As we just hit the end of Q1, do you have a short update you can give on your unique market?

Joyce Rey, Beverly Hills, CA

The luxury real estate market continues to explode in the prime neighborhoods from Hollywood to Malibu. Q1 sales of $10M+ are up 28% year-over-year, while sales of $20M+ are up 108%. In the last week, we have sold two properties prior to photography or broker tours because of the historically limited inventory and buyer demand! The probability of rising interest rates is causing everyone to invest NOW. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal featuring real-estate economist Ralph McLaughlin suggests that retrospective annual inflation in the last month is 8.5% and prospective annual inflation is 15.4%, at that rate a 5% loan sounds cheap and the smart investor will realize that. It is the best seller's market that I have seen in my career. We need listings in order to satisfy our tremendous buying clientele! Now is the optimal time to request a confidential consultation, market evaluation, or preview off-market listings.

Elliot Bogod, Upper West Side, New York City, NY  

My Q1 observations include:

• During the pandemic over the last couple of years, the New York real estate market hasn't been as impacted by foreign buyers as it has in previous years, but he anticipates that European buyers will be attracted by the stability and demographics of U.S. real estate, and he expects a new wave of foreign buyers entering the market.
• International buyers are mostly from Canada, Israel, China, South Korea, and India.
• With the Euro remaining strong against the USD, it costs less for Europeans to buy in the U.S., and New York real estate should benefit from this discount.
• We saw strong volatility and losses in the stock market because of the conflict in Europe, including dips in the cryptocurrency market.

Despite the pandemic-stressed economy, real estate assets in Manhattan sustained liquidity and the shortage of inventory didn’t overly affect this. Currently, Manhattan and the southern metropolitan areas of New York are offering great opportunities for investors. The real estate market has always remained a haven and a hedge against risks that result from an uncertain economy.

I think this year and 2023 will be one of the greatest years for real estate in Manhattan, as New York has positive news with a new Mayor and a new Governor joining forces to clean the city and make a positive impact on people who are coming back to their offices and places of business.

Georgina Jacobson, Newport Beach, CA  

In Newport Beach, the number of listings and closed transactions has increased since the beginning of Q1 as we enter the spring season. The number of days on market has continued to decrease. Although there is more inventory, homes are still selling very quickly due to the high demand.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Amy Land-de Wilde, St. Croix  

We’ve seen both differences and similarities in comparing the first quarter of 2022 to that of 2021 on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.

By the end of the first quarter in both 2021 and 2022, there were 43 residential closings. As of the end of Q1 2022, there were another 93 homes under contract. The big difference between this year and last year is that there were only seven homes that sold over one million dollars in Q1 of 2021, and this year there have been 11 residential properties over $1million that sold in the first quarter of 2022. The real stand-out number is that there were 21 properties over $1 million under contract within the first quarter. Just to put this in perspective, there have been years where we have had just one $1 million home close. So having 30 homes that are a combination of closed or under contract that are in that range is really completely new to our market.

I always knew St. Croix was a gem; that’s why I moved here over 40 years ago and made this wonderful island my home! Now the rest of the world is setting their sights on St. Croix and our stats from the first quarter of 2022 reflect that!

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has very little inventory at the end of Q1. Property pricing is inching upwards as demand is high for homes in the greater metro area.

 Joel Schemmel, Sarasota, FL

The Sarasota Market ends the first quarter strong! The number of properties sold in the first quarter of this year compared to the same quarter of 2021 is substantially down. However, prices are up! The number of sales is down only because of the lack of properties available for sale.

With the current low inventory of homes and strong demand, there will continue to be upward pressure on prices. At the same time, we are also seeing other market forces at work including interest rate increases, the situation in Ukraine, and inflation which may play into demand as the year evolves.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Brenda Wild, Aspen, CO

Coming out of the first quarter of this year the Aspen area is showing no signs of slowing down. Pitkin County which encompasses Aspen, Snowmass, and winds through Basalt and as far down to Redstone, has seen an increase of 11.6% in sales over 2021 so far. We have seen a decrease in transactions which means the median sales are higher in sale price.

The average sales price for a single-family home in Aspen is approximately $17 million, a change of 40% increase over 2021.

The average price of a single-family home in Snowmass is $5.75 million, an increase of 11% over 2021. This used to be the median sales price in Aspen not that long ago.

Interval sales, fractionals have seen a significant jump of 90% over 2021 with sales so far for this year being over $21 million. It has been a vehicle for those wanting to get into the Aspen/Snowmass Market to do so at an entry level of hundreds of thousands vs millions. For those traveling around the world, it also gives the purchaser more options with the networks in various locations.

Two things are brewing at this time in our area that could have rippling effects on the real estate market here. A building moratorium has been extended for another two months and the City of Aspen is reviewing the short-term rental. Depending on how they proceed with changing the current environment of either, there may be opportunities that open up for those waiting on the sidelines to purchase a property.

For more information, please call me at 970-379-2299 or email Brenda.Wild@bhhssignature.com

Shannon Francis, Snowmass Village, CO

The prices for single-family homes in my market have increased 73% while the time on the market has decreased by 40%.

Steven Presson, Palm Beach, FL 

The luxury real estate market along the coastal Palm Beaches remains as strong as ever. Even with rising interest rates and a recent war overseas, there's still fear among many buyers of missing out on the next opportunity - and they're willing to get what they want at any cost. Many of my clients are perceiving their need to overpay as simply a part of doing business in this hot market. While our median sales price has jumped almost 20% since last year, when you compare the shift to other luxury markets, the Palm Beaches remain an exceptional growing value.

Adriana Pinto-Torres, Hibiscus Island, FL 

The market was and is still hot, with continued inventory shortages in the luxury and ultra-luxury markets as well. Bidding wars were prevalent in Q1 2022, rising to new record levels. The recent rise in mortgage rates may decelerate the frenzied sales pace a bit bringing more inventory to the market, but supply will still be low. As released by our Q1 2022 Elliman Reports for the Florida sales markets, produced in conjunction with Miller Samuel, South Florida inventory was at a record low of 7,906 units, historically down from an average of 27,000 units from 2017 to 2019.
“Demand is driving the Miami real estate market and the lack of housing supply continues to fuel property appreciation and record sales,” MIAMI Chairman of the Board Fernando Arencibia Jr. said. “Until we see new listings outpace active listings consistently month over month, our market will continue its current trajectory even in the face of increasing interest rates. Homebuyers with positive cash flow, strong jobs, and high equity are relocating to live in South Florida. The shift to working-from-home, Miami’s fintech expansion, and Miami’s stature as the No. 1 U.S. destination for global homebuyers continue fueling demand.”

As released by the Miami Association of Realtors Miami-Dade County total home sales rose 5% year-over-year in March 2022, from 3,751 sales to 3,939. The 3,939 sales rank No. 3 among the highest sales months in Miami history, trailing only April 2021 (3,960) and June 2021 (4,057).

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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The real estate market is constantly changing. At any given time, buyers and sellers may have more questions than answers. In the spring of 2022, many Miami residents are wondering when the housing market will balance out.

What is a balanced market?

First, it’s important to understand what a balanced housing market looks like. Whether it’s a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or a balanced market has everything to do with the “months supply of inventory” or MSI. To determine the MSI, an individual must estimate how long a home will be on the market before it is sold or absorbed based on the homes currently being sold in the area. The absorption rate is the number of homes sold in a year divided by twelve.

In a buyer’s market, it is estimated that there is more than six months’ worth of inventory. When there is less than six months’ worth of inventory, it is assumed to be a seller’s market. A balanced market is said to occur when there is an estimated six months’ worth of inventory.

When will the Miami real estate market balance out?

Miami is currently experiencing very low inventory, as is most of the country, therefore making it a seller’s market.
“In recent years, it has become very tricky to predict when ‘balance’ will finally occur. However, indications are leading to the possibility of a balanced market by the end of this year,” says Miami Signature Homes President and top producer Mauricio J. Barba.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Miami real estate market?

At the beginning of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, national real estate experts projected that the housing market would enter into a depression. Seemingly in defiance of those expectations, by the summer of 2020, the housing market was booming. This phenomenon drove inventory down 32% when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Locally, Miami experienced some of the highest housing cost increases anywhere in the United States, as reported by CBS4 Miami. Miami has always been attractive to Latin American and European investors, but more recently COVID restrictions in other parts of the United States, and the now ubiquitousness of remote work, have driven up costs as Americans look to relocate to the Magic City.

“They started coming to South Florida in droves,” said Jennifer Wollmann, board chair of the Miami Association of Realtors.

With buyers outnumbering homes for sale, Covid-19 has affected both supply and demand despite inflation rates. Prices in December rose by 29% in Miami-Dade, and by 18% in Broward according to the Miami Herald. Additionally, due to the high demand, buyers had no choice but to offer the listing price if they wanted to acquire a property.

Prior to lockdown restrictions, a poll conducted by Fannie Mae, showed that only 25% of homebuyers thought it was a good time to buy a home, compared to 69% who were convinced it was a good time to sell. A more recent poll showed individuals appeared certain that home prices would go up over the next year and they expressed increased concern about job stability than in the past reports.

“COVID has flipped our life upside-down, disturbed many aspects of everyday life, but the housing market had exceptional performance,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, told FOX Television Stations.

Is the Russia-Ukraine Situation Affecting the Miami Real Estate Market?

Another worrying aspect for sellers and buyers is undoubtedly the situation in Ukraine and its effects on housing in the United States. The effects of the Ukraine crisis certainly are impacting oil and energy prices. Until now, we haven’t seen changes in real estate. However, if those energy prices remain elevated for a significant period, the potential effects may hit the housing market. In other words, higher energy prices could make consumers even more apprehensive about making big purchases.

Elevated oil prices, material shortages, distribution delays, and increased shipping costs, all ultimately affect construction prices. Some commodities for new home construction have reached record-high price levels, making experts believe home prices will rise by as much as 22% this spring. In addition, the lack of construction materials has created a new-home construction supply gap of 5.8 million houses as of February 2022.
Although the situation in Russia and Ukraine is creating significant uncertainty, experts are reluctant to change their forecasts for the spring housing market, as the future is more unpredictable than it was before.

“Currently, we are all concerned with Ukraine/Russia's effect on our hyper-local market, but at this moment it doesn’t seem to have noticeably affected the housing market. Prices remain high and buyers are paying, generally speaking,” said Barba. “Even so, the market is continuing to change very quickly making it more important than ever for buyers and sellers to work with a real estate professional to navigate these changes.”

According to industry insiders, changes in inventory aren’t projected to change in Miami in the near future. However, interest rates are already on the rise, which will affect the market.

Speak to a High-End Real Estate Expert

Miami Signature Homes President and top producer Mauricio J. Barba has been a mainstay in Miami’s uber-competitive high-end real estate market since 1994. Respected in his native community by clients and colleagues alike; he has logged top honors for elite performance in his field. Mauricio is connected worldwide but specializes in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Brickell, Village of Pinecrest, South Miami, Palmetto Bay/Falls area, and the Beaches.
The Miami Signature Homes team is relatively small compared to their sales volume. That has been important in keeping relationships with clients at a very direct level. Mauricio, Tania, Vicky, and Sebastian each maintain strong personal connections and professional relationships with all of their clients, many of which have been with the team for decades.

Because of this personal level of service, they are able to devote individual attention and care to every home sale or search. Assistants are great, but Miami Signature Homes makes sure their principals are the people solely responsible for returning important calls or emails 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you’re passionate about white-glove treatment throughout one of the most important financial experiences of your life, call us at 305.439.8311.

Sources:

https://realtytimes.com/advicefromtheexpert/item/38353-how-to-determine-if-it-s-a-buyers-sellers-or-a-balanced-real-estate-market

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/23/rising-inflation-hot-housing-market-what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-home.html

htps://dqydj.com/historical-home-prices/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/273418/unadjusted-monthly-inflation-rate-in-the-us/

https://fortune.com/2022/02/28/spring-housing-market-predictions-2022/

https://www.vox.com/22264268/covid-19-housing-insecurity-housing-prices-mortgage-rates-pandemic-zoning-supply-demand

https://www.fox29.com/news/will-real-estate-housing-market-crash-or-cool-off-in-2022-experts-give-their-2-cents

https://fortune.com/2022/02/08/should-i-buy-house-sellers-market-housing-real-estate-fannie-mae/

https://fortune.com/2022/02/17/historic-housing-shortage-more-pain-homebuyers

https://ww.fortunebuilders.com/miami-real-estate-market-trends/

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220130-miami-s-lure-during-covid-sends-housing-prices-through-the-roof

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article257514504.html

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Sandra Fiorenza and her husband Randall Fiorenza have sold their Fisher Island condo for $15 million. The buyer, Ajit Jain, is Berkshire Hathaway’s vice president of insurance operations. Sandra, an agent with One Sotheby’s International Realty, represented her husband and herself in the deal. Archie Drury with Douglas Elliman represented Jain.

The Palazzo Della Luna condo is 4 bedrooms and 4,757 square feet. Sandra and Randall Fiorenza purchased the unit for $9.9 million back in August. In just about 8 months, it was sold for a 60% markup. This transaction marks a record for non-penthouse sales at Palazzo Della Luna.

Photo Credit: One Sotheby's Realty

In recent years, the Fiorenzas have been buying and selling expensive homes. The couple also has a history of developing properties on Fisher Island as it is a highly desirable location for high-end luxury real estate. Sandra and Randall own unit 6895 in the same Palazzo Della Luna building, which they bought in 2020 for $16 million.

For more information, please contact Sandra Fiorenza at 305-281-4727 or sandra@fiorenza.cc

Sandra Fiorenza is the exclusive agent representing the Miami Beach, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Sandra Fiorenza And Husband Randall Paul Fiorenza Sell Their Fisher Island Condo For $15 Million appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Avila estate hit the market in September 2021 represented by Jennifer Zales from Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate and was ultimately sold for $8.3 million last week. Zales explained in a statement, “706 Guisando De Avila is a true masterpiece located in one of Tampa’s most exclusive and sought-after communities. The property offers unparalleled luxury lifestyle and first-class privacy, making it the perfect retreat away from the bustling city life.”

Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and her husband Joel are making big real estate moves this year and have now sold their Avila property in Tampa. Since Darcie is the co-owner of the beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it comes as no surprise that they are making real estate investments in the area. However, the couple is not just working on selling homes. In June 2021 they bought a waterfront home in Davis Islands for $12.5 million.

Tampa isn’t the only place the Glazer Kassewitz's seem to be focusing on. In February the couple parted with their stunning $53 million property in the luxurious Palm Beach area. The home is similar in size to the Avila property they recently sold within the 25-30,000 square-foot range. Given these two sizeable transactions over the past couple of months, it looks like we can expect to see a lot of action from them in real estate this year.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Realty

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Realty

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Realty

For more information, please contact Jennifer Zales at 813-758-3443 or jennifer@jenniferzales.com

Jennifer Zales is the exclusive agent representing the Tampa Bay, Florida real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Top Realtor Jennifer Zales Sells Co-Owner Of Tampa Bay Bucs’ Avila Estate For $8.3M appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Snowmass Village

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Shannon Francis is a native of Aspen and has unique insight into the fine details of real estate in the Roaring Fork Valley. With her husband, Shannon has successfully started and developed Glenwood Springs’ only Tandem Paragliding operation, demonstrating the skills required to thrive and grow in the market's tourist-driven economy. She believes that each and every client deserves the highest standard of care regardless of budget, timeline, or desire.

Shannon talked with Haute Residence about how she got started in Real Estate and about running her successful tandem paragliding business.

How did you get your start in the business?

I originally started in the real estate business because I was working with a residential developer in the central valley of California. I thought that having my license would help me understand the business better and be able to work with more knowledge in my job. I was also selling my condo in Aspen and wanted to avoid real estate commissions on the sale. That was in 2005. I then let my license go inactive while I focused on raising my son and working for our paragliding business. As we transitioned during the Covid pandemic I decided to reactivate my license and start getting back to real estate.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

How did you go from tandem paragliding to real estate?

In essence, I do both. I am a managing member of our paragliding LLC and spend every morning from May 1 to September 30th working for the paragliding business. I then transition to real estate in the afternoon. I believe my paragliding business provides access to people that I might not encounter in everyday life and that in effect helps my real estate business.

What sets you apart from other real estate agents?

I am personally involved in all my transactions. I don't have people that I hand work off to in order to take on more clients. All my clients are my top priority so I do not overload my plate because I want each client to get the personal attention they deserve during their transactions. I was born in Aspen and know the ins and outs of our valley better than anyone I know. I have submerged myself in the community and think outside the box to get my clients the best possible outcomes in any situation.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Why do you consider Roaring Fork Valley not just a city, but a lifestyle?

The Roaring Fork Valley is a lifestyle because here we really enjoy nature, culture, and health. It is not simply a place to own property but really it's a place to live, in every aspect of the word. All of our communities are relatively small but offer world-class food, cultural events, schools, outdoor activities, and sports. The people you meet here are invested in living well-rounded, healthy lives.

What has been your favorite memory throughout your real estate career?

I have great memories from all my transactions, but the most significant lately is that I helped a good friend get into the perfect house while he was going through a very difficult divorce. By finding him the house and helping him get financing, it allowed him to stay in the valley near his kids and get out of an impossible situation.

For more information, please contact Shannon Francis at 970-319-7430 or aspensmf@gmail.com

Shannon Francis is the exclusive agent representing the Snowmass Village, CO real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

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Nestled away in a matchless spot, Belize is a nation of Hispanic, English, and Caribbean influence and a top destination on any traveler’s list. The coastal paradise boasts lush jungles, historic Mayan ruins, and snaking rivers that run from the tip of Corozal to the bottom of Toledo. As you venture out to the coast, you’ll find quaint islands like Caye Caulker, where “go slow” is the charming motto the island’s residents live by. The more popular Ambergris Caye is home to San Pedro Town, the continually growing marquee destination for ex-pats from all walks of life. Proximity to the Barrier Reef, crystal blue waters, and year-round summery weather have made Belize a go-to vacation spot and a second or even permanent home to many. Whether you’re a free spirit who wants to put down roots on an island oasis or an entrepreneur planning your next big move, Belize has something for you – you betta Belize it.

Belize is often praised for its undisturbed flora and fauna replete with lush jungles and thoughtfully restricted marine zones making the country an ecotourist’s haven. In a world where climate change and reducing one’s carbon footprint are ever-growing concerns, Belize is a veritable utopia where Mother Nature still reigns supreme. A number of established eco-resorts - many of them private-island-based - enjoy very consistent high-end business whilst legitimately pioneering a new way of traveling. Size isn’t an issue either; the moderately-sized 7-acre Ray Caye located about an hour’s boat ride from Placencia, has 20 rooms and accommodates no more than 50 guests at a time and also features a pristine gym, yoga studio, Pelagic store, and gift shop. 

The private island buy-in is actually more flexible than one would expect with costs ranging from as low as US $250,000 for 1–2-acre options to as much as US $20 million for behemoth acreages prime for development. Most of the private islands in Belize are undeveloped, making it a playground for creating the tropical paradise of your dreams. Building from the ground up ensures that you’ll get exactly what you want every step of the way. Imagine the possibilities of launching a boat off of your own private deck or concluding the 2-hour flight to Belize from Miami by landing on your own heliport? It’s important to note that some structures might require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which may seem intimidating but is a non-factor with the right builders. 

