buying or selling of a fine property with William Means a pleasure for our clients. To know we’ve made the experience enjoyable and convenient, and built a long-standing business relationship, is very important to us. Our high level of referral business attests to this approach.”About William Means Real EstateWilliam Means Real Estate is the preeminent broker of luxury real estate in Charleston. Since 1933, the firm has specialized in the buying and selling of fine residential property and real estate on Charleston, South Carolina’s historic peninsula, surrounding communities and islands. With more than 20 seasoned real-estate agents and two offices, downtown and east of the Cooper River, the firm is committed to helping clients select the perfect home, for life and lifestyle. William Means is Charleston’s exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates®, the largest international network of real-estate companies committed to the marketing and sales of premier property. For more information, visit www.charlestonrealestate.com or contact our Charleston office at 843.577.6651 or our East Cooper office at 843.375.4800.

Zephyr Real Estate Announces New Web-Based Marketing Capabilities

Jun 25, 2007

San Francisco, Calif. – June 26, 2007 – Always at the forefront of implementing new technology programs to benefit its more than 250 agents and clients alike, Zephyr Real Estate has done it again. The largest independent real estate firm in the city is now using a new Web-based central marketing tool created in partnership with Inkswitch Design. Called Z-Studio, the co-branded solution takes the hassle out of creating marketing materials by offering a collection of interactive features designed specifically for the firm’s real estate professionals.“We’ve been working on this custom product with Inkswitch since late last year and our Zephyr agents are ecstatic about the opportunity to develop personalized marketing documents online and still continue the tradition and consistency of the Zephyr brand,” said Hud Bixler, Zephyr’s director of technology. “This innovation gives agents greater flexibility and allows them to interact in real time anytime, anywhere there is access to a web browser.”The new Web 2.0 system allows Zephyr to maintain its strong brand identity and visual standards, while at the same time empowering agents with tools to create impressive marketing materials, virtual property tours and presentations online. Using the interactive content, Zephyr agents can network with each other and their clients, share information and access transaction documents through the Web, ultimately enhancing their productivity.“Technology is such an important aspect of the real estate business now,” Bixler said. “Agents who get it realize they must have these tools to remain competitive and continue to succeed in today’s changing marketplace.”Zephyr Real EstateFounded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco’s largest independent real estate firm, with nearly $1.5 billion in annual gross sales in 2006 and a current roster of more than 250 full-time agents. Zephyr has seven offices strategically located in San Francisco and serves a large customer base throughout the city. For more information, visit www.zephyrsf.com.

LuxuryRealEstate.com to Host Gathering of International Experts in Vancouver B.C. in September

Jun 25, 2007

SEATTLE, Wash.) – June 26, 2007 – From Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, LuxuryRealEstate.com will host the 12th Annual Membership Conference, bringing hundreds of international real estate experts to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for one of the largest networking opportunities in the industry.“Our events are, by far, the best opportunities for high-end brokers and other professionals to gain a competitive advantage in the industry,” said John Brian Losh, the CEO and publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com, and broker, chairman and CEO of Ewing and Clark, Inc. in Seattle. “Hundreds of experts in our network come to each conference to share their unique perspectives and to generate new revenue by building their personal referral networks.”The real estate agents gathered at this event in Vancouver B.C. will discuss key topics concerning the luxury real estate industry. These topics will include how the subprime lending market’s recent downward trend will affect the luxury market, and how real estate agents can adapt and find success in challenging markets. Additionally, panels of experts will convene to discuss the most effective ways to use advanced technology in buying and selling properties, the best strategies to gain additional business from the relocation industry.This event’s speakers will include Marcus Wally, a National Association of Realtors-certified speaker in St. Augustine, Fla. who will address resort properties, international transactions and referrals. The other speaker is Ellen Terry, the founder of Ellen Terry, REALTORS® in 1981 and an experienced real estate agent in Dallas, Tex. with more than $450 million worth of properties sold from 1996 to 2005. She will recount her inspirational life story and insights into multiple sides of the industry.Several conference attendees will also be awarded for their contributions to the real estate industry as well as to the Luxury Real Estate network. The winners of the following awards will be selected based upon peer nominations and other qualitative data: Best Brand Integration, Best Overall Marketing Package, Most Innovative Marketing Technique, Best Web Site and Lifetime Achievement, which is a newly created award this year. Quantitative data will determine the winners of these awards: Most Outbound Referrals, Most Magazine Participation and Most Event Attendance, which is also a new addition to the company’s awards.LuxuryRealEstate.com is renowned for its four annual conferences, which attract hundreds of brokers from around the world. They come to share important information and build connections with other real estate experts who are part of the global network called Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. For additional information on Luxury Real Estate’s upcoming conferences, please visit: www.LuxuryRealEstate.com/conference.www.LuxuryRealEstate.com is the most-viewed luxury real estate Web site in the world. Luxury Real Estate is an international marketing network creating innovative connections between industry professionals, the finest properties they represent, and the world. Luxury Real Estate encompasses LuxuryRealEstate.com, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the Board of Regents and Luxury Referral Services, among other resources. Luxury Real Estate’s network of brokers and firms make up Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, which provides referrals and listings of luxury homes for sale to more than 1,200 members.Click here to view this news release on RIS Media.

