Haute Residence: What tech tools do you use today that you did not use so much in the past?

Terry Sprague: I call them “relationship tools” as technology is only a small part of what I use. The umbrella of these tools is really my relationship with Christie’s International Real Estate. Christie’s opens the door to local, national and international clients who are looking to move into my market. It’s my way of “getting into the jet before it lands” - reaching potential clients early, before they even arrive in town.

The next level of “tools” are my personal contacts. Many brokers use CRM [customer relationship management] tools, but I use pen and paper. Old school, yes, but it works for me. Every day, I look through my contacts and choose two or three people to call. I don’t call them to talk business. These are people I consider friends, and I want to keep a personal connection going. This is my way of staying relevant in their lives. I know that just staying in contact with clients has high ROI.

After utilizing personal contacts comes social media. Years ago, when social media was first introduced, I was skeptical about using it. I reluctantly began using it until I was in London at a meeting and a lady introduced herself and told me that she knew me through social media. That’s when I realized its power. To this day, I use it in an authentic way. I personally do all my own posts - despite my wife scolding me about my grammar. I believe this authenticity conveys what I do, who I am, and that I’m approachable. I don’t post to find clients. I do it for relevance and to stay top of mind.

I also use major affiliations to my advantage. I am Oregon’s exclusive agent for SportStar Relocation, a concierge-based real estate and relocation company that offers professional athletes, entertainers and executives a wide range of relocation services. LUXE Christie’s is Haute Residence’s exclusive Oregon partner, and I’m a member of Realm, an invitation-only collaborative of international brokers.

HR: What has been the #1 selling point of your area in the last 20 years?

TS: I have had the benefit of living all over the world. I moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, because of family responsibilities but stayed because I became a father here and love and appreciate everything the area has to offer.

It would be hard to point to just one top selling point of Lake Oswego. It’s a community with great schools, excellent outdoor activities and natural beauty with Oswego Lake and the Willamette River. Access to all your daily business is five minutes away, plus you’re only ten or fifteen minutes from downtown Portland.

HR: How are prices in your area compared to this time last year?

TS: Prices in Clackamas County, where Lake Oswego and West Linn are located, are 10-15% higher than last year. The reason is simple supply and demand. There is an increase in buyers moving to Lake Oswego, and we are short on inventory.

Buyers are looking in the area because of the “vacation at home” properties we have here. Acreage, a pool, gyms, and home offices are in high demand. Those are normal parts of the inventory in Lake Oswego and West Linn. The tax structure in Clackamas County is also more conservative than in surrounding counties, making it an attractive area to live.

I predict if interest rates remain low, prices will rise another 5-10% in 2021.

HR: What is your favorite way to network with other professionals in the real estate industry?

TS: Historically, Christie’s International Real Estate has gathered global leaders - art consultants, bankers, investment advisors, and the like - to educate them on the state of luxury real estate. Unfortunately, those events were shut down in the past year.

I’ve turned my attention to more direct communication with other high-end brokers to discuss each other’ s haves and wants. I feel that cooperation is one of the most important aspects of networking. It’s important to make others feel valued as there is no “algorithm” for creating true relationships. I want brokers at all levels to feel respected, comfortable and welcome.

Terry Sprague

In addition to my direct contact networking, over the past year, I’ve been a panelist on many webinars and Zoom calls that feature market leaders - today’s version of in-person symposiums and conferences.

Terry Sprague is the owner and founder of LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate as well as a co-founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle. As an individual broker, he had $100 million in sales in 2020 and consistently ranks in the top 1% of all brokers in Oregon.

For more information about this home or other luxury properties in Lake Oswego, please contact Terry Sprague at 503-459-3987 or Terry@LuxeCIR.com.

LUXE Christie's International is the exclusive real estate company representing the Oregon & Washington (SW, Central & Eastern) real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

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Transformed from a shipyard into a sophisticated neighborhood, the South Waterfront is now home to a dozen of Portland’s newest luxury condominium and apartment buildings. “The luxe high-rises in the South Waterfront offer a variety of residences from studios to penthouses,” explains Brad Golik, a broker with LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate who specializes in the area. “While there are many buildings and sizes of home to choose from, the common theme amongst them all is modern luxury.”

High-end finishes like hardwood floors, professional-grade appliances, stone and tile, shimmering glass facades, views of the river, mountains and city, and on-site services such as 24-hour concierges are just a few of the distinctive details and amenities that are found in many of the South Waterfront residences. “South Waterfront developments are comparable in size and style to those in the renowned Pearl District,” Golik says. “This has made the area incredibly popular with my clients who have refined tastes, want easy access to the city, and also want waterfront living - which the Pearl does not offer.”