The country benefits from a fixed exchange rate of two to one to the US dollar (BZE $2 = US $1), currencies such as £ Pounds and € Euros can be exchanged at most banks. The combination of the stable and predictable currency, an ever-increasing demand for rooms, and new flights being continually added, makes for a favorable business environment for those looking to net strong ROI as they consider a potential move or investment. Of course, you may also just be looking for your dream escape, expenses be damned. 

Now that you're at the point of buying a private island, you might be asking ‘how does one navigate the tricky world of real estate with the laws and regulations from a country unknown to you’? This is where the expertise of a firm like 4Realty comes in. A service leader in the industry, our broker and agents offer a distinct and proven insight into Belize’s landscape and pride themselves on providing excellent and ethical service to their clients. The right agency hits the ground running, from the early stages of direct marketing and advertising to closing the deal on your new paradise home. Throughout the process, you need to be able to trust that you’re in the capable hands of seasoned agents whose goal is to see their buyers and sellers walk away happy and free. 

In Belize, real estate agents can represent both the buyer and seller which can sometimes lead to murky deals. That’s why it’s important to choose a firm like 4Realty that’s an International Realtor® Member and a proud member of the Belize National Association of Real Estate (BNAR), an organization committed to implementing legislation and licensure within the industry and abides by a stringent code of ethics. If you require further help in developing your newly acquired property, starting a business, navigating permits, or anything else you might need to make your move to Belize seamless, you can count on the consulting branch of 4Realty, Arch Consulting Group to dutifully guide you through the process. As luxury real estate continues to rise in Belize, isn’t it time to kick your feet in the sand and stay awhile? 

For more information, please contact Carlo Habet at carlo@4realty.bz or +1 (754) 444-7773

Carlo Habet is the exclusive agent representing the Belize real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post You Better Belize it! Carlo Habet Talks How To Navigate Buying A Private Island In Another Country appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Dana Flanagan is an award-winning Realtor and active resident of Connecticut & Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serving the community and surrounding areas. With 21 years of experience and over 85+ homes sold per year, Dana is experienced, detailed, prompt, and passionate about her clients receiving excellent service and results. She has brokered deals all over Connecticut & South Florida from Residential, First-time Homebuyers, New Construction & Developments, Luxury Properties, and Relocation. Her listings have been featured on the popular HGTV show House Hunters.

She recently joined renowned international brokerage Nest Seekers International, an established market leader worldwide.

"I am thrilled to be associated with Nest Seekers, a well-respected global brokerage on the nexus of technology and media," Dana told Haute Residence. "Their innovative approach to marketing and digital media is like nothing I have seen in my career. I couldn't be happier to be working alongside these elite leaders in the industry."

Nest Seekers is a global real estate brokerage founded in 2002 by industry visionary, Eddie Shapiro. Nest Seekers evolved at the forefront of the digital media revolution, reaching a new generation of clients. The firm gained international exposure from groundbreaking media partnerships that propelled agents into television stars and social media influencers. This innovative approach revolutionized the industry and fueled Nest Seekers rapid growth, resulting in a proprietary platform capable of promoting listings to millions around the world. Today, Nest Seekers has 25 offices and 1200 agents positioned in key markets throughout New York, London, Beverly Hills, Colorado, New Jersey, Miami, Palm Beach and Connecticut. The firm continues to gain global exposure on the television series, "Million Dollar Listing New York," and the Shapiro Executive Produced Netflix hit, "Million Dollar Beach House."

Dana Flanagan is the exclusive agent representing the Ft Lauderdale Beach, FL/Middlesex, CT real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

For more information, please contact Dana Flanagan at 860-796-0562 or dana@nestseekers.com.

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"The Berkshire Hathaway brand is iconic and world-class, it has a network of companies that is rivaled by none. We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible network real estate alliance within the brand."

Brenda Wild, broker/owner of Remax Signature in Aspen, CO, proudly announces that they are now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Signature Properties.

"Through the decades of my real estate career I have experienced various markets," Brenda says. "I have enjoyed being with independent companies and a few franchises. For the last ten years, I have owned a Remax franchise, but this past year it was time for a different direction. The opportunity presented itself to set us apart and bring our clients a level of notable representation; a powerful alliance with global leverage."

For more information, please contact Brenda Wild at 970-379-2299 or brenda.wild@bhhssignature.com

Brenda Wild is the exclusive agent representing the Aspen, Colorado real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Brenda Wild Announces that REMAX Signature is now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Signature Properties appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Sandra Fiorenza is a luxury real estate expert who perfectly exemplifies the Miami lifestyle that she sells to buyers in the South Florida market. Whether in real estate, lifestyle branding, or philanthropy, Sandra outshines her competitors as a cutting-edge entrepreneur. Due to her sophisticated background and international connections, Sandra has the upper hand in her career as a real estate agent.

Sandra was born and raised in Germany and obtained an MBA from the University of Dusseldorf before working in the advertising and fashion industries. As early as 1992, she could see Miami‘s potential as a globally significant location and knew it would be the next place she called home. Sandra officially made the move to the Sunshine State in 1998 and began to establish herself as a luxury broker/agent.

Prior to joining a real estate firm, Sandra was a homeowner on Fisher Island, in Miami, Florida. Here she bought, sold, gutted, designed, redesigned, and resold apartments due to the location’s high investment value and luxury lifestyle. In 2010, Sandra partnered with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty; she was then able to expand her sphere of influence and become a widely recognized leader in the Miami Beach real estate community.

Sandra also loves giving back to the community of Miami. She says she, “loves creating opportunities for people, especially children, and making education, healthcare, and alternative medical therapies more accessible.” Her philanthropic pursuits include fundraising events for the University of Miami Jackson Health System and GiveBack for Special Equestrians. Sandra’s involvement with Special Equestrians is especially close to her heart as she was an accomplished equestrian in both Germany and the United States.

With decades of personal immersion in the luxury lifestyle, Sandra Fiorenza’s expertise in luxury experiences is unmatched. Sandra has accumulated about $500 million in total career sales and $65 million just in 2021. Her international background and experience in the lifestyle sector allow her to perfectly market and select suitable clients from around the world.*

For more information, please contact Sandra Fiorenza at 305-281-4727 or sandra@fiorenza.cc

Sandra Fiorenza is the exclusive agent representing the Miami Beach, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Luxury Realtor Sandra Fiorenza Lives And Sells The Miami Lifestyle appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Real estate investors can take advantage of numerous tax breaks and you also benefit from decades of deductions that help lower your taxed income. Here are some more great reasons you should invest in real estate.

Build Equity and Wealth:

As you pay down a property mortgage, you build equity—an asset that's part of your net worth. And as you build equity, you have the leverage to buy more properties and increase cash flow and wealth even more.

Portfolio Diversification:

Another benefit of investing in real estate is its diversification potential. Real estate has a low—and in some cases negative—correlation with other major asset classes. This means the addition of real estate to a portfolio of diversified assets can lower portfolio volatility and provide a higher return per unit of risk.

Cash Flow:

Cash flow is the net income from a real estate investment after mortgage payments and operating expenses have been made. A key benefit of real estate investing is its ability to generate cash flow. In many cases, cash flow only strengthens over time as you pay down your mortgage—and build up your equity.*

For more information, contact Eugenia C. Foxworth at 212-368-4902 or eugenia@foxworthrealtyonline.com.

Eugenia C. Foxworth is the real estate agent exclusively representing the Uptown, New York market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post New York Realtor Eugenia Foxworth Explains Why You Should Invest In Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

For more than four decades, Joyce Rey, who heads the Global Luxury Division for Coldwell Banker, has proven herself indispensable in the refined world of international luxury real estate. She is nothing short of a legend—among her celebrity clients, her professional colleagues, and the community she serves. One of the most respected names in top-tier real estate worldwide, Rey has amassed nearly $6 billion in career sales. With a dazzling list of accolades, awards, and sales records, she is known, most of all, for her incomparable knowledge of the luxury marketplace, her acute ability to negotiate even the most complex transactions, and her particular talent for putting clients at ease.

Recently, Joyce talked with Haute Residence about the Beverly Hills market and where she sees real estate trends going in the future.

Haute Residence: What is unique about your market?

Joyce Rey: What makes Beverly Hills unique is that it almost exclusively deals with luxury homes, and I have been involved in this luxury segment of Beverly Hills my entire career. I have, on several occasions, sold the most expensive house in the United States, and in 1979, I started the first division in the world to only handle million-dollar houses. In today's market that doesn't seem that impressive but back then no one could believe there was a company only handling million-dollar houses. It was very exciting and made news around the world. I would say that's the single most unique part of the market I deal with, that the geographic area lends itself to these beautiful estate properties.

670 Hot Springs Road, Montecito, CA 93108

HR: What kind of trends have you been seeing recently in the market? Has COVID affected the market?

JR: The first trend improved our market. All of a sudden the household became the focus of people’s lives because they were living in their homes all day long and doing their work from home. I actually predicted that when COVID first hit and we had the first lockdown. I would say the prevailing thought among realtors was that we were going to have a tough time and that we wouldn't be able to sell houses during the pandemic but I tried to look for the silver linings. The first was that there was no traffic on the roads. I thought that was fantastic! I could always get to my appointments on time! Secondly, I looked at my own situation and I never used to spend any time in my house during the day unless I was sick. I was out and about all day long and then I would go out in the evenings, so I was largely in my house sleeping. All of a sudden I was locked up in my house for three weeks and I’m thinking it’s not just me who's looking around their house and realizing how important it is and the things I could be doing with it… this is going to be prevalent amongst everyone. They're going to want to have a larger place to live, a home office, a gym, an outdoor area, etc.

HR: Are there any other trends that have been happening recently now that we’re beginning to come out of COVID?

JR: Well we’re coming out of COVID but we’re coming into a difficult time in the economy with inflation hanging over our heads. Typically, real estate does well in times of inflation, though one concern, of course, is interest rates. Usually, the federal government will raise interest rates to tamper down inflation, so it’s kind of a catch-22. Another thing is the luxury market is the strongest it's ever been, presumably because people are searching for safe places to put their money and traditionally real estate is one of the safest. Especially if you’re spending more time in your home, what better place is there to have part of your savings than in your personal residence?

9152 Janice Pl, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

HR: What do you see happening in the future for your market?

JR: Most people would say that there has to be hills and valleys and since we’ve been on a 10-year up-trend there could be cloudy skies ahead, but I just don't see any indication of that in the marketplace. People are generally optimistic right now, though it has been harder for developers to find projects because the prices are high. We are in a seller’s market, so it’s hard for them to find projects where they can see a profit at the end. That certainly is problematic, though ultimately that means less supply, and less supply means rising prices, so right now most people are thinking that 2022 is going to be a favorable year for real estate—especially for luxury real estate.

Joyce Rey is the exclusive agent representing the Beverly Hills, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here. For more information, please contact Joyce Rey at 310-291-6646 or joyce@joycerey.com.

The post Beverly Hills’ Top Realtor Joyce Rey Thinks 2022 Will Be A Favorable Year For Luxury Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Mother-daughter team Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto recently sold their luxury listing at the Four Seasons in Surfside, Florida. Unit 511S was put on the market at $24M and sold for $23,000,000 making it the highest resale sold price of the building ever. Not only that but with a price of $4,927/sqft, this unit is also the highest price per square foot ever in Miami-Dade county.

The Four Seasons at the Surf Club has a sparkling reputation and many stars have graced its hallways over the years including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill. Located along a 9-acre stretch of beachfront in the district of Surfside, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club exudes effortless elegance and timeless values. Designed by Pritzker prize-winning Richard Meier, the Four Seasons is an exclusive beach sanctuary

Unit 511S is a one-of-a-kind, turn-key, oceanfront corner residence in the Four Seasons at The Surf Club. Classic & contemporary, this condo was designed by Brazilian architect Carolina Proto and features custom millwork, gourmet Boffi kitchen, SubZero & Miele appliances, Italian travertine floors, Ornare closet cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling windows, a 1,300 sqft terrace, private foyer & more.

For more information, please contact Roberta or Giovanna Ingletto at 305.778.7343 or roberta@rgirealty.com / gio@rgirealty.com.

Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto are the exclusive agents representing the Pinecrest / South Miami, FL real estate market as members of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo credits: RGI Realty

The post Roberta and Giovanna Ingletto of RGI Realty Make Record-Breaking Sale At Four Seasons Residences in Surfside appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Saddle River Living: No paparazzi and no pretense… 

The bucolic borough of Saddle River, New Jersey is home to actors, athletes, entertainment moguls, internationally recognized CEOs, musicians, Entrepreneurs, a past US president, and all who appreciate the privacy and beauty of small-town living. Saddle River residents prioritize privacy and beauty, and that hasn’t changed since my family fell in love with its charm and moved here four decades ago.

A little something about the area…

Let’s talk about proximity to Manhattan! We are between 15 and 18 miles to the George Washington Bridge. Without traffic, I have been in my theater seat within 30 minutes. To live this lifestyle and have New York City a stone’s throw away is the cherry on top of a fabulous sundae at Serendipity 3.

The schools are excellent…

The Wandell Elementary School is located near the center of town and is equivalent to attending a private school. State-of-the-art computer labs and a wonderful teaching staff make this level of education sought after by so many. Eric S. Smith Middle School is located a short bus ride away in Ramsey and is considered one of the best middle schools in our area. There are two high schools, both with transportation available, one in Ramsey (Ramsey High School) and the other in Allendale (Northern Highlands) which is regionalized with four towns. The Saddle River Day School, located in Saddle River is an excellent private school.

Our restaurants…

I am a big fan of the renowned, Michelin Starred Saddle River Inn, located near the center of town. It is rustic, charming, and just plain yummy. We also are home to its more casual sister restaurant, The Saddle River Cafe. Within a 20-minute radius to the center of town, options range from the refined and elegant Esty Street, Varka, and the landmark Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, to several wonderful casual dining options.
During the past two years of the pandemic, local restaurants have been offering delivery, curbside pickup, and very creative (and warm!) outdoor spaces. So many of us have established long-term relationships with the owners and their families as we support each other through this time. That is one of the perks of living in a small-town environment. We are all in this together!

Horses, Hiking, Skiing, and More! 

For those buyers with an equestrian interest, Saddle River offers wonderful estates which can accommodate stable areas, turnouts, and riding areas. There are also farms that offer boarding and riding lessons.

For the active outdoors person, Saddle River is 15 minutes from fantastic recreational areas. The Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a 4,200 acres state forest in Bergen and Passaic Counties. That should keep you busy hiking, hunting, canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Perfect your skiing and snowboarding skills at Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, just a short ride away! How amazing is that?

Saddle River Stats…

We are about one mile wide and three miles long. The picturesque Saddle River runs North to South through town. There are several mountain ridges and streams, brooks, ponds, and rolling lawns.

The zoning is a minimum of two acres. There are also smaller lots that were sub-divided prior to the

two-acre zoning law.

The beauty of Saddle River is in the diversity of the architecture. From a small cottage (between $1,000,000 - $2,000,000) to a major gated estate (between $5,000,000- $20,000,000) and every price range in between, there is any style one could want – Hampton’s style, brick manors, stone chateaus, contemporary farmhouses, and traditional ranches and colonials.

Since the pandemic began...

We have experienced an uptake in buyers wanting more acreage and larger homes due to extended families returning to the suburbs. Some of our most common requests are more space to work from home, pools (indoor or outdoor), space for a home gym, theater area, and wine cellars/tasting areas for enjoying a little more wining and dining at home.

One of Saddle River’s biggest assets is that the town is very well run and our taxes are among the lowest in Bergen County. So, we have a combination of larger acreage, low taxes, great schools, and beautiful real estate offering the best value in the tri-state with close proximity to New York City. The Best of All Worlds!

Our current inventory of available properties offers prices varying between $1,300,000 - $18,000,000. There is truly something for everyone. This wonderful town just may hold the key to your dream home!

The post From Cottages To Chateaus… Saddle River Has It All! appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands is called the “Big Island” as it is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It’s the least developed, adding to its natural beauty, which is a draw for all visitors and buyers looking to invest in the Caribbean. The terrain varies between flat and hilly, with the highest peak, Mt. Eagle, at 1,088 feet above sea level.

St. Croix has become the hottest, new destination in the Caribbean and continues to attract people from all over the world. The unspoiled land of St. Croix includes rainforests, world-class dive spots, untouched and unmarked beach coves, and historical artifacts and architecture dating back to the 1700s. St. Croix has truly a vibe like no other, with a vibrant and rich culture, two historic towns oozing with charm, an incredible art and epicurean scene, and boutique hotels. Known as the countryside of the Caribbean due to its open pastures and farmland, most of St. Croix has stayed true to its roots giving visitors and Crucians an authentic Caribbean experience.

Photo Credit: Blake Floyd Gardner Photography https://www.blakefloydgardner.com/

Our luxury real estate market includes everything from impeccably maintained historic estates, modern seaside villas, elegant condos in a gated seaside complex to knoll top estates with a backdrop of the Caribbean sea in every direction. Compared to our sister islands, St. Thomas and St. John, there is more value on St. Croix in the luxury real estate market. A comparable home of quality and size on the other islands is much higher priced than a similar property here on St. Croix— we are the largest of the Virgin Islands so that makes it easier for us to live here and get around well since we are less congested.

When considering a permanent move or a vacation home to escape the cold northern winters, St. Croix is the ideal Caribbean island to call home!

Amy Land-de Wilde is the exclusive agent representing the St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here. For more information, please contact Amy Land-de Wilde at (340)-690-1213 or amydewilde@coldwellbankervi.com

The post Island Expert Amy Land-de Wilde Gives All Of The Reasons YOU Should Buy Real Estate In St. Croix appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

About a month into 2022, Haute Residence experts from across the country give their opinions on where they see the market heading this year. 

What are your predictions for the real estate market in 2022?

Catherine Burgess, Boulder, CO - The national migration will continue to slow, but Colorado Front Range demand for housing will remain high, as more businesses and individuals relocate here. Expect slim inventory, similar to or possibly slimmer than we've had for the past handful of years.

Amy Land-de Wilde, St. Croix - We ended 2021 hitting record sales. Our sales volume is the highest it has ever been, even compared to the 2006 boom, which was our highest year until 2021. Heading into 2022, we anticipate buyer activity staying steady.

With very low inventory, we don’t anticipate our sales volume to be as high as 2021. Many property owners on St. Croix are holding on to their properties in America’s paradise, specifically homes and condos, for several reasons. Vacation rentals are at an all-time high yielding higher returns than previously. Baby boomers are “retiring” and making the full-time move to St. Croix and working remotely. Since so many have the ability to work from anywhere, why not work in the beautiful US Virgin Islands? This mentality is encouraging owners to spend more time on St. Croix and hold on to their St. Croix, USVI real estate assets. The pandemic has encouraged buyers to escape the congested city life for locations like St. Croix where living outdoors and having space to roam makes living easy and enjoyable, and we anticipate this to continue into 2022. We are still seeing a lot of 1031 exchange buyers looking to put their dollars into St. Croix rather than other sunny locations like Florida, St. Thomas, or St. John because their dollar goes further here. Also, many investors are just realizing that 1031 exchanges extend beyond the 50 states, into the US territories, like St. Croix.

