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What should one do or not do when considering a career in real estate?

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "Make sure you are ready to jump in head first. In today's market, this is not a hobby job. You have to commit to working long and odd hours. If you aren't an expert on your market and inventory, you won't be able to service your clients properly."

Anne Perry, Honolulu, HI: "Develop a strong and current data base; constant growth; strong market knowledge, and leave your ego at the door."

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, Boca Raton, FL: "Join a team where you receive leads, work and close them, and you'll establish yourself organically by being in the field learning the business."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Be prepared to spend six months in business development and getting set up for business."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "I say this is hard work. You have to be disciplined, approachable, and determined to protect your clients' interests throughout each stage of the transaction. You are assisting them with a large financial decision."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Be patient and honest. Your integrity is everything."

Heidi Bintz, Vail Valley, CO: "Be prepared for a full time job that can be seven days a week."

James Beasley, Las Vegas, NV: "Start building your data base (databank)."

Jeff Hyland, Bel-Air, CA: “Stay calm and work through it. You might not sell your first listing, but with time, due diligence and a bit of luck, the world could be your market.”

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "Your 'why' has to be very clear. Your choice of realty companies and the future education, support, plus mentorship is critical to your success."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "If this is your very first introduction into real estate, I would recommend assisting an agent. If I had it to do all over again from the start, that is what I would do. Giving up something to gain the knowledge and experience can be priceless."

Kim Martin-Fisher, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL: "You must be vigilant, patient, and genuine."

Kristine Farra, Chicago, IL: "Work hard. Build relationships, not leads. Take marketing and branding seriously."

Maggie Gold Seelig, Boston, MA: "Find the nicest and smarter person from whom to learn the business, as real estate is an apprenticeship profession."

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "Do not enter this business thinking it’s easy money -- it takes a lot of tremendous amount of time, devotion and capital to become established in order to have a lasting career."

Toni Itkin, Sandy Springs, GA: "Join a brokerage that provides the best training and technology, not the one that gives the highest commission split! Know that this is a full time business, not a part time job or a hobby. Then, network, network, network!!"

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post How To Start A Career In Real Estate? The Experts Weigh In! appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "In-person and live. Visiting the various affiliate offices has been one of my primary tools."

Bento Queiroz of The Bento Queiroz Group, Southwest Ranches/Weston, FL: "In the business field"

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, "Currently, social media, group Zoom calls and virtual happy hours."

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "Phone calls."

Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL: "I like attending open houses and conferences such as the Power Women Conference held every year by Biznow."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "Golf events or other charity events that are going on."

David Welles, Wellington, FL: "During COVID, the use of Zoom calls with my associates from around the country has helped establish new and lasting relationships that will lead to new business opportunities."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Social Media, particularly Instagram."

Doug Labor, Steamboat Springs, CO: "From email and online forums to picking up the phone, there are many ways to network. My favorite way is the forums. They offer a variety of topics and allow many brokers from different perspectives to give their insight and opinions."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "Virtual Events are more common. In-person events in small groups where social distances are practiced"

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "Zoom and webinars is a new way of life. LinkedIn is offering ways to connect with like-minded real estate professionals as well as LinkedIn groups. We started our Broadway Realty group that increased to over 700 professionals in a couple of weeks."

Ernie Carswell, West Hollywood, CA: "Price opinion invites to properties preparing to hit [the] market."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "I love the exclusive networking that Haute Residence offers to its members. It’s always refreshing to brainstorm with like-minded agents."

Jennifer Brilliant, Surfside, FL: "We don't have meetings and events in person as much anymore, so I rely heavily on email and calls with other realtors to discuss new listings, etc."

Jochen Lucke, Highlands, NC: "LeadingRE, Inman conference, one-on-one with brokers in target markets."

Karen Kenyon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Private Facebook groups."

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "IdealEstate, LinkedIn, various Facebook groups, Virtual Meetings, and one on one phone calls."

KC Martin, Paris, France: "While there are many online tools currently available in the market, personal contact is still the best way to build and maintain personal and professional relationships. Reaching out via phone, Zoom, or occasionally socially distanced meetings proves still that real estate is a people business built on real relationships."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "In person, but with Covid, Zoom will have to do, or phone calls.."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "Project events are an excellent way to learn about the project itself and meet new faces in the industry."

