Today, Stefano Balli answers a few questions from Haute Design.

Giorgio Balli & Stefano Balli

Photo Credit: Balli Group

How did you get into real estate development?

Originally, my intentions were to go into private wealth management, but I realized within a short period of time that it was not a true passion of mine. I found myself leaving the Business School at Florida International University to join the Architecture School. One afternoon after a large final studio presentation, it hit me. Real Estate Development is that balance between my passions - Architecture and Finance. I graduated from the School of Business with focuses in Finance and Real Estate. That year in Architecture school carved out my true passion.

What is the legacy of Balli Group?

Balli Group is a legacy company. My Grandfather, Giorgio Balli Sr., arrived from Lima to California in the early seventies and never looked back. A few years later, he arrived in Miami and designed most of Cocoplum and Gables Estates in the early eighties. Soonthereafter, my Father, Giorgio Balli Jr., joined the company and exponentially grew it to have designed and built over 300 Luxury Custom Homes all of South Florida. Over the years, we've been able to expand our services to our clients to now become a fully-integrated development firm. Balli Group will continue to produce its high-quality level products for decades to come.

What trends have you been seeing and incorporating into your projects?

Given the current conditions, at-home gyms, spas and offices are at the top of the list. One item I’ve been focusing on incorporating into our upcoming projects is technology integration within our projects.

Where do you see the company going in five years?

I see the company continuing to lead the South Florida’s Residential Luxury Market while branching out into Commercial Markets.

Hammock House

Photo Credit: Balli Group

What has been one of your favorite projects to date?

This is a very difficult question because each and every project is so unique and special in its own way. One of my favorite projects to date must be Hammock House, a beautifully appointed Tropical Modern compound located in the gated community Hammock Lakes. What made us purchase the property was the abundance of mature oak trees (70+). This created a challenge during the design phase, but Giorgio managed to design everything around and between the oaks - creating an incredibly surreal experience once inside the home. The success of this project lead to a recording breaking sale prior to the project’s completion. One of our next projects will be located in the gated community Snapper Creek Lakes and we anticipate a completion date of 1Q 2023.

The post Stefano Balli Sits Down For Q&A On What Sets Balli Group Apart appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle

Here, she discusses legacy properties in Washington.

How would you describe a “legacy property”?

Legacy properties are those that offer owners luxury, privacy, security, and most of all, a comfortable place for your family to call home. Legacy properties provide space to spread out and often have acreage or views. These estates include amenities like pools, sports courts, fitness centers, and home offices and are designed to be passed down from generation to generation.

Why would a buyer want to purchase a legacy property in Washington?

When you think of Washington State, images of Seattle may come to mind; however, Washington is a state abundant with natural beauty from east to west. You’ll find coastal beaches, quaint islands in the Puget Sound, a cosmopolitan mecca in Seattle, world-class vineyards in the central region, and mountains and crystal-clear lakes throughout. If you’re interested in a ranch, penthouse, vineyard, or island retreat, you can find it in Washington.

While the landscape is certainly a draw, Washington also has a thriving economy that boasts the likes of international companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Boeing, and a host of high tech, communications and health care leaders. There is no state corporate or income tax, and Washington ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report’s “10 Best States for Business” in 2021, crediting Washington with the country’s third-highest patent creation rate and fifth-highest amount of venture capital investment.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle

What are some examples of legacy properties available in Washington?

10000 NE Kitsap St Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 - On Bainbridge Island, just across Elliott Bay in Puget Sound from Seattle, is a very special 10-acre property that was built in 1940 by the U.S. Navy just prior to WWII as the operational command center of the Navy’s North Pacific Fleet communication system. Considered one of the most historical properties on the West Coast, this one-of-a-kind residence has been transformed into a timeless island estate that has retained its historic appeal. Classic design and modern amenities fill the 12,018 sq. ft. home that is the epitome of luxury, style and privacy. An indoor pool, 5-car garage, formal gardens, lovely patios and terraces, and a gorgeous gourmet kitchen that overlooks the property create an unprecedented level of luxury in this legacy property that is being offered for $8,750,000.

1920 4th Avenue #3102, Seattle, WA  98101 - Not all legacy properties need to be on acreage to have amazing views and amenities. The penthouse in Escala, one of Seattle’s most exclusive condominium towers, offers 4,522 sq. feet of luxury and has arguably the best views in the city - water, city and mountain! Escala’s exceptional amenities including a private club, full-service gym, theater, and restaurants. 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 market for $7,200,000, this property is a standout among luxury estates in Washington.

Wax Orchard Road, Vashon Island, OR - For buyers looking to design and build their perfect, forever home, a rare 88-acre parcel of residential land on Vashon Island may be an irresistible location. With approximately 190 feet of waterfront and abundant wooded acreage, this property is a unique opportunity to live on one of the Puget Sound’s most sought-after islands. Residents of Vashon Island enjoy a rural island lifestyle with artists’ communities, organic farms, equestrian estates, ranches, and more. This property, which includes five contiguous parcels, is available for $4,700,000.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle

When buying or selling a Legacy Property, what should a client look for in a broker? 

Those who seek high-end, luxury homes need to look for a broker who can be a strong liaison and advocate for them. This means having superior research and negotiation skills as well as connections to impeccable properties that may or may not be currently on the market.