We look forward to welcoming buyers to St. Croix to experience our culture, community, and laid-back lifestyle!

Hilary Farnum-Fasth, Scenic 30A, FL - 2022 will be another year of low inventory and high demand as buyers want to continue to take advantage of low-interest rates.

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA - My predictions are that interest rates will remain the same and the market will remain On Fire!

Debbi DiMaggio, Berkley, CA - The Piedmont, Oakland, Berkeley, East Bay market has incredibly low to no inventory at this time. Buyers are waiting in the wings for new inventory to hit the market. We even ratified a home in Piedmont on Christmas morning for $4,000,000; we didn't even have time to paint or stage. I anticipate multiple offers on homes properly prepared for market in all price ranges will continue to be the norm in 2022. It's all about supply and demand, and our supply is always fairly limited. Happy New Year from the DiMaggio & Betta Group.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Lisa Culp Taylor, Tennessee - In 2022, my prediction for the Nashville area is more of the same as long as interest rates aren’t raised substantially. I really feel the first half of 2022 will be similar to 2021. We are extremely low on inventory and demand is still huge. In the first week of January, in the middle of a huge snowstorm, we had people come in person to view a multi-million dollar listing, which just hit the market. The gorgeous home ended up earning a contract over the asking price. Now, more than ever, you need an experienced Realtor to help navigate this type of real estate market.

Elisa Linton, Kingwood, TX - I see the Real Estate market still holding strong. Interest rates have started rising just a bit so both buyers and sellers will need to react smartly and swiftly in order to be on the favorable side of the transaction. It still makes dollars and sense to invest in real estate.

Debbie Wysocki, Deerfield Beach, FL - Based on where we were 18 months ago and where we finished up 2021 and taking into consideration the “Top 100 Economists” predictions for the real estate market, I believe Southeast Florida - and the East Broward County waterfront, Oceanfront, and beach community properties market will continue to be a Seller's market in both Traditional and entry-level Luxury ($1 to 4 million) homes. Mid-Level and Ultra Level Luxury in these same communities will also remain strong and buyers should be able to negotiate as much as a 5 - 7 percent discount off List Price.

Why is the market continuing to remain so strong? We are seeing significant migration for tax, weather, pro-business, and lifestyle reasons. My prediction is Waterfront, Oceanfront, and beach area homes will continue to appreciate at a moderate rate somewhere between 6-8 percent over the next 12 to 18 months. Obviously, our buyers/investors are typically cash, but interest rates will remain at historically low levels even with their slight increases. I always encourage my clients to refinance after closing and use OPM (other peoples’ money) for additional investments.

We serve a variety of clients - those looking for a second - third and even fourth home; those families (including sports professionals) looking to relocate for their job, and investors looking for a strong return on the Luxury Vacation Rental Market - for which we are well known.

Please let us know if you would like to know how I arrived at these predictions - I am numbers-driven as my background is almost 11 years as a Beverly Hills Financial Analyst.

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA - January is off to a blazing start! With low inventory and Covid still pinning many people down, I see a strong year for 2022. Home has a different value and space has become prevalent. Also, the threat of increased interest rates has pushed the fence-sitters into purchase mode.

Heidi Bintz, Vail Valley, CO- As we move into 2022, I expect the real estate market to remain at a steady pace. We may see a decrease in total sales volume over 2020 and 2021, but that would only be due to a smaller pool of available inventory. As a result, buyers will need to continue to move quickly when embarking on their home search all the way through the purchase process.

The state of Colorado takes great care in protecting its public lands, and as a result, there is a limited amount of space in which homes can be built. In the Vail Valley (in Eagle County) specifically, located two hours west of Denver, just under 20% of the land is designated for private use and so the demand for homes can be quite limited by the available inventory. Colorado resort towns remain very desirable for the lifestyle that they can provide and so a purchase in the mountains is a great long-term investment in real estate. Come take a look!

The post Haute Residence Experts Share Their Predictions For The Real Estate Market In 2022 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

According to records, the Construction financing for the downtown Miami project was provided by a Starwood Property Trust affiliate by way of a partnership between Property Markets Group and E11EVEN Partners.

Miami Block 17 LLC, led by E11EVEN Partners' Simkins, sold the 9,125 square-foot stretch of land at 1025 North Miami Avenue to 11th Street Trustee LLC, led by PMG's Ryan Shear. The land sold was previously owned by Simkins and Roberts.  According to property records, Miami NE 11th LLC also sold the property at 20 and 30 NE 11th Street to the PMG affiliate for over $5 million.

The newly-acquired loan will serve to finance construction for all three properties. While E11EVEN Hotel & Residences launched sales quietly at the beginning of 2021, developers claimed they quickly sold out. Sales for tower 2 were launched quickly thereafter. Tower 2, also known as E11EVEN Residences Beyond, will connect to the first tower via a sky bridge and at ground level.

The 65-story towers are set to develop just south of 24-hour nightclub E11EVEN Miami, in the Park West neighborhood of downtown Miami. The development will be designed by Sieger Suarez Architects and units will all be finished and furnished.

The first tower, where amenities for the. entire project will be included, will offer a casino-style sports launch, a rooftop, a spa and wellness center courtesy of Dr. Deepak Chopra, and a slew of chef-driven restaurants. The first tower is expected to be completed in 2023.

Developers broke ground on phase one, a 375-unit hotel and condo tower, in November 2021. WNBA player Candace Parker, ESPN co-host Sage Steele and MMA fighter Luke Rockhold are all buyers there.

The Portland Trail Blazers' Just Nurkic is buying units in both buildings. Youtubers and fighters Jake and Logan Paul are expected to buy penthouses in the second phase. Remaining units at E11EVEN Residences Beyond start in the mid-$300,000s, with sizes beginning at 318 share-feet for studios. Cryptocurrency is accepted as form of payment by the developers.

The post Marc Roberts Lands $149M Construction Loan For His E11EVEN Hotel & Residences appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Just because most people prefer to shop for homes during nice weather doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a house in the winter. For many shoppers, buying in the winter might even be a better idea than buying in the summer. Here’s why:

1. You Might Get a Better Deal:

Most sellers are more motivated to offload a home on the market during the winter months when home sales traditionally slow down. So you’ll be able to talk the seller down more than you would in May or June when sellers can usually command higher prices for their real estate.

2. You’re Less Likely to Be Outbid:

You might have fewer homes to choose from in the winter, but you’ll be more likely to have an offer accepted when there’s less competition from other buyers.

3. You’ll Know What to Expect from a Home in Bad Weather:

When you shop for homes in the winter, you’ll get to see how drafty the windows are or how cold the bedrooms get. You’ll have the chance to inspect the roof for ice dams and check the walk and driveway for icy spots. How well does the city clear the roads leading to your prospective home? Driving there in the winter will tell you.

4. You Could Close Faster:

Because the real estate market picks up so much in the spring and summer, mortgage brokers tend to get behind on their work. It can be a real bummer to have to wait for closing just because your mortgage broker is slammed, but you could end up closing a lot faster if you buy in the winter.

5. It’ll Be Easier to Hire Movers:

While it’s true that ice and snow can make moving even more miserable than it might otherwise be, having your pick of moving companies can make up for that. It’ll be much easier to book movers in the winter, and you might just be able to negotiate a better deal, too, because they aren’t booked solid.

Buying a home during the winter might sound like a bad idea on the surface, but it can actually be a great way to get a better deal on your dream house.*

The post Toni Jennings Gives Her Top 5 Reasons Why Winter is the BEST Time to Buy a Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

In this book, Daniel breaks down what affluent home sellers do differently. He reveals their strategies, secrets, tips, and much more to help you sell your home.

"You can get a copy of this book absolutely free," he says. "Why am I giving it away for free? Because I know the strategies revealed in my book have the potential to make you enough extra money to send your kid to college, buy a new car, or do a nice remodel on your next home. Affluent sellers do what it takes to get top dollar for their homes. Most other sellers don’t seem to take selling as seriously (I have no clue why) and normally don’t do what is necessary to get top dollar. If you use the right home-selling strategies, you can make at least $10-30K more selling a $200,000 home."

This book will cover multiple topics including:

• Selling Strategies
• Marketing Approaches
• Pricing Tips
• Negotiation Mistakes
• and much more!

For more information and to grab your free copy, click the link here.

The post Top Real Estate Agent Daniel L. Maya Releases Brand New Book “The Ultimate Guide to Selling your Home” appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Welcome (back) to Beaver Creek!

As we get into 2022, winter in @beavercreek is in full swing! I put together a guide of some of my favorite events happening this season!

Winter Culinary Weekend - enjoy fantastic food & drinks with celebrity chefs on and off the mountain!

Thursday Night Lights - Join the glow stick ski down Beaver Creek followed by an amazing fireworks show!

Family Fun Fest - Every Saturday bring the kids to play games & enjoy fun prizes around Beaver Creek village!

Snowshoe Race Series - Head up Beaver Creek through a gorgeous new racecourse and join the after-party at the finish line!

Talons Challenge - Can you ski 14 black & double black Diamond runs totaling 22,226 vertical feet in one day? Yes, you can!

Swing by my @livsothebysrealtyoffice in Beaver Creek village to say hello! I’d love to join you for some winter fun!

Find a full calendar of events here. See you out there!

The post Heidi Bintz’s Complete Event Guide to Beaver Creek, Colorado in Winter 2022 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

We are thrilled to announce our recent merger and next chapter. After 12 years as Highland Partners (our boutique firm we launched during the mortgage meltdown of 2008/09) is now Corcoran Global Living (as of September 2021). What’s interesting is that CGL launched during COVID in early 2020 yet has grown to over 70+ offices in Northern and Southern California, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierras, Nevada, and Ohio. Highland Partners and Corcoran Global Living, both born during difficult times — are in good company — Netflix, Trader Joe’s, Microsoft, Sports Illustrated, MTV, General Electric, and Warby Parker all started during a recession.

We are also excited to introduce our newest addition to the DiMaggio & Betta Group, our son, Chase DiMaggio Betta. This new year is the beginning of another new chapter.

In 2015, which seemed as if it were just the other day, we hosted a seminar for homeowners who resided in their home for 20 years or longer, it was called, Demystifying the Downsizing Process.

Flash forward to today, 2022, —we are in the process of selling the home of one of our attendees. Our client even kept the memo pad we handed out with the book we wrote, The Art of Real Estate.

The memo pad was one of the many things uncovered as she purged and packed for her relocation and next, new chapter. Have you been contemplating a move for 1, 2, 3, or more years, but are overwhelmed by what next steps to take?

Here are 6 questions to determine if you are ready or almost ready to make a move, —-downsize your home or live somewhere you’ve always dreamed.

1. Have you resided in your home for over 20, 30, 40, or 50 years?

2. Do you live in your home alone; and/or, is your home too large for your current needs?

3. Has COVID changed your outlook and where you want to live?

4. Are you overwhelmed with the thought of making a move?

5. Are you interested in accessing the cash in your home?

6. Do you have questions about the process?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above then allow us to guide, counsel, and discuss the possibilities, and lay out your options.

Simply book a complimentary consultation to get started. Our goal is to educate, guide, be a resource, connect and refer you to those who can help make this next chapter, seamless. Allow us to do what we do best which is to facilitate the process with ease, experience, and extensive knowledge. Should we not specialize in your city please allow us to make a referral to one of our trusted and knowledgeable Realtor partners. We are locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally connected.

Debbi DiMaggio, Adam Betta & Chase DiMaggio Betta

510.414.6777 Debbi | 510.414.1250 | Adam

debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranGL.com adam.Betta@CorcoranGL.com chase.Betta@CorcoranGL.com

DiMaggioBettaGroup.co

Member/Awards: Luxury Real Estate, Haute Residence, GiveBack Homes, Forbes Five Star Realtors, Top 100 Agents & Five Star Professionals

The post As One Door Closes Another Opens appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Stefano was born and raised in Miami, FL, and is the Vice President of his family’s Design-Build company, Balli Group. He is responsible for Development Opportunities, Construction Management, and Sales. He earned dual Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees from Florida International University, specializing in Finance and Real Estate. He also holds a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license.

Stefano shares his father’s passion for real estate development and values the importance of the process. His strong appreciation and knowledge of Architecture and Construction allow him to bring unparalleled expertise to his clients. Stefano specializes in luxury single-family residences.

Recently, he shared his expert opinions with Haute Residence regarding his specific market, what has led to his success, and what he sees for the future.

Haute Residence: What were the effects of COVID in the housing market?

Stefano Balli: Over the past two years, we’ve seen a strong migration to Florida. Now, one can say it is primarily from COVID-19, but this migration has always been in place. South Florida, specifically Miami, has always been a vacation or winter trip for thousands of Americans. COVID-19 expedited and amplified it due to certain health and living conditions in other states. Specific areas I’ve seen the most demand in are in the Southern Gables Gated Comminutes such as Gables Estates, Snapper Creek Lakes, and Hammock Lakes. This is primarily due to the average size of the property, privacy, proximity to great schools and local restaurants.

HR: Why should someone buy in your market?

SB: The quality of life is very high, there are a number of great schools, parks, shops, restaurants, marinas, and parks to support a local lifestyle all while only a 20-minute car ride to Downtown Miami, Brickell, and the sorts.

HR: What sets you apart from other realtors?

SB: Working in the Construction/Development industry for the past 10 years and having a background in Architecture/Design has allowed me to advise and guide my clients on the right purchase. There are several variables when purchasing a home or property that can be costly if not vetted correctly.

HR: What do you see for the future of your market this coming year?

SB: I’m optimistic about what the next couple of years have in store, specifically for the luxury markets in South Florida. Miami is a young city comparatively speaking with much more room to grow, both vertically and horizontally. With limited supply for the foreseeable future and demand continuing through the end of 2021, I believe there’s more room to run.

Stefano Balli is the exclusive agent representing the Ponce-Davis, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Stefano Balli Of The Balli Group On The Housing Migration To Florida And What To Expect In 2022 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

It’s a wrap!

It’s official: 2021 is over and in spite of its many challenges, it was a terrific year for Beverly Hills real estate.

As anticipated, supply and demand continued to heat the market, and low inventory inspired buyers to move quickly and decisively. Sellers and buyers of estate properties—and their agents—found ways to work around social distancing issues and transactions were brisk and efficient.

As the year progressed with its tremendous activity, the Joyce Rey team demonstrated once again that knowledge, integrity, and flexibility are key. A record-breaking career of more than four decades has confirmed that philosophy—and we’ve made it part of our daily interaction with clients and with each other.

When it comes to record-breaking, my 2019 sale of the Chartwell Estate in Bel Air held the honor in California until the Warner Estate was sold in 2020. This year, Malibu took the prize with the $177 million sale of a Paradise Cove oceanfront compound. It was California’s highest single-family home sale ever, if still behind New York’s 220 Central Park South penthouse purchase in 2019 at $238 million—a record I’d love to break! Interestingly, in each of these recent California record sales, the price has gone up even as the acreage has gone down.

The other record that was broken in 2021 is a personal one. In my long career, I have never before put two properties into escrow on New Year’s Eve, but this year I ended 2021 on that high note!

I think an auspicious close to one year signals an extraordinary start to the next and I predict an amazing 2022 for the Westside luxury marketplace.

I look forward to hearing from you and I wish you a wonderful New Year!

The post Joyce Rey’s Beverly Hills Market Update: 2021 Year-End Highlights appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence continued its "Chat with Haute Residence Leaders" series with a conversation featuring Tom Day of the Day Palazola Group, part of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty team. Day is the exclusive agent representing the Breckenridge, Colorado real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network.

Tom Day was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Day’s foray into the real estate market, his diverse set of skills and hobbies outside of work, life in Colorado, and his eventual ascendency in the Breckenridge luxury mountain real estate market.

Tom Day is the co-founder and current member of the Day Palazola Group, a realty team that since 2020 has become the #1 realty team at LIV Sotheby’s in Breckenridge while also being one of the foremost realty teams in the county. Day has over 30 years of experience in realty with the last two years spelling an exciting new chapter. In this time, Day’s emergent team managed to broker over 80M in real estate sales its first year in addition to recently closing on the highest value property ever sold in Breckenridge, an impressive $17,000,000. Outside of realty, Day is a man of many talents: he is well versed in carpentry, regularly instructs skiers, plays guitar, and has competed in numerous snow sculpting competitions, proving above all else Day’s can-do attitude. It is this attitude that has quickly propelled Day’s team to the upper echelon of Colorado realty, an approach that is bolstered by Day’s extensive realty experience, business integrity, and outright dedication to clients, qualities that have cemented Day as an invaluable leader in the Breckenridge realty market.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Day.

Seth Semilof: You moved to Breckenridge and became a ski instructor and then found your love for real estate. Tell us how that transpired. 

Tom Day: Well I loved skiing and teaching skiing and during the summer I was working as a contractor building houses. I was watching these realtors make all of the money and I thought to myself, “I think I could do that”. I actually was not planning to be a realtor when I got my license, but I ended up helping a local managing broker move into his house and he said, “You’d be great in real estate; come talk to me some time”. That was about 33 years ago.

Seth Semilof: Once you got into real estate, how did you start building your business?

Tom Day: I started out with the company Moore and Co. and went fully into it, but the first couple of years were definitely a struggle. I was doing part-time carpentry work, teaching skiing, and selling houses, then things finally took off. It’s been a dream I’ve got to admit.

Seth Semilof: You recently sold a property for $17,000,000. What does $17,000,000 buy you in Breckenridge?

Tom Day: It was a seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom new construction with very clean architecture inside and out, what we call “mountain modern”. It has an outdoor, in-ground hot tub for up to 12 people, amazing outdoor living areas, a four-car garage, and it's right off the ski run on Peak 8, so it’s as good of a ski in ski out property as anywhere in the state.

Seth Semilof: You had said it took you a couple of years in real estate to start seeing success. Having gone through that process, what is some advice you would give to others?

Tom Day: First of all, I’m not special. Anybody can do this. The biggest thing is that you focus on being happy. I see some people in the business that are negative all the time. More than anything, don’t get discouraged because things could turn around tomorrow. Feel good and think about good things. I meditate and focus on my breathing for 20 minutes every morning and that’s something I would recommend for everyone.

For more information, please contact Tom Day at (970)-390-1801 or tom@tomdayrealestate.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 17: Tom Day of the Day Palazola Group appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Recently, Tatiana Zarubina represented the buyer of a 3-floor penthouse apartment at Asia in Brickell Key.

The Tri-level Dream PENTHOUSE at Asia, the Islands Premier Luxury Building, has over 7,300 SQFT of interior 5,359 / exterior 1,946 - per attachment living space w/ 12 high ceilings, a Gourmet Kitchen, European Oak Wood Floors, a Secluded Top Floor Master Suite, 4 Parking Spaces, a Private Fingerprint Elevator to the unit & an Interior Elevator. A HOME IN THE SKY features a 270 degree breathtaking Bay, Brickell, DWTN & Ocean views from Seven Terraces, one which features a Private Rooftop Pool & Wet Bar. The penthouse is on an exclusive Island Oasis w/ parks, the 5 Star Mandarin Oriental, Restaurants, & steps away from Miamis Brickell/Downtown Financial & Entertainment District.