San Francisco Luxury Market Thriving as Other Segments Falter

Jun 24, 2007

To view the video of this news story from San Franisco's KRON4, click here.

Luxury Living in Costa Rica – An Adventurous Destination

Jun 24, 2007

Costa Rica has been ranked among the 10 favorite destinations of the world by Forbes in a new survey. Costa Rica shares this honor with the Red Sea, Bahamas, Egypt, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, France and Chile. The ranking is based on three categories: luxury adventure, honeymoon trips and summer vacation trips. More and more, Costa Rica is attracting elite clientele. These individuals usually come first as tourists and then return in a property tour, searching for that unique piece of paradise, either as an investment opportunity or as a second home for vacationing and relaxation.Living in has become not only a new destination but a new way of life for the high-end owner. Swimming with dolphins, admiring beautiful sunsets with monkeys for guests, watching gigantic crocodiles swim under bridges, swinging from one tree to another 100 feet in the air, like in the best Tarzan movies, having thermal waters in your pool or taking a shot in the dark, like if you were trying to reach the sky – none of these are dreams in Costa Rica. These are a way of life for many rich and famous people who have chosen Costa Rica as their new second home to get away from stress and ordinary life.Costa Rica, with only 20,000 square miles of land area, is an exotic destination that offers, within its small territory, abundant doses of adrenaline and a large variety of adventure sports to satisfy the most specialized tastes. Second-home ownership in Costa Rica offers much more than a small piece of land with a house on top of it. Costa Rica has so much to offer outside of your front yard that you can hardly wait for the sunset to start a new day of adventure in this little tropical paradise of the Central American region.Yalile Alpizar, President and owner of CostaRicaLuxuryEstates.com has shown properties to famous movie stars and celebrities who come to Costa Rica searching for their dream property in this tropical country. With maximum discretion, experience and the highest level of negotiation skills, she has made it possible for many who want to purchase a property in Costa Rica without being noticed to do just that.Some of those acquisitions go public and are sometimes detailed, depending on who is handling the information. For example, local newspapers recently publicized the fact that Mel Gibson purchased a 402-acre oceanfront farm for $25.8 million, to turn into his own private resort. More details are provided in this news release: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1099811.Lastyear Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon also found their little piece of paradise in another beachfront community in the Northern Province of Guanacaste. Many other famous celebrities are buying luxury properties in Costa Rica, including Sting, Harrison Ford, Bobbie Phillips and Gisele Bündchen have purchased properties here, either as an investment or as a private getaway.Celebrities, top-level executives from the largest multinational firms, millionaires with their yachts, high-end developers, bankers and rich and famous people from all over the world are coming to Costa Rica. They come seeking a new destination that brings to their lives the unique added value of peace and adventure mixed with eco-luxury living.CostaRicaLuxuryEstates.com is the top-selling luxury real estate company in Costa Rica, offering the most exclusive database of luxury homes and mansions in different parts of the country. Through its exclusive membership with www.LuxuryRealEstate.com, the number-one search engine for luxury properties around the world, CostaRicaLuxuryEstates.com has become the most important search engine for luxury properties in Costa Rica.

