What will the color palette be for 2013, and will you go with that trend?

Timeless elegance is always subtly inclusive of trend.  A warmer, more embracing color palette will merge with the classic white, fresh and clean, as everyone seems to be looking for long term value and timelessness.

What materials will be making their debut in 2013, and what if anything will be coming back after a long hiatus?

Concrete as flooring tiles are back with many colors being shared by Waterworks.  Lots of printed textiles are coming to the market as well.  It's fun to see pattern really taking the stage again!

What design concepts from last year should be left alone for a while?

Bright Dramatic Colors that look good in magazines and on-line, but offer little "PEACE-fullness" to live with on a daily basis.

Given the opportunity, what risks would you like to take this year to further the concepts of design?

I am very interested in what is happening with e-commerce and the world of home. Pinterest is alive and very exciting with ideas shared endlessly.  I actually look forward to curating products on-line, and ultimately offering my own signature collections as well.

If you could redesign one of your favorite places, other than your home or office, where is it, and what would you do with it?

One of my favorite spaces is a penthouse I saw recently in the Trump Tower Chicago.  I would open all of the spaces with Hopes Doors and create a contemporary, clean, yet warm environment with a large, old piece of Italian terrazzo floor.  One might be reminded of the classic old Italian stone house with the contemporary Bultaup Kitchen insert.  With high ceilings and beautiful fine art on the walls, the space will become warm and inviting with many a "favorite spot" for reading and just absorbing the magnificent views.

The post 2013 A Time of Timeless Elegance: Chicago Designer Suzanne Lovell Shares What to Expect appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What do you see as your company’s greatest success in 2012?

Echelon Estates has had so many great things happen in 2012 - Echelon's move to level 26 of Sydney's only 6 star energy efficiency rated building, No1. Bligh Street, which has already featured on the cover of numerous Architectural magazines and won many awards, has been a great move for the company.  The attraction of our first hi-profile International agencies, choosing the luxury branded portal created by the company (www.echelon-estates.com) as a means to raise the International enquiry levels on the luxury assets they represent, was another huge success for the company. And we would consider the exclusivity of the Australian market with Haute Residence as another successful string to the bow of Echelon Estates - a relationship which will bear fruit for many years to come.

What do you see as some of the biggest opportunities in the coming year ahead?

If I was to sum it up in a word I would say "collaboration".  As soon as we launched the Echelon portal, within a week we had a French real estate organization, an Italian family with a villa in Tuscany and a Costa Rican resort owner contact us. So for us, it’s about creating something of value and working with like minded people from across the planet, to achieve successful outcomes.

What changing market aspects will have the greatest impact on the way you conduct business in 2013?

Echelon Estates is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the changing market - in fact our entire business model takes advantage of these changes: Overseas agents looking to capture the interest of high-net-worth individuals from the wealthiest economies in the world at present will look to showcase their client’s properties on our luxury branded portal targeting the Australasian market.  So we are looking forward to attracting the best in the industry and nurturing the professional relationships with our International Associates. On the ground here is Australia, as the mining boom slows, the federal government is looking to stimulate the housing sector, so we will reap the benefits of that - attracting owners of luxury assets who realize the importance of a real estate firm with International reach, and as 2013 will see the opening of three Echelon Estates offices in key Cities globally, we believe we will be able to add considerable value to everyone associated with the brand.

What is it about you and your company that sets you apart from the rest?

Thinking big and acting fast, visionary and global mindset, entrepreneurial and progressive attitudes all set the Echelon Estates team apart within the walls of our office. Backing that rhetoric up with tangible points of difference in the marketplace is what sets us apart in the minds of the clients we represent.

What are the most important questions a client should ask themselves before selecting an agent in your market?

Does this agent have a global cost effective marketing strategy?

What are their unique local marketing channels?

What is their buyer servicing strategy?

Are they part of an effective business unit, supported by a team driving the necessary administrative tasks?

All the time, ask yourself, have they demonstrated how they can add value to every step in the sales process?

Finally, and more importantly, what is their character and attitude like.  They should be smart, fresh, and knowledgeable, have a proven track record and yet still be hungry for the opportunity to represent you.  If arrogance creeps in, walk out.

The post Likeminded in Luxury: Realtor Marshall Mullen of Echelon Estates Sees “Collaboration” in the 2013 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

What do you see as your company’s greatest success in 2012?

Maintaining the #1 position in market share in our town and area for the past several years is an incredible accomplishment once again. With the challenges that we all faced this year, to be on top again speaks volumes about our manager and agents.

What do you see as some of the biggest opportunities in the coming year ahead?

The coming year I think will have many challenges but also great opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Interest rates remain at an all time low and prices are still competitive. The affordability factor makes this a great time to buy. On the other side of the coin, we also are entering into a Spring Market with an all time low supply of homes. This will create an excellent opportunity for sellers to attract multiple buyers and top dollar.

What changing market aspects will have the greatest impact on the way you conduct business in 2013?

Technology will continue to impact the way we do business. Staying on top of social media and online marketing will be essential to keeping an edge over competition. On the luxury end of the business, attracting the local and foreign buyers will continue to be an important part of marketing.

What is it about you and your company that sets you apart from the rest?

The market share that my office maintains helps set it apart from all of our competitors combined. My buyers get a first look at more homes than any other buyer in the market and my sellers get the largest audience possible before their home ever hits the broad market. With the knowledge and savvy of the agents in my office, I can assure any seller, there is not a better place to have their listing. Coupled with my personal marketing and branding, it's a win win for everyone.

What are the most important questions a client should ask themselves before selecting an agent in your market?

A seller needs to ask if they are looking to list their home or sell it. Anyone can list a property, but only a few agents can properly market a home, especially in the luxury market. A buyer must look for the agent that has the knowledge of the area in which they are looking to buy. I only represent a few towns. Most importantly, both buyers and sellers need to find an agent with whom they are comfortable and trust.

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