Tatiana Zarubina worked closely with top agent and broker Daniel Tzinker at Tzinker International Realty, but by the closing of the deal, they had both moved to The Agency. The Agency is a full-service, luxury real estate brokerage and lifestyle company representing clients in a spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, resort real estate, residential leasing, and luxury vacation rentals.

Tzinker comments on the record-breaking sale, “Originally the seller was asking $11,000,000, then dropped to $9,450,000. Our outstanding agent Tatiana Zarubina was able to negotiate the deal down to $7,760,000 for her very happy buyer. While the word on the street is ‘there is no inventory ‘ we are making the deal done call us 7862349898 and we help you with a smooth buying process.”

For more information on Daniel Tzinker, visit his profile here.

The post Luxury Realtor Daniel Tzinker’s Colleague Tatiana Zarubina (Formerly Of Tzinker International Realty) Brokers Record-Breaking Deal in Brickell Key appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The post Philip Weiser, CEO of Luxury French Real Estate Agency Carlton International, Forecasts the Real Estate Market In 2022 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Logan Paul, Marc Roberts, Jake Paul, Julia Rose

Photo Credit: Seth Browarnik/Worldredeye.com

After a viral knockout win last weekend, YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, got an exclusive sneak peek of the hottest real estate project in Miami at the E11EVEN Hotel & Residences sales gallery with his brother, Logan Paul. The duo experienced an immersive, never-before-seen augmented reality virtual tour of the extravagant building through revolutionary, real estate technology by Yupix.

Sunday night Jake celebrated his win against Tyrone Woodley in Tampa at E11EVEN nightclub with his brother, girlfriend Julia Rose and an entourage of 20. According to a source, the group arrived around 1:45 a.m. and partied till around 4:30a.m. They were seated on the main dance floor in a big section, allowing for a memorable evening.

As Jake was walking into the E11EVEN Hotel and Residences sales gallery, he was asked if he were to fight Canello at E11EVEN, 'who would win?' He said “I would win–I’m a wrestler too… It’ll be a unique nightlife experience.”

Julia Rose, Jake Paul, Marc Roberts, Logan Paul, Pamela Ann Stepnick

Photo Credit: Seth Browarnik/Worldredeye.com

"It is a testimonial to how strong the E11EVEN brand is, that the top influencers, athletes, icons of business, crypto geniuses and all demographics are buying at E11EVEN Hotels & Residences as well as E11EVEN Beyond," says Marc Roberts. "The two 65-story towers will become world-famous destinations. We are extremely happy Jake and Logan Paul love the E11EVEN brand."

Rising 65 stories, E11EVEN Residences Beyond will offer 461 luxury residences starting in the mid $300,000, or the equivalent cryptocurrency rate, and ranging from 318-square-foot studios to 993-square-foot two-bedrooms, as well as a presidential collection ranging from 1,167 to 2,762 square feet and penthouses starting at 2,213 square feet. E11EVEN Residences Beyond is a partnership between Property Markets Group and E11even Partners, Michael Simkins, Dennis DeGori and Marc Roberts.

The post Jake Paul Celebrates Latest KO With Preview Of E11EVEN Hotel & Residences Courtesy Of Visionary Co-owner Marc Roberts appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The number one rule is to allow your home to shine online and here’s how to do that. 

In order to capture the highest and best offer and maximize return, on most likely your biggest asset, a homeowner should consider doing the following: 

1. Paint. Painting both interior and exterior to create a fresh, clean slate.  
2. Update Light Fixtures. I like to say, lighting is jewelry to the home.  Light fixtures make a big impact with very little investment. 
3. Staging. Staging allows the buyer to see the home rather than look at the furniture. It is very difficult for a home buyer, even a Realtor, to imagine what a home could be if it is currently occupied by a seller as a buyer tends to dwell on “their” things rather than home. 
4. Landscaping. You get one chance to make a good impression and the first thing a buyer will see is the front of the home. 

1. Window Washing & Detailed Interior Cleaning. I always tell my clients after they purchase a home to remember to have their windows cleaned inside and out, yearly. It makes such a difference.

Beyond the shortlist, and depending on condition here are 5 additional improvements that can be made. 

• Kitchen Refresh: Paint kitchen cabinets, replace countertops, and replace knobs & pulls. 
• Bathroom Refresh: Paint bathroom cabinets, replace the mirror, update lighting and replace knobs & pulls. 
• Flooring: Replace carpet
• Refinish hardwood floors 
• Replace sewer lateral  

Allow the home to be presented in its best light.

Prior to any work being done, we like to gauge the condition of the home thereby generating the following reports. Depending on the market you are buying or selling a home varies as to whether the Buyer or the Seller will assume responsibility for any of the reports provided by a Seller. In the Bay Area market, for the most part, these reports and inspections and any work to be done on the home being sold will be passed onto the Buyer. In order to compete in a multiple offer situation, a Buyer has to put his/her best foot forward and that will include a very clean offer without any contingencies.

• Pest Inspection 
• Home Inspection 
• Sewer Lateral 
• Roof 
• Fireplace/Chimney 
• Foundation Inspection (as recommended by the Home Inspector) and any others the home warrants further investigation

and depending on current market conditions a home is located and whether it is a Buyer or Seller's market — the work to be done as is outlined in each report will either be passed onto the Buyer — as is the case in our area, however, if you are selling in a Buyers market - a credit towards repairs may be likely. 

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of properly preparing a home for market in order to gain the maximum return on investment. 

Today, Buyers begin their search online. If a home fails to sparkle online there is a good chance many Buyers will not contact their agent to preview the home nor attend any of the public open house opportunities. Depending on what a Buyer sees online, a decision will be made in seconds whether to preview or skip it. Buyers are busy at work, travel, and play— we live in busy times. If a home misses out on being seen by potential Buyers an opportunity is missed. In order for a home to sell over the asking price that entails multiple bidders. 

In conclusion, don’t short-change yourself or cut corners and leave money on the table; allow your home to shine online and make it readily and easily available for homebuyers to preview.  Should you seek further advice and information please do not hesitate to contact us. 

The post Debbi DiMaggio Gives The Top 5 Home Improvements A Homeowner Should Invest In Prior To Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Many Millenials believe that they will never be able to afford to buy a home. Do you agree? What advice do you have for Millenials and Gen Z homebuyers? 

Silvina Andrews - In the Bahamas, the real estate market is booming. Private sellers and developers are moving their inventory like never before. The Bahamas is beautifully positioned as a close neighbor to the east coast of the US and also has many direct flights to major cities all over the world. There are many incentives for residents choosing a permanent residence or second home in the Bahamas. I would advise prospective buyers to move quickly as inventory is barely keeping up with the demand.

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, - The market in Costa Rica has never been hotter than it has been this year. In fact, our sales are nearly 4 times greater than the previous year. My advice to those looking to buy in Costa Rica is to get in touch with one of our award-winning agents today and provide them with your wish list. Do not wait for new listings to appear on the website, or it may be too late. With the list in hand, our agents will set alerts for new listings, and get in touch with you immediately with an overview of the property, and we can schedule a virtual visit for you from the comfort of your home. There has never been a better time to live your best life, in Costa Rica. 

Darlene Streit - It is a challenging time right now with low inventory, and with Millennials and Gen Z home buyers competing for the same smaller homes with new retirees who want to downsize. The demand is unprecedented, especially given that so many people are moving and also looking to buy. But the market is cyclical, and as we've seen with Covid, things can change unexpectedly. I would advise younger buyers to continue saving up their down payments and get pre-qualified so that they can move quickly when properties become available. With low mortgage rates, homeownership is still an excellent way to build wealth and is less expensive than renting in many cases. Also, now that so many people are able to work from home, Millennials and Gen Z home buyers have the advantage of relocating to smaller cities and towns, where there may be more affordable options. The landscape is changing, and today's smaller locales may become the next hot, upcoming place to live.

Daniel L. Maya - Yes 100%. I would say find 2 or 3 subdivisions that you want to move to and find the sub-divisions that have the highest turnover rate which may give you the biggest bargaining power. I would also say look for homes that have been in the market for a long time and try to sell if priced too high. Then use this data to sell if your realtor can use this as a good negotiating point.

Tom Day, Day Palazola Group - I have been a realtor for over 32 years and I have heard this many times. The market always seems to change to make it possible for young people to buy a home. I have experienced interest rates over 15% and we are not even close to that. Young people were still able to buy homes then and eventually refinance. Cutting out the new buyer market in the real estate and building industries would have an incredibly negative effect on our economy. We as Americans always seem to rise to new heights and I am sure that will happen again.

Amy Land-de Wilde - It was not as frequently that we saw Millennials and Gen-Zers purchasing property in US Virgin Islands who come from the states. However, lately with the increase of employers transitioning to remote working positions and closing their brick and mortar operations, we have seen a huge uptick in younger buyers setting their sights on the US Virgin Islands, specifically on St. Croix where the dollar goes further than on other Caribbean islands. What was once a dream that many believed was only available to second-home buyers or buyers heading into retirement, has become a possibility for younger generations who still need to work. Additionally, many individuals in these two generations are dabbling in investing from stocks to real estate, specifically vacation-rental properties, and what better place than St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands!?

Combining their remote job positions with investing in vacation rentals in the US Virgin Islands, gives these Millennials and Gen-Zers the possibility to be nomadic while keeping a steady job with good income and making a profit or offsetting their expenses on a beautiful property in the Caribbean.

My advice, get started! Start looking, researching, and hiring a Realtor. It’s easier than you think to purchase a property and having a great Realtor is the key, especially if you are searching for a property out of state, or in our case, on an island! Since we are a US territory, we benefit from the low US interest rates and government programs such as VA and FHA on some properties, making the down payment little to none and making it easier and less costly to purchase.

Keep in mind that if you intend on purchasing a property as an investment you should budget for at least 25% down. Determine how you would like to finance your purchase and if you need to get a mortgage, then have your Realtor put you in contact with some local lenders. This should be one of the first steps along with hiring your Realtor so you know what steps you need to take beforehand to ensure you qualify and for how much so you can focus your search within your price bracket.

It starts with a dream, but it can be more than that! Give us a call!

Steve Nassar - No, I definitely don’t believe this to be true for Millennials or Gen Z, or for any other generations for that matter. I do understand the concern as they’ve seen home prices continue to rise throughout their lifetime – even more so with how rapidly they’ve increased in the last couple of years – but like with anything else, this is a constant ebb and flow. What goes up must come down again – and where that doesn’t take effect, there’s an all-too-often forgotten balance that comes from a comparable increase in salaries and income as they advance in their careers. For this reason and others, I see it as more of a fear of the unknown. My team and I sell hundreds of homes each year and help homebuyers (and sellers!) of all ages – there is truly no obstacle too great if one has the right level of determination.

My advice for our younger generations would be this: homebuying is no more out of reach for you than it has been for any generation that preceded you. Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” Work hard, save your money, set goals, and constantly work toward them. You’ll be living the dream of homeownership in due time.

Adam Betta, DiMaggio & Betta Group - The idea that the Millennial and GenZ demographic are being priced out of the housing market is a fallacy. It's the same idea that this demographic spends all their money at Starbucks. While housing prices have surged in the past few years that appreciation can be attributed to low inventory. One aspect to consider is the boomer demographic and the multiple residential properties they own. These homes will be a flood of inventory in the near future as they sell their primary residence, second and third homes, and investment properties. Millennial and GenZ potential homeowners need to consider how they can start to build wealth by buying real estate. There are low down-payment loans available, gift money from parents, and combining resources with other potential buyers. Like all buyers, they will need to consider size, price, and location. Maybe a smaller starter home or multi-unit building or a different location than where they currently reside. Find a qualified real estate agent who knows the market, be willing to make some improvements, and work your way up. Whether that means purchasing a small condominium or a small home, the goal is to just get into the market. 

Abigail Davis, Corcoran Reverie - 'Live who you are' is not restricted to any specific age group, and Millennials need to know! Being within this age group myself, it is beyond rewarding to assist these individuals in their home buying process. My best advice is to begin by speaking with Realtor® in your area. They will connect you with local lenders that can give you an idea of available loan options for you, what your budget/savings will need to look like, and prepare you for the process. Then, get pre-approved! Learn what homes you can fall in love with and get an idea of what you may want to put down on the home. Then re-evaluate your budget/savings, maybe this means less eating out so you can invest in your future but it is beyond worth it!

Elise Larrabure Girasole - Taking into consideration the cost of monthly rent and with interest rates still low the math makes sense to purchase a home.

We're definitely seeing this happening in NYC with the average monthly rental being around $5,000.00 and a shortage of rentals, Millenials have figured it out and are purchasing before inflation, and interest rates will most likely increase. So much nicer to establish roots and make your home your own "home sweet home".

Nick Salter, Salter Group - I think many people look at the price tags and make the assumption it's unattainable without exploring all of their options. In reality, housing is still very affordable for most Americans. This directly correlates with the drive in the increase of home prices. The National Association of Realtors affordability index takes three key metrics- home prices, mortgage rates, and wages- and boils them down into a single number. This number tells us if the "average joe" can afford a home. When this affordability number drops too low, it means the average American cannot afford to buy. That often forewarns a housing bust. Affordability has dipped from generational highs in the past few years. Forbes recently reported this number is still well above the 30-year average. Writing this as a millennial, I don't think it is going to be impossible for our age groups to afford to buy a home. If it is a goal of yours, get in touch with a professional who can assist with making a plan of action. Start saving and keep watch for changes in interest rates.

The post Haute Residence Experts Give Advice To The Next Generation Of Homeowners appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence member Paola Marulanda is a South Florida real estate expert, the founder, and CEO of Luxury Home Connect, and one of Miami’s top realtors. Using her expertise, passion for real estate, and commitment to outstanding service, she has successfully brokered transactions for a wide array of prominent clients and made record-breaking eight-figure sales. Recently, she talked with Haute Living about the effects of Covid, current market trends, and the secrets to her success.

Haute Residence: How has the market changed since Covid?

Paola Marulanda: In early 2018, new laws came into effect that eliminated the individual state income tax in Florida, making Miami an increasingly attractive home base for America’s wealthiest. Shortly after this migration of affluence ensued, Covid-19 forced every individual and every business to reevaluate their priorities for the long haul. Suddenly, the appreciation for home space — especially horizontal space, versus vertical space in homes and condos — surged at an incredible rate. Although at first condos were at a standstill while the single-family home market experienced a frenzy, the seemingly endless oversupply of condo inventory was absorbed by those drawn to the climate, taxes, and lifestyle South Florida has to offer. Furthermore, affordability compared to other major metropolitan areas and record-low interest rates opened the floodgates. Now, with headquarters and satellite offices opening all over, it makes sense for people of every level of wealth, education, and business to move here.

HR: What are the current trends in your market?

PM: The current trend in Miami is the quintessential example of a supply and demand imbalance. The combination of record-high demand and a finite supply of inventory created the perfect storm for a surge in prices, making it a very strong seller’s market. Miami-Dade County’s total home sales increased 142 percent year-over-year while existing condo sales increased 240 percent. Median prices on single-family homes rose 32 percent, from $380,000 to $500,000, and median prices for condos rose 26 percent year-over-year, from $262,250 to $330,000. The monthly supply of inventory for single-family homes has decreased 54 percent. In September 2021 alone, the total dollar volume for single-family homes in Miami was approximately $1.2 billion, compared with $975 million in September 2020. Active inventory in the same period has fallen to 2,957 homes in September 2021 from 4,039 in September 2020. Adding to the velocity of sales transactions is the expectation of a rising interest rate environment on the heels of a 6.2 percent CPI print, a measure of inflation. Heading into 2021, the Federal Reserve forecasted a CPI figure of 1.8 percent. Why does this matter? Now that inflation is not seemingly transitory, the market is anticipating higher rates. This translates to a potential 16 percent higher cost of borrowing over the life of the mortgage next year as compared to this year.

HR: How do you continue to offer optimal service in the current climate?

PM: It is crucial for buyers to work with a local expert who can match their desires with the reality of the market. This requires tapping into local contacts to obtain off-market properties and educating buyers about the myriad geographical boundaries that now extend into new and upcoming neighborhoods outside of the more popularly known ones, such as Miami Beach and Coral Gables. Now we can talk about areas like Surfside, Pinecrest, and South Miami, which were overlooked and undervalued before. On the seller’s side, the recipe for success was once network, reach, and marketing. Today’s market conditions call for a more extensive set of criteria in order to keep sellers safe from fraudulent buyers and scams. Taking deals from start to close and optimizing deal terms is of the utmost importance. Backed by the most renowned and leading agency in the luxury real estate world, Sotheby’s International Realty, I can ensure that the most extensive and appropriate set of tools is employed to gain maximum exposure, while my own company, Luxury Homes Connect, offers an additional layer of legal support and negotiation expertise.

HR: What are some past successes, and how do you plan to continue to be successful?

PM: My latest successes involve record-breaking eight-figure sales in multiple neighborhoods, such as South of Fifth, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, and Brickell. I am truly passionate about matching buyers with their dream home and sellers with their dream offer. I am currently closing on my own dream home, which serves as a testament to the strength and positive trajectory of the Miami real estate market!

Paola Marulanda is the exclusive agent representing the Key Biscayne/Miami Beach Islands real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. For more information, call 305-496-0359 or email paola@paolamarulanda.com.

The post First-Class Connections – Luxury Realtor Paola Marulanda Talks Real Estate and Her Secrets To Success appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

“My career in real estate began because I had a bad service experience with a realtor, so to this day I make sure to go above and beyond for my clients.”

Living - and loving - the Miami lifestyle with her family, Renata Galembeck Rohr has a passion for sharing the marvels of Miami with individuals, families, and businesses. Since 2007, Renata has been a licensed Realtor Associate working with clients from Fortune 500 and international firms in industries such as Food & Beverage, Retail, Legal, Real Estate, Chemical, and Manufacturing. She is currently selling luxury residential properties in South Florida as the Miami skyline constantly changes with its latest projects.

Recently, Renata talked with Haute Residence about her career, the effects of covid, and why Miami (and Florida in general) is the best market in the country.

How did you get your start in the business?

Prior to moving to Miami, I used to assist in orthopedic surgeries in California, but when I moved I knew that I didn't want to be in the surgery room all day, there is so much to do outdoors that I figured I would change professions. I had a bad experience with a Realtor, so I decided to get my Real Estate license, which I did within a couple of months, and I placed my license with Swire Realty, a sister company of Swire property, developers of Brickell Key and Brickell City Center.

I was a Realtor for Swire from 2007 until 2019, doing resale and pre-construction all over South Florida.  I took over my Landlord’s place and sold it in a few weeks, and haven’t stopped since!

Why did you choose to work under Douglas Elliman?

In 2019, Swire decided to close the Realty office. I literally interviewed with every company that does business in Miami and Douglas Elliman provided everything that I needed. They cover NY, California, Colorado, Texas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, they also have an international partner Knight Frank, and Florida offices from Palm Beach all the way to Miami. They keep me highly engaged by providing an amazing platform that encompasses the latest technology, marketing, and training. They checked all the boxes for me, I would say that they are the best in the business.

Should someone be their own broker or what advantages are there to working under a larger brokerage?