Located just south of downtown, the South Waterfront is a walkable neighborhood that is a superb choice for those seeking an active, urban lifestyle. Spanning the length of the neighborhood, South Waterfront Greenway is a 4-acre linear park along the Willamette River, perfect for walking, running and biking. Tilikum Crossing, a bridge exclusively for pedestrians, bicycles and light rail, sits at the northern edge of the neighborhood and connects the South Waterfront to the city’s hip east side, and the Portland Streetcar runs through the neighborhood and loops around the city making it fast and easy to get to the Moda Center, the Pearl District, downtown, and everywhere in-between.

The South Waterfront District is also home to Portland’s landmark aerial tram. Linking Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) waterfront campus to its hospitals on Marquam Hill, the tram is a unique mode of transportation for patients and employees of OHSU, Portland’s largest employer, as well as for area visitors seeking an unparalleled view of the city and Mt. Hood.

“Luxury towers such as The John Ross and Atwater Place are also ‘green’ buildings with LEED-certification,” continues Golik. “It’s an important distinction that many eco-conscious buyers are looking for. Energy efficiency, water conservation and even rooftop gardens are on the list of must-haves these days.”

As Portland’s newest neighborhood, the South Waterfront District was designed as an urban enclave that offers the best in residential and commercial opportunities. Towering high-rises with restaurants and shops at street-level and luxury accommodations above create a landscape where residents enjoy a rich, metropolitan lifestyle.

For more information about luxury properties in Portland’s South Waterfront, please visit www.PortlandPenthouse.com and contact Brad Golik at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com or 503-896-8856.

Photos credit: Courtesy of LUXE Christie's International Real Estate

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This was especially true for the luxury real estate market. In January, the real estate market in Washington, and particularly in the Seattle metro area, was strong with high demand, high volume of sales and high prices. In March when COVID-19 hit and brokers were urged to restrict in-person home tours, the Washington real estate market remained strong as new Northwest MLS listings for the month outpaced February. By April, the market had slowed down with fewer year-over-year listings, but, surprisingly, prices were up nearly 6.4 percent.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

“Many industry veterans predicted severe declines,” says Kendra Ratcliff, co-founder and COO of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle. “But what we experienced was quite the opposite in the high-end luxury market. The Seattle market took a brief break, but we bounced back much quicker than expected.”

It was imperative for brokers to adjust to the new selling environment. Christie’s Seattle brokers took the challenge in stride, using technology to create new ways for buyers to safely view homes using live virtual tours and videos, connecting with clients using Zoom meetings, and replacing in-person networking with social media. “Coupled with Christie’s already outstanding marketing programs, these new marketing tools worked well to reach buyers,” explains Ratcliff. “We quickly reinvented how we conducted business, and it was a success.”

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

By May, Christie’s Seattle sales of high-end properties in Washington were returning. “Many buyers began looking for property outside the downtown Seattle area - properties where their families could spread out,” Ratcliff says. “However, we also saw many clients interested in downtown high-rise living where services and amenities were at their fingertips.”

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Late summer and fall saw a resurgence of activity. Three residences within Seattle’s Four Seasons Private Residences, all of which Christie’s Seattle’s Executive Vice President and Co-Founder Scott Wasner represented and Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle served as the dual agency, captured the highest sales prices - a combined $24.7 million - achieved in Downtown Seattle in 2020. Remarkably, Wasner represented and sold one of these residences in July 2019 at the exact sales price as this most recent sale, $9.2 million. This stability in the market is excellent news for the region’s high-end market.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

“The technology, digital media and e-commerce companies based in the region remained stable, and even flourished,” Ratcliff says. “This was a tremendous benefit for the area’s economy. We also benefitted from an influx of out-of-state, high-net-worth buyers coming to Washington looking to take advantage of the state’s favorable tax structure and business-friendly environment.”

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

At the beginning of December, a stunning 21 percent of the homes listed in the Northwest MLS were priced at $1 million or higher. “We’ve definitely beat the odds in 2020,” concludes Ratcliff. “While it is impossible to predict what 2021 will bring, our confidence is high that Washington’s high-end real estate market will continue to remain strong.”

For more information about luxury and high-end properties throughout Washington, please contact Kendra Ratcliff at 206-428-1977 or KendraRatcliff@christiesrealestateseattle.com.

Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle is the exclusive brokerage representing the Seattle, WA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

The post Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle Talks About 2020 Success appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Congratulations to Scott Wasner, co-founder and executive vice president, and his team for these impressive sales:

Four Seasons Private Residences #1502, 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101 - Sold for $9,500,000 - Represented both buyers and sellers

Four Seasons Private Residences #1502

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Four Seasons Private Residences #1202, 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101 - Sold for $9,200,000 - Represented both buyers and sellers

Four Seasons Private Residences #1202

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Four Seasons Private Residences #1801, 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101 - Sold for $6,000,000 - Represented both buyers and sellers

Four Seasons Private Residences #1801

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

310 Parkridge Lane, Bellevue, WA 98004 - Sold for $5,155,000

310 Parkridge Lane, Bellevue, WA 98004

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

1606 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98122 - Sold for $3,900,000

1606 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98122

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

9237 Allens Cove Lane NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 - Sold for $2,550,000

9237 Allens Cove Lane NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

715 W Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98119 - Sold for $2,355,500

715 W Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98119

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

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

Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle is the exclusive brokerage representing the Seattle, WA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

The post Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle 2020 Sales Review appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

From the moment you arrive at the soaring timbered entrance and pass through the private gates, it’s clear that Tanager stands out among Central Oregon’s most desirable boutique, waterfront residential communities.

Tanager’s 182 acres is a beautiful collection of distinctive, natural landscapes. Many features of Central Oregon’s high desert - forests, meadows, canyons, cliffs and rivers - converge here, creating a property that is unlike any other.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

Each Tanager’s 21 homesites is between 1.32-10 acres in size and boasts frontage along one of the development’s three water features - a regulation-size waterski lake, a recreational lake and gorgeous Tumalo Creek. “This unique community is all about taking advantage of the outdoors - and especially the water,” says Tab Howard, LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate’s Luxury Estate Specialist in Bend, Oregon. “Tanager’s developers have designed an extraordinary, private sanctuary for those looking for the luxury living in a secluded setting.”

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

With two private lakes and frontage to one of the area’s most beautiful rivers, Tumalo Creek, Tanager offers incredible opportunities for those looking for an exclusive waterfront lifestyle. The premier waterski and wakeboard lake is 2,100 feet long and features a turnaround island, boat harbor with a dock and mooring slips, a beach with sand imported from the Oregon coast, and a picnic area with a shelter, restroom and shower. The recreational lake, which is exclusively for non-motorized activities, is 8-acres in size and perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. It is stocked with fish and has a dock from which to fish or launch small watercraft.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

In addition to the community's two signature lakes, Tanager sits along nearly three-quarters of a mile of Tumalo Creek. A tributary to the Deschutes River, the creek is a natural beauty with waterfalls, rapids and picturesque rimrock cliffs.

“Tanager residents will truly enjoy Central Oregon’s changing landscape year-round,” Howard remarks. “Though nature plays a huge part of the appeal of this exclusive waterfront development, it’s also just minutes from Bend and all of its outstanding shopping, schools, and amenities.”

In October, Bend was named as the second fastest-growing city by personal finance website WalletHub based on population, job growth and growth in the number of business in the area. Not surprising to residents and visitors, Bend is also consistently hailed as one of the most livable cities in the country.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

“Tanager is a unique haven for those who not only seek privacy and seclusion but want to enjoy the region’s best year-round outdoor recreation while staying close to one of Oregon’s top cities,” says Howard. “The number of homesites are limited so It’s an incredible opportunity that won’t last long.”

For more information about Tanager and other luxury properties in Central Oregon, please contact Tab Howard at 310-346-3500 or Tab@LuxeCIR.com.

The post Discover Central Oregon’s Only Private Water Ski Community With LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

Oregon is the third largest viniferous grape-producing state in the United States, with more than 700 wineries and more than 1,000 vineyards growing 72 grape varietals. From the Columbia River Gorge to the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon, the state offers a superior opportunity to fulfill your oenophile dreams. The state boasts exceptional terroir for growing diverse number of cool-climate varietals, and there are 18 district AVAs in the state to consider when looking to purchase vineyard property.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

“Oregon’s wine-growing regions are now more than 50 years old and have drawn international acclaim for the vast varieties and quality of wine produced,” explains Kendra Ratcliff, vice president and principal broker of LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate. “Having said that, the vibrant Oregon winemaking community has retained its handcrafted, artisan approach to agriculture and viticulture. Even though Oregon is the third largest wine grape-producing state, most wineries, in fact, have remained small and produce fewer than 5,000 cases a year.”