Real Living Expands into Colorado and Iowa

Jun 19, 2007

Rapidly growing firm continues nationwide expansion, adds locations in Austin and TampaCOLUMBUS, Ohio (June 20, 2007) – Real Living Inc., one of the fastest-growing residential real estate firms in the United States, recently announced its move into the Colorado and Iowa markets, increasing its presence to 19 states.“Consumers and brokers alike are anxious for a new real estate experience,” said Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, president of Real Living and Real Living Network Services. “Our new partners in Colorado and Iowa will satisfy that need with a brand that connects with today’s consumer through cutting-edge technology and a suite of services second to none.”The company’s Colorado office, Real Living Professional Group, is based in Steamboat Springs, an upscale market known for its world-class skiing and distinctive character. Its Iowa location, Real Living Milestone Realty, is based in Sioux City, a rapidly growing market of more than 100,000 residents.“I was very impressed with the concepts, beliefs and extensive technology Real Living has to offer,” said Stephanie Hageman, broker/owner of Real Living Milestone Realty. “It was evident to me that Real Living is in business to recruit, train and support only the very best licensed real estate agents in the nation.”“We were impressed by the fact that Real Living possessed a ‘cutting-edge’ ethic as to the use of emerging technologies and marketing approaches,” commented Mark J. Fischer and Ralph A. Cantafio, both broker/owners of Real Living Professional Group.New locations were also announced in Austin, Texas (Real Living Homes and Land, operated by Todd Bailey and John Niedecken), and Tampa, Fla. (Real Living Team One, operated by Michal Rhodus) – markets where Real Living has existing franchises.“Real Living offers us the tools and technology to better meet the needs of our clients,” said John Niedecken, broker/owner of Real Living Homes and Land in Austin. “In our fast-paced industry, Real Living is the most progressive company giving us an edge on the competition.”Real Living’s franchise network has grown 300 percent since 2005. In recognition of its success, Real Living was named one of the best new franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and was recognized by Inman News as real estate’s “Most Innovative Franchise.”Real Living continues to innovate, utilizing the best in new marketing technologies and strategies to keep its growing group of franchisees ahead of the curve and valuable to consumers. Real Living’s agent-centric, customer-focused approach to residential real estate, plus its award-winning fully integrated marketing-technology platform, has helped the company to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing franchisors.About Real Living Inc.Real Living, a family-owned company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate firms. The company manages more than 70 company-owned real estate offices and has a growing network of franchisees coast to coast. Offering consumers a full suite of home and lifestyle services, Real Living also offers nationwide corporations industry leading relocation management services. Real Living was named one of the best new franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and winner of the Inman Innovator Award, multiple Webby Awards and many more for their marketing efforts. Real Living’s award-winning Web sites receive nearly 17 million page views per month. For more information, visit www.RealLiving.com or www.RealLivingFranchise.com.