Leslie S. Modell of the Leslie S. Modell Team, Midtown East, New York City, NY: "During this period where we can't get together socially, we get on Zoom panels together, team meetings, phone calls, and send out e-blasts."

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "Professional social media sites."

Nilou Henderson of Henderson Ventures, Charlotte, NC: "Social media. Due to the current climate, I am utilizing social media to network with fellow agents, our community, and our clients."

Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, South Miami/Pinecrest, FL: "Smaller events/meetings more on a personal level."

Ryan Knowles, Bahamas: "Instagram."

Sandra Fiorenza, Miami Beach, FL: "Lunches and events."

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA: "Events and masterminds."

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, Costa Rica: "I prefer to communicate in live time, either on zoom or on the phone. So much emotion is lost in text or email."

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post How To Network In The Real Estate Industry appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

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Read below for how they see their areas' price activity in real estate.

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "Up 30% at a minimum in the last six months."

Alison Melton of The Melton Group, Hilton Head Island/Bluffton, SC: "On average, we are +30% from last year and sales volume is +64% for residential homes."

Bento Queiroz of The Bento Queiroz Group, Southwest Ranches/Weston, FL: "Inventory is shrinking and therefore prices are steadily increasing."

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, "Median list prices in Boca Raton are up 34.7% from last year in single-family homes."

Catherine Burgess of The Burgess Group, Boulder, CO: "Our area has appreciated substantially since last year."

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "[On] average, 10% [up]."

Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL: "Prices have increased due to the low single-family home inventory that's currently available."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "Prices are slightly increased but not as much as you think they would [have]. There is just a lack of inventory and prices will rise here shortly."

David Welles, Wellington, FL: "Prices are up approximately 10-12%."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Going up and continue, estimated 5%."

Doug Labor, Steamboat Springs, CO: "Residential prices in the Steamboat Springs area are up an average of 11% from last year."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "Increased."

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "Manhattan is the only area not increase will be remembered as years of opportunity in residential real estate. Prices are expected to stabilize before the end of the year and increase after the pandemic is over."

Ernie Carswell, West Hollywood, CA: "Prices are generally up 5-7% for properties under $6 million."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Our market has 1/3 the inventory that we had last year, which is driving our average sales price up across the board."

Jennifer Brilliant, Surfside, FL: "Prices for houses are higher this year. Prices for condos are about the same."

Karen Kenyon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Significantly higher and still trending upwards due to low inventory."

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "Up."

KC Martin, Paris, France: "Prices are generally holding or up, depending on the area. Buyers are looking to make moves in real estate now with interest rates low, Covid uncertainty, and looking to diversify their investment portfolios, which includes real property."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "We have seen prices, in some areas, climb, and in other areas [stay] steady."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "Prices are going up, inventory is going down!"

Laura Livaudais, Asheville/Western North Carolina: "Simply put - the prices are higher. The average list price ($397,829) was 20% higher while the average sales price ($390,696) was 23% higher. You can readily see from those prices that Asheville maintains its status as “recognizably affordable.”

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "50% higher."

Nilou Henderson of Henderson Ventures, Charlotte, NC: "Steadily increasing. Some areas have seen an increase of almost 20% in the last year. I expect the increases to remain as inventory remains low."

Leslie S. Modell of the Leslie S. Modell Team, Midtown East, New York City, NY: "The prices I would say, on the luxury side (over $3 million), are off about 10-20%."

Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, South Miami/Pinecrest, FL: "Maybe 20% higher. It's crazy how demand has gone up - first homes, now condo sales are picking up as well."

Ryan Knowles, Bahamas: "Similar [to last year]."

Sandra Fiorenza, Miami Beach, FL: "Home prices have increased by 30%. The number of listings has decreased by 50% and inventory is very small."

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA: "Up. However, the market was on fire about this time last year... then Covid threw a bucket of cold water on it."

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, Costa Rica: "Prices are up approximately 11%."

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Real Estate Prices Are Up In U.S. Markets And Abroad appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Alison Melton of The Melton Group, Hilton Head Island/Bluffton, SC: "ZOOM, FaceTime, WhatsApp, virtual showings are all the rage!"

Bento Queiroz of The Bento Queiroz Group, Southwest Ranches/Weston, FL: "Instagram for sure!"

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, "Zoom and Matterport."