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

Vineyard estates, however, are not the only luxury acreage properties you’ll find in Oregon. There is an exceptional number of equestrian properties, or those with equestrian potential, available in the state. Whether your dream is a high performance training facility, horse farm, sporting or event estate, or simply a property to enjoy horseback riding, you’ll find a fine collection of properties available that are dedicated to the art of horsemanship. More than merely horse farms, these distinctive properties feature exquisite homes, state-of-the-art facilities, and the chance to live your dream.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

Red Lily Vineyards in Jacksonville, Oregon, the heart of Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley AVA, is a perfect example of a property that is suited for either, or both, wine or horses. This 250-acre property sits on the quiet Applegate River and features a beautiful 1,885 sq. foot tasting room, state-of-the-art, 5,200 sq. foot winery facility, 14 acres of grapes, a main residence, guest house, and multiple barns and out-buildings. This turn-key operation is ideal for a buyer who is ready to jump right into a wine country or equestrian lifestyle.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

In West Linn, Oregon, a gorgeous 21-acre vineyard property, known as Lola’s Vineyard, may be your ticket to happiness. The private estate located on top of Pete’s Mountain has 14.4 acres of 20-year-old Pinot Noir vines and is surrounded by the prestigious Oregon Golf Club. A magnificent 2-acre building site set in the middle of the vineyard, with breath-taking views of Mt. Hood, is perfect for building a dream home or equestrian facilities.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

From undeveloped land to commercial ventures - or simply a hillside estate with stunning views - LUXE Christie’s has the knowledge and expertise needed to complete these sometimes complicated transactions. Vineyard and equestrian properties are often more than just real estate, consisting of a business, tasting room, manufacturing or training facilities, and residences. “We will help you live your dream!” promises Ratcliff.

For more information about wine estates or luxury properties throughout Oregon, please contact Kendra Ratcliff at 503-330-6677 or Kendra@LuxeCIR.com.

The post Fulfill Your Wine Or Equestrian Dreams In Oregon With LUXE Christie’s International appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

What makes Bainbridge Island a desirable place to live?

It is a quaint community with a population of nearly 25,000 that has all the amenities and conveniences needed to be self-contained. There is no need to leave the island when you need a doctor, veterinarian, groceries, great schools, a golf and country club - all your everyday needs are met. Plus, Bainbridge has an incredible array of restaurants and boutiques. And did I mention there are seven wineries on the 27-square-mile island?

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

What types of luxury homes are found on Bainbridge Island?

An amazing variety of homes dot the charming island. You’ll find cottages, horse properties, and luxury waterfront estates. We’re also seeing an uptick in apartment and condominium communities.

Two distinctive properties we currently have available on Bainbridge Island are a 4,000 sq. ft. luxury log home on a wooded, waterfront acre and a historically-significant Naval compound that features a 12,000 sq. ft. home and 12 private acres. These properties couldn’t be more different, but they are wonderful examples of the variety of home styles on Bainbridge.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Who is buying property on Bainbridge Island?

Clients who desire space, privacy and seclusion are flocking to the island. It’s a very desirable bedroom community to Seattle. We have clients who work in Seattle and need easy access to the city, which the walk-on/drive-on ferry provides. Plus the Agate Pass Bridge gives residents the ability to drive off the island to many other towns throughout Puget Sound.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Is it beautiful on Bainbridge Island?

No doubt about it! Drive around the island and you’ll have views of downtown Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, the Sound, and even Mt. Rainier to the south. The island itself is dotted with parks and is home to Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, a beautiful area with trails that lead through meadows and thick forests to a lake and a rocky beach.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

How would you describe the lifestyle on Bainbridge Island?

It is sophisticated yet casual living. You’ll enjoy a quintessential Puget Sound island lifestyle.

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

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Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Seattle is one of the country’s most sought-after locations for downtown luxury living, and you’ll find exceptional choices whether you are seeking a primary residence or a sophisticated pied-à-terre. Private condo communities, such as the Four Seasons Private Residences or Escala, offer residents unparalleled security, privacy, concierge services, and world-class amenities.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

“Luxury condos and penthouses have been designed with the modern resident in mind,” says Scott Wasner, the co-founder and executive vice president of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle. Professional-grade appliances, distinctive tile and woodwork, integrative technology, and open floor plans are just a few of the details which you’ll find in every unit. With each building’s outstanding security and concierge services, residents also enjoy a sense of worry-free living, ideal for those who want a “lock and leave” lifestyle, explains Wasner.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

The city is literally at your doorstep when you choose to live in a luxury condo or penthouse in Seattle. Teeming with award-winning restaurants and world-class shopping, downtown Seattle is truly an international hub. Residents enjoy easy access to the city’s bustling waterfront district, the famous Pike Place Market, with its outstanding food, flower and artisan vendors, as well as cultural attractions including museums, theaters and concert halls.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Seattle is a cosmopolitan city full of diverse residents who seek out the best of the Pacific Northwest. “Many of our clients interested in luxury high-rises are empty nesters, global travelers and high tech executives,” Wasner says. “The common element between them is they all enjoy the outstanding outdoor recreation, sweeping views and upscale living opportunities Seattle has to offer.”

For more information about luxury residences in Seattle, Kirkland, the Puget Sound, or throughout Washington, please contact Scott Wasner at 206-910-1410 or scottwasner@christiesrealestateseattle.com.

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