French Firm JB Boitard Brings Unique Perspective to LuxuryRealEstate.com

Jun 18, 2007

SEATTLE, Wash.) – June 19, 2007 – A well-established French luxury real estate firm that started in 1951 as a husband-and-wife team recently joined LuxuryRealEstate.com’s international network of real estate agents and firms as its newest European member.“I am very excited to welcome JB Boitard Immobilier to our network of fine luxury brokers,” said John Brian Losh, CEO and publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com, and broker, chairman and CEO of Ewing and Clark, Inc. in Seattle. “I am confident that doing business with JB Boitard Immobilier will be a delightful and rewarding experience.”The first office of JB Boitard Immobilier was organized in Deauville, France on March 10, 1951 by Jacques and Denise Boitard just five days after they were married. The fledgling firm focused on seasonal rentals in the growing port town. However, the Boitards soon saw the potential for the city to grow into a great location for luxurious tourist resorts, and they began focusing on serving the city’s luxury needs. Deauville is located nearly 200 kilometers west of Paris, where the company’s second office was created several years ago.Denise Boitard has not only been successful as a real estate professional, but she has also earned respect from her peers in other aspects of her life. She was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor for her work in the field of women workers’ rights and equal opportunities in the business world, and she was selected as the best French businesswoman by her peers in 1991.JB Boitard uses innovative strategies to market homes. The company’s agents advertise properties online and exercise expert negotiating skills in creating the best deals for their clients. They have also built trusting relationships with investors and buyers that help them find potential buyers quickly. During the 1960s JB Boitard expanded to include not only buying and selling properties but also helping to develop and build new properties. These properties include the Villa Elizabeth and many others.For additional information on JB Boitard, please visit their Web site: www.jb-boitard.com.The JB Boitard Agency has been located in Deauville, France since March 1951. Starting from scratch, Jacques and Denise Boitard launched the activity of their agency mainly through seasonal rentals during the summer of 1951. Jacques Boitard modified his agency to appeal to the luxury real estate market bringing personalized service to the most demanding customers.

Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Adds Sixth French Firm to Global Network

Jun 17, 2007

SEATTLE, Wash.) – June 18, 2007 – Increasing its strength in the European market, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate recently announced that France-based Carlton International has joined its international network of high-end brokers and firms.“This is an exciting step, and I expect that Carlton International and their clients will benefit significantly from their inclusion in this group,” said John Brian Losh, CEO and publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com, and broker, chairman and CEO of Ewing and Clark, Inc. in Seattle. “Only top-performing luxury brokers and firms in their markets are allowed to join Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. I am pleased to see our network consistently growing stronger in markets like this around the world.”Carlton International is headquartered at Le saint Claude, 2721 Chemin de Saint Claude in the city of Antibes on France’s southern shore, near the Italian border. Antibes is 12 kilometers east of Cannes and 22 kilometers west of Nice, offering an ideal location for luxury residents and visitors to gain quick access to Nice’s international airport and entertainment at the Cannes Film Festival each year.Philip R. Weiser, the managing director of Carlton International, leads his company with business experience he gained in several countries. A New Zealander by birth, Weiser became the marketing director of an international hotel corporation in the United States and then moved to London to start his own property-management company. In 1981 he ventured to southern France and established several real estate companies over the years, including Carlton International.This company became one of the first luxury real estate firms in to begin serving customers online with the creation of its Web site at the dawn of the Internet era in the 1990s, according to Weiser. The Web site www.carlton-international.com has expanded over the years to provide more information and services to home buyers and sellers in English and French. They offer luxury properties in many of southern cities, including Cannes, Mougins, Cap D’Antibes, Grasse, St. Paul, Nice, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, and St. Tropez.For 10 years, Carlton International has served high-end home buyers and renters with a variety of needs. Several of their real estate agents are multilingual, allowing them to work with buyers and sellers both inside and outside of France. They help clients handle legal issues, obtain loans and find suitable hotels and villas for vacations in addition to providing maintenance, renovation and security services to improve and protect clients’ properties.More information on luxury properties and services available through this company can be found at www.carlton-international.com.www.LuxuryRealEstate.com is the most-viewed luxury real estate Web site in the world. Luxury Real Estate is an international marketing network creating innovative connections between industry professionals, the finest properties they represent, and the world. Luxury Real Estate encompasses LuxuryRealEstate.com, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the Board of Regents and Luxury Referral Services, among other resources. Luxury Real Estate’s network of brokers and firms make up Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, which provides referrals and listings of luxury homes for sale to more than 1,200 members.