At the end of the day, everyone chooses their own path. For me, working under a reputable brokerage means that you fit their high standards and work ethics. The Real Estate Market is ever-evolving and a larger brokerage brings a level of competitiveness that would be hard to emulate by being your own broker.

What sets you apart from other real estate agents?

I always take into consideration the human perspective of the transaction. I put my clients first. I see that a lot of agents have become desensitized with the responsibilities that we have. To me it is all about building a long-lasting relationship, it takes a lot of trust and knowledge to be able to do that.

How have you seen Covid affect the market?

Covid brought a lot of Covid driven buyers to South Florida. The main reasons were the weather, lifestyle, and COVID policies compared to the states that buyers were relocating from. The inventory for single homes quickly disappeared, and the remaining condos quickly followed behind. Rental prices have risen significantly, making buying a property a lot more desirable to the ones that could afford it.

Markets are holding steady for the moment with the opening of our international borders and a flurry of international buyers, we have yet to see what is to be expected in the next few months for the South Florida Real Estate Market.

What advice do you have for those looking to go into the real estate market?

In my opinion, the best is to gauge which side of the market you fit in, if you are an investor or want to downsize you can definitely sell your property and reap the benefits. The same goes if you are moving from a state where properties are much more expensive than South Florida, then you should buy.

On the other hand, if you don't need to move and could wait and see, I believe that markets will stabilize in the long run bringing lots of new inventory for clients to choose from.

South Florida will always be a wonderful place to invest and live no matter where the Real estate market trends take us because we have a lot more to offer than just the property itself, we have amazing weather year-round, a desirable lifestyle for families and single people, and one of the best tax benefits in the country.

The post Renata Galembeck Rohr – Luxury Realtor Shares Her Insights appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Five Park Miami Beach

The most highly anticipated project coming to South Beach, the iconic Five Park, brings together a group of celebrated visionaries. This eclectic group is comprised of Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Raymond Fort, from world-renowned architecture and design firm, Arquitectonica, acclaimed interior design firm Gabellini Sheppard, award-winning authority on design, Anda Andrei, curator and Editor-in-Chief of CULTURED Magazine, Sarah Harrelson, famed French conceptual artist, Daniel Buren, and more. The team is creating a new gateway to Miami Beach that redefines the notion of Miami Beach luxury in the neighborhood. Five Park aims to transform the meaning of luxury living and elevate the Miami Beach lifestyle.

Arquitectonica's Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Raymond Fort are the pioneers behind the bold architectural design of the 48-story tower, and will be spearheading the task of establishing Five Park as a new landmark on Miami Beach. They have designed an impressive structure that intertwines function, beauty and sustainability. The form of the building was inspired by the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay, the lush environment of South Beach, and the vibrant culture of Miami.

"With Five Park, we're aiming to innovate in a way that has never been done before on Miami Beach," said Bernardo Fort-Brescia, co-founder of Arquitectonica. "The significant cylindrical shape of the luxury condominium tower provides abundant natural light, and unparalleled sweeping bay, ocean, and city views, making life in the clouds at this vantage point uniquely available at Five Park."

The interiors, designed by Kim Sheppard, FAIA, and Michael Gabellini, FAIA, from acclaimed New York firm, Gabellini Sheppard, are refined and luxurious. Incomparable elements include Gaggenau kitchen appliances, Italian oak kitchen cabinetry, stone countertops, lighting design by L'Observatoire, as well as an array of bespoke finishes across the units which will exceed the expectations of even the most discerning.

"Miami Beach has an incomparable, unique geographical location with the ocean and bay creating dual waterfronts. We drew upon that inspiration focusing on open floor plans, yielding unobstructed views, and alluring interiors which seamlessly blend the fluidity outdoors with the interior living spaces indoors," noted Kimberly Sheppard, FAIA, Design Partner at Gabellini Sheppard.

In addition to the inspired interior design by Gabellini Sheppard, the design aesthetic for the overall project is being guided by Anda Andrei, an award-winning authority on design, recognized for shaping the boutique and lifestyle hotel as we know it. Anda has designed Five Park in such a way that provides spaces for every mood and delight at every turn.

The future Five Park community will also have access to an impressive art collection throughout common spaces curated by the inimitable, Sarah Harrelson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of CULTURED Magazine. Harrelson has an encyclopedic knowledge of the arts and has collaborated with some of the best up-and-coming artistic talents of our time throughout her career.

"We have tapped some incredible artists from across the globe to inspire the residents and continue the thread of creativity and storytelling throughout the expansive property," added Harrelson. "These talents represent some of the best emerging and mid-career artists in everything from sculpture, to ceramics, to large-scale painting. For all of those who reside at Five Park, we are curating a collection of art, experiences and moments certain to spark happiness and fulfillment."

Revolutionizing the resident experience, global hospitality strategists, Craft House, will provide a vast and luxurious amenity package. Craft House is celebrated for its deep expertise in the hospitality industry, including creating and curating exclusive hotels, private member's clubs, restaurants, and destinations. They will design the day-to-day experience at Five Park to further elevate the distinctive Five Park lifestyle.

"With Five Park, we're aiming to craft a holistic, modern Miami Beach lifestyle. Living at Five Park, you will experience unrivaled amenities at your fingertips for every facet of your daily life," mentioned Yvette Jong of Craft House.

With the help of Craft House, Five Park will offer multiple floors of amenities, including Miami Beach's premier resident-only members club, the Canopy Club. Soaring above Miami Beach on the 26th floor, the Canopy Club will be adorned with jewel-box tone spaces including an elegant, private dining room, and intimate bar, and lounge with an array of seating. The Canopy Club will also include state-of-the-art wellness and fitness areas and a signature spa with treatment rooms, with access to sunrise and sunset views. A dedicated club level concierge will be onsite to personalize each experience, whether indoors or outdoors, on the breezy terrace.

In addition to the amenities on the 26th floor, there will also be two more levels of amenities, including adult and children's pools, a pool-side cafe and bar, co-working stations alongside private offices and business suites, a screening room, a children's play area and teen lounge, and much more. On-site amenities will be bolstered by off-site beach access, and home owners will benefit from a resident-only beach club with beach transportation via the dedicated beach Moke.

Adjacent to the tower and slated for an earlier completion is Canopy Park, a three-acre public park intelligently-designed by Laurinda Spear's ArquitectonicaGEO. The community park will be a prominent green space in South Beach and boast lush, sustainable landscaping, an outdoor gym, a dog park, a whimsical playground designed by world-renowned Danish firm, MONSTRUM, and a public art installation by Miami-based sculptor Mark Handforth. Just as Five Park is doing for residential developments, Canopy Park will elevate and set a new standard for what a park should contribute to a community.

"Five Park's 'back yard' will essentially be this gorgeous, open green space where you can walk your dog, exercise, picnic, take in the public art, or simply play with your kids," noted Laurinda Spear, FAIA, ASLA, LEED AP, founder of ArquitectonicaGEO.

The overall Five Park and Canopy Park development will achieve long-term, overarching connectivity goals for the city as a whole, eventually adding a pedestrian bridge called the Miami Beach Canopy Bridge, dubbed Walking Along, Under and on the Colors by artist Daniel Buren. Connecting the park and tower to South of Fifth and West Avenue neighborhoods, the bridge will also provide residents and all those who enjoy Miami Beach, with a continuous loop of access to the Bayfront and all the neighborhood offerings.

The 158-foot-long enclosed bridge will feature a patchwork of translucent, colored glass panels that will filter a kaleidoscope of colors across the walkway, mirroring the vibrance and excitement of Miami Beach. Daniel Buren is a famed, French conceptual artist known for his bold designs that use strong graphics and striking colors. He's responsible for the some of the most famous and recognizable public art installations around the world, including the 260 black and white pillars at the Palais Royal in Paris and the sails of colored glass at Fondation Louis Vuitton.

"The bridge is a striking connector, welcoming one to explore the best of Miami Beach retail, dining, and culture," said artist Daniel Buren.

For additional information on Five Park Miami Beach, please visit FivePark.com. Pre-construction sales have begun, with two to four-bedroom residences starting at $2.6M through Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

The post New Luxury Residential Development Five Park Redefines Miami Beach Living appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Where best to enjoy the magnificent views of the city than from one of the many rooftop restaurants.

Here are my Top 5 Restaurants with A View as Best Described by each of these Stylishly Elegant Venues

Experience Merois at the Pendry West Hollywood is perched atop a stunning hotel residence by Montage Hotels and Resorts located on Sunset Boulevard. Merois combines the city’s open-air allure, featuring striking downtown and Sunset Blvd views, with Chef Wolfgang Puck’s vision for the sophisticated subtleties of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French/

California cuisine. Highlight: I love the bold design, soothing colors, and fabulous patterns.

Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills located at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards with wrap-around views from Downtown LA to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This pinnacle social venue features panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood from 12 stories aloft. An impeccably styled garden setting, the Rooftop by JG is among the largest of its kind in Beverly Hills. This one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed. Enjoy memorable lunches and dinners in an exceptional venue. Highlight: The magnificent vistas of stunning Beverly Hills homes, lush gardens, sparkling swimming pools.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Openaire in Koreatown at the Line Hotel Native Angeleno, surfer and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serves a culinary vision built around.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA. Highlight: The lush and unique greenhouse and outdoor terrace.

Calabra Santa Monica at Proper Hotel as described by Forbes 2021 “Best Outdoor Hotel Restaurant Patios In Southern California” –The elevated outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, serves outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, serves Mediterranean and California cuisine, prepared in an inspiring surrounding with the ocean as the backdrop. Whether from the sundeck, circular bar, or indoor lounge, views are best enjoyed with boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Highlight: I never tire of the elegant interior design of each Proper Hotel and Calabra is no different.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Revelry with wines, seasonal cocktails, small-batch spirits, and a remarkable view. The h.wood Group presents Harriet's Rooftop, an elevated cocktail lounge boasting unparalleled panoramic views of Los Angeles. Designed by John Sofio of Built, Inc., the indoor/outdoor rooftop space features deep burgundy awnings, tasseled umbrellas, dark green and white striped furniture, string lights, and greenery framing sweeping views. Executive Chef Chris Crary, 2011 on Bravo’s Top Chef: Texas, where he made it into the top ten and was voted “Fan Favorite.” In 2012, Gayot.com named him one of the “Top Five Rising Star Chefs” in the U.S. Highlight: The sparkling city lights of LA can be seen for miles, and the retractable roof; rain or shine Harriet’s won’t disappoint.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Photos by UnSplash are characteristic, not representative of the venue or view.

The post Debbi DiMaggio Shares Her Top 5 Restaurants With A View appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Do you think it is a buyer's or a seller's market right now? What tips would you have for those looking to buy a home in the current market?

Debbi DiMaggio - In the Bay Area we are still experiencing a strong Seller's market. In the last week, Adam prevailed in a multiple offer bidding war to the tune of $1,000,000 over the list price. The home was listed at $2,500,000 and he sold it for $3,500,000. And last week we listed a home for $1,189,000 and within 3 days sold it for $1,425,000. We had previously arranged to hear offers after the second Sunday open house but when the preemptive offer came in the Sellers understood it was too good to pass up. I don't anticipate a Buyer's market for some time in the East Bay, but time will tell.

Silvina Andrews - In the Bahamas, at this time, I would say it's a seller's market. International Real Estate buyers have turned the market around. Condo developers are seeing their inventory selling out well before their projects are completed. I believe that the pandemic has caused a shift in people's lifestyles, and they are now seeking a second home where they can spend time with family and friends in a healthy and fun environment. 

Brenda Wild - We have yet to see a Buyer's market in the Aspen/Snowmass area. Inventory is still a bit tight, prices are still strong, and the desire to be in the Rocky Mountains continues to be strong. 

Just the fall, change is coming and for my buyers who are not in a hurry, I advise them to take their time and be patient and stay engaged. Keep with your broker who is working for you and keeping you in the know.

There is more to come and options to choose from, patience and market knowledge will be key to pulling the trigger.

Nick Salter - Over the last year, we have seen a tremendous influx of home buyers relocating from Northern cities, taking advantage of low-interest rates and tax benefits of our state. This has impacted the average sales price in the Jacksonville metropolitan. It has always been a very affordable real estate market. However, with the growth in developments and plans throughout the city as well as popularity among individuals seeking a "more affordable" lifestyle, Jacksonville real estate is seeing a rise in price tag and the market is having trouble keeping up to some extent. 

I have a couple pieces of advice for those who are shopping for a home or secondary property in the current market. First, understand that while prices may be at an influx, it is still extremely affordable to get a loan. Interest rates are still at record lows which means you are going to be paying more towards your principal each month than you would in a "typical" real estate market. If you are well aware of your wants and needs in this next property and you find a home that is an identical match. Don't waste time considering it because another buyer is sure to be interested and will make an offer before you. Don't forget there is a due diligence period; so if you decide it is not the right home for you a few days later, you will be able to get out of the contract without risk of losing any earnest money. Second, hire a professional who is willing to firmly negotiate and who has connections with well-respected professionals. I don't think it is said enough that who you work with matters. You want to be sure that your real estate agent is well perceived in their market because when it comes to reviewing offers and making a decision, the listing will go to bat for someone they know is capable of ensuring a smooth transaction.

Amy Land-de Wilde - Our overall sales volume year-to-date is the highest I have seen in the 35 years I have been in real estate on St. Croix. Our luxury market has especially seen a lot of movement and buyer activity. 

Comparable to our sister islands in the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, and St. John, there is more value on St. Croix in the luxury real estate market. A comparable home of quality and size on the other islands is much higher priced than a similar property here on St. Croix— we are the largest of the Virgin Islands so that makes it easier for us to live here and get around as well since we are less congested. We have seen many buyers make the leap from searching on St. Thomas and St. John to St. Croix this past year due to their low inventory and higher prices—We are even getting far more referrals from our colleagues on those islands! 

As home sales continue to climb in the states so do the attendant taxes on the profits, and St. Croix is a great place as a US territory to defer your capital gains taxes through a 1031 exchange and invest in a like-kind property in America’s Paradise. Many buyers considering warmer weather and a tropical climate for their 1031 exchange look to Florida because they are unaware that a 1031 exchange purchase is allowable in the US territories. However, the Florida market has sky-rocketed, pricing out many investors and buyers. We encourage any 1031 exchange buyers to consider the US Virgin Islands, specifically St. Croix!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Barbara VanDyke - Just because the frenzy we saw earlier this year has slowed down does not mean we are in a buyers market--at least not in Austin. That said, the fourth quarter is typically when we see the lowest prices of the year in our market, making it a great time to be a buyer. Take advantage of this time when some have put their search on hold. Fewer buyers mean less over-bidding and more ability to negotiate on price and repairs.

Brian Pearl -It is a very strong seller's market, in fact, one of the strongest seller markets I've seen in the 15+ years that I've been in the business. The inventory is very low and even home builders have little to no inventory left, so it's important for homebuyers to have expert buyers' agents representing them on their home purchase so that they can properly navigate through the intricate details of purchasing a home, going through inspections, appraisals, the financing process, as well as many other things that often go overlooked by homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers.

I believe that buyers can be proactive by hiring an experienced Realtor who knows the area they are looking in so that their agent can find any off-market (pocket listings) that may not be available to the public yet so they can avoid these bidding wars that cause homes to sell for so much more than they are asking. Another tip would be to waive as many contingencies as possible (inspections should be done within 5 days if possible and if the buyer has the ability to waive any appraisal or financing contingencies that’s a huge value add for the seller). Escalation clauses are also something we’ve been using in our market. Overall, having the right agent working hard for you is what buyers (and sellers) need in this market.

Georgina Jacobson - It is a seller's market. There is not a lot of inventory and there is a surplus of buyers. My advice to a buyer is to get prequalified and be prepared to make a quick decision so that when a home becomes available that you like, you can jump on it.

Heidi Bintz - In 2021, Colorado resort mountain towns have continued to boom! So how can a home buyer position themselves for success in a competitive market right now?

Start by doing some homework! Which area and what type of property are you searching for? Then it’s time to draw up a short list of must-have attributes that you are looking for - is it a yard, mountain views, or distance from the ski hill? Share all of this information with your broker so that you both will continue to search in your desired areas. When you do find the property you like, also realize that you may not be able to get every single item on your wishlist, so know which items you are willing to compromise on.

Next, have all of your financial documents prepared so that once you go under contract on a property the buying process will go smoothly. In this fast-paced market, be prepared to write an offer and move very quickly! There is also more to negotiating a contract than just the price! The timing of the sale, any specific exclusions, the completion of an inspection, etc will all need to be taken into consideration when pursuing an offer. An experienced broker will be able to successfully guide you through the exciting home buying process!

Cindy Shearin: The Shearin Group - Yes, it is a seller's market in the South Bay, and it has been for a long time. Selecting the right, seasoned realtor that knows the marketplace and has access to the limited inventory is paramount in this competitive market. Working with someone with the right relationships and real estate network and access to 'coming soon' properties is a must. 

Also, obtaining a full loan approval for a particular property will put you in almost the same category as a cash buyer, which is so common today.

I currently have properties on the market and several that will be coming to market soon. Call me, Cindy Shearin, today to get the scoop. 310-200-8318

Steve Nassar - While I can certainly attest to a much better market for buyers right now, I don’t believe it’s shifted completely over to a buyer’s market at this point. What I’ve seen in the past few months is a very healthy shift to a much-needed balanced market where buyers actually have a chance at getting into a home, even if they don’t have an abundance of cash in the bank. We’re seeing contingent buyers finally getting into their dream homes and we’re seeing healthy negotiations over prices and terms on both sides of a transaction. A year ago, we joked that the only way a buyer could get an offer accepted was to offer $100,000 over-asking, waive every contingency and agree to pay for a college education for the sellers’ children. Now we’re experiencing a market that is fairer for both buyers and sellers. It’s a change I was thrilled to see happen, as the heightened market we experienced through COVID wasn’t sustainable and could have caused more economic damage than good if it had lasted much longer. My team is still very much listing-heavy, which has been a huge blessing for us, but we’re seeing the scales even out in all the best ways now.

My advice to buyers in this market would be to prepare for some competition in the market still but to keep in mind that they have more options now than ever would have been true in the past 18 months. There are many things working in favor of a buyer, including historically low interest rates and that with the right Realtor in their corner, they’ll be moving into their dream house in no time!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Carlton International - Philip Weiser, The CEO of Carlton International has been operating in the real estate industry for over 40 years. He has spent 30 assisting clients to buy and sell their homes on the glorious French Riviera. Philip has lived through market crashes, and booms - and even the Covid-19 pandemic caught him by surprise!

The pandemic had the opposite effect on the real estate market on the French Riviera. Initially, there was a lack of foreign buyers due to the suppressive travel restrictions. The lockdowns attracted increasing numbers of French buyers who were fleeing the claustrophobic cities. The influx of French buyers caused house prices to gently increase. Many of the residents living on the French Riviera were affected by the uncertainty and the hysteria in the media. Many of them delayed the decision to sell their properties. And some withdrew their homes from the market. The supply of properties dwindled. There were just simply not enough homes for sale. This lack of supply and the increase in demand caused house prices to rise unexpectedly. Suddenly, it was a seller's market - when it should have been a buyer's market.

Check out Philip Weiser's market analysis of why right now, is the best time to invest in real estate. 