Catherine Burgess of The Burgess Group, Boulder, CO: "Apple Watch, and a weekly newsletter"

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "Instagram."

Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL: "I'm definitely using Instagram a lot more in order to strengthen my brand presence digitally. This has helped me generate leads at a volume I did not think was possible."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "More online signing and contract forms. Not enough time in the day to write out the contract and scan for signature. this just streamlines the process to get a contract out fast in an ever-changing market."

David Welles, Wellington, FL: "Zoom calls with clients for updates and referrals and Matterport for my significant listings."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Mostly analytical tools that were not previously available."

Doug Labor, Steamboat Springs, CO: "Facetime. With our market so active, and it being a resort/retirement area, buyers need to jump on a listing as soon as possible, and the quickest way to get the property seen is by Facetime."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "CRM."

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "We use our smartphones to access apps to post updates and changes to listings."

Ernie Carswell of Carswell and Associates, West Hollywood, CA: "Zoom changed our world; Google Mapping."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Every listing now has a virtual iGuide tour and we are doing more and more personal video tours as well."

Joyce Rey, Beverly Hills, CA: "I would say I use Instagram, YouTube, and publish articles on my blog a lot more often than [in] previous years. Instagram and YouTube are truly two of the top channels for promoting our listings/business!"

Karen Kenyon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Facebook Business page and Instagram."

KC Martin of Sotheby’s International Realty, Paris, France: "My cell phones (plural) are probably my greatest asset in the market today. Staying connected real-time via online meetings, phone calls, video calls, apps, text, and email keeps me in touch and informed and up to date daily."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "Active Pipe."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "We have been using Zoom for years to connect with international buyers. Now, we use it for our American buyers as well."

Leslie S. Modell of the Leslie S. Modell Team, Midtown East, New York City, NY: "Zoom, Microsoft teams, and digital staging."

Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, South Miami/Pinecrest, FL: "Zoom meetings, FaceTime to show properties; social media in general."

Ryan Knowles, Bahamas: "Zoom and WhatsApp."

Sandra Fiorenza, Miami Beach, FL: "Mostly Instagram."

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA: "YouTube marketing."

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, Costa Rica: "Definitely Zoom and other video conferencing tools."

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post What Are The Preferred Real Estate Tech Tools For Professionals? appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

"Today, all of us at Haute Residence and Haute Media Group want to highlight our continuous gratitude to all veterans, past or present," says Kamal Hotchandani, CEO of Haute Media Group. "The freedom and liberties enjoyed by all are thanks to the sacrifice the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families have made throughout decades of service."

Elisa Linton

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elisa Linton

Among the many we honor today, we are proud to acknowledge Elisa Linton, a member of the Haute Residence network of top real estate agents in which she represents the Humble and Kingwood areas of Greater Houston, Texas. She is a proud Army Combat Veteran, possessing the tools and talents to help her fellow veterans and other clients navigate and understand their benefits and buying power.

In 1926, a Congressional resolution was passed recognizing November 11th as Armistice Day. It was later changed to Veterans Day and proclaimed as a national holiday by President Eisenhower in 1954.

Though the annual ceremonies may have been deterred by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distance measures, the recognition is not overlooked. Thank you.

The post Haute Residence Marks Veterans Day 2020 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The panelists were hosted by Haute Living's Seth Semilof, going deep into the latest on the luxury real estate market in their respective areas. They were:

• Sue Nickason, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Dart Real Estate, Cayman Islands
• Nancy Almodovar, President and CEO of Nan and Company Properties, Houston, TX
• Sonja Cullaro, Executive Vice President at Christie’s International Real Estate Northern New Jersey, Westchester and Hudson Valley, NY
• Alex Jansen, Principal at Christie’s International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass, and Coastal Properties Group in Clearwater, FL
• Brian Meier, Principal of Meier Estates and Ventures at Christie’s International Real Estate Group, New York City, NY

Watch the webinar below.