Pacific Union Renaissance – Popular San Francisco Real Estate Firm Changing How Business Gets Done

Jun 11, 2007

San Francisco, Calif. – June 12, 2007 – Things are changing at Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate. Celebrating the past, present and future as San Francisco’s premier real estate firm, Pacific Union is enjoying a modern-day renaissance designed to attract some attention. So watch out.“As we transition to the new Pacific Union, we are not losing sight of our long-standing history in the Bay Area as a top, locally managed brokerage,” said Linda Harrison, vice president at the firm’s Opera Plaza location. “Change is a good thing. The future is here and we are enhancing our services and products to continue to serve our clients and agents in the most effective manner.”Harrison and colleague Christine Jacobson are the visionary and fashionably forward-thinking Pacific Union vice presidents leading the way to tomorrow. At Opera Plaza, Harrison is an experienced manager/marketer who advocates the value and importance of changing the way REALTORS® brand themselves to succeed in the competitive real estate marketplace. At South Beach, Jacobson is young, technology-savvy and an early adopter of the concept of going totally paperless in real estate transactions. Together, this unstoppable team is changing the way business gets done and is working to enhance the image and appeal of Pacific Union to clients and the real estate community.“We believe in our business and in our commitment to the community, clients and agents,” Jacobson said. “It is also important we seize the many opportunities available to us through the Internet and by utilizing advanced technology tools. We are implementing a modern approach to success.”To encourage people to come see what the new Pacific Union looks like, both Harrison and Jacobson are planning parties. Called “Discover,” the two events celebrating the rebirth of the brand are set for August and October. Both are free and open to the public. First up is Discover South Beach: an evening of art and wine, scheduled for Thursday, August 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the South Beach office at 38 Bryant St. and the Embarcadero.Then, be sure to save the date on October 25 to attend Discover Opera Plaza: an evening of film and wine, at the Opera Plaza office. More details on both to follow as the events get closer.For more information about the South Beach Discover party, contact Jacobson at 415.247.6600 or visit www.pacunion.com/southbeach.Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate – South BeachLive. Work. Play. Invest. Pacific Union South Beach is uniquely located along the scenic Embarcadero at the foot of Bryant Street and reflects the diverse, modern, urban lifestyle of the changing area. Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate has been thoughtfully matching generations of buyers and sellers in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1975. As a leading, locally managed real estate company with knowledgeable, experienced real estate professionals, Pacific Union focuses on a global vision, using technology and superior service to deliver a quality experience to all types of clients. Pacific Union is a member of Christie’s luxury real estate network and is a GMAC Home Services company. For information, call 415.247.6600 or visit www.pacunion.com/southbeach.

Real Living Launches New Network Site, Expands Franchise Sales Team in Response to Rapid Growth

Jun 10, 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 11, 2007) – Real Living announced today the launch of a new network services Web site – www.RealLivingFranchise.com – and an expansion of its nationwide sales team in response to the accelerated growth of its franchise network.Real Living’s franchise network has grown 300 percent since 2005. In recognition of its success, Real Living was named one of the best new franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and was recognized by Inman News as real estate’s “Most Innovative Franchise.”“Buying a franchise is a huge investment, and you should get all of the facts before you choose a partner,” said Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, president of Real Living. “Our new site and expanded team will help make it clear that we offer a set of benefits, technologies and values that set us apart from any other organization in real estate.”Visitors to the new network site will find: A list of 10 questions every person must ask before purchasing a real estate franchise Video stories from Real Living franchise owners from across the country A three-minute video explaining the Real Living difference A schedule of webinars, tradeshow appearances and company events To learn more and connect with a local sales representative, visit www.RealLivingFranchise.com.About Real Living Inc.Real Living, a family-owned company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate firms. The company manages more than 70 company-owned real estate offices and has a growing network of franchisees coast to coast. Offering consumers a full suite of home and lifestyle services, Real Living also offers nationwide corporations industry-leading relocation management services. Real Living was named one of the best new franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and winner of the Inman Innovator Award, multiple Webby Awards and many more for their marketing efforts. Real Living’s award-winning Web sites receive nearly 17 million page views per month. For more information, visit www.RealLiving.com or www.RealLivingFranchise.com.
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