Why is the French Riviera such a nice place to live?

The French Riviera has enjoyed a pristine reputation of prestige and glamour for more than a century. The region is a prime location for investment, second homes, and a place to raise a family. Its central location within Europe makes it a hotspot for business respite. In less than an hour, you can fly to Milan, Barcelona, and Geneva. And in under 90 minutes, you can be in London, Paris, Brussels, or even Amsterdam. The economy of the French Riviera has developed around welcoming expatriates from around the world. The Côte d'Azur has some of the best international schools - and the busiest airport in France outside of Paris. 

Why are property prices higher on the French Riviera?

The French Riviera is the epitome of Sun, Sea, and Sophistication. Causing the area to maintain disproportionately higher house prices than the rest of France (Except Paris). The French Riviera has benefited from regular and steady price increases over time. Real estate prices are usually only affected by global, political, and economic crises. 

Has COVID-19 had a negative effect on house prices? Has COVID-19 caused house prices to decline?

The Covid-19 pandemic was forecast to cause chaos in the real estate industry across the world. A period that was foreseen to be great for buyers, but terrible for sellers. It was predicted that the uncertainty caused by the pandemic would result in the fall of property prices. We expected to see a surge in people wanting to sell off their extra assets of second homes. Paired with a predicted shortage of buyers due to the severe restraints on world travel. Thus creating a competitive market in the buyer's favor.

What happened to property prices during the pandemic? 

But, what happened could not have been predicted! The Covid-19 pandemic had a stabilizing effect on the value of homes - specifically in the South of France. Homes were holding their value! This surprised economists, journalists and real estate experts. A global crisis such as a pandemic should indicate a steady decline in property prices. Followed by a gradual increase in property purchases.  

So when is the best time to buy a house on the French Riviera? 

After two years since the start of the pandemic, it is the buyer's turn! Prices have shown a gradual rise for the last 12 months. The time to buy is now! Now is the time to purchase a property on the French Riviera. Buy early in a rising market - and profit from what is going to be a period of increased demand and limited supply. 

Buy a property whilst the interest rates are low and stable. Do not wait to invest in real estate when the property prices begin to rise more quickly. We are expecting property prices to reach their peak towards the end of 2022. Once properties prices have peaked - they are likely to retain their values for years to come.

The post Haute Residence Experts Offer Advice To Home-Buyers In The Current Real Estate Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

1) Teddy Bear Tea is always a festive favorite for children, parents, and grandparents. It’s an opportunity to get dressed up, bring your favorite teddy bear, and enjoy family time in the City at the Ritz Carlton.  I always looked forward to this when our children were young. Book Early!

2) Take a day trip to Half Moon Boy to pick out your Christmas Tree. Santa’s Tree Farm is open year-round. Then lunch at the former Ritz Carlton or Half Moon Bay Brewing Co overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

3) Macy’s 32nd Annual Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting. Take center stage beneath the tree or book a hotel room across the street at the St Francis Hotel —sip, socialize and watch as the sparkling lights illuminate Union Square. Nothing says Christmas like a big light tree. And as of November 3rd book your tickets for a spin around the Union Square Ice Rink. 

4) Festive Fun at the exquisite and historic Fairmont Hotel. Gingerbread house ribbon cutting Saturday, November 27th at 11 AM. Consider booking Santa’s Suite. You’re never too young to book Santa’s Suite and dine on chocolate and candy canes. What a perfect place for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to wrap gifts!

5) The Nutcracker is also a holiday favorite. From San Francisco and Oakland to San Jose and the Silicon Valley — get your tickets to this beautiful holiday extravaganza. 

6) Cookie and ginger house decorating. This is a tradition that can be done in your own home with your family or a group of friends. This cheerful and creative tradition never gets old - and it’s perfect for everyone — young and old. 

Other Highlights

Cavallo Point Festive Traditions

Ferry Building Marketplace Holiday Events

The post Holiday Magic – Top 6 Things To Do In And Around The San Francisco Bay appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Rocky Mountains are a special place, offering serenity, solace, and most famously SKIING. When one is searching for a ski resort property, it is important to choose an experienced specialist in the mountain lifestyle. As a lifelong skier herself and long-time real estate broker, Heidi Bintz is your go-to professional in the Vail Valley.

983 Beaver Dam Road, Vail - Sold for $9,800,000

Heidi began skiing at the age of three on the ski hill that her father built, Bintz Apple Mountain, in mid-Michigan. She began working in her family’s ski shop at 12 years old and competed on local ski teams for 8 years. She taught her first ski lesson at 15, and at 18 years old became the youngest certified ski instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors of America organization.

In 1985, Heidi followed her passion for skiing to fulfill her dream of living “out west” for one ski season. One ski season turned into one summer, which has turned into 36 amazing years of living in the Vail Valley.

348 Cresta Road, Arrowhead - Sold for $2,951,500

In 1991 Heidi co-founded Kenny’s Double Diamond Ski Shop located steps away from the base of Vail mountain. Under Heidi’s stewardship, the ski shop was twice recognized as the Rockies Regional winner in “America’s Best Ski Shops” by Snow Country Magazine and the Rockies Regional Gold Medal Ski Shop and Rockies Regional Gold Medal Ski Shop of the Year by SKI Magazine.

Heidi then founded the Double Diamond Ski Clinics for Women Only, serving more than 800 women. This ski clinic was nationally known as the first of its kind, acknowledging that “women are not small men” on the ski hill, and as such need personalized and specialized equipment and skills designed for women. The clinics’ principles have continued to guide ski equipment manufacturers over the past decades as more women-specific skis and boots have become mainstream in today’s snowsports industry.

Beaver Creek Lodge #324, Beaver Creek - Sold for $2,967,500

As a true skier and armed with an intimate knowledge of life in the infamous Vail Valley, Heidi has become a respected specialist in the buying and selling of luxury ski resort properties. These special homes draw clients wishing to take daily advantage of the unique opportunities the Rocky Mountains provide. The ability to ski-in and out of your front door is one of the most highly desired property qualities in resort real estate, along with big mountain views, proximity to outdoor recreation, and access to restaurants, shops, and special events. In both Vail and Beaver Creek, Heidi has helped countless clients find their own dream ski properties. She is additionally certified as a “Vail PRO” designated local expert by the Vail Board of Realtors.

Heidi Bintz’s passion is sharing her love of Colorado with others. Whether you meet her on the chairlift for some ski tips or touring a Vail Valley property to call your own, Heidi will enthusiastically tell you that there is nothing better than “living the mountain lifestyle.”

Photo credit: Kent Petit Photography (photos 1-3), Alpenglo Media (video, and photos 4 -5)

For more information, please contact Heidi Bintz at 970-390-8383 or hbintz@livsothebysrealty.com

Heidi Bintz is the exclusive agent representing the Vail Valley and Beaver Creek, CO real estate markets as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Why Heidi Bintz Is Your Ski Resort Real Estate Expert appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Daniel Tzinker, Haute Residence Member and Luxury Real Estate Broker, closes a record-breaking deal at the W South Beach for one of the penthouse units at $9.25M. This 2-story penthouse sold for just under $4,000 per sq/ft setting a new record in Miami Beach.

This rarely available, gorgeous 3bed/3.5bath Upper Penthouse has stunning direct ocean views at W South Beach. It's beautifully designed and fully furnished, with expansive glass balconies from each room that have unparalleled views of the beach and ocean. Kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. The second level features 2 breath-taking private rooftop terraces, with a private plunge pool, BBQ grill, and lounge areas. This penthouse is truly one of a kind.

Congratulations to Daniel Tzinker!

Address: 2201 Collins Ave Unit 2006/UPH, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Sold Price: $9,250,000

For more information, please contact Daniel Tzinker at 786-234-9898 or daniel@tzinker.com

Daniel Tzinker is the exclusive agent representing the Bal Harbour, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Luxury Broker Daniel Tzinker Closes Another Record-Breaking Deal At The W South Beach appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Carlo Habet was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Habet’s illustrious career with credible experience stemming from his business background, his leadership across various boards, and his eventual ascendancy in the Belize real estate market.

Carlo Habet is a third-generation entrepreneur whose family has had a rich history in Belize’s development. Seeing the opportunity for synergy with Brothers Habet’s own real estate developments, he decided to further his real estate education at Champions School of Real Estate in Plano, Texas. He then founded 4Realty in 2009 and has been able to develop a niche market selling commercial and luxury investments with a full-service company that provides boutique quality care to its clients. Currently the President of the Belize National Association of Real Estate, he has been lobbying diligently for the establishment of regulatory legislation in the Belizean real estate industry. Habet is the consummate businessman broker with an unparalleled network, unmatched communication, negotiation acumen, deep national knowledge across sectors, and a long and respected reputation for getting things done.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Habet.

Seth Semilof: Tell us a little about you growing up in Belize with the family business.

Carlo Habet: I honestly got into real estate sort of rowing the boat. It was not what I had really envisioned. I do not seem like the agent type. I am not like typical agents probably because of my background in more marketing, IP, and typical business processes. I know people in real estate tend to be seen kind of like salesmen. I went into it looking at it as a want to cultivate long-term relationships. Something that I have found a lot of success in has been referrals from happy customers, so a large sum of my business is actually referral-based.

SS: Tell us how you were able to survive tough times because that, to me, is what really makes a champion top agent. Anyone can be successful in the good times, but it is the bad times too.

CH: How I survived, I think, was specifically because I played my niche. I was lucky because I have two things going at the same time, which was a steady trickle of smaller residential lots and development companies. That kept me going, but as well, allowed me to spend a lot more time on bigger deals. I have been trying to convince people that there are some deals that you are chasing behind and following up for sometimes a year, but in the end, it is worth it because it closes. I was in a position with my network that I had a couple of these deals for a year. With proper financial planning, I was able to make that happen and with time, it only grew. Every year, I was doing better and better. At a certain point, I realized I have momentum that I do not think is going to go anywhere. I got over my fear of bringing in too many agents and losing focus.

SS: Tell us a little about your company 4realty. How many agents? Do you have offices? Tell us about your empire you built in Belize.

CH: It is not necessarily an empire, but I think we have got a lot done with a pretty tight team. We have currently five agents and the office is for members, mainly administration, and one marketing focal point. From there, what has been very key has been the network that I started with. Choosing the right agent has helped me to expand the network in meaningful ways to places that I did not touch before. We are seeing other agents in other parts of the country also step up, but it is a federal market and such a strong market. There are so many people from the U.S. and from Canada. The demand greatly outstrips supply, so the prices are very strong and very stable.

SS: Where do you see your business in the next five years?

CH: Because we recently expanded again, I think we want to make sure we get the most out of this new set of agents. What we are going to look at next within the next six to 12 months is strengthening our administrative staff. Organizationally, we can improve. You have to have relationships, but what I find the most interesting about real estate is it is really like every other business in that you have a back end and you have people that are also working really hard doing things that no one really knows about. Those things are as key to the success of the company as anything else, so what we are looking at right now is to consolidate our admin, marketing, and specifically to expand marketing a little bit.

SS: If you had to give some advice to someone [getting into real estate], what advice would you give?

CH: The landscape has changed a bit, so there are more established brokerages. There is this environment where if someone wants to be an agent, they can actually try to get a job with an agency first and then learn. I would recommend that. Basically, I would advise that people get the experience under people who know. Go to a brokerage and try and get a job, first and foremost.

For more information, please contact Carlo Habet at (501) 610-4186 or carlo@4realty.bz

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 16: Carlo Habet appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Like many major metropolitan areas across the country, Seattle is seeing a resurgence in downtown life, and recent near-record sales of luxury properties show that buyers remain confident in the value of living in Seattle.

"As we continue to press through the Covid-19 pandemic, the resurgence of Seattle and its real estate market in the downtown core is becoming more and more apparent,” says Scott Wasner, co-founder and executive vice president of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle. “In the last four months, I have orchestrated two of the most significant sales the city has seen since 2020. These sales, along with others, showcase the growing demand for in-city residences as astute buyers see the current and long-term value of a downtown property.”

Since July, Wasner has closed on two spectacular penthouses in Escala, one of Seattle’s most exclusive condominium towers, located at 1920 4th Avenue. The first, in July, was penthouse #3102, a 4,522 sq. foot residence that sold for an astounding $7 million - the highest residential sale price in Seattle since October 2020. “This penthouse has arguably the best views in the city - water, city, and mountain,” Wasner says. The three-bedroom penthouse takes advantage of its superior location with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout and three incredible terraces to enjoy the breathtaking vistas. “The level of stonework, woodwork, and cabinetry found throughout is also second to none.”

On the heels of penthouse #3102 came the sale of Escala’s penthouse #3002 in early October for an impressive $6,625,000. This 4,500-sq.-ft. residence is a brand new residence that offers a posh, downtown living experience. It was designed with a flowing floor plan that takes advantage of its incredible city and water views and features a distinctive style that uses a masterful blend of wood, marble, and porcelain from around the world along with state-of-the-art lighting, appliances, and technology.

“The robust and diverse economics of the region, including the significant involvement of many iconic global brands, continues to attract buyers from out of state as well as overseas,” Wasner continues. “The revitalization of many of the city’s cultural attractions is certainly helping the real estate market too. Restaurants, bars, and in-person sporting events have taken the main stage in bringing foot traffic back to the sidewalks of Seattle.”

“As an in-city resident, I have personally invested in Seattle and continue to bet on its future.”

For more information about luxury properties throughout Washington, please contact Scott Wasner at scottwasner@christiesrealestateseattle.com or 206-910-1410.

The post Scott Wasner Of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle Talks The Resurgence Of Downtown Seattle appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

They were hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch the full webinar below.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with F.P. Journe America.

Seth Semilof: Tell us your vision of why you chose this area.

Pierre Halimi: Bal Harbour is an amazing mall. The issue that we had is we had 600 square feet and if you really want to welcome people, you need space. I did not have a choice for this. The fact that we are in downtown Miami, we are in the center of everything; we are in the center of the business, the center of the residences, the center of all the culture. It is a true melting pot here downtown, more so than Bal Harbour. We moved from the boutique business model to the Maison, the “house of,” where we can welcome people, have a drink, or have a cigar on the terrace on the Miami river, or even just hang out and talk to other collectors. That is the idea of what we call the usual community, so at least we can enjoy each other.

SS: F.P. Journe has an amazing amount of collectors and passionate watch lovers. Tell us a little about the brand F.P. Journe.

PH: F.P. Journe was a brand created in 1999. Mr. Journe, François-Paul, F.P. for short, actually started making watches back in the early 80, so he was making watches well before he created the eponymous company. He is considered to be the best watchmaker alive. Unfortunately for a lot of people, we are not well known because we are very, very tiny. Last year, we produced 904 mechanical watches worldwide for the whole year. That is it, so that limits a lot.

SS: Tell us about the experience that you have given to your customers because I think it is first class and it is something that was not done in the watch world before.

PH: The good thing with François when he designed the first boutique in 2005 for Tokyo, he did it in a way that was a store, which is kind of like the showroom, and then you walked behind the showroom and you had a bar, a library, and sofas. Time to relax, time to have coffee, and think about this. I do not think François-Paul had the vision of what the retail would be in 2021, but it does not matter for him. It really helped us tremendously when we started, seeing that trend of the retail and the customer being on the same side. We like to play with this, and the great thing is when you come here and you need another Journe collector, you have something to talk about. I have been telling François-Paul, as much as I really appreciate the success we have and the money that entails, the fact that when I see two Journe collectors meeting each other, becoming friends, going on vacation together, you cannot buy.

SS: Where do you see the brand going over the next three to five years?

PH: Exactly the same. François-Paul’s aim when he says he wants to do the best watches is not your best or my best. It is his best and what is his best? It is what we call the scientific watch: the precision instrument. His watch has to be precise. That is his mantra, so everything that he is trying to do is trying to gain maybe a 10th of a second better accuracy a day. It is almost impossible because it is exponentially more difficult to always bring something new. If it has been done before, why would I do it? Even if you look at our automatic movement from the beginning, it has been set to be a little bit off-center for the only reason that if, one day, you want to make a complication in the back and that time you wanted to do the celestial map, he is able to do it mechanically. Then, Patek Phillipe came out with Sky Moon. He said, “Oh, they did it before me. Good for them.” No more celestial for us. Why copy? That is not the point of it. Create, create, not copy.

SS: You have been in Miami for a long time. The growth of Miami is just explosive. Have you ever seen anything like that?

PH: I remember coming to Miami and Miami Beach back in the ‘80s. It was weird. It was like you knew it was coming up, but it was Tony Goldman and all these guys that really created South Beach. He said, “How come we do not have one Michelin star right now in Miami?” Michelin had not come to the city yet with all these new restaurants, but they had to come. We have all this space that we should be on the map for the culinary part and not just the fiesta, which I think is the superficial part of Miami. I think with the New Yorkers we are going to be more gravitas and more culture than we had in the past, which I welcome tremendously.

The post Haute Living Presents Aston Martin In The Neighborhood With F.P. Journe America appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Anna Sherrill was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Sherrill’s illustrious career joining the highly esteemed ONE Sotheby's International Realty team, her remarkable accolades as a multi-million-dollar producer, and her ascendancy in the South of Fifth luxury real estate market.

Since receiving her real estate license in 2000 and joining ONE Sotheby's International Realty in 2010, Anna Sherrill has made a name for herself, ranking both locally and internationally across boards in the Miami real estate industry. She negotiated record-breaking deals as the sales director for several luxury Miami condo developments and contributed wholeheartedly to Sotheby’s International Realty’s unprecedented growth in Florida. Anna ranked #4 amongst all individual agents in Miami on REAL Trends for 2019 sales volume, and #15 amongst Sotheby's International Realty agents nationwide. Her experience and expertise were recognized as part of ONE SIR’s Top Producing circle for 3 consecutive years from 2017, 2018, and 2019. Being a multi-million-dollar producer, Anna Sherrill has generated over $110 Million in real estate sales in 2019. Most recently, Anna has been recognized by the 2020 Real Trends & Wall Street Journal The Thousand Rankings as the #5 agent in Miami, and the #84 in the entire country.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Sherrill.

Seth Semilof: After school, what did you end up doing?

Anna Sherrill: I had some interesting sales jobs. I worked for a company that a friend of my mom owns which booked athletic teams in hotels all over the nation. I did that during college and a little bit after college. I also worked for a headhunting company which was really popular at that time, but as soon as I moved to Miami in 1999, I got my license in 2000 very shortly after. The company that had sold us our place, Suncoast Properties, was a little office in Brickell Key. The owner offered me a job and asked if I wanted to get into real estate. I got my license and started right away.

SS: In 2000, we were in a recession, so you got in at the worst time in the market, correct?  

AS: It was a tough time. I was recruited shortly after by a development company called ISG, International Sales Group. They did marketing and sales for a lot of developers. They still do incredibly well. I went and worked with them right away, which was great. I got into self-developments and that is a great way to start your career. We traveled all across South America and Central America. We would go with an immigration attorney as well. We would meet with different brokers in those cities. They would put people in a room, and we would be able to present our developments. It is a great way to start because you can actually get paid. You are building a business when you are first starting and it is truly your own business. Starting with a developer, they pay for marketing and a lot of the things you maybe cannot afford as a new agent. That really helped me build my business, learn the market, and meet a lot of agents.