Sign up for upcoming Haute Residence webinars:

Wednesday, July 15th at 4:30PM EST / 1:30PM PST

Thursday, July 16th at 5PM EST / 2PM PST

Friday, July 17th at 2:30PM EST / 11:30AM PST

A Conversation on the Importance of Interior Design with internationally recognized designers including French-Moroccan interior designer Rita Chraibi of International Designers, Julien Bigan Director of Roche Bobois, and Nicole Fuller of the international interior design firm Nicole Fuller Interiors. REGISTER

Friday, July 17th at 4PM EST / 1PM PST

The Benefits of Investing in the Tax Neutral Caribbean. Join us for a webinar with Christie’s International Real Estate as they discuss the benefits of investing in the Caribbean real estate market. REGISTER

Highlight quotes from today's webinar:

Dan Conn: "This market dropped harder and faster than any market that I can recall, and it has rebounded quicker than any time I can recall... More people in the luxury end are focused on having another home. I think that's a permanent change... If you're into the New York life, you're in the New York Life. You don't leave it... We're not just focused on global real estate. We are focused on luxury goods and the sale of the greatest art objects in the world...

Sue Nickason: "What's interesting is the interest and the inquiries that we're getting from new markets. So obviously Hong Kong, mainland China, India, some parts of Latin America that, historically, [from which] we hadn't received a lot of interest. Those inquiries are coming through trusted advisors, such as private client lawyers, accountants, and affiliates and agents in other jurisdictions. It comes back to globally mobile affluent individuals looking to future proof in terms of residency and in terms of having a place of safe refuge such as the Cayman Islands."

Nancy Almodovar: "Christie's International Real Estate [has] been such a great resource not just on educating myself and my team on what it is to offer not only luxury properties but also luxury service. That has been great, and then being able to connect with so many of our affiliates all around the world, and be able to service our clients when they're looking to move to those parts of the world."

Sonja Cullaro: "We have seen an influx of buyers and renters from New York City into our markets across northern New Jersey and Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It started more for short-term rentals and then it quickly morphed into buyer interest. We have seen people looking for both primary and secondary residences. When they're looking for secondary residences, it's always with an eye on the school system and the fact that the secondary residence may become a primary residence in the future.

Alex Jansen: "The Aspen market came back with a vengeance. Aspen has seen at least 100% uptick as far as under-contracts right now compared to the same time last year because there was this big lag. In April and May, the closings were very anemic, but we're seeing lots of very large properties go under contract north of $10 million, and some north of $20 million in that market. In Clearwater, the month of July is slated to be the best month on record based on volume for the Tampa Bay Area.

Brian Meier: "Since the reopening of New York City, we've been very busy. We have not seen prices drop dramatically. There have been some adjustments. It's going to need a little more time to tell where it's going to shake out, but the people who are leaving Manhattan, most of them are putting their properties on the market for rent. We have had a very slight increase in the saturation on the sales side, but we do have a lot of demand."

Watch more real estate webinars curated by Haute Residence at https://dev.hauteresidence.com/.

Top: Alex Jansen, Brian Meier, Dan Conn. Bottom: Sonja Cullaro, Nancy Almodovar, Sue Nickason

The post Watch: The State Of The Luxury Market With Christie’s International Real Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Piney Point estate on 2.2+ acre wooded home site. Inviting two-story with high ceilings, large rooms, and walls of windows overlooking the beautifully landscaped grounds. Well-designed for entertaining. Master down with a beautifully-remodeled spa bath. Game room and media room up. All bedrooms have private baths. The park-like property has a walking path, pool, tennis court, and separate two-story 1,400 sq. ft. (appraisal) guest house with kitchen, living, dining, plus 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Year Built: 1973

Exterior: 6,095 sq. ft. (approx.)

Lot Size: 117,000 sq. ft. (approx.)

Address: 7 Memorial Point Lane, Piney Point Village, TX 77024

Photo Credit: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

The post A Magnificent 2.2-Acre Estate In Piney Point Village By Patti Garrison appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Superior craftsmanship and a thoughtful design toward the needs of multi-generational families combine to create a perfect blend of casual elegance in this comfortable, yet sophisticated residence. Expert stonemasons used time-honored traditions to set each exterior stone. From the oiled French Oak floors to the Venetian plaster walls, the interior finishes were selected to be both beautiful and durable.

Block paneled walls in the study frame a stone fireplace. There are floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases, and an arched doorway leads to the bar with a temperature-controlled wine room. The main dining room has a butler’s pantry with chilled wine storage, and the large living room shares a double-sided stone fireplace with the family room, where four sets of French doors provide access to the pool and veranda.