As COO and designated broker of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle in Washington and VP and principal broker for LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate in Oregon, I am a corporate liaison and trusted advisor for buyers and sellers around the globe. Christie’s unparalleled marketing channels allow me to reach a global audience of high-net-worth individuals when selling estates and gives me access to the most extraordinary homes when representing buyers.

I’m also proud to be a member of several prestigious global real estate marketing organizations and am a member of Christie’s International Real Estate’s elite Masters Circle. My affiliations with these powerhouse organizations allow me to connect with other brokers in the United States and abroad, garnering interest in and private viewings for my clients’ homes and connecting clients with outstanding brokers when they are relocating to new areas.

Legacy estates, especially those over $5 million, represent a niche in the market that requires an extra level of industry knowledge and expertise. Often, $5+ million properties involve more than just the sale of a home. Additional considerations, such as significant acreage, sale of a business, water rights, tax implications, or foreign investments, may come into play during a transaction. With nearly 30 years of experience working with many of the region’s most prestigious real estate firms, I understand the nuances of these multi-million dollar properties and can expertly navigate my clients through the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle

For more information about buying or selling luxury homes throughout Washington, please visit OneBrokerOneWorld.com or contact Kendra Ratcliff at 503-330-6677 or KendraRatcliff@christiesrealestateseattle.com.

The post Kendra Ratcliff Discusses Legacy Properties In Washington appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

How would you describe a “legacy property”?

Legacy properties are those that offer owners luxury, privacy, security, and most of all, a comfortable place for your family to call home. Legacy properties have space to spread out and often have acreage. These estates include amenities like pools, sports courts, fitness centers, and home offices and are designed to be passed down from generation to generation.

Why would a buyer want to purchase a legacy property in Oregon?

Oregon has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country - ranging from the sandy beaches and rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean to the high desert of Central Oregon and the majestic mountains of the Cascade Range. Many of the legacy properties I have represented take advantage of the incredible hilltop, desert, mountaintop, or water views.

Oregon has become an appealing place for both out-of-state and out-of-country buyers. In addition to the state’s beautiful and varied landscapes and the fabulous properties that can be found throughout the state, buyers appreciate that there is no sales tax in Oregon. We also have thriving industry clusters that include high-tech, apparel, wine, and clean technology.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

What are some examples of legacy properties available in Oregon?

Oregon is the ninth largest state in the country but ranks 27th in population. That means we have space to spread out, and many legacy properties take advantage of that!

The 22,000-sq.-foot estate I recently sold in Turner, Oregon, sits on 50 rolling acres with views for miles. This property was designed to be a private resort and has an exquisite array of features including a pool with a retractable roof, a fitness center, two-lane bowling alley, private guest apartment, and entertaining space galore. Being in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s famed wine country, the estate also has potential for vineyards and a winery as 23 acres of the estate had soil that was rated “good to excellent” for grapevines.

In Newberg, Oregon, I represented a 25-acre, riverfront estate that would certainly be classified as a legacy property. This country estate features a 8,765 sq. foot main residence, a second full-size guest house, premium equestrian facilities, a tennis court, private pool with cabana and bar, personal gym, two boat docks, and a 7-car garage.

One of my favorite legacy properties is a truly extraordinary estate in Ashland, just 15 miles from the California border. Here, an 8,800-sq.-foot home that can only be described as a nature-inspired masterpiece sits atop a mountain on 700 acres. The home reflects the beauty of the land which surrounds it and was built with rounded edges and graceful curves that reflect the organic flow of natural surfaces. Listed at $6,000,000, this beautiful home provides the privacy of countryside living with easy access to one of the most culturally-rich small towns in not only Oregon but in America.

When buying or selling a Legacy Property, what should a client look for in a broker?

Those who seek high-end, luxury homes need to look for a broker who can be a strong liaison and advocate for them. This means having superior research and negotiation skills as well as connections to superior properties that may or may not be currently on the market.

As vice president and principal broker for LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate in Oregon and COO and designated broker of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle in Washington, I have experience representing buyers and sellers from all over the world and specialize in legacy properties. Being with Christie’s gives me incredible marketing opportunities to reach a global audience of affluent buyers when selling estates and access to the most extraordinary homes when representing buyers.

I’m also proud to be a member of several prestigious global real estate marketing organizations. My affiliations with these powerhouse organizations allow me to connect with other brokers in the United States and abroad, garnering interest in and private viewings for my clients’ homes and connecting clients with outstanding brokers when they are relocating to new areas.

Legacy estates, especially those over $5 million, represent a niche in the market that requires an extra level of industry knowledge and expertise. Often, $5+ million properties involve more than just the sale of a home. Additional considerations, such as significant acreage, sale of a business, water rights, tax implications, or foreign investments, may come into play during a transaction. With nearly 30 years of experience working with many of the region’s most prestigious real estate firms, I understand the nuances of these multi-million dollar properties and can expertly navigate my clients through the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Photo Credit: LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate

For more information about buying or selling luxury homes in Oregon, please visit OneBrokerOneWorld.com or contact Kendra Ratcliff at 503-330-6677 or kendra@LuxeCIR.com.

The post Kendra Ratcliff Discusses Legacy Properties in Oregon appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.