SS: Everyone wants to do the luxury properties and you make it seem easy. Tell us some of the learning experiences that led you up to that point.

AS: It is never easy. It is a learning curve of learning to listen to people to try to be an expert in the market. Knowledge is everything in this market and in every market. It is really about educating yourself but also listening to your client and doing what they want you to do. 90% of my business is referral business; it is repeat clients, friends, family, or brokers that refer me business. I know that every client is special and there to teach me as well because a lot of these people are incredibly smart, really savvy, know the market well, know what they want, and know the business well. You can learn a lot from your clients as well.

SS: Can you tell us about being involved in One Thousand Museum and some of the success stories you have had?

AS: People want to understand why we are the most expensive. Obviously, it is the best building in my opinion. It is an iconic building and what they have done here is incredible. Especially during COVID, the price tag here is the highest price tag, not only price per foot but total price. People are not used to paying this price tag in this area, so it really is about educating the buyers, getting the right people through the door, and building that trust. In the beginning, we had a couple of months where nothing was really happening, and it was scary. We did virtual open houses and instead of ten people showing up, we had two hundred and something people watching. We got great exposure, even though at the beginning, it was a little tough. It is all about pivoting, using your resources, knowing the agents selling in your area, following up with them, and knowing your product really well.

SS: What advice would you give to somebody that is in your shoes who might have moved to Miami or L.A., a city without real relationships, which is the majority of realtors?

AS: To start out, if you can, join a team or have a mentor. It is super important because you want to learn from the best of the best. If you want to enter a market and work for people, even if you take on a rental business for a big team, you will learn from that team. I also think if you can, get into development. Even as a junior associate, you learn so much in sales. That can also be people’s career. I am blessed to be in both, but some people are just in development sales, and they do incredibly well in that. If you are inspired by that or the other, whichever one you get into is great.

For more information, please contact Anna Sherrill at (786) 853-8484 or asherrill@onesothebysrealty.com.

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 15: Anna Sherrill appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Corcoran Reverie welcomes the Chapman & Williams Team to the high-end, boutique brokerage,
further expanding the broader Corcoran affiliate network of agents in Northwest Florida

Corcoran Reverie, a high-end boutique brokerage and an affiliate of The Corcoran Group, today welcomed the Chapman & Williams Team, led by Bryan Chapman and Hardie Williams, to its portfolio of luxury property specialists in Northwest Florida, creating a unique partnership of two former military contractors.

“We are thrilled to have the Chapman & Williams Team as part of the Corcoran Reverie family,” said broker/owner Hilary Farnum-Fasth. “Both Bryan and Hardie bring a wealth of knowledge to the brokerage, and as locals of the Emerald Coast, they are experts on the areas from Mexico Beach to Pensacola – and have the experience to assist our military clients with relocating to the Emerald
Coast.”

Both Chapman and Williams share similar backgrounds in that they both supported military and
government contracts and served as managers in their respective previous positions, and for a
period worked collaboratively on the same contracts within the same company. Chapman spent the last 15 years of his military career working hand in hand with active-duty military as a government contractor, which included the management of multibillion-dollar contracts and 188 employees, as well as traveling the globe conducting military training operations.

Williams continues to serve as active duty in the USAF Air National Guard in Special Operations
Communications, where he also works with one of the largest government contractors in the industry for one the largest contracts on NSA Panama City. He is also a preferred agent with Veterans United. Because of their military careers, both Chapman and Williams were drawn to real estate through their passion for relationship building and a genuine interest in measurable goal setting.

“We have always enjoyed helping others with identifying and reaching goals for career development and personal growth,” said Chapman. “Becoming realtors was ideal because it gave us the same opportunity to work with people every day to achieve their goals and dreams in real estate.”

“We are very business-minded and goal-oriented, and share the same core values,” said Williams.
“We knew that in working together, there would be no limitations to what we could achieve as a
team, and we hope that our partnership will create a business model strong enough for other teams and agents to adopt.”

The Chapman & Williams Team will be a collaborative partnership within Corcoran Reverie with a
mission to provide the utmost integrity, excellence, and commitment to their clients. Both high
volume top-producing agents formerly of Keller Williams, Chapman and Williams share a combined closed sales volume of approximately $50 million with more than 140 transactions in the last 18 months. Collectively, they work in all aspects of real estate with a primary focus on luxury service for all their clients and working to provide opportunities for other agents to join their team – in which they will provide a strong level of mentorship.

“We chose Corcoran Reverie as our brokerage because it is a human-first real estate company, and
that aligns with our approach to servicing our clients,” states Chapman. “After all, everyone – both
clients and other agents – have their own reverie [daydream] in life, and we want to bring more value to all those that we encounter.”

About Corcoran Reverie
Corcoran Reverie, an affiliate of The Corcoran Group – a leading residential real estate brokerage
firm headquartered in New York City – is a locally owned boutique brokerage specializing in the
luxury home market in Northwest Florida from Destin to Panama City Beach and the coastal
communities along 30A. With a 150+ agent team led by broker and owner Hilary Farnum-Fasth and partner Jacob Watkins and offices in Seagrove and Destin, Corcoran Reverie holds the #1 office ranking in Northwest Florida based on a closed sales volume of over $750 million in its first year as a Corcoran affiliate. Throughout its entire network, Corcoran is home to more than 120 offices and 5,000 agents in key urban, suburban, and resort markets nationwide. For more information on Corcoran Reverie, visit corcoranreverie.com.

The post Corcoran Reverie Welcomes The Chapman & Williams Team To The Corcoran Affiliate Network Of Agents appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Sandra Miller was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Miller’s illustrious career with credible experience stemming from her corporate background, joining the highly esteemed Engel & Völkers team, and her eventual ascendancy in the Santa Monica real estate market.

Sandra Miller is the principal broker leading Engel & Völkers’ thriving Santa Monica shop, which was the first Engel & Völkers shop to open in California. With numerous prestigious real estate awards and accolades to her name, Miller is also notably one of only a small number of brokers to achieve a Private Office Advisor designation. She believes that real estate is, ultimately, a personal service, so her clients turn to her as a reliable reference long after their home buying or selling is complete. Miller’s personally selected team follows the same principles, working together with her to bring a level of boutique service to Santa Monica that real estate customers have never before experienced.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Miller.

Seth Semilof: What made you make the move to go into real estate?

Sandra Miller: I transitioned from an outside sales representative to inside manager, then I launched in seven different markets for them. When I left, I had 178 indirect distributors under my realm with managers and etc., so a ton of reports all commission only. I knew about five years before I left that when I left that job, I would go into real estate. It was just never a question in my mind. The reason I would go into real estate is because there is no other industry where someone who is good at sales has unlimited income potential like real estate.

SS: How was it pivoting? How was it building your business? Did it take time, or did it start immediately?

SM: It was really an interesting time. It was 2004 when I got my license. What I did was I went around and interviewed different companies, owners, and operators that were running retail storefronts in the U.S. There were not that many in 2004, but I wanted to do retail because that was my specialty. I had thousands of them underneath me in my previous life. I did not know anyone in L.A. because at that point, I was really upper management and traveling between seven different markets. It was really starting from ground zero. What I learned when I went around the country, interviewed people, and set up my business plan, is how to launch. I started marketing about six months before I ever did a deal, needed to do a deal, or wanted to do a deal. I did 20,000 mailers a month for six months before I got my first call.

SS: If you had to give advice to somebody that wants to get into real estate and is scared but has the resources to invest in themselves or to somebody who does not have the resources, what advice would you give?

SM: If they do not have the resources, I advise them to work on a team. Honestly, you need resources in order to be successful. You cannot just wing it. My expertise was launching markets for my old company, so I did the research. I knew exactly what I was getting into. I knew exactly the target market I was going after. I did the mailings, I opened my office, and I had no choice but to be successful. I am not a trust fund baby. I needed to make money. I had a very specific business plan that I executed, and it worked.

SS: How was building, setting up with Engel & Völkers, having a name, having a fancy office, and having to produce?

SM: There was no producing. Santa Monica real estate, west side real estate, really just stopped. They did not have to sell. It is all people with lots of money. There were no short sales in this market. There were no foreclosures in this market. It was just a stalled market, but I survived. I started doing a lot of leasing in those 18 months. Then, the market took off like a rocket. It was eye opening when it happened as a woman business owner that is responsible for other people's livelihoods.

SS: Where do you see your business in the next five to 10 years?

SM: I see continuing to build my team, continuing to make them successful, and doing more of the same. I want to sell until I am 100. I really enjoy the boutique. I do not want to build an empire. I did that and I do not want to do it again. I want to enjoy traveling, which I can do with the Engel & Völkers brand. I can go network with fellow agents and office owners whenever and wherever. I can really enjoy my clients and the homes that I get to sell. It has been a journey.

For more information, please contact Sandra Miller at (310) 616-6213 or sandra.miller@evrealestate.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 14: Sandra Miller appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Robert Greenwood was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Greenwood’s illustrious career with credible experience abroad building an understanding of his clientele, joining the highly esteemed Christie's International team, and his eventual ascendancy in the Turks & Caicos Islands luxury real estate market.

Robert Greenwood is on a Directors and Partner of Regency-Christie's International Real Estate, operating as one of the firm's Senior Brokers and Real Estate Advisors and a member of the Christie's Masters Circle. With veteran knowledge and proficiencies in high-value sales, resort management, development, and offshore investment, he has more than 35 years of personal work experience within the Turks and Caicos Islands. His extensive portfolio includes golf courses, condominiums, colleges, and hotel resort projects. Being affiliated with Christie's International Real Estate for almost a decade now, Greenwood has gained invaluable experience in the luxury real estate market guiding buyers with experience, professionalism, and trust.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Greenwood.

Seth Semilof: What exactly is a partner of the Regency Christie's International Real Estate and member of the Christie's Masters Circle?

Robert Greenwood: Christie's International Real Estate is one of the top luxury real estate brands in the world. We have been affiliated with Christie's for almost two decades now. With an investment angle, that has really helped us with our global exposure and the trust of the brand name. We have a fantastic team here at Christie's in the Turks and Caicos Islands with a breadth of knowledge. It is a great collaboration with Christie's and our team of 10 agents works very efficiently in the high-net-worth, high-value world of real estate.

SS: What made you want to get into real estate on the buy and sell side?

RG: It happened organically. At one point, I did the triad where I had a management company, a construction company, and a real estate company where one would feed the other. I did that for a long time, but I always gravitated towards real estate. I love the different styles of architecture. I really enjoy interacting with the people that we meet here. We get such a wide demographic of buyers from across the world, and you never know who you are actually dealing with everything from A-listers to captains of industry. The Turks is not just reserved for mega villas in the $20 million range. We are very price affordable in certain areas and certain condos, so I get to meet some incredible people.

SS: How was the island when you first launched the brokerage firm? What was your strategy?

RG: It was certainly very different than it is today. We did not have the technology that we have today. We did not have the inventory that we had today, but we also did not have the amount of brokerages. There are 16 brokerages within the Turks, but back then, it was three or four. It has always been very word of mouth in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was slow-moving. Operating a real estate company was not aggressive at all and did not need to be. I do say quite often I have never really sold any real estate. The island already does that for me. My job is to simply guide you through the process.

SS: Tell us about who your mentor was or who helped mold you into where you are at today.

RG: I cannot mention his name, but he has an extensive background in commercial real estate in Canada. He was actually one of my first sales. The majority of my clients become my friends. You have to have the passion and the love of what you do. I love living in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I love what I do and love the people I meet. People see that and they recognize it is authentic. That is what makes the difference. You can read all the books you would like. You can have all the mentors you like. You can learn all the psychology of sales, but it really comes down to true authenticity. Make sure buyers get what they want. They will tell you everything you need to know.

SS: Who are the buyers? Where are they coming from?

RG: A lot of buyers are from the United States. It is a big demographic for us, and we are so easy to get to. It is a hop, skip, and a jump three and a half hours from New York. 90 minutes from Miami. We have direct flights from Charlotte, from Atlanta, and from Houston. Now, we are getting interest from new demographics in California and Vegas. Predominantly, U.S. buyers, but Europe is another big one and South America. The grand prize here is going to be exceptional, not just for real estate, but for tourism. They go parallel when you come down here. You fall in love on vacation, and we can offer you a condo from $290,000 to $68 million or $86 million. It has the full range.

For more information, please contact Robert Greenwood at (649) 432-7653 or robert@tcibrokers.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 13: Robert Greenwood appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Philip Weiser was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Philip Weiser’s illustrious career from working in the hotel industry abroad, joining the highly esteemed Carlton International team, and his eventual ascendancy in French and international luxury real estate.

Philip Weiser has worked within the luxury hotel and hospitality industry for decades in London before transitioning to real estate when he and his young family settled in France. Weiser has held his French real estate license for over 40 years and assisted hundreds of buyers and sellers in the sale and acquisition of luxury homes and villas throughout the French Riviera. Launching Carlton International in 1995, the first of the Carlton International brands, Weiser and the Carlton International team collectively speak 14 languages to cater to an international clientele as a leading estate agent on the Cote d'Azur.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Weiser.

Seth Semilof: What made you think of moving to France and getting into real estate? Did you move to France first to do hotels, and then do real estate?

Philip Weiser: Not at all. My pre-Airbnb adventure was very successful. I sold the business and decided that I would move my family into a more international environment in the south of France where we have a good selection of schools with the English language. I was on a trip from Paris to Nice international airport and I sat next to a property developer who had opened the state agency in the town where I was living, and he was about to close the agency. Since I had nothing to do, I said, “I will be happy to see if I can make your agency run.” The Monday following, he forgot it, but he was as good as his word. He took me across the road, introduced me to my new boss, and suddenly I was a real estate. That was in 1982.

SS: Tell us how the business evolved from 1982. Where did you go from there?

PW: We were very successful as brokers as well buying, selling, renovating, and constructing. A lot of money was made at that time and I reinvested all the resources into other projects. The banks were throwing money at this time and in 1992, there was the first Gulf War when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Property prices around the world were heavily affected by that. In Europe, especially because we are closer to North Africa, prices dropped by 50% and interest rates were at 18.6%. I had 50% borrowings and 50% cash, but my properties all lost value of 50%, so I lost everything. It was the end of a glorious 10-year adventure.

SS: How is the real estate changed over the last 20 years? Are people building contemporary homes in the south of France?

PW: The architecture is sort of Mediterranean, with a lot of bay windows and tiled rooms like you have in California. That was the staple that together with traditional homes in the area are the two trends, but in the last five years, the word contemporary has become part of the local architecture dictionary. We never spoke of contemporary architecture. It was modern, but it was never contemporary. Now, we have some magnificent contemporary homes. It is very much the trend today. We must have, at least right now, 10 potential buyers looking for land to build a contemporary home or readymade contemporary homes designed by a local architect they can move straight into. There are very few standardized materials, so the cost of construction in spite of that it is clean, nice, and easy is that it is an expensive item here.

SS: What advice would you give to somebody getting into real estate to be successful?

PW: First is never believe anybody until you have proof of what they are saying is correct whether it is a buyer, seller, colleagues, or other brokers. The second is you need resilience because you have to have face the fact that you cannot win them all. The other self-discipline is being able to get up in the morning, go out, do the job, and stick with it. There is no day off. The last one is that when you are successful, do not spend the money. You may be successful this time. Ultimately, I tell everybody, you cannot sell a house. There are no sales in this job. It is understanding the needs of the buyer.

SS: Do you think your experience, training, and education in the hotel industry is what made you successful? Did you bring that to your real estate company?

PW: Certainly, that aspect played a very important role. A hotel is like a small town. You have lots of people of different nationalities and different characteristics. If you are managing, you have to move the people and the visitors first, not just the staff. All these people have their specific needs, their behaviors, and the way in which they react. If you go to have any peace and quiet managing, I will tell you to have to manage the staff and the guests with a lot of psychology, understanding, and great service.

For more information, please contact Philip Weiser at +33 6 14 34 13 14 or info@carlton-group.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 12: Philip Weiser appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Amy Land-de Wilde was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Land-de Wilde’s illustrious career from moving to the Caribbean after a year abroad, strides towards opening then selling her own successful brokerage, and her eventual ascendancy as a leading specialist in luxury real estate.

In 1986, Amy Land-de Wilde became a licensed broker on St. Croix after a year abroad falling in love with colorful Caribbean diving, beautiful topography, the welcoming people, and the island lifestyle. She opened her own brokerage in 2001, which she sold to the Schmidt Family of Companies, Coldwell Banker’s largest affiliate operation, and happily remains a broker there leading the top-producing team. Land-de Wilde has received Coldwell Banker’s top production awards annually since joining forces decades ago. With a track record of representing the most significant properties on St. Croix, she keeps current with industry innovations, marketing trends, and all facets of real estate. Her clients benefit from her excellent negotiating skills, knowledge, and deep connections to the resources that benefit new and experienced Islanders alike.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Land-de Wilde.

Seth Semilof: You moved to the island. You were at the radio station for about five years and then you said, “I either want to come into the financial industry or the real estate industry.” Tell us about that.

Amy Land-de Wilde: I had a lot of good experience managing a radio station and starting in radio sales. If practice for any kind of sales job, you are dealing with an evaporating commodity. You have to have excellent not only people skills, but you have to be organized and follow up to develop good work habits. I really do credit that beginning as one of the reasons I started in 1986.

SS: When you started, things were hot. How long were they hot for? How long did it take you to get your first deal?

ALW: My story is unusual in a way because of what was happening in our market at the time. I had my first deal within a month and my first year was good. People always tell you and it is true that you have to be able to have the cash to support yourself for that period of time. I started doing a newsletter in 1986, which I still do today, so that consistency did not take that long.

SS: You built an amazing company and worked very hard to open it in 2001. Tell us a little about the reasoning behind selling it and when you made that sale.

ALW: I started the company in 2001 and at the time, it was just Land-de Wilde realty. Although Coldwell Banker had been talking to our company, which I finally did go to that larger company in another couple of years, I stayed at that company until she closed it. That is what started my company. Coldwell Banker continued, I continued, and that was the best decision ever, so I am very happy about that. When I sold in 2018, there were about 35 people, which is not huge for a company in the States, but I was eager to do that.

SS: How is St. Croix right now with the real estate market?

ALW: Real estate, strangely, was one of the businesses allowed to open since we managed other people's properties here from afar. It was very strict, but people were allowed to come see us to our island. People wanted to get out of their home, so we really benefited from a lot of people who came to visit and loved it who would never have.

SS: What advice would you give to somebody watching us, even a person that is in the business for six years and not as successful or someone having some success but not at that level? 

ALW: I would try to get brutal honesty from people they respect around them if they are not having the success that they feel they should be having. I would first definitely look within and say, “Am I doing my best? Am I spending the hours?” The flexibility does offer us benefits, but it is not 40 hours a week. Work-life balance is something that you need to create if you want to be successful in the confines of giving your all to your business.