Multiple prep areas in the kitchen allow for a cadre of chefs. There are double islands, two separate sets of Viking ovens, two built-in Liebherr refrigerators, and two dishwashers. The deep kitchen drawers are soft-closing, the cabinets have pull-out shelves, and there is a large walk-in pantry.

Upstairs, there is a vestibule to the master bedroom, with a study with a stone fireplace. The master bedroom has a groin-vaulted ceiling and French doors to a balcony. In the master bath, there are two separate vanities with sinks, two separate water closets, a double-sided shower with two frameless glass doors, two separate walk-in closets, plus an exercise room.

The second-floor media room has comfortable stadium-style seating. The adjoining game room has multiple game tablespaces, and there is a popcorn bar with a Texas-shaped sink, plus a half bath. Three secondary bedrooms complete the upstairs level. The downstairs secondary master bedroom was designed for full-time living. There is a 6th bedroom downstairs next to the home office.

Outdoor living areas surround the pool and spa, and there is an automatic/on-demand mosquito misting system. Other amenities include a home automation system by Savant, the 100 amp generator, and four-car garage.

Address: 11849 Wink Rd., Houston, TX 77024

Price: $3,850,000

For more information please contact Patti Garrison at 713-501-7086 or patti.garrison@sothebyshomes.com

Patti Garrison is the exclusive agent representing the Houston real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Patti Garrison

The post This Houston Home Features The Perfect Blend Of Casual Elegance appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

55 S Longspur Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380 | $2,775,000 | Listed by Mike Seder

Magnificent Home In The Heart of The Woodlands 

This gorgeous gated estate sits atop 1.072 acres in Grogan's Point overlooking the 13th hole of The Oaks Golf Course. The home features stunning antique wood floors and finishes, soaring ceilings, four fireplaces, a cozy team room and designer kitchen. This is a golf enthusiast's dream home with extensive landscaping, waterfall and serene river surrounding the fabulous pool.

362 Thompson Heights Drive, Denison, TX 75020 | $6,750,000 | Listed by Mike Brodie

Jaw-Dropping Legacy Lakefront Estate 

This jaw-dropping Dallas estate features unparalleled lake views from almost every room, a professional-grade indoor and outdoor kitchen, a helipad, pier and a boathouse, this lakeside property is designed to maximize entertaining, indoor-outdoor living and sunset views.

Price and address available upon request | Listed by Jennifer Welch

Exquisite Lake Austin Home 

With privacy, views, cutting edge technology and exquisite design, this remarkable gated estate will set the bar for Lake Austin properties. Ames Design Build used the best of everything to create an architectural masterpiece in a waterfront setting. This to be built modern masterpiece is situated on 2.4 pristine acres with thoughtful, manicured landscaping. Directly across the 105 feet of Lake Austin frontage, is a nature preserve, which enhances the property’s privacy and tranquility.

10127 Ferndale Road, Dallas, TX 75238 | $899,000 | Listed by Sharon Hodnett

Serene Dallas French Country Estate 

This French country estate offers quality throughout with state-of-the-art finishes and design. The property sits atop a half-acre lot and features a loft music room, game room, bouns craft room, a fireplace and wet bar.

The post Investing in Texas Real Estate? Here Are The Luxury Listings To Check Out appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

To celebrate with other local industry professionals Modani held a VIP event to inaugurate the latest addition to the Yorktown neighborhood and unveil Over the Top interior and the latest furniture trends and industry partnership opportunities. It featured a special appearance by renowned Uptown Dance performing a contemporary and modern dance that brought the floor alive. American Society of Interior Designs (ASID), Remix Real Estate, Riverbend Country Club and Tribeca Insurance Agency all came together for a one night of mingling with special industry guests, design fashionistas and real estate leaders.

Modani Furniture launched 2007 in Miami by three French entrepreneurs, Nathan Cohen, Steven Athea, and Yonel Fellous. The trio has made headway in the modern furniture industry by bringing unique and eclectic collections from around the world to major U.S. cities with “Over the Top Design at Minimalist Prices.” This past year was positive for Modani as they were recently awarded the 2011 Bank of America Small Business of the Year Award and 2012 already looks to be a record year. For Modani, this is the first of three new showrooms to open in 2012. Soon to follow, new showrooms in: Houston and Chicago.

The post Modani Furniture Celebrates its Houston Store with VIP Industry Event appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.