For more information, please contact Amy Land-de Wilde at (340) 690-1213 or amydewilde@coldwellbankervi.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 11: Amy Land-de Wilde appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Corcoran Reverie’s Vice President of Marketing, Bobby Parker, is recognized as one of United Way of the Emerald Coast’s Emerging Leaders inaugural 40 Under 40 presented by Step One Automotive

Corcoran Reverie’s Vice President of Marketing, Bobby Parker, has been recognized as one of United Way of the Emerald Coast’s Emerging Leaders inaugural 40 Under 40 presented by Step One Automotive. This prestigious award recognizes 40 of the top individuals below age 40 in Okaloosa and Walton counties who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence, and a commitment to the communities across Northwest Florida.

“Looking back six years ago and where I was in life, or even just two years ago, I never imagined I would ever be where I am or that I would be receiving an award like this one,” says Parker. “I’m so thankful to the people in my life who have played an integral part in growing and shaping me to who I am today.”

Parker joined Corcoran Reverie, an affiliate of The Corcoran Group, this past April as the Vice President of Marketing after previously serving as the Director of Marketing and Communications for an Alabama-based restaurant group. As a born-and-raised local of Northwest Florida with a background in the tourism and hospitality industries, Parker has been able to provide his skills and talents as well as his knowledge of the local area and target markets to the growing brokerage and its portfolio of agents.

“We have an incredible leadership team at Corcoran Reverie and Bobby is a big part of it as our VP of Marketing,” says broker/owner Hilary Farnum-Fasth. “I am so grateful to be surrounded by such outstanding individuals.”

Parker also currently serves as President-elect for the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, as well as the Vice President of Membership and Chair for the Northwest Florida Communications Summit. In 2020, he received the Joe Curley Rising Leader Award for the local FPRA chapter and was recognized as Member of the Year.

The United Way of the Emerald Coast’s Emerging Leaders will recognize all of the recipients of the inaugural 40 Under 40 on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm CT at The Place on Beal, and recipients will also be featured in the October issue of VIP Destin Magazine.

About Corcoran Reverie

Corcoran Reverie, an affiliate of The Corcoran Group – a leading residential real estate brokerage firm headquartered in New York City – is a locally owned boutique brokerage specializing in the luxury home market in Northwest Florida from Destin to Panama City Beach and the coastal communities along 30A. With a 130+ agent team led by broker and owner Hilary Farnum-Fasth and partner Jacob Watkins and offices in Seagrove and Destin, Corcoran Reverie holds the #1 office ranking in Northwest Florida based on a closed sales volume of over $750 million in its first year as a Corcoran affiliate. Throughout its entire network, Corcoran is home to more than 120 offices and 5,000 agents in key urban, suburban, and resort markets nationwide. For more information on Corcoran Reverie, visit corcoranreverie.com.

The post Corcoran Reverie’s VP Of Marketing Recognized As A 40 Under 40 Emerging Leader In Northwest Florida appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The estate offers world-class living in the heart of the exclusive community of Avila.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, and her husband, Joel Kassewitz have listed their one-of-a-kind Tampa estate for $8,950,000. Located at 706 Guisando De Avila, the estate sits on close to six manicured acres within the city’s premier, gated country club community of Avila. Jennifer Zales, Global Luxury Specialist affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida, exclusively represents the listing.

The home features meticulous design elements at every turn, including a grand foyer entry, a ballroom, an executive library, 14 fireplaces, a wine room, an elevator, and a five-plus car garage. Throughout the home are 10 spacious bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms. The grandeur continues outside with an inviting pool, spa, a cabana and fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, and marvelous limestone terrace areas overlooking the golf course and lush landscape.

Photo Credit: Tony Sica

Additional luxury and custom features include:

• 28,893 masterfully crafted square feet, including a 2,620 square foot guest house.
• A gourmet kitchen with a timeless design includes a generous center island, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast area.
• A distinguished master retreat with a generous living area and an opulent bath.
• Designer lighting, hand-crafted millwork, stately French doors, Palladium windows, soaring ceilings, and custom marble throughout the home.

“706 Guisando De Avila is a true masterpiece located in one of Tampa’s most exclusive and sought-after communities. The property offers unparalleled luxury lifestyle and first-class privacy, making it the perfect retreat away from the bustling city life.”

– Jennifer Zales, listing agent

 Photo Credit: Tony Sica

Avila’s state-of-the-art country club facilities include championship golf, a fitness center, spa services, Har-tru tennis courts, and a pool pavilion.

About Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida

Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is a leading residential real estate brokerage company with approximately 80 offices and 7,400 affiliated sales associates. Coldwell Banker Realty is owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States. Visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com.

The post Tampa Bay Buccaneers Co-Owner Lists Exquisite Estate for $8.9M appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

It's October 1st, which means Fall is officially here! Our Haute Residence experts share their favorite Fall activities in their realty area!

As Fall is here, what are your favorite seasonal activities to enjoy in your area?

Elise Larrabure Girasole, Westport, CT

During Autumn, being my favorite season, I enjoy bike riding along the beautiful Westport beaches and hiking at Devil's Den in Weston where I can enjoy the spectacular Fall foliage and bird watching while being surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Elliot Bogod, Upper West Side, New York City, NY

New York City in Fall lifts you up when you're down.
It might be rainy, but New Yorkers don't let the drizzle keep them away from seeing every spectacular color on the fall-foliage spectrum. You don't even have to scramble to get Upstate to peep the fiery show that is the end of New York's glorious fall foliage season—New York City foliage usually lasts through the beginning of November—something you can't say for most of the state's northern regions.
Fall time in the northeastern United States is welcoming, cozy, and full of beauty. New York City is no exception, with brilliant weather, beautiful scenery, and a plethora of things to do. And as one of the city’s premiere gems, Central Park is the ideal place to catch some of the fall time fun.
The Central Park Zoo is open year-round, but fall time is one of the best times of the year to go. Not only is the foliage spectacular, but it’s the perfect weather for walking around and seeing more active animals. Whether you’re there with your family or planning an event for your company, the zoo can offer beauty, fun, and some education.
Central Park becomes a fall-time wonderland around Halloween and if you’re looking for the perfect spooky-cool event, try taking advantage of the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla. A few days before Halloween, you can take part in festivities like pumpkin carving, costume parades and contests, and the Flotilla. People from all over the world come to see the Pumpkin Flotilla, where pumpkin after pumpkin floats across the water and lights up the sky. An ‘Instagram-worthy’ event to attend!

Nancy Tallman, Park City, UT

Fall in the mountains of Park City is spectacular. Nothing beats hiking our trails and seeing the changing colors of the leaves.

Jochen Lucke, Highlands, NC

As the leaves change and the crisp Fall air arrives on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau the great outdoors offers a wide range of activities. Perfect for hiking, golf, croquet, fishing, or stroll around town for some retail therapy. Enjoying the warmth and sounds of a fire with a blanket for morning coffee or evening cocktails is perfect for creating mountain memories with family and friends.

Fall along the Rio Grande River in northern New Mexico.

Debbi DiMaggio, Piedmont, CA

Fall is such a lovely time of year in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether for the day, a night, or the weekend, the Napa Valley is a beautiful place to be. The weather is refreshing and the scenery is stunning, from the fall leaves to fewer tourists, as if the Valley were all your own. Hiking beneath the redwoods in Tilden Park or one of the many parks around the Bay is also a family favorite. Apple picking in Watsonville then Carmel for lunch, and last but not least a visit to the pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay followed by a spa treatment, lunch, or dinner at the Ritz Carlton. The Bay Area is such a beautiful place to live and explore.

Alison Melton, Hilton Head, South Carolina

The Fall is the BEST season in the Lowcountry! Weekends are filled with festivals and oyster roasts with friends. The weather is still perfect for lazy afternoons at the beach on Hilton Head Island! We also have two great charity polo events coming up in the area this year, so everyone is looking forward to that!

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is conveniently a quick drive away from so many fall destinations. I love retreating from the city for a quick mountain getaway in the Highlands/ Cashiers, North Carolina area, located atop the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Darlene Streit, New Mexico

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year in Santa Fe. As the sun sinks a bit lower in the sky, we still have warm days and crisp, cool nights. The smell of roasted chiles is in the air, especially at our fabulous Farmers Market. It's the height of the harvest season with fresh corn, squash, peppers, cabbage, apples, and more – and pumpkins on the way. One annual autumn ritual here is going up to the mountains to see the aspens change. The combination of golden leaves shimmering in the sunlight against a deep blue New Mexico sky, along with the soft rustling sound as the wind blows through them, is pure Santa Fe enchantment at its best.

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA

I like to participate in triathlons when time permits. I am currently training for one happening in late October and the cooler air paired with riding and running on along the coast is unbeatable. I start in Santa Monica and head out to Malibu and back and finish with a run along Ocean Blvd. Pair that with a post work out breakfast and it's a good start to a weekend morning!

Cindy Shearin: The Shearin Group, Manhattan Beach/Redondo Beach, California

The fall season is filled with many exciting events that locals look forward to year after year. The Hometown Fair, held this weekend on October 2nd & 3rd, is fun for the whole family; live music, pony rides, bounce houses, carnival games, food, shopping, and a beer and wine garden for adults. There is also a 5K race for all ages.

Next up is the world-famous Pumpkin Race, sponsored by the local business, Skechers. This race is for kids of all ages, where they engineer a pumpkin racecar to compete in an exciting downhill race at the food of Manhattan Beach Boulevard for prizes.

Following the fall festivities is the Holiday Tree Lighting in November, located downtown. As shoppers sip-n-shop, while the kids meet Santa and pet his reindeer, music, and magic are in the air. The ultimate event that every resident looks forward to is the Holiday Fireworks Show. Excited crowds fill the streets, and nearby homeowners host festive parties to ring in the holidays during the spectacular show.

Manhattan Beach is home to many regularly scheduled local events both weekly and monthly. See www.TheShearinGroup.com for more information.

Philip Weiser - Carlton International, French Riviera, France

Why Fall Is The Perfect Time Of Year To Experience The French Riviera

Every year thousands of tourists flock to the French Riviera. Travelers from all over the world come here to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, and sea. The arrival of fall means that the busy months of events, festivals, and holidaymakers come to an end. The weather begins to cool down, and the tourists return home. This article is dedicated to explaining why Fall is the best time of year to experience the French Riviera.

Temperate and Climate

The French Riviera is famous for having glorious sunshine 300 days of the year. During the summer it can be extremely hot, between 82 °F to 93 °F. Making the beautiful beaches a popular destination! The weather starts to cool down during the Fall months, becoming much more comfortable. Often the summer months feel too hot to explore, and the beaches can become crowded. In the Fall the weather temperatures fall to between 71 °F and 80 °F. The cooler weather makes exploring the historic towns and villages more enjoyable. However, the sun is still shining almost every day!

Beaches

On warmer days, many locals still visit the beaches and some even brave swimming in the sea! From 'La Plage de la Garoupe' (a beautiful beach in Cap d'Antibes) you can swim in the sea whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the snow-capped French Alps. If you don't fancy a swim, you can relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Many people enjoy sailing and windsurfing during the Fall and Winter months. Making the port towns a year-round hotspot!

Hiking

The French Riviera has some of the most beautiful hiking spots in France! From the Esterel Mountains, you can look down over the bay of Cannes and the bay of Saint Tropez. If you would prefer to explore the Provencal countryside, you can travel to The Var. An inland region within the Côte d'Azur - famous for its vineyards!

Food & Drink

The south of France has tons of beautiful restaurants! You can dine in a chic beach bar, or a cozy cafe - hidden up a side street. The French are famous for their delicious food! Antibes is a year-round city, meaning its cafés, and restaurants are open all year. You can explore the winding streets and find delicious places to eat on every corner. Antibes hosts a market every morning where you can browse the stalls and buy local produce. Whether you are enjoying a glass of rosé in a wine bar, or share a pizza at an Italian café. Antibes is the perfect place to experience local life on the French Riviera.

Sunsets

The French Riviera is famous for its sensational sunsets! Every evening the sky turns to candyfloss colors throughout the region. However, during fall and winter, the sunsets become much more dramatic! As the days get shorter, the light across the region changes. Everything from the color of the sky, to the color of the trees and vegetation, becomes vibrant. As the sun slowly sets behind the sea and Esterel Mountains the skyline appears to be ablaze. It is a truly breathtaking experience.

Gina Duncan, O’ahu, HI

Even though the weather may still feel like summer through October in Hawaii we have many fall traditions here on Oahu and on the other islands. My favorite is the Aloha Week Festival (dates for 2021 to be determined). The festival is ongoing for an entire week and starts off with the glorious Parade of Flowers, pa`u riders wearing long flowing gowns astride horses decked out in the finest ribbon and flowers. The Festival has been in existence since 1946 and celebrates all things Hawaiian. It is also celebrated on all islands so wherever you are there will be celebrations. My other favorite is the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. This is over a month-long series of events with 67 top chefs from Hawaii and the mainland coming together in this top epicurean festival. The festival travels from island to island starting on the Big Island in October, then to Maui, and ending on Oahu in November. This year's theme is "Taste our love for the land". For the young and young at heart, you may love the Waimanalo Country Farm Pumpkin Patch with Sunflower Field. This farm has a drive-through tour this year with opportunities to pick your own pumpkin and enjoy the farm animal visit and sunflower fields. Their Pumpkin Patch farm stand will also be open. Whether fall is an apple cider on the beach or enjoying one of these wonderful events I hope you enjoy our islands this fall safely and with Aloha.

Amy Land-de Wilde, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Our weather stays pretty perfect all year long – sunshine with 70-85 degree weather throughout every season. Our outdoor lifestyle from dining alfresco at one of our open-air restaurants to hiking up to the top of a hill enjoying panoramic views and cooling breezes or swimming laps in the sea is enjoyed through the fall months (and into winter!) while our stateside friends are pulling out their scarves and ordering pumpkin-spiced lattes. Even though our weather, which impacts our daily lifestyle, doesn’t change much season-to-season we have other things that signify a change of season as we transition from summer to fall.
With fall comes the start of the holiday season, and with that comes visitors! Our island welcomes our seasonal residents and visitors alike, adding a little extra energy to our fall season. Our streets in Christiansted and Frederiksted come alive and our restaurants fill up. Many of our musicians come back for the season, and you can hear the strums of their guitars and the beat of their drums as you stroll along our cobblestone streets, adding so much liveliness to our fall season. Our winds pick up, cooling off our summer heat, and the flora and fauna change just slightly.
For those of us who live here, we take notice that fall is here and that soon we will be welcoming our winter friends to St. Croix.

Richard Salter - Salter Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL

We are now approaching the end of the summer months and it is very exciting that the heat and humidity will soon be toning down. This gives everyone in S Florida the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors more without the overwhelming intensity given off by the summer sun.

Our climate here cannot be beaten between the end of October all the way thru to the end of May. This is 7 months of bliss when the snowbirds come to town to enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer.

You will see a lot more people exercising outdoors, strolling along the beach, or playing games in the many local parks.

What I enjoy most once the fall weather is upon us is the opportunity to dine outside in the multitude of outstanding local restaurants. I love to sit in the open air and basque in the gorgeous views offered by the ocean or Intracoastal front establishments. There is always something to see and it is so much fun to watch the parade of boats up and down the inland waterways around town.

To endure a few months with 92-degree heat and 80% humidity is certainly worth it to be rewarded with the perfect climate we are blessed with once fall arrives.

Nick Salter - Salter Group, Atlantic Beach, FL

I'll attend any Oktoberfest events that go on locally. Trying fall-flavored beverages and enjoying music is a must. My spouse and I also look out for "Halloween" themed drive-in movies where we'll bring pizza and our favorite snacks.

The post Off The Clock: Haute Residence Members Talk About Their Favorite Fall Activities appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Darin Marques was hosted by Haute Media Group Cofounder Seth Semilof. Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Marques’ illustrious career from working in sales for a top subcontractor, his work in the Henderson community, and his eventual ascendancy in luxury real estate as a home specialist and founder of the Darin Marques Group at Huntington & Ellis.

After graduating from Bonanza High School, Marques pursued sales with the top fireplace and window subcontractor in the city. Within six months, he was the leading salesperson specializing in custom homes. This kicked off years as a successful executive in sales and development. Most recently, Marques was a luxury home specialist for 11 years with Ivan Sher Group, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties, where he held the role of sales manager for ASCAYA, a premier luxury home community in Henderson with 313 estate sites projected to be the greatest collection of Desert Contemporary architecture in the country upon its completion. As a thirty-year resident of Las Vegas with a deep knowledge of the valley, Marques has an eye for elevated living and a skill set that results in clients achieving the most value when purchasing and selling their homes.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Marques.

Seth Semilof: How was the movement [to creating your own company]? You moved around at the beginning of COVID.

Darin Marques: I left [Ivan Sher Group] in December of 2019 and moved over here to start my team. Then, we rolled around to March, and everything shuts down. I am thinking, “What did I do?” but everything worked out. There was this incredible rebound that started late August, early September of last year. We more than made up for it in the fourth quarter of last year. We grossed almost 22 million in sales just in the fourth quarter and this year we have been off to an incredible start. We are currently sitting at 54 million in sales and on track to break 100 million this year.

SS: How did you get into real estate? Was that your first profession? Tell us a little about your first moves in your career.

DM: Believe it or not, I started working when I was 14. I was into bodybuilding at the time, and I started working for a local health food store here. I worked for them for about five years until I was 19 and one of our customers offered me my first sales opportunity, which was outside sales for a construction company here in town. This is what led me into luxury. I worked for him for a few months as a project manager, then he moved me into sales. I was selling high-end materials for custom home construction: fireplaces, windows, mirrors, shower doors, and all that stuff. The one area that he did not have anybody to focus on was custom homes.

SS: How long did it take you to get your first deal whether it be a listing or a sale?

DM: In my first month, I landed two one and a half-million-dollar deals, which, at that time, would be the equivalent of three or four million now. Both of those were prior customers of mine from when I sold construction materials, and they ended up listing their homes with me. My first 90 days were incredible, but nine months afterward was nothing. The first five years in real estate from 2009 to 2014 was tough. I was going to quit and every year, thankfully, I had two great people who believed in me. The turning point was when I went and met with Ivan. I said, “I am at rock bottom. I am broke. I cannot afford to pay my dues.” He said, “This is the best thing. Everything from here is up.” I move forward and about 90 days later, ASCAYA came to me ready to reopen and start selling luxury home lots again.

SS: What advice would you give to people starting out?

DM: I think anybody who is successful knows that you cannot do it all on your own and to surround yourself with the right people. The other thing I tell all new agents now, I say, "Keep a job for at least a year. Take all the money that you are making from real estate and put that away because that is what is going to finance your business." You are starting a business and any business owner knows that you cannot walk into any business without having money for a startup. It really comes down to time blocking and being organized with your time.

SS: 18 months ago, you went to launch your own business. What made you decide to do that?

DM: I was managing ASCAYA and overseeing 32 agents plus admin at our main office. It was like drinking water from a fire hose for about a year, but it gave me a great opportunity to learn a lot really quickly about managing agents and running a team. It gave me an opportunity, and it gave me confidence. When my contract was up at ASCAYA after five years, I went back and tried to be an agent on the team, and I realized that was not me. I did not want to just be in sales; I wanted to build something. As an entrepreneur, I had all these ideas, and I knew it was not my business. It was scary, to say the least, but it was the best thing that I could have ever done.

For more information, please contact Darin Marques at (702) 485-7755 or darin@dmgluxury.com

To watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence, visit http://dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 10: Darin Marques appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.